Superoxide anion radical-triggered Ca2+ release from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channel.

PubMed

Kawakami, M; Okabe, E

1998-03-01

The ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channel (RyRC) constitutes the Ca2+-release pathway in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac muscle. A direct mechanical and a Ca2+-triggered mechanism (Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release) have been proposed to explain the in situ activation of Ca2+ release in cardiac muscle. A variety of chemical oxidants have been shown to activate RyRC; however, the role of modification induced by oxygen-derived free radicals in pathological states of the muscle remains to be elucidated. It has been hypothesized that oxygen-derived free radicals initiate Ca2+-mediated functional changes in or damage to cardiac muscle by acting on the SR and promoting an increase in Ca2+ release. We confirmed that superoxide anion radical (O2-) generated from hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase reaction decreases calmodulin content and increases 45Ca2+ efflux from the heavy fraction of canine cardiac SR vesicles; hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase also decreases Ca2+ free within the intravesicular space of the SR with no effect on Ca2+-ATPase activity. Current fluctuations through single Ca2+-release channels have been monitored after incorporation into planar phospholipid bilayers. We demonstrate that activation of the channel by O2- is dependent of the presence of calmodulin and identified calmodulin as a functional mediator of O2--triggered Ca2+ release through the RyRC. For the first time, we show that O2- stimulates Ca2+ release from heavy SR vesicles and suggest the importance of accessory proteins such as calmodulin in modulating the effect of O2-. The decreased calmodulin content induced by oxygen-derived free radicals, especially O2-, is a likely mechanism of accumulation of cytosolic Ca2+ (due to increased Ca2+ release from SR) after reperfusion of the ischemic heart.

Ca and Sr in the landscapes of the East Transbaikalia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ermakov, Vadim; Bech, Jaume; Gulyaeva, Ul'yana; Safonov, Vladimir; Kuz'mina, Natal'ya; Roca, Núria

2017-04-01

It is known that Sr is involved in bone formation, but high levels of this trace element in the environment is associated with the risk of manifestation of chondrodystrophia (Urov Kashin-Beck disease), strontium rickets and bone destruction. The aim of this work was comparative assessment of Ca-Sr relationships in the soil-plant complex of the Urov biogeochemical provinces of Eastern Transbaikalia and "control" areas. The basic research landfills located on the territory of the area between the rivers Argun and Shilka. The study territory belongs to the forest-steppe areas of the High-Amur Midlands. Ca and Sr in soils were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The content of this chemical elements in plants (hay harvest) were measured by means of AAS. It was found that the content of Ca in soils, waters and plants of endemic Urov disease territories is approaching the concentrations of this macroelement in the objects of "background" areas. Sr concentrations are increased in the soil-plant complex of the Urov biogeochemical province and characterized by "spotting. It was found that the most frequently occurring ratio of Ca and Sr in the soils of some areas without the manifestation of osteoarticular pathologies in animals and humans varies from 11 to 236 units (53±24). In soils of Eastern Transbaikalia in the areas of distribution Urov Kashin-Beck disease, this ratio varies from 2 to 98 (36±11). The high content of strontium in the soil of the Urov biogeochemical province correlated with the concentration of this trace element in rocks.

Ca2+ paradox injury mediated through TRPC channels in mouse ventricular myocytes

PubMed Central

Kojima, Akiko; Kitagawa, Hirotoshi; Omatsu-Kanbe, Mariko; Matsuura, Hiroshi; Nosaka, Shuichi

2010-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Ca2+ paradox is an important phenomenon associated with Ca2+ overload-mediated cellular injury in myocardium. The present study was undertaken to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms for the development of the Ca2+ paradox. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fluorescence imaging was performed on fluo-3 loaded quiescent mouse ventricular myocytes using confocal laser scanning microscope. KEY RESULTS The Ca2+ paradox was readily evoked by restoration of the extracellular Ca2+ following 10–20 min of nominally Ca2+-free superfusion. The Ca2+ paradox was significantly reduced by blockers of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels (2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, Gd3+, La3+) and anti-TRPC1 antibody. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content, assessed by caffeine application, gradually declined during Ca2+-free superfusion, which was further accelerated by metabolic inhibition. Block of SR Ca2+ leak by tetracaine prevented Ca2+ paradox. The Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX) blocker KB-R7943 significantly inhibited Ca2+ paradox when applied throughout superfusion period, but had little effect when added for a period of 3 min before and during Ca2+ restoration. The SR Ca2+ content was better preserved during Ca2+ depletion by KB-R7943. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the expression of TRPC1, in addition to TRPC3 and TRPC4, in mouse ventricular myocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results provide evidence that (i) the Ca2+ paradox is primarily mediated by Ca2+ entry through TRPC (probably TRPC1) channels that are presumably activated by SR Ca2+ depletion; and (ii) reverse mode NCX contributes little to the Ca2+ paradox, whereas inhibition of NCX during Ca2+ depletion improves SR Ca2+ loading, and is associated with reduced incidence of Ca2+ paradox in mouse ventricular myocytes. PMID:20718730

Evaluation of the Impacts of Marine Salts and Asian Dust on the Forested Yakushima Island Ecosystem, a World Natural Heritage Site in Japan.

PubMed

Nakano, Takanori; Yokoo, Yoriko; Okumura, Masao; Jean, Seo-Ryong; Satake, Kenichi

2012-11-01

To elucidate the influence of airborne materials on the ecosystem of Japan's Yakushima Island, we determined the elemental compositions and Sr and Nd isotope ratios in streamwater, soils, vegetation, and rocks. Streamwater had high Na and Cl contents, low Ca and HCO(3) contents, and Na/Cl and Mg/Cl ratios close to those of seawater, but it had low pH (5.4 to 7.1), a higher Ca/Cl ratio than seawater, and distinct (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios that depended on the bedrock type. The proportions of rain-derived cations in streamwater, estimated by assuming that Cl was derived from sea salt aerosols, averaged 81 % for Na, 83 % for Mg, 36 % for K, 32 % for Ca, and 33 % for Sr. The Sr value was comparable to the 28 % estimated by comparing Sr isotope ratios between rain and granite bedrock. The soils are depleted in Ca, Na, P, and Sr compared with the parent materials. At Yotsuse in the northwestern side, plants and the soil pool have (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios similar to that of rainwater with a high sea salt component. In contrast, the Sr and Nd isotope ratios of soil minerals in the A and B horizons approach those of silicate minerals in northern China's loess soils. The soil Ca and P depletion results largely from chemical weathering of plagioclase and of small amounts of apatite and calcite in granitic rocks. This suggests that Yakushima's ecosystem is affected by large amounts of acidic precipitation with a high sea salt component, which leaches Ca and its proxy (Sr) from bedrock into streams, and by Asian dust-derived apatite, which is an important source of P in base cation-depleted soils.

Nandrolone decanoate treatment affects sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase function in skinned rat slow- and fast-twitch fibres.

PubMed

Bouhlel, Aicha; Joumaa, Wissam H; Léoty, Claude

2003-09-01

The effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid administration on the function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) pump were investigated in chemically skinned fibres from the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles of sedentary rats. Twenty male rats were divided into two groups, one group received an intramuscular injection of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg x kg(-1)) weekly for 8 weeks, the second received similar weekly doses of vehicle (sterile peanut oil). Compared with control muscles, nandrolone decanoate treatment reduced SR Ca(2+) loading in EDL and soleus fibres by 49% and 29%, respectively. In control and treated muscles, the rate of Ca(2+) leakage depended on the quantity of Ca(2+) loaded. Furthermore, for similar SR Ca(2+) contents, the Ca(2+) leakage rate was not significantly modified by nandrolone decanoate treatment. Nandrolone decanoate treatment thus affects Ca (2+) uptake by the SR in a fibre-type dependent manner.

First-principles calculations for XAS of infinite-layer iron oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodera, Mitsuru; Shishidou, Tatsuya; Oguchi, Tamio

2011-03-01

The oxygen defect perovskite SrFe O3 - x shows various properties such as the giant magnetoresistance effect and the thermoelectric effect. It had been believed that the oxygen content in SrFe O3 - x changes up to x = 0.5 . Recently, Tsujimoto et al . have succeeded in synthesizing the infinite-layer iron oxide SrFe O2 . SrFe O2 has a square-planar oxygen coordination, while the iron oxides usually have the tetrahedral and octahedral coordination. CaFe O2 has also infinite layer structure and the same magnetic ordering as SrFe O2 . However, it is suggested that the oxygen coordination of CaFe O2 is different from that of SrFe O2 . In order to investigate the electronic structure of iron in (Ca, Sr) Fe O2 , the x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) spectrum has been measured. In this work, we perform the calculation for XAS spectrum near the Fe-K edge of (Ca, Sr) Fe O2 using the first-principles calculations. We compare the results with the experiment and discuss the electronic structure of iron in (Ca, Sr) Fe O2 .

Correlation of Structure, Tunable Colors, and Lifetimes of (Sr, Ca, Ba)Al₂O₄:Eu2+, Dy3+ Phosphors.

PubMed

Xie, Qidi; Li, Bowen; He, Xin; Zhang, Mei; Chen, Yan; Zeng, Qingguang

2017-10-18

(Sr, Ca, Ba)Al₂O₄:Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ phosphors were prepared via a high temperature solid-state reaction method. The correlation of phase structure, optical properties and lifetimes of the phosphors are investigated in this work. For the (Sr, Ca)Al₂O₄:Eu 2+ ,Dy 3+ phosphors, the different phase formation from monoclinic SrAl₂O₄ phase to hexagonal SrAl₂O₄ phase to monoclinic CaAl₂O₄ phase was observed when the Ca content increased. The emission color of SrAl₂O₄:Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ phosphors varied from green to blue. For the (Sr, Ba)Al₂O₄:Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ phosphors, different phase formation from the monoclinic SrAl₂O₄ phase to the hexagonal BaAl₂O₄ phase was observed, along with a shift of emission wavelength from 520 nm to 500 nm. More interestingly, the decay time of SrAl₂O₄:Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ changed due to the different phase formations. Lifetime can be dramatically shortened by the substitution of Sr 2+ with Ba 2+ cations, resulting in improving the performance of the alternating current light emitting diode (AC-LED). Finally, intense LEDs are successfully obtained by combining these phosphors with Ga(In)N near UV chips.

Effects of chemical pressure on the magnetic ground states of the osmate double perovskites SrCaCoOs 6 and Ca 2CoOsO 6

DOE PAGES

Morrow, Ryan; Yan, Jiaqiang; McGuire, Michael A.; ...

2015-09-21

The magnetic ground state in the double perovskite system Sr 2-xCa xCoOsO 6 changes from an antiferromagnet (x=0), to a spin glass (x=1), to a ferrimagnet (x=2) as the Ca content increases. Moreover, this crossover is driven by chemical pressure effects that control the relative strength of magnetic exchange interactions. The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetism of SrCaCoOsO 6 and Ca 2CoOsO 6 are investigated and compared with Sr 2CoOsO 6. Both compounds adopt a monoclinic crystal structure with rock-salt ordering of Co 2+ and Os 6+ and a -a -b + octahedral tilting, but the average Co–O–Os bond anglemore » evolves from 158.0(3) in SrCaCoOsO 6 to 150.54(9)° in Ca 2CoOsO 6 as the smaller Ca 2+ ion replaces Sr 2+. And while this change may seem minor, it has a profound effect on the magnetism, changing the magnetic ground state from antiferromagnetic in Sr 2CoOsO 6 (TN1=108K, T N2=70K), to a spin glass in SrCaCoOsO 6 (T f1=32K, T f2=13K), to ferrimagnetic in Ca 2CoOsO 6 (T C=145K). Finally, in the first two compounds the observation of two transitions is consistent with weak coupling between the Co and Os sublattices.« less

Leaching Characteristics of Calcium and Strontium from Phosphogypsum Under Acid Rain.

PubMed

Wang, Mei; Luo, Houqiao; Chen, Yong; Yang, Jinyan

2018-02-01

Phosphogypsum (PG) stored close to phosphorus chemical plants has caused worldwide environmental problems. Column leaching experiments were conducted to evaluate Ca and Sr leaching from PG under simulated acid rain at pH levels typical for rain in the study region (Shifang, China). High concentrations of Ca and Sr in leachates in the first five leaching events could pollute the soil and groundwater around the PG. Leachates pH was lower than and had no correlation with simulated rain pH. No correlations between simulated rain pH and cumulative Ca and Sr content in leachates were noted. Around 2.0%-2.2% of Ca and 0.5%-0.6% of Sr were leached out from PG by the simulated summer rainfall in Shifang. Electrical conductivity values, Ca and Sr concentrations at bottom sections of PG columns were higher than those of top sections, while pH values showed a reverse trend. More precautions should be taken to protect the environment around PG stacks.

Substitution effect of Sr2+ by Ca2+ on structure and superconducting properties of Bi2Sr1.6La0.4CuO6+δ (Bi-2201) ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudjaoui, S.; Amira, A.; Mahamdioua, N.; Altintas, S.; varilci, A.; Terzioglu, C.

2018-02-01

In this work, the effect of Ca2+ iso-valence substitution for Sr2+ on properties of Bi2Sr1.6La0.4CuO6+δ superconductors is presented. Samples series with nominal composition of Bi2Sr1.6-xCaxLa0.4CuO6+δ (x= 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) are prepared by a solid-state reaction method. When Ca content is increased, the X-ray diffraction technique shows that the cell parameters a and c decrease, while b one is almost constant. The scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals that the substitution has no significant effect on the porosity and the grain size of the samples. The physical properties of the samples are studied by the analysis of the magneto-resistivity curves measured under magnetic fields in the range 0-1 T. As Ca is added, the results show that the high temperature transition appears and is pushed up to 94.87 K for x=0.8. The substitution also improves the bulk onset critical transition temperature, the transition width, the residual resistivity, the activation energy of vortices and the irreversibility field. The best results are seen for x=0.4 of Ca content.

Influence of Sn-Mg co-substitution on the microstructural and magnetic characteristics of M-type SrCaLa hexagonal ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yujie; Wang, Fanhou; Huang, Duohui; Shao, Juxiang; Tang, Jin; Ur Rehman, Khalid Mehmood; Wu, Zhen

2018-04-01

Sn-Mg co-substituted M-type SrCaLa hexaferrites Sr0.5Ca0.2La0.3Fe12.0-2x(SnMg)xO19 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) have been synthesized by ball milling and calcining. The results of X-ray diffraction show that a single magnetoplumbite phase is exhibited in all the samples and no impurity phase is observed in the structure. Lattice constants (c and a) increase with increasing Sn-Mg content (x) from 0.0 to 0.5. Platelet like structure exhibited by FE-SEM micrographs confirms the hexagonal structure of the synthesized samples. The saturation magnetization (Ms) first increases with increasing SnMg content (x) from 0.0 to 0.1, and then decreases when Sn-Mg content (x) ≥ 0.1. The remanent magnetization (Mr), Mr/Ms ratio, coercivity (Hc), magnetic anisotropy field (Ha) and first anisotropy constant (K1) decrease with increasing Sn-Mg content (x) from 0.0 to 0.5.

Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and Ca isotope ratios in benthonic foraminifers related to test structure, mineralogy and environmental controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gussone, Nikolaus; Filipsson, Helena L.; Kuhnert, Henning

2016-01-01

We analysed Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and Ca isotope ratios of benthonic foraminifers from sediment core tops retrieved during several research cruises in the Atlantic Ocean, in order to improve the understanding of isotope fractionation and element partitioning resulting from biomineralisation processes and changes in ambient conditions. Species include foraminifers secreting tests composed of hyaline low magnesium calcite, porcelaneous high magnesium calcite as well as aragonite. Our results demonstrate systematic isotope fractionation and element partitioning patterns specific for these foraminiferal groups. Calcium isotope fractionation is similar in porcelaneous and hyaline calcite tests and both groups demonstrate the previously described anomaly with enrichment of heavy isotopes around 3-4 °C (Gussone and Filipsson, 2010). Calcium isotope ratios of the aragonitic species Hoeglundina elegans, on the other hand, are about 0.4‰ lighter compared to the calcitic species, which is in general agreement with stronger fractionation in inorganic aragonite compared to calcite. However, the low and strongly variable Sr content suggests additional processes during test formation, and we propose that transmembrane ion transport or a precursor phase to aragonite may be involved. Porcelaneous tests, composed of high Mg calcite, incorporate higher amounts of Sr compared to hyaline low Mg calcite, in agreement with inorganic calcite systematics, but also porcelaneous tests with reduced Mg/Ca show high Sr/Ca. While calcium isotopes, Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca in benthonic foraminifers primarily appear to fractionate and partition with a dominant inorganic control, δ44/40Ca temperature and growth rate dependencies of benthonic foraminifer tests favour a dominant contribution of light Ca by transmembrane transport relative to unfractionated seawater Ca to the calcifying fluid, thus controlling the formation of foraminiferal δ44/40Ca and Sr/Ca proxy signals.

Correlation of Structure, Tunable Colors, and Lifetimes of (Sr, Ca, Ba)Al2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ Phosphors

PubMed Central

Xie, Qidi; Li, Bowen; He, Xin; Zhang, Mei; Chen, Yan; Zeng, Qingguang

2017-01-01

(Sr, Ca, Ba)Al2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphors were prepared via a high temperature solid-state reaction method. The correlation of phase structure, optical properties and lifetimes of the phosphors are investigated in this work. For the (Sr, Ca)Al2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphors, the different phase formation from monoclinic SrAl2O4 phase to hexagonal SrAl2O4 phase to monoclinic CaAl2O4 phase was observed when the Ca content increased. The emission color of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphors varied from green to blue. For the (Sr, Ba)Al2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphors, different phase formation from the monoclinic SrAl2O4 phase to the hexagonal BaAl2O4 phase was observed, along with a shift of emission wavelength from 520 nm to 500 nm. More interestingly, the decay time of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ changed due to the different phase formations. Lifetime can be dramatically shortened by the substitution of Sr2+ with Ba2+ cations, resulting in improving the performance of the alternating current light emitting diode (AC-LED). Finally, intense LEDs are successfully obtained by combining these phosphors with Ga(In)N near UV chips. PMID:29057839

S-type granite from the Gongpoquan arc in the Beishan Orogenic Collage, southern Altaids: Implications for the tectonic transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xinyu; Yuan, Chao; Zhang, Yunying; Long, Xiaoping; Sun, Min; Wang, Lixing; Soldner, Jeremie; Lin, Zhengfan

2018-03-01

Voluminous Paleozoic intrusions occur in the Beishan Orogenic Collage (BOC) and their genesis and tectonic background are important to reconstruct the accretion-collision processes in the southernmost Altaids. Paleozoic is an important period for arc development in the BOC, where the Gongpoquan and Huaniushan arcs are located. There are two pulses of magmatism in the Huaniushan and Gongpoquan arcs, i.e., the ca. 470-423 Ma I-type and ca. 424-395 Ma S- and A-type granitoids. In this study, we focus on two peraluminous granitic plutons in the Gongpoquan arc, i.e., the Baitoushan muscovite granite and Haergen two-mica granite, aiming at unraveling their petrogenesis and tectonic background. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating yields emplacement ages of ca. 409-395 Ma and ca. 409 Ma for the Baitoushan and Haergen plutons, respectively. Both the granitic plutons are strongly peraluminous with A/CNK ratios of 1.10-1.20, indicative of S-type affinities. The rocks are characterized by high SiO2 and K2O contents with high CaO/Na2O ratios. Moreover, the rocks possess low MgO contents, Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios, together with their relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7139-0.7152) and less radiogenic εNd(t) values (-3.15 to -5.17), implying a clay-poor and plagioclase-rich crustal source. Compared with earlier pulse of arc-related magmatism (ca. 470-423 Ma), the latter pulse of magmatism (ca. 424-395 Ma) consists mainly of "normal granite" characterized by higher SiO2 (>66%) and K2O contents, weaker fractionated REE patterns and lower δEu values, and gabbroic to dioritic intrusions are only sporadic. Moreover, the granitoids of the latter pulse show variable but more crust-like Sr-Nd isotopic compositions ((87Sr/86Sr)0 = 0.7038-0.7327; εNd(t) = -6.70 to +0.33) than the earlier ones ((87Sr/86Sr)0 = 0.7024-0.7080; εNd(t) = -2.56 to +8.86), indicating that the Early Devonian (ca. 424-395 Ma) experienced extensive crustal melting with minor involvement of mantle materials. Considering Early Devonian geological evidence, the transition from I- to S- and A-type magmatism probably reflects the Early Devonian amalgamation between the Gongpoquan and Huaniushan arcs, which caused not only regional unconformity and strong deformation-metamorphism, but also extensive melting of the accreted crustal materials in the BOC.

Thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides with interlayers of hydroxide and peroxide species

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

Chou, Ta-Lei; Lybeck, Jenni; Chan, Ting-Shan

Among the thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides, [M{sub m}A{sub 2}O{sub m+2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}, the parent m=0 phases exhibit divergent chemical features but are less understood than the more common m>0 members of the series. Here we synthesize Sr-for-Ca substituted [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} zero phases up to x=0.2 through low-temperature hydrothermal conversion of precursor powders of the m=1 misfit system, [Co(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub 2}O{sub 3}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}. In the zero-phase [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} system, as the Sr content x increases the lattice expands anisotropically along the c axis such that the ab-plane dimension andmore » the misfit parameter q remain essentially constant. X-ray absorption spectroscopy data suggest the presence of peroxide-type oxygen species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} rock-salt block and together with infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and low-temperature resistivity and thermopower measurements evidence that the isovalent Sr-for-Ca substitution controls the balance between the peroxide and hydroxide species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} block but leaves the valence of Co essentially intact in the CoO{sub 2} block. The higher electrical conductivity of the Sr-substituted phases is explained as a consequence of increased carrier mobility. - Graphical abstract: Among the thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides, [M{sub m}A{sub 2}O{sub m+2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}, the parent zero (m=0) phases exhibit divergent chemical features. For [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}, X-ray absorption spectroscopy data suggest the presence of peroxide-type oxygen species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} rock-salt block and together with thermogravimetric and low-temperature transport-property measurements evidence that the isovalent Sr-for-Ca substitution controls the balance between the peroxide and hydroxide species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} block but leaves the valence of Co essentially intact in the CoO{sub 2} block. - Highlights: • Parent m=0 [M{sub m}A{sub 2}O{sub m+2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} misfit-layer oxides exhibit divergent chemical features. • [(Ca,Sr){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} is found to contain both peroxide and hydroxide species. • Hydrothermal synthesis yields [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} samples up to x=0.2. • With increasing x, the c axis expands but the misfit parameter q remains constant. • Co valence remains intact, but peroxide and hydroxide contents may be affected.« less

STUDIES ON PLANT ACCUMULATION OF FISSION PRODUCTS UNDER SWEDISH CONDITIONS. III. ACCUMULATION OF Sr-89 IN THE AERIAL PARTS OF DIFFERENT WEED SPECIES AT VARYING Ca-LEVEL IN SOIL

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

Fredriksson, L.; Eriksson, B.; Eriksson, A.

1961-03-01

The influence of liming on the accurnulation of Sr/sup 89/ in the aerial parte of a number of weed species, grown on a natnralla calcium deficient soil in pot experiments, was studied. Liming decreased the accumulation of Sr/sup 89/ in all of the weed species used. At one and the same Ca content in soil great differences were found in Sr/sup 89/ activity in the dry matter of the different weed species. (auth)

Properties and Crystallization Phenomena in Li2Si2O5–Ca5(PO4)3F and Li2Si2O5–Sr5(PO4)3F Glass–Ceramics Via Twofold Internal Crystallization

PubMed Central

Rampf, Markus; Dittmer, Marc; Ritzberger, Christian; Schweiger, Marcel; Höland, Wolfram

2015-01-01

The combination of specific mechanical, esthetic, and chemical properties is decisive for the application of materials in prosthodontics. Controlled twofold crystallization provides a powerful tool to produce special property combinations for glass–ceramic materials. The present study outlines the potential of precipitating Ca5(PO4)3F as well as Sr5(PO4)3F as minor crystal phases in Li2Si2O5 glass–ceramics. Base glasses with different contents of CaO/SrO, P2O5, and F− were prepared within the glasses of the SiO2–Li2O–K2O–CaO/SrO–Al2O3–P2O5–F system. Preliminary studies of nucleation by means of XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the nucleated base glasses revealed X-ray amorphous phase separation phenomena. Qualitative and quantitative crystal phase analyses after crystallization were conducted using XRD in combination with Rietveld refinement. As a main result, a direct proportional relationship between the content of apatite-forming components in the base glasses and the content of apatite in the glass–ceramics was established. The microstructures of the glass–ceramics were investigated using SEM. Microstructural and mechanical properties were found to be dominated by Li2Si2O5 crystals and quite independent of the content of the apatite present in the glass–ceramics. Biaxial strengths of up to 540 MPa were detected. Ca5(PO4)3F and Sr5(PO4)3F influence the translucency of the glass–ceramics and, hence, help to precisely tailor the properties of Li2Si2O5 glass–ceramics. The authors conclude that the twofold crystallization of Li2Si2O5–Ca5(PO4)3F or Li2Si2O5–Sr5(PO4)3F glass–ceramics involves independent solid-state reactions, which can be controlled via the chemical composition of the base glasses. The influence of the minor apatite phase on the optical properties helps to achieve new combinations of features of the glass–ceramics and, hence, displays new potential for dental applications. PMID:26389112

Properties and Crystallization Phenomena in Li2Si2O5-Ca5(PO4)3F and Li2Si2O5-Sr5(PO4)3F Glass-Ceramics Via Twofold Internal Crystallization.

PubMed

Rampf, Markus; Dittmer, Marc; Ritzberger, Christian; Schweiger, Marcel; Höland, Wolfram

2015-01-01

The combination of specific mechanical, esthetic, and chemical properties is decisive for the application of materials in prosthodontics. Controlled twofold crystallization provides a powerful tool to produce special property combinations for glass-ceramic materials. The present study outlines the potential of precipitating Ca5(PO4)3F as well as Sr5(PO4)3F as minor crystal phases in Li2Si2O5 glass-ceramics. Base glasses with different contents of CaO/SrO, P2O5, and F(-) were prepared within the glasses of the SiO2-Li2O-K2O-CaO/SrO-Al2O3-P2O5-F system. Preliminary studies of nucleation by means of XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the nucleated base glasses revealed X-ray amorphous phase separation phenomena. Qualitative and quantitative crystal phase analyses after crystallization were conducted using XRD in combination with Rietveld refinement. As a main result, a direct proportional relationship between the content of apatite-forming components in the base glasses and the content of apatite in the glass-ceramics was established. The microstructures of the glass-ceramics were investigated using SEM. Microstructural and mechanical properties were found to be dominated by Li2Si2O5 crystals and quite independent of the content of the apatite present in the glass-ceramics. Biaxial strengths of up to 540 MPa were detected. Ca5(PO4)3F and Sr5(PO4)3F influence the translucency of the glass-ceramics and, hence, help to precisely tailor the properties of Li2Si2O5 glass-ceramics. The authors conclude that the twofold crystallization of Li2Si2O5-Ca5(PO4)3F or Li2Si2O5-Sr5(PO4)3F glass-ceramics involves independent solid-state reactions, which can be controlled via the chemical composition of the base glasses. The influence of the minor apatite phase on the optical properties helps to achieve new combinations of features of the glass-ceramics and, hence, displays new potential for dental applications.

Leucogranites in Lhozag, southern Tibet: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the eastern Himalaya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chunmei; Zhao, Zhidan; Li, Guangming; Zhu, Di-Cheng; Liu, Dong; Shi, Qingshang

2017-12-01

Petrogenesis of the Himalayan leucogranite is strongly influenced by conditions which are associated with the tectonic evolution of Himalayan orogen. In this article, we present petrological, geochronological and geochemical results of the Lhozag leucogranites that crop out alongside the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) in the east of Himalaya. Zircon U-Pb dating revealed three episodes of leucogranitic magmatism in Lhozag at 17.8 ± 0.1 Ma, 15.1 ± 0.1 Ma, and 12.0 ± 0.1 Ma, respectively. The Lhozag leucogranites show relatively low εNd(t), low zircon εHf(t) and high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios, which are similar to the High Himalayan Crystalline Series (HHCS), indicating that they were derived from the HHCS. The characteristics of relatively high Na2O and Rb contents, high Rb/Sr ratios and low CaO, MgO, TFe2O3, TiO2, and Sr contents indicate that both the ca. 18 Ma Lhozag tourmaline leucogranites and the ca. 15 Ma Lhozag two-mica granites were derived from fluid-absent muscovite-dehydration melting of metasediments. The opposite geochemistry characteristics of the ca. 12 Ma Khula Kangri two-mica granites imply that these granites are derived from fluid-present melting of metasediments. Four Khula Kangri two-mica granite samples with relatively lower TiO2, TFe2O3, MgO, and CaO contents, higher Rb concentrations and Rb/Sr ratios could be evolved from the Khula Kangri two-mica granites with relatively lower Rb/Sr ratios. The melting behaviors of the Lhozag leucogranites varied from fluid-absent melting to fluid-present melting, implying that there were P-T-XH2O variations in the deep crust. The tectonic evolution would give rise to variation of P-T-XH2O variation, and subsequent transformation of melting behavior. Our new results display the transformation of melting behavior of the Lhozag leucogranites, which implies the tectonic evolution from earlier N-S extension to later E-W extension in the eastern Himalaya at ca. 12 Ma.

Prevention of ventricular arrhythmia and calcium dysregulation in a catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia mouse model carrying calsequestrin-2 mutation.

PubMed

Alcalai, Ronny; Wakimoto, Hiroko; Arad, Michael; Planer, David; Konno, Tetsuo; Wang, Libin; Seidman, Jon G; Seidman, Christine E; Berul, Charles I

2011-03-01

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a familial arrhythmic syndrome caused by mutations in genes encoding the calcium-regulation proteins cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) or calsequestrin-2 (CASQ2). Mechanistic studies indicate that CPVT is mediated by diastolic Ca(2+) overload and increased Ca(2+) leak through the RyR2 channel, implying that treatment targeting these defects might be efficacious in CPVT. CPVT mouse models that lack CASQ2 were treated with Ca(2+) -channel inhibitors, β-adrenergic inhibitors, or Mg(2+) . Treatment effects on ventricular arrhythmia, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) protein expression and Ca(2+) transients of isolated myocytes were assessed. Each study agent reduced the frequency of stress-induced ventricular arrhythmia in mutant mice. The Ca(2+) channel blocker verapamil was most efficacious and completely prevented arrhythmia in 85% of mice. Verapamil significantly increased the SR Ca(2+) content in mutant myocytes, diminished diastolic Ca(2+) overload, increased systolic Ca(2+) amplitude, and prevented Ca(2+) oscillations in stressed mutant myocytes. Ca(2+) channel inhibition by verapamil rectified abnormal calcium handling in CPVT myocytes and prevented ventricular arrhythmias. Verapamil-induced partial normalization of SR Ca(2+) content in mutant myocytes implicates CASQ2 as modulator of RyR2 activity, rather than or in addition to, Ca(2+) buffer protein. Agents such as verapamil that attenuate cardiomyocyte calcium overload are appropriate for assessing clinical efficacy in human CPVT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevention of Ventricular Arrhythmia and Calcium Dysregulation in a Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Mouse Model Carrying Calsequestrin-2 Mutation

PubMed Central

Alcalai, Ronny; Wakimoto, Hiroko; Arad, Michael; Planer, David; Konno, Tetsuo; Wang, Libin; Seidman, Jon G.; Seidman, Christine E.; Berul, Charles I

2010-01-01

Background Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a familial arrhythmic syndrome caused by mutations in genes encoding the calcium-regulation proteins cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) or calsequestrin-2 (CASQ2). Mechanistic studies indicate that CPVT is mediated by diastolic Ca2+ overload and increased Ca2+ leak through the RyR2 channel, implying that treatment targeting these defects might be efficacious in CPVT. Method and results CPVT mouse models that lack CASQ2 were treated with Ca2+-channel inhibitors, β-adrenergic inhibitors, or Mg2+. Treatment effects on ventricular arrhythmia, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) protein expression and Ca2+ transients of isolated myocytes were assessed. Each study agent reduced the frequency of stress-induced ventricular arrhythmia in mutant mice. The Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil was most efficacious and completely prevented arrhythmia in 85% of mice. Verapamil significantly increased the SR Ca2+ content in mutant myocytes, diminished diastolic Ca2+ overload, increased systolic Ca2+ amplitude, and prevented Ca2+ oscillations in stressed mutant myocytes. Conclusions Ca2+ channel inhibition by verapamil rectified abnormal calcium handling in CPVT myocytes and prevented ventricular arrhythmias. Verapamil-induced partial normalization of SR Ca2+ content in mutant myocytes implicates CASQ2 as modulator of RyR2 activity, rather than or in addition to, Ca2+ buffer protein. Agents such as verapamil that attenuate cardiomyocyte calcium overload are appropriate for assessing clinical efficacy in human CPVT. PMID:20807279

Tracking natural and anthropogenic origins of dissolved arsenic during surface and groundwater interaction in a post-closure mining context: Isotopic constraints.

PubMed

Khaska, Mahmoud; Le Gal La Salle, Corinne; Verdoux, Patrick; Boutin, René

2015-01-01

Arsenic contamination of stream waters and groundwater is a real issue in Au-As mine environments. At the Salsigne Au-As mine, southern France, arsenic contamination persists after closure and remediation of the site. In this study, natural and anthropogenic arsenic inputs in surface water and groundwater are identified based on (87)Sr/(86)Sr, and δ(18)O and δ(2)H isotopic composition of water. In the wet season, downstream of the remediated zone, the arsenic contents in stream water and alluvial aquifer groundwater are high, with values in the order of 36 μg/L and 40 μg/L respectively, while upstream natural background average concentrations are around 4 μg/L. Locally down-gradient of the reclaimed area, arsenic concentrations in stream water showed 2 peaks, one during an important rainy event (101 mm) in the wet season in May, and a longer one over the dry period, reaching 120 and 110 μg/L respectively. The temporal variations in arsenic content in stream water can be explained i) during the dry season, by release of arsenic stored in the alluvial sediments through increased contribution from base flow and decreased stream flow and ii) during major rainy events, by mobilization of arsenic associated with important surface runoff. The (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios associated with increasing arsenic content in stream waters downstream of the reclaimed area are significantly lower than that of the natural Sr inherited from Variscan formations. These low (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios are likely to be associated with the decontaminating water treatment processes, used in the past and still at present, where CaO, produced from marine limestone and therefore showing a low (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios, is used to precipitate Ca3(AsO4)2. The low Sr isotope signatures will then impact on the Sr isotope ratio of (1) the Ca-arsenate stored in tailing dams, (2) effluent currently produced by water treatment process and (3) groundwater draining from the overall site. Furthermore, Δ(2)H shows that the low (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratio, arsenic rich water is characterized by an evaporated signature suggesting a potential influence of water impacted by evaporation during storage in decantation lagoons. This study shows the suitability of Sr and stable isotopes of water as tracers to differentiate natural and anthropogenic sources of arsenic release or other trace elements from mining context where CaO is used for water treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tracking natural and anthropogenic origins of dissolved arsenic during surface and groundwater interaction in a post-closure mining context: Isotopic constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaska, Mahmoud; Le Gal La Salle, Corinne; Verdoux, Patrick; Boutin, René

2015-06-01

Arsenic contamination of stream waters and groundwater is a real issue in Au-As mine environments. At the Salsigne Au-As mine, southern France, arsenic contamination persists after closure and remediation of the site. In this study, natural and anthropogenic arsenic inputs in surface water and groundwater are identified based on 87Sr/86Sr, and δ18O and δ2H isotopic composition of water. In the wet season, downstream of the remediated zone, the arsenic contents in stream water and alluvial aquifer groundwater are high, with values in the order of 36 μg/L and 40 μg/L respectively, while upstream natural background average concentrations are around 4 μg/L. Locally down-gradient of the reclaimed area, arsenic concentrations in stream water showed 2 peaks, one during an important rainy event (101 mm) in the wet season in May, and a longer one over the dry period, reaching 120 and 110 μg/L respectively. The temporal variations in arsenic content in stream water can be explained i) during the dry season, by release of arsenic stored in the alluvial sediments through increased contribution from base flow and decreased stream flow and ii) during major rainy events, by mobilization of arsenic associated with important surface runoff. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios associated with increasing arsenic content in stream waters downstream of the reclaimed area are significantly lower than that of the natural Sr inherited from Variscan formations. These low 87Sr/86Sr ratios are likely to be associated with the decontaminating water treatment processes, used in the past and still at present, where CaO, produced from marine limestone and therefore showing a low 87Sr/86Sr ratios, is used to precipitate Ca3(AsO4)2. The low Sr isotope signatures will then impact on the Sr isotope ratio of (1) the Ca-arsenate stored in tailing dams, (2) effluent currently produced by water treatment process and (3) groundwater draining from the overall site. Furthermore, Δ2H shows that the low 87Sr/86Sr ratio, arsenic rich water is characterized by an evaporated signature suggesting a potential influence of water impacted by evaporation during storage in decantation lagoons. This study shows the suitability of Sr and stable isotopes of water as tracers to differentiate natural and anthropogenic sources of arsenic release or other trace elements from mining context where CaO is used for water treatment.

Effect of 23-day muscle disuse on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ properties and contractility in human type I and type II skeletal muscle fibers.

PubMed

Lamboley, C R; Wyckelsma, V L; Perry, B D; McKenna, M J; Lamb, G D

2016-08-01

Inactivity negatively impacts on skeletal muscle function mainly through muscle atrophy. However, recent evidence suggests that the quality of individual muscle fibers is also altered. This study examined the effects of 23 days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) on specific force and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content in individual skinned muscle fibers. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were taken from six young healthy adults prior to and following ULLS. After disuse, the endogenous SR Ca(2+) content was ∼8% lower in type I fibers and maximal SR Ca(2+) capacity was lower in both type I and type II fibers (-11 and -5%, respectively). The specific force, measured in single skinned fibers from three subjects, decreased significantly after ULLS in type II fibers (-23%) but not in type I fibers (-9%). Western blot analyses showed no significant change in the amounts of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I and MHC IIa following the disuse, whereas the amounts of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 1 (SERCA1) and calsequestrin increased by ∼120 and ∼20%, respectively, and the amount of troponin I decreased by ∼21%. These findings suggest that the decline in force and power occurring with muscle disuse is likely to be exacerbated in part by reductions in maximum specific force in type II fibers, and in the amount of releasable SR Ca(2+) in both fiber types, the latter not being attributable to a reduced calsequestrin level. Furthermore, the ∼3-wk disuse in human elicits change in SR properties, in particular a more than twofold upregulation in SERCA1 density, before any fiber-type shift. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Stimulatory effects of the degradation products from Mg-Ca-Sr alloy on the osteogenesis through regulating ERK signaling pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Mei; He, Peng; Wu, Yuanhao; Zhang, Yu; Xia, Hong; Zheng, Yufeng; Han, Yong

2016-09-01

The influence of Mg-1Ca-xwt.% Sr (x = 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0) alloys on the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 were studied through typical differentiation markers, such as intracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, extracellular collagen secretion and calcium nodule formation. It was shown that Mg-1Ca alloys with different content of Sr promoted cell viability and enhanced the differentiation and mineralization levels of osteoblasts, and Mg-1Ca-2.0Sr alloy had the most remarkable and significant effect among all. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, RT-PCR and Western Blotting assays were taken to analyze the mRNA expression level of osteogenesis-related genes and intracellular signaling pathways involved in osteogenesis, respectively. RT-PCR results showed that Mg-1Ca-2.0Sr alloy significantly up-regulated the expressions of the transcription factors of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and Osterix (OSX), Integrin subunits, as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Bone sialoprotein (BSP), Collagen I (COL I), Osteocalcin (OCN) and Osteopontin (OPN). Western Blotting results suggested that Mg-1Ca-2.0Sr alloy rapidly induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation but showed no obvious effects on c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 kinase of MAPK. Taken together, our results demonstrated that Mg-1Ca-2.0Sr alloy had excellent biocompatibility and osteogenesis via the ERK pathway and is expected to be promising as orthopedic implants and bone repair materials.

Pb solubility of the high-temperature superconducting phase Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(10+d)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaesche, Stefanie; Majewski, Peter; Aldinger, Fritz

1995-01-01

For the nominal composition of Bi(2.27-x)Pb(x)Sr2 Ca2 Cu3 O(10+d) lead content was varied from x = 0.05 to 0.45. The compositions were examined between 830 and 890 C which is supposed to be the temperature range over which the so-called 2223 phase (Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(10+d)) is stable. Only compositions between x = 0.18 to 0.36 could be synthesized in a single phase state. For x is greater than 0.36 a lead containing phase with a stoichiometry of Pb4(Sr,Ca)5CuO(d) is formed, for x is less than 0.18 mainly Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(10+d) and cuprates are the equilibrium phases. The temperature range for the 2223 phase was found to be 830 to 890 C but the 2223 phase has extremely varying cation ratios over this temperature range. Former single phase 2223 samples turn to multi phase samples when annealed at slightly higher or lower temperatures. A decrease in the Pb solubility with increasing temperature was found for the 2223 phase.

Study on the site preference of Ca in superconducting oxides Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2−x}Ca{sub x}CuO{sub 6+δ} (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.0)

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

Sun, B.Z.; Zhou, S.L.; Wang, H.

2014-01-15

A series of compound with the nominal composition of Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2−x}Ca{sub x}CuO{sub 6+δ} (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0) were synthesized by the sol–gel method. Constituent phases and crystal structure of samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. It can be found that the Ca-doped Bi-2201 system was composed of Bi-2201 phase containing Ca and a small quantity of Bi{sub 16}(Sr,Ca){sub 14}O{sub 38}. For Bi-2201 unit cell containing Ca, chemical component and site preference of Ca atoms were characterized systematically by transmission electron microscopy. With the introduction of Ca atoms, Sr-sites have been occupiedmore » partially by Ca{sup 2+} in Bi-2201 unit cell, which leads to a decrease in the lattice parameters c and b of the Bi-2201 phase when the Ca-content x is below 0.6. Two types of new orthorhombic lattices are formed in the substitution. One is a lattice with space group Pma2 as the two nearest neighbor Sr-sites in the same Sr–O layer are occupied by Ca{sup 2+}. Its lattice parameters can be characterized as a = 5.402 Å, b = 5.313 Å and c = 24.272 Å, respectively. When two nearest Sr ions of the second neighboring Sr–O layers are replaced by Ca{sup 2+} ions, the lattice with the space group Pmn2{sub 1} can be formed. Its lattice parameters are close to that of the previous. The modulation vector is lying in the a*–c* plane in the two new orthorhombic lattices (Pma2 and Pmn2{sub 1}). Bi/Ca-2201 lattice (with Ca) and Bi-2201 lattice (without Ca) coexist in the same Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2−x}Ca{sub x}CuO{sub 6}+{sub δ} grain, which can be described as an intergrowth structure.« less

Mg and Sr Incorporation in Foraminifer Shells: Patterns, Controls and Applications.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lea, D. W.

2001-12-01

The incorporation of Mg and Sr in planktonic and benthic foraminifer shells is important for paleoceanographic research because of the potential to record physical and chemical changes in the oceanic environment. Pelagic shells are 99%+ CaCO3, and abundances of Mg and Sr are typically ~0.1%, requiring sensitive quantification methods such as ICP-MS or AES. Mg/Ca values range from 0.5 mmol/mol in cold planktics and benthics to ~5 mmol/mol in tropical planktics, with some species (Orbulina universa) having even higher values. The main control on Mg incorporation is temperature, but pH and salinity also exert small influences, presumably through calcification rate. The Mg/Ca content of the primary ontogenetic calcite can be altered by the addition of so-called gametogenic calcite, generally deposited in deep, colder waters. After deposition on the seafloor, dissolution becomes the main influence, with progressively lower Mg/Ca values in more dissolved samples. This loss appears to occur by preferential loss of the more Mg-rich portions of the shell, although the details remain unexplained. Sr/Ca values range from 0.9 in some benthic species (Uvigerina spp.) to 1.6 mmol/mol in some planktics. Culturing results suggest that temperature, salinity and pH all exert a weak control (i.e., 1% per ° C) on shell Sr, presumably through a kinetic effect. The main control appears to be related to environmental differences. For example, comparison of Sr/Ca in Neogloboquadrina pachyderma from plankton tows and cultures with core-top specimens indicates that the latter have significantly higher values, presumably due to deep crusting, perhaps added with a much higher calcification rate. This observation clearly demonstrates that Sr/Ca is not simply related to a single physical parameter such as temperature. Downcore records of shell Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca reveal substantial variability that can be correlated with known paleoceanographic change. For Mg/Ca, observed variations can largely be explained by climate-related variations in temperature. For Sr/Ca, it appears that observed variations related to secular changes in seawater Sr/Ca, but this cannot be fully substantiated without a more complete understanding of primary and post-depositional controls on shell composition.

Evolution and modulation of intracellular calcium release during long-lasting, depleting depolarization in mouse muscle

PubMed Central

Royer, Leandro; Pouvreau, Sandrine; Ríos, Eduardo

2008-01-01

Intracellular calcium signals regulate multiple cellular functions. They depend on release of Ca2+ from cellular stores into the cytosol, a process that in many types of cells appears to be tightly controlled by changes in [Ca2+] within the store. In contrast with cardiac muscle, where depletion of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum is a crucial determinant of termination of Ca2+ release, in skeletal muscle there is no agreement regarding the sign, or even the existence of an effect of SR Ca2+ level on Ca2+ release. To address this issue we measured Ca2+ transients in mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) skeletal muscle fibres under voltage clamp, using confocal microscopy and the Ca2+ monitor rhod-2. The evolution of Ca2+ release flux was quantified during long-lasting depolarizations that reduced severely the Ca2+ content of the SR. As in all previous determinations in mammals and non-mammals, release flux consisted of an early peak, relaxing to a lower level from which it continued to decay more slowly. Decay of flux in this second stage, which has been attributed largely to depletion of SR Ca2+, was studied in detail. A simple depletion mechanism without change in release permeability predicts an exponential decay with time. In contrast, flux decreased non-exponentially, to a finite, measurable level that could be maintained for the longest pulses applied (1.8 s). An algorithm on the flux record allowed us to define a quantitative index, the normalized flux rate of change (NFRC), which was shown to be proportional to the ratio of release permeability P and inversely proportional to Ca2+ buffering power B of the SR, thus quantifying the ‘evacuability’ or ability of the SR to empty its content. When P and B were constant, flux then decayed exponentially, and NFRC was equal to the exponential rate constant. Instead, in most cases NFRC increased during the pulse, from a minimum reached immediately after the early peak in flux, to a time between 200 and 250 ms, when the index was no longer defined. NFRC increased by 111% on average (in 27 images from 18 cells), reaching 300% in some cases. The increase may reflect an increase in P, a decrease in B, or both. On experimental and theoretical grounds, both changes are to be expected upon SR depletion. A variable evacuability helps maintain a constant Ca2+ output under conditions of diminishing store Ca2+ load. PMID:18687715

[Determination of 22 inorganic elements in different parts of Lantana camara by ICP-OES].

PubMed

Zhou, Wei-ming; Wang, Ru-yi; Chen, Liu-sheng; Huang, Chuan-bin

2014-10-01

To determine the contents of 22 inorganic elements in different parts of Lantana camara by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). HNO3-H2O2 digested system was used to completely decompose the organic compounds effectually by microwave digestion. The 22 inorganic elements such as K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Mn and Cr were determined by ICP-OES under set up working conditions. The contents of K, Ca and Mg were the most in different parts of Lantana camara; The contents of K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Sr and Cu in the leaf were more those that in the root and branch; The contents of Fe, Na, Cr and Ni in the root were more than those in the leaf and branch; The contents of Mn, Zn, Sr and Cu in the branch were more than those in the root and the leaf; The contents of Pb and Cd were higher than the national standard and Cr had high content in different parts of Lantana camara. The determination method is quick, easy and accurate with high sensitivity, which can determine the contents of 22 inorganic elements accurately in different parts of Lantana camara.

A chemical chaperone improves muscle function in mice with a RyR1 mutation.

PubMed

Lee, Chang Seok; Hanna, Amy D; Wang, Hui; Dagnino-Acosta, Adan; Joshi, Aditya D; Knoblauch, Mark; Xia, Yan; Georgiou, Dimitra K; Xu, Jianjun; Long, Cheng; Amano, Hisayuki; Reynolds, Corey; Dong, Keke; Martin, John C; Lagor, William R; Rodney, George G; Sahin, Ergun; Sewry, Caroline; Hamilton, Susan L

2017-03-24

Mutations in the RYR1 gene cause severe myopathies. Mice with an I4895T mutation in the type 1 ryanodine receptor/Ca 2+ release channel (RyR1) display muscle weakness and atrophy, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that the I4895T mutation in RyR1 decreases the amplitude of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ transient, resting cytosolic Ca 2+ levels, muscle triadin content and calsequestrin (CSQ) localization to the junctional SR, and increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/unfolded protein response (UPR) and mitochondrial ROS production. Treatment of mice carrying the I4895T mutation with a chemical chaperone, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA), reduces ER stress/UPR and improves muscle function, but does not restore SR Ca 2+ transients in I4895T fibres to wild type levels, suggesting that decreased SR Ca 2+ release is not the major driver of the myopathy. These findings suggest that 4PBA, an FDA-approved drug, has potential as a therapeutic intervention for RyR1 myopathies that are associated with ER stress.

A chemical chaperone improves muscle function in mice with a RyR1 mutation

PubMed Central

Lee, Chang Seok; Hanna, Amy D.; Wang, Hui; Dagnino-Acosta, Adan; Joshi, Aditya D.; Knoblauch, Mark; Xia, Yan; Georgiou, Dimitra K.; Xu, Jianjun; Long, Cheng; Amano, Hisayuki; Reynolds, Corey; Dong, Keke; Martin, John C.; Lagor, William R.; Rodney, George G.; Sahin, Ergun; Sewry, Caroline; Hamilton, Susan L.

2017-01-01

Mutations in the RYR1 gene cause severe myopathies. Mice with an I4895T mutation in the type 1 ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channel (RyR1) display muscle weakness and atrophy, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that the I4895T mutation in RyR1 decreases the amplitude of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ transient, resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels, muscle triadin content and calsequestrin (CSQ) localization to the junctional SR, and increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/unfolded protein response (UPR) and mitochondrial ROS production. Treatment of mice carrying the I4895T mutation with a chemical chaperone, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA), reduces ER stress/UPR and improves muscle function, but does not restore SR Ca2+ transients in I4895T fibres to wild type levels, suggesting that decreased SR Ca2+ release is not the major driver of the myopathy. These findings suggest that 4PBA, an FDA-approved drug, has potential as a therapeutic intervention for RyR1 myopathies that are associated with ER stress. PMID:28337975

Mg and Sr in Arctic echinoderm calcite: Nature or nurture?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iglikowska, A.; Borszcz, T.; Drewnik, A.; Grabowska, M.; Humphreys-Williams, E.; Kędra, M.; Krzemińska, M.; Piwoni-Piórewicz, A.; Kukliński, P.

2018-04-01

The Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in echinoderm skeletal calcite are used as a proxy for Phanerozoic seawater changes, since the skeletal concentrations are, to some extent, controlled by environmental factors. However, it remains unclear how the influence of environmental factors is modified by vital effects, especially in polar waters. Therefore, the goal of this study was to compare the ratios of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca among the skeletal parts of 10 common Arctic echinoderm species belonging to three classes Echinoidea, Asteroidea and Ophiuroidea that contribute substantially to the carbon cycle in the Arctic benthic system. Significant differences were recorded in echinoid skeletal element concentrations among specific skeletal parts. The lowest Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios were detected in the spines (mean Mg/Ca 37.5 ± 8.8 SD; Sr/Ca 1.8 ± 0.1). The components of the Aristotle's lantern (epiphyses, pyramids and rotulas) were characterised by the highest Mg levels (Mg/Ca 79.9 ± 6.0; 75.2 ± 9.1; 60.1 ± 3.8, respectively). It is likely that mouth parts experience greater mechanical pressure compared to other body parts, and the higher content of Mg in the Aristotle's lantern contributes to its robustness. We did not find any distinctive trends in the distribution of skeletal elements in the asteroid and ophiuroid skeletal parts. The heterogeneous concentrations of Mg and Sr in different skeleton parts of the echinoids suggest possible physiological regulation of the chemical composition rather than the composition only being influenced by the environment. We cannot recommend echinoderm skeletons as reliable indicators in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions due to the possible biological control of skeletal chemistry, which may interfere with the effect of environmental variables.

STRONTIUM-90 IN HUMAN DIET IN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN RHODESIA

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

Carr, W.R.; Mercer, E.R.

1962-05-01

Sr/sup 90/ content in grain crops has frequently exceeded that in other foods; particular attention was, therefore, given to maize, which is the main source of calories in the African's diet. The other foods selected for this survey are commonly eaten by Africans and are relatively good sources of Ca:. the millet rapoko (Eleusine coracana), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), and milk. The grain samples were taken shortly after the 1959 harvest and were therefore planted in late 1958 at the beginnirg of the rainy season and harvested in April-- June, 1959. Milk was sampled in October, 1959, a hot, dry monthmore » immediately preceding the rains; January 1960, in the middle of the rainy season and at the time of high milk production; April 1960, at the end of the rainy season; and August 1960, a cool month in the middle of the dry season. The two Sahara nuclear test explosions took place on 13th of February, 1960, and 1st of April, 1960. The Sr/sup 90/ and Sr/sup 90//Ca values, respectively, per kg dry wt were as follows: maize <3 mu mu c, <38 mu mu c/g; peanuts 9.79, 17.7; rapoko 44.3, 10.3; milk 5.9-- 14.0, 0.56-1.34. It is estimated that the average monthly dietary intake of Sr/sup 90/ of the urban African population is <57 mu mu c. Because of the low Sr/sup 90/ content per kg of maize, more precise determinations were impossible; the figure quoted is the upper limit only. A comparison of the results for two samples of peanuts suggests that contamination was highest in the areas of high rainfall. Only a small variation with rainfall was observed with rapoko, which was by far the most irriportant source of contamination. With milk, appreciably higher values were found in the Spring of both years (October 1959, and August 1960). The markedly lower ratios of Sr/sup 90/ to Ca in milk than in vegetable foods reflect the discrimination which occurs against Sr relative to Ca in their passage from the diet of cattle to milk. Although the content of milk was under 10% of that observed in the United Kingdom in 1959, the estimated ratio of Sr/sup 90/ to Ca in the diet for the population of the urban areas differs little. It was concluded that on average the content of diet was less than 1/20 of the recommended max permissible level and that it did not reach 1/10 for any large section of the African population. It appears that the contamination of the diet of Europeans in Rhodesia was considerably lower than that in the United Kingdom. (H.H.D.)« less

Osmolality- and Na+ -dependent effects of hyperosmotic NaCl solution on contractile activity and Ca2+ cycling in rat ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Ricardo, Rafael A; Bassani, Rosana A; Bassani, José W M

2008-01-01

Hypertonic NaCl solutions have been used for small-volume resuscitation from hypovolemic shock. We sought to identify osmolality- and Na(+)-dependent components of the effects of the hyperosmotic NaCl solution (85 mOsm/kg increment) on contraction and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. The biphasic change in contraction and Ca(2+) transient amplitude (decrease followed by recovery) was accompanied by qualitatively similar changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content and fractional release and was mimicked by isosmotic, equimolar increase in extracellular [Na(+)] ([Na(+)](o)). Raising osmolality with sucrose, however, augmented systolic [Ca(2+)](i) monotonically without change in SR parameters and markedly decreased contraction amplitude and diastolic cell length. Functional SR inhibition with thapsigargin abolished hyperosmolality effects on [Ca(2+)](i). After 15-min perfusion, both hyperosmotic solutions slowed mechanical relaxation during twitches and [Ca(2+)](i) decline during caffeine-evoked transients, raised diastolic and systolic [Ca(2+)](i), and depressed systolic contractile activity. These effects were greater with sucrose solution, and were not observed after isosmotic [Na(+)](o) increase. We conclude that under the present experimental conditions, transmembrane Na(+) redistribution apparently plays an important role in determining changes in SR Ca(2+) mobilization, which markedly affect contractile response to hyperosmotic NaCl solutions and attenuate the osmotically induced depression of contractile activity.

Thermal properties and surface reactivity in simulated body fluid of new strontium ion-containing phosphate glasses.

PubMed

Massera, J; Petit, L; Cardinal, T; Videau, J J; Hupa, M; Hupa, L

2013-06-01

In this paper, we investigate the effect of SrO substitution for CaO in 50P₂O₅-10Na₂-(40-x)CaO-xSrO glass system (x from 0 to 40) on the thermal and structural properties and also on the glass reactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF) in order to find new glass candidates for biomedical glass fibers. The addition of SrO at the expense of CaO seems to restrain the leaching of phosphate ions in the solution limiting the reduction of the solution pH. We observed the formation of an apatite layer at the surface of the glasses when in contact with SBF. SrO and MgO were found in the apatite layer of the strontium ion-containing glasses, the concentration of which increases with an increase of SrO content. We think that it is the presence of MgO and SrO in the layer which limits the leaching of phosphate in the solution and thus the glass dissolution in SBF.

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

McCulloch, M.T.; Gagan, M.K.; Mortimer, G.E.

A high-resolution (near weekly) Sr/Ca and oxygen isotopic record is presented for a coral from the Pandora Reef in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) of Australia during the period of 1978 to 1984. The records are well correlated except for periods of high rainfall when river runoff has significantly modified the [delta][sup 18]O value of seawater. Using the Sr/Ca temperature calibration of De Villiers et al., the Sr/Ca records exhibit seasonally controlled cyclical SST (sea surface temperature) variations of from [approximately] 21 to [approximately] 28[degrees]C. During the very strong El Nino of 1982-1983, the Sr/CA systematics indicate a sharp dropmore » in the winter SST to [approximately] 18.5[degrees]C. This represents a temperature anomaly of -3[degrees]C which is approximately twice that given by the [delta][sup 18]O variations, suggesting an [approximately] x2 amplification of the anomaly by the Sr/Ca system, possibly due to the increasing dominance of inorganically controlled aragonite-seawater fractionation. The oxygen isotope systematics show the combined effects of both temperature and changing seawater [delta][sup 18]O values, the latter reflecting the influx of [sup 18]O-depleted runoff during periods of high rainfall. Due to the extremely low ([approximately] 10[sup [minus]3]) Sr and Ca contents of river runoff relative to seawater, it is possible to use the Sr/Ca thermometer to calculate temperatures independent of major floods and hence deconvolve the combined effects in the oxygen isotopic record of variable temperature and the [delta][sup 18]O value of seawater. Using this approach it is possible to quantitatively reproduce the volume of runoff from the Burdekin River during the periods of major flooding that occurred in early 1979 and 1981. The results of this study demonstrate that the combined use of high-resolution Sr/Ca and [delta][sup 18]O systematics in scleractinian corals is a powerful tool for providing quantitative constraints on past climate.« less

[Analysis of changes in minerals contents during cider fermentation process by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Ye, Meng-qi; Yue, Tian-li; Gao, Zhen-peng; Yuan, Ya-hong; Nie, Gang

2015-01-01

The changes in mineral elements during cider fermentation process were determined using ICP-MS. The results showed that the main minerals in the fermentation liquor included K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Sr and B. The content of K was the highest in both the apple juice and the cider, being 1 853. 83 and 1 654. 38 mg . L-1 respectively. The content of minerals was in dynamic changes along with the fermentation process. As a whole, during 72-120 h and 144-216 h, most of the minerals contents underwent great fluctuation. Especially when fermented for 192 h, the content of most of the minerals reached peak value or valley value. The content of Fe and Zn achieved their peak value, while the content of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn and B achieved valley value. But during the following 24 h, the content of minerals underwent a sharp reversal. After fermentation, the content of K, Mg, Cu, Zn and B decreased significantly, while the content of Na, Ca, Mn, Fe and Sr did not change significantly. The correlational analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between the mineral elements, and the result showed that the correlation between Ca and Mn was the most significant, with the correlation index reaching 0. 924. The information of this study will supply sufficient data for the fermentation process control and quality improvement of cider.

Matching of sarcoplasmic reticulum and contractile properties in rat fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres.

PubMed

Trinh, Huong H; Lamb, Graham D

2006-07-01

1. The twitch characteristics (fast-twitch or slow-twitch) of skeletal muscle fibres are determined not only by the contractile apparatus properties of the fibre, but also by the time-course of Ca2+ release and re-uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The present study examined, in individual fibres from non-transforming muscle of the rat, whether particular SR properties are matched to the contractile apparatus properties of the fibre, in particular in the case of fibres with fast-twitch contractile apparatus located in a slow-twitch muscle, namely the soleus. 2. Force was recorded in single, mechanically skinned fibres from extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius, peroneus longus and soleus muscles. Using repeated cycles in which the SR was emptied of all releasable Ca2+ and then reloaded, it was possible to determine the relative amount of Ca2+ present in the SR endogenously, the maximum SR capacity and the rate of Ca2+ loading. The sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to Ca2+ and Sr2+ was used to classify the fibres as fast-twitch (FT), slow-twitch (ST) or mixed (< 3% of the fibres examined) and thereby identify the likely troponin C and myosin heavy chain types present. 3. There was no significant difference in SR properties between the groups of FT fibres obtained from the four different muscles, including soleus. Despite some overlap in the SR properties of individual fibres between the FT and ST groups, the properties of the FT fibres in all four muscles studied were significantly different from those of the ST and mixed fibres. 4. In general, in FT fibres the SR had a larger capacity and the endogenous Ca2+ content was a relatively lower percentage of maximum compared with ST fibres. Importantly, in terms of their SR properties, FT fibres from soleus muscle more closely resembled FT fibres from other muscles than they did ST fibres from soleus muscle.

Crystal structure and thermoelectric properties of Sr-Mo substituted CaMnO3: a combined experimental and computational study.

PubMed

Srivastava, D; Azough, F; Freer, R; Combe, E; Funahashi, R; Kepaptsoglou, D M; Ramasse, Q M; Molinari, M; Yeandel, S R; Baran, J D; Parker, S C

2015-12-21

A combination of experimental and computational techniques has been employed to study doping effects in perovskite CaMnO 3 . High quality Sr-Mo co-substituted CaMnO 3 ceramics were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide route. Crystallographic data from X-ray and electron diffraction showed an orthorhombic to tetragonal symmetry change on increasing the Sr content, suggesting that Sr widens the transition temperature in CaMnO 3 preventing phase transformation-cracking on cooling after sintering, enabling the fabrication of high density ceramics. Atomically resolved imaging and analysis showed a random distribution of Sr in the A-site of the perovskite structure and revealed a boundary structure of 90° rotational twin boundaries across {101} orthorhombic ; the latter are predominant phonon scattering sources to lower the thermal conductivity as suggested by molecular dynamics calculations. The effect of doping on the thermoelectric properties was evaluated. Increasing Sr substitution reduces the Seebeck coefficient but the power factor remains high due to improved densification by Sr substitution. Mo doping generates additional charge carriers due to the presence of Mn 3+ in the Mn 4+ matrix, reducing electrical resistivity. The major impact of Sr on thermoelectric behaviour is the reduction of the thermal conductivity as shown experimentally and by modelling. Strontium containing ceramics showed thermoelectric figure of merit ( ZT ) values higher than 0.1 at temperatures above 850 K. Ca 0.7 Sr 0.3 Mn 0.96 Mo 0.04 O 3 ceramics exhibit enhanced properties with S 1000K = -180 μV K -1 , ρ 1000K = 5 × 10 -5 Ωm, k 1000K = 1.8 W m -1 K -1 and ZT ≈ 0.11 at 1000 K.

In vitro/vivo drug release and anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy properties of curcumin/PBLG-PEG-PBLG nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tong, Fei; Chai, Rongkui; Jiang, Haiying; Dong, Bo

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to survey the therapeutic function of curcumin-encapsulated poly(gamma-benzyl l-glutamate)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(gammabenzyl l-glutamate) (PBLG-PEG-PBLG) (P) on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) via cross regulation effect of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and endogenous cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). Diabetic rats were preconditioned with 20 mg/kg curcumin or curcumin/P complex continuously for 8 weeks. The blood and myocardiums were collected, the level of serum H 2 S was observed, and the [Ca 2+ ] i content was measured in myocardial cells, and hematoxylin-eosin, CaSR, CSE, and calmodulin (CaM) expression were detected. Both curcumin and curcumin/P pretreatment alleviated pathological morphological damage of myocardium, increased H 2 S and [Ca 2+ ] i levels, and upregulated the expression of CaSR, CSE, and CaM as compared to DCM group, while curcumin/P remarkably augmented this effect. PBLG-PEG-PBLG could improve water-solubility and bioactivity of curcumin and curcumin/PBLG-PEG-PBLG significantly alleviated diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Preparation and characterization of strontium-fluorapatite nanopowders by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamaei, Maryam; Fathi, Mohammad Hossein

2018-01-01

Biomaterials based on calcium orthophosphate are especially attractive for use in medicine, for bone and teeth implants due to their biological properties, such as biocompatibility and bioactivity. Among them, hydroxyapatite (HAP; Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is used particularly because of its similarities to the inorganic component of bone. Hydroxyapatite has been widely used for biomedical applications. Despite desirable properties such as bioactivity, biocompatibility, solubility and adsorption, synthetic HA is limited in application due to poor thermostability and poor mechanical properties. Properties of HA can be tailored over a wide range by incorporating different ions into HA lattice. Use of the sol-gel technique is technically simple, cost effective and beneficial for fabrication biomaterials. This research aimed to prepare and characterize Sr-doped FA nanopowders (Sr-FA). Sr-FA with different Sr contents was prepared by sol-gel method. The designated degree of substitution of Ca by Sr in the mixture was determined by the x value in the general formula of (Ca10-x Srx(PO4)6F2), where x=0,0.5,1. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were utilized to characterize the obtained nano powders. Results showed that Sr ions entered into the fluorapatite lattice and occupied Ca sites. The incorporation of Sr ions into the fluorapatite resulted in the increase of the lattice parameters.

The Ca2+ leak paradox and “rogue ryanodine receptors”: SR Ca2+ efflux theory and practice

PubMed Central

Sobie, Eric A.; Guatimosim, Silvia; Gómez-Viquez, Leticia; Song, Long-Sheng; Hartmann, Hali; Jafri, M. Saleet; Lederer, W.J.

2006-01-01

Ca2+ efflux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is routed primarily through SR Ca2+ release channels (ryanodine receptors, RyRs). When clusters of RyRs are activated by trigger Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels (dihydropyridine receptors, DHPR), Ca2+ sparks are observed. Close spatial coupling between DHPRs and RyR clusters and the relative insensitivity of RyRs to be triggered by Ca2+ together ensure the stability of this positive-feedback system of Ca2+ amplification. Despite evidence from single channel RyR gating experiments that phosphorylation of RyRs by protein kinase A (PKA) or calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CAMK II) causes an increase in the sensitivity of the RyR to be triggered by [Ca2+]i there is little clear evidence to date showing an increase in Ca2+ spark rate. Indeed, there is some evidence that the SR Ca2+ content may be decreased in hyperadrenergic disease states. The question is whether or not these observations are compatible with each other and with the development of arrhythmogenic extrasystoles that can occur under these conditions. Furthermore, the appearance of an increase in the SR Ca2+ “leak” under these conditions is perplexing. These and related complexities are analyzed and discussed in this report. Using simple mathematical modeling discussed in the context of recent experimental findings, a possible resolution to this paradox is proposed. The resolution depends upon two features of SR function that have not been confirmed directly but are broadly consistent with several lines of indirect evidence: (1) the existence of unclustered or “rogue” RyRs that may respond differently to local [Ca2+]i in diastole and during the [Ca2+]i transient; and (2) a decrease in cooperative or coupled gating between clustered RyRs in response to physiologic phosphorylation or hyperphosphorylation of RyRs in disease states such as heart failure. Taken together, these two features may provide a framework that allows for an improved understanding of cardiac Ca2+ signaling. PMID:16326215

Seasonal Variability of Riverine Geochemistry (87Sr/86Sr, δ13CDIC, δ44/40Ca, and major ions) in Permafrost Watersheds on the North Slope of Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehn, G. O.; Jacobson, A. D.; Douglas, T. A.; McClelland, J. W.; Khosh, M. S.; Barker, A. J.

2014-12-01

Global climate models predict amplified warming at high latitudes, where permafrost soils have historically acted as a carbon sink. As warming occurs, the seasonally thawed active layer will propagate downward into previously frozen mineral-rich soil, releasing carbon and introducing unique chemical weathering signatures into rivers. We use variations in the 87Sr/86Sr, δ13CDIC, δ44/40Ca, and major ion geochemistry of rivers to track seasonal active layer dynamics. We collected water from six streams on the North Slope of Alaska between May and October, 2009 and 2010. All rivers drain continuous permafrost but three drain tussock tundra-dominated watersheds and three drain steeper bedrock catchments with minor tundra coverage. In tundra streams, elevated 87Sr/86Sr ratios, low δ13CDIC values and major ions ([Na+]+[K+]/ [Ca+2]+[Mg+2]) in spring melt runoff suggest flushing of shallow soils with relatively low carbonate content. By July, 87Sr/86Sr ratios stabilize at relatively low values and δ13CDIC at relatively higher values, indicating the active layer thawed into deeper carbonate-rich soils. In bedrock streams, elevated 87Sr/86Sr ratios correlate with high discharge. By late fall, bedrock stream 87Sr/86Sr ratios decrease steadily, consistent with increased carbonate weathering. Nearly constant δ13CDIC values and high [SO4-2] for most of the melt season imply significant sulfuric acid-carbonate weathering in bedrock streams. δ13CDIC values suggest a shift to carbonic acid-carbonate weathering in late 2010, possibly due to limited oxygen for pyrite oxidation during freezing of the active layer. δ44/40Ca values in both tundra and bedrock streams increase during the seasons, suggesting increased uptake of 40Ca by plants. δ44/40Ca values of rivers are at least 0.1-0.2‰ higher than their watershed soils, rocks and sediments, suggesting significant plant uptake. Our findings show how seasonal changes in mineral weathering have potential for tracking active layer dynamics.

Photoluminescence of A- and B-site Eu{sup 3+}-substituted (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} phosphors

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

Sletnes, M.; Lindgren, M.; Valmalette, J.C.

The photoluminescence of two series of A- and B-site Eu{sup 3+} substituted (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} double perovskite phosphor materials, (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 1.96}Eu{sub 0.02}K{sub 0.02}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} and (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}Ca{sub 0.96}Eu{sub 0.02}Li{sub 0.02}W{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} (x and y=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1), were studied systematically as a function of stoichiometry and crystal structure. The Eu{sup 3+} lattice sites controlled by co-doping with either K or Li were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The variation in integrated emission intensity and emission colour over the experimental matrix was examined using statistical tools, and themore » observed trends were rationalized based on the physical and electronic structure of the phosphors. Phosphors with Eu on B-site with maximum Sr content had remarkably higher emission intensities than all other materials, but the emission was more orange than red due to domination of the {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 1} (595 nm) transition of Eu{sup 3+}. The relative intensities of the {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 2} (615 nm) and {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 1} transitions of Eu{sup 3+}, and thus the red-shift of the emission, decreased linearly with increasing Sr content in the A-site Eu-substituted phosphors, and reached a maximum for Sr{sub 1.96}Eu{sub 0.02}K{sub 0.02}CaW{sub 0.25}Mo{sub 0.75}O{sub 6}. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 17% was obtained for the phosphor Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 0.7}Eu{sub 0.15}Li{sub 0.15}W{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.5}O{sub 6} with Eu on B-site. - Highlights: • Systematic study of the photoluminescence of Eu{sup 3+}-doped (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6}. • The Eu{sup 3+} lattice sites were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. • A large parameter space was investigated using statistical tools. • A maximum external QE of 17% was obtained for Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 0.7}Eu{sub 0.15}Li{sub 0.15}W{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.5}O{sub 6}.« less

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

Comar, C.L.; Lengemann, F.W.; Wasserman, R.H. et al

Research activities during the past 6 years are reviewed. Results are reported for recent studies on adaptation to increased dietary Ca by dairy cows as a factor in the reduction of Sr/sup 90/ content of milk; the testing of a theoretical model of alkaline earth absorption in rats by a comparison of biological discrimination among Ca/sup 47/, Sr/sup 85/, and Ba/sup 133/ in the presence of glucose, lactose, and lysine; the effects of lactose on the intestinal absorption of Ca in rats; a comparison of the ileal absorption of Ca/ sup 47/ and Sr/sup 85/ by rats from solutions withmore » high and low concentrations of stable Ca; determinatione of the Ca, Mg, and total alkaline earth content in mucosal tissue and plasma of normally fed rats, fasted rats, and rats fed a lactose solution; an investigation of non-exchangeable Ca compartments in the plasma of sheep; the effect of lactose and vitamin D on calcification in the rachitic chick; the metabolism and milk content of I/sup 131/ of dairy cows after long-term daily administration of I/sup 131/; the absorption of Fe/sup 59/ in sheep; the development of a method for the estimation of parasitic blood loss in sheep by whole-body counting of Fe/sup 59/ retention; the development of a method for the simultaneous measurement of erythrocyte and plasma volume in sheep using Fe/sup 59/ as a tracer; the concentration of Na/sup 22/, Cl/sup 36/, and C/sup 14/ inulin in rat kidney and counter-current mechanisms for the production of concentrated urine in mammals; the effects of diuretics on the distribution of Na/ sup 22/, Fe/sup 59/-labeled erythrocytes, and I/sup 131/labeled albumin in rat kidneys; the effects of thiamine on nervous response to ultraviolet radiation in frogs and lobsters; the effects of gamma radiation on reproductive capabilities of young male rabbits; and an evaluation of the contamination of the food chain by fallout fission products, with emphasis on Sr/sup 90/, Cs/sup 137/, and I/sup 131/ intake from total diet and individual food items. A list is included of publications resulting from research conducted under this contract. (C.H.)« less

Structural and magnetic properties of La–Co substituted Sr–Ca hexaferrites synthesized by the solid state reaction method

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

Yang, Yujie; Liu, Xiansong, E-mail: xiansongliu@ahu.edu.cn; Jin, Dali

2014-11-15

Graphical abstract: The change of the remanence (B{sub r}) and intrinsic coercivity (H{sub cj}) with La content (x) and Co content (y) of hexagonal ferrite Sr{sub 0.7−x}Ca{sub 0.3}La{sub x}Fe{sub 12−y}Co{sub y}O{sub 19} magnets. - Highlights: • Sr{sub 0.7−x}Ca{sub 0.3}La{sub x}Fe{sub 12−y}Co{sub y}O{sub 19} hexaferrites were synthesized by the solid state reaction method. • B{sub r} continuously increases with increasing dopant contents. • H{sub cb}, H{sub cj} and (BH){sub max} for the magnets first increases and then decreases with an increase in the La–Co contents. - Abstract: Hexagonal ferrite Sr{sub 0.7−x}Ca{sub 0.3}La{sub x}Fe{sub 12−y}Co{sub y}O{sub 19} (x = 0.05–0.50; y =more » 0.04–0.40) magnetic powders and magnets were synthesized by the solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction was employed to determine the phase compositions of the magnetic powders. There is a single magnetoplumbite phase in the magnetic powders with the substitution of La (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) and Co (0.04 ≤ y ≤ 0.12) contents. For the magnetic powders containing La (x ≥ 0.20) and Co (y ≥ 0.16), magnetic impurities begin to appear in the structure. A field emission scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the micrographs of the magnets. The magnets have formed hexagonal structures. Magnetic properties of the magnets were measured by a magnetic properties test instrument. The remanence continuously increases with increasing dopant contents. Whereas, the magnetic induction coercivity, intrinsic coercivity and maximum energy product for the magnets first increases and then decreases with an increase in the La–Co contents.« less

Transformation of Strontium during formation of biogenic calcium carbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnuki, T.; Kozai, N.; Sakamoto, F.; Yamashita, M.; Horiieke, T.; Utsunomiya, S.

2016-12-01

Some amounts of radionuclides contaminated water containing 90Sr generated in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant were leaked to sea water in the port. One of the possible method to eliminate 90Sr is co-precipitated with biogenic carbonates minerals (CCM). Specific bacteria are known to form biogenic CCM in groundwater. In the present study, we have screened specific bacterium to form CCM in saline water, and studied transformation of Sr during biogenic CCM. A marine microbe of strain TK2d, which is screened from Tokyo bay to form CCM in saline solution, was grown in the medium solution contained urea and Sr. The concentratuion of Sr2+ in the solution was monitored by ICP-OES (ICP-OES; 720 Agilent Technologies, Inc., USA) during the formation of biogenic CCM. The precipitates were analyzed by SEM, TEM, and XAFS. When 1.0 mM Sr was dissolved in the medium solution, the concentration of Sr decreased up to 0.02 mM within 10 days, indicating that most of Sr in the solution was eliminated within 10 days. SEM and TEM analyses showed that needle shaped CCM containing Ca and Sr were formed. The CCM was not single crystalline, but poly-crystalline of calcite and aragonite. The elemental mapping showed that Sr was present at the same position of Ca, indicating that Sr was coprecipitated with Ca. The XANES analysis of Sr in the precipitates showed that the XANES spectrum was not the same as that of Sr coprecipitated with an abiotic Ca carbonates. Linear combination fitting of XANES spectra by those of SrCl2 and SrCO3 showed that both Sr2+ and SrCO3 were present in CCM. Longer contact time resulted in higher content of SrCO3, indicating that Sr was incorporated gradually with time into CCM structure. Thus, Sr was changed its chemical species from adsorbed one to the incorporated one in biogenic CCM in saline solution. This work was partially supported by a research grant from the Japan Science and Technology Agency, Japan (research grant No. 260502).

SRXRF Study of Chemical Elements Content in the Atherosclerotic Plaque of Heart Vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuravskaya, E. Ya.; Savchenko, T. I.; Chankina, O. V.; Polonskaya, Ya. V.; Chernyavskii, A. M.; Ragino, Yu. I.; Shcherbakova, L. V.

The SRXRF method has made it possible, for the first time, to determine the multielement composition in the atherosclerotic substrates of heart vessels after surgical interventions. The main advantage of the method is the possibility to analyze small samples without their destruction. As the amount of material to test is insufficient, we have developed a special technique for sample preparation. The concentrations of K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, Zr, and Pb were measured in stable and unstable plaques. In all the samples studied, Ca is dominating, particularly, in the unstable plaque. No reliable difference was established for other elements measured. A high degree of the association of Ca with Fe, Zn and Sr has been revealed in the atherosclerotic plaques. Measurements were performed using SR from the VEPP-3 storage ring.

Pb solubility of the high-temperature superconducting phase Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10+d}

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

Kaesche, S.; Majewski, P.; Aldinger, F.

1994-12-31

For the nominal composition of Bi{sub 2.27x}Pb{sub x}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10+d} the lead content was varied from x=0.05 to 0.45. The compositions were examined between 830{degrees}C and 890{degrees}C which is supposed to be the temperature range over which the so-called 2223 phase (Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10+d}) is stable. Only compositions between x=0.18 to 0.36 could be synthesized in a single phase state. For x>0.36 a lead containing phase with a stoichiometry of Pb{sub 4}(Sr,Ca){sub 5}CuO{sub d} is formed, for x<0.18 mainly Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8+d} and cuprates are the equilibrium phases. The temperature range for themore » 2223 phase was found to be 830{degrees}C to 890{degrees}C but the 2223 phase has extremely varying cation ratios over this temperature range. Former single phase 2223 samples turn to multi phase samples when annealed at slightly higher or lower temperatures. A decrease in the Pb solubility with increasing temperature was found for the 2223 phase.« less

Thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides with interlayers of hydroxide and peroxide species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, Ta-Lei; Lybeck, Jenni; Chan, Ting-Shan; Hsu, Ying-Ya; Tewari, Girish C.; Rautama, Eeva-Leena; Yamauchi, Hisao; Karppinen, Maarit

2013-12-01

Among the thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides, [MmA2Om+2]qCoO2, the parent m=0 phases exhibit divergent chemical features but are less understood than the more common m>0 members of the series. Here we synthesize Sr-for-Ca substituted [(Ca1-xSrx)z(O,OH)2]qCoO2 zero phases up to x=0.2 through low-temperature hydrothermal conversion of precursor powders of the m=1 misfit system, [Co(Ca1-xSrx)2O3]qCoO2. In the zero-phase [(Ca1-xSrx)z(O,OH)2]qCoO2 system, as the Sr content x increases the lattice expands anisotropically along the c axis such that the ab-plane dimension and the misfit parameter q remain essentially constant. X-ray absorption spectroscopy data suggest the presence of peroxide-type oxygen species in the (Ca1-xSrx)z(O,OH)2 rock-salt block and together with infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and low-temperature resistivity and thermopower measurements evidence that the isovalent Sr-for-Ca substitution controls the balance between the peroxide and hydroxide species in the (Ca1-xSrx)z(O,OH)2 block but leaves the valence of Co essentially intact in the CoO2 block. The higher electrical conductivity of the Sr-substituted phases is explained as a consequence of increased carrier mobility.

Transport and NMR characteristics of the skutterudite-related compound Ca3Rh4Sn13

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, C. W.; Kuo, C. N.; Li, B. S.; Wang, L. M.; Gippius, A. A.; Kuo, Y. K.; Lue, C. S.

2018-02-01

We report the electronic properties of the Yb3Rh4Sn13-type single crystalline Ca3Rh4Sn13 by means of the electrical resistivity, Hall coefficient, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, as well as 119Sn nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. The negative sign of the Hall coefficient and Seebeck coefficient at low temperatures suggests that the n-type carriers dominate the electrical transport in Ca3Rh4Sn13, in contrast to the observations in Sr3Rh4Sn13 which has a p-type conduction. Such a finding indicates a significant difference in the electronic features between these two stannides. Furthermore, we analyzed the temperature-dependent 119Sn NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate for Ca3Rh4Sn13, (Sr0.7Ca0.3)3Rh4Sn13, and Sr3Rh4Sn13 to examine the change of the electronic Fermi-level density of states (DOS) in (Sr1-xCax)3Rh4Sn13. It indicates that the Sn 5s partial Fermi-level DOS enhances with increasing the Ca content, being consistent with the trend of the superconducting temperature. Since the total Fermi-level DOS usually obeys the same trend of the partial Fermi-level DOS, the NMR analysis provides microscopic evidence for the correlation between the electronic DOS and superconductivity of the (Sr1-xCax)3Rh4Sn13 system.

Influence of SrO substitution for CaO on the properties of bioactive glass S53P4.

PubMed

Massera, Jonathan; Hupa, Leena

2014-03-01

Commercial melt-quenched bioactive glasses consist of the oxides of silicon, phosphorus, calcium and sodium. Doping of the glasses with oxides of some other elements is known to affect their capability to support hydroxyapatite formation and thus bone tissue healing but also to modify their high temperature processing parameters. In the present study, the influence of gradual substitution of SrO for CaO on the properties of the bioactive glass S53P4 was studied. Thermal analysis and hot stage microscopy were utilized to measure the thermal properties of the glasses. The in vitro bioactivity and solubility was measured by immersing the glasses in simulated body fluid for 6 h to 1 week. The formation of silica rich and hydroxyapatite layers was assessed from FTIR spectra analysis and SEM images of the glass surface. Increasing substitution of SrO for CaO decreased all characteristic temperatures and led to a slightly stronger glass network. The initial glass dissolution rate increased with SrO content. Hydroxyapatite layer was formed on all glasses but on the SrO containing glasses the layer was thinner and contained also strontium. The results suggest that substituting SrO for CaO in S53P4 glass retards the bioactivity. However, substitution greater than 10 mol% allow for precipitation of a strontium substituted hydroxyapatite layer.

A novel mechanism of tandem activation of ryanodine receptors by cytosolic and SR luminal Ca2+ during excitation-contraction coupling in atrial myocytes.

PubMed

Maxwell, Joshua T; Blatter, Lothar A

2017-06-15

In atrial myocytes excitation-contraction coupling is strikingly different from ventricle because atrial myocytes lack a transverse tubule membrane system: Ca 2+ release starts in the cell periphery and propagates towards the cell centre by Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ store. The cytosolic Ca 2+ sensitivity of the ryanodine receptor (RyRs) Ca 2+ release channel is low and it is unclear how Ca 2+ release can be activated in the interior of atrial cells. Simultaneous confocal imaging of cytosolic and intra-SR calcium revealed a transient elevation of store Ca 2+ that we termed 'Ca 2+ sensitization signal'. We propose a novel paradigm of atrial ECC that is based on tandem activation of the RyRs by cytosolic and luminal Ca 2+ through a 'fire-diffuse-uptake-fire' (or FDUF) mechanism: Ca 2+ uptake by SR Ca 2+ pumps at the propagation front elevates Ca 2+ inside the SR locally, leading to luminal RyR sensitization and lowering of the cytosolic Ca 2+ activation threshold. In atrial myocytes Ca 2+ release during excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) is strikingly different from ventricular myocytes. In many species atrial myocytes lack a transverse tubule system, dividing the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ store into the peripheral subsarcolemmnal junctional (j-SR) and the much more abundant central non-junctional (nj-SR) SR. Action potential (AP)-induced Ca 2+ entry activates Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release (CICR) from j-SR ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca 2+ release channels. Peripheral elevation of [Ca 2+ ] i initiates CICR from nj-SR and sustains propagation of CICR to the cell centre. Simultaneous confocal measurements of cytosolic ([Ca 2+ ] i ; with the fluorescent Ca 2+ indicator rhod-2) and intra-SR ([Ca 2+ ] SR ; fluo-5N) Ca 2+ in rabbit atrial myocytes revealed that Ca 2+ release from j-SR resulted in a cytosolic Ca 2+ transient of higher amplitude compared to release from nj-SR; however, the degree of depletion of j-SR [Ca 2+ ] SR was smaller than nj-SR [Ca 2+ ] SR . Similarly, Ca 2+ signals from individual release sites of the j-SR showed a larger cytosolic amplitude (Ca 2+ sparks) but smaller depletion (Ca 2+ blinks) than release from nj-SR. During AP-induced Ca 2+ release the rise of [Ca 2+ ] i detected at individual release sites of the nj-SR preceded the depletion of [Ca 2+ ] SR , and during this latency period a transient elevation of [Ca 2+ ] SR occurred. We propose that Ca 2+ release from nj-SR is activated by cytosolic and luminal Ca 2+ (tandem RyR activation) via a novel 'fire-diffuse-uptake-fire' (FDUF) mechanism. This novel paradigm of atrial ECC predicts that Ca 2+ uptake by sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA) at the propagation front elevates local [Ca 2+ ] SR , leading to luminal RyR sensitization and lowering of the activation threshold for cytosolic CICR. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

Reduction of calcium inactivation of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release by fura-2 in voltage-clamped cut twitch fibers from frog muscle

PubMed Central

1993-01-01

Cut fibers from Rana temporaria and Rana pipiens (striation spacing, 3.9-4.2 microns) were mounted in a double Vaseline-gap chamber and studied at 14 degrees C. The Ca indicator purpurate-3,3' diacetic acid (PDAA) was introduced into the end pools and allowed to diffuse into the optical recording site. When the concentration at the site exceeded 2 mM, step depolarizations to 10 mV were applied and the [Ca] transient measured with PDAA was used to estimate Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) (Baylor, S. M., W. K. Chandler, and M. W. Marshall. 1983. Journal of Physiology. 344:625-666). With depolarization, the rate of SR Ca release increased to an early peak and then rapidly decreased several-fold to a quasi-steady level. The total amount of Ca released from the SR at the time of peak rate of release appeared to be independent of SR Ca content, consistent with the idea that a single activated channel might pass, on average, a fixed number of ions, independent of the magnitude of the single channel flux. A possible explanation of this property is given in terms of locally induced Ca inactivation of Ca release. The solution in the end pools was then changed to one with PDAA plus fura-2. SR Ca release was estimated from the [Ca] transient, as before, and from the delta [Cafura-2] signal. On average, 2-3 mM fura-2 increased the quasi-steady level of the rate of SR Ca release by factors of 6.6 and 3.8, respectively, in three fibers from Rana temporaria and three fibers from Rana pipiens. The peak rate of release was increased in five of the six fibers but to a lesser extent than the quasi-steady level. In all fibers, the amplitude of the free [Ca] transient was markedly reduced. These increases in the rate of SR Ca release are consistent with the idea that Ca inactivation of Ca release develops during a step depolarization to 10 mV and that 2-3 mM fura-2 is able to reduce this inactivation by complexing Ca and thereby reducing free [Ca]. Once the concentration of fura-2 becomes sufficiently large, a further increase reduces the rate of SR Ca release. On average, 5-6 mM fura-2 increased the quasi-steady rate of release, compared with 0 mM fura-2, by 6.5 and 2.9, respectively, in four fibers from Rana temporaria and three from Rana pipiens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:8228914

Minireview: The Intimate Link Between Calcium Sensing Receptor Trafficking and Signaling: Implications for Disorders of Calcium Homeostasis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulates organismal Ca2+ homeostasis. Dysregulation of CaSR expression or mutations in the CASR gene cause disorders of Ca2+ homeostasis and contribute to the progression or severity of cancers and cardiovascular disease. This brief review highlights recent findings that define the CaSR life cycle, which controls the cellular abundance of CaSR and CaSR signaling. A novel mechanism, termed agonist-driven insertional signaling (ADIS), contributes to the unique hallmarks of CaSR signaling, including the high degree of cooperativity and the lack of functional desensitization. Agonist-mediated activation of plasma membrane-localized CaSR increases the rate of insertion of CaSR at the plasma membrane without altering the constitutive endocytosis rate, thereby acutely increasing the maximum signaling response. Prolonged CaSR signaling requires a large intracellular ADIS-mobilizable pool of CaSR, which is maintained by signaling-mediated increases in biosynthesis. This model provides a rational framework for characterizing the defects caused by CaSR mutations and the altered functional expression of wild-type CaSR in disease states. Mechanistic dissection of ADIS of CaSR should lead to optimized pharmacological approaches to normalize CaSR signaling in disorders of Ca2+ homeostasis. PMID:22745192

Paying the piper: the cost of Ca2+ pumping during the mating call of toadfish

PubMed Central

Harwood, Claire L; Young, Iain S; Tikunov, Boris A; Hollingworth, Stephen; Baylor, Stephen M; Rome, Lawrence C

2011-01-01

Abstract Superfast fibres of toadfish swimbladder muscle generate a series of superfast Ca2+ transients, a necessity for high-frequency calling. How is this accomplished with a relatively low rate of Ca2+ pumping by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)? We hypothesized that there may not be complete Ca2+ saturation and desaturation of the troponin Ca2+ regulatory sites with each twitch during calling. To test this, we determined the number of regulatory sites by measuring the concentration of troponin C (TNC) molecules, 33.8 μmol per kg wet weight. We then estimated how much SR Ca2+ is released per twitch by measuring the recovery oxygen consumption in the presence of a crossbridge blocker, N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide (BTS). The results agreed closely with SR release estimates obtained with a kinetic model used to analyse Ca2+ transient measurements. We found that 235 μmol of Ca2+ per kg muscle is released with the first twitch of an 80 Hz stimulus (15oC). Release per twitch declines dramatically thereafter such that by the 10th twitch release is only 48 μmol kg−1 (well below the concentration of TNC Ca2+ regulatory sites, 67.6 μmol kg−1). The ATP usage per twitch by the myosin crossbridges remains essentially constant at ∼25 μmol kg−1 throughout the stimulus period. Hence, for the first twitch, ∼80% of the energy goes into pumping Ca2+ (which uses 1 ATP per 2 Ca2+ ions pumped), but by the 10th and subsequent twitches the proportion is ∼50%. Even though by the 10th stimulus the Ca2+ release per twitch has dropped 5-fold, the Ca2+ remaining in the SR has declined by only ∼18%; hence dwindling SR Ca2+ content is not responsible for the drop. Rather, inactivation of the Ca2+ release channel by myoplasmic Ca2+ likely explains this reduction. If inactivation did not occur, the SR would run out of Ca2+ well before the end of even a 40-twitch call. Hence, inactivation of the Ca2+ release channel plays a critical role in swimbladder muscle during normal in vivo function. PMID:21946852

Dielectric and Nonohmic Properties of CaCu3Ti4O12/SrTiO3 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Renzhong; Liu, Dewei; Chen, Zhenping; Dai, Haiyang; Chen, Jing; Zhao, Gaoyang

2015-04-01

In this work, (1 - x)CaCu3Ti4O12- xSrTiO3 [(1 - x)CCTO/ xST, x = 0% to 2%] ceramic samples were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The dielectric and electrical properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) and CaCu3Ti4O12/SrTiO3 (CCTO/ST) ceramics were investigated. The results show that a small amount of Sr2+ can enter the lattice of CCTO. The mean grain size of the ceramic samples increased greatly for x = 0.5% and then decreased for x = 0.75% to 2%. ST addition and Sr2+ preferential occupancy in CCTO grains should be responsible for the change of the microstructure. Interestingly, the dielectric constant ( ɛ) of the 0.5% ST-added sample increased significantly while the dielectric loss (tan δ) remained low. With further increase of the ST content, the ɛ and tan δ values of the CCTO ceramics decreased monotonically while the nonlinear current-voltage properties were significantly enhanced. The change in the potential barrier height is thought to be the main cause for the opposite behaviors in the dielectric properties and nonohmic characteristics.

Regulation of axonal and dendritic growth by the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR)

PubMed Central

Vizard, Thomas N.; O'Keeffe, Gerard W.; Gutierrez, Humberto; Kos, Claudine H.; Riccardi, Daniela; Davies, Alun M.

2009-01-01

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) monitors the systemic extracellular free ionized calcium level ([Ca2+]o) in organs involved in systemic [Ca2+]o homeostasis. However, the CaSR is also expressed in the nervous system where its role is unknown. Here we find high levels of the CaSR in perinatal mouse sympathetic neurons when their axons are innervating and branching extensively in their targets. Manipulating CaSR function in these neurons by varying [Ca2+]o, using CaSR agonists and antagonists or expressing a dominant-negative CaSR markedly affects neurite growth in vitro Sympathetic neurons lacking the CaSR have smaller neurite arbors in vitro, and sympathetic innervation density is reduced in CaSR-deficient mice in vivo. Hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which also express the CaSR, have smaller dendrites when transfected with dominant-negative CaSR in postnatal organotypic cultures. Our findings reveal a crucial role for the CaSR in regulating the growth of neural processes in the peripheral and central nervous systems. PMID:18223649

Mechanisms altering airway smooth muscle cell Ca+ homeostasis in two asthma models.

PubMed

Kellner, Julia; Tantzscher, Juliane; Oelmez, Hamza; Edelmann, Martin; Fischer, Rainald; Huber, Rudolf Maria; Bergner, Albrecht

2008-01-01

Asthma is characterized by airway remodeling, altered mucus production and airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) contraction causing extensive airway narrowing. In particular, alterations of ASMC contractility seem to be of crucial importance. The elevation of the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration is a key event leading to ASMC contraction and changes in the agonist-induced Ca(2+) increase in ASMC have been reported in asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate mechanisms underlying these changes. Murine tracheal smooth muscle cells (MTSMC) from T-bet KO mice and human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMC) incubated with IL-13 and IL-4 served as asthma models. Acetylcholine-induced changes in the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration were recorded using fluorescence microscopy and the expression of Ca(2+) homeostasis regulating proteins was investigated with Western blot analysis. Acetylcholine-induced Ca(2+) transients were elevated in both asthma models. This correlated with an increased Ca(2+) content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In MTSMC from T-bet KO mice, the expression of the SR Ca(2+) buffers calreticulin and calsequestrin was higher compared to wild-type mice. In HBSMC incubated with IL-13 or IL-4, the expression of ryanodine receptors, inositol-3-phosphate receptors and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPases 2 was increased compared to HBSMC without incubation with interleukins. The enlarged acetylcholine-induced Ca(2+) transients could be reversed by blocking inositol-3-phosphate receptors. We conclude that in the murine asthma model the SR Ca(2+) buffer capacity is increased, while in the human asthma model the expression of SR Ca(2+) channels is altered. The investigation of the Ca(2+) homeostasis of ASMC has the potential to provide new therapeutical options in asthma. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres in active aged humans

PubMed Central

Lamboley, C R; Wyckelsma, V L; Dutka, T L; McKenna, M J; Murphy, R M; Lamb, G D

2015-01-01

This study examined the contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content in mechanically skinned vastus lateralis muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) humans to investigate whether changes in muscle fibre properties contribute to muscle weakness in old age. In type II fibres of Old subjects, specific force was reduced by ∼17% and Ca2+ sensitivity was also reduced (pCa50 decreased ∼0.05 pCa units) relative to that in Young. S-Glutathionylation of fast troponin I (TnIf) markedly increased Ca2+ sensitivity in type II fibres, but the increase was significantly smaller in Old versus Young (+0.136 and +0.164 pCa unit increases, respectively). Endogenous and maximal SR Ca2+ content were significantly smaller in both type I and type II fibres in Old subjects. In fibres of Young, the SR could be nearly fully depleted of Ca2+ by a combined caffeine and low Mg2+ stimulus, whereas in fibres of Old the amount of non-releasable Ca2+ was significantly increased (by > 12% of endogenous Ca2+ content). Western blotting showed an increased proportion of type I fibres in Old subjects, and increased amounts of calsequestrin-2 and calsequestrin-like protein. The findings suggest that muscle weakness in old age is probably attributable in part to (i) an increased proportion of type I fibres, (ii) a reduction in both maximum specific force and Ca2+ sensitivity in type II fibres, and also a decreased ability of S-glutathionylation of TnIf to counter the fatiguing effects of metabolites on Ca2+ sensitivity, and (iii) a reduction in the amount of releasable SR Ca2+ in both fibre types. Key points Muscle weakness in old age is due in large part to an overall loss of skeletal muscle tissue, but it remains uncertain how much also stems from alterations in the properties of the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and amount of stored intracellular calcium in single muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) adults. The maximum level of force production (per unit cross-sectional area) in fast twitch fibres in Old subjects was lower than in Young subjects, and the fibres were also less sensitive to activation by calcium. The amount of calcium stored inside muscle fibres and available to trigger contraction was also lower in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres in the Old subjects. These findings indicate that muscle weakness in old age stems in part from an impaired capacity for force production in the individual muscle fibres. PMID:25809942

Contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres in active aged humans.

PubMed

Lamboley, C R; Wyckelsma, V L; Dutka, T L; McKenna, M J; Murphy, R M; Lamb, G D

2015-06-01

Muscle weakness in old age is due in large part to an overall loss of skeletal muscle tissue, but it remains uncertain how much also stems from alterations in the properties of the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and amount of stored intracellular calcium in single muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) adults. The maximum level of force production (per unit cross-sectional area) in fast twitch fibres in Old subjects was lower than in Young subjects, and the fibres were also less sensitive to activation by calcium. The amount of calcium stored inside muscle fibres and available to trigger contraction was also lower in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres in the Old subjects. These findings indicate that muscle weakness in old age stems in part from an impaired capacity for force production in the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content in mechanically skinned vastus lateralis muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) humans to investigate whether changes in muscle fibre properties contribute to muscle weakness in old age. In type II fibres of Old subjects, specific force was reduced by ∼17% and Ca(2+) sensitivity was also reduced (pCa50 decreased ∼0.05 pCa units) relative to that in Young. S-Glutathionylation of fast troponin I (TnIf ) markedly increased Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, but the increase was significantly smaller in Old versus Young (+0.136 and +0.164 pCa unit increases, respectively). Endogenous and maximal SR Ca(2+) content were significantly smaller in both type I and type II fibres in Old subjects. In fibres of Young, the SR could be nearly fully depleted of Ca(2+) by a combined caffeine and low Mg(2+) stimulus, whereas in fibres of Old the amount of non-releasable Ca(2+) was significantly increased (by > 12% of endogenous Ca(2+) content). Western blotting showed an increased proportion of type I fibres in Old subjects, and increased amounts of calsequestrin-2 and calsequestrin-like protein. The findings suggest that muscle weakness in old age is probably attributable in part to (i) an increased proportion of type I fibres, (ii) a reduction in both maximum specific force and Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, and also a decreased ability of S-glutathionylation of TnIf to counter the fatiguing effects of metabolites on Ca(2+) sensitivity, and (iii) a reduction in the amount of releasable SR Ca(2+) in both fibre types. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

Mechanisms of intragastric pH sensing.

PubMed

Goo, Tyralee; Akiba, Yasutada; Kaunitz, Jonathan D

2010-12-01

Luminal amino acids and lack of luminal acidity as a result of acid neutralization by intragastric foodstuffs are powerful signals for acid secretion. Although the hormonal and neural pathways underlying this regulatory mechanism are well understood, the nature of the gastric luminal pH sensor has been enigmatic. In clinical studies, high pH, tryptic peptides, and luminal divalent metals (Ca(2+) and Mg(2+)) increase gastrin release and acid production. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), first described in the parathyroid gland but expressed on gastric G cells, is a logical candidate for the gastric acid sensor. Because CaSR ligands include amino acids and divalent metals, and because extracellular pH affects ligand binding in the pH range of the gastric content, its pH, metal, and nutrient-sensing functions are consistent with physiologic observations. The CaSR is thus an attractive candidate for the gastric luminal sensor that is part of the neuroendocrine negative regulatory loop for acid secretion.

The effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in human iliac crest investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis.

PubMed

Zaichick, Sofia; Zaichick, Vladimir

2010-01-01

To understand the role of major, minor, and trace elements in the etiology of bone diseases including osteoporosis, it is necessary to determine the normal levels and age-related changes of bone chemical elements. The effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in intact iliac crest of 84 apparently healthy 15-55 years old women (n=38) and men (n=46) was investigated by neutron activation analysis. Mean values (M+/-SEM) for mass fraction (on dry weight basis) of Ca, Cl, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Rb, Sr, and Zn for both female and male taken together were Ca - 169+/-3g/kg, Cl - 1490+/-43 mg/kg, Co - 0.0073+/-0.0024 mg/kg, Fe - 177+/-24 mg/kg, K - 1820+/-79 mg/kg, Mg - 1840+/-48 mg/kg, Mn - 0.316+/-0.013 mg/kg, Na - 4970+/-87 mg/kg, P - 79.7+/-1.5 g/kg, Rb - 1.89+/-0.22 mg/kg, Sr - 312+/-15 mg/kg, and Zn - 65.9+/-3.4 mg/kg, respectively. The upper limit of mean contents of Cs, Eu, Hg, Sb, Sc, and Se were Cs < or = 0.09 mg/kg, Eu < or = 0.005 mg/kg, Hg < or = 0.005 mg/kg, Sb < or = 0.004 mg/kg, Sc < or = 0.001 mg/kg, and Se < or = 0.1mg/kg, respectively. In all bone samples the contents of Ag, As, Au, Ba, Br, Cd, Ce, Cr, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zr were under detection limits. The Ca, Mg, and P contents decrease with age, regardless of gender. Higher Ca, Mg, P, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Fe content are typical of female iliac crest as compared to those in male bone. Copyright 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Chemical compositions and precipitation timing of basement carbonate vein from fossil spreading ridge of South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, W.; Chen, Y.

2016-12-01

Eighteen calcium carbonate veins within the igneous basement recovered close to the fossil spreading ridge of the South China Sea during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 349 were investigated. These carbonates are of primarily either calcite or aragonite, or some mixed aragonite and calcite, with rarely ankerite. The chemical (Ca, Mg, Sr, Mn, Fe) contents and isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, δ18O, δ18C) compositions of the veins were determined to study the evolving chemistry of hydrothermal fluids and to constrain the timing of vein formation. The carbonate δ18O values range from -5.0 to -0.2 ‰ PDB, indicating these are typical low temperature basement carbonates. Chemical analyses show distinct Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios for aragonite and calcite. 87Sr/86Sr ratios show negative correlations with both the depth and δ18O-calculated formation temperature, and are independent of mineralogy with both aragonite and calcite, indicating more geochemically evolved carbonated have precipitated from warmer fluids. The hightest 87Sr/86Sr ratios of vein samples at each drill site are believed to reflect the contemporaneous seawater compositions when carbonates precipitated. No unambiguous precipitation ages can be constrained by correlating 87Sr/86Sr ratios with the global seawater Sr isotope evolution. However, based on correlations of vein chemical composition with depth and formation temperature, as well as the Neogene post-spreading magmatism, we hypothesize 10 Ma is a particular time favoring the formation of carbonate veins in our study area.

Strontium administration in young chickens improves bone volume and architecture but does not enhance bone structural and material strength.

PubMed

Shahnazari, M; Lang, D H; Fosmire, G J; Sharkey, N A; Mitchell, A D; Leach, R M

2007-03-01

Genetic selection for rapid body growth in broiler chickens has resulted in adverse effects on the skeletal system exemplified by a higher rate of cortical fractures in leg bones. Strontium (Sr) has been reported to have beneficial effects on bone formation and strength. We supplemented the diet of 300-day-old chicks with increasing dosages of Sr (0%, 0.12%, or 0.24%) to study the capacity of the element to improve bone quality and mechanical integrity. Treatment with Sr increased cortical bone volume and reduced bone porosity as measured by micro-computed tomography. The higher level of Sr significantly reduced bone Ca content (34.7%) relative to controls (37.2%), suggesting that Sr replaced some of the Ca in bone. Material properties determined by the three-point bending test showed that bone in the Sr-treated groups withstood greater deformation prior to fracture. Load to failure and ultimate stress were similar across groups. Our results indicate that Sr treatment in rapidly growing chickens induced positive effects on bone volume but did not improve the breaking strength of long bones.

Influences of Sr dose on the crystal structure parameters and Sr distributions of Sr-incorporated hydroxyapatite.

PubMed

Guo, D G; Hao, Y Z; Li, H Y; Fang, C Q; Sun, L J; Zhu, H; Wang, J; Huang, X F; Ni, P F; Xu, K W

2013-10-01

Stoichiometric strontium-incorporated hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) with different Sr concentrations [Sr/(Sr+Ca)] were synthesized using a wet chemical approach and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Rietveld Structure Refinement. The crystal lattice parameter, Sr distribution, chemical state of Sr, and also the relationships between their variations and the Sr concentrations have been intensively studied. The results show that both the crystal lattice parameters and crystal plane space of Sr-HA remarkably increase with the Sr concentration increasing. Whether Sr preferably occupies the Ca(I) site or Ca(II) site after incorporated into apatite lattice depends on the Sr number incorporated into apatite. All the Sr ions completely occupy the Ca(II) sites when the Sr concentration is below 5%. With the exception of partial Sr ions occupying the Ca(II) sites, the other Sr ions start to occupy the Ca(I) sites when the Sr concentration doped in HA is beyond 10%. The ratio of Sr ions occupying the Ca(I) sites increases with the further raising Sr concentration up to 20%. The Sr ions inherit the chemical state and environment of the original Ca(I) or Ca(II) site after incorporated into apatite. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hydralazine and Organic Nitrates Restore Impaired Excitation-Contraction Coupling by Reducing Calcium Leak Associated with Nitroso-Redox Imbalance*

PubMed Central

Dulce, Raul A.; Yiginer, Omer; Gonzalez, Daniel R.; Goss, Garrett; Feng, Ning; Zheng, Meizi; Hare, Joshua M.

2013-01-01

Although the combined use of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate confers important clinical benefits in patients with heart failure, the underlying mechanism of action is still controversial. We used two models of nitroso-redox imbalance, neuronal NO synthase-deficient (NOS1−/−) mice and spontaneously hypertensive heart failure rats, to test the hypothesis that hydralazine (HYD) alone or in combination with nitroglycerin (NTG) or isosorbide dinitrate restores Ca2+ cycling and contractile performance and controls superoxide production in isolated cardiomyocytes. The response to increased pacing frequency was depressed in NOS1−/− compared with wild type myocytes. Both sarcomere length shortening and intracellular Ca2+ transient (Δ[Ca2+]i) responses in NOS1−/− cardiomyocytes were augmented by HYD in a dose-dependent manner. NTG alone did not affect myocyte shortening but reduced Δ[Ca2+]i across the range of pacing frequencies and increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity thereby enhancing contractile efficiency. Similar results were seen in failing myocytes from the heart failure rat model. HYD alone or in combination with NTG reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) leak, improved SR Ca2+ reuptake, and restored SR Ca2+ content. HYD and NTG at low concentrations (1 μm), scavenged superoxide in isolated cardiomyocytes, whereas in cardiac homogenates, NTG inhibited xanthine oxidoreductase activity and scavenged NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide more efficiently than HYD. Together, these results revealed that by reducing SR Ca2+ leak, HYD improves Ca2+ cycling and contractility impaired by nitroso-redox imbalance, and NTG enhanced contractile efficiency, restoring cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. PMID:23319593

Regional and interspecific variation in Sr, Ca, and Sr/Ca ratios in avian eggshells from the USA.

PubMed

Mora, Miguel A; Brattin, Bryan; Baxter, Catherine; Rivers, James W

2011-08-01

To examine regional variation in strontium (Sr), which at high concentrations may reduce eggshell quality, increase egg breakage and reproductive failure, we analyzed Sr, and calcium (Ca) concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios in eggshells from 20 avian species from California, Texas, Idaho, Kansas, and Michigan. In addition, we included data previously reported from Arizona to expand the regional comparisons and to better establish patterns of Sr, and Sr/Ca ratios in bird species across the United States. We found Sr concentrations varied significantly among regions, among species, and among foraging guilds; this variability is strongly influenced by the Sr/Ca ratios in surface water from locations close to the region where the eggshells were collected. Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios were significantly higher in bird eggshells from the Volta wildlife region in the San Joaquin Valley, California and in various locales from Arizona. Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios in bird eggshells from other locations in the USA were lower than those detected in these two regions. Among foraging guilds, invertivores had the highest Sr concentrations and Sr/Ca ratios and carnivores had the lowest. In general, the Sr/Ca ratio increased strongly with increasing Sr concentrations (R(2) = 0.99, P < 0.0001). There was a significant correlation (R(2) = 0.58, P < 0.0001) between Sr/Ca ratios in water and the average Sr/Ca ratios in eggshells suggesting that these values could be determined from Sr/Ca ratios in water. Eggshell thickness was poorly correlated with Sr (R(2) = 0.03) but had a significant and positive correlation with Ca and was more properly correlated by a quadratic equation (R(2) = 0.50, Thickness = 2.13 - 0.02Ca - 3.07 * 10(-5)Ca(2)). Our study provides further evidence that Sr accumulates significantly in the avian eggshell, in some regions at concentrations which could be of concern for potential negative effects on reproduction. We suggest that when assessing the effects of metals on avian reproduction in regions with high Sr deposits in rock and soil, Sr concentrations in the eggshell also should be measured to evaluate additional effects on thickness and reproduction.

Induction of CaSR expression circumvents the molecular features of malignant CaSR null colon cancer cells.

PubMed

Singh, Navneet; Chakrabarty, Subhas

2013-11-15

We recently reported on the isolation and characterization of calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) null human colon cancer cells (Singh et al., Int J Cancer 2013; 132: 1996-2005). CaSR null cells possess a myriad of molecular features that are linked to a highly malignant and drug resistant phenotype of colon cancer. The CaSR null phenotype can be maintained in defined human embryonic stem cell culture medium. We now show that the CaSR null cells can be induced to differentiate in conventional culture medium, regained the expression of CaSR with a concurrent reversal of the cellular and molecular features associated with the null phenotype. These features include cellular morphology, expression of colon cancer stem cell markers, expression of survivin and thymidylate synthase and sensitivity to fluorouracil. Other features include the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition linked molecules and transcription factors, oncogenic miRNAs and tumor suppressive molecule and miRNA. With the exception of cancer stem cell markers, the reversal of molecular features, upon the induction of CaSR expression, is directly linked to the expression and function of CaSR because blocking CaSR induction by shRNA circumvented such reversal. We further report that methylation and demethylation of the CaSR gene promoter underlie CaSR expression. Due to the malignant nature of the CaSR null cells, inclusion of the CaSR null phenotype in disease management may improve on the mortality of this disease. Because CaSR is a robust promoter of differentiation and mediates its action through diverse mechanisms and pathways, inactivation of CaSR may serve as a new paradigm in colon carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2013 UICC.

β-Adrenergic stimulation increases the intra-sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ threshold for Ca2+ wave generation

PubMed Central

Domeier, Timothy L; Maxwell, Joshua T; Blatter, Lothar A

2012-01-01

β-Adrenergic signalling induces positive inotropic effects on the heart that associate with pro-arrhythmic spontaneous Ca2+ waves. A threshold level of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ([Ca2+]SR) is necessary to trigger Ca2+ waves, and whether the increased incidence of Ca2+ waves during β-adrenergic stimulation is due to an alteration in this threshold remains controversial. Using the low-affinity Ca2+ indicator fluo-5N entrapped within the SR of rabbit ventricular myocytes, we addressed this controversy by directly monitoring [Ca2+]SR and Ca2+ waves during β-adrenergic stimulation. Electrical pacing in elevated extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o= 7 mm) was used to increase [Ca2+]SR to the threshold where Ca2+ waves were consistently observed. The β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO; 1 μm) increased [Ca2+]SR well above the control threshold and consistently triggered Ca2+ waves. However, when [Ca2+]SR was subsequently lowered in the presence of ISO (by lowering [Ca2+]o to 1 mm and partially inhibiting sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase with cyclopiazonic acid or thapsigargin), Ca2+ waves ceased to occur at a [Ca2+]SR that was higher than the control threshold. Furthermore, for a set [Ca2+]SR level the refractoriness of wave occurrence (Ca2+ wave latency) was prolonged during β-adrenergic stimulation, and was highly dependent on the extent that [Ca]SR exceeded the wave threshold. These data show that acute β-adrenergic stimulation increases the [Ca2+]SR threshold for Ca2+ waves, and therefore the primary cause of Ca2+ waves is the robust increase in [Ca2+]SR above this higher threshold level. Elevation of the [Ca2+]SR wave threshold and prolongation of wave latency represent potentially protective mechanisms against pro-arrhythmogenic Ca2+ release during β-adrenergic stimulation. PMID:22988136

Interaction Between Neuronal NOS Signaling and Temperature Influences SR Ca2+ Leak:Role of Nitroso-Redox Balance

PubMed Central

Dulce, Raul A.; Mayo, Vera; Rangel, Erika B.; Balkan, Wayne; Hare, Joshua M.

2014-01-01

Rationale While nitric oxide (NO) signaling modulates cardiac function and excitation-contraction coupling, opposing results due to inconsistent experimental conditions, particularly with respect to temperature, confound the ability to elucidate NO signaling pathways. Here we show that temperature significantly modulates NO effects. Objective Test the hypothesis that temperature profoundly impacts nitroso-redox equilibrium, thereby affecting sarcomeric reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak. Methods and Results We measured SR Ca2+ leak in cardiomyocytes from wild-type (WT), NO/redox imbalance (NOS1−/−), and hyper S-nitrosylation (GSNOR−/−) mice. In WT cardiomyocytes, SR Ca2+ leak increased as temperature decreased from 37°C to 23°C, whereas, in NOS1−/ −cells, the leak suddenly increased when the temperature surpassed 30°C. GSNOR−/ − cardiomyocytes exhibited low leak throughout the temperature range. Exogenously added NO had a biphasic effect on NOS1−/− cardiomyocytes; reducing leak at 37°C but increasing it at sub-physiologic temperatures. Oxypurinol and Tempol diminished the leak in NOS1−/ − cardiomyocytes. Cooling from 37° to 23°C increased ROS generation in WT but decreased it in NOS1−/− cardiomyocytes. Oxypurinol further reduced ROS generation. At 23°C in WT cells, leak was decreased by tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential NOS cofactor. Cooling significantly increased SR Ca2+ content in NOS1−/− cells but had no effect in WT or GSNOR−/−. Conclusions Ca2+ leak and temperature are normally inversely proportional, whereas NOS1 deficiency reverses this effect, increasing leak and elevating ROS production as temperature increases. Reduced denitrosylation (GSNOR deficiency) eliminates the temperature dependence of leak. Thus, temperature regulates the balance between NO and ROS which in turn has a major impact on SR Ca2+. PMID:25326127

Ca isotopes in the Ebro River Basin: mixing and lithological tracer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrot, C.; Negrel, P. J.; Millot, R.; Petelet-Giraud, E.; Brenot, A.

2012-12-01

A large investigation of the Ebro River catchment was done in the past years regarding hydrogen, oxygen, lithium, boron, sulphur and oxygen from SO4 and strontium isotope measurements together with major and trace elements in the dissolved load of 25 river samples collected within the Ebro River Basin in Spain (Millot et al., Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 14, EGU2012-2062, 2012). The Ebro River (928 km long, 85,530 km2 drainage basin) located in North-Eastern Spain rises near the Atlantic coast in the Cantabrian Mountains and flows into the western Mediterranean Sea through several large cities and agricultural, mining and industrial areas. The river is one of the largest contributors of freshwater in the Mediterranean Sea and ends in the Ebro delta, one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Bedrocks of the Ebro River Basin are mainly dominated by carbonates and evaporites from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic terrains. The Ebro river mainstream was sampled at Amposta one time per month between June 2005 and May 2006 and secondly, the Ebro River along its main course and its main tributaries were sampled during one field campaign in April 2006. The behaviour of Ca and its isotopes during water/rock interactions at the scale of a large river basin having various lithologies will be investigated in addition with Sr, S (SO4) and O (SO4) isotopes. One objective is to characterize the processes controlling the isotope signatures of a large river draining predominantly sedimentary bedrocks. The δ44Ca ratio (δ44/40 normalised to Seawater) ranged between -0.87 and -1.09‰ along the Ebro main stream, increasing towards the delta as the Ca content increase. In Amposta, the δ44Ca ratio ranged between -0.66 and -1.04‰ and tends to decrease with the increasing discharge. These variations are very similar to those given by the 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Sr contents. For the tributaries, the δ44Ca ratio ranged between -0.43 and -1.04‰ whereas the anhydrite-gypsum bedrock display a range from -0.94 to -1.22 and the carbonate bedrock ranged from -1.04 to -1.39‰. Comparing Sr isotope ratios and Ca/Na ratios evidenced the role of anhydrites/halides weathering for some tributaries (Guadalope, Matarrana, Aragon, Ega), the role of carbonates/halides weathering for the others (Gallego, Cinca, Segre); the Ebro being a mix of both. Weathering of rock masks the seasalt signal, if any. As there is no Ca in halides, the comparison of the δ44Ca and 87Sr/86Sr ratios further evidenced the role of anhydrites and carbonates for the Ebro and tributaries, highlight geochemical processes like carbonate oversaturation (Guadalope and Matarrana tributaries) and imprints the seasalt signal.

Eccentric contractions disrupt FKBP12 content in mouse skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Baumann, Cory W.; Rogers, Russell G.; Gahlot, Nidhi; Ingalls, Christopher P.

2014-01-01

Abstract Strength deficits associated with eccentric contraction‐induced muscle injury stem, in part, from impaired voltage‐gated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release. FKBP12 is a 12‐kD immunophilin known to bind to the SR Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor, RyR1) and plays an important role in excitation‐contraction coupling. To assess the effects of eccentric contractions on FKBP12 content, we measured anterior crural muscle (tibialis anterior [TA], extensor digitorum longus [EDL], extensor hallucis longus muscles) strength and FKBP12 content in pellet and supernatant fractions after centrifugation via immunoblotting from mice before and after a single bout of either 150 eccentric or concentric contractions. There were no changes in peak isometric torque or FKBP12 content in TA muscles after concentric contractions. However, FKBP12 content was reduced in the pelleted fraction immediately after eccentric contractions, and increased in the soluble protein fraction 3 day after injury induction. FKBP12 content was correlated (P = 0.025; R2= 0.38) to strength deficits immediately after injury induction. In summary, eccentric contraction‐induced muscle injury is associated with significant alterations in FKBP12 content after injury, and is correlated with changes in peak isometric torque. PMID:25347864

Mitochondrial role in ischemia-reperfusion of rat hearts exposed to high-K+ cardioplegia and clonazepam: energetic and contractile consequences.

PubMed

Consolini, A E; Ragone, M I; Conforti, P; Volonté, M G

2007-05-01

The role of the mitochondrial Na/Ca-exchanger (mNCX) in hearts exposed to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and pretreated with cardioplegia (CPG) was studied from a mechano-calorimetric approach. No-flow ischemia (ISCH) and reperfusion (REP) were developed in isolated rat hearts pretreated with 10 micromol/L clonazepam (CLZP), an inhibitor of the mNCX, and (or) a high K+ - low Ca2+ solution (CPG). Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), pressure development during beats (P), and the steady heat release (Ht) were continuously measured and muscle contents of ATP and PCr were analyzed at the end of REP. During REP, Ht increased more than P, reducing muscle economy (P/Ht) and the ATP content. CPG induced an increase in P recovery during REP (to 90% +/- 10% of preISCH) with respect to nonpretreated hearts (control, C, to 64% +/- 10%, p < 0.05). In contrast, CLZP reduced P recovery of CPG-hearts (50% +/- 6.4%, p < 0.05) and increased LVEDP in C hearts. To evaluate effects on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function, ischemic hearts were reperfused with 10 mmol/L caffeine -36 mmol/L Na (C - caff - low Na). It increased LVEDP, which afterwards slowly relaxed, whereas Ht increased (by about 6.5 mW/g). CLZP sped up the relaxation with higher DeltaHt, C - caff - low Na produced higher contracture and lower Ht in perfused than in ischemic hearts. Values of DeltaHt were compared with reported fluxes of Ca2+-transporters, suggesting that mitochondria may be in part responsible for the DeltaHt during C - caff - low Na REP. Results suggest that ISCH-REP reduced the SR store for the recovery of contractility, but induced Ca2+ movement from the mitochondria to the SR stores. Also, mitochondria and SR are able to remove cytosolic Ca2+ during overloads (as under caffeine), through the mNCX and the uniporter. CPG increases Ca2+ cycling from mitochondria to the SR, which contributes to the higher recovery of P. In contrast, CLZP produces a deleterious effect on ISCH-REP associated with higher heat release and reduced resynthesis of high energy phosphates, which suggests the induction of mitochondrial Ca cycling and uncoupling.

An assessment of the Ca weathering sources to surface waters on the Precambrian Shield in central Ontario.

PubMed

Watmough, Shaun

2018-06-01

There is increasing concern over the negative ecological impacts caused by falling calcium (Ca) concentrations in lakes, particularly in central Ontario, Canada. Forecasting regional changes in lake Ca concentrations relies on accurate estimates of mineral weathering rates that are not widely available. In this study, bulk atmospheric deposition, surface water and soil chemistry along with 87 Sr/ 86 Sr isotope measurements were used to provide regional insight into weathering controls on Ca concentrations in lakes. Regionally, Ca concentrations in 90% of 129 lakes sampled in central Ontario were <0.1 mmol L -1 and the Ca/Sr ratio in lakes increased and the K/Sr ratio decreased with increasing Sr concentration, which is indicative of greater Ca sources from calcite or apatite in the higher Ca lakes. Significant relationships between 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios and Ca/Sr rations in dilute acid (0.1 M HCl) soil extracts are also indicative of the presence of trace amounts of calcite or apatite in surficial soils. Within the low (<0.7 mmol L -1 ) Ca lakes, defined in this study that are considered most at risk from falling Ca concentrations, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios fell within the range observed in weak acid soil extracts and were also significantly related to Ca/Na and K/Sr ratios in surface waters. There were large inconsistencies however, between Ca/Na ratios and Ca/Sr in surface waters and soil acid extracts that suggest differences in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios in surface waters of the low Ca lakes do not simply reflect differences in Ca derived from non-silicate minerals in surficial soils and that that Ca sources from deeper soil or bedrock are also important contributors to surface water Ca in these low Ca lakes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composition and Elution Behavior of Various Elements from Printed Circuit Boards, Cathode-ray Tube Glass, and Liquid-crystal Displays in Waste Consumer Electronics.

PubMed

Inaba, Kazuho; Murata, Tomoyoshi; Yamamura, Shigeki; Nagano, Masaaki; Iwasaki, Kazuhiro; Nakajima, Daisuke; Takigami, Hidetaka

2018-01-01

The contents and elution behavior of metals in consumer electronics parts were determined so as to understand their maximum environmental risk. Elements contained most in printed-circuit boards were Cu, Si, Br, Ca, Al, Sn, Pb, Sb, Ba, Fe, Ni, Ti, and Zn; in cathode-ray tube glass were Si, Pb, Ba, Sr, Zn, Zr, Ca, and Sb; in arsenic contained liquid-crystal displays were Si, Ca, Sr, Ba, As, and Fe; and in antimony contained liquid-crystal displays were Si, Ba, Ca, Sb, Sr, Fe, and Sn. The elements eluted most from printed-circuit boards were Zn, Pb, and Cu; from cathode-ray tube glass were Pb, Zn, B, Ba, and Si; and from liquid-crystal displays were B and Si, and the toxic As and Sb. The amount eluted was greatest at acidic pH. It was revealed that officially recommended 6-h-shaking with a pure water test was insufficient to understand the real environmental risk of waste electronics.

Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x Self-lubricating Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Hua; Zhang, Du; Wang, Yuqi; Zhang, Yi; Ji, Xiaorui; Song, Haojie; Li, Changsheng

2014-01-01

Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x self-lubricating composites were successfully fabricated by a facile powder metallurgy method. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized composites and the worn surface after tribometer testing are characterized by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy together with energy dispersive spectrometry. The results indicated that self-lubricating composites are composed of superconductor phase and Ag phase. Moreover, the effects of Ag on mechanical and tribological properties of the novel composites were investigated. The friction test results showed that the friction coefficient of the pure Bi2212 against stainless steel is about 0.40 at ambient temperature and abruptly decreases to about 0.17 when the temperature is cooled to 77 K. The friction coefficients of the composites from room temperature to high temperature were lower and more stable than those of pure Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x . When the content of Ag is 10 wt.%, the Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x composites exhibited excellent tribological performance, the improved tribological properties are attributed to the formation of soft metallic Ag films at the contacted zone of the composites.

Novel and easy access to highly luminescent Eu and Tb doped ultra-small CaF2, SrF2 and BaF2 nanoparticles - structure and luminescence.

PubMed

Ritter, Benjamin; Haida, Philipp; Fink, Friedrich; Krahl, Thoralf; Gawlitza, Kornelia; Rurack, Knut; Scholz, Gudrun; Kemnitz, Erhard

2017-02-28

A universal fast and easy access at room temperature to transparent sols of nanoscopic Eu 3+ and Tb 3+ doped CaF 2 , SrF 2 and BaF 2 particles via the fluorolytic sol-gel synthesis route is presented. Monodisperse quasi-spherical nanoparticles with sizes of 3-20 nm are obtained with up to 40% rare earth doping showing red or green luminescence. In the beginning luminescence quenching effects are only observed for the highest content, which demonstrates the unique and outstanding properties of these materials. From CaF 2 :Eu10 via SrF 2 :Eu10 to BaF 2 :Eu10 a steady increase of the luminescence intensity and lifetime occurs by a factor of ≈2; the photoluminescence quantum yield increases by 29 to 35% due to the lower phonon energy of the matrix. The fast formation process of the particles within fractions of seconds is clearly visualized by exploiting appropriate luminescence processes during the synthesis. Multiply doped particles are also available by this method. Fine tuning of the luminescence properties is achieved by variation of the Ca-to-Sr ratio. Co-doping with Ce 3+ and Tb 3+ results in a huge increase (>50 times) of the green luminescence intensity due to energy transfer Ce 3+ → Tb 3+ . In this case, the luminescence intensity is higher for CaF 2 than for SrF 2 , due to a lower spatial distance of the rare earth ions.

Spatial distribution of the trace elements zinc, strontium and lead in human bone tissue☆

PubMed Central

Pemmer, B.; Roschger, A.; Wastl, A.; Hofstaetter, J.G.; Wobrauschek, P.; Simon, R.; Thaler, H.W.; Roschger, P.; Klaushofer, K.; Streli, C.

2013-01-01

Trace elements are chemical elements in minute quantities, which are known to accumulate in the bone. Cortical and trabecular bones consist of bone structural units (BSUs) such as osteons and bone packets of different mineral content and are separated by cement lines. Previous studies investigating trace elements in bone lacked resolution and therefore very little is known about the local concentration of zinc (Zn), strontium (Sr) and lead (Pb) in BSUs of human bone. We used synchrotron radiation induced micro X-ray fluorescence analysis (SR μ-XRF) in combination with quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) to determine the distribution and accumulation of Zn, Sr, and Pb in human bone tissue. Fourteen human bone samples (10 femoral necks and 4 femoral heads) from individuals with osteoporotic femoral neck fractures as well as from healthy individuals were analyzed. Fluorescence intensity maps were matched with BE images and correlated with calcium (Ca) content. We found that Zn and Pb had significantly increased levels in the cement lines of all samples compared to the surrounding mineralized bone matrix. Pb and Sr levels were found to be correlated with the degree of mineralization. Interestingly, Zn intensities had no correlation with Ca levels. We have shown for the first time that there is a differential accumulation of the trace elements Zn, Pb and Sr in BSUs of human bone indicating different mechanisms of accumulation. PMID:23932972

Calcium buffering properties of sarcoplasmic reticulum and calcium-induced Ca2+ release during the quasi-steady level of release in twitch fibers from frog skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Fénelon, Karine; Lamboley, Cédric R.H.; Carrier, Nicole

2012-01-01

Experiments were performed to characterize the properties of the intrinsic Ca2+ buffers in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cut fibers from frog twitch muscle. The concentrations of total and free calcium ions within the SR ([CaT]SR and [Ca2+]SR) were measured, respectively, with the EGTA/phenol red method and tetramethylmurexide (a low affinity Ca2+ indicator). Results indicate SR Ca2+ buffering was consistent with a single cooperative-binding component or a combination of a cooperative-binding component and a linear binding component accounting for 20% or less of the bound Ca2+. Under the assumption of a single cooperative-binding component, the most likely resting values of [Ca2+]SR and [CaT]SR are 0.67 and 17.1 mM, respectively, and the dissociation constant, Hill coefficient, and concentration of the Ca-binding sites are 0.78 mM, 3.0, and 44 mM, respectively. This information can be used to calculate a variable proportional to the Ca2+ permeability of the SR, namely d[CaT]SR/dt ÷ [Ca2+]SR (denoted release permeability), in experiments in which only [CaT]SR or [Ca2+]SR is measured. In response to a voltage-clamp step to −20 mV at 15°C, the release permeability reaches an early peak followed by a rapid decline to a quasi-steady level that lasts ∼50 ms, followed by a slower decline during which the release permeability decreases by at least threefold. During the quasi-steady level of release, the release amplitude is 3.3-fold greater than expected from voltage activation alone, a result consistent with the recruitment by Ca-induced Ca2+ release of 2.3 SR Ca2+ release channels neighboring each channel activated by its associated voltage sensor. Release permeability at −60 mV increases as [CaT]SR decreases from its resting physiological level to ∼0.1 of this level. This result argues against a release termination mechanism proposed in mammalian muscle fibers in which a luminal sensor of [Ca2+]SR inhibits release when [CaT]SR declines to a low level. PMID:23008434

Calcium buffering properties of sarcoplasmic reticulum and calcium-induced Ca(2+) release during the quasi-steady level of release in twitch fibers from frog skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Fénelon, Karine; Lamboley, Cédric R H; Carrier, Nicole; Pape, Paul C

2012-10-01

Experiments were performed to characterize the properties of the intrinsic Ca(2+) buffers in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cut fibers from frog twitch muscle. The concentrations of total and free calcium ions within the SR ([Ca(T)](SR) and [Ca(2+)](SR)) were measured, respectively, with the EGTA/phenol red method and tetramethylmurexide (a low affinity Ca(2+) indicator). Results indicate SR Ca(2+) buffering was consistent with a single cooperative-binding component or a combination of a cooperative-binding component and a linear binding component accounting for 20% or less of the bound Ca(2+). Under the assumption of a single cooperative-binding component, the most likely resting values of [Ca(2+)](SR) and [Ca(T)](SR) are 0.67 and 17.1 mM, respectively, and the dissociation constant, Hill coefficient, and concentration of the Ca-binding sites are 0.78 mM, 3.0, and 44 mM, respectively. This information can be used to calculate a variable proportional to the Ca(2+) permeability of the SR, namely d[Ca(T)](SR)/dt ÷ [Ca(2+)](SR) (denoted release permeability), in experiments in which only [Ca(T)](SR) or [Ca(2+)](SR) is measured. In response to a voltage-clamp step to -20 mV at 15°C, the release permeability reaches an early peak followed by a rapid decline to a quasi-steady level that lasts ~50 ms, followed by a slower decline during which the release permeability decreases by at least threefold. During the quasi-steady level of release, the release amplitude is 3.3-fold greater than expected from voltage activation alone, a result consistent with the recruitment by Ca-induced Ca(2+) release of 2.3 SR Ca(2+) release channels neighboring each channel activated by its associated voltage sensor. Release permeability at -60 mV increases as [Ca(T)](SR) decreases from its resting physiological level to ~0.1 of this level. This result argues against a release termination mechanism proposed in mammalian muscle fibers in which a luminal sensor of [Ca(2+)](SR) inhibits release when [Ca(T)](SR) declines to a low level.

Measuring the content of 17 elements in the flesh of Prunus cerasifera and its cultivars by ICP-MS.

PubMed

Shen, Jing; Xue, Hai-Yan; Li, Gai-Ru; Lu, Yi; Yao, Jun

2014-09-01

The present study compared the contents of inorganic elements in the pulp of purple, red, and yellow Prunus cerasifera with its cultivars. A method was established for the analysis of 17 kinds of trace elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Be, Li, Se, Sr, Cr, Pb, Cd, As and Hg) in the flesh of Prunus cerasifera by microwave digestion-ICP-MS. The detection method is simple and quick, yet shoes high precision and high sensitivity. The recovery rate of 17 elements ranged, from 93.5% to 110.4%. The analysis results showed that the contents of 17 elements in the flesh of purple, red, and yellow Prunus cerasifera and its cultivars are similar, containing extremely rich K elements (as high as 1 per thousand) and higher contents of Ca, Mg, Na, Fe and Mn. The contents of Cu, Zn, Li, Se, Sr and Cr are also present. The contents of Pb, Cd, As, Hg and other harmful element are either very low or not detectable. The experimental results for the study of trace elements in pulp of Prunus cerasifera and its cultivars provide empirical data for. future research in this area.

Orientation of Calcium in the Mn4Ca Cluster of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex Determined Using Polarized Strontium EXAFS of Photosystem II Membranes†

PubMed Central

Cinco, Roehl M.; Robblee, John H.; Messinger, Johannes; Fernandez, Carmen; Holman, Karen L. McFarlane; Sauer, Kenneth; Yachandra, Vittal K.

2014-01-01

The oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (PS II) in green plants and algae contains a cluster of four Mn atoms in the active site, which catalyzes the photoinduced oxidation of water to dioxygen. Along with Mn, calcium and chloride ions are necessary cofactors for proper functioning of the complex. The current study using polarized Sr EXAFS on oriented Sr-reactivated samples shows that Fourier peak II, which fits best to Mn at 3.5 Å rather than lighter atoms (C, N, O, or Cl), is dichroic, with a larger magnitude at 10° (angle between the PS II membrane normal and the X-ray electric field vector) and a smaller magnitude at 80°. Analysis of the dichroism of the Sr EXAFS yields a lower and upper limit of 0° and 23° for the average angle between the Sr–Mn vectors and the membrane normal and an isotropic coordination number (number of Mn neighbors to Sr) of 1 or 2 for these layered PS II samples. The results confirm the contention that Ca (Sr) is proximal to the Mn cluster and lead to refined working models of the heteronuclear Mn4Ca cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex in PS II. PMID:15491134

Crystal structure and thermoelectric properties of Sr–Mo substituted CaMnO3: a combined experimental and computational study† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5tc02318a

PubMed Central

Srivastava, D.; Azough, F.; Combe, E.; Funahashi, R.; Kepaptsoglou, D. M.; Ramasse, Q. M.; Molinari, M.; Yeandel, S. R.; Baran, J. D.

2015-01-01

A combination of experimental and computational techniques has been employed to study doping effects in perovskite CaMnO3. High quality Sr–Mo co-substituted CaMnO3 ceramics were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide route. Crystallographic data from X-ray and electron diffraction showed an orthorhombic to tetragonal symmetry change on increasing the Sr content, suggesting that Sr widens the transition temperature in CaMnO3 preventing phase transformation-cracking on cooling after sintering, enabling the fabrication of high density ceramics. Atomically resolved imaging and analysis showed a random distribution of Sr in the A-site of the perovskite structure and revealed a boundary structure of 90° rotational twin boundaries across {101}orthorhombic; the latter are predominant phonon scattering sources to lower the thermal conductivity as suggested by molecular dynamics calculations. The effect of doping on the thermoelectric properties was evaluated. Increasing Sr substitution reduces the Seebeck coefficient but the power factor remains high due to improved densification by Sr substitution. Mo doping generates additional charge carriers due to the presence of Mn3+ in the Mn4+ matrix, reducing electrical resistivity. The major impact of Sr on thermoelectric behaviour is the reduction of the thermal conductivity as shown experimentally and by modelling. Strontium containing ceramics showed thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) values higher than 0.1 at temperatures above 850 K. Ca0.7Sr0.3Mn0.96Mo0.04O3 ceramics exhibit enhanced properties with S 1000K = –180 μV K–1, ρ 1000K = 5 × 10–5 Ωm, k 1000K = 1.8 W m–1 K–1 and ZT ≈ 0.11 at 1000 K. PMID:28496979

Determination of (87)Sr/(86)Sr and δ(88/86)Sr ratios in plant materials using MC-ICP-MS.

PubMed

Liu, Hou-Chun; Chung, Chuan-Hsiung; You, Chen-Feng; Chiang, Yi-Hsuan

2016-01-01

A protocol for highly accurate and precise determination of Sr isotope ratios in plant materials, (87)Sr/(86)Sr and δ (88/86)Sr, by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is presented in this study. An Eichrom Sr resin was used for matrix separation and an improved Zr empirical external normalization coupled with standard-sample bracketing method (Zr EEN-SSB) was applied to mass bias correction during Sr isotope MC-ICP-MS measurements. Potential influences of matrix elements, and polyatomic and isobaric interferences on the Sr isotopic determination were further evaluated using NIST SRM 987 Sr isotopic standard spiked with various amount of Ca, Mg, and Rb contents. Concentrations of Ca and Mg lower than 30 ng g(-1) or Rb < 2 ng g(-1) in 150 ng g(-1) Sr analyte were estimated to have only a minor effect on Sr isotope ratios determination. On the other hand, intensity differences between sample and standards (IntSample/IntStandards) represented a large δ (88/86)Sr deviation of <0.9 or >1.3, reflecting the significance of intensity bias attributed to different mass bias behavior. An apple leaf material, NIST SRM 1515, was adopted as the plant material for overall evaluation of sample digestion, matrix separation, and potential spectral interferences on the measurements of Sr isotope ratios. Our results suggest that the partially remaining organic compounds in the incomplete digestion would have a significant bias on the extraction chromatography procedure, resulting in sizable uncertainty in δ (88/86)Sr ratios. Thus, complete digestion of the organic-enriched materials is of great importance for efficiency assurance in matrix separation. Extraction chromatography works well for the total digested samples, where Ca, Mg, and Rb were efficiently removed. The obtained average (87)Sr/(86)Sr and δ (88/86)Sr values for the NIST SRM 1515 apple leaves are 0.71398 ± 0.00004 and 0.23 ± 0.03‰ (2SD, n = 10), respectively.

The series Bi2Sr2Ca(n-1) Cu(n)O(2n+4) (1 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 5): Phase stability and superconducting properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deguire, Mark R.; Bansal, Narottam P.; Farrell, David E.; Finan, Valerie; Kim, Cheol J.; Hills, Bethanie J.; Allen, Christopher J.

1989-01-01

Phase relations at 850 and 870 C, melting transitions in air, oxygen, and helium were studied for Bi(2.1)Sr(1.9) CuO6 and for the Bi2Sr2Ca(n-1) Cu(n)O(2n+4) for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and infinity (CaCuO2). Up to 870 C, the n = 2 composition resides in the compatibility tetrahedron bounded by Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8, (Sr,Ca)14 Cu24O41, Ca2CuO3, and a Bi-Sr-Ca-O phase. The n is greater than or equal to 3 compositions reside in the compatibility tetrahedron Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8 - (Sr,Ca)14 Cu24O41 - Ca2CuO3 - CuO up to 850 C. However, Bi(2+x)Sr(4-y) Cu3O10 forms for n is greater than or equal to 3 after extended heating at 870 C. Bi(2+x)Sr(2-y) CuO6 and Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8 melt in air at 914 C and 895 C respectively. During melting, all of the compositions studied lose 1 to 2 percent by weight of oxygen from the reduction of copper. Bi(2+x)Sr(2-y) CuO6, Bi(2+n)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8, and Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(4-y) Cu3O10 exhibit crystallographic alignment in a magnetic field, with the c-axes orienting parallel to the field.

Modulation of cytosolic and intra-sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium waves by calsequestrin in rat cardiac myocytes

PubMed Central

Kubalova, Zuzana; Györke, Inna; Terentyeva, Radmila; Viatchenko-Karpinski, Serge; Terentyev, Dmitry; Williams, Simon C; Györke, Sandor

2004-01-01

Waves of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release occur in various cell types and are involved in the pathology of certain forms of cardiac arrhythmia. These arrhythmias include catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), certain cases of which are associated with mutations in the cardiac calsequestrin gene (CASQ2). To explore the mechanisms of Ca2+ wave generation and unravel the underlying causes of CPVT, we investigated the effects of adenoviral-mediated changes in CASQ2 protein levels on the properties of cytosolic and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ waves in permeabilized rat ventricular myocytes. The free [Ca2+] inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]SR) was monitored by fluo-5N entrapped into the SR, and cytosolic Ca2+ was imaged using fluo-3. Overexpression of CASQ2 resulted in significant increases in the amplitude of Ca2+ waves and interwave intervals, whereas reduced CASQ2 levels caused drastic reductions in the amplitude and period of Ca2+ waves. CASQ2 abundance had no impact on resting diastolic [Ca2+]SR or on the amplitude of the [Ca2+]SR depletion signal during the Ca2+ wave. However, the recovery dynamics of [Ca2+]SR following Ca2+ release were dramatically altered as the rate of [Ca2+]SR recovery increased ∼3-fold in CASQ2-overexpressing myocytes and decreased to 30% of control in CASQ2-underexpressing myocytes. There was a direct linear relationship between Ca2+ wave period and the half-time of basal [Ca2+]SR recovery following Ca2+ release. Loading the SR with the low affinity exogenous Ca2+ buffer citrate exerted effects quantitatively similar to those observed on overexpressing CASQ2. We conclude that free intra-SR [Ca2+] is a critical determinant of cardiac Ca2+ wave generation. Our data indicate that reduced intra-SR Ca2+ binding activity promotes the generation of Ca2+ waves by accelerating the dynamics of attaining a threshold free [Ca2+]SR required for Ca2+ wave initiation, potentially accounting for arrythmogenesis in CPVT linked to mutations in CASQ2. PMID:15486014

Effects of elevated physiological temperatures on sarcoplasmic reticulum function in mechanically skinned muscle fibers of the rat.

PubMed

van der Poel, C; Stephenson, D G

2007-07-01

Properties of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with respect to Ca(2+) loading and release were measured in mechanically skinned fiber preparations from isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of the rat that were either kept at room temperature (23 degrees C) or exposed to temperatures in the upper physiological range for mammalian skeletal muscle (30 min at 40 or 43 degrees C). The ability of the SR to accumulate Ca(2+) was significantly reduced by a factor of 1.9-2.1 after the temperature treatments due to a marked increase in SR Ca(2+) leak, which persisted for at least 3 h after treatment. Results with blockers of Ca(2+) release channels (ruthenium red) and SR Ca(2+) pumps [2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone] indicate that the increased Ca(2+) leak was not through the SR Ca(2+) release channel or the SR Ca(2+) pump, although it is possible that the leak pathway was via oligomerized Ca(2+) pump molecules. No significant change in the maximum SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was observed after the temperature treatment, although there was a tendency for a decrease in the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase. The observed changes in SR properties were fully prevented by the superoxide (O(2)(*-)) scavenger Tiron (20 mM), indicating that the production of O(2)(*-) at elevated temperatures is responsible for the increase in SR Ca(2+) leak. Results show that physiologically relevant elevated temperatures 1) induce lasting changes in SR properties with respect to Ca(2+) handling that contribute to a marked increase in the SR Ca(2+) leak and, consequently, to the reduction in the average coupling ratio between Ca(2+) transport and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and muscle performance, and 2) that these changes are mediated by temperature-induced O(2)(*-) production.

Minute co-variations of Sr/Ca ratios and microstructures in the aragonitic shell of Cerastoderma edule (Bivalvia) - Are geochemical variations at the ultra-scale masking potential environmental signals?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Füllenbach, Christoph S.; Schöne, Bernd R.; Shirai, Kotaro; Takahata, Naoto; Ishida, Akizumi; Sano, Yuji

2017-05-01

It remains a challenging task to reconstruct water temperatures from Sr/Ca ratios of bivalve shells. Although in many aragonitic species, Sr/Ca is negatively correlated to temperature - which is expected based on abiogenic precipitation experiments, the incorporation of Sr into the shell of bivalves is strongly controlled by physiological processes and occurs away from the predicted thermodynamic equilibrium. Strontium-to-calcium ratios of aragonitic shells remain far below that of the ambient water. Moreover, Sr concentrations vary considerably among shell portions consisting of different microstructures and/or organic content. Values observed at annual growth lines and within the intervening shell portions (= annual growth increments) deviate much stronger from each other than expected from a change in temperature or Sr/Cawater. As demonstrated here by ultra-high-resolution chemical analysis (EPMA, NanoSIMS) of a Cerastoderma edule shell, Sr concentrations are also heterogeneously distributed at approximately micrometer resolution. For example, in the outer portion of the outer shell layer, Sr/Ca ratios were statistically significantly (t-, u-tests) higher at circatidal growth lines (irregular simple prismatic structure; arithmetic mean ± 1 standard deviation = 2.86 ± 0.38 mmol/mol; n = 53) than within circatidal increments (nondenticular prismatic structure; 2.42 ± 0.25 mmol/mol; n = 51). S/Cashell, a representative of the concentration of organics, showed the opposite pattern, i.e., significantly higher values in circatidal increments (2.37 ± 0.29 mmol/mol; n = 51) than at circatidal growth lines (2.13 ± 0.47 mmol/mol; n = 53). Overall highest values of Sr/Cashell (3.47 ± 0.65 mmol/mol; n = 3) and S/Cashell (3.98 ± 0.65 mmol/mol; n = 3), however, were typically associated with annual growth lines and larger biomineral units. The intimate link between Sr/Cashell, S/Cashell and shell architecture may indicate that microstructures or the processes controlling their formation exert a strong control over the incorporation of strontium into shells of C. edule. Analytical techniques with lower sampling resolution, e.g., LA-ICP-MS, cannot resolve such fine-scale Sr variations. As a result, the signal-to-noise ratio decreases and the data generated by such techniques may therefore not seem to provide useful paleotemperature data. Future studies should therefore employ a combined analysis of Sr/Cashell and shell microstructures, and interpret Sr/Ca values of shell portions with different microstructures separately.

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

Walser, M.; Robinson, B.H.B.

The ratio of excreted (Sr/sub u/) to filtered (Sr/sub o/) radiostrontium (Sr/sup 85/) was compared with the ratio of excreted (Ca/sub u/) to filtered (Ca/ sub o/) calcium in human subjects and dogs undergoing a variety of diuretic procedures. The relation Sr/sub u//Sr/sub o/ = (Ca/sub u/,/Ca/sub o//sup 0.7/ serves to predict Sr/sub u//Sr/sub o/ from Ca/su b u//Ca/sub o/with a standard error of estimate of 15% over a wide range of variation (30- to 200-fold) in the 2 quantities. The equation can be derived from the assumptions that the 2 ions are reabsorbed at rates proportional to the localmore » concentrations in the tubular fluid, and that the rate constant for Sr reabsorption is always 0.7 times that for Ca reabsorption. This relation was not affected by adrenocortical activity (in man), parathyroid activity, hypercalcemia, acid-base balance, Mg clearance, or diuretics (chlorothiazide or hydrochlorothiazide). Sulfate or ferrocyanide infusion was also without effect, presumably because the affinity of each of the 2 anions for Ca is similar to its affinity for Sr. Citrate, which binds Ca more strongly, diminishes renal discrimination between Ca and Sr. Although this relation has high predictive value (r* = 0.98), it does not establish that the reabsorption of Ca and Sr are first-order processes nor that the 2 ions share a common mechanism. (H.H.D.)« less

Major, minor, trace and rare earth elements in sediments of the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau.

PubMed

Carvalho, Lina; Figueira, Paula; Monteiro, Rui; Reis, Ana Teresa; Almeida, Joana; Catry, Teresa; Lourenço, Pedro Miguel; Catry, Paulo; Barbosa, Castro; Catry, Inês; Pereira, Eduarda; Granadeiro, José Pedro; Vale, Carlos

2018-04-01

Sixty sediment samples from four sites in the Bijagós archipelago were characterized for fine fraction, loss on ignition, major, minor and trace elemental composition (Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Ti, P, Zr, Mn, Cr, Sr, Ba, B, V, Li, Zn, Ni, Pb, As, Co, U, Cu, Cs and Cd), and the elements of the La-Lu series. Element concentrations were largely explained by the Al content and the proportion of fine fraction content, with the exception of Ca and Sr. Sediments showed enhanced Ti, U, Cr, As and Cd concentrations with respect to estimated upper crust values, most likely mirroring a regional signature. Rare earth elements were in deficit relatively to the North American Shale Composite (NASC), mainly in coarser material. No pronounced Ce-anomaly was observed, while Eu-anomalies were positive in most analyzed sediments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The cargo receptor p24A facilitates calcium sensing receptor maturation and stabilization in the early secretory pathway

PubMed Central

Stepanchick, Ann; Breitwieser, Gerda E.

2010-01-01

The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is a Family 3/C G protein-coupled receptor with slow and partial targeting to the plasma membrane in both native and heterologous cells. We identified cargo receptor family member p24A in yeast two-hybrid screens with the CaSR carboxyl terminus. Interactions were confirmed by immunoprecipitation of either p24A or CaSR in transiently transfected HEK293 cells. Only the immaturely glycosylated form of CaSR interacts with p24A. Dissociation likely occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) or cis-Golgi, since only the uncleaved form of a CaSR mutant sensitive to the trans-Golgi enzyme furin was coimmunoprecipitated with p24A. p24A and p24A(ΔGOLD) significantly increased total and plasma membrane CaSR protein but p24A(FF/AA) did not. The CaSR carboxyl terminus distal to T868 is required for differential sensitivity to p24A and its mutants. Interaction with p24A therefore increases CaSR stability in the ER and enhances plasma membrane targeting. Neither wt Sar1p or the T39N mutant increased CaSR maturation or abundance while the H79G mutant increased abundance but prevented maturation of CaSR. These results suggest that p24A is the limiting factor in CaSR trafficking in the early secretory pathway, and that cycling between the ER and ERGIC protects CaSR from degradation. PMID:20361938

Relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary elemental and stable-isotopic signatures: potential application for reconstructing environmental history

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

Bock, Lindsey R.; Whitledge, Gregory W.; Pracheil, Brenda M.

The objectives of this study were to characterize relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary Sr:Ca, δ 18O and stable hydrogen isotope ratio (δD) to determine the accuracy with which individual P. spathula could be assigned to their collection locations using dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O. A laboratory experiment was also conducted to determine whether dentary Sr:Ca in age 0 year P. spathula would reflect shifts in water Sr:Ca to which fish were exposed. Significant linear relationships between water and dentary Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O were observed, although the relationship between water and dentary δ 18O wasmore » weaker than those for Sr:Ca and δD. Classification success for individual fish to collection locations that differed in water Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O ranged from 86 to 100% based on dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ18O. Dentary Sr:Ca increased significantly in laboratory-reared age 0 year P. spathula following 4 weeks of exposure to elevated water Sr:Ca; dentary Sr:Ca of fish held in water with elevated Sr:Ca was also significantly higher than that of control fish reared in ambient laboratory water. Results indicated that P. spathula dentaries reflect water signatures for commonly-applied natural chemical markers and strongly suggest that dentary microchemistry and stable-isotopic compositions will be applicable for reconstructing P. spathula environmental history in locations where sufficient spatial differences in water chemistry occur.« less

Relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary elemental and stable-isotopic signatures: potential application for reconstructing environmental history

DOE PAGES

Bock, Lindsey R.; Whitledge, Gregory W.; Pracheil, Brenda M.; ...

2016-07-26

The objectives of this study were to characterize relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary Sr:Ca, δ 18O and stable hydrogen isotope ratio (δD) to determine the accuracy with which individual P. spathula could be assigned to their collection locations using dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O. A laboratory experiment was also conducted to determine whether dentary Sr:Ca in age 0 year P. spathula would reflect shifts in water Sr:Ca to which fish were exposed. Significant linear relationships between water and dentary Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O were observed, although the relationship between water and dentary δ 18O wasmore » weaker than those for Sr:Ca and δD. Classification success for individual fish to collection locations that differed in water Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O ranged from 86 to 100% based on dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ18O. Dentary Sr:Ca increased significantly in laboratory-reared age 0 year P. spathula following 4 weeks of exposure to elevated water Sr:Ca; dentary Sr:Ca of fish held in water with elevated Sr:Ca was also significantly higher than that of control fish reared in ambient laboratory water. Results indicated that P. spathula dentaries reflect water signatures for commonly-applied natural chemical markers and strongly suggest that dentary microchemistry and stable-isotopic compositions will be applicable for reconstructing P. spathula environmental history in locations where sufficient spatial differences in water chemistry occur.« less

Migration and rearing histories of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) determined by ion microprobe Sr isotope and Sr/Ca transects of otoliths

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bacon, C.R.; Weber, P.K.; Larsen, K.A.; Reisenbichler, R.; Fitzpatrick, J.A.; Wooden, J.L.

2004-01-01

Strontium isotope and Sr/Ca ratios measured in situ by ion microprobe along radial transects of otoliths of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) vary between watersheds with contrasting geology. Otoliths from ocean-type chinook from Skagit River estuary, Washington, had prehatch regions with 87Sr/86Sr ratios of ???0.709, suggesting a maternally inherited marine signature, extensive fresh water growth zones with 87Sr/86Sr ratios similar to those of the Skagit River at ???0.705, and marine-like 87Sr/86Sr ratios near their edges. Otoliths from stream-type chinook from central Idaho had prehatch 87Sr/86Sr ratios ???0.711, indicating that a maternal marine Sr isotopic signature is not preserved after the ???1000- to 1400-km migration from the Pacific Ocean. 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the outer portions of otoliths from these Idaho juveniles were similar to those of their respective streams (???0.708-0.722). For Skagit juveniles, fresh water growth was marked by small decreases in otolith Sr/Ca, with increases in Sr/Ca corresponding to increases in 87Sr/86Sr with migration into salt water. Otoliths of Idaho fish had Sr/Ca radial variation patterns that record seasonal fluctuation in ambient water Sr/Ca ratios. The ion microprobe's ability to measure both 87Sr/86Sr and Sr/Ca ratios of otoliths at high spatial resolution in situ provides a new tool for studies of fish rearing and migration. ?? 2004 NRC Canada.

Elemental signatures in otoliths of hatchery rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Distinctiveness and utility fo detecting origins and movement

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gibson-Reinemer, D. K.; Johnson, B.M.; Martinez, P.J.; Winkelman, D.L.; Koenig, A.E.; Woodhead, J.D.

2009-01-01

Otolith chemistry in freshwater has considerable potential to reveal patterns of origin and movement, which would benefit traditional fisheries management and provide a valuable tool to curb the spread of invasive and illicitly stocked species. We evaluated the relationship between otolith and water chemistry for five markers (Ba/Ca, Mn/Ca, Sr/ Ca, Zn/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using the existing hatchery system in Colorado and Wyoming, USA, to provide controlled, seminatural conditions. Otolith Ba/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr reflected ambient levels, whereas Mn/Ca and Zn/Ca did not. Using only the markers correlated with water chemistry, we classified fish to their hatchery of origin with up to 96% accuracy when element and isotope data were used together. Large changes in 87Sr/Sr were evident in otolith transects, although subtler changes in Sr/Ca were also detectable. Our results suggest the relatively few otolith markers that reflect ambient chemistry can discriminate among locations and track movements well enough to provide valuable insight in a variety of applied contexts.

Allometric constraints on Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca partitioning in terrestrial mammalian trophic chains.

PubMed

Balter, Vincent

2004-03-01

In biological systems, strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba) are two non-essential elements, in comparison to calcium (Ca) which is essential. The Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios tend to decrease in biochemical pathways which include Ca as an essential element, and these processes are termed biopurification of Ca. The quantitative pathway of the biopurification of Ca in relation to Sr and Ba between two biological reservoirs ( Rn and R(n -1)) is measured with an observed ratio (OR) expressed by the (Sr/Ca) Rn /(Sr/Ca)( Rn-1) and (Ba/Ca) Rn /(Ba/Ca)( Rn-1) ratios. For a mammalian organism, during the whole biopurification of Ca starting with the diet to the ultimate reservoir of Ca which is the bone, the mean values for ORSr and ORBa are 0.25 and 0.2, respectively. In this study, published Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios are used for three sets of soils, plants, and bones of herbivorous and carnivorous mammals, each comprising a trophic chain, to illustrate the biopurification of Ca at the level of trophic chains. Calculated ORSr and ORBa of herbivore bones in relation to plants and of bones of carnivores in relation to bones of herbivores give ORSr=0.30+/-0.08 and ORBa=0.16+/-0.08, thus suggesting that trophic chains reflect the Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca fluxes that are prevalent at the level of a mammalian organism. The slopes of the three regression equations of log(Sr/Ca) vs. log(Ba/Ca) are similar, indicating that the process of biopurification of Ca with respect to Sr and Ba is due to biological processes and is independent of the geological settings. Modifications of the logarithmic expression of the Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca relationship allow a new formula of the biopurification process to be deduced, leading to the general equation ORBa=ORSr(1.79+/-0.33), where the allometric coefficient is the mean of the slopes of the three regression equations. Some recent examples are used to illustrate this new analysis of predator-prey relations between mammals. This opens up new possibilities for the utilization of Ba/Ca and Sr/Ca in addition to stable isotope ratios (delta13C and delta15N) for the determination of the relative contribution of different food sources to an animal's diet.

Characterization of ryanodine receptor and Ca2+-ATPase isoforms in the thermogenic heater organ of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans).

PubMed

Morrissette, Jeffery M; Franck, Jens P G; Block, Barbara A

2003-03-01

A thermogenic organ is found beneath the brain of billfishes (Istiophoridae), swordfish (Xiphiidae) and the butterfly mackerel (Scombridae). The heater organ has been shown to warm the brain and eyes up to 14 degrees C above ambient water temperature. Heater cells are derived from extraocular muscle fibers and express a modified muscle phenotype with an extensive transverse-tubule (T-tubule) network and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) enriched in Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) pumps and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Heater cells have a high mitochondria content but have lost most of the contractile myofilaments. Thermogenesis has been hypothesized to be associated with release and reuptake of Ca(2+). In this study, Ca(2+) fluxes in heater SR vesicles derived from blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) were measured using fura-2 fluorescence. Upon the addition of MgATP, heater SR vesicles rapidly sequestered Ca(2+). Uptake of Ca(2+) was thapsigargin sensitive, and maximum loading ranged between 0.8 micro mol Ca(2+) mg(-1) protein and 1.0 micro mol Ca(2+) mg(-1) protein. Upon the addition of 10 mmol l(-1) caffeine or 350 micro mol l(-1) ryanodine, heater SR vesicles released only a small fraction of the loaded Ca(2+). However, ryanodine could elicit a much larger Ca(2+) release event when the activity of the SERCA pumps was reduced. RNase protection assays revealed that heater tissue expresses an RyR isoform that is also expressed in fish slow-twitch skeletal muscle but is distinct from the RyR expressed in fish fast-twitch skeletal muscle. The heater and slow-twitch muscle RyR isoform has unique physiological properties. In the presence of adenine nucleotides, this RyR remains open even though cytoplasmic Ca(2+) is elevated, a condition that normally closes RyRs. The fast Ca(2+) sequestration by the heater SR, coupled with a physiologically unique RyR, is hypothesized to promote Ca(2+) cycling, ATP turnover and heat generation. A branch of the oculomotor nerve innervates heater organs, and, in this paper, we demonstrate that heater cells contain large 'endplate-like' clusters of acetylcholine receptors that appear to provide a mechanism for nervous control of thermogenesis.

Geochemical signatures in fin rays provide a nonlethal method to distinguish the natal rearing streams of endangered juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Wenatchee River, Washington

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

Linley, Timothy J.; Krogstad, Eirik J.; Nims, Megan K.

Rebuilding fish populations that have undergone a major decline is a challenging task that can be made more complicated when estimates of abundance obtained from physical tags are biased or imprecise. Abundance estimates based on natural tags where each fish in the population is marked can help address these problems, but generally requires that the samples be obtained in a nonlethal manner. We evaluated the potential of using geochemical signatures in fin rays as a nonlethal method to determine the natal tributaries of endangered juvenile spring Chinook Salmon in the Wenatchee River, Washington. Archived samples of anal fin clips collectedmore » from yearling smolt in 2009, 2010 and 2011 were analyzed for Ba/Ca, Mn/Ba, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Zn/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Water samples collected from these same streams in 2012 were also quantified for geochemical composition. Fin ray and water Ba/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr were highly correlated despite the samples having been collected in different years. Fin ray Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Zn/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr ratios differed significantly among the natal streams, but also among years within streams. A linear discriminant model that included Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr correctly classified 95% of the salmon to their natal stream. Our results suggest that fin ray geochemistry may provide an effective, nonlethal method to identify mixtures of Wenatchee River spring Chinook Salmon for recovery efforts when these involve the capture of juvenile fish to estimate population abundance.« less

The Ca2+-ATPase pump facilitates bidirectional proton transport across the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum.

PubMed

Espinoza-Fonseca, L Michel

2017-03-28

Ca 2+ transport across the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays an essential role in intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis, signalling, cell differentiation and muscle contractility. During SR Ca 2+ uptake and release, proton fluxes are required to balance the charge deficit generated by the exchange of Ca 2+ and other ions across the SR. During Ca 2+ uptake by the SR Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA), two protons are countertransported from the SR lumen to the cytosol, thus partially compensating for the charge moved by Ca 2+ transport. Studies have shown that protons are also transported from the cytosol to the lumen during Ca 2+ release, but a transporter that facilitates proton transport into the SR lumen has not been described. In this article we propose that SERCA forms pores that facilitate bidirectional proton transport across the SR. We describe the location and structure of water-filled pores in SERCA that form cytosolic and luminal pathways for protons to cross the SR membrane. Based on this structural information, we suggest mechanistic models for proton translocation to the cytosol during active Ca 2+ transport, and into the SR lumen during SERCA inhibition by endogenous regulatory proteins. Finally, we discuss the physiological consequences of SERCA-mediated bidirectional proton transport across the SR membrane of muscle and non-muscle cells.

Rem uncouples excitation–contraction coupling in adult skeletal muscle fibers

PubMed Central

Beqollari, Donald; Romberg, Christin F.; Filipova, Dilyana; Meza, Ulises; Papadopoulos, Symeon

2015-01-01

In skeletal muscle, excitation–contraction (EC) coupling requires depolarization-induced conformational rearrangements in L-type Ca2+ channel (CaV1.1) to be communicated to the type 1 ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channel (RYR1) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via transient protein–protein interactions. Although the molecular mechanism that underlies conformational coupling between CaV1.1 and RYR1 has been investigated intensely for more than 25 years, the question of whether such signaling occurs via a direct interaction between the principal, voltage-sensing α1S subunit of CaV1.1 and RYR1 or through an intermediary protein persists. A substantial body of evidence supports the idea that the auxiliary β1a subunit of CaV1.1 is a conduit for this intermolecular communication. However, a direct role for β1a has been difficult to test because β1a serves two other functions that are prerequisite for conformational coupling between CaV1.1 and RYR1. Specifically, β1a promotes efficient membrane expression of CaV1.1 and facilitates the tetradic ultrastructural arrangement of CaV1.1 channels within plasma membrane–SR junctions. In this paper, we demonstrate that overexpression of the RGK protein Rem, an established β subunit–interacting protein, in adult mouse flexor digitorum brevis fibers markedly reduces voltage-induced myoplasmic Ca2+ transients without greatly affecting CaV1.1 targeting, intramembrane gating charge movement, or releasable SR Ca2+ store content. In contrast, a β1a-binding–deficient Rem triple mutant (R200A/L227A/H229A) has little effect on myoplasmic Ca2+ release in response to membrane depolarization. Thus, Rem effectively uncouples the voltage sensors of CaV1.1 from RYR1-mediated SR Ca2+ release via its ability to interact with β1a. Our findings reveal Rem-expressing adult muscle as an experimental system that may prove useful in the definition of the precise role of the β1a subunit in skeletal-type EC coupling. PMID:26078055

Rem uncouples excitation-contraction coupling in adult skeletal muscle fibers.

PubMed

Beqollari, Donald; Romberg, Christin F; Filipova, Dilyana; Meza, Ulises; Papadopoulos, Symeon; Bannister, Roger A

2015-07-01

In skeletal muscle, excitation-contraction (EC) coupling requires depolarization-induced conformational rearrangements in L-type Ca(2+) channel (Ca(V)1.1) to be communicated to the type 1 ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) release channel (RYR1) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via transient protein-protein interactions. Although the molecular mechanism that underlies conformational coupling between Ca(V)1.1 and RYR1 has been investigated intensely for more than 25 years, the question of whether such signaling occurs via a direct interaction between the principal, voltage-sensing α(1S) subunit of Ca(V)1.1 and RYR1 or through an intermediary protein persists. A substantial body of evidence supports the idea that the auxiliary β(1a) subunit of Ca(V)1.1 is a conduit for this intermolecular communication. However, a direct role for β(1a) has been difficult to test because β(1a) serves two other functions that are prerequisite for conformational coupling between Ca(V)1.1 and RYR1. Specifically, β(1a) promotes efficient membrane expression of Ca(V)1.1 and facilitates the tetradic ultrastructural arrangement of Ca(V)1.1 channels within plasma membrane-SR junctions. In this paper, we demonstrate that overexpression of the RGK protein Rem, an established β subunit-interacting protein, in adult mouse flexor digitorum brevis fibers markedly reduces voltage-induced myoplasmic Ca(2+) transients without greatly affecting Ca(V)1.1 targeting, intramembrane gating charge movement, or releasable SR Ca(2+) store content. In contrast, a β(1a)-binding-deficient Rem triple mutant (R200A/L227A/H229A) has little effect on myoplasmic Ca(2+) release in response to membrane depolarization. Thus, Rem effectively uncouples the voltage sensors of Ca(V)1.1 from RYR1-mediated SR Ca(2+) release via its ability to interact with β(1a). Our findings reveal Rem-expressing adult muscle as an experimental system that may prove useful in the definition of the precise role of the β(1a) subunit in skeletal-type EC coupling. © 2015 Beqollari et al.

Control of renal calcium, phosphate, electrolyte, and water excretion by the calcium-sensing receptor.

PubMed

Tyler Miller, R

2013-06-01

Through regulation of excretion, the kidney shares responsibility for the metabolic balance of calcium (Ca(2+)) with several other tissues including the GI tract and bone. The balances of Ca(2+) and phosphate (PO4), magnesium (Mg(2+)), sodium (Na(+)), potassium (K(+)), chloride (Cl(-)), and water (H2O) are linked via regulatory systems with overlapping effects and are also controlled by systems specific to each of them. Cloning of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) along with the recognition that mutations in the CaSR gene are responsible for two familial syndromes characterized by abnormalities in the regulation of PTH secretion and Ca(2+) metabolism (Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia, FHH, and Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia, ADH) made it clear that extracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)o) participates in its own regulation via a specific, receptor-mediated mechanism. Demonstration that the CaSR is expressed in the kidney as well as the parathyroid glands combined with more complete characterizations of FHH and ADH established that the effects of elevated Ca(2+) on the kidney (wasting of Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and H2O) are attributable to activation of the CaSR. The advent of positive and negative allosteric modulators of the CaSR along with mouse models with global or tissue-selective deletion of the CaSR in the kidney have allowed a better understanding of the functions of the CaSR in various nephron segments. The biology of the CaSR is more complicated than originally thought and difficult to define precisely owing to the limitations of reagents such as anti-CaSR antibodies and the difficulties inherent in separating direct effects of Ca(2+) on the kidney mediated by the CaSR from associated CaSR-induced changes in PTH. Nevertheless, renal CaSRs have nephron-specific effects that contribute to regulating Ca(2+) in the circulation and urine in a manner that assures a narrow range of Ca(2+)o in the blood and avoids excessively high concentrations of Ca(2+) in the urine. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A novel method to develop an otolith microchemistry model to determine striped bass habitat use in the San Francisco Estuary

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

Phillis, C C; Ostrach, D J; Gras, M

2006-06-14

Otolith Sr/Ca has become a popular tool for hind casting habitat utilization and migration histories of euryhaline fish. It can readily identify habitat shifts of diadromous fish in most systems. Inferring movements of fish within estuarine habitat, however, requires a model of that accounts of the local water chemistry and the response of individual species to that water chemistry, which is poorly understood. Modeling is further complicated by the fact that high marine Sr and Ca concentrations results in a rapid, nonlinear increase in water Sr/Ca and {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr between fresh and marine waters. Here we demonstrate a novelmore » method for developing a salinity-otolith Sr/Ca model for the purpose of reconstructing striped bass (Morone saxatilis) habitat use in the San Francisco Bay estuary. We used correlated Sr/Ca and {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr ratios measurements from adult otoliths from striped bass that experienced a range of salinities to infer striped bass otolith Sr/Ca response to changes in salinity and water Sr/Ca ratio. Otolith {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr can be assumed to accurately record water {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr because there is no biological fractionation of Sr isotopes. Water {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr can in turn be used to estimate water salinity based on the mixing of fresh and marine water with known {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr ratios. The relationship between adjacent analyses on otoliths of Sr/Ca and {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr by LA-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS (r{sup 2} = 0.65, n = 66) is used to predict water salinity from a measured Sr/Ca ratio. The nature of this non-linear model lends itself well to identifying residence in the Delta and to a lesser extent Suisun Bay, but does not do well locating residence within the more saline bays west of Carquinez Strait. An increase in the number of analyses would improve model confidence, but ultimately the precision of the model is limited by the variability in the response of individual fish to water Sr/Ca.« less

Accumulation of alkaline earth metals by the green macroalga Bryopsis maxima.

PubMed

Takahashi, Shigekazu; Aizawa, Kyoko; Nakamura, Saki; Nakayama, Katsumi; Fujisaki, Shingo; Watanabe, Soichiro; Satoh, Hiroyuki

2015-04-01

Twenty-five days after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011, we collected samples of the green macroalga Bryopsis maxima from the Pacific coast of Japan. Bryopsis maxima is a unicellular, multinuclear, siphonous green macroalga. Radiation analysis revealed that B. maxima emitted remarkably high gamma radiation of (131)I, (134)Cs, (137)Cs, and (140)Ba as fission products of (235)U. Interestingly, B. maxima contained naturally occurring radionuclides derived from (226)Ra and (228)Ra. Analysis of element content revealed that B. maxima accumulates many ocean elements, especially high quantities of the alkaline earth metals Sr (15.9 g per dry-kg) and Ba (3.79 g per dry-kg), whereas Ca content (12.5 g per dry-kg) was lower than that of Sr and only 61 % of the mean content of 70 Japanese seaweed species. Time-course analysis determined the rate of radioactive (85)Sr incorporation into thalli to be approximately 0.13 g Sr per dry-kg of thallus per day. Subcellular fractionation of B. maxima cells showed that most of the (85)Sr was localized in the soluble fraction, predominantly in the vacuole or cytosol. Given that (85)Sr radioactivity was permeable through a dialysis membrane, the (85)Sr was considered to be a form of inorganic ion and/or bound with a small molecule. Precipitation analysis with sodium sulfate showed that more than 70% of the Sr did not precipitate as SrSO4, indicating that a proportion of the Sr may bind with small molecules in B. maxima.

Spatial distribution of the trace elements zinc, strontium and lead in human bone tissue.

PubMed

Pemmer, B; Roschger, A; Wastl, A; Hofstaetter, J G; Wobrauschek, P; Simon, R; Thaler, H W; Roschger, P; Klaushofer, K; Streli, C

2013-11-01

Trace elements are chemical elements in minute quantities, which are known to accumulate in the bone. Cortical and trabecular bones consist of bone structural units (BSUs) such as osteons and bone packets of different mineral content and are separated by cement lines. Previous studies investigating trace elements in bone lacked resolution and therefore very little is known about the local concentration of zinc (Zn), strontium (Sr) and lead (Pb) in BSUs of human bone. We used synchrotron radiation induced micro X-ray fluorescence analysis (SR μ-XRF) in combination with quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) to determine the distribution and accumulation of Zn, Sr, and Pb in human bone tissue. Fourteen human bone samples (10 femoral necks and 4 femoral heads) from individuals with osteoporotic femoral neck fractures as well as from healthy individuals were analyzed. Fluorescence intensity maps were matched with BE images and correlated with calcium (Ca) content. We found that Zn and Pb had significantly increased levels in the cement lines of all samples compared to the surrounding mineralized bone matrix. Pb and Sr levels were found to be correlated with the degree of mineralization. Interestingly, Zn intensities had no correlation with Ca levels. We have shown for the first time that there is a differential accumulation of the trace elements Zn, Pb and Sr in BSUs of human bone indicating different mechanisms of accumulation. © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ permeation explored from the lumen side in mdx muscle fibers under voltage control

PubMed Central

Robin, Gaëlle; Berthier, Christine

2012-01-01

Under resting conditions, external Ca2+ is known to enter skeletal muscle cells, whereas Ca2+ stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) leaks into the cytosol. The nature of the pathways involved in the sarcolemmal Ca2+ entry and in the SR Ca2+ leak is still a matter of debate, but several lines of evidence suggest that these Ca2+ fluxes are up-regulated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We investigated here SR calcium permeation at resting potential and in response to depolarization in voltage-controlled skeletal muscle fibers from control and mdx mice, the mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Using the cytosolic Ca2+ dye Fura2, we first demonstrated that the rate of Ca2+ increase in response to cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)–induced inhibition of SR Ca2+-ATPases at resting potential was significantly higher in mdx fibers, which suggests an elevated SR Ca2+ leak. However, removal of external Ca2+ reduced the rate of CPA-induced Ca2+ increase in mdx and increased it in control fibers, which indicates an up-regulation of sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx in mdx fibers. Fibers were then loaded with the low-affinity Ca2+ dye Fluo5N-AM to measure intraluminal SR Ca2+ changes. Trains of action potentials, chloro-m-cresol, and depolarization pulses evoked transient Fluo5N fluorescence decreases, and recovery of voltage-induced Fluo5N fluorescence changes were inhibited by CPA, demonstrating that Fluo5N actually reports intraluminal SR Ca2+ changes. Voltage dependence and magnitude of depolarization-induced SR Ca2+ depletion were found to be unchanged in mdx fibers, but the rate of the recovery phase that followed depletion was found to be faster, indicating a higher SR Ca2+ reuptake activity in mdx fibers. Overall, CPA-induced SR Ca2+ leak at −80 mV was found to be significantly higher in mdx fibers and was potentiated by removal of external Ca2+ in control fibers. The elevated passive SR Ca2+ leak may contribute to alteration of Ca2+ homeostasis in mdx muscle. PMID:22371362

Sequestration of Sr(II) By Calcium Oxalate - a Batch Uptake Study And EXAFS Analysis of Model Compounds And Reaction Products

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

Singer, D.M.; Johnson, S.B.; Catalano, J.G.

Calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC{sub 2}O{sub 4}{center_dot}H{sub 2}O -- abbreviated as CaOx) is produced by two-thirds of all plant families, comprising up to 80 wt.% of the plant tissue and found in many surface environments. It is unclear, however, how CaOx in plants and soils interacts with metal ions and possibly sequesters them. This study examines the speciation of Sr(II){sub aq} following its reaction with CaOx. Batch uptake experiments were conducted over the pH range 4--10, with initial Sr solution concentrations, [Sr]{sub aq}, ranging from 1 x 10{sup -4} to 1 x 10{sup -3} M and ionic strengths ranging of 0.001--0.1more » M, using NaCl as the background electrolyte. Experimental results indicate that Sr uptake is independent of pH and ionic strength over these ranges. After exposure of CaOx to Sr{sub aq} for two days, the solution Ca concentration, [Ca]{sup aq}, increased for all samples relative to the control CaOx suspension (with no Sr added). The amount of Sr{sub aq} removed from solution was nearly equal to the total [Ca]{sup aq} after exposure of CaOx to Sr. These results suggest that nearly 90% of the Sr is removed from solution to a solid phase as Ca is released into solution. We suggest that the other 10% is sequestered through surface adsorption on a solid phase, although we have no direct evidence for this. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy was used to determine the molecular-level speciation of Sr in the reaction products. Deconvolutions of the Sr K-edge EXAFS spectra were performed to identify multi-electron excitation (MEE) features. MEE effects were found to give rise to low-frequency peaks in the Fourier transform before the first shell of oxygen atoms and do not affect EXAFS fitting results. Because of potential problems caused by asymmetric distributions of Sr-O distances when fitting Sr K-edge EXAFS data using the standard harmonic model, we also employed a cumulant expansion model and an asymmetric analytical model to account for anharmonic effects in the EXAFS data. For Sr-bearing phases with low to moderate first-shell (Sr-O pair correlation) anharmonicity, the cumulant expansion model is sufficient for EXAFS fitting; however, for higher degrees of anharmonicity, an analytical model is required. Based on batch uptake results and EXAFS analyses of reaction products, we conclude that Sr is dominantly sequestered by a solid phase at the CaOx surface, likely the result of a dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism, to form SrC{sub 2}O{sub 4} of mixed hydration state (i.e. SrO{sub x}{center_dot}nH{sub 2}O, where n = 0, 1, or 2). Surprisingly, no spectroscopic or XRD evidence was found for a (Sr,Ca)Ox solid solution or for a separate SrCO3 phase. In addition, we found no evidence for Sr(II) inner-sphere sorption complexes on CaOx surfaces based on lack of Sr-Ca second-neighbor pair correlations in the EXAFS spectra, although some type of Sr(II) surface complex (perhaps a type B Sr-oxalate ternary complex or an outer-sphere Sr(II) complex) or some as yet undetected Sr-bearing solid phases are needed to account for approximately 10% of Sr uptake by CaOx. The formation of a hydrated SrOx phase in environments under conditions similar to those of our experiments should retard Sr mobility and could be a significant factor in the biogeochemical cycling of Sr in soils and sediments or in plants and plant litter where CaOx is present.« less

Monthly Strontium/Calcium oscillations in symbiotic coral aragonite: Biological effects limiting the precision of the paleotemperature proxy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meibom, A.; Stage, M.; Wooden, J.; Constantz, B.R.; Dunbar, R.B.; Owen, A.; Grumet, N.; Bacon, C.R.; Chamberlain, C.P.

2003-01-01

In thermodynamic equilibrium with sea water the Sr/Ca ratio of aragonite varies predictably with temperature and the Sr/Ca ratio in coral have thus become a frequently used proxy for past Sea Surface Temperature (SST). However, biological effects can offset the Sr/Ca ratio from its equilibrium value. We report high spatial resolution ion microprobe analyses of well defined skeletal elements in the reef-building coral Porites lutea that reveal distinct monthly oscillations in the Sr/Ca ratio, with an amplitude in excess of ten percent. The extreme Sr/Ca variations, which we propose result from metabolic changes synchronous with the lunar cycle, introduce variability in Sr/Ca measurements based on conventional sampling techniques well beyond the analytical precision. These variations can limit the accuracy of Sr/Ca paleothermometry by conventional sampling techniques to about 2??C. Our results may help explain the notorious difficulties involved in obtaining an accurate and consistent calibration of the Sr/Ca vs. SST relationship.

Positive Allosteric Modulation of the Calcium-sensing Receptor by Physiological Concentrations of Glucose*

PubMed Central

Medina, Johan; Nakagawa, Yuko; Nagasawa, Masahiro; Fernandez, Anny; Sakaguchi, Kazushige; Kitaguchi, Tetsuya; Kojima, Itaru

2016-01-01

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is activated by various cations, cationic compounds, and amino acids. In the present study we investigated the effect of glucose on CaSR in HEK293 cells stably expressing human CaSR (HEK-CaSR cells). When glucose concentration in the buffer was raised from 3 to 25 mm, a rapid elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) was observed. This elevation was immediate and transient and was followed by a sustained decrease in [Ca2+]c. The effect of glucose was detected at a concentration of 4 mm and reached its maximum at 5 mm. 3-O-Methylglucose, a non-metabolizable analogue of glucose, reproduced the effect of glucose. Sucrose also induced an elevation of [Ca2+]c in HEK-CaSR cells. Similarly, sucralose was nearly as effective as glucose in inducing elevation of [Ca2+]c. Glucose was not able to increase [Ca2+]c in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The effect of glucose on [Ca2+]c was inhibited by NPS-2143, an allosteric inhibitor of CaSR. In addition, NPS-2143 also inhibited the [Ca2+]c responses to sucralose and sucrose. Glucose as well as sucralose decreased cytoplasmic cAMP concentration in HEK-CaSR cells. The reduction of cAMP induced by glucose was blocked by pertussis toxin. Likewise, sucralose reduced [cAMP]c. Finally, glucose increased [Ca2+]c in PT-r parathyroid cells and in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, both of which express endogenous CaSR. These results indicate that glucose acts as a positive allosteric modulator of CaSR. PMID:27613866

Cardiac microvascular endothelial cells express a functional Ca+ -sensing receptor.

PubMed

Berra Romani, Roberto; Raqeeb, Abdul; Laforenza, Umberto; Scaffino, Manuela Federica; Moccia, Francesco; Avelino-Cruz, Josè Everardo; Oldani, Amanda; Coltrini, Daniela; Milesi, Veronica; Taglietti, Vanni; Tanzi, Franco

2009-01-01

The mechanism whereby extracellular Ca(2+) exerts the endothelium-dependent control of vascular tone is still unclear. In this study, we assessed whether cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC) express a functional extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaSR) using a variety of techniques. CaSR mRNA was detected using RT-PCR, and CaSR protein was identified by immunocytochemical analysis. In order to assess the functionality of the receptor, CMEC were loaded with the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorochrome, Fura-2/AM. A number of CaSR agonists, such as spermine, Gd(3+), La(3+) and neomycin, elicited a heterogeneous intracellular Ca(2+) signal, which was abolished by disruption of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) signaling and by depletion of intracellular stores with cyclopiazonic acid. The inhibition of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger upon substitution of extracellular Na(+) unmasked the Ca(2+) signal triggered by an increase in extracellular Ca(2+) levels. Finally, aromatic amino acids, which function as allosteric activators of CaSR, potentiated the Ca(2+) response to the CaSR agonist La(3+). These data provide evidence that CMEC express CaSR, which is able to respond to physiological agonists by mobilizing Ca(2+) from intracellular InsP(3)-sensitive stores. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Assessment of the Coral Temperature Proxies for Orbicella faveolata in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vara, M. A.; DeLong, K. L.; Herrmann, A. D.; Ouellette, G., Jr.; Richey, J. N.

2017-12-01

Coral Sr/Ca is a robust proxy of sea surface temperature (SST); however, discrepancies in the Sr/Ca-SST relationship among colonies of the same species may reduce confidence in absolute temperature reconstructions. Furthermore, terrestrial carbonate weathering can provide local sources of Sr and/or Ca to coastal waters that may disrupt the temperature-based coral Sr/Ca signal. Thus other trace metal SST proxies have been suggested to circumvent these issues (Li/Ca, Li/Mg, and Sr-U). Coral Ba/Ca has been used as a proxy for runoff and coastal upwelling, and therefore may be used to identify intervals when these processes overprint the Sr/Ca-SST signal. This study tests multiple coral SST proxies using reproducibility assessments to determine the best performing SST proxy. We conduct these assessments with cores recovered in 1991 by the U.S. Geological Survey from five Orbicella faveolata colonies from three reefs offshore of Veracruz, Mexico (19.06°N, 96.93°W) in water depths varying from 3 to 12 m. Previous studies found micromilling the complex skeletal structure of O. faveolata challenging and that monthly resolution may not recover full seasonal cycles. We use a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to simultaneously sample this coral's structure at weekly intervals spanning 8 years for Li/Ca, Li/Mg, Sr-U, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca. Here we found coral Li/Ca means and seasonal variations are similar among colonies thus this proxy may capture absolute temperature and SST variability. Similar to previous research with Porites corals, Li/Ca in these O. faveolata corals decreases with increases in SST with similar slopes and intercepts. During the last 10 years of these corals' lives, coral Sr/Ca analysis reveals a mean shift among colonies suggesting an external source could have disrupted the Sr/Ca signal, possibly seasonal runoff and/or winter upwelling common to Veracruz waters. Coral Ba/Ca analyses reveals elevated values in winters that coincide with increases in coral Sr/Ca in the deeper colony suggesting upwelling is occurring at that location. However, the coral Ba/Ca does not coincide with increase coral Sr/Ca in the shallower coral indicating no direct influence from runoff. Coral Li/Mg and Sr-U do not show substantial seasonal variations as expected with a coral-SST proxy.

Late INa increases diastolic SR-Ca2+-leak in atrial myocardium by activating PKA and CaMKII

PubMed Central

Fischer, Thomas H.; Herting, Jonas; Mason, Fleur E.; Hartmann, Nico; Watanabe, Saera; Nikolaev, Viacheslav O.; Sprenger, Julia U.; Fan, Peidong; Yao, Lina; Popov, Aron-Frederik; Danner, Bernhard C.; Schöndube, Friedrich; Belardinelli, Luiz; Hasenfuss, Gerd; Maier, Lars S.; Sossalla, Samuel

2015-01-01

Aims Enhanced cardiac late Na current (late INa) and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-Ca2+-leak are both highly arrhythmogenic. This study seeks to identify signalling pathways interconnecting late INa and SR-Ca2+-leak in atrial cardiomyocytes (CMs). Methods and results In murine atrial CMs, SR-Ca2+-leak was increased by the late INa enhancer Anemonia sulcata toxin II (ATX-II). An inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Autocamide-2-related inhibitory peptide), protein kinase A (H89), or late INa (Ranolazine or Tetrodotoxin) all prevented ATX-II-dependent SR-Ca2+-leak. The SR-Ca2+-leak induction by ATX-II was not detected when either the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was inhibited (KBR) or in CaMKIIδc-knockout mice. FRET measurements revealed increased cAMP levels upon ATX-II stimulation, which could be prevented by inhibition of adenylyl cyclases (ACs) 5 and 6 (NKY 80) but not by inhibition of phosphodiesterases (IBMX), suggesting PKA activation via an AC-dependent increase of cAMP levels. Western blots showed late INa-dependent hyperphosphorylation of CaMKII as well as PKA target sites at ryanodine receptor type-2 (-S2814 and -S2808) and phospholamban (-Thr17, -S16). Enhancement of late INa did not alter Ca2+-transient amplitude or SR-Ca2+-load. However, upon late INa activation and simultaneous CaMKII inhibition, Ca2+-transient amplitude and SR-Ca2+-load were increased, whereas PKA inhibition reduced Ca2+-transient amplitude and load and additionally slowed Ca2+ elimination. In atrial CMs from patients with atrial fibrillation, inhibition of late INa, CaMKII, or PKA reduced the SR-Ca2+-leak. Conclusion Late INa exerts distinct effects on Ca2+ homeostasis in atrial myocardium through activation of CaMKII and PKA. Inhibition of late INa represents a potential approach to attenuate CaMKII activation and decreases SR-Ca2+-leak in atrial rhythm disorders. The interconnection with the cAMP/PKA system further increases the antiarrhythmic potential of late INa inhibition. PMID:25990311

Facilitation of cytosolic calcium wave propagation by local calcium uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiac myocytes.

PubMed

Maxwell, Joshua T; Blatter, Lothar A

2012-12-01

The widely accepted paradigm for cytosolic Ca(2+) wave propagation postulates a 'fire-diffuse-fire' mechanism where local Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca(2+) release channels diffuses towards and activates neighbouring release sites, resulting in a propagating Ca(2+) wave. A recent challenge to this paradigm proposed the requirement for an intra-SR 'sensitization' Ca(2+) wave that precedes the cytosolic Ca(2+) wave and primes RyRs from the luminal side to CICR. Here, we tested this hypothesis experimentally with direct simultaneous measurements of cytosolic ([Ca(2+)](i); rhod-2) and intra-SR ([Ca(2+)](SR); fluo-5N) calcium signals during wave propagation in rabbit ventricular myocytes, using high resolution fluorescence confocal imaging. The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) at the wave front preceded depletion of the SR at each point along the calcium wave front, while during this latency period a transient increase of [Ca(2+)](SR) was observed. This transient elevation of [Ca(2+)](SR) could be identified at individual release junctions and depended on the activity of the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA). Increased SERCA activity (β-adrenergic stimulation with 1 μM isoproterenol (isoprenaline)) decreased the latency period and increased the amplitude of the transient elevation of [Ca(2+)](SR), whereas inhibition of SERCA (3 μM cyclopiazonic acid) had the opposite effect. In conclusion, the data provide experimental evidence that local Ca(2+) uptake by SERCA into the SR facilitates the propagation of cytosolic Ca(2+) waves via luminal sensitization of the RyR, and supports a novel paradigm of a 'fire-diffuse-uptake-fire' mechanism for Ca(2+) wave propagation in cardiac myocytes.

Facilitation of cytosolic calcium wave propagation by local calcium uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiac myocytes

PubMed Central

Maxwell, Joshua T; Blatter, Lothar A

2012-01-01

The widely accepted paradigm for cytosolic Ca2+ wave propagation postulates a ‘fire-diffuse-fire’ mechanism where local Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ release channels diffuses towards and activates neighbouring release sites, resulting in a propagating Ca2+ wave. A recent challenge to this paradigm proposed the requirement for an intra-SR ‘sensitization’ Ca2+ wave that precedes the cytosolic Ca2+ wave and primes RyRs from the luminal side to CICR. Here, we tested this hypothesis experimentally with direct simultaneous measurements of cytosolic ([Ca2+]i; rhod-2) and intra-SR ([Ca2+]SR; fluo-5N) calcium signals during wave propagation in rabbit ventricular myocytes, using high resolution fluorescence confocal imaging. The increase in [Ca2+]i at the wave front preceded depletion of the SR at each point along the calcium wave front, while during this latency period a transient increase of [Ca2+]SR was observed. This transient elevation of [Ca2+]SR could be identified at individual release junctions and depended on the activity of the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA). Increased SERCA activity (β-adrenergic stimulation with 1 μm isoproterenol (isoprenaline)) decreased the latency period and increased the amplitude of the transient elevation of [Ca2+]SR, whereas inhibition of SERCA (3 μm cyclopiazonic acid) had the opposite effect. In conclusion, the data provide experimental evidence that local Ca2+ uptake by SERCA into the SR facilitates the propagation of cytosolic Ca2+ waves via luminal sensitization of the RyR, and supports a novel paradigm of a ‘fire-diffuse-uptake-fire’ mechanism for Ca2+ wave propagation in cardiac myocytes. PMID:22988145

[Determination of multi-element contents in gypsum by ICP-AES].

PubMed

Guo, Zhong-bao; Bai, Yong-zhi; Cui, Jin-hua; Mei, Yi-fei; Ma, Zhen-zhu

2014-08-01

The content of multi-element in gypsum was determined by ICP-AES. The sample was pretreated by acid-soluble method or alkali-fusion method. Acid-soluble method is suitable for the determination of CaO, SOs, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, K2O, Na2O, TiO2, P2O5, MnO, SrO and BaO. Alkali-fusion method is suitable for the determination of CaO, SO3, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, TiO2, P2O5, MnO, SrO, BaO and B2O3. Different series standard solutions were prepared considering the properties and content of elements and solution matrix. The limit of detection and quantification were confirmed for each element under their best analysis spectral lines. The recoveries of the two pretreatment methods were from 93% to 110%, besides that for TiO2 was 81%-87% as pretreated by acid-soluble method. All RSDs (n=6) of tests were from 0.70%-3.42%. The accuracies of CaO and SO3 with ICP-AES method were less than the chemical analysis method. The determination of CaO and SO3 with ICP-AES method is only suitable for the case of low accuracy requirement. The results showed that the method can be used for the determination of multi-element contents in gypsum, with simple operation, fast analysis and reliable results. Total elements can be analysed with both acid-soluble method and alkali-fusion method.

Calcium Signaling Regulates Trafficking of Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia (FHH) Mutants of the Calcium Sensing Receptor

PubMed Central

Grant, Michael P.; Stepanchick, Ann

2012-01-01

Calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs) regulate systemic Ca2+ homeostasis. Loss-of-function mutations cause familial benign hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) or neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT). FHH/NSHPT mutations can reduce trafficking of CaSRs to the plasma membrane. CaSR signaling is potentiated by agonist-driven anterograde CaSR trafficking, leading to a new steady state level of plasma membrane CaSR, which is maintained, with minimal functional desensitization, as long as extracellular Ca2+ is elevated. This requirement for CaSR signaling to drive CaSR trafficking to the plasma membrane led us to reconsider the mechanism(s) contributing to dysregulated trafficking of FHH/NSHPT mutants. We simultaneously monitored dynamic changes in plasma membrane levels of CaSR and intracellular Ca2+, using a chimeric CaSR construct, which allowed explicit tracking of plasma membrane levels of mutant or wild-type CaSRs in the presence of nonchimeric partners. Expression of mutants alone revealed severe defects in plasma membrane targeting and Ca2+ signaling, which were substantially rescued by coexpression with wild-type CaSR. Biasing toward heterodimerization of wild-type and FHH/NSHPT mutants revealed that intracellular Ca2+ oscillations were insufficient to rescue plasma membrane targeting. Coexpression of the nonfunctional mutant E297K with the truncation CaSRΔ868 robustly rescued trafficking and Ca2+ signaling, whereas coexpression of distinct FHH/NSHPT mutants rescued neither trafficking nor signaling. Our study suggests that rescue of FHH/NSHPT mutants requires a steady state intracellular Ca2+ response when extracellular Ca2+ is elevated and argues that Ca2+ signaling by wild-type CaSRs rescues FHH mutant trafficking to the plasma membrane. PMID:23077345

Interaction between neuronal nitric oxide synthase signaling and temperature influences sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium leak: role of nitroso-redox balance.

PubMed

Dulce, Raul A; Mayo, Vera; Rangel, Erika B; Balkan, Wayne; Hare, Joshua M

2015-01-02

Although nitric oxide (NO) signaling modulates cardiac function and excitation-contraction coupling, opposing results because of inconsistent experimental conditions, particularly with respect to temperature, confound the ability to elucidate NO signaling pathways. Here, we show that temperature significantly modulates NO effects. To test the hypothesis that temperature profoundly affects nitroso-redox equilibrium, thereby affecting sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca(2+)) leak. We measured SR Ca(2+) leak in cardiomyocytes from wild-type (WT), NO/redox imbalance (neuronal nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice-1 [NOS1(-/-)]), and hyper S-nitrosoglutathione reductase-deficient (GSNOR(-/-)) mice. In WT cardiomyocytes, SR Ca(2+) leak increased because temperature decreased from 37°C to 23°C, whereas in NOS1(-/-) cells, the leak suddenly increased when the temperature surpassed 30°C. GSNOR(-/-) cardiomyocytes exhibited low leak throughout the temperature range. Exogenously added NO had a biphasic effect on NOS1(-/-) cardiomyocytes; reducing leak at 37°C but increasing it at subphysiological temperatures. Oxypurinol and Tempol diminished the leak in NOS1(-/-) cardiomyocytes. Cooling from 37°C to 23°C increased reactive oxygen species generation in WT but decreased it in NOS1(-/-) cardiomyocytes. Oxypurinol further reduced reactive oxygen species generation. At 23°C in WT cells, leak was decreased by tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential NOS cofactor. Cooling significantly increased SR Ca(2+) content in NOS1(-/-) cells but had no effect in WT or GSNOR(-/-). Ca(2+) leak and temperature are normally inversely proportional, whereas NOS1 deficiency reverses this effect, increasing leak and elevating reactive oxygen species production because temperature increases. Reduced denitrosylation (GSNOR deficiency) eliminates the temperature dependence of leak. Thus, temperature regulates the balance between NO and reactive oxygen species which in turn has a major effect on SR Ca(2+). © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum buffering of myoplasmic calcium in bovine coronary artery smooth muscle.

PubMed Central

Sturek, M; Kunda, K; Hu, Q

1992-01-01

1. We tested the hypothesis that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) buffers (attenuates) the increase in averaged myoplasmic free [Ca2+] (Ca(im)) resulting from Ca2+ influx. 2. Fura-2 measurements of Ca(im) were obtained in single smooth muscle cells freshly dispersed from bovine coronary artery. 3. Caffeine (5 x 10(-3) M) elicited a transient increase in Ca(im) and depleted the SR Ca2+ store. In the continued presence of caffeine or 10(-5) M-ryanodine SR buffering of Ca(im) was inhibited. Subsequent exposure to high extracellular [K+] (greater than 30 mM, equimolar Na+ removal) elicited a 2-fold more rapid and 2-fold greater peak increase in Ca(im) than high K+ elicited when SR buffering of Ca(im) was normal. The augmented increase in Ca(im) was inhibited 35% by 10(-5) M-diltiazem, 65% by 2 x 10(-4) M-LaCl3, and 87% in Ca(2+)-free external solution. 4. When Ca(im) buffering capacity was increased by partially depleting the SR with a transient (1 min) exposure to caffeine, subsequent exposure to 80 nM-K+ solution increased Ca(im) almost 2-fold more slowly than 80 mM-K+ before depletion of Ca2+ from the SR. However, the influxing Ca2+ was sequestered by the SR and refilled it, as evident by the subsequent caffeine-induced Ca(im) transient being identical to the first. Increasing extracellular [K+] (thus, increasing depolarization and Na+ removal) caused proportional increases in Ca(im) and the subsequent caffeine-induced Ca(im) transients were proportionally larger, indicating a graded filling of the SR by Ca2+ influx. 5. Diltiazem (10(-5) M) inhibited the refilling of the SR achieved by 80 mM-K+, by 26%. Refilling was inhibited 76% by 80 mM-K+, Ca(2+)-free solution, indicating the fraction of refilling dependent on influx of Ca2+ through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, leak channels, and other influx pathways. Mild depolarization with 35 mM-K+ (no Na+ removal) often caused no increase in Ca(im), but influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels occurred because the SR Ca2+ store was refilled. Also, 10(-5) M-diltiazem or 10(-6) M-TA3090 inhibited the refilling to levels attributable only to leak influx of Ca2+. 6. All data support our hypothesis that the SR significantly attenuates the amount of Ca2+ influx that accumulates to increase Ca(im).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:1403813

The calcium-sensing receptor changes cell shape via a beta-arrestin-1 ARNO ARF6 ELMO protein network.

PubMed

Bouschet, Tristan; Martin, Stéphane; Kanamarlapudi, Venkateswarlu; Mundell, Stuart; Henley, Jeremy M

2007-08-01

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce the binding of extracellular stimuli into intracellular signalling cascades that can lead to morphological changes. Here, we demonstrate that stimulation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a GPCR that promotes chemotaxis by detecting increases in extracellular calcium, triggers plasma membrane (PM) ruffling via a pathway that involves beta-arrestin 1, Arf nucleotide binding site opener (ARNO), ADP-ribosylating factor 6 (ARF6) and engulfment and cell motility protein (ELMO). Expression of dominant negative beta-arrestin 1 or its knockdown with siRNA impaired the CaSR-induced PM ruffling response. Expression of a catalytically inactive ARNO also reduced CaSR-induced PM ruffling. Furthermore, beta-arrestin 1 co-immunoprecipitated with the CaSR and ARNO under resting conditions. Agonist treatment did not markedly alter beta-arrestin 1 binding to the CaSR or to ARNO but it did elicit the translocation and colocalisation of the CaSR, beta-arrestin 1 and ARNO to membrane protrusions. Furthermore, ARF6 and ELMO, two proteins known to couple ARNO to the cytoskeleton, were required for CaSR-dependent morphological changes and translocated to the PM ruffles. These data suggest that cells ruffle upon CaSR stimulation via a mechanism that involves translocation of beta-arrestin 1 pre-assembled with the CaSR or ARNO, and that ELMO plays an essential role in this CaSR-signalling-induced cytoskeletal reorganisation.

β-Adrenergic induced SR Ca2+ leak is mediated by an Epac-NOS pathway.

PubMed

Pereira, Laëtitia; Bare, Dan J; Galice, Samuel; Shannon, Thomas R; Bers, Donald M

2017-07-01

Cardiac β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) and Ca 2+ -Calmodulin dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) regulate both physiological and pathophysiological Ca 2+ signaling. Elevated diastolic Ca 2+ leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) contributes to contractile dysfunction in heart failure and to arrhythmogenesis. β-AR activation is known to increase SR Ca 2+ leak via CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor. Two independent and reportedly parallel pathways have been implicated in this β-AR-CaMKII cascade, one involving exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac2) and another involving nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1). Here we tested whether Epac and NOS function in a single series pathway to increase β-AR induced and CaMKII-dependent SR Ca 2+ leak. Leak was measured as both Ca 2+ spark frequency and tetracaine-induced shifts in SR Ca 2+ , in mouse and rabbit ventricular myocytes. Direct Epac activation by 8-CPT (8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2'-O-methyl-cAMP) mimicked β-AR-induced SR Ca 2+ leak, and both were blocked by NOS inhibition. The same was true for myocyte CaMKII activation (assessed via a FRET-based reporter) and ryanodine receptor phosphorylation. Inhibitor and phosphorylation studies also implicated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) downstream of Epac and above NOS activation in this pathway. We conclude that these two independently characterized parallel pathways function mainly via a single series arrangement (β-AR-cAMP-Epac-PI3K-Akt-NOS1-CaMKII) to mediate increased SR Ca 2+ leak. Thus, for β-AR activation the cAMP-PKA branch effects inotropy and lusitropy (by effects on Ca 2+ current and SR Ca 2+ -ATPase), this cAMP-Epac-NOS pathway increases pathological diastolic SR Ca 2+ leak. This pathway distinction may allow novel SR Ca 2+ leak therapeutic targeting in treatment of arrhythmias in heart failure that spare the inotropic and lusitropic effects of the PKA branch. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zircon U-Pb ages and geochemistry of migmatites and granites in the Foping dome: Evidence for Late Triassic crustal evolution in South Qinling, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, He; Li, Shuang-Qing; Fang, Bo-Wen; He, Jian-Feng; Xue, Ying-Yu; Siebel, Wolfgang; Chen, Fukun

2018-01-01

Migmatites provide a record of melt formation and crustal rheology. In this study we present zircon U-Pb ages and geochemical composition of migmatites from the Foping dome and granites from the Wulong pluton. U-Pb results from migmatite zircons indicate two episodes of partial melting. Rim domains from a leucosome in the Longcaoping area yield an age of ca. 209 Ma. Migmatites collected from the Foping dome yield U-Pb zircon ages of 2910 to 190 Ma, suggesting the involvement of meta-sedimentary source components. Rim domains of the zircons with low Th/U ratios (< 0.1) give ages of 225-190 Ma and the youngest age domains (ca. 195 Ma) are characterized by low contents of heavy rare earth elements, which is related to crystallization of garnet. Magmatic rocks from the Wulong pluton can be subdivided into high Sr/Y and low Sr/Y granites. U-Pb zircon ages vary from 219 to 214 Ma for the high Sr/Y granites and from 214 to 192 Ma for the low Sr/Y granites. High Sr/Y granites have higher Na2O and Sr contents than the low Sr/Y granites. They also lack negative Eu anomalies and are depleted in HREE compared to the low Sr/Y granites. Initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and εNd values of all the samples roughly overlap with those of Neoproterozoic basement rocks exposed in South Qinling. Including previous studies, we propose that the high and low Sr/Y granites formed by melting of thickened and normal crust, respectively. Close temporal-spatial relationship of the high and low Sr/Y granites with the two-stage migmatization events implies variation of crustal thickness and thermal overprints of the orogenic crust in post-collisional collapse. Following the collision of South Qinling and the Yangtze block prior to 219 Ma, partial melting of the deep crust occurred. The melts migrated upwards to form the high Sr/Y granites. This process occurred rapidly and caused collapse of the thickened crust and carried heat upwards, leading to further partial melting within the shallower crust and formation of the low Sr/Y granites.

Microstructure and bio-corrosion behaviour of Mg-5Zn-0.5Ca -xSr alloys as potential biodegradable implant materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Li; Zhou, Jiaxing; Sun, Zhenzhou; Yang, Meng; Ma, Liqun

2018-04-01

Magnesium alloys are widely studied as biomedical implants owing to their biodegradability. In this work, novel Mg-5Zn-0.5Ca-xSr (x = 0, 0.14, 0.36, 0.50, 0.70 wt%) alloys were prepared as biomedical materials. The influence of strontium (Sr) addition on the microstructure, corrosion properties and corrosion morphology of the as-cast Mg-5Zn-0.5Ca-xSr alloys is investigated by a variety of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electrochemical measurements. The Sr-free alloy is composed of three phases, namely, α-Mg, CaMg2 and Ca2Mg6Zn3, while the alloys with the Sr addition consist of α-Mg, CaMg2 and Ca2Mg6Zn3 and Mg17Sr2. Corrosion experiments in Hank’s solution show that the addition of a small amount of Sr can improve the corrosion resistance of the Mg-5Zn-0.5Ca alloy. The corrosion products include Mg(OH)2, Zn(OH)2, Ca(OH)2, and HA (Ca5(PO4)3(OH)). Mg-5Zn-0.5Ca-0.36Sr alloy has the minimum weight loss rate (0.68 mm/a), minimal hydrogen evolution (0.08 ml/cm2/d) and minimum corrosion current density (7.4 μA/cm2), indicating that this alloy shows the best corrosion resistance.

The specific GTP requirement for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release from skinned vascular smooth muscle.

PubMed

Saida, K; Twort, C; van Breemen, C

1988-01-01

Exogenous GTP was required for the induction of Ca2+ release from smooth muscle SR by IP3 if endogenous GTP was depleted. NaN3 could function as a partial substitute for GTP as a cofactor for the IP3-induced Ca2+ release from the SR. In contrast to the IP3-induced Ca2+ release, caffeine-induced Ca2+ release from the SR did not require GTP. Pertussis toxin inhibited the IP3-induced Ca2+ release from the SR, whereas it had no effect on caffeine-induced Ca2+ release. These results indicate that in smooth muscle two different Ca2+ release-channels exist in the SR: (a) activated by IP3, and (b) activated by caffeine or Ca2+.

Sr{sub 2}CaW{sub x}Mo{sub 1−x}O{sub 6}:Eu{sup 3+}, Li{sup +}: An emission tunable phosphor through site symmetry and excitation wavelength

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

Xiao, Ning; Shen, Jun; Xiao, Tengjiao

2015-10-15

The emission of Eu{sup 3+} doped Sr{sub 2}CaW{sub x}Mo{sub 1−x}O{sub 6} phosphors could be tunable by the site symmetry of the activators and the excitation wavelengths. - Highlights: • The emission of Eu{sup 3+} depends on site symmetry and excitation wavelengths. • The color of the samples was tunable by structure and excitation wavelength. • The effect of W and Eu content on the properties of the samples was investigated. - Abstract: A series of Eu{sup 3+} substituted double-perovskite Sr{sub 2}CaW{sub x}Mo{sub 1−x}O{sub 6} phosphors were prepared by solid state reactions. The phase, photoluminescence and energy transfer of the phosphorsmore » were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) and luminescence decay respectively. It is found that the emission of the Eu{sup 3+} substituted double perovskites depends on both the site symmetry of the activators and the excitation wavelengths. Based on the decay analysis of Sr{sub 2}CaW{sub x}Mo{sub 1−x}O{sub 6} matrix and Eu{sup 3+} doped samples, the energy transfer efficiencies between the host and activators Eu{sup 3+} were investigated. The results of the emission tunable phosphors indicate their potential applications in LEDs.« less

The structure and optical properties of Sr{sub 1−x}Ca{sub x}MoO{sub 3}

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

Hopper, H.A.; Macphee, D.E.; Mclaughlin, A.C., E-mail: a.c.mclaughlin@abdn.ac.uk

2016-10-15

The solid solution Sr{sub 1−x}Ca{sub x}MoO{sub 3} (x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.13, 0.15 and 0.17) has successfully been synthesised and X-ray Powder diffraction has revealed the occurrence of structural phase transitions, from cubic Pm−3m to tetragonal I4/mcm, and then to orthorhombic Imma as the value of x increased. Discontinuities were observed in the cell parameters and bond lengths and angles at the transition from tetragonal to orthorhombic symmetry as a result of the switching of the octahedral rotation axis at the tetragonal to orthorhombic transition. The increased octahedral tilting could also be linked to the decrease in the band gap frommore » 2.20 eV to 2.10 eV as x increased from 0 to 0.17. - Graphical abstract: Table of Contents Figure Caption: Ultraviolet-visible absorbance spectra for Sr{sub 1−x}Ca{sub x}MoO{sub 3} showing a reduction in band gap upon increasing x as a result of increased octahedral tilting. - Highlights: • The solid solution Sr{sub 1−x}Ca{sub x}MoO{sub 3} has been synthesised. • Structural phase transitions are observed. • Discontinuities were observed in the cell parameters and bond lengths and angles. • Upon increasing x from 0 to 0.17 the band gap reduces from 2.20 eV to 2.10 eV.« less

Transcription factor CREB is involved in CaSR-mediated cytoskeleton gene expression.

PubMed

Huang, Shuaishuai; Ren, Yu; Wang, Ping; Li, Yanyuan; Wang, Xue; Zhuang, Haihui; Fang, Rong; Wang, Yuduo; Liu, Ningsheng; Hehir, Michael; Zhou, Jeff X

2015-03-01

Our previous studies illustrated that a steady increase of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was important for maintaining microtubules (MTs) rearrangement in apoptotic cells. However, little is known about the effect of calcium sensing receptor (CaSR)-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i on cytoskeleton gene expression. We examined the impact of taxol or CaSR agonist/antagonist on the regulation of [Ca2+]i concentration, cytoskeleton arrangement, phosphorylated CREB and cytoskeleton gene expressions in HeLa cells with dominant negative plasmid of CREB (PM). This study demonstrated that Gdcl3 (a specific CaSR agonist) evoked a rapid increase of [Ca2+]i, formed a rigid bundle of MTs which surrounded the nucleus and decreased the cytoskeleton gene expressions in HeLa cells. These effects were rescued by addition of NPS2390 (a specific CaSR antagonist). Moreover, CaSR activity affected cytoskeleton gene expression through transcription factor CREB. Histoscores of pCREB immunoreactivity in tissues of cervical adenocarcinoma, renal clear cell carcinoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were markedly increased compared with non malignant tissue. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that CaSR-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i probably modulate cytoskeleton organization and gene expression via transcription factor. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

L-type Ca(2+) currents overlapping threshold Na(+) currents: could they be responsible for the "slip-mode" phenomenon in cardiac myocytes?

PubMed

Piacentino, Valentino; Gaughan, John P; Houser, Steven R

2002-03-08

Phosphorylation of Na channels has been suggested to increase their Ca permeability. Termed "slip-mode conductance" (SMC), this hypothesis predicts that Ca influx via protein kinase A (PKA)-modified Na channels can induce sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release. We tested this hypothesis by determining if SR Ca release is graded with I(Na) in the presence of activated PKA (with Isoproterenol, ISO). V(m), I(m), and [Ca](i) were measured in feline (n=26) and failing human (n=19) ventricular myocytes. Voltage steps from -70 through -40 mV were used to grade I(Na). Na channel antagonists (tetrodotoxin), L-type Ca channel (I(Ca,L)) antagonists (nifedipine, cadmium, verapamil), and agonists (Bay K 8644, FPL 64176) were used to separate SMC from I(Ca,L). In the absence of ISO, I(Na) was associated with SR Ca release in human but not feline myocytes. After ISO, graded I(Na) was associated with small amounts of SR Ca release in feline myocytes and the magnitude of release increased in human myocytes. I(Na)-related SR Ca release was insensitive to tetrodotoxin (n=10) but was blocked by nifedipine (n=10) and cadmium (n=3). SR Ca release was induced over the same voltage range in the absence of ISO with Bay K 8644 and FPL 64176 (n=9). Positive voltage steps (to 0 mV) to fully activate Na channels (SMC) in the presence of ISO and Verapamil only caused SR Ca release when block of I(Ca,L) was incomplete. We conclude that PKA-mediated increases in I(Ca,L) and SR Ca loading can reproduce many of the experimental features of SMC.

Instense red phosphors for UV light emitting diode devices.

PubMed

Cao, Fa-Bin; Tian, Yan-Wen; Chen, Yong-Jie; Xiao, Lin-Jiu; Liu, Yun-Yi

2010-03-01

Ca(x)Sr1-x-1.5y-0.5zMoO4:yEu3+ zNa+ red phosphors were prepared by solid-state reaction using Na+ as charge supply for LEDs (light emitting diodes). The content of charge compensator, Ca2+ concentration, synthesis temperature, reaction time, and Eu3+ concentration were the keys to improving the properties of luminescence and crystal structure of red phosphors. The photoluminescence spectra shows the red phosphors are effectively excited at 616 nm by 311 nm, 395 nm, and 465 nm light. The wavelengths of 395 and 465 nm nicely match the widely applied emission wavelengths of ultraviolet or blue LED chips. Its chromaticity coordinates (CIE) are calculated to be x = 0.65, y = 0.32. Bright red light can be observed by the naked eye from the LED-based Ca0.60Sr0.25MoO4:0.08Eu3+ 0.06Na+.

The Sr/Ca-temperature relationship in coralline aragonite: Influence of variability in (Sr/Ca)[sub seawater] and skeletal growth parameters

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

de Villiers, S.; Shen, G.T.; Nelson, B.K.

1994-01-01

This paper provides an evaluation of two of the most likely pitfalls of Sr/Ca thermometry, i.e., the effect of biogenic cycling of Sr vs. Ca in the surface ocean and the effect of variable extension rate on Sr incorporation in coralline aragonite. The authors also report calibration of the Sr/Ca-temperature relationship for three coral species, Porites lobata, Pocillopora eydouxi, and Pavona clavus, collected for the Hawaiian and Galapagos islands. Analyses of seawater samples show significant spatial and depth variability in the Sr:Ca ratio. The uncertainty introduced by this effect is estimated to be <0.2[degrees]C for corals located in tropical oligotrophicmore » waters, and potentially larger for corals located in upwelling areas. Sr/Ca along two different growth axes of a Galapagos Pavona clavus, with annual extension rates of [approximately]6 and 12 mm/y, respectively, indicate an offset of 1-2[degrees]C, with higher Sr/Ca values associated with slower extension rates. The offset observed between the two growth axes may be the result of variations in extension and/or calcification rate. These results are important in determining past sea surface temperatures for reconstruction of paleoclimates.« less

EFFECT OF CHELATING AGENTS ON UPTAKE OF Ca$sup 45$ AND Sr$sup 85$ BY DEFATTED BONE IN VITRO

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

Samachson, J.; Lederer, H.

The presence of chelating agents in buffered solutions affected the relative uptake of Ca/sup 45/ and Sr/sup 85/ by defatted bone powder. Strong chelating agents, like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, decreased the ratio of Ca/sup 45//Sr/sup 85/ uptake considerably in presence of Ca, Ca plus Sr, or Sr carrier. Citrate and adenosinetriphosphate had similar but weaker effects. No effect was shown by glucose, lactate, gluconate, bicarbonate, bicarbonate plus phosphate, glutamate, aspartate, borate, glycerophosphate, lysine or glutathione. Those compeunds which showed no effect had stability constants for Ca of less than 3. Strong chelating agents also decreased the relative amountmore » of Sr/sup 85/ removed from defatted bone powder by exchange. Results indicate that natural chelating agents may be partly responsible for the low Ca/sup 45//Sr/sup 85/ uptake ratio by bone from serum compared with uptake from synthetic inorganic solutions and emphasize the difficulty of removing be partly responsible for the low Ca/sup 45//Sr/sup 85/ uptske ratio by bone from serum compared with uptake from synthetic inorganic solutions and emphasize the difficulty of removing Sr/sup 35/ from bone with chelating agents now available. (auth)« less

Role of Receptor Activity Modifying Protein 1 in Function of the Calcium Sensing Receptor in the Human TT Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Line

PubMed Central

Desai, Aditya J.; Roberts, David J.

2014-01-01

The Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) plays a role in calcium homeostasis by sensing minute changes in serum Ca2+ and modulating secretion of calciotropic hormones. It has been shown in transfected cells that accessory proteins known as Receptor Activity Modifying Proteins (RAMPs), specifically RAMPs 1 and 3, are required for cell-surface trafficking of the CaSR. These effects have only been demonstrated in transfected cells, so their physiological relevance is unclear. Here we explored CaSR/RAMP interactions in detail, and showed that in thyroid human carcinoma cells, RAMP1 is required for trafficking of the CaSR. Furthermore, we show that normal RAMP1 function is required for intracellular responses to ligands. Specifically, to confirm earlier studies with tagged constructs, and to provide the additional benefit of quantitative stoichiometric analysis, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer to show equal abilities of RAMP1 and 3 to chaperone CaSR to the cell surface, though RAMP3 interacted more efficiently with the receptor. Furthermore, a higher fraction of RAMP3 than RAMP1 was observed in CaSR-complexes on the cell-surface, suggesting different ratios of RAMPs to CaSR. In order to determine relevance of these findings in an endogenous expression system we assessed the effect of RAMP1 siRNA knock-down in medullary thyroid carcinoma TT cells, (which express RAMP1, but not RAMP3 constitutively) and measured a significant 50% attenuation of signalling in response to CaSR ligands Cinacalcet and neomycin. Blockade of RAMP1 using specific antibodies induced a concentration-dependent reduction in CaSR-mediated signalling in response to Cinacalcet in TT cells, suggesting a novel functional role for RAMP1 in regulation of CaSR signalling in addition to its known role in receptor trafficking. These data provide evidence that RAMPs traffic the CaSR as higher-level oligomers and play a role in CaSR signalling even after cell surface localisation has occurred. PMID:24454825

Role of receptor activity modifying protein 1 in function of the calcium sensing receptor in the human TT thyroid carcinoma cell line.

PubMed

Desai, Aditya J; Roberts, David J; Richards, Gareth O; Skerry, Timothy M

2014-01-01

The Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) plays a role in calcium homeostasis by sensing minute changes in serum Ca(2+) and modulating secretion of calciotropic hormones. It has been shown in transfected cells that accessory proteins known as Receptor Activity Modifying Proteins (RAMPs), specifically RAMPs 1 and 3, are required for cell-surface trafficking of the CaSR. These effects have only been demonstrated in transfected cells, so their physiological relevance is unclear. Here we explored CaSR/RAMP interactions in detail, and showed that in thyroid human carcinoma cells, RAMP1 is required for trafficking of the CaSR. Furthermore, we show that normal RAMP1 function is required for intracellular responses to ligands. Specifically, to confirm earlier studies with tagged constructs, and to provide the additional benefit of quantitative stoichiometric analysis, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer to show equal abilities of RAMP1 and 3 to chaperone CaSR to the cell surface, though RAMP3 interacted more efficiently with the receptor. Furthermore, a higher fraction of RAMP3 than RAMP1 was observed in CaSR-complexes on the cell-surface, suggesting different ratios of RAMPs to CaSR. In order to determine relevance of these findings in an endogenous expression system we assessed the effect of RAMP1 siRNA knock-down in medullary thyroid carcinoma TT cells, (which express RAMP1, but not RAMP3 constitutively) and measured a significant 50% attenuation of signalling in response to CaSR ligands Cinacalcet and neomycin. Blockade of RAMP1 using specific antibodies induced a concentration-dependent reduction in CaSR-mediated signalling in response to Cinacalcet in TT cells, suggesting a novel functional role for RAMP1 in regulation of CaSR signalling in addition to its known role in receptor trafficking. These data provide evidence that RAMPs traffic the CaSR as higher-level oligomers and play a role in CaSR signalling even after cell surface localisation has occurred.

Determination of Sr and Ca sources in small tropical catchments (La Selva, Costa Rica) - A comparison of Sr and Ca isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiegand, B. A.; Schwendenmann, L.

2013-04-01

SummaryA comparative study of Sr and Ca isotopes was conducted to assess solute sources and effects of biogeochemical processes on surface water and groundwater in four small tropical catchments located at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. Variable concentrations of dissolved Sr2+ and Ca2+ in the catchments are related to mixing of waters from different origin. Three catchments are influenced by high-solute bedrock groundwater, while another catchment is primarily supplied by local recharge. 87Sr/86Sr ratios were employed to discriminate contributions from mineral weathering and atmospheric sources. Solutes in bedrock groundwater have a predominant geogenic origin, whereas local recharge is characterized by low-solute inputs from rainwater and minor in situ weathering releases from nutrient-depleted soils. Bedrock groundwater contributes more than 60% of dissolved Sr2+ to surface discharge in the Salto, Saltito, and Arboleda catchments, whereas the Taconazo catchment receives more than 95% of dissolved Sr2+ from rainwater. δ44/40Ca values of dissolved Ca2+ vary greatly in the catchments, mainly as a result of heterogeneous Ca isotope compositions of the contributing sources. Based on differences in δ44/40Ca values, two distinct bedrock groundwaters discharging at the Salto and the Arboleda catchments are suggested. Effects of biological processes in the plant-soil system on solute generation in the catchments are indicated by variable Ca/Sr ratios. However, these effects cannot clearly be assessed by Ca isotopes due to the strong heterogeneity of δ44/40Ca values of Ca2+ sources and high Ca2+ concentrations in bedrock groundwater.

Growth of congruently melting Ca0.59Sr0.41F2 crystals and study of their properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karimov, D. N.; Komar'kova, O. N.; Sorokin, N. I.; Bezhanov, V. A.; Chernov, S. P.; Popov, P. A.; Sobolev, B. P.

2010-05-01

Homogeneous crystals of Ca0.59Sr0.41F2 alloy (sp. gr., Fm bar 3 m, a = 0.56057 nm), corresponding to the point of minimum in the melting curve in the CaF2-SrF2 phase diagram, have been grown by the vertical Bridgman method. The optical, mechanical, electrical, and thermophysical properties of Ca0.59Sr0.41F2 and MF2 crystals ( M = Ca, Sr) have been studied and comparatively analyzed. Ca0.59Sr0.41F2 crystals are transparent in the range of 0.133-11.5 μm, have refractive index n D = 1.436, microhardness H μ = 2.63 ± 0.10 GPa, ion conductivity σ = 5 × 10-5 S/cm at 825 K, and thermal conductivity k = 4.0 W m-1 K-1 at 300 K. It is shown that the optical properties of Ca0.59Sr0.41F2 crystals are intermediate between those of CaF2 and SrF2, whereas their mechanical and electrical characteristics are better than the latter compounds.

[Application of ICP-MS to Identify the Botanic Source of Characteristic Honey in South Yunnan].

PubMed

Wei, Yue; Chen, Fang; Wang, Yong; Chen, Lan-zhen; Zhang, Xue-wen; Wang, Yan-hui; Wu, Li-ming; Zhou, Qun

2016-01-01

By adopting inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) combined with chemometric analysis technology, 23 kinds of minerals in four kinds of characteristic honey derived from Yunnan province were analyzed. The result showed that 21 kinds of mineral elements, namely Na, Mg, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl and Pb, have significant differences among different varieties of honey. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the cumulative variance contribution rate of the first four main components reached 77.74%, seven kinds of elements (Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Sr, Cd, Ba) from the first main component contained most of the honey information. Through the stepwise discriminant analysis, seven kinds of elements (Mg, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Sr, Pb) were filtered. out and used to establish the discriminant function model, and the correct classification rates of the proposed model reached 90% and 86.7%, respectively, which showed elements contents could be effectively indicators to discriminate the four kinds characteristic honey in southern Yunnan Province. In view of all the honey samples were harvested from apiaries located at south Yunnan Province where have similar climate, soil and other environment conditions, the differences of the mineral elements contents for the honey samples mainly due to their corresponding nectariferous plant. Therefore, it is feasible to identify honey botanical source through the differences of mineral elements.

Structural and Magnetic Phase Coexistence in Oxygen Deficient Perovskites (Sr,Ca)FeO 2 . 5 + δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlo, J. P.; Evans, M. E.; Anczarski, J. A.; Ock, J.; Boyd, K.; Pollichemi, J. R.; Leahy, I. A.; Vogel, W.; Viescas, A. J.; Papaefthymiou, G. C.

A variety of compounds crystallize into perovskite and similar structures, making them versatile laboratories for many phenomena and applications, including multiferroicity, superconductivity, and photovoltaics. Oxygen-deficient perovskites ABOx have attracted interest for use in fuel cells and related applications due to high oxygen mobility and the possibility of charge disproportionation. Vast chemical flexibility is obtained through reductions in lattice symmetry and rotation/distortion of the BO6 octahedra, as well as ordering of oxygen vacancies. We have synthesized and studied the structural and magnetic properties of oxygen-deficient perovskites (Sr,Ca)FeO2 . 5 + δ using x-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy. While the ideal perovskite has δ = 0.5, this requires Fe4+, and hence strongly oxidizing environments. When grown in air, Fe3+ is favored, yielding δ ~ 0. SrFeO2 . 5 + δ exhibits cubic symmetry and paramagnetism at 300K, but CaFeO2 . 5 + δ crystallizes into the orthorhombic brownmillerite structure, and is magnetically ordered at 300K. In the doped intermediaries we find coexistence of cubic/paramagnetic and orthorhombic/magnetic phases over a wide range of Ca content. Financial support from the Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellowship program and the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.

The Effect of Oxygen Flow on the Transition Temperature of Hg0.75Pb0.25Sr2-yBayCa2Cu3O8+ δ Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasim, Kareem A.; Al-Khafaji, Raghad S.

2018-05-01

In this paper, there are three different high temperature superconductors which are Hg0.75Pb0.25Sr2-y BayCa2Cu3O8+δ with deferent weight fractions y = 0.10, 0.20 and 0.25 that have been prepared successfully by solid state reaction and the samples have been equipped with/without O2 flow. The optimum calcinations is 1073 K and the sintering process that has been achieved within 1128-1133 K. Transition temperature Tc has been found by using four probe technique through electrical resistivity measurements. The greatest Tc that has been found for Hg0.75Pb0.25Sr1.75 Ba0.25Ca2Cu3O8.31 is 115 oK. Oxygen content (O2) flow exhibits high-phased superconductors that is similar to the samples prepared without O2. Investigation of X-ray diffraction (XRD) is revealed (tetragonal structure) by the c-axis lattice parameter increasing of the samples substituted with Ba. It has been established, from the calculated results, that the Ba variation concentrations of all samples products a modification in the density (ρm), (c/a) and volume fraction (VPh(2223)).

Incorporation of trace metals into microcodium as novel proxies for paleo-precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tao; Li, Gaojun

2014-01-01

Trace element compositions of microcodium are applied for the first time as possible paleo-proxies based on a case study on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). The Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of the microcodium picked from the Holocene paleosol across the CLP show distinct positive correlation over large range of nearly one order of magnitude. Higher Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of microcodium are recorded in the sites on the northwestern CLP where less monsoonal rainfall is received. Similar large variation of the positively correlated Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios has also been observed for the stream water on the CLP with the same spatial pattern. The Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of the microcodium seem to be largely controlled by the composition of soil solution as reflected by stream water rather than partition coefficient. Rayleigh distillation, and thus evolving composition of soil solution as a result of progressive precipitation of secondary calcite, is responsible for the large variation and positive correlation of the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios for both the microcodium and stream water. We propose that the bio-remains in Chinese loess may become inactive when the soil water is extracted to a degree, and then be calcified into microcodium by the infiltration of freshwater that is mixed with the highly evolved soil solutes. Thus, the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of microcodium may record the paleo-precipitation amount by reflecting the mixing ratio between the highly evolved soil solutes with higher Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios and the fresh soil water with lower Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios.

Decadal changes in South Pacific sea surface temperatures and the relationship to the Pacific decadal oscillation and upper ocean heat content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linsley, Braddock K.; Wu, Henry C.; Dassié, Emilie P.; Schrag, Daniel P.

2015-04-01

Decadal changes in Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and upper ocean heat content (OHC) remain poorly understood. We present an annual average composite coral Sr/Ca-derived SST time series extending back to 1791 from Fiji, Tonga, and Rarotonga (FTR) in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) sensitive region of the southwest Pacific. Decadal SST maxima between 1805 and 1830 Common Era (C.E.) indicate unexplained elevated SSTs near the end of the Little Ice Age. The mean period of decadal SST variability in this region has a period near 25 years. Decades of warmer (cooler) FTR SST co-occur with PDO negative (positive) phases since at least ~1930 C.E. and positively correlate with South Pacific OHC (0-700 m). FTR SST is also inversely correlated with decadal changes in equatorial Pacific SST as measured by coral Sr/Ca. Collectively, these results support the fluctuating trade wind-shallow meridional overturning cell mechanism for decadal modulation of Pacific SSTs and OHC.

Effect of saponin treatment on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rat, cane toad and crustacean (yabby) skeletal muscle.

PubMed Central

Launikonis, B S; Stephenson, D G

1997-01-01

1. Mechanically skinned fibres from skeletal muscles of the rat, toad and yabby were used to investigate the effect of saponin treatment on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ loading properties. The SR was loaded submaximally under control conditions before and after treatment with saponin and SR Ca2+ was released with caffeine. 2. Treatment with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin greatly reduced the SR Ca2+ loading ability of skinned fibres from the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rat with a rate constant of 0.24 min-1. Saponin concentrations up to 150 micrograms ml-1 and increased exposure time up to 30 min did not further reduce the SR Ca2+ loading ability of the SR, which indicates that the inhibitory action of 10-150 micrograms ml-1 saponin is not dose dependent. The effect of saponin was also not dependent on the state of polarization of the transverse-tubular system. 3. Treatment with saponin at concentrations up to 100 micrograms ml-1 for 30 min did not affect the Ca2+ loading ability of SR in skinned skeletal muscle fibres from the twitch portion of the toad iliofibularis muscle but SR Ca2+ loading ability decreased markedly with a time constant of 0.22 min-1 in the presence of 150 micrograms ml-1 saponin. 4. The saponin dependent increase in permeability could be reversed in both rat and toad fibres by short treatment with 6 microM Ruthenium Red, a potent SR Ca2+ channel blocker, suggesting that saponin does affect the SR Ca2+ channel properties in mammalian and anuran skeletal muscle. 5. Treatment of skinned fibres of long sarcomere length (> 6 microns) from the claw muscle of the yabby (a freshwater decapod crustacean) with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin for 30 min abolished the ability of the SR to load Ca2+, indicating that saponin affects differently the SR from skeletal muscles of mammals, anurans and crustaceans. 6. It is concluded that at relatively low concentrations, saponin causes inhibition of the skeletal SR Ca2+ loading ability in a species dependent manner, probably by increasing the Ca2+ loss through SR Ca2+ release channels. PMID:9365915

Effect of saponin treatment on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rat, cane toad and crustacean (yabby) skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Launikonis, B S; Stephenson, D G

1997-10-15

1. Mechanically skinned fibres from skeletal muscles of the rat, toad and yabby were used to investigate the effect of saponin treatment on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ loading properties. The SR was loaded submaximally under control conditions before and after treatment with saponin and SR Ca2+ was released with caffeine. 2. Treatment with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin greatly reduced the SR Ca2+ loading ability of skinned fibres from the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rat with a rate constant of 0.24 min-1. Saponin concentrations up to 150 micrograms ml-1 and increased exposure time up to 30 min did not further reduce the SR Ca2+ loading ability of the SR, which indicates that the inhibitory action of 10-150 micrograms ml-1 saponin is not dose dependent. The effect of saponin was also not dependent on the state of polarization of the transverse-tubular system. 3. Treatment with saponin at concentrations up to 100 micrograms ml-1 for 30 min did not affect the Ca2+ loading ability of SR in skinned skeletal muscle fibres from the twitch portion of the toad iliofibularis muscle but SR Ca2+ loading ability decreased markedly with a time constant of 0.22 min-1 in the presence of 150 micrograms ml-1 saponin. 4. The saponin dependent increase in permeability could be reversed in both rat and toad fibres by short treatment with 6 microM Ruthenium Red, a potent SR Ca2+ channel blocker, suggesting that saponin does affect the SR Ca2+ channel properties in mammalian and anuran skeletal muscle. 5. Treatment of skinned fibres of long sarcomere length (> 6 microns) from the claw muscle of the yabby (a freshwater decapod crustacean) with 10 micrograms ml-1 saponin for 30 min abolished the ability of the SR to load Ca2+, indicating that saponin affects differently the SR from skeletal muscles of mammals, anurans and crustaceans. 6. It is concluded that at relatively low concentrations, saponin causes inhibition of the skeletal SR Ca2+ loading ability in a species dependent manner, probably by increasing the Ca2+ loss through SR Ca2+ release channels.

Hot cracking during welding and casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Guoping

Aluminum welds are susceptible to liquation cracking in the partially melted zone (PMZ). Using the multicomponent Scheil model, curves of temperature vs. fraction solid (T-fS) during solidification were calculated for the PMZ and weld metals (WMs). These curves were used to predict the crack susceptibility by checking if the harmful condition of WM fS > PMZ fS exists during PMZ solidification and reduce the susceptibility by minimizing this condition. This approach was tested against full-penetration welds of alloys 7075 and 2024 and it can be used to guide the selection or development of filler metals. Liquation cracking in the PMZ in welds of Al-Si cast alloys was also investigated. The crack susceptibility was evaluated by circular-patch test, and full-penetration welds made with filler metals 1100, 4043, 4047 and 5356. Liquation cracking was significant with filler metals 1100 and 5356 but slight with filler metals 4043 and 4047. In all welds, liquation cracks were completely backfilled, instead of open as in full-penetration welds of wrought alloys 2219 and 6061. The T-fS curves showed that alloy A357 has a much higher fraction liquid for backfilling before PMZ solidification was essentially over. Hot tearing in Mg-xAl-yCa alloys was studied by constrained rod casting (CRC) in a steel mold. The hot tearing susceptibility decreased significantly with increasing Ca content (y) but did not change much with the Al content (x). An instrumented CRC with a steel mold was developed to detect the onset of hot tearing. The secondary phases, eutectic content, solidification path, and freezing range were examined. Hot tearing in Mg-Al-Sr alloys was also studied by CRC in a steel mold. With Mg-(4,6,8)Al-1.5Sr alloys, the hot tearing susceptibility decreased significantly with increasing Al content. With Mg-(4,6,8)Al-3Sr alloys, the trend was similar but not as significant. At the same Al content, the hot tearing susceptibility decreased significantly with increasing Sr content. Instrumented CRC with a steel mold was also used to test hot tearing of Mg-Al-Sr alloys. Cracking occurred at a higher temperature in alloys most susceptible to cracking than in alloys least susceptible.

Alkaline-earth metal carboxylates characterized by 43Ca and 87Sr solid-state NMR: impact of metal-amine bonding.

PubMed

Burgess, Kevin M N; Xu, Yang; Leclerc, Matthew C; Bryce, David L

2014-01-06

A series of calcium and strontium complexes featuring aryl carboxylate ligands has been prepared and characterized by alkaline-earth ((43)Ca and (87)Sr) solid-state NMR experiments in a magnetic field of 21.1 T. In the 11 compounds studied as part of this work, a range of coordination motifs are observed including nitrogen atom binding to Ca(2+) and Sr(2+), a binding mode which has not been investigated previously by (43)Ca or (87)Sr solid-state NMR. (43)Ca isotopic enrichment has enabled the full characterization of the (43)Ca electric field gradient (EFG) and chemical shift tensors of the two calcium sites in calcium p-aminosalicylate (Ca(pams)), where both NMR interactions are affected by the presence of a nitrogen atom in the first coordination sphere of one of the metal sites. The (43)Ca isotropic chemical shift is sensitive to the Ca-N distance as exemplified by the NMR parameters of a second form of Ca(pams) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Studies of the strontium analogue, Sr(pams), confirm a similar sensitivity of the (87)Sr EFG tensor to the presence or absence of nitrogen in the first coordination sphere. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic (87)Sr NMR study of strontium complexes featuring organic ligands. The |CQ((87)Sr)| values are found to be sensitive to the coordination number about Sr(2+). In general, this work has also established a larger data set of reliable experimental |CQ((43)Ca)| values which correlate well with those obtained using gauge-including projector-augmented-wave (GIPAW) DFT calculations. It is found that the use of a recently recommended quadrupole moment for (43)Ca, -44.4 mbarn, improves the agreement with experimental values. This contribution lays the groundwork for the interpretation of (43)Ca and (87)Sr NMR spectra of more challenging systems, particularly where nitrogen-alkaline earth metal bonding is occurring.

[Determination of 22 inorganic elements in different parts of Lantana camara by ICP-OES].

PubMed

Zhou, Wei-ming; Wang, Ru-yi; Chen, Liu-sheng; Huang, Chuan-bin

2014-09-01

To determine the contents of 22 inorganic elements in different parts of Lantana camara by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). HNO3-H2 02 digested system was used to completely decomposed the organic compounds effectually by microwave digestion. 22 inorganic elements such as K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Mn and Cr were determined by ICP-OES under set up working conditions. The contents of K, Ca and Mg were the most in different parts of Lantana camrnara; The contents of K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Sr and Cu in the leaves of Lantana camara were more than that in the root and the branch. The contents of Fe and Na in the root of Lantana camara were more than that in the leaves and the branch. The contents of Pb and Cd were higher than the national standard and Cr had high content in different parts of Lantana camara. The determination method is quick, easy and accurate with high sensitivity,which can determine the contents of 22 inorganic elements accurately in different parts of Lantana camara.

The Calcium-Sensing Receptor in Health and Disease.

PubMed

Díaz-Soto, G; Rocher, A; García-Rodríguez, C; Núñez, L; Villalobos, C

2016-01-01

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a unique G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activated by extracellular Ca 2+ and by other physiological cations including Mg 2+ , amino acids, and polyamines. CaSR is the most important master controller of the extracellular Ca 2+ homeostatic system being expressed at high levels in the parathyroid gland, kidney, gut and bone, where it regulates parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, vitamin D synthesis, and Ca 2+ absorption and resorption, respectively. Gain and loss of function mutations in the CaSR are responsible for severe disturbances in extracellular Ca 2+ metabolism. CaSR agonists (calcimimetics) and antagonists (calcilytics) are in use or under intense research for treatment of hyperparathyroidism secondary to kidney failure and hypocalcemia with hypercalciuria, respectively. Expression of the CaSR extends to other tissues and systems beyond the extracellular Ca 2+ homeostatic system including the cardiovascular system, the airways, and the nervous system where it may play physiological functions yet to be fully understood. As a consequence, CaSR has been recently involved in different pathologies including uncontrolled blood pressure, vascular calcification, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, the CaSR has been shown to play a critical role in cancer either contributing to bone metastasis and/or acting as a tumor suppressor in some forms of cancer (parathyroid cancer, colon cancer, and neuroblastoma) and as oncogene in others (breast and prostate cancers). Here we review the role of CaSR in health and disease in calciotropic tissues and others beyond the extracellular calcium homeostatic system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Precision Seawater Sr/Ca Measurements in the Florida Keys by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry: Analytical Method and Implications for Coral Paleothermometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khare, A.; Kilbourne, K. H.; Schijf, J.

2017-12-01

Standard methods of reconstructing past sea surface temperatures (SSTs) with coral skeletal Sr/Ca ratios assume the seawater Sr/Ca ratio is constant. However, there is little data to support this assumption, in part because analytical techniques capable of determining seawater Sr/Ca with sufficient accuracy and precision are expensive and time consuming. We demonstrate a method to measure seawater Sr/Ca using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry where we employ an intensity ratio calibration routine that reduces the self- matrix effects of calcium and cancels out the matrix effects that are common to both calcium and strontium. A seawater standard solution cross-calibrated with multiple instruments is used to correct for long-term instrument drift and any remnant matrix effects. The resulting method produces accurate seawater Sr/Ca determinations rapidly, inexpensively, and with a precision better than 0.2%. This method will make it easier for coral paleoclimatologists to quantify potentially problematic fluctuations in seawater Sr/Ca at their study locations. We apply our method to test for variability in surface seawater Sr/Ca along the Florida Keys Reef Tract. We are collecting winter and summer samples for two years in a grid with eleven nearshore to offshore transects across the reef, as well as continuous samples collected by osmotic pumps at four locations adjacent to our grid. Our initial analysis of the grid samples indicates a trend of decreasing Sr/Ca values offshore potentially due to a decreasing groundwater influence. The values differ by as much as 0.05 mmol/mol which could lead to an error of 1°C in mean SST reconstructions. Future work involves continued sampling in the Florida Keys to test for seasonal and interannual variability in seawater Sr/Ca, as well as collecting data from small reefs in the Virgin Islands to test the stability of seawater Sr/Ca under different geologic, hydrologic and hydrographic environments.

Effect of experimental variables onto Co(2+) and Sr(2+) sorption behavior in red mud-water suspensions.

PubMed

Milenković, Aleksandra S; Smičiklas, Ivana D; Šljivić-Ivanović, Marija Z; Živković, Ljiljana S; Vukelić, Nikola S

2016-07-02

The prospects of rinsed red mud (alumina production residue) utilization for liquid radioactive waste treatment have been investigated, with Co(2+) and Sr(2+) as model cations of radioactive elements. To evaluate the sorption effectiveness and corresponding binding mechanisms, the process was analyzed in batch conditions, by varying experimental conditions (pH, Co(2+) and Sr(2+) concentrations in single solutions and binary mixtures, contact time, and the concentration of competing cations and ligands common in liquid radioactive waste). Comparison of the Co(2+) and Sr(2+) sorption pH edges with the red mud isoelectric point has revealed that Co(2+) removal took place at both positive and negative red mud surface, while Sr(2+) sorption abruptly increased when the surface became negatively charged. The increase of initial cation content and pH resulted in increased equilibrium times and sorption capacity and decreased rate constants. From single metal solutions and various binary mixtures, Co(2+) was sorbed more efficiently and selectively than Sr(2+). While Sr(2+) sorption was reduced by coexisting cations in the order Al(3+) ≥ Ca(2+) >Na(+) ≥Cs(+), removal of Co(2+) was affected by Al(3+) species and complexing agents (EDTA and citrate). Desorption of Co(2+) was negligible in Ca(2+) and Sr(2+) containing media and in solutions with initial pH 4-7. Sr(2+) desorption was generally more pronounced, especially at low pH and in the presence of Co(2+). Collected macroscopic data signify that Co(2+) sorption by red mud minerals occurred via strong chemical bonds, while Sr(2+) was retained mainly by weaker ion-exchange or electrostatic interactions. Results indicate that the rinsed red mud represent an efficient, low-cost sorbent for Co(2+) and Sr(2+) immobilization.

The effects of lesion baseline characteristics and different Sr:Ca ratios in plaque fluid-like solutions on caries lesion de- and remineralization.

PubMed

Lippert, Frank

2012-10-01

This study investigated the effects of lesion baseline characteristics and different strontium (Sr) to calcium (Ca) ratios in plaque fluid-like solutions (PF) on lesion de- and remineralization. Caries lesions were formed in enamel using three protocols: methylcellulose acid gel (MeC) and partially saturated lactic acid solutions containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or not (SOLN). Lesions were exposed to PF with four distinct Sr:Ca molar ratios (0:1/3:1:3), but otherwise identical composition and total Sr+Ca molarity, for seven days. Lesions were characterized using transverse microradiography (TMR) at baseline and post-treatment. At baseline, MeC and CMC had similar integrated mineral loss values, whereas SOLN lesions were more demineralized. All lesions showed significant differences in their mineral distributions, with CMC and SOLN having lower R values (integrated mineral loss to lesion depth ratio) than MeC. Post-PF exposure, no interaction was found between lesion type and Sr:Ca ratio. Within lesion type, MeC demineralized, whereas CMC and SOLN exhibited some remineralization, with the differences between MeC and the other lesion types being of statistical significance. Within Sr:Ca ratio, the 1:3 ratio exhibited some remineralization whereas other groups tended to demineralize. Only the difference between groups SrCa1/3 and SrCa0 was of statistical significance. In summary, both lesion baseline characteristics and Sr:Ca ratio were shown to effect lesion de- and remineralization. Under the conditions of the study, high-R lesions are more prone to demineralize under PF-like conditions than low-R lesions. In addition, partial Sr substitution for Ca in PF was shown to enhance lesion remineralization. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sr/Ca proxy sea-surface temperature reconstructions from modern and holocene Montastraea faveolata specimens from the Dry Tortugas National Park

USGS Publications Warehouse

Flannery, Jennifer A.; Poore, Richard Z.

2013-01-01

Sr/Ca ratios from skeletal samples from two Montastraea faveolata corals (one modern, one Holocene, ~6 Ka) from the Dry Tortugas National Park were measured as a proxy for sea-surface temperature (SST). We sampled coral specimens with a computer-driven triaxial micromilling machine, which yielded an average of 15 homogenous samples per annual growth increment. We regressed Sr/Ca values from resulting powdered samples against a local SST record to obtain a calibration equation of Sr/Ca = -0.0392 SST + 10.205, R = -0.97. The resulting calibration was used to generate a 47-year modern (1961-2008) and a 7-year Holocene (~6 Ka) Sr/Ca subannually resolved proxy record of SST. The modern M. faveolata yields well-defined annual Sr/Ca cycles ranging in amplitude from ~0.3 and 0.5 mmol/mol. The amplitude of ~0.3 to 0.5 mmol/mol equates to a 10-15°C seasonal SST amplitude, which is consistent with available local instrumental records. Summer maxima proxy SSTs calculated from the modern coral Sr/ Ca tend to be fairly stable: most SST maxima from 1961–2008 are 29°C ± 1°C. In contrast, winter minimum SST calculated in the 47-year modern time-series are highly variable, with a cool interval in the early to mid-1970s. The Holocene (~6 Ka) Montastraea faveolata coral also yields distinct annual Sr/Ca cycles with amplitudes ranging from ~0.3 to 0.6 mmol/mol. Absolute Sr/Ca values and thus resulting SST estimates over the ~7-year long record are similar to those from the modern coral. We conclude that Sr/Ca from Montastraea faveolata has high potential for developing subannually resolved Holocene SST records.

Late Quaternary Productivity Records from Coccolith Sr/Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoll, H. M.; Burke, A.; Mejia Ramirez, L. M.; Shimizu, N.; Ziveri, P. P. I.

2014-12-01

The Sr/Ca of coccoliths has been proposed as an indicator of productivity on the basis of correlation with export production in sediment traps and across upwelling productivity gradients, although the mechanism responsable for this relationship is not clear. For diverse oceanographic settings in the Late Quaternary, we compare coccolith Sr/Ca productivity records with those of other productivity indicators and proxies for mechanisms of productivity forcing. For the Somalia Basin in the Arabian Sea, coccolith Sr/Ca shows a large variation coherent with precessional forcing of wind strength as a mechanism for productivity regulation. During the glacial, the Sr/Ca peak is decoupled from productivity indicators based on organic C accumulation rate. For the Northern Bay of Bengal, coccolith Sr/Ca, Ba/Ti, and relative abundance of G. bulloides, all suggest greater productivity during the interglacial periods, consisted with Nd isotopic evidence for greater riverine nutrient inputs. In the Andaman Sea, coccolith Sr/Ca is highest during precessional maxima in the summer monsoon, consistent with proxies for chemical weathering in the Irawaddy rivershed. In the Eastern Mediterranean, coccolith Sr/Ca is on average low, and peaks during the E. Holocene interval characterized by deposition of sapropel S1. The peak in Sr/Ca however is comparable to the level maintained throughout the Holocene in the Western Mediterranean, where no sapropel occurs, implicating deepwater oxygen levels as a significant contributor to sapropel formation. Finally, on the Agulhas Bank, minima in coccolith Sr/Ca occur during obliquity minima which are periods of anomalous equatorward deposition of IRD in the Southern Ocean. Northward explansion of the westerly wind field during these cold intervals, block upwelling on the Agulhas Bank and result in low productivity.

Calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase mediates the intracellular signalling pathways of cardiac apoptosis in mice with impaired glucose tolerance.

PubMed

Federico, Marilen; Portiansky, Enrique L; Sommese, Leandro; Alvarado, Francisco J; Blanco, Paula G; Zanuzzi, Carolina N; Dedman, John; Kaetzel, Marcia; Wehrens, Xander H T; Mattiazzi, Alicia; Palomeque, Julieta

2017-06-15

Spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ release events increased in fructose-rich diet mouse (FRD) myocytes vs. control diet (CD) mice, in the absence of significant changes in SR Ca 2+ load. In HEK293 cells, hyperglycaemia significantly enhanced [ 3 H]ryanodine binding and Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylation of RyR2-S2814 residue vs. normoglycaemia. These increases were prevented by CaMKII inhibition. FRD significantly augmented cardiac apoptosis in WT vs. CD-WT mice, which was prevented by co-treatment with the reactive oxygen species scavenger Tempol. Oxidative stress was also increased in FRD-SR-autocamide inhibitory peptide (AIP) mice, expressing the SR-targeted CaMKII inhibitor AIP, without any significant enhancement of apoptosis vs. CD-SR-AIP mice. FRD produced mitochondrial swelling and membrane depolarization in FRD-WT mice but not in FRD-S2814A mice, in which the CaMKII site on ryanodine receptor 2 was ablated. FRD decreased mitochondrial area, mean Feret diameter and the mean distance between SR and the outer mitochondrial membrane vs. CD hearts. This remodelling was prevented in AC3I mice, with cardiac-targeted CaMKII inhibition. The impact of cardiac apoptosis in pre-diabetic stages of diabetic cardiomyopathy is unknown. We show that myocytes from fructose-rich diet (FRD) animals exhibit arrhythmias produced by exacerbated Ca 2+ /calmodulin-protein kinase (CaMKII) activity, ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) phosphorylation and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ leak. We tested the hypothesis that this mechanism also underlies cardiac apoptosis in pre-diabetes. We generated a pre-diabetic model in FRD mice. FRD mice showed an increase in oxidative stress, hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction. FRD myocytes exhibited enhanced SR Ca 2+ spontaneous events in the absence of SR Ca 2+ load alterations vs. control-diet (CD) myocytes. In HEK293 cells, hyperglycaemia significantly enhanced [ 3 H]ryanodine binding and CaMKII phosphorylation of RyR2-S2814 residue vs. normoglycaemia. CaMKII inhibition prevented hyperglycaemia-induced alterations. FRD also evoked cardiac apoptosis in WT mice vs. CD-WT mice. Co-treatment with the reactive oxygen species scavenger Tempol prevented FRD-induced apoptosis in WT mice. In contrast, FRD enhanced oxidative stress but not apoptosis in FRD-SR-AIP mice, in which a CaMKII inhibitor is targeted to the SR. FRD produced mitochondrial membrane depolarization in WT mice but not in S2814A mice, in which the CaMKII phosphorylation site on RyR2 was ablated. Furthermore, FRD decreased mitochondrial area, mean Feret diameter and mean SR-mitochondrial distance vs. CD-WT hearts. This remodelling was prevented in AC3I mice, with cardiac-targeted CaMKII inhibition. CaMKII phosphorylation of RyR2, SR Ca 2+ leak and mitochondrial membrane depolarization are critically involved in the apoptotic pathway of the pre-diabetic heart. The FRD-induced decrease in SR-mitochondrial distance is likely to additionally favour Ca 2+ transit between the two organelles. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2017 The Physiological Society.

The effect of PKA-mediated phosphorylation of ryanodine receptor on SR Ca2+ leak in ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Bovo, Elisa; Huke, Sabine; Blatter, Lothar A; Zima, Aleksey V

2017-03-01

Functional impact of cardiac ryanodine receptor (type 2 RyR or RyR2) phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA) remains highly controversial. In this study, we characterized a functional link between PKA-mediated RyR2 phosphorylation level and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ release and leak in permeabilized rabbit ventricular myocytes. Changes in cytosolic [Ca 2+ ] and intra-SR [Ca 2+ ] SR were measured with Fluo-4 and Fluo-5N, respectively. Changes in RyR2 phosphorylation at two PKA sites, serine-2031 and -2809, were measured with phospho-specific antibodies. cAMP (10μM) increased Ca 2+ spark frequency approximately two-fold. This effect was associated with an increase in SR Ca 2+ load from 0.84 to 1.24mM. PKA inhibitory peptide (PKI; 10μM) abolished the cAMP-dependent increase of SR Ca 2+ load and spark frequency. When SERCA was completely blocked by thapsigargin, cAMP did not affect RyR2-mediated Ca 2+ leak. The lack of a cAMP effect on RyR2 function can be explained by almost maximal phosphorylation of RyR2 at serine-2809 after sarcolemma permeabilization. This high RyR2 phosphorylation level is likely the consequence of a balance shift between protein kinase and phosphatase activity after permeabilization. When RyR2 phosphorylation at serine-2809 was reduced to its "basal" level (i.e. RyR2 phosphorylation level in intact myocytes) using kinase inhibitor staurosporine, SR Ca 2+ leak was significantly reduced. Surprisingly, further dephosphorylation of RyR2 with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) markedly increased SR Ca 2+ leak. At the same time, phosphorylation of RyR2 at serine 2031 did not significantly change under identical experimental conditions. These results suggest that RyR2 phosphorylation by PKA has a complex effect on SR Ca 2+ leak in ventricular myocytes. At an intermediate level of RyR2 phosphorylation SR Ca 2+ leak is minimal. However, complete dephosphorylation and maximal phosphorylation of RyR2 increases SR Ca 2+ leak. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ca cycling and isotopic fluxes in forested ecosystems in Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wiegand, B.A.; Chadwick, O.A.; Vitousek, P.M.; Wooden, J.L.

2005-01-01

Biogeochemical processes fractionate Ca isotopes in plants and soils along a 4 million year developmental sequence in the Hawaiian Islands. We observed that plants preferentially take up 40Ca relative to 44Ca, and that biological fractionation and changes in the relative contributions from volcanic and marine sources produce a significant increase in 44Ca in soil exchangeable pools. Our results imply moderate fluxes enriched in 44Ca from strongly nutrient-depleted old soils, in contrast with high 40Ca fluxes in young and little weathered environments. In addition, biological fractionation controls divergent geochemical pathways of Ca and Sr in the plant-soil system. While Ca depletes progressively with increasing soil age, Sr/Ca ratios increase systematically. Sr isotope ratios provide a valuable tracer for provenance studies of alkaline earth elements in forested ecosystems, but its usefulness is limited when deciphering biogeochemical processes involved in the terrestrial Ca cycle. Ca isotopes in combination with Sr/ Ca ratios reveal more complex processes involved in the biogeochemistry of Ca and Sr. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.

Multi-species coral Sr/Ca-based sea-surface temperature reconstruction using Orbicella faveolata and Siderastrea siderea from the Florida Straits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Flannery, Jennifer A.; Richey, Julie N.; Thirumalai, Kaustubh; Poore, Richard Z.; DeLong, Kristine L.

2017-01-01

We present new, monthly-resolved Sr/Ca-based sea-surface temperature (SST) records from two species of massive coral, Orbicella faveolata and Siderastrea siderea, from the Dry Tortugas National Park, FL, USA (DTNP). We combine these new records with published data from three additional S. siderea coral colonies to generate a 278-year long multi-species stacked Sr/Ca-SST record from DTNP. The composite record of mean annual Sr/Ca-SST at DTNP shows pronounced decadal-scale variability with a range of 1 to 2°C. Notable cool intervals in the Sr/Ca-derived SST lasting about a decade centered at ~1845, ~1935, and ~1965 are associated with reduced summer Sr/Ca-SST (monthly maxima < 29°C), and imply a reduction in the spatial extent of the Atlantic Warm Pool (AWP). There is significant coherence between the composite DTNP Sr/Ca-SST record and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index, with the AMO lagging Sr/Ca-SST at DTNP by 9 years. Low frequency variability in the Gulf Stream surface transport, which originates near DTNP, may provide a link for the lagged relationship between multidecadal variability at DTNP and the AMO.

Cenozoic seawater Sr/Ca evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosdian, Sindia M.; Lear, Caroline H.; Tao, Kai; Grossman, Ethan L.; O'Dea, Aaron; Rosenthal, Yair

2012-10-01

Records of seawater chemistry help constrain temporal variations in geochemical processes that impact the global carbon cycle and climate through Earth's history. Here we reconstruct Cenozoic seawater Sr/Ca (Sr/Casw) using fossil Conus and turritellid gastropod Sr/Ca. Combined with an oxygen isotope paleotemperature record from the same samples, the gastropod record suggests that Sr/Caswwas slightly higher in the Eocene (˜11.4 ± 3 mmol/mol) than today (˜8.54 mmol/mol) and remained relatively stable from the mid- to late Cenozoic. We compare our gastropod Cenozoic Sr/Casw record with a published turritellid gastropod Sr/Casw record and other published biogenic (benthic foraminifera, fossil fish teeth) and inorganic precipitate (calcite veins) Sr/Caswrecords. Once the uncertainties with our gastropod-derived Sr/Casw are taken into account the Sr/Casw record agrees reasonably well with biogenic Sr/Caswrecords. Assuming a seawater [Ca] history derived from marine evaporite inclusions, all biogenic-based Sr/Casw reconstructions imply decreasing seawater [Sr] through the Cenozoic, whereas the calcite vein Sr/Casw reconstruction implies increasing [Sr] through the Cenozoic. We apply a simple geochemical model to examine the implications of divergence among these seawater [Sr] reconstructions and suggest that the interpretation and uncertainties associated with the gastropod and calcite vein proxies need to be revisited. Used in conjunction with records of carbonate depositional fluxes, our favored seawater Sr/Ca scenarios point to a significant increase in the proportion of aragonite versus calcite deposition in shelf sediments from the Middle Miocene, coincident with the proliferation of coral reefs. We propose that this occurred at least 10 million years after the seawater Mg/Ca threshold was passed, and was instead aided by declining levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The effect of changing seawater Ca and Mg concentrations upon the distribution coefficients of Mg and Sr in the skeletons of the scleractinian coral Pocillopora damicornis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri, Sharmila J.; Swart, Peter K.; Devlin, Quinn B.

2018-02-01

The skeletal composition of calcifying organisms, in particular Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios, have been widely used to understand fluctuations in seawater chemistry throughout the Phanerozoic. While the success of applying these data to the geologic record depends on a knowledge of the distribution coefficients for these elements (DMg and DSr), there are scarcely any studies which have described how these values vary as a result of changing seawater Mg/Ca ratios. To address this, we have cultured the scleractinian coral, Pocillopora damicornis, in seawater with ranges of Mg and Ca concentrations. Here, we demonstrate that Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of coral skeletons correlate with total seawater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca molar ratios, but that apparent DMg and DSr values do not remain constant across the range of experimental seawater treatments, with DMg values significantly increasing with seawater Mg/Ca ratios and DSr values significantly increasing with seawater Ca concentrations. These trends are not rate dependent and may be best explained by a Rayleigh distillation model, in which the calcifying space is semi-isolated from seawater during skeletogenesis (i.e. leaky). As there is a slight increase in DMg and decrease in DSr values between our "Jurassic" and "Modern" seawater treatments, the application of a constant distribution coefficient to estimate changes in ancient seawater chemistry may underestimate seawater Mg/Ca ratios and overestimate Sr/Ca throughout the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. We suggest that interpretations of seawater chemistry from fossil corals may be improved by using the relationships derived for skeletal and seawater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios established by our experiments, as they incorporate the effect of seawater Mg/Ca ratios on skeletal Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios.

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor is required for cholecystokinin secretion in response to l-phenylalanine in acutely isolated intestinal I cells

PubMed Central

Liou, Alice P.; Sei, Yoshitatsu; Zhao, Xilin; Feng, Jianying; Lu, Xinping; Thomas, Craig; Pechhold, Susanne; Raybould, Helen E.

2011-01-01

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has recently been recognized as an l-amino acid sensor and has been implicated in mediating cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion in response to aromatic amino acids. We investigated whether direct detection of l-phenylalanine (l-Phe) by CaSR results in CCK secretion in the native I cell. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of duodenal I cells from CCK-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) transgenic mice demonstrated CaSR gene expression. Immunostaining of fixed and fresh duodenal tissue sections confirmed CaSR protein expression. Intracellular calcium fluxes were CaSR dependent, stereoselective for l-Phe over d-Phe, and responsive to type II calcimimetic cinacalcet in CCK-eGFP cells. Additionally, CCK secretion by an isolated I cell population was increased by 30 and 62% in response to l-Phe in the presence of physiological (1.26 mM) and superphysiological (2.5 mM) extracellular calcium concentrations, respectively. While the deletion of CaSR from CCK-eGFP cells did not affect basal CCK secretion, the effect of l-Phe or cinacalcet on intracellular calcium flux was lost. In fact, both secretagogues, as well as superphysiological Ca2+, evoked an unexpected 20–30% decrease in CCK secretion compared with basal secretion in CaSR−/− CCK-eGFP cells. CCK secretion in response to KCl or tryptone was unaffected by the absence of CaSR. The present data suggest that CaSR is required for hormone secretion in the specific response to l-Phe by the native I cell, and that a receptor-mediated mechanism may inhibit hormone secretion in the absence of a fully functional CaSR. PMID:21252045

Cross-bridge blocker BTS permits direct measurement of SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization in toadfish swimbladder muscle fibers.

PubMed

Young, Iain S; Harwood, Claire L; Rome, Lawrence C

2003-10-01

Because the major processes involved in muscle contraction require rapid utilization of ATP, measurement of ATP utilization can provide important insights into the mechanisms of contraction. It is necessary, however, to differentiate between the contribution made by cross-bridges and that of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pumps. Specific and potent SR Ca2+ pump blockers have been used in skinned fibers to permit direct measurement of cross-bridge ATP utilization. Up to now, there was no analogous cross-bridge blocker. Recently, N-benzyl-p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS) was found to suppress force generation at micromolar concentrations. We tested whether BTS could be used to block cross-bridge ATP utilization, thereby permitting direct measurement of SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization in saponin-skinned fibers. At 25 microM, BTS virtually eliminates force and cross-bridge ATP utilization (both <4% of control value). By taking advantage of the toadfish swimbladder muscle's unique right shift in its force-Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) relationship, we measured SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization in the presence and absence of BTS. At 25 microM, BTS had no effect on SR pump ATP utilization. Hence, we used BTS to make some of the first direct measurements of ATP utilization of intact SR over a physiological range of [Ca2+]at 15 degrees C. Curve fits to SR Ca2+ pump ATP utilization vs. pCa indicate that they have much lower Hill coefficients (1.49) than that describing cross-bridge force generation vs. pCa (approximately 5). Furthermore, we found that BTS also effectively eliminates force generation in bundles of intact swimbladder muscle, suggesting that it will be an important tool for studying integrated SR function during normal motor behavior.

Superconductivity in the Sn-Ba-Sr-Y-Cu-O system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aleksandrov, K. S.; Khrustalev, B. P.; Krivomazov, S. N.; Petrov, M. I.; Vasilyev, A. D.; Zwegintsev, S. A.

1991-01-01

After the discovery of high-T(sub c) superconductivity in the La-Ba-Cu-O compound, several families of superconducting oxides were synthesized. Here, researchers report the results of the search for superconductivity in the compounds based on tin which has a lone electron pair like Bi, Tl, and Pb. The following compounds were synthesized: Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3O(sub x), Sn1Ba1Ca1Cu3O(sub x), Sn1Ba1Mg1Cu3O(sub x), Sn1Sr1Ca1Cu3O(sub x), Sn1Sr1Mg1Cu3O(sub x), and Sn1Ca1Mg1Cu3O(sub x). The initial components were oxides and carbonates of the appropriate elements. A standard firing-grinding procedure was used. Final heating was carried out at 960 C during 12 hours. Then the samples were cooled inside the furnace. All the synthesis cycles were carried out in air atmosphere. Among the synthesized compounds only Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3O(sub x) showed remarkable conductivity. Other compounds were practically dielectrics. Presence of a possible superconductivity in Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3O(sub x) was defined by using the Meissner effect. At low temperature a deviation from paramagnetic behavior is observed. The hysteresis loops obtained at lower temperature undoubtly testify to the presence of a superconductive phase in the sample. However, the part of the superconductive phase in the Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3O(sub x) ceramic turned out to be small, less than 2 percent, which agrees with the estimation from magnetic data. In order to increase the content of the superconductive phase, two-valent cations Ba and Sr were partially substituted by univalent (K) and three-valent ones (Y).

Determining Solute Sources and Water Flowpaths in a Forested Headwater Catchment: Advances With the Ca-Sr-Ba Multi-tracer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bullen, T. D.; Bailey, S. W.; McGuire, K. J.; Zimmer, M. A.; Ross, D. S.

2011-12-01

Determining solute sources and water flowpaths in catchments is of critical importance to development of models that effectively describe catchment function. For solutes in soil water and stream water, simple mass balance models that compare precipitation input to catchment outlet compositions can predict average mineral weathering contributions for the catchment as a whole, but fail to provide information about either variability of contributions from different portions of the catchment and different soil depths or processes such as ion exchange and biological cycling. In order to better understand how forested headwater catchments function, we are interpreting concentration and isotope ratios of the alkaline earth elements Ca, Sr and Ba in streamwater, groundwater, the soil ion exchange pool and plants in a hydropedologic context at the 41 hectare hydrologic reference catchment (Watershed 3) at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA. This forested headwater catchment consists of a beech-birch-maple-spruce forest growing on vertically- and laterally-developed Spodosols and Inceptisols formed on granitoid glacial till that mantles Paleozoic metamorphic bedrock. Across the watershed in terms of the soil ion exchange pool, the forest floor has high Sr/Ba and Ca/Sr ratios, mineral soils have intermediate Sr/Ba and low Ca/Sr, and relatively unweathered till in the C horizon has low Sr/Ba and high Ca/Sr. Waters moving through these various compartments will obtain Sr/Ba and Ca/Sr ratios reflecting these characteristics, and thus variations of Sr/Ba and Ca/Sr of streamwater provide evidence of the depth of water flowpaths feeding the streams. 87Sr/86Sr of exchangeable Sr spans a broad range from 0.715 to 0.725, with highest values along the mid-to upper flanks of the catchment and lowest values in a broad zone along the central axis of the catchment associated with numerous groundwater seeps. Thus, variations of 87Sr/86Sr in streamwater provide evidence of the spatial distribution of water flowpaths feeding the streams. In addition, we are exploring the use of Sr and Ba stable isotope ratios (88Sr/86Sr, 138Ba/134Ba) as novel tracers of Sr and Ba sources in catchments. Initial results indicate that both Sr and Ba stable isotopes are fractionated by plants similarly to patterns observed globally for Ca stable isotopes. We hypothesize that while biologically-cycled Ca is efficiently retained in the organic soil-plant system, biologically-cycled Sr and especially Ba will be more easily leached by soil waters and delivered to the streams and thus their stable isotope ratios may provide an additional means to distinguish between shallow and deep water flowpaths in forested catchments.

[The functions of calcium-sensing receptor in regulating mineral metabolism.

PubMed

Kinoshita, Yuka

Calcium-sensing receptor(CaSR)which belongs to a G protein-coupled receptor family is one of the key elements in regulating calcium homeostasis. CaSR has been identified as a receptor to control parathyroid hormone(PTH)secretion in parathyroid glands according to serum calcium ion(Ca2+)levels. It has also been shown that CaSR controls reabsorption of water and several cations including Ca2+and magnesium ion(Mg2+)in renal tubular cells. This review summarizes the functions and roles of CaSR in mineral metabolism that are exerted in parathyroid glands, kidney, and intestine.

Constraints on Ca/Sr as a Proxy for Calcium in Forest Ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoff, C. J.; Hobbie, E. A.; Hallett, R.; Colpaert, J.; Bryce, J. G.

2004-05-01

Calcium is a key plant nutrient and important base cation in ecosystems. Our current efforts to quantify Ca cycling in ecosystems rely on indirect proxies, e.g., Ca/Sr or Sr isotopic systems (1). An important assumption in these applications is that the elemental ratio of calcium to strontium faithfully represents calcium cycling and that little fractionation occurs through biogeochemical and physiological processes. However, several researchers have reported variations in Ca/Sr, e.g. among different tree tissues (2) and during weathering processes (3), raising doubts about the suitability of the proxy. To address the question of reliability, we measured Ca/Sr values in a culture study in which Scots pines were grown at low or high nutrient supply rates (3% per day or 5% per day). Because mycorrhizal fungi are intimately involved in plant nutrient supply, plants were also grown either uncolonized or colonized with one of two different species of mycorrhizal fungi (Suillus luteus and Thelephora terrestris). Our preliminary results indicate that Ca/Sr values differ between high and low nutrient treatments, root and foliage, and mycorrhizal treatments. In individual seedlings, roots have lower Ca/Sr than foliage by absolute factors of 2-5. The magnitude of the effect is apparently determined by a combination of environmental factors including both the nutrient and mycorrhizal treatments. These results indicate that Ca and Sr are partitioned differently between nutrient and mycorrhizal treatments and between plant fractions despite the common nutrient broth and substrate. Thus, Ca/Sr values alone are not reliable tracers of Ca within an ecosystem because of partitioning of Ca and Sr during nutrient transport within the plant-mycorrhizal system. We are presently refining analytical techniques and conducting leachate experiments to improve the quantification of this Ca/Sr fractionation. We are also exploring the use of isotopic tracers to study calcium biogeochemical cycling in forest ecosystems. (1) Blum, J.D., et al. 2002. Nature 417: 729-731. (2) Bailey, S.W., et al. 1996. Water Resources Research 32: 707-719. (3) Vitousek, P.M., et al. 1999. Oecologia 121: 255- 259.

Environmental controls on sulfur isotopic composition of sulfide minerals in seep carbonates from the South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, S.; Li, N.; Liang, Q.; Chen, D.; Feng, D.

2017-12-01

Authigenic carbonates and pyrite associated with sulfate-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) at methane seeps provide archives to explore the biogeochemical processes involved and seepage dynamics over time. The wide range and extremely high δ34Spy value of authigenic sulfide has been used to trace the AOM-related processes. However, the detail mechanism for this is unknown. We proposed the δ34Spy characteristics result from high sulfate reduction rate and its competition with sulfate supply rate. To test this hypothesis, we investigated Mo content, Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios, pyrite content, and its sulfur isotopic compositions in methane-derived carbonates from Site F and Haima in northern South China Sea. Calcite and aragonite were distinguished through the Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios. The data show that aragonites are always associated with relatively low δ34Spy values compared to calcites. The Mo content and pyrite have good linear correlations in both aragonites and calcites, and aragonites have more positive slope than calcites. This indicates that there is more Mo available from seawater during the aragonite precipitation. The data suggest that the low δ34Spy values are formed at higher supply rate of sulfate under relatively open system, and high δ34Spy values result from a deep sulfate methane transition zone where dissolve sulfate near to complete exhausted via AOM. The combination of a detailed elemental study of authigenic carbonate with sulfur isotopes of sulfide minerals in carbonates are promising tools for reconstructing the dynamics of seep intensities in modern and, potentially, geological record.

Behind the curtain: cellular mechanisms for allosteric modulation of calcium-sensing receptors

PubMed Central

Cavanaugh, Alice; Huang, Ying; Breitwieser, Gerda E

2012-01-01

Calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR) are integral to regulation of systemic Ca2+ homeostasis. Altered expression levels or mutations in CaSR cause Ca2+ handling diseases. CaSR is regulated by both endogenous allosteric modulators and allosteric drugs, including the first Food and Drug Administration-approved allosteric agonist, Cinacalcet HCl (Sensipar®). Recent studies suggest that allosteric modulators not only alter function of plasma membrane-localized CaSR, but regulate CaSR stability at the endoplasmic reticulum. This brief review summarizes our current understanding of the role of membrane-permeant allosteric agonists in cotranslational stabilization of CaSR, and highlights additional, indirect, signalling-dependent role(s) for membrane-impermeant allosteric drugs. Overall, these studies suggest that allosteric drugs act at multiple cellular organelles to control receptor abundance and hence function, and that drug hydrophobicity can bias the relative contributions of plasma membrane and intracellular organelles to CaSR abundance and signalling. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on the Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-6. To view the 2010 themed section on the same topic visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue-5/issuetoc PMID:21470201

Mammary-Specific Ablation of the Calcium-Sensing Receptor During Lactation Alters Maternal Calcium Metabolism, Milk Calcium Transport, and Neonatal Calcium Accrual

PubMed Central

Mamillapalli, Ramanaiah; VanHouten, Joshua; Dann, Pamela; Bikle, Daniel; Chang, Wenhan; Brown, Edward

2013-01-01

To meet the demands for milk calcium, the lactating mother adjusts systemic calcium and bone metabolism by increasing dietary calcium intake, increasing bone resorption, and reducing renal calcium excretion. As part of this adaptation, the lactating mammary gland secretes PTHrP into the maternal circulation to increase bone turnover and mobilize skeletal calcium stores. Previous data have suggested that, during lactation, the breast relies on the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) to coordinate PTHrP secretion and milk calcium transport with calcium availability. To test this idea genetically, we bred BLG-Cre mice with CaSR-floxed mice to ablate the CaSR specifically from mammary epithelial cells only at the onset of lactation (CaSR-cKO mice). Loss of the CaSR in the lactating mammary gland did not disrupt alveolar differentiation or milk production. However, it did increase the secretion of PTHrP into milk and decreased the transport of calcium from the circulation into milk. CaSR-cKO mice did not show accelerated bone resorption, but they did have a decrease in bone formation. Loss of the mammary gland CaSR resulted in hypercalcemia, decreased PTH secretion, and increased renal calcium excretion in lactating mothers. Finally, loss of the mammary gland CaSR resulted in decreased calcium accrual by suckling neonates, likely due to the combination of increased milk PTHrP and decreased milk calcium. These results demonstrate that the mammary gland CaSR coordinates maternal bone and calcium metabolism, calcium transport into milk, and neonatal calcium accrual during lactation. PMID:23782944

Enhanced magnetism of perovskite oxides, Sr(Sn,Fe)O3- δ , by substitution of nonmagnetic Ca and Ti ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomura, Kiyoshi; Suzuki, Shigeyo; Mizunuma, Tomoya; Koike, Yuya; Okazawa, Atsushi

2017-11-01

Magnetic properties of perovskite oxides, SrSn1- x Fe x O3- δ ( x ≤ 0.15), substituted with nonmagnetic Ca and Ti ions were studied. XRD patterns showed the orthorhombic structure (close to tetragonal) of (Sr1- y Ca y )(Sn1- x Fe x )O3- δ and Sr(Sn1- x- y Fe x Ti y )O3- δ . The cell volumes decreased with the increase of Ca and Ti doping rates. Although Ti-substituted Sr(Sn, Fe)O3- δ showed small saturation magnetizations as compared with non-Ti substituted one, the magnetization increased a little with Ti doping rates up to 15%. On the other hand, all Ca-substituted Sr(Sn, Fe)O3- δ showed larger saturation magnetization than non-Ca substituted one. Two doublets of Fe3+ and a doublet of Fe4+ were observed in Mössbauer spectra of Ca-substituted Sr(Sn, Fe)O3- δ with weak ferromagnetism, and two sextets of high spin Fe3+ were additionally observed in Mössbauer spectra of Ca-doped Sr(Sn, Fe)O3- δ with relatively strong ferromagnetism. When Sr(Sn, Fe)O3- δ were further codoped with Ca and Ti ions, they showed the stable and enhanced ferromagnetic properties. It is considered that magnetic polarons among high spin Fe3+ species are overlapped by shrinking or deforming the crystal structure of perovskite oxides. That is the magnetism induced by a chemical pressure of perovskite oxides.

The Calcium-Sensing Receptor Increases Activity of the Renal NCC through the WNK4-SPAK Pathway.

PubMed

Bazúa-Valenti, Silvana; Rojas-Vega, Lorena; Castañeda-Bueno, María; Barrera-Chimal, Jonatan; Bautista, Rocío; Cervantes-Pérez, Luz G; Vázquez, Norma; Plata, Consuelo; Murillo-de-Ozores, Adrián R; González-Mariscal, Lorenza; Ellison, David H; Riccardi, Daniela; Bobadilla, Norma A; Gamba, Gerardo

2018-05-30

Background Hypercalciuria can result from activation of the basolateral calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop controls Ca 2+ excretion and NaCl reabsorption in response to extracellular Ca 2+ However, the function of CaSR in the regulation of NaCl reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is unknown. We hypothesized that CaSR in this location is involved in activating the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) to prevent NaCl loss. Methods We used a combination of in vitro and in vivo models to examine the effects of CaSR on NCC activity. Because the KLHL3-WNK4-SPAK pathway is involved in regulating NaCl reabsorption in the DCT, we assessed the involvement of this pathway as well. Results Thiazide-sensitive 22 Na + uptake assays in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed that NCC activity increased in a WNK4-dependent manner upon activation of CaSR with Gd 3+ In HEK293 cells, treatment with the calcimimetic R-568 stimulated SPAK phosphorylation only in the presence of WNK4. The WNK4 inhibitor WNK463 also prevented this effect. Furthermore, CaSR activation in HEK293 cells led to phosphorylation of KLHL3 and WNK4 and increased WNK4 abundance and activity. Finally, acute oral administration of R-568 in mice led to the phosphorylation of NCC. Conclusions Activation of CaSR can increase NCC activity via the WNK4-SPAK pathway. It is possible that activation of CaSR by Ca 2+ in the apical membrane of the DCT increases NaCl reabsorption by NCC, with the consequent, well known decrease of Ca 2+ reabsorption, further promoting hypercalciuria. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Constraining the mechanisms driving coccolith δ44/40Ca and Sr/Ca variations: new perspectives from cultures, cellular models, and the sediment record

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

María Mejía, Luz; Paytan, Adina; Eisenhauer, Anton; Kolevica, Ana; Bolton, Clara; Méndez-Vicente, Ana; Abrevaya, Lorena; Isensee, Kirsten; Stoll, Heather

2017-04-01

Coccoliths comprise a major fraction of the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) production, with contributions varying from 95% of the global carbonate sink during the Cenozoic, to 50% in the modern ocean. Therefore, significant changes in coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation could have affected past seawater Ca isotopic composition (δ44/40Ca), with potential important implications for the interpretation of the global Ca cycle and related changes in seawater chemistry. Here we evaluate the mechanisms driving coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation in a quantitative framework, by deriving a steady-state mass balance geochemical model (CaSri-Co), which assumes that fractionation is solely associated with desolvation (i.e. dehydration) of Ca during cellular transport through membranes. The application of the CaSri-Co model to previously published and to our new δ44/40Ca and Sr/Ca results from cultured coccolithophores (Emiliania huxleyi, Gephyrocapsa oceanica and Calcidiscus leptoporus) allowed us to identify calcification rates, Ca retention efficiency and water structure strength as main regulators of the Ca isotopic fractionation and Sr/Ca ratios of cultured coccolith calcite. Higher calcification rates, higher Ca retention efficiencies and higher water structure strength (slower Ca solvation-desolvation reactions) increase both coccolith Sr/Ca and Ca isotopic fractionation. The CaSri-Co model shows that coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation is especially sensitive to changes in water structure strength. On the other hand, Ca retention efficiency appears to be the main driver of the observed Sr/Ca trends, which results from the incomplete usage of the Sr transported to the calcification vesicle and subsequent Sr enrichment of the cytosol, while Ca inside the calcification vesicle is assumed to be completely utilized in the model. In this study we also measured δ44/40Ca and Sr/Ca in two coccolith size fraction from site 925 in the Western Equatorial Atlantic representing the last 11 Ma. We observe an increase of Sr/Ca ratios in both size fractions which may indicate an enhanced Ca retention efficiency during a period of increasing carbon limitation. The rather large changes in Ca isotopic fractionation measured in both cultures (up to 5 ‰ ) and the sedimentary record (up to 0.32 ‰ ), could be in part explained by changes in sea surface temperature (SST) and/or changes in the amount/type of cellular exudates, both of which modify the water structure strength around the cell. Since changes in Ca isotopic fractionation of the magnitude of those observed in this study and in others could potentially affect seawater δ44/40Ca, we would recommend future modeling studies to include coccolith-based studies for a better interpretation of the Ca cycle.

Crystal structure, chemical composition, and extended defects of the high-Tc (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca(n)-1CunO4 + 2n + delta compounds.

PubMed

Eibl, O

1995-02-15

This paper summarizes results obtained by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy on the crystal structure and microstructure of the (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca(n)-1CunO4 + 2n + delta high-Tc superconducting oxides. The experimental basis for the work presented here are high-resolution structure images obtained at ultra-thin (3 nm) areas of carefully prepared transmission electron microscope (TEM) samples. The analysis was carried out on a 400 kV TEM equipped with a pole piece yielding 0.17 nm point-to-point resolution. From the images obtained the projected crystal potential of the cations can be extracted directly, as confirmed by detailed image simulation. Structural analysis of the oxygen sublattice remains an unsolved problem by high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), mainly because of the small scattering factors, and thus the contribution of the oxygen sublattice to the image contrast is small. The (BiPb)2Sr2Ca(n)-1CunO4 + 2n + delta phases are modulated structures that can be understood as an average structure plus a superimposed displacement field. The crystal structure consists of BiO double layers and perovskite-type cuboids (containing Sr, Ca, Cu, and O), which are sandwiched between the BiO double layers. The displacement field can be directly analyzed by HRTEM, and the largest displacement amplitudes of 70 pm were determined for the Bi atoms in the n = 1 compound. The chemical composition of the n = 2 and n = 3 compounds was determined by EDX in the TEM for the cation sublattice. A significant (Ca + Sr) deficiency (approximately 10%) with respect to Cu was found. The (Sr + Ca)/Cu mole fraction ratio was 1.31 for the Bi-2212 phase and 1.14 for the Bi(Pb)-2223 phase. The oxygen content cannot be determined by EDX in the TEM with the accuracy necessary for a correlation with electrical and superconducting properties. The defect structure present in these materials, that is, intergrown lamellae with different crystal structures and equal or different chemical compositions, stacking faults, and grain boundaries, is summarized. The importance of grain boundaries for understanding and improving superconducting properties is emphasized.

The effects of sorting by aeolian processes on the geochemical characteristics of surface materials: a wind tunnel experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xunming; Lang, Lili; Hua, Ting; Zhang, Caixia; Li, Hui

2018-03-01

The geochemical characteristics of aeolian and surface materials in potential source areas of dust are frequently employed in environmental reconstructions as proxies of past climate and as source tracers of aeolian sediments deposited in downwind areas. However, variations in the geochemical characteristics of these aeolian deposits that result from near-surface winds are currently poorly understood. In this study, we collected surface samples from the Ala Shan Plateau (a major potential dust source area in Central Asia) to determine the influence of aeolian processes on the geochemical characteristics of aeolian transported materials. Correlation analyses show that compared with surface materials, the elements in transported materials (e.g., Cu, As, Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ca, Fe, Ga, K, Mg, P, Rb, Co, Cr, Na, Nb, Si, and Zr) were subjected to significant sorting by aeolian processes, and the sorting also varied among different particle size fractions and elements. Variations in wind velocity were significantly correlated with the contents of Cr, Ga, Sr, Ca, Y, Nd, Zr, Nb, Ba, and Al, and with the Zr/Al, Zr/Rb, K/Ca, Sr/Ca, Rb/Sr, and Ca/Al ratios. Given the great variation in the geochemical characteristics of materials transported under different aeolian processes relative to those of the source materials, these results indicate that considerable uncertainty may be introduced to analyses by using surface materials to trace the potential source areas of aeolian deposits that accumulate in downwind areas.

Sr heterogeneity in textit{Arctica islandica} shells and the potential use of Sr/Ca ratios as paleotemperature proxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radermacher, Pascal; Schöne, Bernd R.; Nunn, Elizabeth V.; Zengjie, Zhang

2010-05-01

Quantifiable paleotemperature data can help to verify predictions made by numerical climate models. Traditionally, paleotemperature estimates are based on δ18O values of biogenic hard parts. However, oxygen isotope values not only reflect changes in ambient temperature, but also changes in δ18Owater, i.e. driven by freshwater influx, evaporation etc. Information regarding the δ18Owater value of past environments is limited for the geological past. The validity of published δ18O paleotemperature data can be tested using element-to-calcium ratios of bivalve shells such as the long-lived ocean quahog, Arctica islandica. Preliminary investigations suggest that Sr/Ca ratios of this species may provide more reliable paleotemperature data. However, contemporaneously deposited shell portions within the outer shell layer demonstrate at least a 30% variability in the Sr/Ca value. This study presents Sr/Ca ratios measured by ICP-OES wet-chemical analyses. Significantly different distributions of Sr/Ca ratios were recorded from the shell surface (over 1330 ppm), through the interior (850 ppm) and to the inner shell surface (1860 ppm). Furthermore, this study showed that different shell crystal fabrics incorporate different amounts of Sr into the CaCO3 lattice of the A. islandica shell. Disparate Sr distribution could potentially be explained either by postdepositional diagenetic processes or syndepositional processes during biomineralization (i.e. different amounts of Sr incorporated into the shell). Understanding the mechanism of the observed Sr heterogeneity is essential if Sr/Ca ratios are to be used confidently in paleotemperature reconstructions.

Supplementing a low-protein diet with dibasic amino acids increases urinary calcium excretion in young women.

PubMed

Bihuniak, Jessica D; Sullivan, Rebecca R; Simpson, Christine A; Caseria, Donna M; Huedo-Medina, Tania B; O'Brien, Kimberly O; Kerstetter, Jane E; Insogna, Karl L

2014-03-01

Increasing dietary protein within a physiologic range stimulates intestinal calcium absorption, but it is not known if specific amino acids or dietary protein as a whole are responsible for this effect. Therefore, we selectively supplemented a low-protein (0.7 g/kg) diet with either the calcium-sensing receptor-activating amino acids (CaSR-AAAs) L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, and L-histidine, or the dibasic amino acids (DAAs) L-arginine and L-lysine, to achieve intakes comparable to the content of a high-protein diet (2.1 g/kg) and measured intestinal calcium absorption. Fourteen young women took part in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover feeding trial in which each participant ingested a 6-d low-protein diet supplemented with CaSR-AAAs, DAAs, or methylcellulose capsules (control) after an 11-d adjustment period. All participants ingested all 3 diets in random order. Intestinal calcium absorption was measured between days 5 and 6 using dual-stable calcium isotopes ((42)Ca, (43)Ca, and (44)Ca). There was no difference in calcium absorption between the diet supplemented with CaSR-AAAs (22.9 ± 2.0%) and the control diet (22.3 ± 1.4%) (P = 0.64). However, calcium absorption tended to be greater during the DAA supplementation period (25.2 ± 1.4%) compared with the control diet period (22.3 ± 1.4%) (P < 0.10). Larger and longer clinical trials are needed to clarify the possible benefit of arginine and lysine on calcium absorption.

Ab Initio Study of Chemical Reactions of Cold SrF and CaF Molecules with Alkali-Metal and Alkaline-Earth-Metal Atoms: The Implications for Sympathetic Cooling.

PubMed

Kosicki, Maciej Bartosz; Kędziera, Dariusz; Żuchowski, Piotr Szymon

2017-06-01

We investigate the energetics of the atom exchange reaction in the SrF + alkali-metal atom and CaF + alkali-metal atom systems. Such reactions are possible only for collisions of SrF and CaF with the lithium atoms, while they are energetically forbidden for other alkali-metal atoms. Specifically, we focus on SrF interacting with Li, Rb, and Sr atoms and use ab initio methods to demonstrate that the SrF + Li and SrF + Sr reactions are barrierless. We present potential energy surfaces for the interaction of the SrF molecule with the Li, Rb, and Sr atoms in their energetically lowest-lying electronic spin states. The obtained potential energy surfaces are deep and exhibit profound interaction anisotropies. We predict that the collisions of SrF molecules in the rotational or Zeeman excited states most likely have a strong inelastic character. We discuss the prospects for the sympathetic cooling of SrF and CaF molecules using ultracold alkali-metal atoms.

Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR): pharmacological properties and signaling pathways.

PubMed

Conigrave, Arthur D; Ward, Donald T

2013-06-01

In this article we consider the mechanisms by which the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) induces its cellular responses via the control (activation or inhibition) of signaling pathways. We consider key features of CaSR-mediated signaling including its control of the heterotrimeric G-proteins Gq/11, Gi/o and G12/13 and the downstream consequences recognizing that very few CaSR-mediated cell phenomena have been fully described. We also consider the manner in which the CaSR contributes to the formation of specific signaling scaffolds via peptide recognition sequences in its intracellular C-terminal along with the origins of its high level of cooperativity, particularly for Ca(2+)o, and its remarkable resistance to desensitization. We also consider the nature of the mechanisms by which the CaSR controls oscillatory and sustained Ca(2+)i mobilizing responses and inhibits or elevates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels dependent on the cellular and signaling context. Finally, we consider the diversity of the receptor's ligands, ligand binding sites and broader compartment-dependent physiological roles leading to the identification of pronounced ligand-biased signaling for agonists including Sr(2+) and modulators including l-amino acids and the clinically effective calcimimetic cinacalcet. We note the implications of these findings for the development of new designer drugs that might target the CaSR in pathophysiological contexts beyond those established for the treatment of disorders of calcium metabolism. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calcium in the Oxygen-Evolving Complex: Structural and Mechanistic Role Determined by X-ray Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Yachandra, Vittal K.; Yano, Junko

2011-01-01

This review describes the results from X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies that have contributed to an understanding of the role of Ca in the photosynthetic water oxidation reaction. The results include the first Mn, Ca and Sr X-ray spectroscopy studies using Ca or Sr-substituted PS II samples that established the presence of a MnCa heteronuclear structure and its orientation, and the most recent Sr X-ray spectroscopy study using biosynthetically prepared Sr-containing PS II in the various S-states that provide important insights into the requirement for Ca in the mechanism of the Mn4Ca catalytic center. PMID:21524917

In-situ Sr isotopic measurement of scheelite using fs-LA-MC-ICPMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chao; Zhou, Limin; Zhao, Zheng; Zhang, Zhiyuan; Zhao, Hong; Li, Xinwei; Qu, Wenjun

2018-07-01

Scheelite is one of the main ore minerals in tungsten deposits, and Sr isotopic compositions of scheelite can be used to examine the petrogenesis of igneous rocks and fluid metasomatism in mineralization processes. Both thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) and femsecond laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (fs-LA-MC-ICP-MS) have been applied to analyze Sr isotopic compositions in scheelite. Here we describe a LA-MC-ICP-MS technique which can obtain in-situ, accurate, high precision 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 20 to 50 μm scheelite in line mode without requiring time-consuming mineral separation and pre-chemical procedures. We found that Ca dimers and Ca argides do not detectably affect the obtained 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and the adopted protocol overcomes interferences from Kr+, Rb+, Er2+ and Yb2+. The results of three MPI-DING reference glasses (KL2-G, ML3B-G and StHs6/80-G) are consistent with the recommended values. Here we show that the values of 87Sr/86Sr are relatively homogeneous for two scheelites from quartz veins, and are comparable to the values determined by a traditional solution method. Hence, these two scheelite samples have the potential to be reference materials for Sr isotopic determination by LA-MC-ICP-MS. To illustrate the utility of the technique, Sr isotopes of scheelites from three different types of tungsten deposits of South China are documented. The 87Sr/86Sr of scheelite from granite-related veinlet-disseminated and porphyry tungsten deposits varies systematically, showing a positive correlation between Sr content and 87Sr/86Sr ratios. These micrometer scale inhomogeneities could be explained by mixing of two components, reflecting intense fluid metasomatism during mineralization processes. High 87Sr/86Sr ratios were obtained for the scheelite samples from a quartz vein type tungsten deposit, indicating that the late stage ore-forming fluid was mainly derived from the surrounding strata. These examples show that in-situ Sr isotopic measurement of scheelite is a powerful tool to decipher the degree of fluid-rock interaction in ore-forming processes.

Effects of Ca/Sr ratio control on optical and scintillation properties of Eu-doped Li(Ca,Sr)AlF6 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokota, Yuui; Tanaka, Chieko; Kurosawa, Shunsuke; Yamaji, Akihiro; Ohashi, Yuji; Kamada, Kei; Nikl, Martin; Yoshikawa, Akira

2018-05-01

Eu-doped Li(Ca,Sr)AlF6 [Eu:LiCSAF] single crystals with various Ca/Sr ratios were grown by the micro-pulling-down method, and their optical and scintillation properties were investigated to reveal the effects of Ca/Sr ratio on optical and scintillation properties of the Eu:LiCSAF single crystals. The Li(Ca1-x-ySrxEuy)AlF6 single crystals could be grown in 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 and y = 0.02 while the Eu:LiCSAF crystals with x = 0.2, 0.25 and 0.4 included two colquiriite-type phases with different lattice parameters. The Li(Ca1-x-ySrxEuy)AlF6 single crystal with x = 0.25 and y = 0.02 showed the highest light yield under neutron irradiation.

Project Work Plan: Sequestration of Strontium-90 Subsurface Contamination in the Hanford 100-N Area by Surface Infiltration of an Apatite Solution

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

Szecsody, Jim E.

2006-04-30

We propose to develop an infiltration strategy that defines the precipitation rate of an apatite-forming solution and Sr-90 sequestration processes under variably saturated (low water content) conditions. We will develop this understanding through small-scale column studies, intermediate-scale two-dimensional (2-D) experiments, and numerical modeling to quantify individual and coupled processes associated with apatite formation and Sr-90 transport during and after infiltration of the Ca-citrate-PO4 solution. Development of capabilities to simulate these coupled biogeochemical processes during both injection and infiltration will be used to determine the most cost-effective means to emplace an in situ apatite barrier with a longevity of 300 yearsmore » to permanently sequester Sr-90 until it decays. Biogeochemical processes that will be investigated are citrate biodegradation and apatite precipitation rates at varying water contents as a function of water content. Coupled processes that will be investigated include the influence of apatite precipitation (which occupies pore space) on the hydraulic and transport properties of the porous media during infiltration.« less

The use of the indicator fluo-5N to measure sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium in single muscle fibres of the cane toad.

PubMed

Kabbara, A A; Allen, D G

2001-07-01

1. Single fibres from the lumbrical muscles of the cane toad (Bufo marinus) were incubated in fluo-5N AM for 2 h at 35 degrees C in order to load the indicator into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Fluo-5N is a low-affinity calcium indicator (K(Ca) 90 microM). Successful sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) loading was indicated by a fluorescence signal that declined during contraction. 2. Confocal microscopy showed that the dye loaded principally in lines perpendicular to the long axis of the fibre that repeated each sarcomere. This is consistent with much of the dye residing in the SR. 3. To establish the site of loading, fibres were exposed to 30 mM caffeine in the presence of 20 microM 2,5-di(tert-butyl)1,4-hydroquinone (TBQ, an SR pump inhibitor) which should release most Ca(2+) from the SR; this procedure reduced the fluorescence to 46 +/- 4 % of the control value. To determine how much indicator was in the myoplasm, fibres were exposed to 100 microg ml(-1) saponin which permeabilizes the surface membrane; saponin treatment reduced the fluorescence to 51 +/- 2 % of the control value. 4. During maximally activated tetani (100 Hz stimulation rate, 22 degrees C) the component of signal from the SR declined by 33 +/- 4 %. During relaxation the SR signal recovered in two phases with time constants of 0.38 +/- 0.14 s and 10.1 +/- 1.7 s. Partially activated tetani (30 Hz stimulation rate) showed a smaller SR signal. Application of the SR Ca(2+) pump inhibitor TBQ slowed the rate of recovery of the SR signal. 5. Muscle fatigue was produced by repeated short tetani until tension was reduced to 50 %. The SR signal during the periods between tetani declined steadily and the SR Ca(2+) signal was eventually reduced to 71 +/- 8 % of the control signal. This signal recovered in two phases when the muscle was rested. An initial phase had a time constant of 1.7 +/- 0.2 s so that by 20 s of recovery the SR Ca(2+) signal was 86 +/- 7 % of control; the second phase was slower and by 5 min the SR Ca(2+) signal was back to control values (98 +/- 5 % control). In addition the magnitude of the SR signal decline associated with each tetanus (Delta[Ca(2+)](SR)) declined monotonically throughout fatigue and returned to control after 5 min recovery. 6. This approach can monitor the SR Ca(2+) concentration in normally functioning muscle fibres with good time resolution. The method confirms other approaches that show that the free Ca(2+) available for release in the SR declines during fatigue. This reduction in [Ca(2+)](SR) will contribute to the failure of Ca(2+) delivery to the myofilaments which is an important cause of muscle fatigue.

A calcium-sensing receptor mutation causing hypocalcemia disrupts a transmembrane salt bridge to activate β-arrestin-biased signaling.

PubMed

Gorvin, Caroline M; Babinsky, Valerie N; Malinauskas, Tomas; Nissen, Peter H; Schou, Anders J; Hanyaloglu, Aylin C; Siebold, Christian; Jones, E Yvonne; Hannan, Fadil M; Thakker, Rajesh V

2018-02-20

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that signals through G q/11 and G i/o to stimulate cytosolic calcium (Ca 2+ i ) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to control extracellular calcium homeostasis. Studies of loss- and gain-of-function CASR mutations, which cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 1 (FHH1) and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), respectively, have revealed that the CaSR signals in a biased manner. Thus, some mutations associated with FHH1 lead to signaling predominantly through the MAPK pathway, whereas mutations associated with ADH1 preferentially enhance Ca 2+ i responses. We report a previously unidentified ADH1-associated R680G CaSR mutation, which led to the identification of a CaSR structural motif that mediates biased signaling. Expressing CaSR R680G in HEK 293 cells showed that this mutation increased MAPK signaling without altering Ca 2+ i responses. Moreover, this gain of function in MAPK activity occurred independently of G q/11 and G i/o and was mediated instead by a noncanonical pathway involving β-arrestin proteins. Homology modeling and mutagenesis studies showed that the R680G CaSR mutation selectively enhanced β-arrestin signaling by disrupting a salt bridge formed between Arg 680 and Glu 767 , which are located in CaSR transmembrane domain 3 and extracellular loop 2, respectively. Thus, our results demonstrate CaSR signaling through β-arrestin and the importance of the Arg 680 -Glu 767 salt bridge in mediating signaling bias. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Regulation of plant immunity through ubiquitin-mediated modulation of Ca(2+) -calmodulin-AtSR1/CAMTA3 signaling.

PubMed

Zhang, Lei; Du, Liqun; Shen, Chenjia; Yang, Yanjun; Poovaiah, B W

2014-04-01

Transient changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration are essential signals for activation of plant immunity. It has also been reported that Ca(2+) signals suppress salicylic acid-mediated plant defense through AtSR1/CAMTA3, a member of the Ca(2+) /calmodulin-regulated transcription factor family that is conserved in multicellular eukaryotes. How plants overcome this negative regulation to mount an effective defense response during a stage of intracellular Ca(2+) surge is unclear. Here we report the identification and functional characterization of an important component of ubiquitin ligase, and the associated AtSR1 turnover. The AtSR1 interaction protein 1 (SR1IP1) was identified by CytoTrap two-hybrid screening. The loss-of-function mutant of SR1IP1 is more susceptible to bacterial pathogens, and over-expression of SR1IP1 confers enhanced resistance, indicating that SR1IP1 acts as a positive regulator of plant defense. SR1IP1 and AtSR1 act in the same signaling pathway to regulate plant immunity. SR1IP1 contains the structural features of a substrate adaptor in cullin 3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase, and was shown to serve as a substrate adaptor that recruits AtSR1 for ubiquitination and degradation when plants are challenged with pathogens. Hence, SR1IP1 positively regulates plant immunity by removing the defense suppressor AtSR1. These findings provide a mechanistic insight into how Ca(2+) -mediated actions are coordinated to achieve effective plant immunity. © 2014 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Impact of salinity on element incorporation in two benthic foraminiferal species with contrasting magnesium contents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geerken, Esmee; de Nooijer, Lennart Jan; van Dijk, Inge; Reichart, Gert-Jan

2018-04-01

Accurate reconstructions of seawater salinity could provide valuable constraints for studying past ocean circulation, the hydrological cycle and sea level change. Controlled growth experiments and field studies have shown the potential of foraminiferal Na / Ca as a direct salinity proxy. Incorporation of minor and trace elements in foraminiferal shell carbonate varies, however, greatly between species and hence extrapolating calibrations to other species needs validation by additional (culturing) studies. Salinity is also known to impact other foraminiferal carbonate-based proxies, such as Mg / Ca for temperature and Sr / Ca for sea water carbonate chemistry. Better constraints on the role of salinity on these proxies will therefore improve their reliability. Using a controlled growth experiment spanning a salinity range of 20 units and analysis of element composition on single chambers using laser ablation-Q-ICP-MS, we show here that Na / Ca correlates positively with salinity in two benthic foraminiferal species (Ammonia tepida and Amphistegina lessonii). The Na / Ca values differ between the two species, with an approximately 2-fold higher Na / Ca in A. lessonii than in A. tepida, coinciding with an offset in their Mg content ( ˜ 35 mmol mol-2 versus ˜ 2.5 mmol mol-1 for A. lessonii and A. tepida, respectively). Despite the offset in average Na / Ca values, the slopes of the Na / Ca-salinity regressions are similar between these two species (0.077 versus 0.064 mmol mol-1 change per salinity unit). In addition, Mg / Ca and Sr / Ca are positively correlated with salinity in cultured A. tepida but show no correlation with salinity for A. lessonii. Electron microprobe mapping of incorporated Na and Mg of the cultured specimens shows that within chamber walls of A. lessonii, Na / Ca and Mg / Ca occur in elevated bands in close proximity to the primary organic lining. Between species, Mg banding is relatively similar, even though Mg content is 10 times lower and that variation within the chamber wall is much less pronounced in A. tepida. In addition, Na banding is much less prominent in this species than it is in A. lessonii. Inter-species differences in element banding reported here are hypothesized to be caused by differences in biomineralization controls responsible for element uptake.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake and leak properties, and SERCA isoform expression, in type I and type II fibres of human skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Lamboley, C R; Murphy, R M; McKenna, M J; Lamb, G D

2014-03-15

The Ca(2+) uptake properties of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were compared between type I and type II fibres of vastus lateralis muscle of young healthy adults. Individual mechanically skinned muscle fibres were exposed to solutions with the free [Ca(2+)] heavily buffered in the pCa range (-log10[Ca(2+)]) 7.3-6.0 for set times and the amount of net SR Ca(2+) accumulation determined from the force response elicited upon emptying the SR of all Ca(2+). Western blotting was used to determine fibre type and the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) isoform present in every fibre examined. Type I fibres contained only SERCA2 and displayed half-maximal Ca(2+) uptake rate at ∼pCa 6.8, whereas type II fibres contained only SERCA1 and displayed half-maximal Ca(2+) uptake rate at ∼pCa 6.6. Maximal Ca(2+) uptake rate was ∼0.18 and ∼0.21 mmol Ca(2+) (l fibre)(-1) s(-1) in type I and type II fibres, respectively, in good accord with previously measured SR ATPase activity. Increasing free [Mg(2+)] from 1 to 3 mM had no significant effect on the net Ca(2+) uptake rate at pCa 6.0, indicating that there was little or no calcium-induced calcium release occurring through the Ca(2+) release channels during uptake in either fibre type. Ca(2+) leakage from the SR at pCa 8.5, which is thought to occur at least in part through the SERCA, was ∼2-fold lower in type II fibres than in type I fibres, and was little affected by the presence of ADP, in marked contrast to the larger SR Ca(2+) leak observed in rat muscle fibres under the same conditions. The higher affinity of Ca(2+) uptake in the type I human fibres can account for the higher relative level of SR Ca(2+) loading observed in type I compared to type II fibres, and the SR Ca(2+) leakage characteristics of the human fibres suggest that the SERCAs are regulated differently from those in rat and contribute comparatively less to resting metabolic rate.

The quantal nature of calcium release to caffeine in single smooth muscle cells results from activation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase.

PubMed

Steenbergen, J M; Fay, F S

1996-01-26

Calcium release from intracellular stores occurs in a graded manner in response to increasing concentrations of either inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or caffeine. To investigate the mechanism responsible for this quantal release phenomenon, [Ca2+] changes inside intracellular stores in isolated single smooth muscle cells were monitored with mag-fura 2. Following permeabilization with saponin or alpha-toxin the dye, loaded via its acetoxymethyl ester, was predominantly trapped in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Low caffeine concentrations in the absence of ATP induced only partial Ca2+ release; however, after inhibiting the calcium pump with thapsigargin the same stimulus released twice as much Ca2+. When the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase was rendered non-functional by depleting its "ATP pool," submaximal caffeine doses almost fully emptied the stores of Ca2+. We conclude that quantal release of Ca2+ in response to caffeine in these smooth muscle cells is largely due to the activity of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, which appears to return a portion of the released Ca2+ back to the SR, even in the absence of ATP. Apparently the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase is fueled by ATP, which is either compartmentalized or bound to the SR.

An apparent "vital effect" of calcification rate on the Sr/Ca temperature proxy in the reef coral Montipora capitata

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kuffner, Ilsa; Jokiel, Paul L.; Rodgers, Kuulei; Andersson, Andreas; Mackenzie, Fred T.

2012-01-01

Measuring the strontium to calcium ratio in coral skeletons reveals information on seawater temperatures during skeletal deposition, but studies have shown additional variables may affect the ratio. Here we measured Sr/Ca in the reef coral, Montipora capitata, grown in six mesocosms continuously supplied with seawater from the adjacent reef flat. Three mesocosms were ambient controls, and three had seawater chemistry simulating "ocean acidification" (OA). We found that Sr/Ca was not affected by the OA treatment, and neither was coral calcification for these small colonies (larger colonies did show an OA effect). The lack of OA effects allowed us to test the hypothesis that coral growth rate can affect Sr/Ca using the natural range in calcification rates of the corals grown at the same temperature. We found that Sr/Ca was inversely related to calcification rate (Sr/Ca = 9.39 - 0.00404 mmol/mol * mg day-1 cm-2, R2 = 0.32). Using a previously published calibration curve for this species, a 22 mg day-1 colony-1 increase in calcification rate introduced a 1°C warmer temperature estimate, with the 27 corals reporting "temperatures" ranging from 24.9 to 28.9, with mean 26.6 ± 0.9°C SD. Our results lend support to hypotheses invoking kinetic processes and growth rate to explain vital effects on Sr/Ca. However, uncertainty in the slope of the regression of Sr/Ca on calcification and a low R-squared value lead us to conclude that Sr/Ca could still be a useful proxy in this species given sufficient replication or by including growth rate in the calibration.

In vitro Studies of the Gain and Exchange of Calcium in Frog Skeletal Muscle

PubMed Central

Cosmos, Ethel; Harris, Eric J.

1961-01-01

(1) The Ca++, Na+, and K+ contents of frog sartorius muscles were found analytically after exposure to various media including some containing labeled Ca++. (2) During storage in media with 100 to 120 mM Na+ and 1 mM Ca++ both Na+ and Ca++ are gained while K+ is lost; there is a high correlation between Na+ and Ca++ gains. (3) When Ca++ gain occurs from a solution containing labeled Ca++ there is also some exchange of the original Ca++ with the labeled Ca++. The amount exchanged is considerably less (e.g. 50 per cent) than the total amount of labeled Ca++ taken up by the tissue. (4) When the external Na+ concentration is reduced to 30 mM the amount of labeled Ca++ taken up is increased. Part of the increase is attributable to a greater net gain and part to a greater degree of exchange. (5) It is pointed out that muscles which have been loaded in vitro with labeled Ca++ will not provide a valid measure of the exchangeability of the normal Ca++ content present at the time of dissection. (6) Comparison is made between results obtained using Sr89 and Ca45 as labels for the Ca++. Little, if any, difference is perceptible. PMID:13695749

Lake Qinghai sediment geochemistry linked to hydroclimate variability since the last glacial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Zhangdong; An, Zhisheng; Yu, Jimin; Li, Fuchun; Zhang, Fei

2015-08-01

Geochemistry of basin sediments from semi-arid regions is valuable to understand past hydroclimatic changes. Here, we investigate the links of sedimentary geochemistry (Rb, Sr, Ca/Zr, TOC, and %CaCO3), carbonate mineralogy and ostracod shell δ18O of Lake Qinghai, a basin proximal to major dust production centers at mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, to changes in depositional conditions and hydroclimate during the past 32 ka. Surface lacustrine sediments are characterized by low-Rb, high-Sr, low-Rb/Sr, high-%CaCO3 and high-Ca/Zr values, in contrast to the chemical compositions of eolian loess (high-Rb, low-Sr, high-Rb/Sr, low-%CaCO3, and low-Ca/Zr). A direct comparison of soluble Ca and Sr in two short cores with instrumental water discharge data suggests that lacustrine precipitates in Lake Qinghai are dominated by authigenic aragonite formed under Ca2+-limited water conditions, and that the accumulation rate of aragonite dominantly depends on solute fluxes into the lake during the rainy seasons (late May to September). Our high-resolution down-core records show that sediments during the last glacial (∼32-19.8 ka) had high-Rb, low-Sr, low-%CaCO3, and low-Ca/Zr, indicating eolian dust (loess) accumulation in a desiccated basin under dry glacial conditions, further supported by grain size and pollen results. This type of sedimentation was maintained during the last deglacial (∼19.8-11.5 ka), but interrupted by episodic lacustrine precipitates with high-Sr, high-%CaCO3, high-Ca/Zr, and low-Rb. At ∼11.5 ka, sedimentary Rb/Sr, Ca/Zr, %CaCO3 and TOC show dramatic and permanent changes, implying an abrupt shift in the atmospheric circulation at the onset of the Holocene in the Lake Qinghai region. Lacustrine precipitates have persisted throughout the Holocene with a maximum during the early to mid-Holocene (∼10.5-8.0 ka). Since ∼8.0 ka, the gradual and significant decreases in aragonite and Sr accumulations in tandem with increasing dust deposit and more positive ostracod δ18O may be linked to a weakening of Asian summer monsoons during the mid-to-late Holocene. Overall, our records appear to show a high sensitivity of sediment development and geochemistry in Lake Qinghai to the regional hydroclimate changes since the last glacial.

Study of the superconducting properties of the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Musheer H.; Naqvi, S. M. M. R.; Zia-Ul-haq, S. M.

1991-01-01

High Temperature Superconductivity in the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O System has been observed and has attracted considerable attention in 1988. The 80 K superconductivity phase has been identified to have a composition of Bi2CaSr2Cu2Ox, while the 110 K phase as reported in the literature has a possible composition of Bi2Ca2Sr2Cu3O(x). Researchers present here a study of the electrical properties of bulk samples of the slowly cooled and rapidly quenched 2:1:2:2 system. The samples used in this study were prepared from appropriate amounts of Bi2O3, CuO, SrCO3, CaCO3.

Calcium Sensing Receptor Mutations Implicated in Pancreatitis and Idiopathic Epilepsy Syndrome Disrupt an Arginine-rich Retention Motif

PubMed Central

Stepanchick, Ann; McKenna, Jennifer; McGovern, Olivia; Huang, Ying; Breitwieser, Gerda E.

2010-01-01

Calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) mutations implicated in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, pancreatitis and idiopathic epilepsy syndrome map to an extended arginine-rich region in the proximal carboxyl terminus. Arginine-rich motifs mediate endoplasmic reticulum retention and/or retrieval of multisubunit proteins so we asked whether these mutations, R886P, R896H or R898Q, altered CaSR targeting to the plasma membrane. Targeting was enhanced by all three mutations, and Ca2+-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation was increased for R896H and R898Q. To define the role of the extended arginine-rich region in CaSR trafficking, we independently determined the contributions of R890/R891 and/or R896/K897/R898 motifs by mutation to alanine. Disruption of the motif(s) significantly increased surface expression and function relative to wt CaSR. The arginine-rich region is flanked by phosphorylation sites at S892 (protein kinase C) and S899 (protein kinase A). The phosphorylation state of S899 regulated recognition of the arginine-rich region; S899D showed increased surface localization. CaSR assembles in the endoplasmic reticulum as a covalent disulfide-linked dimer and we determined whether retention requires the presence of arginine-rich regions in both subunits. A single arginine-rich region within the dimer was sufficient to confer intracellular retention comparable to wt CaSR. We have identified an extended arginine-rich region in the proximal carboxyl terminus of CaSR (residues R890 - R898) which fosters intracellular retention of CaSR and is regulated by phosphorylation. Mutation(s) identified in chronic pancreatitis and idiopathic epilepsy syndrome therefore increase plasma membrane targeting of CaSR, likely contributing to the altered Ca2+ signaling characteristic of these diseases. PMID:20798521

Effects of diltiazem or verapamil on calcium uptake and release from chicken skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.

PubMed

Paydar, Mehrak Javadi; Pousti, Abbas; Farsam, Hasan; Amanlou, Massoud; Mehr, Shahram Ejtemaei; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2005-11-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 2 Ca2+ channel blockers, verapamil and diltiazem, on calcium loading (active Ca2+ uptake) and the following Ca2+ release induced by silver ion (Ag+) and Ca2+ from the membrane of heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of chicken skeletal muscle. A fluorescent probe technique was employed to determine the calcium movement through the SR. Pretreatment of the medium with diltiazem and verapamil resulted in a significant decrease in the active Ca2+ uptake, with IC50 of about 290 micromol/L for verapamil and 260 micromol/L for diltiazem. Inhibition of Ca2+ uptake was not due to the development of a substantial drug-dependent leak of Ca2+ from the SR. It might, in part, have been mediated by a direct inhibitory effect of these drugs on the Ca2+ ATPase activity of the SR Ca2+ pump. We confirmed that Ca2+ channel blockers, administered after SR Ca2+ loading and before induction of Ca2+ release, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of both Ca2+- and Ag+-induced Ca2+ release rate. Moreover, if Ca2+ channel blockers were administered prior to SR Ca2+ loading, in spite of Ca2+ uptake inhibition the same reduction in Ca2+- and Ag+-induced Ca2+ release rate was seen. We showed that the inhibition of Ag+-induced Ca2+ release by L-channel blockers is more sensitive than Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release inhibition, so the IC50 for Ag+- and Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release was about 100 and 310 micromol/L for verapamil and 79 and 330 micromol/L for diltiazem, respectively. Our results support the evidence that Ca2+ channel blockers affect muscle microsome of chicken skeletal muscle by 2 independent mechanisms: first, reduction of Ca2+ uptake rate and Ca2+-ATPase activity inhibition, and second, inhibition of both Ag+- and Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release by Ca2+ release channels. These findings confirm the direct effect of Ca2+ channel blockers on calcium release channels. Our results suggest that even if the SR is incompletely preloaded with Ca2+ because of inhibition of Ca2+ uptake by verapamil and diltiazem, no impairment in Ca2+ release occurs.

Rapid, non-destructive coral paleothermometry by synchrotron XR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tangri, N.; Mehta, A.; Marks, R.; Dunbar, R. B.

2016-12-01

We present advances in the use of synchrotron x-ray fluorescence (XRF) to recover climate signals from coral exoskeleton. Corals record sea surface temperature (SST), salinity, and other environmental conditions in the density and composition of their exoskeletons; in particular, SST is reflected in both the Sr/Ca ratio and the annual density banding. Synchrotron XRF has previously been used to examine the fine-scaled variability of Sr concentrations in the exoskeleton structure, but has not yet yielded any long-term SST reconstructions. Modern XRF techniques allow the detection of sub-ppm trace element concentrations and appear ideally suited to long climate reconstructions, as they are non-destructive, high-resolution (250 um) and potentially quite rapid ( 40 years of sample in 24 hours of instrument time). The low Sr content of the coral and its low change in concentration require a high brightness synchrotron source to generate a high signal-to-background ratio. However, difficulties arise from the local heterogeneity of Sr that is unrelated to environmental conditions. These variations of biological origin in Sr concentrations often mask the smaller-amplitude, annual and interannual SST signals. The challenge is to normalize the local variability in order to extract the climate signal. Other techniques have normalized against Ca, but in XRF the Ca signal is sensitive to only the surface 50 um of material, whereas the Sr signal comes from 1mm, so the values are not comparable. Instead, we normalize against density as calculated from beam transmission. We also explore the use of Rb normalization to filter out collection artifacts. Both Sr and Rb show strong annual signals and interesting departures from the density signal. Finally, we pair the XRF results with δ18O measurements to recover a convincing record of SST variation. Although challenges remain, we believe that synchrotron XRF techniques hold considerable promise to rapidly and accurately recover climate signals from corals.

Quantifying uncertainty in coral Sr/Ca-based SST estimates from Orbicella faveolata: A basis for multi-colony SST reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richey, J. N.; Flannery, J. A.; Toth, L. T.; Kuffner, I. B.; Poore, R. Z.

2017-12-01

The Sr/Ca in massive corals can be used as a proxy for sea surface temperature (SST) in shallow tropical to sub-tropical regions; however, the relationship between Sr/Ca and SST varies throughout the ocean, between different species of coral, and often between different colonies of the same species. We aimed to quantify the uncertainty associated with the Sr/Ca-SST proxy due to sample handling (e.g., micro-drilling or analytical error), vital effects (e.g., among-colony differences in coral growth), and local-scale variability in microhabitat. We examine the intra- and inter-colony reproducibility of Sr/Ca records extracted from five modern Orbicella faveolata colonies growing in the Dry Tortugas, Florida, USA. The average intra-colony absolute difference (AD) in Sr/Ca of the five colonies during an overlapping interval (1997-2008) was 0.055 ± 0.044 mmol mol-1 (0.96 ºC) and the average inter-colony Sr/Ca AD was 0.039 ± 0.01 mmol mol-1 (0.51 ºC). All available Sr/Ca-SST data pairs from 1997-2008 were combined and regressed against the HadISST1 gridded SST data set (24 ºN and 82 ºW) to produce a calibration equation that could be applied to O. faveolata specimens from throughout the Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean/Atlantic region after accounting for the potential uncertainties in Sr/Ca-derived SSTs. We quantified a combined error term for O. faveolata using the root-sum-square (RMS) of the analytical, intra-, and inter-colony uncertainties and suggest that an overall uncertainty of 0.046 mmol mol-1 (0.81 ºC, 1σ), should be used to interpret Sr/Ca records from O. faveolata specimens of unknown age or origin to reconstruct SST. We also explored how uncertainty is affected by the number of corals used in a reconstruction by iteratively calculating the RMS error for composite coral time-series using two, three, four, and five overlapping coral colonies. Our results indicate that maximum RMS error at the 95% confidence interval on mean annual SST estimates is 1.4 ºC when a composite record is made from only two overlapping coral Sr/Ca records. The uncertainty decreases as additional coral Sr/Ca data are added, with a maximum RMS error of 0.5 ºC on mean annual SST for a five-colony composite. To reduce uncertainty to under 1 ºC, it is best to use Sr/Ca from three or more coral colonies from the same geographic location and time period.

Surface characterization, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca for temporary cardiovascular implant.

PubMed

Bornapour, M; Mahjoubi, H; Vali, H; Shum-Tim, D; Cerruti, M; Pekguleryuz, M

2016-10-01

Magnesium-based alloys are attractive candidate materials for medical applications. Our earlier work showed that the ternary Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca alloy exhibits slower degradation rates than both binary Mg-Sr and Mg-Ca alloys. The ternary alloy immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) forms a compact surface layer of corrosion products that we hypothesized to be a Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA). The main objectives of the current work are to understand the bio-degradation mechanism of Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca, to identify the exact nature of its protective layer and to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the alloy for cardiovascular applications. To better simulate the physiological environment, the alloy was immersed in SBF which was daily refreshed. Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of a thin, Sr-substituted HA layer at the interface between the alloy and the corrosion products. In vitro biocompatibility evaluated via indirect cytotoxicity assays using HUVECs showed no toxicity effect and ions extracted from Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca in fact increased the viability of HUVECs after one week. In vivo tests were performed by implanting a tubular Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca stent along with a WE43 control stent into the right and left femoral artery of a dog. Post implantation and histological analyses showed no thrombosis in the artery with Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca stent after 5weeks of implantation while the artery implanted with WE43 stent was extensively occluded and thrombosed. Microscopic observation of the Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca implant-tissue interface confirmed the in situ formation of Sr-substituted HA on the surface during in vivo test. These results show that the interfacial layer protects the surface of the Mg-0.3Sr-0.3Ca alloy both in vitro and in vivo, and is the key factor in the bio-corrosion resistance of the alloy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The relationship between the ratio of strontium to calcium and sea-surface temperature in a modern Porites astreoides coral: Implications for using P. astreoides as a paleoclimate archive

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tess E. Busch,; Flannery, Jennifer A.; Richey, Julie N.; Stathakopoulos, Anastasios

2015-11-13

An inverse relationship has been demonstrated between water temperature and the ratio of strontium to calcium (Sr/Ca) in coral aragonite for a number of Pacific species of the genus Porites. This empirically determined relationship has been used to reconstruct past sea-surface temperature (SST) from modern and Holocene age coral archives. A study was conducted to investigate this relationship for Porites astreoides to determine the potential for using these corals as a paleotemperature archive in the Caribbean and western tropical Atlantic Ocean. Skeletal aragonite from a P. astreoides colony growing offshore of the southeast coast of Florida was subsampled with a mean temporal resolution of 14 samples per year and analyzed for Sr/Ca. The resulting Sr/Ca time series yielded well-defined annual cycles that correspond to annual growth bands in the coral. Sr/Ca was regressed against a monthly SST record from C-MAN buoy station FWYF1 (located at Fowey Rocks, Florida), resulting in the following Sr/Ca-SST relationship: Sr/Ca = –0.040*SST + 10.128 (R = –0.77). A 10-year time series of Sr/Ca-derived SST yields annual cycles with a 10–12 degree Celsius seasonal amplitude, consistent with available local instrumental records. We conclude that Sr/Ca in Porites astreoides from the Caribbean/Atlantic region has high potential for developing subannually resolved modern and recent Holocene SST records.

Ca and Sr isotope records support ocean acidification during end-Permian mass extinction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Jacobson, A. D.; Zhang, H.; Ramezani, J.; Sageman, B. B.; Hurtgen, M.; Bowring, S. A.; Shen, S.

2017-12-01

The end-Permian mass extinction represents the most devastating loss of biodiversity during the Phanerozoic. A negative carbon isotope (δ13C) excursion that accompanies the event suggests a significant perturbation to the global carbon cycle, likely induced by CO2 emissions during eruption of the Siberian Traps large igneous province. The carbon cycle is linked with the Ca and Sr cycles through chemical weathering and carbonate precipitation. Therefore, analyses of Ca (δ44/40Ca), radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr), and stable Sr (δ88/86Sr) isotope abundance variations in marine carbonate rocks spanning the Permian-Triassic Boundary (PTB) can reveal key information about biogeochemical changes that occurred during this time. We report δ44/40Ca, 87Sr/86Sr, and δ88/86Sr records analyzed by TIMS for the Meishan and Dajiang sections in China. δ44/40Ca values exhibit similar patterns in both sections. The values remain unchanged across the extinction event layer (EXT) and then decrease by 0.20‰ before increasing by 0.20‰ to 0.40‰ around the PTB. In the Meishan section, 87Sr/86Sr ratios increase after the EXT and return to pre-excursion levels by the PTB. Simultaneously, δ88/86Sr values decrease by 0.12‰ across the EXT and increase by 0.08‰ by the PTB. The patterns of our data support the hypothesis that elevated atmospheric CO2 levels enhanced chemical weathering inputs and might have caused transient ocean acidification, with an "alkalinity overshoot" and increased carbonate deposition occurring after the extinction. Additional measurements and model calculations are underway to help refine and improve these preliminary interpretations.

GTP requirement for inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum in smooth muscle.

PubMed

Saida, K; van Breemen, C

1987-05-14

We have examined inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the skinned vascular smooth muscle. The amount of Ca2+ in the SR was estimated indirectly by caffeine-induced contraction of the skinned preparation. The Ca2+ release from the SR by IP3 required GTP. A non-hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, guanosine 5'-(beta gamma-imido) triphosphate (GppNHp) could substitute for GTP in the IP3-induced Ca2+ release. These results suggest an involvement of GTP-binding protein in the mechanism of Ca2+ release from the SR by IP3 in smooth muscle.

Les Néandertaliens étaient-ils essentiellement carnivores ? Résultats préliminaires sur les teneurs en Sr et en Ba de la paléobiocénose mammalienne de Saint-CésaireWere Neandertalians essentially carnivores? Sr and Ba preliminary results of the mammalian palaeobiocoenosis of Saint-Césaire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balter, Vincent; Person, Alain; Labourdette, Nathalie; Drucker, Dorothée; Renard, Maurice; Vandermeersch, Bernard

2001-01-01

Strontium-calcium (Sr/Ca) and barium-calcium (Ba/Ca) ratios are reduced constantly between diet and bioapatite in mammal organisms. This phenomenon leads to a reduction in the Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios at higher trophic level in predator-prey mammalian communities, and is applied here to the reconstruction of a castelperronian food web, which includes a Neanderthal specimen. Adapted chemical pretreatment allows to isolate bioapatite from diagenetic compounds for analysis of Ca, Sr and Ba. Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca results of the fauna are consistent with trophic predictions. Initial results for the Neandertal suggest that he was mostly carnivorous. Distribution of Ba/Ca values of bones of herbivorous taxa reveals that ruminant animals can be distinguished from non-ruminants. The biosegregation model predicts that the diet of the Neandertal was composed by about 97 % in weight of meat with a weak contribution of vegetable or fish, and that the association of fish and plant is excluded in any proportion.

Low-Sulfate Seawater Injection into Oil Reservoir to Avoid Scaling Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merdhah, Amer Badr Bin; Mohd Yassin, Abu Azam

This study presents the results of laboratory experiments carried out to investigate the formation of calcium, strontium and barium sulfates from mixing Angsi seawater or low sulfate seawater with the following sulfate contents (75, 50, 25, 5 and 1%) and formation water contain high concentration of calcium, strontium and barium ions at various temperatures (40-90°C) and atmospheric pressure. The knowledge of solubility of common oil field scale formation and how their solubilities are affected by changes in salinity and temperatures is also studied. Results show a large of precipitation occurred in all jars containing seawater while the amount of precipitation decreased when the low sulfate seawater was used. At higher temperatures the mass of precipitation of CaSO4 and SrSO4 scales increases and the mass of precipitation of BaSO4 scale decreases since the solubilities of CaSO4 and SrSO4 scales decreases and the solubility of BaSO4 increases with increasing temperature. It can be concluded that even at sulfate content of 1% there may still be a scaling problem.

Structure and properties of strontium-doped phosphate-based glasses

PubMed Central

Abou Neel, Ensanya A.; Chrzanowski, Wojciech; Pickup, David M.; O'Dell, Luke A.; Mordan, Nicola J.; Newport, Robert J.; Smith, Mark E.; Knowles, Jonathan C.

2008-01-01

Owing to similarity in both ionic size and polarity, strontium (Sr2+) is known to behave in a comparable way to calcium (Ca2+), and its role in bone metabolism has been well documented as both anti-resorptive and bone forming. In this study, novel quaternary strontium-doped phosphate-based glasses, containing 1, 3 and 5 mol% SrO, were synthesized and characterized. 31P magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that, as the Sr2+ content is increased in the glasses, there is a slight increase in disproportionation of Q2 phosphorus environments into Q1 and Q3 environments. Moreover, shortening and strengthening of the phosphorus to bridging oxygen distance occurred as obtained from FTIR. The general broadening of the spectral features with Sr2+ content is most probably due to the increased variation of the phosphate–cation bonding interactions caused by the introduction of the third cation. This increased disorder may be the cause of the increased degradation of the Sr-containing glasses relative to the Sr-free glass. As confirmed from elemental analysis, all Sr-containing glasses showed higher Na2O than expected and this also could be accounted for by the higher degradation of these glasses compared with Sr-free glasses. Measurements of surface free energy (SFE) showed that incorporation of strontium had no effect on SFE, and samples had relatively higher fractional polarity, which is not expected to promote high cell activity. From viability studies, however, the incorporation of Sr2+ showed better cellular response than Sr2+-free glasses, but still lower than the positive control. This unfavourable cellular response could be due to the high degradation nature of these glasses and not due to the presence of Sr2+. PMID:18826914

Effect of (Sr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3}-substitution on structure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and magnetic properties of BiFeO{sub 3} ceramics

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

Liu, Juan; Liu, Xiao Qiang, E-mail: xqliu@zju.edu.cn, E-mail: xmchen59@zju.edu.cn; Chen, Xiang Ming, E-mail: xqliu@zju.edu.cn, E-mail: xmchen59@zju.edu.cn

Bi{sub 1−x}(Sr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}){sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} ceramics were prepared by a standard solid state reaction process, and the influence of Sr/Ca ratio on structure and properties for Bi{sub 1−x}(Sr,Ca){sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} system was discussed by comparing with Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}TiO{sub 3}-modified BiFeO{sub 3} ceramics. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction data revealed that the crystal structure changed from rhombohedral R3c (x ≤ 0.4) to orthorhombic Pnma (x = 0.6) with Sr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}TiO{sub 3} substitution, and biphasic structure (R3c + Pnma) was determined at x = 0.5, while that for Bi{sub 1−x}(Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}){sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} system was at x = 0.4. This indicated thatmore » the morphotropic phase boundary in Bi{sub 1−x}(Sr,Ca){sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} system shifted toward (Sr,Ca)TiO{sub 3} side with increasing Sr/Ca ratio. The Raman spectrometric analysis and selected area electron diffraction analysis also confirmed this transition. The dielectric relaxation could be well fitted by Arrhenius law, and the different activation energies were attributed to the different origins of the dielectric relaxations with increasing temperature. The current density-field (J-E) curves indicated that the leakage current was reduced to about five orders of magnitude with Sr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}TiO{sub 3} substitution. The P-E hysteresis loops obtained by three different methods indicated the enhanced ferroelectricity at x = 0.4, and it could be attributed to the decrement of leakage current. Meanwhile, the magnetization was enhanced with Sr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}TiO{sub 3} substitution, and the maximum remanent magnetization was determined at x = 0.2. The enhanced magnetization originated from the partial substitution of Fe{sup 3+} by Ti{sup 4+}.« less

Ca2+ handling remodeling and STIM1L/Orai1/TRPC1/TRPC4 upregulation in monocrotaline-induced right ventricular hypertrophy.

PubMed

Jessica, Sabourin; Angèle, Boet; Catherine, Rucker-Martin; Mélanie, Lambert; Ana-Maria, Gomez; Jean-Pierre, Benitah; Frédéric, Perros; Marc, Humbert; Fabrice, Antigny

2018-05-01

Right ventricular (RV) function is the most important prognostic factor for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. The progressive increase of pulmonary vascular resistance induces RV hypertrophy (RVH) and at term RV failure (RVF). However, the molecular mechanisms of RVH and RVF remain understudied. In this study, we gained insights into cytosolic Ca 2+ signaling remodeling in ventricular cardiomyocytes during the pathogenesis of severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) induced in rats by monocrotaline (MCT) exposure, and we further identified molecular candidates responsible for this Ca 2+ remodeling. After PH induction, hypertrophied RV myocytes presented longer action potential duration, higher and faster [Ca 2+ ] i transients and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ content, whereas no changes in these parameters were detected in left ventricular (LV) myocytes. These modifications were associated with increased P-Ser 16 -phospholamban pentamer expression without altering SERCA2a (Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase) pump abundance. Moreover, after PH induction, Ca 2+ sparks frequency were higher in hypertrophied RV cells, while total RyR2 (Ryanodine Receptor) expression and phosphorylation were unaffected. Together with cellular hypertrophy, the T-tubules network was disorganized. Hypertrophied RV cardiomyocytes from MCT-exposed rats showed decreased expression of classical STIM1 (Stromal Interaction molecule) associated with increased expression of muscle-specific STIM1 Long isoform, glycosylated-Orai1 channel form, and TRPC1 and TRPC4 channels, which was correlated with an enhanced Ca 2+ -release-activated Ca 2+ (CRAC)-like current. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPCs/Orai1 channels in hypertrophied RV cardiomyocytes normalized [Ca 2+ ] i transients amplitude, the SR Ca 2+ content and cell contractility to control levels. Finally, we showed that most of these changes did not appear in LV cardiomyocytes. These new findings demonstrate RV-specific cellular Ca 2+ cycling remodeling in PH rats with maladaptive RVH and that the STIM1L/Orai1/TRPC1/C4-dependent Ca 2+ current participates in this Ca 2+ remodeling in RVH secondary to PH. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The use of the indicator fluo-5N to measure sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium in single muscle fibres of the cane toad

PubMed Central

Kabbara, Akram A; Allen, David G

2001-01-01

Single fibres from the lumbrical muscles of the cane toad (Bufo marinus) were incubated in fluo-5N AM for 2 h at 35 °C in order to load the indicator into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Fluo-5N is a low-affinity calcium indicator (KCa 90 μm). Successful sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) loading was indicated by a fluorescence signal that declined during contraction. Confocal microscopy showed that the dye loaded principally in lines perpendicular to the long axis of the fibre that repeated each sarcomere. This is consistent with much of the dye residing in the SR. To establish the site of loading, fibres were exposed to 30 mm caffeine in the presence of 20 μm 2,5-di(tert-butyl)1,4-hydroquinone (TBQ, an SR pump inhibitor) which should release most Ca2+ from the SR; this procedure reduced the fluorescence to 46 ± 4 % of the control value. To determine how much indicator was in the myoplasm, fibres were exposed to 100 μg ml−1 saponin which permeabilizes the surface membrane; saponin treatment reduced the fluorescence to 51 ± 2 % of the control value. During maximally activated tetani (100 Hz stimulation rate, 22 °C) the component of signal from the SR declined by 33 ± 4 %. During relaxation the SR signal recovered in two phases with time constants of 0.38 ± 0.14 s and 10.1 ± 1.7 s. Partially activated tetani (30 Hz stimulation rate) showed a smaller SR signal. Application of the SR Ca2+ pump inhibitor TBQ slowed the rate of recovery of the SR signal. Muscle fatigue was produced by repeated short tetani until tension was reduced to 50 %. The SR signal during the periods between tetani declined steadily and the SR Ca2+ signal was eventually reduced to 71 ± 8 % of the control signal. This signal recovered in two phases when the muscle was rested. An initial phase had a time constant of 1.7 ± 0.2 s so that by 20 s of recovery the SR Ca2+ signal was 86 ± 7 % of control; the second phase was slower and by 5 min the SR Ca2+ signal was back to control values (98 ± 5 % control). In addition the magnitude of the SR signal decline associated with each tetanus (Δ[Ca2+]SR) declined monotonically throughout fatigue and returned to control after 5 min recovery. This approach can monitor the SR Ca2+ concentration in normally functioning muscle fibres with good time resolution. The method confirms other approaches that show that the free Ca2+ available for release in the SR declines during fatigue. This reduction in [Ca2+]SR will contribute to the failure of Ca2+ delivery to the myofilaments which is an important cause of muscle fatigue. PMID:11432994

Ca2+ Overload and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Instability in tric-a Null Skeletal Muscle*

PubMed Central

Zhao, Xiaoli; Yamazaki, Daiju; Park, Ki Ho; Komazaki, Shinji; Tjondrokoesoemo, Andoria; Nishi, Miyuki; Lin, Peihui; Hirata, Yutaka; Brotto, Marco; Takeshima, Hiroshi; Ma, Jianjie

2010-01-01

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle contains K+, Cl−, and H+ channels may facilitate charge neutralization during Ca2+ release. Our recent studies have identified trimeric intracellular cation (TRIC) channels on SR as an essential counter-ion permeability pathway associated with rapid Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Skeletal muscle contains TRIC-A and TRIC-B isoforms as predominant and minor components, respectively. Here we test the physiological function of TRIC-A in skeletal muscle. Biochemical assay revealed abundant expression of TRIC-A relative to the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor with a molar ratio of TRIC-A/ryanodine receptor ∼5:1. Electron microscopy with the tric-a−/− skeletal muscle showed Ca2+ overload inside the SR with frequent formation of Ca2+ deposits compared with the wild type muscle. This elevated SR Ca2+ pool in the tric-a−/− muscle could be released by caffeine, whereas the elemental Ca2+ release events, e.g. osmotic stress-induced Ca2+ spark activities, were significantly reduced likely reflecting compromised counter-ion movement across the SR. Ex vivo physiological test identified the appearance of “alternan” behavior with isolated tric-a−/− skeletal muscle, i.e. transient and drastic increase in contractile force appeared within the decreasing force profile during repetitive fatigue stimulation. Inhibition of SR/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase function could lead to aggravation of the stress-induced alternans in the tric-a−/− muscle. Our data suggests that absence of TRIC-A may lead to Ca2+ overload in SR, which in combination with the reduced counter-ion movement may lead to instability of Ca2+ movement across the SR membrane. The observed alternan behavior with the tric-a−/− muscle may reflect a skeletal muscle version of store overload-induced Ca2+ release that has been reported in the cardiac muscle under stress conditions. PMID:20858894

Calcilytic Ameliorates Abnormalities of Mutant Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR) Knock-In Mice Mimicking Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia (ADH).

PubMed

Dong, Bingzi; Endo, Itsuro; Ohnishi, Yukiyo; Kondo, Takeshi; Hasegawa, Tomoka; Amizuka, Norio; Kiyonari, Hiroshi; Shioi, Go; Abe, Masahiro; Fukumoto, Seiji; Matsumoto, Toshio

2015-11-01

Activating mutations of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) cause autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH). ADH patients develop hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypercalciuria, similar to the clinical features of hypoparathyroidism. The current treatment of ADH is similar to the other forms of hypoparathyroidism, using active vitamin D3 or parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, these treatments aggravate hypercalciuria and renal calcification. Thus, new therapeutic strategies for ADH are needed. Calcilytics are allosteric antagonists of CaSR, and may be effective for the treatment of ADH caused by activating mutations of CaSR. In order to examine the effect of calcilytic JTT-305/MK-5442 on CaSR harboring activating mutations in the extracellular and transmembrane domains in vitro, we first transfected a mutated CaSR gene into HEK cells. JTT-305/MK-5442 suppressed the hypersensitivity to extracellular Ca(2+) of HEK cells transfected with the CaSR gene with activating mutations in the extracellular and transmembrane domains. We then selected two activating mutations locating in the extracellular (C129S) and transmembrane (A843E) domains, and generated two strains of CaSR knock-in mice to build an ADH mouse model. Both mutant mice mimicked almost all the clinical features of human ADH. JTT-305/MK-5442 treatment in vivo increased urinary cAMP excretion, improved serum and urinary calcium and phosphate levels by stimulating endogenous PTH secretion, and prevented renal calcification. In contrast, PTH(1-34) treatment normalized serum calcium and phosphate but could not reduce hypercalciuria or renal calcification. CaSR knock-in mice exhibited low bone turnover due to the deficiency of PTH, and JTT-305/MK-5442 as well as PTH(1-34) increased bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in these mice. These results demonstrate that calcilytics can reverse almost all the phenotypes of ADH including hypercalciuria and renal calcification, and suggest that calcilytics can become a novel therapeutic agent for ADH. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Ca isotope fractionation and Sr/Ca partitioning associated with anhydrite formation at mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems: An experimental approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syverson, D. D.; Scheuermann, P.; Pester, N. J.; Higgins, J. A.; Seyfried, W. E., Jr.

2016-12-01

The elemental and isotopic mass balance of Ca and Sr between seawater and basalt at mid-ocean ridge (MOR) hydrothermal systems is an integrated reflection of the various physiochemical processes, which induce chemical exchange, in the subseafloor. Specifically, the processes of anhydrite precipitation and recrystallization are recognized to be important controls on governing the Ca and Sr elemental and isotope compositions of high temperature vent fluids, however, few experimental data exist to constrain these geochemical effects. Thus, to better understand the associated Sr/Ca partitioning and Ca isotope fractionation and rate of exchange between anhydrite and dissolved constituents, anhydrite precipitation and recrystallization experiments were performed at 175, 250, and 350°C and 500 bar at chemical conditions indicative of active MOR hydrothermal systems. The experimental data suggest that upon entrainment of seawater into MOR hydrothermal systems, anhydrite will precipitate rapidly and discriminate against the heavy isotopes of Ca (Δ44/40Ca(Anh-Fluid) = -0.68 - -0.25 ‰), whereas Sr/Ca partitioning depends on the saturation state of the evolving hydrothermal fluid with respect to anhydrite at each PTX (KD(Anh-Fluid) = 1.24 - 0.55). Coupling experimental constraints with the temperature gradient inferred for high temperature MOR hydrothermal systems in the oceanic crust, data suggest that the Ca isotope and Sr elemental composition of anhydrite formed near the seafloor will be influenced by disequilibrium effects, while, at higher temperatures further into the oceanic crust, anhydrite will be representative of equilibrium Sr/Ca partitioning and Ca isotope fractionation conditions. These experimental observations are consistent with analyzed Sr/Ca and Ca isotope compositions of anhydrites and vent fluids sampled from modern MOR hydrothermal systems1,2 and can be used to further constrain the geochemical effects of hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust throughout Earth's history. 1 Tivey, M. K. Generation of Seafloor Hydrothermal Deposits. Oceanography 20, 50-66 (2007).2 Amini, M. et al. Calcium isotope (δ44/40Ca) fractionation along hydrothermal pathways, Logatchev field (Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 14°45'N). Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 72, 4107-4122 (2008).

Seasonal growth and translocation of some major and trace elements in two Mediterranean grasses (Stipa tenacissima Loefl. ex L. and Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedjimi, Bouzid

2018-05-01

The rangelands of Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum (Poaceae) constitute one of the main typical ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. This study examines the seasonal changes in aboveground biomass accumulation and translocation of some major (Ca and K) and trace elements (Br, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr and Zn) from topsoil to shoots of these perennial grasses. Species, season and their interaction significantly affected the dry biomass (DW) and chemical composition of both species and their surrounding soil. The maximum DW was found in spring due to high physiological activity and was correlated positively with rainfall. A significant relationship between seasons and chemical elements was found. For both species the maximum concentrations of Ca, Cu and Zn were found in spring season. However L. spartum had the highest concentrations of K, Cr, Br, and Sr in autumn season, indicating exceptional ability of these species to accumulate large contents of these elements during the active growth periods. By way of contrast, in the topsoil the highest concentrations of almost all chemical elements were found in summer and autumn. Principal component analyses (PCA) showed that growth of L. spartum was highly associated with K, Ca, Zn, Br and Sr, whereas topsoil was correlated with Cu, Cr, Fe and Mn concentrations. Translocation factor (TFx) of chemical elements was not identical across the two species, demonstrating inter-specific variability to uptake chemical elements. The maximum values of TFx were recorded for K, Ca and Sr especially for L. spartum. To cope with arid conditions, S. tenacissima and L. spartum sprout quickly by increasing their rate of growth and nutrient uptake as soon as soil water is available after the rain.

Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca vital effects correlated with skeletal architecture in a scleractinian deep-sea coral and the role of Rayleigh fractionation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagnon, Alexander C.; Adkins, Jess F.; Fernandez, Diego P.; Robinson, Laura F.

2007-09-01

Deep-sea corals are a new tool in paleoceanography with the potential to provide century long records of deep ocean change at sub-decadal resolution. Complicating the reconstruction of past deep-sea temperatures, Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca paleothermometers in corals are also influenced by non-environmental factors, termed vital effects. To determine the magnitude, pattern and mechanism of vital effects we measure detailed collocated Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios, using a combination of micromilling and isotope-dilution ICP-MS across skeletal features in recent samples of Desmophyllum dianthus, a scleractinian coral that grows in the near constant environment of the deep-sea. Sr/Ca variability across skeletal features is less than 5% (2σ relative standard deviation) and variability of Sr/Ca within the optically dense central band, composed of small and irregular aragonite crystals, is significantly less than the surrounding skeleton. The mean Sr/Ca of the central band, 10.6 ± 0.1 mmol/mol (2σ standard error), and that of the surrounding skeleton, 10.58±0.09 mmol/mol, are statistically similar, and agree well with the inorganic aragonite Sr/Ca-temperature relationship at the temperature of coral growth. In the central band, Mg/Ca is greater than 3 mmol/mol, more than twice that of the surrounding skeleton, a general result observed in the relative Mg/Ca ratios of D. dianthus collected from separate oceanographic locations. This large vital effect corresponds to a ˜ 10 °C signal, when calibrated via surface coral Mg/Ca-temperature relationships, and has the potential to complicate paleoreconstructions. Outside the central band, Mg/Ca ratios increase with decreasing Sr/Ca. We explain the correlated behavior of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca outside the central band by Rayleigh fractionation from a closed pool, an explanation that has been proposed elsewhere, but which is tested in this study by a simple and general relationship. We constrain the initial solution and effective partition coefficients for a Rayleigh process consistent with our accurate Metal/Ca measurements. A process other than Rayleigh fractionation influences Mg in the central band and our data constrain a number of possible mechanisms for the precipitation of this aragonite. Understanding the process affecting tracer behavior during coral biomineralization can help us better interpret paleoproxies in biogenic carbonates and lead to an improved deep-sea paleothermometer.

Interaction between endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum stress (ER/SR stress), mitochondrial signaling and Ca(2+) regulation in airway smooth muscle (ASM).

PubMed

Delmotte, Philippe; Sieck, Gary C

2015-02-01

Airway inflammation is a key aspect of diseases such as asthma. Several inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα and IL-13) increase cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]cyt) responses to agonist stimulation and Ca(2+) sensitivity of force generation, thereby enhancing airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractility (hyper-reactive state). Inflammation also induces ASM proliferation and remodeling (synthetic state). In normal ASM, the transient elevation of [Ca(2+)]cyt induced by agonists leads to a transient increase in mitochondrial Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]mito) that may be important in matching ATP production with ATP consumption. In human ASM (hASM) exposed to TNFα and IL-13, the transient increase in [Ca(2+)]mito is blunted despite enhanced [Ca(2+)]cyt responses. We also found that TNFα and IL-13 induce reactive oxidant species (ROS) formation and endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) stress (unfolded protein response) in hASM. ER/SR stress in hASM is associated with disruption of mitochondrial coupling with the ER/SR membrane, which relates to reduced mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expression. Thus, in hASM it appears that TNFα and IL-13 result in ROS formation leading to ER/SR stress, reduced Mfn2 expression, disruption of mitochondrion-ER/SR coupling, decreased mitochondrial Ca(2+) buffering, mitochondrial fragmentation, and increased cell proliferation.

Interaction between endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum stress (ER/SR stress), mitochondrial signaling and Ca2+ regulation in airway smooth muscle (ASM)1

PubMed Central

Delmotte, Philippe; Sieck, Gary C.

2015-01-01

Airway inflammation is a key aspect of diseases such as asthma. Several inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα and IL-13) increase cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) responses to agonist stimulation and Ca2+ sensitivity of force generation, thereby enhancing airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractility (hyper-reactive state). Inflammation also induces ASM proliferation and remodeling (synthetic state). In normal ASM, the transient elevation of [Ca2+]cyt induced by agonists leads to a transient increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]mito) that may be important in matching ATP production with ATP consumption. In human ASM (hASM) exposed to TNFα and IL-13, the transient increase in [Ca2+]mito is blunted despite enhanced [Ca2+]cyt responses. We also found that TNFα and IL-13 induce reactive oxidant species (ROS) formation and endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) stress (unfolded protein response) in hASM. ER/SR stress in hASM is associated with disruption of mitochondrial coupling with the ER/SR membrane, which relates to reduced mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expression. Thus, in hASM it appears that TNFα and IL-13 result in ROS formation leading to ER/SR stress, reduced Mfn2 expression, disruption of mitochondrion–ER/SR coupling, decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering, mitochondrial fragmentation, and increased cell proliferation. PMID:25506723

Nonadiabatic small-polaron hopping conduction in Li-doped and undoped Bi4Sr3Ca3CuyOx (0<=y<=5)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mollah, S.; Som, K. K.; Bose, K.; Chakravorty, A. K.; Chaudhuri, B. K.

1992-11-01

Detailed experimental results of temperature- and CuO-concentration-dependent dc conductivities of semiconducting Bi4Sr3Ca3CuyOx (y=0 to 5) and Li-doped Bi4Sr3Ca3-zLizCu4Ox (z=0.1, 0.5, and 1.0) glasses are reported. The variation of activation energy with glass compositions dominates the conductivity. Unlike many glasses with transition-metal ions, a strong preexponential factor containing the ``small-polaron'' tunneling term [exp(-2αR)] is observed. Nonadiabatic small-polaron hopping mechanism is found to be appropriate for explaining the conductivity data of both glass systems. Addition of alkali-metal ions decreases the conductivities and causes appreciable change of some model parameters obtained from least-squares fittings of the experimental data. The overall thermal behavior of the electrical conductivities of the glasses, however, remains unaltered. This indicates that small (less than 10 wt.%) amount of Li or other alkali-metal ions in these glasses acts as a flux to keep the oxygen content fixed in the corresponding glass-ceramic (superconducting) phases. This in turn helps increase the superconducting transition temperature of the glass ceramics and also lower the sintering and melting temperatures of the glasses.

Ca2+-induced delayed afterdepolarizations are triggered by dyadic subspace Ca2+ affirming that increasing SERCA reduces aftercontractions

PubMed Central

Noble, Penelope J.; Noble, Denis

2011-01-01

Ca2+-induced delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) are depolarizations that occur after full repolarization. They have been observed across multiple species and cell types. Experimental results have indicated that the main cause of DADs is Ca2+ overload. The main hypothesis as to their initiation has been Ca2+ overflow from the overloaded sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Our results using 37 previously published mathematical models provide evidence that Ca2+-induced DADs are initiated by the same mechanism as Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, i.e., the modulation of the opening of ryanodine receptors (RyR) by Ca2+ in the dyadic subspace; an SR overflow mechanism was not necessary for the induction of DADs in any of the models. The SR Ca2+ level is better viewed as a modulator of the appearance of DADs and the magnitude of Ca2+ release. The threshold for the total Ca2+ level within the cell (not only the SR) at which Ca2+ oscillations arise in the models is close to their baseline level (∼1- to 3-fold). It is most sensitive to changes in the maximum sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pump rate (directly proportional), the opening probability of RyRs, and the Ca2+ diffusion rate from the dyadic subspace into the cytosol (both indirectly proportional), indicating that the appearance of DADs is multifactorial. This shift in emphasis away from SR overload as the trigger for DADs toward a multifactorial analysis could explain why SERCA overexpression has been shown to suppress DADs (while increasing contractility) and why DADs appear during heart failure (at low SR Ca2+ levels). PMID:21666112

Localized intracellular calcium signaling in muscle: calcium sparks and calcium quarks.

PubMed

Niggli, E

1999-01-01

Subcellularly localized Ca2+ signals in cardiac and skeletal muscle have recently been identified as elementary Ca2+ signaling events. The signals, termed Ca2+ sparks and Ca2+ quarks, represent openings of Ca2+ release channels located in the membrane of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In cardiac muscle, the revolutionary discovery of Ca2+ sparks has allowed the development of a fundamentally different concept for the amplification of Ca2+ signals by Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. In such a system, a graded amplification of the triggering Ca2+ signal entering the myocyte via L-type Ca2+ channels is accomplished by a recruitment process whereby individual SR Ca2+ release units are locally controlled by L-type Ca2+ channels. In skeletal muscle, the initial SR Ca2+ release is governed by voltage-sensors but subsequently activates additional Ca2+ sparks by Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release from the SR. Results from studies on elementary Ca2+ release events will improve our knowledge of muscle Ca2+ signaling at all levels of complexity, from the molecule to normal cellular function, and from the regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle force to the pathophysiology of excitation-contraction coupling.

Controls over δ44/40Ca and Sr/Ca variations in coccoliths: New perspectives from laboratory cultures and cellular models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mejía, Luz María; Paytan, Adina; Eisenhauer, Anton; Böhm, Florian; Kolevica, Ana; Bolton, Clara; Méndez-Vicente, Ana; Abrevaya, Lorena; Isensee, Kirsten; Stoll, Heather

2018-01-01

Coccoliths comprise a major fraction of the global carbonate sink. Therefore, changes in coccolithophores' Ca isotopic fractionation could affect seawater Ca isotopic composition, affecting interpretations of the global Ca cycle and related changes in seawater chemistry and climate. Despite this, a quantitative interpretation of coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation and a clear understanding of the mechanisms driving it are not yet available. Here, we address this gap in knowledge by developing a simple model (CaSri-Co) to track coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation during cellular Ca uptake and allocation to calcification. We then apply it to published and new δ 44 / 40 Ca and Sr/Ca data of cultured coccolithophores of the species Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica. We identify changes in calcification rates, Ca retention efficiency and solvation-desolvation rates as major drivers of the Ca isotopic fractionation and Sr/Ca variations observed in cultures. Higher calcification rates, higher Ca retention efficiencies and lower solvation-desolvation rates increase both coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation and Sr/Ca. Coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation is most sensitive to changes in solvation-desolvation rates. Changes in Ca retention efficiency may be a major driver of coccolith Sr/Ca variations in cultures. We suggest that substantial changes in the water structure strength caused by past changes in temperature could have induced significant changes in coccolithophores' Ca isotopic fractionation, potentially having some influence on seawater Ca isotopic composition. We also suggest a potential effect on Ca isotopic fractionation via modification of the solvation environment through cellular exudates, a hypothesis that remains to be tested.

A coral Sr/Ca calibration and replication study of two massive corals from the Gulf of Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeLong, Kristine L.; Flannery, Jennifer A.; Maupin, Christopher R.; Poore, Richard Z.; Quinn, Terrence M.

2011-01-01

This study examined the variations in the ratio of strontium-to-calcium (Sr/Ca) for two Atlantic corals (Montastraea faveolata and Siderastrea siderea) from the Dry Tortugas National Park (centered on 24.7°N, 82.8°W) in the Gulf of Mexico. Cores from coral colonies in close proximity (10s of meters) and with the same environmental conditions (i.e., depth and water chemistry) were micro-sampled with approximately monthly resolution and the resulting Sr/Ca variations were calibrated with local sea surface temperature (SST) records. Replication tests for coral Sr/Ca variations found high agreement between intra-colony variations and between individual colonies of S. siderea (a single M. faveolata colony was sampled). Regression analysis of monthly variations in coral Sr/Ca and local SST revealed significant correlation on monthly and inter-annual timescales. Verification of the calibration on different timescales found coral Sr/Ca–SST reconstructions in S. siderea were more accurate than those from M. faveolata, especially on inter-annual timescales. Sr/Ca–SST calibration equations for the two species are significantly different (cf., Sr/Ca = -0.042 SST + 10.070, S. siderea; Sr/Ca = -0.027 SST + 9.893, M. faveolata). Mean linear extension for M. faveolata is approximately twice that of S. siderea (4.63, 4.31, and 8.31 mm year−1, A1, F1, and B3, respectively); however, seasonal Sr/Ca variability in M. faveolata is less than S. siderea (0.323, 0.353, and 0.254 mmol mol−1, A1, F1, and B3, respectively). The reduced slope for M. faveolata is attributed to physical sampling issues associated with complex time-skeletal structure of M. faveolata, i.e., a sampling effect, and not a growth effect since the faster growing M. faveolata has the reduced Sr/Ca variability.

Enhancement of luminescence in white emitting strontium fluoride core @ calcium fluoride shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumam, Nandini; Singh, Ningthoujam Premananda; Singh, Laishram Priyobarta; Srivastava, Sri Krishna

2015-09-01

Synthesis of lanthanide-doped fluoride SrF2:3Dy and SrF2:3Dy@CaF2 nanoparticles with different ratios of core to shell (1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:2) has been carried out by employing ethylene glycol route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal that the structure of the prepared nanoparticles was of cubical shape, which is also evident in TEM images. The size of the nanoparticles for core (SrF2:3Dy) is found to increase when core is covered by shell (CaF2). It is also evident from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) that ethylene glycol successfully controls the growth and acts as a shape modifier by regulating growth rate. In the photoluminescence investigation, emission spectra of SrF2:3Dy is found to be highly enhanced when SrF2:3Dy is covered by CaF2 due to the decrease of cross relaxation amongst the Dy3+-Dy3+ ions. Such type of enhancement of luminescence in homonanostructure SrF2:3Dy@CaF2 (core@shell) has not been studied so far, to the best of the authors' knowledge. This luminescent material exhibits prominently white light emitting properties as shown by the Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity diagram. The calculated correlate colour temperature (CCT) values for SrF2:3Dy, SrF2:3Dy@CaF2 (1:0.05), SrF2:3Dy@CaF2 (1:1) and SrF2:3Dy@CaF2 (1:2) are 5475, 5476, 5384 and 5525 K, respectively, which lie in the cold white region.

Calcium Isotope Fractionation during Carbonate Weathering in the Northern Guangdong, South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, F.; Mao, G.; Wei, G.; Zhang, Z.

2017-12-01

CO2 is consumed during the weathering of carbonates, whereas carbonates are precipitated rapidly in the oceans, which are pivotal to modulate atmospheric CO2, oceanic pH and climate. Calcium carbonate in limestone is one of the largest reservoirs of carbon at the Earth's surface, so calcium is an important element that links the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and the atmosphere. Compared with silicate rocks, carbonate rocks have more rapid rates of physical and chemical erosions, so the carbonate weathering will respond more quickly to the climatic changes. In the southeast of China, enormous of carbonate rocks are widely distributed. Due to the influence of the subtropical monsoon climate, the rocks experienced strong chemical weathering and pedogenic process, resulting in red weathering crust of carbonate rocks. This type of weathering crust is geochemistry-sensitive and ecology-vulnerable, which can provide important insights into the recycle of supergene geochemistry in the karst areas. In this study, we report calcium isotopic compositions of saprolites from a weathering profile developed on argillaceous carbonate rocks in northern Guangdong, South China. The acid-leachable fraction, which was extracted by 1N hydrochloride acid, showed limited variation of δ44/40Ca(NIST 915a) spanning from 0.55 ± 0.06‰ (2SD) to 0.72 ± 0.05‰ (2SD) despite CaO content ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 45.7 wt.%, implying that Ca isotope didn't fractionate much which may due to the congruent dissolution of limestone minerals. In contrast, radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the whole rocks changed with depth from 0.710086 ± 6 (2SE) at the base rock to 0.722164± 8 (2SE) at the top-soil, which are possibly attributed to the mixing effect between carbonate and silicate fractions. Sr is an analogue for Ca due to its similar ionic size and charge; however, these two systems can differ in certain respects. The coupled study of Ca and Sr will be helpful to verify sources of Ca and the global Ca and C cycles.

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

Wang, Zhaofeng; State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000; Li, Yezhou, E-mail: leelienzoey@gmail.com

Highlights: • A novel blue-emitting phosphor Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} was reported. • Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} exhibited excellent thermal and irradiation stability. • Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} was found to possess high color purity. - Abstract: In this work, we synthesized Tm{sup 3+} doped Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2} phosphors and investigated their photoluminescence properties under the excitation of ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet lights. The crystal structure analysis and variation of cell parameters confirm that Tm{sup 3+} ions have been successfully doped in the structure of Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2} host by occupying the sites of Ca{supmore » 2+} with the coordination number of 6. The luminescence results suggest that Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} is a good blue-emitting phosphor when excited by ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet irradiations. In addition, it is observed that there is nearly no degradation for Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} after undergoing thermal and irradiation treatments. Possible mechanisms for the luminescence processes are proposed on the basis of the discussion of excitation and emission spectra. In particular, the emission color of Li{sub 4}SrCa(SiO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} by excitation of 147 and 172 nm irradiations is very close to the standard blue color, suggesting that it could be potentially applied in plasma display panels and mercury-free fluorescence lamps.« less

Strategic Positioning and Biased Activity of the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter in Cardiac Muscle*

PubMed Central

De La Fuente, Sergio; Fernandez-Sanz, Celia; Vail, Caitlin; Agra, Elorm J.; Holmstrom, Kira; Sun, Junhui; Mishra, Jyotsna; Williams, Dewight; Finkel, Toren; Murphy, Elizabeth; Joseph, Suresh K.; Sheu, Shey-Shing; Csordás, György

2016-01-01

Control of myocardial energetics by Ca2+ signal propagation to the mitochondrial matrix includes local Ca2+ delivery from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ryanodine receptors (RyR2) to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) Ca2+ uniporter (mtCU). mtCU activity in cardiac mitochondria is relatively low, whereas the IMM surface is large, due to extensive cristae folding. Hence, stochastically distributed mtCU may not suffice to support local Ca2+ transfer. We hypothesized that mtCU concentrated at mitochondria-SR associations would promote the effective Ca2+ transfer. mtCU distribution was determined by tracking MCU and EMRE, the proteins essential for channel formation. Both proteins were enriched in the IMM-outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) contact point submitochondrial fraction and, as super-resolution microscopy revealed, located more to the mitochondrial periphery (inner boundary membrane) than inside the cristae, indicating high accessibility to cytosol-derived Ca2+ inputs. Furthermore, MCU immunofluorescence distribution was biased toward the mitochondria-SR interface (RyR2), and this bias was promoted by Ca2+ signaling activity in intact cardiomyocytes. The SR fraction of heart homogenate contains mitochondria with extensive SR associations, and these mitochondria are highly enriched in EMRE. Size exclusion chromatography suggested for EMRE- and MCU-containing complexes a wide size range and also revealed MCU-containing complexes devoid of EMRE (thus disabled) in the mitochondrial but not the SR fraction. Functional measurements suggested more effective mtCU-mediated Ca2+ uptake activity by the mitochondria of the SR than of the mitochondrial fraction. Thus, mtCU “hot spots” can be formed at the cardiac muscle mitochondria-SR associations via localization and assembly bias, serving local Ca2+ signaling and the excitation-energetics coupling. PMID:27637331

40K-40Ca and 87Rb-86Sr Dating by SIMS: The Double-Plus Advantage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, T. M.; McKeegan, K. D.; Schmitt, A. K.

2009-12-01

The decay of 40K to 40Ar forms the basis of the potassium-argon dating method, although only one out of every 10 parent atoms decays to daughter 40Ar. The other 90% decay to 40Ca giving, in principle, the 40K-40Ca decay system great potential for dating samples with high K/Ca. This method, however, has not been utilized as an ion-microprobe-based geochronometer, largely because these isotopes require a very high mass resolving power (MRP) of ~25k for full separation. We found that limiting secondary ion transmission in our ims1270 ion microprobe to ~20% permits sufficient separation of 40K from 40Ca (MRP≈ 20k) to permit isotope ratio analysis, albeit with 40Ca+ on the shoulder of the more intense 40K+ peak. A pegmatitic muscovite from Jack Hills (K-Ca age = 2.54 Ga; Fletcher et al., Chem. Geol. 138, 289) yields ~104 cps of both 40K+ and 40Ca+ with a 15 μm primary spot size and O- beam current of 10 nA. The 40Ca+ signal is >90% radiogenic and reflects a “common” Ca content of ≤ 100 ppm. However, application of the relative sensitivity factor (RSF) calculated from the Jack Hills muscovite to unknowns yields relatively high age dispersion, perhaps related to the incompletely separated mass interferences. Theorizing that the noble gas electronic structure of K+ would likely resist further electron loss, we investigated an alternative approach involving analysis of Ca++/K++. The double-plus method provides an important advantage in that K++ species are suppressed by a factor of ~103 relative to K+, thereby effectively removing 40K++ from the spectrum at m/e≈ 20 and leaving 40Ca++ free from any significant interferences at an MRP≈ 4k. Measurement of the much more abundant 39K++ then permits 40Ca++/40K++ to be calculated from the known 39K/40K ratio. We applied this approach to Precambrian muscovite samples obtaining ages similar to, but generally younger than, their associated 40Ar/39Ar ages. This could reflect a minor matrix effect or a lower intrinsic retentivity of 40Ca* relative to 40Ar* in white micas. This approach offers the potential to develop a branched-decay thermochronometer (K-Ca-Ar) permitting simultaneous solution of temperature-time history from μm-scale isotopic variations. A further advantage is that even low resolution SIMS instruments (e.g., ims7f) can utilize the double-plus method. Initial investigations using the same double-plus approach for Rb-Sr dating show promise. While resolving 87Rb+ from 87Sr+ requires an MRP of ~290k, unattainable using any current SIMS instrument, 87Rb++ is so strongly suppressed that determination of 87Sr++ is possible with minor peak stripping. 87Rb/86Sr can be determined either from 85Rb+/88Sr+ at MRP≈ 8k or by the use of energy filtering. In addition to micas, these approaches may be applicable to any mineral systems enriched in alkali metals relative to alkaline earths, such as alkali feldspars, feldspathoids, and alkaline halides.

Antibacterial and osteo-stimulatory effects of a borate-based glass series doped with strontium ions.

PubMed

Li, Yiming; Stone, Wendy; Schemitsch, Emil H; Zalzal, Paul; Papini, Marcello; Waldman, Stephen D; Towler, Mark R

2016-11-01

This work considered the effect of both increasing additions of Strontium (Sr 2+ ) and incubation time on solubility and both antibacterial and osteo-stimulatory effects of a series of glasses based on the B 2 O 3 -P 2 O 5 -CaCO 3 -Na 2 CO 3 -TiO 2 -SrCO 3 series. The amorphous nature of all the glasses was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Discs of each glass were immersed in de-ionized water for 1, 7 and 30 days, and the water extracts were used for ion release profiles, pH measurements and cytotoxicity testing. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to detect the release of Na + , Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ ions from the glasses with respect to maturation, which indicated that the addition of Sr 2+ retarded solubility of the glass series. This effect was also confirmed by weight loss analysis through comparing the initial weight of glass discs before and after periods of incubation. The incorporation of Sr 2+ in the glasses did not influence the pH of the water extracts when the glasses were stored for up to 30 days. Cytotoxicity testing with an osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) indicated that glasses with the higher (20 mol% and 25 mol%) Sr 2+ incorporation promoted proliferation of osteoblast cells, while the glasses with lower Sr 2+ contents inhibited cell growth. The glass series, except for Ly-B5 (which contained the highest Sr 2+ incorporation; 25 mol%), were bacteriostatic against S. aureus in the short term (1-7 days) as a result of the dissolution products released. © The Author(s) 2016.

Pre-Steady-State Kinetics of Ba-Ca Exchange Reveals a Second Electrogenic Step Involved in Ca2+ Translocation by the Na-Ca Exchanger

PubMed Central

Haase, Andreas; Hartung, Klaus

2009-01-01

Kinetic properties of the Na-Ca exchanger (guinea pig NCX1) expressed in Xenopus oocytes were investigated with excised membrane patches in the inside-out configuration and photolytic Ca2+ concentration jumps with either 5 mM extracellular Sr2+ or Ba2+. After a Ca2+ concentration jump on the cytoplasmic side, the exchanger performed Sr-Ca or Ba-Ca exchange. In the Sr-Ca mode, currents are transient and decay in a monoexponential manner similar to that of currents in the Ca-Ca exchange mode described before. Currents recorded in the Ba-Ca mode are also transient, but the decay is biphasic. In the Sr-Ca mode the amount of charge translocated increases at negative potentials in agreement with experiments performed in the Ca-Ca mode. In the Ba-Ca mode the total amount of charge translocated after a Ca2+ concentration jump is ∼4 to 5 times that in Ca-Ca or Sr-Ca mode. In the Ba-Ca mode the voltage dependence of charge translocation depends on the Ca2+ concentration on the cytosolic side before the Ca2+ concentration jump. At low initial Ca2+ levels (∼0.5 μM), charge translocation is voltage independent. At a higher initial concentration (1 μM Ca2+), the amount of charge translocated increases at positive potentials. Biphasic relaxation of the current was also observed in the Ca-Ca mode if the external Ca2+ concentration was reduced to ≤0.5 mM. The results reported here and in previous publications can be described by using a 6-state model with two voltage-dependent conformational transitions. PMID:19486679

A methodology for quantifying trace elements in the exoskeletons of Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) larvae using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gravinese, Philip M.; Flannery, Jennifer A.; Toth, Lauren T.

2016-11-23

The larvae of the Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, migrate through a variety of habitats as they develop and, therefore, experience a broad range of environmental conditions through ontogeny. Environmental variability experienced by the larvae may result in distinct elemental signatures within the exoskeletons, which could provide a tool for tracking the environmental history of larval stone crab populations. A method was developed to examine trace-element ratios, specifically magnesium-to-calcium (Mg/Ca) and strontium-to-calcium (Sr/Ca) ratios, in the exoskeletons of M. mercenaria larvae. Two developmental stages of stone crab larvae were analyzed—stage III and stage V. Specimens were reared in a laboratory environment under stable conditions to quantify the average ratios of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca of larval stone crab exoskeletons and to determine if the ratios differed through ontogeny. The elemental compositions (Ca, Mg, and Sr) in samples of stage III larvae (n = 50 per sample) from 11 different broods (mean Sr/Ca = 5.916 ± 0.161 millimole per mole [mmol mol−1]; mean Mg/Ca = 218.275 ± 59.957 mmol mol−1) and stage V larvae (n = 10 per sample) from 12 different broods (mean Sr/Ca = 6.110 ± 0.300 mmol mol−1; mean Mg/Ca = 267.081 ± 67.211 mmol mol–1) were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES). The ratio of Sr/Ca significantly increased from stage III to stage V larvae, suggesting an ontogenic shift in Sr/Ca ratios between larval stages. The ratio of Mg/Ca did not change significantly between larval stages, but variability among broods was high. The method used to examine the trace-element ratios provided robust, highly reproducible estimates of Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios in the larvae of M. mercenaria, demonstrating that ICP–OES can be used to determine the trace-element composition of chitinous organisms like the Florida stone crab.

Superconductivity above 100 K in Bi(Pb)-Ca-Sr-Cu-O films made by thermal decomposition of metal carboxylates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klee, M.; de Vries, J. W. C.; Brand, W.

1988-11-01

Superconducting layers in the Bi(Pb)-Ca-Sr-Cu-O system are prepared by thermal decomposition of metal carboxylates. The films are deposited on MgO single crystal and ceramic substrates using a spin-coating and dip-coating process. The Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O films consist mainly of the low- Tc phase ( c-axis=3.073 nm), whereas partial substitution of Bi by Pb favours the formation of the high- Tc phase ( c-axis=3.707 nm). Films deposited on MgO (100) are strong c-axis preferentially oriented grown. While the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O films show a step in the resistance versus temperature curve ( Tcf⋍80 K) due to the presence of the low- Tc and the high- Tc phase, the Bi(Pb)-Ca-Sr-Cu-O films have an onset at 110 K and are superconducting at 104 K. The temperature dependence of the critical current indicates that in the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O system weak links of superconductor-isolator-superconductor type are present, while in the Bi(Pb)-Ca-Sr-Cu-O samples the contact is formed by normal-metal barriers. Using magnetic fields up to 5 T, the anisotropy of the resistive transition of the high- Tc phase was studied. In Bi(Pb)-Ca-Sr-Cu-O films the anisotropy ratio is about 18, and the corresponding coherence lengths are ξ ab(0)⋍3.6 nm and ξ c(0)⋍0.2 nm. These values are nearly the same as in the low- Tc phase.

Effects of Mg2+ on Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle fibres from yabby (crustacean) and rat.

PubMed

Launikonis, B S; Stephenson, D G

2000-07-15

1. The role of myoplasmic [Mg2+] on Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was examined in the two major types of crustacean muscle fibres, the tonic, long sarcomere fibres and the phasic, short sarcomere fibres of the fresh water decapod crustacean Cherax destructor (yabby) and in the fast-twitch rat muscle fibres using the mechanically skinned muscle fibre preparation. 2. A robust Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release (CICR) mechanism was present in both long and short sarcomere fibres and 1 mM Mg2+ exerted a strong inhibitory action on the SR Ca2+ release in both fibre types. 3. The SR displayed different properties with respect to Ca2+ loading in the long and the short sarcomere fibres and marked functional differences were identified with respect to Mg2+ inhibition between the two crustacean fibre types. Thus, in long sarcomere fibres, the submaximally loaded SR was able to release Ca2+ when [Mg2+] was lowered from 1 to 0.01 mM in the presence of 8 mM ATPtotal and in the virtual absence of Ca2+ (< 5 nM) even when the CICR was suppressed. In contrast, negligible Ca2+ was released from the submaximally loaded SR of short sarcomere yabby fibres when [Mg2+] was lowered from 1 to 0.01 mM under the same conditions as for the long sarcomere fibres. Nevertheless, the rate of SR Ca2+ release in short sarcomere fibres increased markedly when [Mg2+] was lowered in the presence of [Ca2+] approaching the normal resting levels (50-100 nM). 4. Rat fibres were able to release SR Ca2+ at a faster rate than the long sarcomere yabby fibres when [Mg2+] was lowered from 1 to 0. 01 mM in the virtual absence of Ca2+ but, unlike with yabby fibres, the net rate of Ca2+ release was actually increased for conditions that were considerably less favourable to CICR. 5. In summary, it is concluded that crustacean skeletal muscles have more that one functional type of Ca2+-release channels, that these channels display properties that are intermediate between those of mammalian skeletal and cardiac isoforms, that the inhibition exerted by Mg2+ at rest on the crustacean SR Ca2+-release channels must be removed during excitation-contraction coupling and that, unlike in crustacean fibres, CICR cannot play the major role in the activation of SR Ca2+-release channels in the rat skeletal muscle.

Formation of the 110-K superconducting phase in Pb-doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin films

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

Kula, W.; Sobolewski, R.; Gorecka, J.

1991-09-15

Investigation of the 110-K Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub {ital x}} phase formation in superconducting thin films of Bi-based cuprates is reported. The films were dc magnetron sputtered from single Bi(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O targets of various stoichiometries, and subsequently annealed in air at high temperatures. The influence of the initial Pb content, annealing conditions, as well as the substrate material on the growth of the 110-K phase was investigated. We found that the films, fully superconducting above 100 K could be reproducibly fabricated on various dielectric substrates from Pb-rich targets by optimizing annealing conditions for each initial Pb/Bi ratio. Heavy Pb dopingmore » considerably accelerated formation of the 110-K phase, reducing the film annealing time to less than 1 h. Films containing, according to the x-ray measurement, more than 90% of the 110-K phase were obtained on MgO substrates, after sputtering from the Bi{sub 2}Pb{sub 2.5}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2.15}Cu{sub 3.3}O{sub {ital x}} target and annealing in air for 1 h at 870 {degree}C. The films were {ital c}-axis oriented, with 4.5-K-wide superconducting transition, and zero resistivity at 106 K. Their critical current density was 2 {times} 10{sup 2} A/cm{sup 2} at 90 K, and above 10{sup 4} A/cm{sup 2} below 60 K. The growth of the 110-K phase on epitaxial substrates, such as CaNdAlO{sub 4} and SrTiO{sub 3}, was considerably deteriorated, and the presence of the 80- and 10-K phases was detected. Nevertheless, the best films deposited on these substrates were fully superconducting at 104 K and exhibited critical current densities above 2 {times} 10{sup 5} A/cm{sup 2} below 60 K{minus}one order of magnitude greater than the films deposited on MgO.« less

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) atpase (SERCA) 1a structurally substitutes for SERCA2a in the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and increases cardiac Ca(2+) handling capacity.

PubMed

Lalli, M J; Yong, J; Prasad, V; Hashimoto, K; Plank, D; Babu, G J; Kirkpatrick, D; Walsh, R A; Sussman, M; Yatani, A; Marbán, E; Periasamy, M

2001-07-20

Ectopic expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) 1a pump in the mouse heart results in a 2.5-fold increase in total SERCA pump level. SERCA1a hearts show increased rates of contraction/relaxation and enhanced Ca(2+) transients; however, the cellular mechanisms underlying altered Ca(2+) handling in SERCA1a transgenic (TG) hearts are unknown. In this study, using confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that SERCA1a protein traffics to the cardiac SR and structurally substitutes for the endogenous SERCA2a isoform. SR Ca(2+) load measurements revealed that TG myocytes have significantly enhanced SR Ca(2+) load. Confocal line-scan images of field-stimulated SR Ca(2+) release showed an increased rate of Ca(2+) removal in TG myocytes. On the other hand, ryanodine receptor binding activity was decreased by approximately 30%. However, TG myocytes had a greater rate of spontaneous ryanodine receptor opening as measured by spark frequency. Whole-cell L-type Ca(2+) current density was reduced by approximately 50%, whereas the time course of inactivation was unchanged in TG myocytes. These studies provide important evidence that SERCA1a can substitute both structurally and functionally for SERCA2a in the heart and that SERCA1a overexpression can be used to enhance SR Ca(2+) transport and cardiac contractility.

Involvement of the Calcium-sensing Receptor in Human Taste Perception

PubMed Central

Ohsu, Takeaki; Amino, Yusuke; Nagasaki, Hiroaki; Yamanaka, Tomohiko; Takeshita, Sen; Hatanaka, Toshihiro; Maruyama, Yutaka; Miyamura, Naohiro; Eto, Yuzuru

2010-01-01

By human sensory analyses, we found that various extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) agonists enhance sweet, salty, and umami tastes, although they have no taste themselves. These characteristics are known as “kokumi taste” and often appear in traditional Japanese cuisine. Although GSH is a typical kokumi taste substance (taste enhancer), its mode of action is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate how the kokumi taste is enhanced by the CaSR, a close relative of the class C G-protein-coupled receptors T1R1, T1R2, and T1R3 (sweet and umami receptors). We identified a large number of CaSR agonist γ-glutamyl peptides, including GSH (γ-Glu-Cys-Gly) and γ-Glu-Val-Gly, and showed that these peptides elicit the kokumi taste. Further analyses revealed that some known CaSR agonists such as Ca2+, protamine, polylysine, l-histidine, and cinacalcet (a calcium-mimetic drug) also elicit the kokumi taste and that the CaSR-specific antagonist, NPS-2143, significantly suppresses the kokumi taste. This is the first report indicating a distinct function of the CaSR in human taste perception. PMID:19892707

An experimental study of the effect of temperature, fluid chemistry and reaction rate on Sr-Ca partitioning in anhydrite: Implications for subseafloor hydrothermal alteration processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syverson, D.; Seyfried, W. E.

2010-12-01

Anhydrite (CaSO4) is an important mineral in subseafloor hydrothermal systems. Its solubility likely plays a role in controlling mass transfer reactions in the relatively low temperature and ultramafic-hosted Lost City Hydrothermal Field (LCHF), while also precipitating from seawater during recharge of more widespread high-temperature hydrothermal systems at mid-ocean ridges. Strontium partitions into anhydrite, although the magnitude and mechanism by which this occurs, is still unclear, as is the effect of precipitation rate. In the absence of these data it is not possible to predict accurately the geochemical implications of Sr/Ca ratios of vent fluids. Accordingly, the potential usefulness of these data to constrain temperature, and as a means to understand the flux of seawater derived Sr into deeper portions of subseafloor hydrothermal systems, is limited. Here we report results of experiments designed to assess Ca-Sr exchange during anhydrite-fluid reaction as a function of temperature, fluid chemistry and distance from equilibrium. Anhydrite used for the experiments was synthesized to avoid compositional impurities and annealed to achieve grain sizes (10-100 micron) and uniform crystalline properties. NaCl fluids (0.55 m) with known Sr/Ca ratios were used for the experiments. Experiments were performed at 200° and 250°C, 500 bars, while time series changes in fluid chemistry were monitored by fluid sampling at experimental conditions. Isobaric temperature change as well as chemical perturbation by addition of fluids with anomalous Sr/Ca ratio permitted phase equilibria to be unambiguously assed. Moreover, the chemical perturbation experiments provided information on the effect of rate of reaction on Sr-Ca exchange. Isobaric temperature jumps demonstrate that initially anhydrite precipitation incorporates Sr preferentially. With further reaction progress and approach to equilibrium Sr uptake by anhydrite recrystallization becomes less effective. Long-term equilibration (~3 months) of fluid and anhydrite at 250°C produces aSr/aCa*1000 of 2.8425. Results from the isothermal spike experiments indicate that the rate of exchange (dF/dt) for aSr/aCa is on the order of 0.01/day. Applying the experimentally determined Sr/Ca data to endmember vent fluids from LCHF suggests subseafloor temperatures near 200°C, in good agreement with constraints imposed by observed Ca and sulfate concentrations assuming anhydrite-fluid equilibria. Furthermore, the effect of supersaturated partitioning and experimentally determined rate at which Sr is incorporated into anhydrite suggests that seawater Sr uptake by anhydrite may be very effective, especially if the rate of formation is rapid, as might be expected owing to the sharply increasing geothermal gradient likely for the recharge portions of most of basalt-hosted hydrothermal systems at mid-ocean ridges. This would have important implications for the flux of radiogenic Sr and calculations of fluid/rock ratios at depth in the ocean crust.

Activation of the Ca2+-sensing receptor increases renal claudin-14 expression and urinary Ca2+ excretion

PubMed Central

Dimke, Henrik; Desai, Prajakta; Borovac, Jelena; Lau, Alyssa; Pan, Wanling; Alexander, R. Todd

2016-01-01

Kidney stones are a prevalent clinical condition imposing a large economic burden on the health-care system. Hypercalciuria remains the major risk factor for development of a Ca2+-containing stone. The kidney’s ability to alter Ca2+ excretion in response to changes in serum Ca2+ is in part mediated by the Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaSR). Recent studies revealed renal claudin-14 (Cldn14) expression localized to the thick ascending limb (TAL) and its expression to be regulated via the CaSR. We find that Cldn14 expression is increased by high dietary Ca2+ intake and by elevated serum Ca2+ levels induced by prolonged 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 administration. Consistent with this, activation of the CaSR in vivo via administration of the calcimimetic cinacalcet hydrochloride led to a 40-fold increase in Cldn14 mRNA. Moreover, overexpression of Cldn14 in two separate cell culture models decreased paracellular Ca2+ flux by preferentially decreasing cation permeability, thereby increasing transepithelial resistance. These data support the existence of a mechanism whereby activation of the CaSR in the TAL increases Cldn14 expression, which in turn blocks the paracellular reabsorption of Ca2+. This molecular mechanism likely facilitates renal Ca2+ losses in response to elevated serum Ca2+. Moreover, dys-regulation of the newly described CaSR-Cldn14 axis likely contributes to the development of hypercalciuria and kidney stones. PMID:23283989

The alteration of interelemental ratios in myocardium under the congenital heart disease (SRXRF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trunova, V. A.; Zvereva, V. V.; Okuneva, G. N.; Levicheva, E. N.

2007-05-01

It is the myocardium that bears the basic functional loading during heart working, including muscle contractility and enzyme activity. The elemental concentrations in myocardium tissue of heart were determined by SRXRF technique. Our investigation is systematical: the elemental content in each compartment (left and right ventricles, left and right auricles) of hearts of healthy and diseased children (congenital heart diseases, transposition of main vessels (TMV)) was analyzed. The elemental distribution in myocardium of four heart chambers of human fetuses was also analyzed. Following elements were determined: S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr. It was revealed that the elemental concentrations in myocardium of both ventricles are almost constant in heart of fetuses and healthy children. The transition from pre-natal study (fetus) to post-natal study is accompanied by the redistribution of chemical elements in myocardium. The higher concentrations of S, Fe, Ca, Sr and Cu in myocardium of children are observed, the content of K, Br, Rb and especially Se is lower than in heart of fetuses. The elemental distribution in myocardium of children TMV is considerably different in comparison with the healthy children: the higher levels of Cu are observed. The content of Se is lower.

Drift pumice in the Central Indian Ocean Basin: Geochemical evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pattan, J. N.; Mudholkar, A. V.; Jai Sankar, S.; Ilangovan, D.

2008-03-01

Abundant white to light grey-coloured pumice without ferromanganese oxide coating occurs within the Quaternary sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). Two distinct groups of pumice are identified from their geochemical composition, which allow one to define two different origins linked to two separate eruptions. One group of pumice is a dacitic type characterized by high Fe, Ti, Mg, Al and Ca with comparatively low contents of Si, rare-earth elements (∑REE, 69 ppm), Rb, Sr, U, Th, Ba, V, Nb, Sc, Mo and Co, which strongly suggest an origin from the 1883 Krakatau eruption. The other group is rhyolitic and is characterized by low contents of Fe, Ti, Mg and Ca and high Si, ∑REE content (121 ppm), Rb, Sr, U, Th, Ba, V, Nb, Mo, Co, and Sc and correlates well with the composition of the Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) eruption of ˜74 ka from Northern Sumatra and is being reported for the first time. Therefore, correlation of the pumice to the 1883 Krakatau and YTT eruptions indicates that the pumice drifted to the CIOB and eventually sank when it became waterlogged. However, physical properties such as density, specific gravity, porosity and degree of saturation required for sinking of pumice for both 1883 Krakatau and YTT are almost similar.

A model of cardiac ryanodine receptor gating predicts experimental Ca2+-dynamics and Ca2+-triggered arrhythmia in the long QT syndrome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Dan; Ermentrout, Bard; Němec, Jan; Salama, Guy

2017-09-01

Abnormal Ca2+ handling is well-established as the trigger of cardiac arrhythmia in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and digoxin toxicity, but its role remains controversial in Torsade de Pointes (TdP), the arrhythmia associated with the long QT syndrome (LQTS). Recent experimental results show that early afterdepolarizations (EADs) that initiate TdP are caused by spontaneous (non-voltage-triggered) Ca2+ release from Ca2+-overloaded sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) rather than the activation of the L-type Ca2+-channel window current. In bradycardia and long QT type 2 (LQT2), a second, non-voltage triggered cytosolic Ca2+ elevation increases gradually in amplitude, occurs before overt voltage instability, and then precedes the rise of EADs. Here, we used a modified Shannon-Puglisi-Bers model of rabbit ventricular myocytes to reproduce experimental Ca2+ dynamics in bradycardia and LQT2. Abnormal systolic Ca2+-oscillations and EADs caused by SR Ca2+-release are reproduced in a modified 0-dimensional model, where 3 gates in series control the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) conductance. Two gates control RyR2 activation and inactivation and sense cytosolic Ca2+ while a third gate senses luminal junctional SR Ca2+. The model predicts EADs in bradycardia and low extracellular [K+] and cessation of SR Ca2+-release terminate salvos of EADs. Ca2+-waves, systolic cell-synchronous Ca2+-release, and multifocal diastolic Ca2+ release seen in subcellular Ca2+-mapping experiments are observed in the 2-dimensional version of the model. These results support the role of SR Ca2+-overload, abnormal SR Ca2+-release, and the subsequent activation of the electrogenic Na+/Ca2+-exchanger as the mechanism of TdP. The model offers new insights into the genesis of cardiac arrhythmia and new therapeutic strategies.

Isotopic imprints of mountaintop mining contaminants.

PubMed

Vengosh, Avner; Lindberg, T Ty; Merola, Brittany R; Ruhl, Laura; Warner, Nathaniel R; White, Alissa; Dwyer, Gary S; Di Giulio, Richard T

2013-09-03

Mountaintop mining (MTM) is the primary procedure for surface coal exploration within the central Appalachian region of the eastern United States, and it is known to contaminate streams in local watersheds. In this study, we measured the chemical and isotopic compositions of water samples from MTM-impacted tributaries and streams in the Mud River watershed in West Virginia. We systematically document the isotopic compositions of three major constituents: sulfur isotopes in sulfate (δ(34)SSO4), carbon isotopes in dissolved inorganic carbon (δ(13)CDIC), and strontium isotopes ((87)Sr/(86)Sr). The data show that δ(34)SSO4, δ(13)CDIC, Sr/Ca, and (87)Sr/(86)Sr measured in saline- and selenium-rich MTM impacted tributaries are distinguishable from those of the surface water upstream of mining impacts. These tracers can therefore be used to delineate and quantify the impact of MTM in watersheds. High Sr/Ca and low (87)Sr/(86)Sr characterize tributaries that originated from active MTM areas, while tributaries from reclaimed MTM areas had low Sr/Ca and high (87)Sr/(86)Sr. Leaching experiments of rocks from the watershed show that pyrite oxidation and carbonate dissolution control the solute chemistry with distinct (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios characterizing different rock sources. We propose that MTM operations that access the deeper Kanawha Formation generate residual mined rocks in valley fills from which effluents with distinctive (87)Sr/(86)Sr and Sr/Ca imprints affect the quality of the Appalachian watersheds.

Assessing elemental ratios as a paleotemperature proxy in shells of patelloid limpets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graniero, L. E.; Surge, D. M.; Gillikin, D. P.

2016-02-01

Archaeological shell and fish middens are rich sources of paleoenvironmental proxy data. Patelloid limpet shells are common constituents in archaeological middens found along European, African, and South American coastlines. Paleotemperature reconstructions using oxygen isotope ratios of limpet shells depend on the ability to constrain the oxygen isotope ratio of seawater; therefore, alternative proxies are necessary for coastal localities where this is not possible. The study evaluates whether Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Li/Ca, Li/Mg, and Sr/Li ratios are reliable proxies of SST in shells of the patelloid limpets, P. vulgata and N. deaurata. We compare Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Li/Ca, Li/Mg, and Sr/Li ratios to the seasonal variations in contemporaneous δ18Oshell records which primarily record seasonal changes in SST. Elemental ratios (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Li/Ca, Sr/Li, Li/Mg) show no significant correlations with reconstructed SST in P. vulgata and N. deaurata shells. Shell δ13C values show no significant ontogenetic trends, suggesting that these limpets show little change in metabolic carbon incorporation into the shell with increasing ontogenetic age. Although growth rate exhibits a logarithmic decrease with age based on calculated linear extension rates, growth rate does not correlate with elemental profiles in these limpets. Overall, elemental ratios (are not reliable recorders of paleotemperature in patelloid limpets. Further research is necessary to establish the controls on elemental ratio concentrations in limpet shells.

First Insights of the Eemian Hydroclimate of the Snowy Mountains, Australia.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, M.; Wong, H.; McGrath, G. S.; McGowan, H. A.; Callow, J. N.

2016-12-01

Geologic archives from the Last Interglacial (LIG) provide an opportunity to investigate the likely impacts of a future warmer climate on the hydroclimate of regions sensitive to climate change. Here we present early results from the analysis of a stalagmite from the Yarrangobilly Caves complex in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia - a marginal alpine setting believed to be highly susceptible to the impacts of global warming. Five uranium-series dates show that this stalagmite grew continuously from 123.77 - 117.74 ka B.P. Trace element analysis (Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca) shows that Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca correlate at lags of 40 to 100 years during the period 122.21 ka - 120.37 ka (MIS 5e). Wavelet power spectra show significant periodicity at 60 years in both the Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca record during this time. During the period 120.2 ka - 119.8 ka the Sr/Ca record continues to display significant periodicity at 60 years, while similar periodicity at this scale in the Mg/Ca record is limited to 119.7 ka - 119.6 ka. While it has been suggested that Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca must covary and be in phase in order to interpret `wet' vs `dry' proxies (Tremaine & Froelich 2013), others have shown that Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca can move in and out of phase, attributed to wind-blown inputs of Sr (Frumkin & Stein 2004; Li et al. 2005; Cross et al. 2015). It has been suggested that, due to this and other factors that make Sr less likely to be concentrated during prior calcite precipitation, Mg/Ca may be a better indicator of infiltration rates (Steponaitis et al. 2015). The disconnect between Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca in our record suggests that they had different climatic forcings in south-east Australia during the LIG, and the breakdown in the relationship coincides with peak Mg/Ca in the record and peak SST in the Western Pacific (Lea 2004). Periodicity of 60 years is common in the global climate system and is thought to be astronomical in origin. This periodicity is similar also to the penta-decadal (50-70 yr) cycle of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Results indicate that this signal dominated the south-eastern Australian climate signal recorded by the stalagmite during the lead up to the height of the LIG. This signal may therefore be significant under a warmer climate as a dominant cycle in the hydroclimate of the Australian Alpine region.

Seasonal dripwater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations driven by cave ventilation: Implications for and modeling of speleothem paleoclimate records

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wong, C.I.; Banner, J.L.; Musgrove, M.

2011-01-01

A 4-year study in a central Texas cave quantifies multiple mechanisms that control dripwater composition and how these mechanisms vary at different drip sites. We monitored cave-air compositions, in situ calcite growth, dripwater composition and drip rate every 4-6weeks. Three groups of drip sites are delineated (Groups 1-3) based on geochemical variations in dripwater composition. Quantitative modeling of mineral-solution reactions within the host carbonate rock and cave environments is used to identify mechanisms that can account for variations in dripwater compositions. The covariation of Mg/Ca (and Sr/Ca) and Sr isotopes is key in delineating whether Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations are dictated by water-rock interaction (i.e., calcite or dolomite recrystallization) or prior calcite precipitation (PCP). Group 1 dripwater compositions reflects a narrow range of the extent of water-rock interaction followed by varying amounts of prior calcite precipitation (PCP). Group 2 dripwater compositions are controlled by varying amounts of water-rock interaction with little to no PCP influence. Group 3 dripwater compositions are dictated by variable extents of both water-rock interaction and PCP. Group 1 drip sites show seasonal variations in dripwater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca, whereas the other drip sites do not. In contrast to the findings of most previous dripwater Mg/Ca-Sr/Ca studies, these seasonal variations (at Group 1 drip sites) are independent of changes in water flux (i.e., rainfall and/or drip rate), and instead significantly correlate with changes in cave-air CO2 concentrations. These results are consistent with lower cave-air CO2, related to cool season ventilation of the cave atmosphere, enhancing calcite precipitation and leading to dripwater geochemical evolution via PCP. Group 1 dripwater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca seasonality and evidence for PCP as a mechanism that can account for that seasonality, have two implications for many other regions where seasonal ventilation of caves is likely: (1) speleothem trace-element records may provide seasonal signals, and (2) such records may be biased toward recording climate conditions during the season when calcite is depositing. Additionally, we use our results to construct a forward model that illustrates the types of speleothem Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations that would result from varying controls on dripwater compositions. The model provides a basis for interpreting paleo-dripwater controls from high frequency Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations for speleothems from caves at which long term monitoring studies are not feasible. ?? 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Selectivity in biomineralization of barium and strontium.

PubMed

Krejci, Minna R; Wasserman, Brian; Finney, Lydia; McNulty, Ian; Legnini, Daniel; Vogt, Stefan; Joester, Derk

2011-11-01

The desmid green alga Closterium moniliferum belongs to a small number of organisms that form barite (BaSO(4)) or celestite (SrSO(4)) biominerals. The ability to sequester Sr in the presence of an excess of Ca is of considerable interest for the remediation of (90)Sr from the environment and nuclear waste. While most cells dynamically regulate the concentration of the second messenger Ca(2+) in the cytosol and various organelles, transport proteins rarely discriminate strongly between Ca, Sr, and Ba. Herein, we investigate how these ions are trafficked in C. moniliferum and how precipitation of (Ba,Sr)SO(4) crystals occurs in the terminal vacuoles. Towards this goal, we simultaneously visualize intracellular dynamics of multiple elements using X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) of cryo-fixed/freeze-dried samples. We correlate the resulting elemental maps with ultrastructural information gleaned from freeze-fracture cryo-SEM of frozen-hydrated cells and use micro X-ray absorption near edge structure (micro-XANES) to determine sulfur speciation. We find that the kinetics of Sr uptake and efflux depend on external Ca concentrations, and Sr, Ba, and Ca show similar intracellular localization. A highly ion-selective cross-membrane transport step is not evident. Based on elevated levels of sulfate detected in the terminal vacuoles, we propose a "sulfate trap" model, where the presence of dissolved barium leads to preferential precipitation of (Ba,Sr)SO(4) due to its low solubility relative to SrSO(4) and CaSO(4). Engineering the sulfate concentration in the vacuole may thus be the most direct way to increase the Sr sequestered per cell, an important consideration in using desmids for phytoremediation of (90)Sr. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of hydrogen sulfide on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells involved in the modulation of calcium sensing receptor in high homocysteine

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

Wang, Yuwen; Wang, Xiyao; Liang, Xiaohui

Hyperhomocysteinemia induces the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Hydrogen sulfide (H{sub 2}S) inhibits the phenotype switch of VSMCs and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulated the production of endogenous H{sub 2}S. However, whether CaSR inhibits the proliferation of VSMCs by regulating the endogenous cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE, a major enzyme that produces H{sub 2}S) pathway in high homocysteine (HHcy) has not been previously investigated. The intracellular calcium concentration, the concentration of H{sub 2}S, the cell viability, the proliferation and the expression of proteins of cultured VSMCs from rat thoracic aortas were measured, respectively. The results showed that the [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i} andmore » the expression of p-CaMK and CSE increased upon treatment with CaSR agonist. In HHcy, the H{sub 2}S concentration decrease, the proliferation and migration rate increased, the expression of Cyclin D1, PCNA, Osteopontin and p-Erk1/2 increased while the α-SM actin, P21{sup Cip/WAK−1} and Calponin decreased. The CaSR agonist or exogenous H{sub 2}S significantly reversed the changes of VSMCs caused by HHcy. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that CaSR regulate the endogenous CSE/H{sub 2}S is related to the PLC-IP{sub 3} receptor and CaM signal pathways which inhibit the proliferation of VSMCs, and the latter is involved in the Erk1/2 dependent signal pathway in high homocysteine. - Highlights: • CaSR activation increased the production of endogenous H{sub 2}S in high homocysteine VSMCs. • CaSR modulated the CSE/H{sub 2}S are related to the PLC-IP{sub 3}R and Ca{sup 2+}-CaM signal pathways. • Inhibition of H{sub 2}S on the proliferation of VSMCs is involved in the Erk1/2 pathway. • Explore the potential roles of CaSR in regulating VSMCs proliferation in high homocysteine.« less

Reduction of SR Ca2+ leak and arrhythmogenic cellular correlates by SMP-114, a novel CaMKII inhibitor with oral bioavailability.

PubMed

Neef, Stefan; Mann, Christian; Zwenger, Anne; Dybkova, Nataliya; Maier, Lars S

2017-07-01

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ leak induced by Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is centrally involved in atrial and ventricular arrhythmogenesis as well as heart failure remodeling. Consequently, treating SR Ca 2+ leak has been proposed as a novel therapeutic paradigm, but compounds for use in humans are lacking. SMP-114 ("Rimacalib") is a novel, orally available CaMKII inhibitor developed for human use that has already entered clinical phase II trials to treat rheumatoid arthritis. We speculated that SMP-114 might also be useful to treat cardiac SR Ca 2+ leak. SMP-114 significantly reduces SR Ca 2+ leak (as assessed by Ca 2+ sparks) in human atrial (0.72 ± 0.33 sparks/100 µm/s vs. control 3.02 ± 0.91 sparks/100 µm/s) and failing left ventricular (0.78 ± 0.23 vs. 1.69 ± 0.27 sparks/100 µm/s) as well as in murine ventricular cardiomyocytes (0.30 ± 0.07 vs. 1.50 ± 0.28 sparks/100 µm/s). Associated with lower SR Ca 2+ leak, we found that SMP-114 suppressed the occurrence of spontaneous arrhythmogenic spontaneous Ca 2+ release (0.356 ± 0.109 vs. 0.927 ± 0.216 events per 30 s stimulation cessation). In consequence, post-rest potentiation of Ca 2+ -transient amplitude (measured using Fura-2) during the 30 s pause was improved by SMP-114 (52 ± 5 vs. 37 ± 4%). Noteworthy, SMP-114 has these beneficial effects without negatively impairing global excitation-contraction coupling: neither systolic Ca 2+ release nor single cell contractility was compromised, and also SR Ca 2+ reuptake, in line with resulting cardiomyocyte relaxation, was not impaired by SMP-114 in our assays. SMP-114 demonstrated potential to treat SR Ca 2+ leak and consequently proarrhythmogenic events in rodent as well as in human atrial cardiomyocytes and cardiomyocytes from patients with heart failure. Further research is necessary towards clinical use in cardiac disease.

Understanding cold bias: Variable response of skeletal Sr/Ca to seawater pCO2 in acclimated massive Porites corals

PubMed Central

Cole, Catherine; Finch, Adrian; Hintz, Christopher; Hintz, Kenneth; Allison, Nicola

2016-01-01

Coral skeletal Sr/Ca is a palaeothermometer commonly used to produce high resolution seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) records and to investigate the amplitude and frequency of ENSO and interdecadal climate events. The proxy relationship is typically calibrated by matching seasonal SST and skeletal Sr/Ca maxima and minima in modern corals. Applying these calibrations to fossil corals assumes that the temperature sensitivity of skeletal Sr/Ca is conserved, despite substantial changes in seawater carbonate chemistry between the modern and glacial ocean. We present Sr/Ca analyses of 3 genotypes of massive Porites spp. corals (the genus most commonly used for palaeoclimate reconstruction), cultured under seawater pCO2 reflecting modern, future (year 2100) and last glacial maximum (LGM) conditions. Skeletal Sr/Ca is indistinguishable between duplicate colonies of the same genotype cultured under the same conditions, but varies significantly in response to seawater pCO2 in two genotypes of Porites lutea, whilst Porites murrayensis is unaffected. Within P. lutea, the response is not systematic: skeletal Sr/Ca increases significantly (by 2–4%) at high seawater pCO2 relative to modern in both genotypes, and also increases significantly (by 4%) at low seawater pCO2 in one genotype. This magnitude of variation equates to errors in reconstructed SST of up to −5 °C. PMID:27241795

Understanding cold bias: Variable response of skeletal Sr/Ca to seawater pCO2 in acclimated massive Porites corals.

PubMed

Cole, Catherine; Finch, Adrian; Hintz, Christopher; Hintz, Kenneth; Allison, Nicola

2016-05-31

Coral skeletal Sr/Ca is a palaeothermometer commonly used to produce high resolution seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) records and to investigate the amplitude and frequency of ENSO and interdecadal climate events. The proxy relationship is typically calibrated by matching seasonal SST and skeletal Sr/Ca maxima and minima in modern corals. Applying these calibrations to fossil corals assumes that the temperature sensitivity of skeletal Sr/Ca is conserved, despite substantial changes in seawater carbonate chemistry between the modern and glacial ocean. We present Sr/Ca analyses of 3 genotypes of massive Porites spp. corals (the genus most commonly used for palaeoclimate reconstruction), cultured under seawater pCO2 reflecting modern, future (year 2100) and last glacial maximum (LGM) conditions. Skeletal Sr/Ca is indistinguishable between duplicate colonies of the same genotype cultured under the same conditions, but varies significantly in response to seawater pCO2 in two genotypes of Porites lutea, whilst Porites murrayensis is unaffected. Within P. lutea, the response is not systematic: skeletal Sr/Ca increases significantly (by 2-4%) at high seawater pCO2 relative to modern in both genotypes, and also increases significantly (by 4%) at low seawater pCO2 in one genotype. This magnitude of variation equates to errors in reconstructed SST of up to -5 °C.

A non-capacitative pathway activated by arachidonic acid is the major Ca2+ entry mechanism in rat A7r5 smooth muscle cells stimulated with low concentrations of vasopressin

PubMed Central

Broad, Lisa M; Cannon, Toby R; Taylor, Colin W

1999-01-01

Depletion of the Ca2+ stores of A7r5 cells stimulated Ca2+, though not Sr2+, entry. Vasopressin (AVP) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated Sr2+ entry. The cells therefore express a capacitative pathway activated by empty stores and a non-capacitative pathway stimulated by receptors; only the former is permeable to Mn2+ and only the latter to Sr2+. Neither empty stores nor inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) binding to its receptors are required for activation of the non-capacitative pathway, because microinjection of cells with heparin prevented PDGF-evoked Ca2+ mobilization but not Sr2+ entry. Low concentrations of Gd3+ irreversibly blocked capacitative Ca2+ entry without affecting AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry. After inhibition of the capacitative pathway with Gd3+, AVP evoked a substantial increase in cytosolic [Ca2+], confirming that the non-capacitative pathway can evoke a significant increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. Arachidonic acid mimicked the effect of AVP on Sr2+ entry without stimulating Mn2+ entry; the Sr2+ entry was inhibited by 100 μM Gd3+, but not by 1 μM Gd3+ which completely inhibited capacitative Ca2+ entry. The effects of arachidonic acid did not require its metabolism. AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry was unaffected by isotetrandrine, an inhibitor of G protein-coupled phospholipase A2. U73122, an inhibitor of phosphoinositidase C, inhibited AVP-evoked formation of inositol phosphates and Sr2+ entry. The effects of phorbol esters and Ro31-8220 (a protein kinase C inhibitor) established that protein kinase C did not mediate the effects of AVP on the non-capacitative pathway. An inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase, RHC-80267, inhibited AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry without affecting capacitative Ca2+ entry or release of Ca2+ stores. Selective inhibition of capacitative Ca2+ entry with Gd3+ revealed that the non-capacitative pathway is the major route for the Ca2+ entry evoked by low AVP concentrations. We conclude that in A7r5 cells, the Ca2+ entry evoked by low concentrations of AVP is mediated largely by a non-capacitative pathway directly regulated by arachidonic acid produced by the sequential activities of phosphoinositidase C and diacylglycerol lipase. PMID:10226154

Transformation of Structure, Electrical Conductivity, and Magnetism in AA'Fe 2O 6-δ, A = Sr, Ca and A' = Sr

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

Hona, Ram Krishna; Huq, Ashfia; Mulmi, Suresh

The ability to control electrical properties and magnetism by varying the crystal structure using the effect of the A-site cation in oxygen-deficient perovskites has been studied in AA’Fe 2O 6-δ, where A=Sr, Ca and A’= Sr. The structure of Sr 2Fe 2O 6-δ, synthesized at 1250 °C in air, contains dimeric units of FeO 5 square-pyramids separated by FeO 6 octahedra. Here we show that this ordering scheme can be transformed by changing the A-site cations from Sr to Ca. This leads to a structure where layers of corner-sharing FeO 6 octahedra are separated by chains of FeO 4 tetrahedra.more » Through systematic variation of the A-site cations, we have determined the average ionic radius required for this conversion to be ~1.41 Å. We have demonstrated that the magnetic structure is also transformed. The Sr 2 compound has an incommensurate magnetic structure, where magnetic moments are in spin-density wave state, aligning perpendicular to the body diagonal of the unit cell. With the aid of neutron diffraction experiments at 10 K and 300 K, we have shown that the magnetic structure is converted into a long-range G-type antiferromagnetic system when one Sr is replaced by Ca. In this G-type ordering scheme, the magnetic moments align in the 001 direction, antiparallel to their nearest neighbors. We have also performed variable-temperature electrical conductivity studies on these materials in the temperature range 298 – 1073 K. These studies have revealed the transformation of charge transport properties, where the metallic behavior of the Sr 2-compound is converted into semiconductivity in the CaSr-material. The trend of conductivity as a function of temperature is reversed upon changing the A-site cation. The conductivity of the Sr 2 compound shows a downturn, while the conductivity of the CaSr material increases as a function of temperature. We have also shown that the CaSr-compound exhibits temperature-dependent behavior typical of a mixed ionic-electronic conducting system.« less

Transformation of Structure, Electrical Conductivity, and Magnetism in AA'Fe 2O 6-δ, A = Sr, Ca and A' = Sr

DOE PAGES

Hona, Ram Krishna; Huq, Ashfia; Mulmi, Suresh; ...

2017-08-09

The ability to control electrical properties and magnetism by varying the crystal structure using the effect of the A-site cation in oxygen-deficient perovskites has been studied in AA’Fe 2O 6-δ, where A=Sr, Ca and A’= Sr. The structure of Sr 2Fe 2O 6-δ, synthesized at 1250 °C in air, contains dimeric units of FeO 5 square-pyramids separated by FeO 6 octahedra. Here we show that this ordering scheme can be transformed by changing the A-site cations from Sr to Ca. This leads to a structure where layers of corner-sharing FeO 6 octahedra are separated by chains of FeO 4 tetrahedra.more » Through systematic variation of the A-site cations, we have determined the average ionic radius required for this conversion to be ~1.41 Å. We have demonstrated that the magnetic structure is also transformed. The Sr 2 compound has an incommensurate magnetic structure, where magnetic moments are in spin-density wave state, aligning perpendicular to the body diagonal of the unit cell. With the aid of neutron diffraction experiments at 10 K and 300 K, we have shown that the magnetic structure is converted into a long-range G-type antiferromagnetic system when one Sr is replaced by Ca. In this G-type ordering scheme, the magnetic moments align in the 001 direction, antiparallel to their nearest neighbors. We have also performed variable-temperature electrical conductivity studies on these materials in the temperature range 298 – 1073 K. These studies have revealed the transformation of charge transport properties, where the metallic behavior of the Sr 2-compound is converted into semiconductivity in the CaSr-material. The trend of conductivity as a function of temperature is reversed upon changing the A-site cation. The conductivity of the Sr 2 compound shows a downturn, while the conductivity of the CaSr material increases as a function of temperature. We have also shown that the CaSr-compound exhibits temperature-dependent behavior typical of a mixed ionic-electronic conducting system.« less

Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and stable isotopes in modern and Holocene Protothaca staminea shells from a northern California coastal upwelling region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Takesue, R.K.; VanGeen, A.

2004-01-01

This study explores the potential of intertidal Protothaca staminea shells as high-resolution geochemical archives of environmental change in a coastal upwelling region. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios were analyzed by excimer laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) at sub-weekly temporal resolution in shells growing ???1 mm per month. Growth patterns of a modern P. staminea shell from Humboldt Bay, California, collected in December 1999 made it possible to infer a lifespan from 1993 to 1998. Growth hiatuses in the shell may have excluded records of extreme events. Mg/Ca ratios appeared to be partly controlled by water temperature; the correlation coefficient between temperature and Mg/Ca was r = 0.71 in one of four growth increments. Significant year-to-year differences in the sensitivity of Mg/Ca to temperature in P. staminea could not be explained, however. Sr/Ca ratios appeared to be more closely related to shell growth rate. Oxygen isotopes, measured at 2-week temporal resolution in the same shell, did not show a clear relation to local temperature in summer, possibly because temperatures were higher and less variable at the King Salmon mudflat, where the shell was collected, than in the main channel of Humboldt Bay, where water properties were monitored. Negative shell ??13C values (<-0.5???) marked spring and summer coastal upwelling events. The Mg contents of P. staminea midden shells dated to ???3 ka and ???9 ka were significantly lower than in the modern shell. This may have resulted from degradation of a Mg-rich shell organic matrix and precluded quantitative interpretation of the older high-resolution records. Elevated ??13C values in the ???3 ka shell suggested that the individual grew in highly productive or stratified environment, such as a shallow coastal embayment or lagoon. Copyright ?? 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

Amino Alcohol- (NPS-2143) and Quinazolinone-Derived Calcilytics (ATF936 and AXT914) Differentially Mitigate Excessive Signalling of Calcium-Sensing Receptor Mutants Causing Bartter Syndrome Type 5 and Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia

PubMed Central

Letz, Saskia; Haag, Christine; Schulze, Egbert; Frank-Raue, Karin; Raue, Friedhelm; Hofner, Benjamin; Mayr, Bernhard; Schöfl, Christof

2014-01-01

Introduction Activating calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) mutations cause autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH) characterized by low serum calcium, inappropriately low PTH and relative hypercalciuria. Four activating CaSR mutations cause additional renal wasting of sodium, chloride and other salts, a condition called Bartter syndrome (BS) type 5. Until today there is no specific medical treatment for BS type 5 and ADH. We investigated the effects of different allosteric CaSR antagonists (calcilytics) on activating CaSR mutants. Methods All 4 known mutations causing BS type 5 and five ADH mutations were expressed in HEK 293T cells and receptor signalling was studied by measurement of intracellular free calcium in response to extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]o). To investigate the effect of calcilytics, cells were stimulated with 3 mM [Ca2+]o in the presence or absence of NPS-2143, ATF936 or AXT914. Results All BS type 5 and ADH mutants showed enhanced signalling activity to [Ca2+]o with left shifted dose response curves. In contrast to the amino alcohol NPS-2143, which was only partially effective, the quinazolinone calcilytics ATF936 and AXT914 significantly mitigated excessive cytosolic calcium signalling of all BS type 5 and ADH mutants studied. When these mutants were co-expressed with wild-type CaSR to approximate heterozygosity in patients, ATF936 and AXT914 were also effective on all mutants. Conclusion The calcilytics ATF936 and AXT914 are capable of attenuating enhanced cytosolic calcium signalling activity of CaSR mutations causing BS type 5 and ADH. Quinazolinone calcilytics might therefore offer a novel treatment option for patients with activating CaSR mutations. PMID:25506941

Luminescent properties of Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} and its potential application in white light emitting diodes

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

Wang, Zhijun, E-mail: wangzhijunmail@yahoo.com.cn; Li, Panlai; Li, Ting

2013-06-01

Graphical abstract: Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor can be effectively excited by an ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet light, and produce a bright blue emission centered at 436 nm. The CIE chromaticity coordinations (x, y) of Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+}(NSCE)/Li{sub 2}SrSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+}(LSSE) vary with the molar ratio of the two constituents. When NSCE/LSSE is 1:3, the CIE chromaticity coordination is (0.332, 0.346), which is close to that of the natural sunlight (0.33, 0.33). The results indicate that Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} may be a promising blue phosphor for UV chip-based multi-phosphor converted white light emitting diodes. Highlights: ► Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{supmore » 2+} shows the blue emission with a peak at 436 nm and broad excitation band in the UV/n-UV range. ► White light with CIE coordinates (0.332, 0.346) is generated by mixing the blue phosphor with the Li{sub 2}SrSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} yellow phosphor. ► Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} would be a promising blue phosphor candidate for UV chip-based multi-phosphor converted white LEDs. - Abstract: A novel blue phosphor Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} is synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction, and its luminescent properties are systematically studied. Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} can be effectively excited by the 354 nm radiation, and create blue emission (436 nm). The emission intensity of Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} is influenced by the Eu{sup 2+} doping content, and the optimal doping content is 1.5%, and the concentration quenching mechanism of Eu{sup 2+} in Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4} can be attributed to the multipolar interaction. The white light with CIE coordinates (0.332, 0.346) is generated by mixing the blue phosphor Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} with the yellow phosphor Li{sub 2}SrSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+}. The results indicate that Na{sub 2}CaSiO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 2+} may be a potential blue emitting phosphor for UV chip-based multi-phosphor converted white light emitting diodes.« less

Spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release and extrusion from bovine, not porcine, coronary artery smooth muscle.

PubMed Central

Stehno-Bittel, L; Sturek, M

1992-01-01

1. We tested the hypothesis that the Ca(2+)-loaded sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of coronary artery smooth muscle spontaneously releases Ca2+ preferentially toward the sarcolemma to be extruded from the cell without increasing the average free myoplasmic [Ca2+] (Ca(im)) concentration. 2. The SR of bovine cells was Ca(2+)-loaded by depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx. Release (unloading) of Ca2+ from the SR during recovery from depolarization was determined by Fura-2 microfluorometry of Ca(im). The SR Ca2+ unloading was maximal following a long (14 min) recovery from depolarization, as shown by the 66% decrease in the peak caffeine-induced Ca(im) transient compared to the Ca(im) transient after a short (2 min) recovery. No increase in Ca(im) occurred during the long recovery. No unloading of the SR Ca2+ store was noted in porcine cells. 3. Approximately 80% of the outward K+ current in bovine and porcine cells was sensitive to subsarcolemmal Ca2+ (Ca(is)) concentrations. Whole-cell voltage clamp using pipette solutions with Ca2+ concentrations clamped between 0 and 1000 nM with Ca(2+)-EGTA or Ca(2+)-BAPTA buffers showed increasing K+ currents (normalized for cell membrane surface area) as a function of both membrane potential and Ca(is). Clamping of Ca(im) and Ca(is) was verified by the lack of changes in K+ current and Fura-2 ratio in response to Ca2+ influx, Ca(2+)-free external solution, or caffeine-induced Ca2+ release. At +30 to +50 mV the K+ current amplitude showed a similar sensitivity to Ca2+ as Fura-2. These data indicate that in this experimental preparation Ca(2+)-activated K+ current is a valid estimate of Ca(is). 4. Simultaneous Ca(im) and Ca(is) measurements in bovine cells which were not Ca(2+)-clamped (2 x 10(-4) M-EGTA pipette solution) showed that during the long recovery period the K+ current (reflecting Ca(is)) increased 55%, while Ca(im) did not change. 5. In quiescent bovine cells the Ca(is) was higher than Ca(im), while the higher resting Ca(is) gradient was not apparent in porcine cells. 6. The Ca(is) concentration was directly related to the amount of Ca2+ in the SR in bovine, but not porcine cells. Depletion of the SR in bovine cells by caffeine resulted in a 58% decrease in K+ current compared to the resting K+ current. 7. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ release caused an increase in Ca(is) which preceded the increase in Ca(im) by approximately 2 s.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:1403820

Potential ecotoxicological significance of elevated concentrations of strontium in eggshells of passerine birds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mora, Miguel A.; Taylor, Robert J.; Brattin, Bryan L.

2007-01-01

We investigated the occurrence and potential ecotoxicological significance of elevated concentrations of strontium (Sr) in eggshells of nine passerine birds from four regions in Arizona. Concentrations of Sr in eggshells ranged from 70 to 1360 µg g−1 dry weight (overall mean  =  684 ± 345 SD µg g−1 dw) for the four regions. 23% of the eggshells had Sr concentrations greater than 1000 µg g−1 dw. To our knowledge, these are among the highest levels of Sr that have been reported in bird eggshells in North America. Of the nine species, Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) had the greatest concentrations of Sr. There was a significant positive correlation between Sr and calcium (Ca), and between barium (Ba) and Ca. Ca, Sr, and Ba interact with each other and can exert similar chemical and pharmacological effects. Mean (n ≥ 3) eggshell∶egg ratios for Sr varied with species and ranged from 6.1∶1 to 40.2∶1; ratios for individual eggs reached 92.7∶1. Mean Sr/Ca values ranged from 1.3 × 10−3 to 3.0 × 10−3 and mean eggshell thickness ranged from 83 ± 6 to 120 ± 9 µm for all species. Eggshell thickness was not significantly correlated with Sr for any species but tended to increase with Sr concentrations. We postulate that high concentrations of Sr in the shell could affect later-stage embryos by possible interference with Ca metabolism and bone growth, resulting in reduced hatching success and potential minor beak deformities.

Influence of strontium on the synthesis and surface properties of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bioceramics.

PubMed

Kanchana, Ponnusamy; Sekar, Chinnathambi

2010-01-01

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics are suitable for synthetic bone applications. The strontium substituted calcium phosphate ceramics have potential for use in orthopedic surgeries. Aim of the present work is to introduce strontium into BCP (composed of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate) ceramics and to study their bioactivity and mechanical properties. BCP ceramics have been synthesized at room temperature under the physiological pH of 7.4 by gel method in the presence of strontium (5, 10 M %). The appropriate choice of anhydrous CaCl₂ as precursor solution has promoted the formation of BCP instead of pure HA for CaCl₂.2H₂O. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of BCP with different HA and ß -TCP ratios depending upon the Sr content. The presence of Sr has reduced the nucleation and growth rate of BCP when compared to pure system. The SEM micrographs showed that the microstructural morphology of BCP changes from fibrous to platelet. Nanoindentation studies indicate a significant decrease in the hardness and elastic modulus values of BCP ceramics due to Sr doping. In vitro bioactivity study has revealed the formation of apatite layer on the Sr doped BCP samples and the doping enhanced its bioactivity.

The Dissolved Ca Isotope Composition of Himalayan-Tibetan Waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tipper, E. T.; Galy, A.; Bickle, M. J.

2004-12-01

Determining the relative proportions of carbonate versus silicate weathering in the Himalaya is important for understanding the long-term atmospheric CO2 budget and the marine Sr isotope record. 87Sr/86Sr is not a straightforward proxy of carbonate to silicate weathering in the Himalaya and up to 50% of the dissolved Ca may be removed by the precipitation of secondary calcite. Ca isotopes have the potential to constrain the relative inputs of carbonates to silicates and incongruent dissolution processes in the weathering environment. Ca is the major cation carried by rivers. Thirty four Himalayan rock and water samples from the Nepal Himalaya and Tibet have been analysed for 44/42Ca and 43/42Ca on a Nu-Instruments Multiple Collector -ICP-MS. Unlike the 44/40Ca ratio the 44/42Ca is not susceptible to excess 40Ca production from the decay of K. All samples lie on a single mass fractionation line. There is a total range of 0.4 \\permil variation in \\delta44Ca with values from 0.63 \\permil - 0.21 \\permil relative to the SRM915a standard. This is comparable to that already reported with \\delta44/40Ca for small catchments and global rivers. Small first order catchments from each of the main lithotectonic units of the Himalaya have been analysed to examine the effect of lithology on dissolved Ca isotopic composition. In agreement with previous studies elsewhere there is little correlation between source rock and dissolved composition for small rivers spanning a range of source rock from limestone to various silicates and covering a vegetation range from temperate semi-desert to jungle. \\delta44Ca is not correlated with 87Sr/86Sr or Na/Ca ratios confirming that source rock composition is not the dominant control on the observed range in \\delta44Ca. A time-series has been examined for the Marsyandi River, central Nepal. In spite of significant systematic variations in major element chemistry including Ca concentration and 87Sr/86Sr the variations in \\delta44Ca are limited to 0.16 \\permil. Either there is only a single isotopic source of Ca or the \\delta44Ca is controlled by incongruent dissolution processes. The most important incongruent process to affect the Ca budget is the precipitation of pedogenic carbonate. Such incongruent processes should be detectable in the Ca-isotope budget.

Role of glycogen availability in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ kinetics in human skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Ørtenblad, Niels; Nielsen, Joachim; Saltin, Bengt; Holmberg, Hans-Christer

2011-01-01

Little is known about the precise mechanism that relates skeletal muscle glycogen to muscle fatigue. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of glycogen on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function in the arm and leg muscles of elite cross-country skiers (n= 10, 72 ± 2 ml kg−1 min−1) before, immediately after, and 4 h and 22 h after a fatiguing 1 h ski race. During the first 4 h recovery, skiers received either water or carbohydrate (CHO) and thereafter all received CHO-enriched food. Immediately after the race, arm glycogen was reduced to 31 ± 4% and SR Ca2+ release rate decreased to 85 ± 2% of initial levels. Glycogen noticeably recovered after 4 h recovery with CHO (59 ± 5% initial) and the SR Ca2+ release rate returned to pre-exercise levels. However, in the absence of CHO during the first 4 h recovery, glycogen and the SR Ca2+ release rate remained unchanged (29 ± 2% and 77 ± 8%, respectively), with both parameters becoming normal after the remaining 18 h recovery with CHO. Leg muscle glycogen decreased to a lesser extent (71 ± 10% initial), with no effects on the SR Ca2+ release rate. Interestingly, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the specific pool of intramyofibrillar glycogen, representing 10–15% of total glycogen, was highly significantly correlated with the SR Ca2+ release rate. These observations strongly indicate that low glycogen and especially intramyofibrillar glycogen, as suggested by TEM, modulate the SR Ca2+ release rate in highly trained subjects. Thus, low glycogen during exercise may contribute to fatigue by causing a decreased SR Ca2+ release rate. PMID:21135051

Calcium-Sensing Receptor Tumor Expression and Lethal Prostate Cancer Progression.

PubMed

Ahearn, Thomas U; Tchrakian, Nairi; Wilson, Kathryn M; Lis, Rosina; Nuttall, Elizabeth; Sesso, Howard D; Loda, Massimo; Giovannucci, Edward; Mucci, Lorelei A; Finn, Stephen; Shui, Irene M

2016-06-01

Prostate cancer metastases preferentially target bone, and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) may play a role in promoting this metastatic progression. We evaluated the association of prostate tumor CaSR expression with lethal prostate cancer. A validated CaSR immunohistochemistry assay was performed on tumor tissue microarrays. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and phosphatase and tensin homolog tumor status were previously assessed in a subset of cases by immunohistochemistry. Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age and body mass index at diagnosis, Gleason grade, and pathological tumor node metastasis stage were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of CaSR expression with lethal prostate cancer. The investigation was conducted in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and Physicians' Health Study. We studied 1241 incident prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 1983 and 2009. Participants were followed up or cancer-specific mortality or development of metastatic disease. On average, men were followed up 13.6 years, during which there were 83 lethal events. High CaSR expression was associated with lethal prostate cancer independent of clinical and pathological variables (HR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). Additionally, there was evidence of effect modification by VDR expression; CaSR was associated with lethal progression among men with low tumor VDR expression (HR 3.2; 95% CI 1.4-7.3) but not in cases with high tumor VDR expression (HR 0.8; 95% CI 0.2-3.0). Tumor CaSR expression is associated with an increased risk of lethal prostate cancer, particularly in tumors with low VDR expression. These results support further investigating the mechanism linking CaSR with metastases.

[Pharmacological characteristics of drugs targeted on calcium-sensing receptor.-properties of cinacalcet hydrochloride as allosteric modulator].

PubMed

Nagano, Nobuo; Tsutsui, Takaaki

2016-06-01

Calcimimetics act as positive allosteric modulators of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), thereby decreasing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion from the parathyroid glands. On the other hand, negative allosteric modulators of the CaSR with stimulatory effect on PTH secretion are termed calcilytics. The calcimimetic cinacalcet hydrochloride (cinacalcet) is the world's first allosteric modulator of G protein-coupled receptor to enter the clinical market. Cinacalcet just tunes the physiological effects of Ca(2+), an endogenous ligand, therefore, shows high selectivity and low side effects. Calcimimetics also increase cell surface CaSR expression by acting as pharmacological chaperones (pharmacoperones). It is considered that the cinacalcet-induced upper gastrointestinal problems are resulted from enhanced physiological responses to Ca(2+) and amino acids via increased sensitivity of digestive tract CaSR by cinacalcet. While clinical developments of calcilytics for osteoporosis were unfortunately halted or terminated due to paucity of efficacy, it is expected that calcilytics may be useful for the treatment of patients with activating CaSR mutations, asthma, and idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension.

Structural basis for regulation of human calcium-sensing receptor by magnesium ions and an unexpected tryptophan derivative co-agonist.

PubMed

Zhang, Chen; Zhang, Tuo; Zou, Juan; Miller, Cassandra Lynn; Gorkhali, Rakshya; Yang, Jeong-Yeh; Schilmiller, Anthony; Wang, Shuo; Huang, Kenneth; Brown, Edward M; Moremen, Kelley W; Hu, Jian; Yang, Jenny J

2016-05-01

Ca(2+)-sensing receptors (CaSRs) modulate calcium and magnesium homeostasis and many (patho)physiological processes by responding to extracellular stimuli, including divalent cations and amino acids. We report the first crystal structure of the extracellular domain (ECD) of human CaSR bound with Mg(2+) and a tryptophan derivative ligand at 2.1 Å. The structure reveals key determinants for cooperative activation by metal ions and aromatic amino acids. The unexpected tryptophan derivative was bound in the hinge region between two globular ECD subdomains, and represents a novel high-affinity co-agonist of CaSR. The dissection of structure-function relations by mutagenesis, biochemical, and functional studies provides insights into the molecular basis of human diseases arising from CaSR mutations. The data also provide a novel paradigm for understanding the mechanism of CaSR-mediated signaling that is likely shared by the other family C GPCR [G protein (heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein)-coupled receptor] members and can facilitate the development of novel CaSR-based therapeutics.

Calcium EXAFS Establishes the Mn-Ca Cluster in the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II†

PubMed Central

Cinco, Roehl M.; Holman, Karen L. McFarlane; Robblee, John H.; Yano, Junko; Pizarro, Shelly A.; Bellacchio, Emanuele; Sauer, Kenneth; Yachandra, Vittal K.

2014-01-01

The proximity of Ca to the Mn cluster of the photosynthetic water-oxidation complex is demonstrated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. We have collected EXAFS data at the Ca K-edge using active PS II membrane samples that contain approximately 2 Ca per 4 Mn. These samples are much less perturbed than previously investigated Sr-substituted samples, which were prepared subsequent to Ca depletion. The new Ca EXAFS clearly shows backscattering from Mn at 3.4 Å, a distance that agrees with that surmised from previously recorded Mn EXAFS. This result is also consistent with earlier related experiments at the Sr K-edge, using samples that contained functional Sr, that show Mn is ~ 3.5 Å distant from Sr. The totality of the evidence clearly advances the notion that the catalytic center of oxygen evolution is a Mn-Ca heteronuclear cluster. PMID:12390018

Striped Bass Habitat use in the San Francisco Estuary Determined Using Otolith Microchemistry Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillis, C. C.; Ostrach, D. J.; Weber, P. K.; Ingram, B. L.; Zinkl, J. G.

2005-12-01

Habitat use has been shown to be an important factor in the bioaccumulation of contaminants in striped bass ( Morone saxatilis). This study explores techniques to determine migration in striped bass as part of a larger study investigating maternal transfer of xenobiotics to progeny in the San Francisco Estuary. The timing of movement of fish between salt and fresh water can easily be determined using a number of chemical markers in otoliths. Determining movement within estuaries, however, is a more difficult problem because mesohaline geochemical signatures approach the marine end member at very low salinities. Two tracers were used to reconstruct the migration history of striped bass in the San Francisco Estuary: Sr/Ca (measured by electron microprobe and LA-ICP-MS) and Sr isotope ratio (measured by LA-MC-ICP-MS). Both tracers can be used to map the salinity the fish is exposed to at the time of otolith increment deposition. Salinity, in turn, is mapped to location within the San Francisco Bay estuary based on monthly salinity surveys. The two methods have their respective benefits. Sr/Ca can be measured with higher spatial resolution (<10 microns). Sr isotope ratios are not modulated by metabolism. Sr isotope measurements were made to check the Sr/Ca results. In the San Francisco Estuary, low 87Sr/86Sr (0.706189) river water mixes with high 87Sr/86Sr (0.709168) marine water to 80% of the marine signal (0.7085) when the salinity is only 5% (1.8 ppt) seawater, and 95% of the marine signal (0.7090) at salinities of 20% (6.6 ppt) seawater (Ingram and Sloan, 1992). This salinity model should map directly to the otolith because there is no biological fractionation of Sr isotopes. The Sr/Ca otolith and salinity models predict a similar response. For both models, calculated otolith salinity is mapped to location within the San Francisco Estuary based on monthly salinity surveys. Using previously published salinity models, the otolith Sr/Ca and Sr isotope results are offset. These results suggest that a new Sr/Ca salinity model must be developed for this population of striped bass.

Synthesis and molecular structures of phenylamides of magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium--from molecular to polymeric structures.

PubMed

Gärtner, Martin; Görls, Helmar; Westerhausen, Matthias

2007-09-03

Several preparative procedures for the synthesis of the THF complexes of the alkaline earth metal bis(phenylamides) of Mg (1), Ca (2), Sr (3), and Ba (4) are presented such as metalation of aniline with strontium and barium, metathesis reactions of MI2 with KN(H)Ph, and metalation of aniline with arylcalcium compounds or dialkylmagnesium. The THF content of these compounds is rather low and an increasing aggregation is observed with the size of the metal atom. Thus, tetrameric [(THF)2Ca{mu-N(H)Ph}2]4 (2) and polymeric [(THF)2Sr{mu-N(H)Ph}2]infinity and {[(THF)2Ba{mu-N(H)Ph}2]2[(THF)Ba{mu-N(H)Ph}2]2}infinity show six-coordinate metal atoms with increasing interactions to the pi systems of the phenyl groups with increasing the radius of the alkaline earth metal atom.

Middle Holocene daily light cycle reconstructed from the strontium/calcium ratios of a fossil giant clam shell

PubMed Central

Hori, Masako; Sano, Yuji; Ishida, Akizumi; Takahata, Naoto; Shirai, Kotaro; Watanabe, Tsuyoshi

2015-01-01

Insolation is an important component of meteorological data because solar energy is the primary and direct driver of weather and climate. Previous analyses of cultivated giant clam shells revealed diurnal variation in the Sr/Ca ratio, which might reflect the influence of the daily light cycle. We applied proxy method to sample from prehistoric era, a fossil giant clam shell collected at Ishigaki Island in southern Japan. The specimen was alive during the middle Holocene and thus exposed to the warmest climate after the last glacial period. This bivalve species is known to form a growth line each day, as confirmed by the analysis of the Sr enrichment bands using EPMA and facilitated age-model. We analyzed the Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios along the growth axis, measuring a 2-μm spot size at 2-μm interval using NanoSIMS. The Sr/Ca ratios in the winter layers are characterized by a striking diurnal cycle consisting of narrow growth lines with high Sr/Ca ratios and broad growth bands with low Sr/Ca ratios. These variations, which are consistent with those of the cultivated clam shell, indicate the potential for the reconstruction of the variation in solar insolation during the middle Holocene at a multi-hourly resolution. PMID:25736488

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of strontium/magnesium-co-substituted hydroxyapatite.

PubMed

Geng, Zhen; Wang, Renfeng; Li, Zhaoyang; Cui, Zhenduo; Zhu, Shengli; Liang, Yanqin; Liu, Yunde; Huijing, Bao; Li, Xue; Huo, Qianyu; Liu, Zhili; Yang, Xianjin

2016-07-01

The present study aims to investigate the contribution of two biologically important cations, Mg(2+) and Sr(2+), when co-substituted into the structure of hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA). The substituted samples were synthesized by a hydrothermal method that involved the addition of Mg(2+) and Sr(2+) containing precursors to partially replace Ca(2+) in the apatite structure. Four co-substituted HA samples with different concentrations of Mg(2+) and Sr(2+) ((Mg + Sr)/(Mg + Sr + Ca) = 30%) were investigated, and they were compared with pure HA. Experimental results showed that only a limited amount of Mg (Mg/(Mg + Ca + Sr) < 14%) could successfully substitute for Ca in HA. In addition, Mg substitution resulted in reduced crystallinity, thermal stability and lattice parameters of HA. In contrast, Sr could fully substitute for Ca. Furthermore, the addition of Sr increased the lattice parameters of HA. Here, we obtained the cation leach liquor by immersing the prepared samples in a culture medium for cell experiments. The in vitro study showed that 10Mg20Sr promoted better MG63 cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation than HA. Thus, the presence of an appropriate proportion of Mg and Sr could play a significant role in the increased biocompatibility of HA. © The Author(s) 2016.

Effect of chemical pressure on the electronic phase transition in Ca 1-x Sr x Mn 7 O 12 films

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

Huon, A.; Lee, D.; Herklotz, A.

Here, we demonstrate how chemical pressure affects the structural and electronic phase transitions of the quadruple perovskite CaMn 7O 12 by Sr doping, a compound that exhibits a charge-ordering transition above room temperature making it a candidate for oxide electronics. We also have synthesized Ca 1-xSr xMn 7O 12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) thin films by oxide molecular beam epitaxy on (LaAlO 3) 0.3(SrAl 0.5Ta 0.5O 3) 0.7 (LSAT) substrates. The substitution of Sr for Ca results in a linear expansion of the lattice, as revealed by X-ray diffraction. Temperature-dependent resistivity and X-ray diffraction measurements are used to demonstratemore » that the coupled charge-ordering and structural phase transitions can be tuned with Sr doping. An increase in Sr concentration acts to decrease the phase transition temperature (T*) from 426 K at x = 0 to 385 K at x = 0.6. Furthemore, the presence of a tunable electronic phase transition, above room temperature, points to the potential applicability of Ca 1-xSr xMn 7O 12 in sensors or oxide electronics, for example, via charge doping.« less

Effect of chemical pressure on the electronic phase transition in Ca 1-x Sr x Mn 7 O 12 films

DOE PAGES

Huon, A.; Lee, D.; Herklotz, A.; ...

2017-09-18

Here, we demonstrate how chemical pressure affects the structural and electronic phase transitions of the quadruple perovskite CaMn 7O 12 by Sr doping, a compound that exhibits a charge-ordering transition above room temperature making it a candidate for oxide electronics. We also have synthesized Ca 1-xSr xMn 7O 12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) thin films by oxide molecular beam epitaxy on (LaAlO 3) 0.3(SrAl 0.5Ta 0.5O 3) 0.7 (LSAT) substrates. The substitution of Sr for Ca results in a linear expansion of the lattice, as revealed by X-ray diffraction. Temperature-dependent resistivity and X-ray diffraction measurements are used to demonstratemore » that the coupled charge-ordering and structural phase transitions can be tuned with Sr doping. An increase in Sr concentration acts to decrease the phase transition temperature (T*) from 426 K at x = 0 to 385 K at x = 0.6. Furthemore, the presence of a tunable electronic phase transition, above room temperature, points to the potential applicability of Ca 1-xSr xMn 7O 12 in sensors or oxide electronics, for example, via charge doping.« less

Kokumi Substances, Enhancers of Basic Tastes, Induce Responses in Calcium-Sensing Receptor Expressing Taste Cells

PubMed Central

Maruyama, Yutaka; Yasuda, Reiko; Kuroda, Motonaka; Eto, Yuzuru

2012-01-01

Recently, we reported that calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a receptor for kokumi substances, which enhance the intensities of salty, sweet and umami tastes. Furthermore, we found that several γ-glutamyl peptides, which are CaSR agonists, are kokumi substances. In this study, we elucidated the receptor cells for kokumi substances, and their physiological properties. For this purpose, we used Calcium Green-1 loaded mouse taste cells in lingual tissue slices and confocal microscopy. Kokumi substances, applied focally around taste pores, induced an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a subset of taste cells. These responses were inhibited by pretreatment with the CaSR inhibitor, NPS2143. However, the kokumi substance-induced responses did not require extracellular Ca2+. CaSR-expressing taste cells are a different subset of cells from the T1R3-expressing umami or sweet taste receptor cells. These observations indicate that CaSR-expressing taste cells are the primary detectors of kokumi substances, and that they are an independent population from the influenced basic taste receptor cells, at least in the case of sweet and umami. PMID:22511946

The role of luminal Ca2+ in the generation of Ca2+ waves in rat ventricular myocytes

PubMed Central

Lukyanenko, Valeriy; Subramanian, Saisunder; Györke, Inna; Wiesner, Theodore F; Györke, Sandor

1999-01-01

We used confocal Ca2+ imaging and fluo-3 to investigate the transition of localized Ca2+ releases induced by focal caffeine stimulation into propagating Ca2+ waves in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. Self-sustaining Ca2+ waves could be initiated when the cellular Ca2+ load was increased by elevating the extracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]o) and they could also be initiated at normal Ca2+ loads when the sensitivity of the release sites to cytosolic Ca2+ was enhanced by low doses of caffeine. When we prevented the accumulation of extra Ca2+ in the luminal compartment of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with thapsigargin, focal caffeine pulses failed to trigger self-sustaining Ca2+ waves on elevation of [Ca2+]o. Inhibition of SR Ca2+ uptake by thapsigargin in cells already preloaded with Ca2+ above normal levels did not prevent local Ca2+ elevations from triggering propagating waves. Moreover, wave velocity increased by 20 %. Tetracaine (0·75 mM) caused transient complete inhibition of both local and propagating Ca2+ signals, followed by full recovery of the responses due to increased SR Ca2+ accumulation. Computer simulations using a numerical model with spatially distinct Ca2+ release sites suggested that increased amounts of releasable Ca2+ might not be sufficient to generate self-sustaining Ca2+ waves under conditions of Ca2+ overload unless the threshold of release site Ca2+ activation was set at relatively low levels (< 1·5 μM). We conclude that the potentiation of SR Ca2+ release channels by luminal Ca2+ is an important factor in Ca2+ wave generation. Wave propagation does not require the translocation of Ca2+ from the spreading wave front into the SR. Instead, it relies on luminal Ca2+ sensitizing Ca2+ release channels to cytosolic Ca2+. PMID:10373699

Some properties of the action potentials conducted in the spines of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum.

PubMed

Berrios, A; Brink, D; del Castillo, J; Smith, D S

1985-01-01

Brief (2-5 msec) electrical pulses applied to the primary spines of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum elicit graded action potentials (ap's). These ap's can be attributed to the electrical activity of a set of 14-21 bundles of neurites, each comprising 1000 processes near the spine base and tapering towards the spine tip. The shape of the ap's varies from a simple diphasic deflection to a complex waveform with 6 or more components. Peak-to-peak amplitude is less than 1mV. The ap's are conducted at a uniform speed of ca. 27 cm/sec. The ap's are not affected by tetrodotoxin (1 microgram/ml) and continue to be produced in Na-free artificial sea water (ASW). The amplitude of the ap's is greatly reduced or totally abolished in Ca-free ASW. However, some electrical activity may continue in the absence of external Ca, due to release of Ca2+ ions from the calcium carbonate crystals of the spine shaft. Replacing the Ca content of ASW by barium ions causes an irreversible blockade of the ap's. Spines equilibrated with ASW containing Sr2+ ions instead of Ca2+ produce ap's of increased amplitude (up to X 2). The ap's are blocked by La3+, Co2+, Cd2+ (2-5 mM) and by the organic Ca channel blocker Bepridil (2 mM). We conclude that the spinal ap's are due to the summation of Ca spikes produced by the activation of Ca channels which are blocked by barium and have a high affinity for, or permeability to Sr vs Ca.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2016-01-05

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

Optical anisotropy of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, J. H.; Bozovic, I.; Mitzi, D. B.; Kapitulnik, A.; Harris, J. S., Jr.

1990-04-01

The optical anisotropy of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 in the 0.08-0.5-eV region is investigated by polarized reflectance measurements on single crystals. A very large anisotropy is found in this spectral region. The in-plane reflectance exhibits metallic behavior, while the c-axis reflectance exhibits insulatorlike behavior. This result is consistent with the large anisotropy found in the resistivity of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8. Our spectroscopic data suggest that Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 is a quasi-two-dimensional metal similar to La2-xSrxCuO4.

Effects of antimony substitution on bismuth based superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrientos, Alfonso

1990-01-01

The effect of Sb substitution and simultaneous substitution of Pb and Sb on the superconducting transition temperatures in the BiSrCaCuO system is investigated. The 2:2:2:3 phase is of particular interest since any small increase in the transition temperature could be of great interest. More that 90 different samples were prepared based on 2:2:2:3 stoichiometry in the BiSrCaCuO system. After this preliminary attempt, four different families of samples were investigated. In the first family of samples, Bi was substituted by Sb to form Bi(1.9)Sb(0.1)Sr2Ca2Cu3O(y). The second group of samples were prepared by simultaneous addition of Pb and Sb with nominal composition Bi(1.8)Pb(0.1)Sb(0.1)Sr2Ca2Cu3O(y). The third and fourth groups were prepared to determine the effect created when the Pb concentration is increased with the nominal compositions being Bi(1.7)Pb(0.1)Sr2Ca2Cu3O(y) and Bi(1.6)Sb(0.1)Sr2Ca2Cu3O(y). The results of these investigations are presented with a discussion.

Complexity of nearshore strontium-to-calcium ratio variability in a core sample of the massive coral Siderastrea siderea obtained in Coral Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reich, Christopher D.; Kuffner, Ilsa B.; Hickey, T. Don; Morrison, Jennifer M.; Flannery, Jennifer A.

2013-01-01

Strontium-to-calcium ratios (Sr/Ca) were measured on the skeletal matrix of a core sample from a colony of the massive coral Siderastrea siderea collected in Coral Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Strontium and calcium are incorporated into the coral skeleton during the precipitation of aragonite by the coral polyps and their ratio is highly temperature dependent. The robustness of this temperature dependence makes Sr/Ca a reliable proxy for sea surface temperature (SST). Details presented from the St. John S. siderea core indicate that terrestrial inputs of sediment and freshwater can disrupt the chemical balance and subsequently complicate the utility of Sr/Ca in reconstructing historical SST. An approximately 44-year-long record of Sr/Ca shows that an annual SST signal is recorded but with an increasing Sr/Ca trend from 1980 to present, which is likely the result of runoff from the mountainous terrain of St. John. The overwhelming influence of the terrestrial fingerprint on local seawater chemistry makes utilizing Sr/Ca as a SST proxy in nearshore environments very difficult.

Structural and electrical properties of 1 − x(Na{sub 0.5}K{sub 0.5})NbO{sub 3}–x(Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} ceramics

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

Lee, Tae-Ho; Lee, Sung-Gap, E-mail: lsgap@gnu.ac.kr; Yeo, Jin-Ho

2014-10-15

Highlights: • We fabricated lead-free (Na{sub 0.5}K{sub 0.5})NbO{sub 3} ceramics. • We studied the structural and electrical properties of 1 − x(Na{sub 0.5}K{sub 0.5})NbO{sub 3}–x(Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} ceramics. • The structural and electrical properties improved with increasing amount of (Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3}. - Abstract: In this study, 1 − x(Na{sub 0.5}K{sub 0.5})NbO{sub 3}–x(Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} ceramics were fabricated using the conventional mixed oxide method. The effects of the addition of (Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} on the structural and electrical properties of the specimens were investigated for their application in piezoelectric devices. As the results of X-ray diffractionmore » analysis show, all specimens display the typical polycrystalline perovskite structure without the presence of the second phase. Sintered densities increased with an increase in the amount of (Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} added and the specimen with 0.08 mol% of (Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} added showed the maximum value of 4.54 g/cm{sup 3}. Both average grain size and densification increased with an increase in the amount of (Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3}. The electromechanical coupling factor, dielectric constant ϵ{sub r}, dielectric loss tan δ, d{sub 33} and Curie temperature of the 0.92(Na{sub 0.5}K{sub 0.5})NbO{sub 3}–0.08(Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} specimens doped with 0.08 mol% of (Sr{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5})TiO{sub 3} were 0.31, 1338, 0.021, 138 and 445 °C, respectively.« less

Coordinate downregulation of CaM kinase II and phospholamban accompanies contractile phenotype transition in the hyperthyroid rabbit soleus.

PubMed

Jiang, M; Xu, A; Jones, D L; Narayanan, N

2004-09-01

This study investigated the effects of l-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism on Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase II)-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) protein phosphorylation, SR Ca(2+) pump (Ca(2+)-ATPase) activity, and contraction duration in slow-twitch soleus muscle of the rabbit. Phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban (PLN) by endogenous CaM kinase II was found to be significantly lower (30-50%) in soleus of the hyperthyroid compared with euthyroid rabbit. Western blotting analysis revealed higher levels of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) 1 ( approximately 150%) Ca(2+) pump isoform, unaltered levels of SERCA2 Ca(2+) pump isoform, and lower levels of PLN ( approximately 50%) and delta-, beta-, and gamma-CaM kinase II (40 approximately 70%) in soleus of the hyperthyroid rabbit. SR vesicles from hyperthyroid rabbit soleus displayed approximately twofold higher ATP-energized Ca(2+) uptake and Ca(2+)-stimulated ATPase activities compared with that from euthyroid control. The V(max) of Ca(2+) uptake (in nmol Ca(2+).mg SR protein(-1).min(-1): euthyroid, 818 +/- 73; hyperthyroid, 1,649 +/- 90) but not the apparent affinity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase for Ca(2+) (euthyroid, 0.97 +/- 0.02 microM, hyperthyroid, 1.09 +/- 0.04 microM) differed significantly between the two groups. CaM kinase II-mediated stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake by soleus muscle SR was approximately 60% lower in the hyperthyroid compared with euthyroid. Isometric twitch force of soleus measured in situ was significantly greater ( approximately 36%), and the time to peak force and relaxation time were significantly lower ( approximately 30-40%), in the hyperthyroid. These results demonstrate that thyroid hormone-induced transition in contractile properties of the rabbit soleus is associated with coordinate downregulation of the expression and function of PLN and CaM kinase II and selective upregulation of the expression and function of SERCA1, but not SERCA2, isoform of the SR Ca(2+) pump.

Laser spectroscopy of CaNC and SrNC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douay, M.; Bernath, P. F.

1990-11-01

Low-resolution laser excitation and dispersed laser-induced fluorescence spectra of CaNC and SrNC were recorded. The laser excitation spectra of the overlineB2Σ+-overlineX2Σ+ and overlineA2Π-overlineX2Σ+ transitions of SrNC are consistent with a linear,isocyanide structure. For both CaNC and SrNC, additional strong, non-resonant features occur to the red of the overlineB2Σ+-overlineX2Σ+ and overlineA2Π-overlineX2Σ+ transitions in the dispersed fluorescence spectra. Although these features remain unassigned, they might be due to emission from the isomeric,linear cyanides, CaCN and SrCN. In this case, the excited state potential curves need to have a small barrier between the cyanide and the isocyanide forms.

The role of Sr2+ on the structure and reactivity of SrO-CaO-ZnO-SiO2 ionomer glasses.

PubMed

Boyd, Daniel; Towler, Mark R; Watts, Sally; Hill, Robert G; Wren, Anthony W; Clarkin, Owen M

2008-02-01

The suitability of Glass Polyalkenoate Cements (GPCs) for use in orthopaedics is retarded by the presence in the glass phase of aluminium, a neurotoxin. Unfortunately, the aluminium ion plays an integral role in the setting process of GPCs and its absence is likely to hinder cement formation. However, the authors have previously shown that aluminium free GPCs may be formulated based on calcium zinc silicate glasses and these novel materials exhibit significant potential as hard tissue biomaterials. To further improve their potential, and given that Strontium (Sr) based drugs have had success in the treatment of osteoporosis, the authors have substituted Calcium (Ca) with Sr in the glass phase of a series of aluminium free GPCs. However to date little data exists on the effect SrO has on the structure and reactivity of SrO-CaO-ZnO-SiO(2) glasses. The objective of this work was to characterise the effect of the Ca/Sr substitution on the structure of such glasses, and evaluate the subsequent reactivity of these glasses with an aqueous solution of Polyacrylic acid (PAA). To this end (29)Si MAS-NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction, and network connectivity calculations, were used to characterize the structure of four strontium calcium zinc silicate glasses. Following glass characterization, GPCs were produced from each glass using a 40 wt% solution of PAA (powder:liquid = 2:1.5). The working times and setting times of the GPCs were recorded as per International standard ISO9917. The results acquired as part of this research indicate that the substitution of Ca for Sr in the glasses examined did not appear to significantly affect the structure of the glasses investigated. However it was noted that increasing the amount of Ca substituted for Sr did result in a concomitant increase in setting times, a feature that may be attributable to the higher basicity of SrO over CaO.

Luminescence enhancement of (Sr1-x Mx )2 SiO4 :Eu2+ phosphors with M (Ca2+ /Zn2+ ) partial substitution for white light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Wang, Yulong; Zhang, Wentao; Gao, Yang; Long, Jianping; Li, Junfeng

2017-02-01

Eu 2 + -doped Sr 2 SiO 4 phosphor with Ca 2 + /Zn 2 + substitution, (Sr 1-x M x ) 2 SiO 4 :Eu 2 + (M = Ca, Zn), was prepared using a high-temperature solid-state reaction method. The structure and luminescence properties of Ca 2 + /Zn 2 + partially substituted Sr 2 SiO 4 :Eu 2 + phosphors were investigated in detail. With Ca 2 + or Zn 2 + added to the silicate host, the crystal phase could be transformed between the α-form and the β-form of the Sr 2 SiO 4 structure. Under UV excitation at 367 nm, all samples exhibit a broad band emission from 420 to 680 nm due to the 4f 6 5d 1  → 4f 7 transition of Eu 2 + ions. The broad emission band consists of two peaks at 482 and 547 nm, which correspond to Eu 2 + ions occupying the ten-fold oxygen-coordinated Sr.(I) site and the nine-fold oxygen-coordinated Sr.(II) site, respectively. The luminescence properties, including the intensity and lifetime of Sr 2 SiO 4 :Eu 2 + phosphors, improved remarkably on Ca 2 + /Zn 2 + addition, and promote its application in white light-emitting diodes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

CaI and SrI molecules for iodine determination by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry: Greener molecules for practical application.

PubMed

Zanatta, Melina Borges Teixeira; Nakadi, Flávio Venâncio; da Veiga, Márcia Andreia Mesquita Silva

2018-03-01

A new method to determine iodine in drug samples by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF MAS) has been developed. The method measures the molecular absorption of a diatomic molecule, CaI or SrI (less toxic molecule-forming reagents), at 638.904 or 677.692nm, respectively, and uses a mixture containing 5μg of Pd and 0.5μg of Mg as chemical modifier. The method employs pyrolysis temperatures of 1000 and 800°C and vaporization temperatures of 2300 and 2400°C for CaI and SrI, respectively. The optimized amounts of Ca and Sr as molecule-forming reagents are 100 and 150µg, respectively. On the basis of interference studies, even small chlorine concentrations reduce CaI and SrI absorbance significantly. The developed method was used to analyze different commercial drug samples, namely thyroid hormone pills with three different iodine amounts (15.88, 31.77, and 47.66µg) and one liquid drug with 1% m v -1 active iodine in their compositions. The results agreed with the values informed by the manufacturers (95% confidence level) regardless of whether CaI or SrI was determined. Therefore, the developed method is useful for iodine determination on the basis of CaI or SrI molecular absorption. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mitosis in sand dollar embryos is inhibited by antibodies directed against the calcium transport enzyme of muscle.

PubMed

Silver, R B

1986-06-01

Monospecific antibodies to the calcium transport enzyme (alpha-Ca pump) inhibit mitosis when microinjected into sand dollar embryos. Immunoglobulins were raised against the calcium transport enzyme (Ca pump) of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) from rat skeletal muscle and guinea pig ileum smooth muscle. Specific antibodies were further isolated from IgG fractions by using electrophoretically purified SR Ca-pump protein as the immobilized ligand for immunoaffinity chromatography. ELISA demonstrated that common antigenic determinants are shared by SR, SR Ca pump (of rat skeletal and guinea pig ileum smooth muscle), and isolated membrane containing "native" mitotic apparatus (MA). Preimmune sera gave negative results in identical control assays. Triton X-100 extraction of MA removes the Ca-pump antigen. SR Ca pump and the MA Ca pump have nearly identical molecular masses as determined by NaDodSO4/PAGE. These alpha-SR Ca-pump IgGs inhibit ATP-dependent Ca2+ sequestration by purified SR and MA membranes. Indirect immunofluorescence of isolated native MA demonstrated coincident localization of the MA Ca pump, sequestered calcium, and membrane vesicles. Fluorescent foci were regionally concentrated within the volumes of the asters and spindle. Microinjection of the anti-Ca-pump IgGs into one of two sister blastomeres at second metaphase resulted in mitotic arrest of the injected cell accompanied by a rapid loss of spindle birefringence. Karyomeres formed and fused to form nuclei either at the site of the metaphase plate or at the position the chromosomes occupied during anaphase A. The cleavage furrow did not develop in the injected cell, while the sister and neighbor cells continued normal mitotic cycling. Injection later in mitosis yielded cells with two nuclei whose cleavage furrow relaxed completely. Routine control injections of boiled immune IgG, preimmune IgG, Wesson oil, buffer, or goat anti-rabbit IgG did not affect mitosis, birefringence of the MA, or cleavage furrow activity.

Mitosis in sand dollar embryos is inhibited by antibodies directed against the calcium transport enzyme of muscle.

PubMed Central

Silver, R B

1986-01-01

Monospecific antibodies to the calcium transport enzyme (alpha-Ca pump) inhibit mitosis when microinjected into sand dollar embryos. Immunoglobulins were raised against the calcium transport enzyme (Ca pump) of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) from rat skeletal muscle and guinea pig ileum smooth muscle. Specific antibodies were further isolated from IgG fractions by using electrophoretically purified SR Ca-pump protein as the immobilized ligand for immunoaffinity chromatography. ELISA demonstrated that common antigenic determinants are shared by SR, SR Ca pump (of rat skeletal and guinea pig ileum smooth muscle), and isolated membrane containing "native" mitotic apparatus (MA). Preimmune sera gave negative results in identical control assays. Triton X-100 extraction of MA removes the Ca-pump antigen. SR Ca pump and the MA Ca pump have nearly identical molecular masses as determined by NaDodSO4/PAGE. These alpha-SR Ca-pump IgGs inhibit ATP-dependent Ca2+ sequestration by purified SR and MA membranes. Indirect immunofluorescence of isolated native MA demonstrated coincident localization of the MA Ca pump, sequestered calcium, and membrane vesicles. Fluorescent foci were regionally concentrated within the volumes of the asters and spindle. Microinjection of the anti-Ca-pump IgGs into one of two sister blastomeres at second metaphase resulted in mitotic arrest of the injected cell accompanied by a rapid loss of spindle birefringence. Karyomeres formed and fused to form nuclei either at the site of the metaphase plate or at the position the chromosomes occupied during anaphase A. The cleavage furrow did not develop in the injected cell, while the sister and neighbor cells continued normal mitotic cycling. Injection later in mitosis yielded cells with two nuclei whose cleavage furrow relaxed completely. Routine control injections of boiled immune IgG, preimmune IgG, Wesson oil, buffer, or goat anti-rabbit IgG did not affect mitosis, birefringence of the MA, or cleavage furrow activity. Images PMID:2940599

Synchrotron Study of Strontium in Modern and Ancient Human Bones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pingitore, N. E.; Cruz-Jimenez, G.

2001-05-01

Archaeologists use the strontium in human bone to reconstruct diet and migration in ancient populations. Because mammals discriminate against strontium relative to calcium, carnivores show lower bone Sr/Ca ratios than herbivores. Thus, in a single population, bone Sr/Ca ratios can discriminate a meat-rich from a vegetarian diet. Also, the ratio of 87-Sr to 86-Sr in soils varies with the underlying geology; incorporated into the food chain, this local signature becomes embedded in our bones. The Sr isotopic ratio in the bones of individuals or populations which migrate to a different geologic terrane will gradually change as bone remodels. In contrast, the isotopic ratio of tooth enamel is fixed at an early age and is not altered later in life. Addition of Sr to bone during post-mortem residence in moist soil or sediment compromises application of the Sr/Ca or Sr-isotope techniques. If this post-mortem Sr resides in a different atomic environment than the Sr deposited in vivo, x-ray absorption spectroscopy could allow us to distinguish pristine from contaminated, and thus unreliable, samples. Initial examination of a suite of modern and ancient human and animal bones by extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) showed no obvious differences between the fresh and buried materials. We note, with obvious concern, that the actual location of Sr in modern bone is controversial: there is evidence both that Sr substitutes for Ca and that Sr is sorbed on the surfaces of bone crystallites. Additional material is being studied.

Deconstructing calsequestrin. Complex buffering in the calcium store of skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Royer, Leandro; Ríos, Eduardo

2009-01-01

Since its discovery in 1971, calsequestrin has been recognized as the main Ca2+ binding protein inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), the organelle that stores and upon demand mobilizes Ca2+ for contractile activation of muscle. This article reviews the potential roles of calsequestrin in excitation–contraction coupling of skeletal muscle. It first considers the quantitative demands for a structure that binds Ca2+ inside the SR in view of the amounts of the ion that must be mobilized to elicit muscle contraction. It briefly discusses existing evidence, largely gathered in cardiac muscle, of two roles for calsequestrin: as Ca2+ reservoir and as modulator of the activity of Ca2+ release channels, and then considers the results of an incipient body of work that manipulates the cellular endowment of calsequestrin. The observations include evidence that both the Ca2+ buffering capacity of calsequestrin in solution and that of the SR in intact cells decay as the free Ca2+ concentration is lowered. Together with puzzling observations of increase of Ca2+ inside the SR, in cells or vesicular fractions, upon activation of Ca2+ release, this is interpreted as evidence that the Ca2+ buffering in the SR is non-linear, and is optimized for support of Ca2+ release at the physiological levels of SR Ca2+ concentration. Such non-linearity of buffering is qualitatively explained by a speculation that puts together ideas first proposed by others. The speculation pictures calsequestrin polymers as ‘wires’ that both bind Ca2+ and efficiently deliver it near the release channels. In spite of the kinetic changes, the functional studies reveal that cells devoid of calsequestrin are still capable of releasing large amounts of Ca2+ into the myoplasm, consistent with the long term viability and apparent good health of mice engineered for calsequestrin ablation. The experiments therefore suggest that other molecules are capable of providing sites for reversible binding of large amounts of Ca2+ inside the sarcoplasmic reticulum. PMID:19403601

Geochemistry of Early Paleozoic boninites from the Central Qilian block, Northwest China: Constraints on petrogenesis and back-arc basin development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Zhong; Zhang, Hong-Fei; Yang, He; Luo, Bi-Ji; Guo, Liang; Xu, Wang-Chun; Pan, Fa-Bin

2018-06-01

Early Paleozoic boninites occur in the Central Qilian orogenic belt, Northwest China. Their petrogenesis provides insights into lithosphere process and tectonic evolution of the Qilian block. In this paper, we carry out a study of geochronological, geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions for the Early Paleozoic boninites in the Lajishan area of the Central Qilian block. The Lajishan boninites (∼483 Ma) have high Al2O3/TiO2 (36.7-64.7) and CaO/TiO2 (31.1-49.6) ratios, and high MgO (7.86-10.47 wt%), Cr (439-599 ppm) and Ni (104-130 ppm) contents, indicating that the boninites result from a refractory mantle source. They are depleted in high field-strength elements (HFSE) and enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), coupled with slightly high initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.7059-0.7074 and low εNd(t) values of -1.05 to +2.66, indicating that the mantle source was metasomatized by subducted slab-derived components. We found that an assemblage of low-Ca group and high-Ca group boninites occurred in the Lajishan belt. The high-Ca group boninites were derived from relatively fertile mantle with slightly higher melting degree, whereas the low-Ca group boninites were generated by partial melting of more refractory mantle wedge peridotites with slightly lower melting degree. The assemblage of low-Ca group and high-Ca group boninites reveals that the low-Ca group boninites were generated by the further melting of the more refractory mantle source after the segregation of the high-Ca group boninitic magmas in response to the back-arc basin opening. In the light of reported boninites worldwide, a diagram of Zr/Y vs. CaO/Al2O3 is used to identify boninites in fore-arc and back-arc regions. We suggest that the Lajishan boninites represent the products of back-arc basin development in response to the northward subduction of the Qaidam-West Qinling ocean slab.

Concentrations and ratios of Sr, Ba and Ca along an estuarine river to the Gulf of Mexico - implication for sea level rise effects on trace metal distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, S.; Xu, Y. J.

2015-11-01

Strontium and barium to calcium ratios are often used as proxies for tracking animal movement across salinity gradients. As sea level rise continues, many estuarine rivers in the world face saltwater intrusion, which may cause changes in mobility and distribution of these metals upstream. Despite intensive research on metal adsorption and desorption in marine systems, knowledge of the spatiotemporal distribution of these elements along estuarine rivers is still limited. In this study, we conducted an intensive monitoring of Sr and Ba dynamics along an 88 km long estuary, the Calcasieu River in South Louisiana, USA, which has been strongly affected by saltwater intrusion. Over the period from May 2013 to August 2015, we collected monthly water samples and performed in-situ water quality measurements at six sites from the upstream to the river mouth, with a salinity range from 0.02 to 29.50 ppt. Water samples were analyzed for Sr, Ba, and Ca concentrations. In-situ measurements were made on salinity, pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and specific conductance. We found that the Sr and Ca concentrations and the Sr / Ca ratio all increased significantly with increasing salinity. The average Sr concentration at the site closest to the Gulf of Mexico (site 6) was 46.21 μmol L-1, which was about 130 times higher than that of the site furthest upstream (site 1, 0.35 μmol L-1). The average Ca concentration at site 6 was 8.19 mmol L-1, which was about 60 times higher than that of site 1 (0.13 mmol L-1). The average Sr / Ca ratio at site 6 (8.41 mmol mol-1) was about 3 times the average Sr / Ca ratio at site 1 (2.89 mmol mol-1). However, the spatial variation in Ba concentration was marginal, varying from 0.36 μmol L-1 at site 6 to 0.47 at site 5. The average Ba / Ca ratio at site 1 (4.82 mmol mol-1) was about 54 times the average Ba / Ca ratio at site 6 (0.09 mmol mol-1), showing a clear negative relation between the Ba / Ca ratio and increasing salinity. All the elemental concentrations and ratios had considerable seasonal variations, with significant differences among sampling months for the Sr, Ba concentrations and the Ba / Ca ratio (p < 0.01). The results from this study suggest that concentrations of Sr and Ca in the world's estuaries will very likely increase in the future as sea level rise continues. For low-gradient estuarine rivers such as the Calcasieu River in South Louisiana, USA, water chemistry upstream would experience substantial Sr and Ca enrichment, which could affect aquatic environments and biological communities.

Strontium isotope record of seasonal scale variations in sediment sources and accumulation in low-energy, subtidal areas of the lower Hudson River estuary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, J.P.; Bullen, T.D.; Brabander, D.J.; Olsen, C.R.

2009-01-01

Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) profiles in sediment cores collected from two subtidal harbor slips in the lower Hudson River estuary in October 2001 exhibit regular patterns of variability with depth. Using additional evidence from sediment Ca/Sr ratios, 137Cs activity and Al, carbonate (CaCO3), and organic carbon (OCsed) concentration profiles, it can be shown that the observed variability reflects differences in the relative input and trapping of fine-grained sediment from seaward sources vs. landward sources linked to seasonal-scale changes in freshwater flow. During high flow conditions, the geochemical data indicate that most of the fine-grained sediments trapped in the estuary are newly eroded basin materials. During lower (base) flow conditions, a higher fraction of mature materials from seaward sources with higher carbonate content is trapped in the lower estuary. Results show that high-resolution, multi-geochemical tracer approaches utilizing strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) can distinguish sediment sources and constrain seasonal scale variations in sediment trapping and accumulation in dynamic estuarine environments. Low-energy, subtidal areas such as those in this study are important sinks for metastable, short-to-medium time scale sediment accumulation. These results also show that these same areas can serve as natural recorders of physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect particle and particle-associated material dynamics over seasonal-to-yearly time scales. ?? 2009.

Incorporation of Mg, Sr, Ba, U, and B in High-Mg Calcite Benthic Foraminifers Cultured Under Controlled pCO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Not, C.; Thibodeau, B.; Yokoyama, Y.

2018-01-01

Measurement of elemental ratios (E/Ca) has been performed in two symbiont-bearing species of high-Mg calcite benthic foraminifers (hyaline, Baculogypsina sphaerulata and porcelaneous, Amphisorus hemprichii), cultured under five pCO2 levels, representing preindustrial, modern, and three predicted future values. E/Ca ratios were analyzed by Laser Ablation coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). We measured several E/Ca, such as Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, U/Ca, and B/Ca simultaneously. We observed that high-Mg calcite benthic foraminifers possess higher E/Ca than low-Mg calcite foraminifers, irrespective of their calcification mode (hyaline or porcelaneous). In both modes of calcification, Mg, Sr, Ba, U, and B incorporation could be controlled by Rayleigh fractionation. However, more data are needed to validate and quantify the relative importance of this process and closely investigate the presence/absence of other mechanism. Therefore, it highlights the need for a multielemental approach when looking at trace element incorporation. Finally, no significant relationship was observed between the different ratios and the pCO2 of the water, suggesting that none of the Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, U/Ca, and B/Ca is sensitive to bottom water pCO2 or pH for these species.

ROS-activated Ca/calmodulin kinase IIδ is required for late INa augmentation leading to cellular Na and Ca overload

PubMed Central

Wagner, Stefan; Ruff, Hanna M.; Weber, Sarah L.; Bellmann, Sarah; Sowa, Thomas; Schulte, Timo; Grandi, Eleonora; Bers, Donald M.; Backs, Johannes; Belardinelli, Luiz; Maier, Lars S.

2011-01-01

Rationale In heart failure (HF), CaMKII expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increased. Both ROS and CaMKII can increase late INa leading to intracellular Na accumulation and arrhythmias. It has been shown that ROS can activate CaMKII via oxidation. Objective We tested whether CaMKIIδ is required for ROS-dependent late INa regulation and if ROS-induced Ca released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is involved. Methods and Results 40 µmol/L H2O2 significantly increased CaMKII oxidation and autophosphorylation in permeabilized rabbit cardiomyocytes. Without free [Ca]i (5 mmol/L BAPTA/1 mmol/L Br2-BAPTA) or after SR depletion (caffeine 10 mmol/L, thapsigargin 5 µmol/L) the H2O2-dependent CaMKII oxidation and autophosphorylation was abolished. H2O2 significantly increased SR Ca spark frequency (confocal microscopy) but reduced SR Ca load. In wildtype (WT) mouse myocytes, H2O2 increased late INa (whole cell patch-clamp). This increase was abolished in CaMKIIδ−/− myocytes. H2O2-induced [Na]i and [Ca]i accumulation (SBFI and Indo-1 epifluorescence) was significantly slowed in CaMKIIδ−/− myocytes (vs. WT). CaMKIIδ−/− myocytes developed significantly less H2O2-induced arrhythmias, and were more resistant to hypercontracture. Opposite results (increased late INa, [Na]i and [Ca]i accumulation) were obtained by overexpression of CaMKIIδ in rabbit myocytes (adenoviral gene transfer) reversible with CaMKII inhibition (10 µmol/L KN93 or 0.1 µmol/L AIP). Conclusion Free [Ca]i and a functional SR are required for ROS activation of CaMKII. ROS-activated CaMKIIδ enhances late INa, which may lead to cellular Na and Ca overload. This may be of relevance in HF, where enhanced ROS production meets increased CaMKII expression. PMID:21252154

Stable and Radiogenic Sr Isotopes in Barite - Clues on the Links Between Weathering, Climate and the C Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paytan, A.; Eisenhauer, A.; Wallmann, K. J. G.; Griffith, E. M.; Ridgwell, A.

2017-12-01

The radiogenic Sr-isotopic signature (87Sr/86Sr) of seawater fluctuates primarily in response to changes in the inputs of Sr from weathering and hydrothermal activity, which have distinct 87Sr/86Sr values. Changes in the isotopic ratio of the weathered terrain also contribute to observed changes in 87Sr/86Sr. The stable Sr-isotope ratios in seawater (mass dependent isotopic fractionation; δ88/86Sr) fluctuate primarily in response to the rate of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) accumulation at the seafloor. Together the radiogenic and stable Sr can constrain the coupling between weathering and sedimentation and shed light on the relation between weathering, CaCO3 deposition, the global carbon (C) cycle and climate. Reconstruction of the coupled stable and radiogenic Sr seawater curves over the past 35 Ma of Earth history indicates that the location and rate of CaCO3 burial in the ocean fluctuated considerably over the past 35 Ma. Between 35 to 18 Ma a reduction in neritic CaCO3 burial and increased burial in pelagic settings is observed. The trend was reversed between 20 and 3 Ma and finally over the last 3 million years a rapid change from neritic to pelagic burial is seen. The lack of continues increase of pelagic CaCO3 burial rates suggests that silicate weathering rates have not increased monotonically over the past 35 Ma implying strong feedbacks operating in the climate system - lower atmospheric pCO2 and cooling trends (which control chemical weathering as seen from carbonate deposition in the ocean) countered the effects of uplift (which controls physical weathering) - modulating weathering rates and preventing a runaway ice-house. In addition the data suggests considerable fluctuations in seawater Sr concentrations over time. These data demonstrate how using multiple isotope proxies can help constrain interpretations of the geological record.

Effect of paleoseawater composition on hydrothermal exchange in midocean ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonelli, Michael A.; Pester, Nicholas J.; Brown, Shaun T.; DePaolo, Donald J.

2017-11-01

Variations in the Mg, Ca, Sr, and SO4 concentrations of paleoseawater can affect the chemical exchange between seawater and oceanic basalt in hydrothermal systems at midocean ridges (MOR). We present a model for evaluating the nature and magnitude of these previously unappreciated effects, using available estimates of paleoseawater composition over Phanerozoic time as inputs and 87Sr/86Sr of ophiolite epidosites and epidote-quartz veins as constraints. The results suggest that modern hydrothermal fluids are not typical due to low Ca and Sr relative to Mg and SO4 in modern seawater. At other times during the last 500 million years, particularly during the Cretaceous and Ordovician, hydrothermal fluids had more seawater-derived Sr and Ca, a prediction that is supported by Sr isotope data. The predicted 87Sr/86Sr of vent fluids varies cyclically in concert with ocean chemistry, with some values much higher than the modern value of ˜0.7037. The seawater chemistry effects can be expressed in terms of the transfer efficiency of basaltic Ca and Sr to seawater in hydrothermal systems, which varies by a factor of ˜1.6 over the Phanerozoic, with minima when seawater Mg and SO4 are low. This effect provides a modest negative feedback on seawater composition and 87Sr/86Sr changes. For the mid-Cretaceous, the low 87Sr/86Sr of seawater requires either exceptionally large amounts of low-temperature exchange with oceanic crust or that the weathering flux of continentally derived Sr was especially small. The model also has implications for MOR hydrothermal systems in the Precambrian, when low-seawater SO4 could help explain low seawater 87Sr/86Sr.

Effect of paleoseawater composition on hydrothermal exchange in midocean ridges

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

Antonelli, Michael A.; Pester, Nicholas J.; Brown, Shaun T.

Variations in the Mg, Ca, Sr, and SO 4 concentrations of paleoseawater can affect the chemical exchange between seawater and oceanic basalt in hydrothermal systems at midocean ridges (MOR). Here, we present a model for evaluating the nature and magnitude of these previously unappreciated effects, using available estimates of paleoseawater composition over Phanerozoic time as inputs and 87Sr/ 86Sr of ophiolite epidosites and epidote-quartz veins as constraints. The results suggest that modern hydrothermal fluids are not typical due to low Ca and Sr relative to Mg and SO 4 in modern seawater. At other times during the last 500 millionmore » years, particularly during the Cretaceous and Ordovician, hydrothermal fluids had more seawater-derived Sr and Ca, a prediction that is supported by Sr isotope data. The predicted 87Sr/ 86Sr of vent fluids varies cyclically in concert with ocean chemistry, with some values much higher than the modern value of ~0.7037. The seawater chemistry effects can be expressed in terms of the transfer efficiency of basaltic Ca and Sr to seawater in hydrothermal systems, which varies by a factor of ~1.6 over the Phanerozoic, with minima when seawater Mg and SO 4 are low. This effect provides a modest negative feedback on seawater composition and 87Sr/ 86Sr changes. For the mid-Cretaceous, the low 87Sr/ 86Sr of seawater requires either exceptionally large amounts of low-temperature exchange with oceanic crust or that the weathering flux of continentally derived Sr was especially small. Lastly, the model also has implications for MOR hydrothermal systems in the Precambrian, when low-seawater SO 4 could help explain low seawater 87Sr/ 86Sr.« less

Effect of paleoseawater composition on hydrothermal exchange in midocean ridges

DOE PAGES

Antonelli, Michael A.; Pester, Nicholas J.; Brown, Shaun T.; ...

2017-11-06

Variations in the Mg, Ca, Sr, and SO 4 concentrations of paleoseawater can affect the chemical exchange between seawater and oceanic basalt in hydrothermal systems at midocean ridges (MOR). Here, we present a model for evaluating the nature and magnitude of these previously unappreciated effects, using available estimates of paleoseawater composition over Phanerozoic time as inputs and 87Sr/ 86Sr of ophiolite epidosites and epidote-quartz veins as constraints. The results suggest that modern hydrothermal fluids are not typical due to low Ca and Sr relative to Mg and SO 4 in modern seawater. At other times during the last 500 millionmore » years, particularly during the Cretaceous and Ordovician, hydrothermal fluids had more seawater-derived Sr and Ca, a prediction that is supported by Sr isotope data. The predicted 87Sr/ 86Sr of vent fluids varies cyclically in concert with ocean chemistry, with some values much higher than the modern value of ~0.7037. The seawater chemistry effects can be expressed in terms of the transfer efficiency of basaltic Ca and Sr to seawater in hydrothermal systems, which varies by a factor of ~1.6 over the Phanerozoic, with minima when seawater Mg and SO 4 are low. This effect provides a modest negative feedback on seawater composition and 87Sr/ 86Sr changes. For the mid-Cretaceous, the low 87Sr/ 86Sr of seawater requires either exceptionally large amounts of low-temperature exchange with oceanic crust or that the weathering flux of continentally derived Sr was especially small. Lastly, the model also has implications for MOR hydrothermal systems in the Precambrian, when low-seawater SO 4 could help explain low seawater 87Sr/ 86Sr.« less

Zr, Hf, Mo and W-containing oxide phases as pinning additives in Bi-2212 superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarova, M. V.; Kazin, P. E.; Tretyakov, Yu. D.; Jansen, M.; Reissner, M.; Steiner, W.

2005-02-01

Phase formation was investigated in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-M-O (M = Mo, W) systems at 850-900 °C. It was found that Sr 2CaMO 6 phases were chemically compatible with Bi-2212. The composites Bi-2212-Sr 2CaMO 6 and Bi-2212-SrAO 3 (A = Zr, Hf) were obtained from a sol-gel precursor using crystallisation from the melt. The materials consisted of Bi-2212 matrix and submicron or micron grains of the corresponding dispersed phase. Tc was equal or exceeded that for undoped Bi-2212, reaching Tc = 97 K in the Mo-containing composite. The composites exhibited enhanced pinning in comparison with similar prepared pure Bi-2212, especially at T = 60 K. The best pinning parameters were observed for the Bi-2212-Sr 2CaWO 6 composite.

Sex ratio of congenital abnormalities in the function of maternal age: a population-based study.

PubMed

Csermely, Gyula; Urbán, Robert; Czeizel, Andrew E; Veszprémi, Béla

2015-05-01

Maternal age effect is well-known in the origin of numerical chromosomal aberrations and some isolated congenital abnormalities (CAs). The sex ratio (SR), i.e. number of males divided by the number of males and females together, of most CAs deviates from the SR of newborn population (0.51). The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the possible association of maternal age with the SR of isolated CAs in a population-based large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980-1996. First, SR of 24 CA entities/groups was estimated in 21,494 patients with isolated CA. In the next step SR of different maternal age groups was compared to the mean SR of the given CA-groups. The SR of four CA-groups showed some deviation in certain maternal age groups. Cases with anencephaly had female excess in young mothers (<25 years). Cases with skull's CAs particularly craniosynostosis had a male excess in cases born to women over 30 years. Two other CA groups (cleft lip ± palate and valvar pulmonic stenosis within the group of right-sided obstructive defect of heart) had significant deviation in SR of certain maternal age groups from the mean SR, but these deviations were not harmonized with joining age groups and thus were considered as a chance effect due to multiple testing. In conclusion, our study did not suggest that in general SR of isolated CAs might be modified by certain maternal age groups with some exception such as anencephaly and craniosynostosis. © 2014 Japanese Teratology Society.

High- T c superconductivity at the interface between the CaCuO 2 and SrTiO 3 insulating oxides

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

Di Castro, D.; Cantoni, C.; Ridolfi, F.

2015-09-28

At interfaces between complex oxides it is possible to generate electronic systems with unusual electronic properties, which are not present in the isolated oxides. One important example is the appearance of superconductivity at the interface between insulating oxides, although, until now, with very low T c. We report the occurrence of high T c superconductivity in the bilayer CaCuO 2/SrTiO 3, where both the constituent oxides are insulating. In order to obtain a superconducting state, the CaCuO 2/SrTiO 3 interface must be realized between the Ca plane of CaCuO 2 and the TiO 2 plane of SrTiO 3. Only inmore » this case can oxygen ions be incorporated in the interface Ca plane, acting as apical oxygen for Cu and providing holes to the CuO 2 planes. In addition, a detailed hole doping spatial profile can be obtained by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron-energy-loss spectroscopy at the O K edge, clearly showing that the (super)conductivity is confined to about 1–2 CaCuO 2 unit cells close to the interface with SrTiO 3. The results obtained for the CaCuO 2/SrTiO 3 interface can be extended to multilayered high T c cuprates, contributing to explaining the dependence of T c on the number of CuO 2 planes in these systems.« less

High-pressure synthesis of the cubic perovskite BaRuO3 and evolution of ferromagnetism in ARuO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) ruthenates

PubMed Central

Jin, C.-Q.; Zhou, J.-S.; Goodenough, J. B.; Liu, Q. Q.; Zhao, J. G.; Yang, L. X.; Yu, Y.; Yu, R. C.; Katsura, T.; Shatskiy, A.; Ito, E.

2008-01-01

The cubic perovskite BaRuO3 has been synthesized under 18 GPa at 1,000°C. Rietveld refinement indicates that the new compound has a stretched Ru–O bond. The cubic perovskite BaRuO3 remains metallic to 4 K and exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at Tc = 60 K, which is significantly lower than the Tc ≈ 160 K for SrRuO3. The availability of cubic perovskite BaRuO3 not only makes it possible to map out the evolution of magnetism in the whole series of ARuO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) as a function of the ionic size of the A-site rA, but also completes the polytypes of BaRuO3. Extension of the plot of Tc versus rA in perovskites ARuO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) shows that Tc does not increase as the cubic structure is approached, but has a maximum for orthorhombic SrRuO3. Suppressing Tc by Ca and Ba doping in SrRuO3 is distinguished by sharply different magnetic susceptibilities χ(T) of the paramagnetic phase. This distinction has been interpreted in the context of a Griffiths' phase on the (Ca Sr)RuO3 side and bandwidth broadening on the (Sr,Ba)RuO3 side. PMID:18480262

The circumvention of the natural biopurification of calcium along nutrient pathways by atmospheric inputs of industrial lead

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elias, Robert W.; Hirao, Yoshimitsu; Patterson, Clair C.

1982-12-01

Biopurification factors for Ca with respect to Sr, Ba, and natural, uncontaminated Pb were measured for different nutrient-consumer pairs in a remote subalpine ecosystem. The factor for Sr is expressed as: (nutrient Sr/Ca) ÷ (consumer Sr/Ca). Similar expressions were used for Ba/Ca and Pb/Ca. It was found that Ca was biopurified of Sr 3-fold, of Ba 16-fold, and of Pb 100-fold in going from rock to sedge leaves. In going from sedge leaf to vole, Ca was biopurified of Sr 4-fold, of Ba 8-fold, and of Pb 16-fold. In going from meadow vole to pine marten, Ca was biopurified of Sr 6-fold, of Ba 7-fold, and of Pb 1.1-fold. Similar ranges of values for these factors were obtained for detrital and amphibian food chains. Fluxes of industrial lead entering the ecosystem as precipitation and dry deposition were measured and it was found that 40% of the lead in soil humus and soil moisture, 82% of the lead in sedge leaves, 92% of the lead in vole, and 97% of the lead in marten was industrial. The natural skeletal Pb/Ca ratio in carnivores (4 × 10 -8) was determined by means of corrections for inputs of industrial lead, food chain relationships, and measured biopurification factors for the ecosystem studied. This represents a 1700-fold reduction of the average Pb/Ca ratio in igneous rocks at the earth's surface (6.4 × 10 -5) by the compounding of successive Pb biopurification factors in transferring Ca from rock to carnivore. The natural ratio is similar to the value of 6 × 10 -8 observed for Pb/Ca in the bones of Peruvians who lived 2000 years ago but is 1/900th of the value of about 3.5 × 10 -5 for the skeletal Pb/Ca ratio found in present day Americans. This study shows experimentally how the Ba/Ca ratio in average surface igneous rock (3 × 10 -3) has been reduced 800-fold through compounding of successive biopurification steps to provide the skeletal Ba/Ca ratio of about 4 × 10 -6 observed in humans. It also provides biopurification factors for Sr and Ba among a number of nutrient-consumer pairs which anthropologists can use to delineate degrees of herbivory in diets of hominids within the last 10,000 years.

Growth of Nucleation Sites on Pd-doped Bi_2Sr_2Ca1 Cu_2O_8+δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouzoudis, D.; Finnemore, D. K.; Xu, Ming; Balachandran

1996-03-01

Enviromental Scanning Electron Microscope has shown evidence that during the growth of Bi_2Sr_2Ca_2Cu_3O_10+δ from mixed powders of Pb-doped Bi_2Sr_2Ca_1Cu_2O_8+δ and other oxides, a dense array of hillocks or mesas grow at the interface between an Ag overlay and Pb doped Bi_2Sr_2Ca_1Cu_2O_8+δ grains. These hillocks develop a texture that looks like ''chicken pox'' during the ramp up to the reaction temperature starting at about 700^circ C and they are about 500 to 1000 nm across and are spaced at about 500 to 1000 nm. If there is no Ag, this texture does not develop. Preliminary measurments indicate that the hillocks are re-crystallization of (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca_1Cu_2O_8+δ and are definetely not a Pb rich phase

Synthesis of BiPbSrCaCuO superconductor

DOEpatents

Hults, W.L.; Kubat-Martin, K.A.; Salazar, K.V.; Phillips, D.S.; Peterson, D.E.

1994-04-05

A process and a precursor composition for preparing a lead-doped bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper oxide superconductor of the formula Bi[sub a]Pb[sub b]Sr[sub c]Ca[sub d]Cu[sub e]O[sub f] wherein a is from about 1.7 to about 1.9, b is from about 0.3 to about 0.45, c is from about 1.6 to about 2.2, d is from about 1.6 to about 2.2, e is from about 2.97 to about 3.2 and f is 10[+-]z by reacting a mixture of Bi[sub 4]Sr[sub 3]Ca[sub 3]Cu[sub 4]O[sub 16[+-]z], an alkaline earth metal cuprate, e.g., Sr[sub 9]Ca[sub 5]Cu[sub 24]O[sub 41], and an alkaline earth metal plumbate, e.g., Ca[sub 2[minus]x]Sr[sub x]PbO[sub 4] wherein x is about 0.5, is disclosed.

Synthesis of BiPbSrCaCuO superconductor

DOEpatents

Hults, William L.; Kubat-Martin, Kimberly A.; Salazar, Kenneth V.; Phillips, David S.; Peterson, Dean E.

1994-01-01

A process and a precursor composition for preparing a lead-doped bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper oxide superconductor of the formula Bi.sub.a Pb.sub.b Sr.sub.c Ca.sub.d Cu.sub.e O.sub.f wherein a is from about 1.7 to about 1.9, b is from about 0.3 to about 0.45, c is from about 1.6 to about 2.2, d is from about 1.6 to about 2.2, e is from about 2.97 to about 3.2 and f is 10.+-.z by reacting a mixture of Bi.sub.4 Sr.sub.3 Ca.sub.3 Cu.sub.4 O.sub.16.+-.z, an alkaline earth metal cuprate, e.g., Sr.sub.9 Ca.sub.5 Cu.sub.24 O.sub.41, and an alkaline earth metal plumbate, e.g., Ca.sub.2-x Sr.sub.x PbO.sub.4 wherein x is about 0.5, is disclosed.

Chemical Interaction between High-Tc Superconducting Oxides and Alkaline Earth Fluorides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashimoto, Takuya; Asakawa, Toshiaki; Shiraishi, Tadashi; Yoshida, Tsutomu; Yoshimoto, Mamoru; Koinuma, Hideomi

1989-07-01

Reactions of high-Tc superconductors and MF2 (M: Ca, Sr, Ba) were investigated by means of ac susceptibility, X-ray diffraction, and TG-DTA measurements. The superconducting transition temperature (Tconset) of Ba2YCu3O7-δ powder mixed with MF2 powder decreased as a result of heat treatment at 600°C in air, whereas it did not decrease by the heat treatment under carefully dried conditions. In contrast, neither of the heat-treatment conditions decreased the Tconset of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox mixed with MF2 powder. Heating with MF2 at temperatures higher than 700°C reduced volume fractions of these superconductors even in dry atmosphere and the reactivity increased in the order of BaF2

Growth of nucleation sites on Pb-doped Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 + delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finnemore, D. K.; Xu, Ming; Kouzoudis, D.; Bloomer, T.; Kramer, M. J.; McKernan, Stuart; Balachandran, U.; Haldar, Pradeep

1996-01-01

In the growth of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ from mixed powders of Pb-doped Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+δ and other oxides, it has been discovered that a dense array of hillocks or mesas grow at the interface between a Ag overlay and Pb-doped Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+δ grains during the ramp up to the reaction temperature. As viewed in an environmental scanning electron microscope, the Ag coated grains develop a texture that looks like ``chicken pox'' growing on the grains at about 700 °C. These hillocks are about 100 nm across and are spaced at about 500 to 1000 nm. If there is no Ag, this texture does not develop. Preliminary measurements indicate that the hillocks are a recrystallization of (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+δ, and are definitely not a Pb rich phase.

Strontium, barium, and manganese metabolism in isolated presynaptic nerve terminals

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

Rasgado-Flores, H.; Sanchez-Armass, S.; Blaustein, M.P.

1987-06-01

To gain insight into the mechanisms by which the divalent cations Sr, Ba, and Mn affect neurotransmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals, the authors examined the sequestration of these cations, ion comparison to Ca, by mitochondrial and nonmitochondrial organelles and the extrusion of these cations from isolated nerve terminals. Sequestration was studied in synaptosomes made leaky to small ions by treatment with saponin; efflux was examined in intact synaptosomes that were preloaded with the divalent cations by incubation in depolarizing (K rich) media. The selectivity sequence for ATP-dependent mitochondrial uptake that they observed was Mn>>Ca>Sr>>Ba, whereas that for the SERmore » was Ca greater than or equal to Mn>Sr>>Ba. When synaptosomes that were preloaded with divalent cations were incubated in Na- and Ca-free media, there was little efflux of /sup 45/Ca, /sup 133/Ba, /sup 85/Sr, or /sup 54/Mn. When the incubation was carried out in media containing Na without Ca, there was substantial stimulation of Ca and Sr efflux, but only slight stimulation of Ba or Mn efflux. In Na-free media, the addition of 1 mM Ca promoted the efflux of all four divalent cations, probably via Ca-divalent cation exchange. In summary, the sequestration and extrusion data suggest that, with equal loads, Mn will be buffered to the greatest extent, whereas Ba will be least well buffered. These results may help to explain why Mn has a very long-lasting effect on transmitter release, while the effect of Sr is much briefer.« less

Multi-proxy Reconstructions of the Eastern Equatorial Pacific: Measuring Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, and Li/Mg in Modern Corals Using ICP-OES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheung, A. H.; Cole, J. E.; Vetter, L.; Jimenez, G.; Thompson, D. M.; Tudhope, A. W.

2017-12-01

Sea surface temperature (SST) in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) exhibits large variability on multiple timescales. These variations are often related to modes of climate variability that exert significant influence on global climate, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation. However, the short length and sparsity of instrumental data in the EEP limits our ability to discern changes in this region. Geochemical signals in corals can help extend instrumental data further back in time. While δ18O and Sr/Ca are the most commonly analyzed geochemical tracers of SST in corals, they often have site-specific complications. Several alternatives (e.g., Li/Mg) have been proposed to overcome these challenges, but have yet to be applied to long climate records, in part due to the cost and time required to measure these elements. Here, we develop a new method that uses Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) to analyze Li/Mg, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca ratios in coral aragonite. We apply this method to two Porites spp. corals collected from the northern Galapagos archipelago (Wolf and Darwin Islands). We specifically assess the fidelity of Li/Mg and Sr/Ca to reconstruct SST, and Ba/Ca to reconstruct upwelling conditions. Our results confirm that both Li/Mg and Sr/Ca track SST. We show that despite analytical noise, downcore reconstructions of Li/Mg have the potential to provide additional information about SST that is not present in reconstructions generated from Sr/Ca alone. Skeletal Ba/Ca shows little relationship with upwelling, perhaps because of the distance of our sites from the center of upwelling in the southern Galapagos. These results demonstrate the potential for analyzing Sr, Li, Ba, Mg simultaneously in corals with a cost- and time- efficient method, which may be applied to coral paleoclimate sites worldwide.

MCPIP1-induced autophagy mediates ischemia/reperfusion injury in endothelial cells via HMGB1 and CaSR.

PubMed

Xie, Xiaolong; Zhu, Tiebing; Chen, Lulu; Ding, Shuang; Chu, Han; Wang, Jing; Yao, Honghong; Chao, Jie

2018-01-29

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) plays a important role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Autophagy is involved in activating endothelial cells in response to I/R. However, researchers have not clearly determined whether MCPIP1 mediates I/R injury in endothelial cells via autophagy, and its downstream mechanism remains unclear. Western blotting analyses and immunocytochemistry were applied to detect protein levels were detected in HUVECs. An in vitro scratch assay was used to detect cell migration. Cells were transfected with siRNAs to knockdown MCPIP1 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression. The pharmacological activator of autophagy rapamycin and the specific calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) inhibitor NPS-2143 were used to confirm the roles of autophagy and CaSR in I/R injury. I/R induced HMGB1 and CaSR expression, which subsequently upreguated the migration and apoptosis of HUVECs and coincided with the increase of autophagy. HMGB1 was involved in cell migration, whereas CaSR specifically participated in I/R-induced HUVEC apoptosis. Based on these findings, I/R-induced MCPIP1 expression regulates the migration and apoptosis of HUVECs via HMGB1 and CaSR, respectively, suggesting a new therapeutic targetof I/R injury.

The Calcium-Sensing Receptor and Integrins in Cellular Differentiation and Migration

PubMed Central

Tharmalingam, Sujeenthar; Hampson, David R.

2016-01-01

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a widely expressed homodimeric G-protein coupled receptor structurally related to the metabotropic glutamate receptors and GPRC6A. In addition to its well characterized role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and regulating parathyroid hormone release, evidence has accumulated linking the CaSR with cellular differentiation and migration, brain development, stem cell engraftment, wound healing, and tumor growth and metastasis. Elevated expression of the CaSR in aggressive metastatic tumors has been suggested as a potential novel prognostic marker for predicting metastasis, especially to bone tissue where extracellular calcium concentrations may be sufficiently high to activate the receptor. Recent evidence supports a model whereby CaSR-mediated activation of integrins promotes cellular migration. Integrins are single transmembrane spanning heterodimeric adhesion receptors that mediate cell migration by binding to extracellular matrix proteins. The CaSR has been shown to form signaling complexes with the integrins to facilitate both the movement and differentiation of cells, such as neurons during normal brain development and tumor cells under pathological circumstances. Thus, CaSR/integrin complexes may function as a universal cell migration or homing complex. Manipulation of this complex may be of potential interest for treating metastatic cancers, and for developmental disorders pertaining to aberrant neuronal migration. PMID:27303307

Structural, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of AZn13 (A=Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba) compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basit, Abdul; Murtaza, G.; Mahmood, Asif; Yar, Abdullah; Muhammad, S.

2016-08-01

We report the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the five cubic alkali-earth transition-metals AZn13 (A-Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba) using density functional theory. Structural properties, electronic structures and optical behaviors are calculated explicitly via highly accurate contemporary full potential-linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The investigated ground state data of these materials is quite close to the experimental information. The modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) predicts the intermetallic nature of AZn13 (A-Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba) materials. The complex dielectric function of these intermetallic compounds has been calculated and the observed noticeable peaks are examined through mBJ. With the help of complex dielectric function, the other important optical parameters like reflectivities, conductivities and refractive indices of AZn13 (A-Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba) have been calculated as a function of energy. The optical response suggests that AZn13 (A-Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba) compounds can be used for the optoelectronic devices. Further, the thermoelectric properties have been calculated through BoltzTraP program, the calculated values for different thermoelectric parameters recommend that these AZn13 (A-Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba) materials are the suitable candidates for thermoelectric applications.

Eu(2+)-Activated Alkaline-Earth Halophosphates, M5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) for NUV-LEDs: Site-Selective Crystal Field Effect.

PubMed

Kim, Donghyeon; Kim, Sung-Chul; Bae, Jong-Seong; Kim, Sungyun; Kim, Seung-Joo; Park, Jung-Chul

2016-09-06

Eu(2+)-activated M5(PO4)3X (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) compounds providing different alkaline-earth metal and halide ions were successfully synthesized and characterized. The emission peak maxima of the M5(PO4)3Cl:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) compounds were blue-shifted from Ca to Ba (454 nm for Ca, 444 nm for Sr, and 434 nm for Ba), and those of the Sr5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (X = F, Cl, Br) compounds were red-shifted along the series of halides, F → Cl → Br (437 nm for F, 444 nm for Cl, and 448 nm for Br). The site selectivity and occupancy of the activator ions (Eu(2+)) in the M5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) crystal lattices were estimated based on theoretical calculation of the 5d → 4f transition energies of Eu(2+) using LCAO. In combination with the photoluminescence measurements and theoretical calculation, it was elucidated that the Eu(2+) ions preferably enter the fully oxygen-coordinated sites in the M5(PO4)3X:Eu(2+) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = F, Cl, Br) compounds. This trend can be well explained by "Pauling's rules". These compounds may provide a platform for modeling a new phosphor and application in the solid-state lighting field.

The effect of positioning cations on acidity and stability of the framework structure of Y zeolite

PubMed Central

Deng, Changshun; Zhang, Junji; Dong, Lihui; Huang, Meina; Bin Li; Jin, Guangzhou; Gao, Junbin; Zhang, Feiyue; Fan, Minguang; Zhang, Luoming; Gong, Yanjun

2016-01-01

The investigation on the modification of NaY zeolite on LaHY and AEHY (AE refers Ca and Sr and the molar ratio of Ca and Sr is 1:1) zeolites was proformed by XRD, N2-physisorption (BET), XRF, XPS, NH3-TPD, Py-IR, hydrothermal stability, and catalytic cracking test. These results indicate that HY zeolite with ultra low content Na can be obtained from NaY zeolite through four exchange four calcination method. The positioning capability of La3+ in sodalite cage is much better than that of AE2+ and about 12 La3+ can be well coordinated in sodalite cages of one unit cell of Y zeolite. Appropriate acid amount and strength favor the formation of propylene and La3+ is more suitable for the catalytic cracking of cyclohexane than that of AE2+. Our results not only elaborate the variation of the strong and weak acid sites as well as the Brönsted and Lewis acid sites with the change of exchanged ion content but also explore the influence of hydrothermal aging of LaHY and AEHY zeolites and find the optimum ion exchange content for the most reserved acid sites. At last, the coordination state and stabilization of ion exchanged Y zeolites were discussed in detail. PMID:26987306

A case of gain-of-function mutation in calcium-sensing receptor: supplemental hydration is required for renal protection.

PubMed

Suzuki, M; Aso, T; Sato, T; Michimata, M; Kazama, I; Saiki, H; Hatano, R; Ejima, Y; Miyama, N; Sato, A; Matsubara, M

2005-06-01

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulates the extracellular calcium level, mainly by controlling parathyroid hormon secretion and renal calcium reabsorption. In gain-of-function CaSR mutations, the genetic abnormalities increase CaSR activity leading to the development of such clinical manifestations as hypercalciuric hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. We report a Japanese case of CaSR gain-of-function mutation and represent a therapeutic intervention based on the functional characteristics of CaSR in renal tubule. DNA sequence analysis revealed a heterozygous G to T mutation identified in a 12-year-old Japanese girl presenting with sporadic onset of hypercalciuric hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. The mutation is located in the N-terminal extracellular domain of the CaSR gene, one of the most important parts for the three-dimensional construction of the receptor, resulting in the substitution of phenylalanine for cysteine at amino acid 131 (C131F) in exon 3. Based on the diagnosis of the gain-of-function mutation in the CaSR, oral hydrochlorothiazide administration and supplemental hydration were started in addition to calcium supplementation. The combination therapy of thiazide and supplemental hydration markedly reduced both renal calcium excretion and urinary calcium concentration from 0.4-0.7 to less than 0.1 mg/mg (urinary calcium/creatinine ratio) and from 10-15 to 3-5 mg/dl (urinary calcium concentration), respectively. This therapy stopped the progression of renal calcification during the follow-up period. Supplemental hydration should be considered essential for the following reasons: (1) calcium supplementation activates the CaSR in the kidney and suppresses renal urinary concentrating ability, (2) the thiazide has a diuretic effect, (3) as calcium supplementation increases renal calcium excretion, the supplemental hydration decreases urinary calcium concentration by increasing urinary volume, thereby diminishing the risk of intratubular crystallization of calcium ion.

High-Resolution Synchrotron Radiation Imaging of Trace Metal Elemental Concentrations in Porites Coral

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cirino, M.; Dunbar, R. B.; Tangri, N.; Mehta, A.

2014-12-01

We investigated the use of synchrotron radiation for elemental imaging within the skeleton of a Porites coral from American Samoa to explore the fine-scale structure of strontium to calcium (Sr/Ca) variability. The use of a synchrotron for coral paleoclimate analysis is relatively new. The method provides a high resolution, two-dimensional elemental map of a coral surface. The aragonitic skeleton of Porites sp. colonies has been widely used for paleoclimate reconstruction as the oxygen isotope ratio (δ18O) signal varies with both sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS). Sr/Ca has been used in previous studies in conjunction with δ18O to deconvolve SST from SSS, as Sr/Ca in the coral skeleton varies with SST, but not SSS. However, recent studies suggest that in some cases Sr/Ca variability in coral does not reliably reflect changes in SST. We sought to address this puzzle by investigating Sr/Ca variability in Porites corals at a very fine spatial scale while also demonstrating the suitability of the synchrotron as a coral analysis tool. We also considered Sr/Ca variability as it pertains to the coral's structural elements. The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center synchrotron station generates collimated x-rays in the energy range of 4500-45000 eV with beam diameters as small as 20 μm. Synchrotron imaging allows faster and higher-resolution Sr/Ca analysis than does inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It also is capable of mapping spatial distributions of many elements, which aids in the development of a multiproxy approach to paleoclimate reconstruction. Imaging and analysis of the Porites coral using synchrotron radiation revealed an intricate sub-seasonal Sr/Ca signal, possibly correlating to a sub-monthly resolution. This signal, which seems unrelated to SST, dominates the annual signal.

A Fifty-Year Coral Sr/Ca Time Series from Guam, Mariana Islands: In situ Monitoring and Comparison to Observed Pacific Climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lander, M.

2016-12-01

Located on the northern edge of the West Pacific Warm Pool, Guam is positioned to obtain uniquely valuable natural records of west Pacific maritime paleoclimate. This study is the first to evaluate the application of the coral Sr/Ca sea surface temperature (SST) proxy to the reconstruction of Guam's climate history. To help test the fidelity of the coral Sr/Ca proxy to actual climate, and how it might be affected by environmental variables—on Guam or elsewhere—the study documented monthly seawater oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O), pH, cation, and nitrate concentrations from September 2009 to December 2010 at a Porites lutea colony in Guam's Apra Harbor. The study site was chosen for its accessibility, so that environmental conditions could be readily monitored. A 50-year Sr/Ca record was carefully compared to instrumental records, the quality and reliability of which were also closely examined. Time series of seawater δ18O, pH, and cation concentrations show some evidence of freshwater input from direct rainfall or stream discharge into the harbor. The Sr/Ca proxy SST results, however, are robust, and do not appear to have been significantly affected. The Sr/Ca proxy reproduces the long-term warming trend observed in the historical records of regional SST and local air temperature. Moreover, it shows remarkable fidelity to regional ocean-atmosphere variations as represented by the indices of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The consistency of the results with Guam's historical instrumental records, with previous δ18O results from Guam, and with previous Sr/Ca proxy results in similar environments elsewhere, demonstrate the efficacy of accessible near-shore sites for obtaining reliable Sr/Ca climate proxies, and the utility of Guam as a source for accurate coral records of western Pacific Ocean regional climate.

Effect of cryogenic temperature on spectroscopic and laser properties of Er,La:SrF2-CaF2 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Švejkar, Richard; Šulc, Jan; Němec, Michal; Jelínková, Helena; Doroshenko, Maxim E.; Nakladov, Andrei N.; Osiko, Vjatcheslav V.

2016-03-01

The laser and spectroscopic properties of crystal Er,La:SrF2-CaF2 at temperature range 80 - 300 K, which is appropriate for generation of radiation around 2.7 um is presented. The sample of Er,La:SrF2-CaF2 (concentration Er(0.04), La(0.12):Ca(0.77)Sr(0.07)) had plan-parallel face-polished faces without anti-reflection coatings (thickness 8.2 mm). During spectroscopy and laser experiments the Er,La:SrF2-CaF2 was attached to temperature controlled copper holder and it was placed in vacuum chamber. The transmission and emission spectra of Er,La:SrF2-CaF2 together with the fluorescence decay time were measured in dependence on temperature. The excitation of Er,La:SrF2-CaF2 was carried out by a laser diode radiation (pulse duration 5 ms, repetition rate 20 Hz, pump wavelength 973 nm). Laser resonator was hemispherical, 140 mm in length with at pumping mirror (HR @ 2.7 µm) and spherical output coupler (r = 150 mm, R = 95 % @ 2.5 - 2.8 µm). Tunability of laser at 80 K in range 2690 - 2765 nm was obtained using MgF2 birefringent filter. With decreasing temperature of sample the fluorescence lifetime of manifold 4I11/2 (upper laser level) became shorter and intensity of up-conversion radiation was increasing. The highest slope efficiency with respect to absorbed power was 2.3 % at 80 K. The maximum output of peak amplitude power was 0.3 W at 80 K, i.e. 1.5 times higher than measured this value at 300 K. The wavelength generated by Er,La:SrF2-CaF2 laser (2.7 µm) is relatively close to absorption peak of water (3 µm) and so, one of the possible usage should be in medicine and spectroscopy.

The Biological Nature of Geochemical Proxies: algal symbionts affect coral skeletal chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owens, K.; Cohen, A. L.; Shimizu, N.

2001-12-01

The strontium-calcium ratio (Sr/Ca) of reef coral skeleton is an important ocean temperature proxy that has been used to address some particularly controversial climate change issues. However, the paleothermometer has sometimes proven unreliable and there are indications that the temperature-dependence of Sr/Ca in coral aragonite is linked to the photosynthetic activity of algal symbionts (zooxanthellae) in coral tissue. We examined the effect of algal symbiosis on skeletal chemistry using Astrangia danae, a small colonial temperate scleractinian that occurs naturally with and without zooxanthellae. Live symbiotic (deep brown) and asymbiotic (white) colonies of similar size were collected in Woods Hole where water temperatures fluctuate seasonally between -2oC and 23oC. We used a microbeam technique (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) and a 30 micron diameter sampling beam to construct high-resolution Sr/Ca profiles, 2500 microns long, down the growth axes of the outer calical (thecal) walls. Profiles generated from co-occuring symbiotic and asymbiotic colonies are remarkably different despite their exposure to identical water temperatures. Symbiotic coral Sr/Ca displays four large-amplitude annual cycles with high values in the winter, low values in the summer and a temperature dependence similar to that of tropical reef corals. By comparison, Sr/Ca profiles constructed from asymbiotic coral skeleton display little variability over the same time period. Asymbiont Sr/Ca is relatively insensitive to the enormous temperature changes experienced over the year; the temperature dependence is similar to that of nighttime skeletal deposits in tropical reef corals and non-biological aragonite precipitates. We propose that the large variations in skeletal Sr/Ca observed in all symbiont-hosting coral species are not related to SST variability per se but are driven primarily by large seasonal variations in skeletal calcification rate associated with symbiont photosynthesis. Our model provides a framework for understanding the role of biology in determining coral skeletal chemistry and an explanation for anomalous Sr/Ca-based paleotemperature derivations.

The influence of SrO and CaO in silicate and phosphate bioactive glasses on human gingival fibroblasts.

PubMed

Massera, J; Kokkari, A; Närhi, T; Hupa, L

2015-06-01

In this paper, we investigate the effect of substituting SrO for CaO in silicate and phosphate bioactive glasses on the human gingival fibroblast activity. In both materials the presence of SrO led to the formation of a CaP layer with partial Sr substitution for Ca. The layer at the surface of the silicate glass consisted of HAP whereas at the phosphate glasses it was close to the DCPD composition. In silicate glasses, SrO gave a faster initial dissolution and a thinner reaction layer probably allowing for a continuous ion release into the solution. In phosphate glasses, SrO decreased the dissolution process and gave a more strongly bonded reaction layer. Overall, the SrO-containing silicate glass led to a slight enhancement in the activity of the gingival fibroblasts cells when compared to the SrO-free reference glass, S53P4. The cell activity decreased up to 3 days of culturing for all phosphate glasses containing SrO. Whereas culturing together with the SrO-free phosphate glass led to complete cell death at 7 days. The glasses containing SrO showed rapid cell proliferation and growth between 7 and 14 days, reaching similar activity than glass S53P4. The addition of SrO in both silicate and phosphate glasses was assumed beneficial for proliferation and growth of human gingival fibroblasts due to Sr incorporation in the reaction layer at the glass surface and released in the cell culture medium.

Diagenesis in tephra-rich sediments from the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc: Pore fluid constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murray, Natalie A.; McManus, James; Palmer, Martin R.; Haley, Brian; Manners, Hayley

2018-05-01

We present sediment pore fluid and sediment solid phase results obtained during IODP Expedition 340 from seven sites located within the Grenada Basin of the southern Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc region. These sites are generally characterized as being low in organic carbon content and rich in calcium carbonate and volcanogenic material. In addition to the typical reactions related to organic matter diagenesis, pore fluid chemistry indicates that the diagenetic reactions fall within two broad categories; (1) reactions related to chemical exchange with volcanogenic material and (2) reactions related to carbonate dissolution, precipitation, or recrystallization. For locations dominated by reaction with volcanogenic material, these sites exhibit increases in dissolved Ca with coeval decreases in Mg. We interpret this behavior as being driven by sediment-water exchange reactions from the alteration of volcanic material that is dispersed throughout the sediment package, which likely result in formation of Mg-rich secondary authigenic clays. In contrast to this behavior, sediment sequences that exhibit decreases in Ca, Mg, Mn, and Sr with depth suggest that carbonate precipitation is an active diagenetic process affecting solute distributions. The distributions of pore fluid 87Sr/86Sr reflect these competitive diagenetic reactions between volcanic material and carbonate, which are inferred by the major cation distributions. From one site where we have solid phase 87Sr/86Sr (site U1396), the carbonate fraction is found to be generally consistent with the contemporaneous seawater isotope values. However, the 87Sr/86Sr of the non-carbonate fraction ranges from 0.7074 to 0.7052, and these values likely represent a mixture of local arc volcanic sources and trans-Atlantic eolian sources. Even at this site where there is clear evidence for diagenesis of volcanogenic material, carbonate diagenesis appears to buffer pore fluid 87Sr/86Sr from the larger changes that might be expected given the high abundance of tephra in these sediments. Part of this carbonate buffering, at this site as well as throughout the region, derives from the fact that the Sr concentration in the non-carbonate fraction is generally low (<200 ppm), whereas the carbonate fraction has Sr concentrations approaching ∼1000 ppm.

Rapid ionic modifications during the aequorin-detected calcium transient in a skinned canine cardiac Purkinje cell

PubMed Central

1985-01-01

A microprocessor-controlled system of microinjections and microaspirations has been developed to change, within approximately 1 ms, the [free Ca2+] at the outer surface of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) wrapped around individual myofibrils (0.3-0.4 micron radius) of a skinned canine cardiac Purkinje cell (2.5-4.5 micron overall radius) at different phases of a Ca2+ transient. Simultaneously monitoring tension and aequorin bioluminescence provided two methods for estimating the peak myoplasmic [free Ca2+] reached during the spontaneous cyclic Ca2+ release from the SR obtained in the continuous presence of a bulk solution [free Ca2+] sufficiently high to overload the SR. These methods gave results in excellent agreement for the spontaneous Ca2+ release under a variety of conditions of pH and [free Mg2+], and of enhancement of Ca2+ release by calmodulin. Disagreement was observed, however, when the Ca2+ transient was modified during its ascending phase. The experiments also permitted quantification of the aequorin binding within the myofibrils and determination of its operational apparent affinity constant for Ca2+ at various [free Mg2+] levels. An increase of [free Ca2+] at the outer surface of the SR during the ascending phase of the Ca2+ transient induced further release of Ca2+. In contrast, an increase of [free Ca2+] during the descending phase of the Ca2+ transient did not cause further Ca2+ release. Varying [free H+], [free Mg2+], or the [Na+]/[K+] ratio had no significant effect on the Ca2+ transient during which the modification was applied, but it altered the subsequent Ca2+ transient. Therefore, Ca2+ appears to be the major, if not the only, ion controlling Ca2+ release from the SR rapidly enough to alter a Ca2+ transient during its course. PMID:3981128

An integrative model of the cardiac ventricular myocyte incorporating local control of Ca2+ release.

PubMed Central

Greenstein, Joseph L; Winslow, Raimond L

2002-01-01

The local control theory of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in cardiac muscle asserts that L-type Ca(2+) current tightly controls Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via local interaction of closely apposed L-type Ca(2+) channels (LCCs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). These local interactions give rise to smoothly graded Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR), which exhibits high gain. In this study we present a biophysically detailed model of the normal canine ventricular myocyte that conforms to local control theory. The model formulation incorporates details of microscopic EC coupling properties in the form of Ca(2+) release units (CaRUs) in which individual sarcolemmal LCCs interact in a stochastic manner with nearby RyRs in localized regions where junctional SR membrane and transverse-tubular membrane are in close proximity. The CaRUs are embedded within and interact with the global systems of the myocyte describing ionic and membrane pump/exchanger currents, SR Ca(2+) uptake, and time-varying cytosolic ion concentrations to form a model of the cardiac action potential (AP). The model can reproduce both the detailed properties of EC coupling, such as variable gain and graded SR Ca(2+) release, and whole-cell phenomena, such as modulation of AP duration by SR Ca(2+) release. Simulations indicate that the local control paradigm predicts stable APs when the L-type Ca(2+) current is adjusted in accord with the balance between voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation processes as measured experimentally, a scenario where common pool models become unstable. The local control myocyte model provides a means for studying the interrelationship between microscopic and macroscopic behaviors in a manner that would not be possible in experiments. PMID:12496068

Interaction of overlayers of Al and Rb with single-crystalline surfaces of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindberg, P. A. P.; Wells, B. O.; Shen, Z.-X.; Dessau, D. S.; Lindau, I.; Spicer, W. E.; Mitzi, D. B.; Kapitulnik, A.

1990-03-01

Photoemission results from Al and Rb interfaces with single crystals of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 high-temperature superconductors are reported. The Al and Rb adsorbates are found to react quite differently with the Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 substrate. While adatoms of Rb significantly affect only the Bi and O atoms in the top atomic layer, the Al adsorbate profoundly disrupts the bonding character of the whole Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 material. For Al, the Bi and Cu states are strongly reduced, and the Sr and O states show evidence of oxidized components. In addition, Al causes a strong out-diffusion of oxygen from the bulk. The differences in the reactivity of Al and Rb are discussed in terms of the different mobility of the two atoms.

Surface and electronic structure of Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O superconductors studied by LEED, UPS and XPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Z.-X.; Lindberg, P. A. P.; Wells, B. O.; Lindau, I.; Spicer, W. E.; Mitzi, D. B.; Eom, C. B.; Kapitulnik, A.; Geballe, T. H.; Soukiassian, P.

1989-02-01

Single crystal and polycrystalline samples of Bi2CaSr2Cu2O8 have been studied by various surface sensitive techniques, including low energy electron diffraction (LEED), ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The surface structure of the single crystals was characterized by LEED to be consistent with that of the bulk structure. Our data suggest that Bi2CaSr2Cu2O8 single crystals are very stable in the ultrahigh vacuu. No change of XPS spectra with temperature was observed. We have also studied the electronic structure of Bi2Sr2CuO6, which has a lower superconducting transition temperature Tc. Comparing the electronic structure of the two Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O superconductors, an important difference in the density of states near EF was observed which seems to be related to the difference in Tc.

Decomposition pathways of polytetrafluoroethylene by co-grinding with strontium/calcium oxides.

PubMed

Qu, Jun; He, Xiaoman; Zhang, Qiwu; Liu, Xinzhong; Saito, Fumio

2017-06-01

Waste polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) could be easily decomposed by co-grinding with inorganic additive such as strontium oxide (SrO), strontium peroxide (SrO 2 ) and calcium oxide (CaO) by using a planetary ball mill, in which the fluorine was transformed into nontoxic inorganic fluoride salts such as strontium fluoride (SrF 2 ) or calcium fluoride (CaF 2 ). Depending on the kind of additive as well as the added molar ratio, however, the reaction mechanism of the decomposition was found to change, with different compositions of carbon compounds formed. CO gas, the mixture of strontium carbonate (SrCO 3 ) and carbon, only SrCO 3 were obtained as reaction products respectively with equimolar SrO, excess SrO and excess SrO 2 to the monomer unit CF 2 of PTFE were used. Excess amount of CaO was needed to effectively decompose PTFE because of its lower reactivity compared with strontium oxide, but it promised practical applications due to its low cost.

Estimating westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) movements in a river network using strontium isoscapes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muhlfeld, Clint C.; Simon R. Thorrold,; Thomas E. McMahon,; Marotz, Brian

2012-01-01

We used natural variation in the strontium concentration (Sr:Ca) and isotope composition (87Sr:86Sr) of stream waters and corresponding values recorded in otoliths of westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) to examine movements during their life history in a large river network. We found significant spatial differences in Sr:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr values (strontium isoscapes) within and among numerous spawning and rearing streams that remained relatively constant seasonally. Both Sr:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr values in the otoliths of juveniles collected from nine natal streams were highly correlated with those values in the ambient water. Strontium isoscapes measured along the axis of otolith growth revealed that almost half of the juveniles had moved at least some distance from their natal streams. Finally, otolith Sr profiles from three spawning adults confirmed homing to natal streams and use of nonoverlapping habitats over their migratory lifetimes. Our study demonstrates that otolith geochemistry records movements of cutthroat trout through Sr isoscapes and therefore provides a method that complements and extends the utility of conventional tagging techniques in understanding life history strategies and conservation needs of freshwater fishes in river networks.

Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 Deletion Led to Coronary Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Heart Disease in Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice on Modified Western-type Diet

PubMed Central

Liao, Jiawei; Guo, Xin; Wang, Mengyu; Dong, Chengyan; Gao, Mingming; Wang, Huan; Kayoumu, Abudurexiti; Shen, Qiang; Wang, Yuhui; Wang, Fan; Liu, George

2017-01-01

Aim: Atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E (apoE) or low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) knockout (KO) mice are generally resistant to developing coronary atherosclerosis (CA) and ischemic heart disease (IHD). However, studies have demonstrated the occurrence of spontaneous CA and IHD in scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI)/apoE double KO (dKO) mice, which suggests that SR-BI could be a potential target for the prevention and therapy of CA and IHD. This possibility was later investigated in SR-BI/LDL-R dKO mice, but no signs of CA or IHD was identified when mice were fed a normal western-type diet. Here we explored whether SR-BI deletion could result in CA and IHD in LDL-R KO mice when fed a modified western-type diet containing higher (0.5%) cholesterol. Methods: Cardiac functions were detected by electrocardiography, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), echocardiography (Echo) and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. CA was visualized by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: After 12 weeks on the modified diet, SR-BI/LDL-R dKO mice developed cardiac ischemia/infarction, together with systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation. CA was most severe at the aortic sinus level to an extent that no dKO mice survived to 20 weeks on the modified diet. None of control mice, however, developed CA or IHD. Conclusions: SR-BI deletion led to CA and IHD in LDL-R KO mice when fed the modified western-type diet. We established SR-BI/LDL-R dKO mice as a diet-induced murine model of human IHD and developed detection methods, using a combination of SPECT and Echo, for effective in vivo evaluation of cardiac functions. PMID:27373983

Dissolution of aragonite-strontianite solid solutions in nonstoichiometric Sr (HCO3)2-Ca (HCO3)2-CO2-H2O solutions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Plummer, Niel; Busenberg, E.; Glynn, P.D.; Blum, A.E.

1992-01-01

Synthetic strontianite-aragonite solid-solution minerals were dissolved in CO2-saturated non-stoichiometric solutions of Sr(HCO3)2 and Ca(HCO3)2 at 25??C. The results show that none of the dissolution reactions reach thermodynamic equilibrium. Congruent dissolution in Ca(HCO3)2 solutions either attains or closely approaches stoichiometric saturation with respect to the dissolving solid. In Sr(HCO3)2 solutions the reactions usually become incongruent, precipitating a Sr-rich phase before reaching stoichiometric saturation. Dissolution of mechanical mixtures of solids approaches stoichiometric saturation with respect to the least stable solid in the mixture. Surface uptake from subsaturated bulk solutions was observed in the initial minutes of dissolution. This surficial phase is 0-10 atomic layers thick in Sr(HCO3)2 solutions and 0-4 layers thick in Ca(HCO3)2 solutions, and subsequently dissolves and/or recrystallizes, usually within 6 min of reaction. The initial transient surface precipitation (recrystallization) process is followed by congruent dissolution of the original solid which proceeds to stoichiometric saturation, or until the precipitation of a more stable Sr-rich solid. The compositions of secondary precipitates do not correspond to thermodynamic equilibrium or stoichiometric saturation states. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicate the formation of solid solutions on surfaces of aragonite and strontianite single crystals immersed in Sr(HCO3)2 and Ca(HCO3)2 solutions, respectively. In Sr(HCO3)2 solutions, the XPS signal from the outer ~ 60 A?? on aragonite indicates a composition of 16 mol% SrCO3 after only 2 min of contact, and 14-18 mol% SrCO3 after 3 weeks of contact. The strontianite surface averages approximately 22 mol% CaCO3 after 2 min of contact with Ca(HCO3)2 solution, and is 34-39 mol% CaCO3 after 3 weeks of contact. XPS analysis suggests the surface composition is zoned with somewhat greater enrichment in the outer ~25 A?? (as much as 26 mol% SrCO3 on aragonite and 44 mol% CaCO3 on strontianite). The results indicate rapid formation of a solid-solution surface phase from subsaturated aqueous solutions. The surface phase continually adjusts in composition in response to changes in composition of the bulk fluid as net dissolution proceeds. Dissolution rates of the endmembers are greatly reduced in nonstoichiometric solutions relative to dissolution rates observed in stoichiometric solutions. All solids dissolve more slowly in solutions spiked with the least soluble component ((Sr(HCO3)2)) than in solutions spiked with the more soluble component (Ca(HCO3)2), an effect that becomes increasingly significant as stoichiometric saturation is approached. It is proposed that the formation of a non-stoichiometric surface reactive zone significantly decreases dissolution rates. ?? 1992.

Contraction produced by intracellular injection of calcium, strontium, and barium in the single crayfish muscle fibers.

PubMed

Matsumura, M; Mashima, H

1976-01-01

Ca ions were ionophoretically injected through an intracellular microelectrode into the single muscle fiber of a crayfish, and the resulting contraction sphere was observed under a microscope and photographed with a movie camera. The minimum contraction produced by the threshold current involved usually three or four, sometimes two, sarcomers on both sides of the injecting pipette but contraction involving only one sarcomere was not observered. The rheobase of the Ca-injecting current was 3.2 X 10(-9) A. The strength-duration curves were determined for Ca-, Sr-, and Ba-injecting currents; all fitted a similar hyperbolic equation. The threshold amount of Ca above rheobasic injection was 2.1 X 10(-15)mol, and the ratios between threshold amounts were Ca: Sr: Ba=1: 1.9: 3.0. The effects of Ca and Sr were additive for the contraction. More current was required for the Ca-injection to produce the contraction in the K-depolarized-or 15mM-procaine-treated muscle, although less current was sufficient for the muscle treated with 0.5-1.0 mM of caffeine. The participation of the Ca-induced Ca release mechanism in the contraction produced by Ca injection and the role of Sr or Ba as a substitute for Ca were discussed.

Using stable isotopes (δD, δ18O, δ34S and 87Sr/86Sr) to identify sources of water in abandoned mines in the Fengfeng coal mining district, northern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Shen; Wang, Guangcai; Shi, Zheming; Xu, Qingyu; Guo, Yuying; Ma, Luan; Sheng, Yizhi

2018-05-01

With depleted coal resources or deteriorating mining geological conditions, some coal mines have been abandoned in the Fengfeng mining district, China. Water that accumulates in an abandoned underground mine (goaf water) may be a hazard to neighboring mines and impact the groundwater environment. Groundwater samples at three abandoned mines (Yi, Er and Quantou mines) in the Fengfeng mining district and the underlying Ordovician limestone aquifer were collected to characterize their chemical and isotopic compositions and identify the sources of the mine water. The water was HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg type in Er mine and the auxiliary shaft of Yi mine, and HCO3·SO4-Na type in the main shaft of Quantou mine. The isotopic compositions (δD and δ18O) of water in the three abandoned mines were close to that of Ordovician limestone groundwater. Faults in the abandoned mines were developmental, possibly facilitating inflows of groundwater from the underlying Ordovician limestone aquifers into the coal mines. Although the Sr2+ concentrations differed considerably, the ratios of Sr2+/Ca2+ and 87Sr/86Sr and the 34S content of SO4 2- were similar for all three mine waters and Ordovician limestone groundwater, indicating that a close hydraulic connection may exist. Geochemical and isotopic indicators suggest that (1) the mine waters may originate mainly from the Ordovician limestone groundwater inflows, and (2) the upward hydraulic gradient in the limestone aquifer may prevent its contamination by the overlying abandoned mine water. The results of this study could be useful for water resources management in this area and other similar mining areas.

High-pressure synthesis of the cubic perovskite BaRuO3 and evolution of ferromagnetism in ARuO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) ruthenates.

PubMed

Jin, C-Q; Zhou, J-S; Goodenough, J B; Liu, Q Q; Zhao, J G; Yang, L X; Yu, Y; Yu, R C; Katsura, T; Shatskiy, A; Ito, E

2008-05-20

The cubic perovskite BaRuO(3) has been synthesized under 18 GPa at 1,000 degrees C. Rietveld refinement indicates that the new compound has a stretched Ru-O bond. The cubic perovskite BaRuO(3) remains metallic to 4 K and exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at T(c) = 60 K, which is significantly lower than the T(c) approximately = 160 K for SrRuO(3). The availability of cubic perovskite BaRuO(3) not only makes it possible to map out the evolution of magnetism in the whole series of ARuO(3) (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) as a function of the ionic size of the A-site r(A,) but also completes the polytypes of BaRuO(3). Extension of the plot of T(c) versus r(A) in perovskites ARuO(3) (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) shows that T(c) does not increase as the cubic structure is approached, but has a maximum for orthorhombic SrRuO(3). Suppressing T(c) by Ca and Ba doping in SrRuO(3) is distinguished by sharply different magnetic susceptibilities chi(T) of the paramagnetic phase. This distinction has been interpreted in the context of a Griffiths' phase on the (Ca Sr)RuO(3) side and bandwidth broadening on the (Sr,Ba)RuO(3) side.

Spectral identifiers from roasting process of Arabica and Robusta green beans using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirani, Ayu Puspa; Nasution, Aulia; Suyanto, Hery

2016-11-01

Coffee (Coffea spp.) is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. World coffee consumption is around 70% comes from Arabica, 26% from Robusta , and the rest 4% from other varieties. Coffee beverages characteristics are related to chemical compositions of its roasted beans. Usually testing of coffee quality is subjectively tasted by an experienced coffee tester. An objective quantitative technique to analyze the chemical contents of coffee beans using LIBS will be reported in this paper. Optimum experimental conditions was using of 120 mJ of laser energy and delay time 1 μs. Elements contained in coffee beans are Ca, W, Sr, Mg, Na, H, K, O, Rb, and Be. The Calcium (Ca) is the main element in the coffee beans. Roasting process will cause the emission intensity of Ca decreased by 42.45%. In addition, discriminant analysis was used to distinguish the arabica and robusta variants, either in its green and roasted coffee beans. Observed identifier elements are Ca, W, Sr, and Mg. Overall chemical composition of roasted coffee beans are affected by many factors, such as the composition of the soil, the location, the weather in the neighborhood of its plantation, and the post-harvesting process of the green coffee beans (drying, storage, fermentation, and roasting methods used).

Elemental composition of normal primary tooth enamel analyzed with XRMA and SIMS.

PubMed

Sabel, Nina; Dietz, Wolfram; Lundgren, Ted; Nietzsche, Sandor; Odelius, Hans; Rythén, Marianne; Rizell, Sara; Robertson, Agneta; Norén, Jörgen G; Klingberg, Gunilla

2009-01-01

There is an interest to analyze the chemical composition of enamel in teeth from patients with different developmental disorders or syndromes and evaluate possible differences compared to normal composition. For this purpose, it is essential to have reference material. The aim of this study was to, by means of X-ray micro analyses (XRMA) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), present concentration gradients for C, O, P and Ca and F, Na, Mg, Cl, K and Sr in normal enamel of primary teeth from healthy individuals. 36 exfoliated primary teeth from 36 healthy children were collected, sectioned, and analyzed in the enamel and dentin with X-ray micro analyses for the content of C, O, P and Ca and F, Na MgCl, K and Sr. This study has supplied reference data for C, O, P and Ca in enamel in primary teeth from healthy subjects. No statistically significant differences in the elemental composition were found between incisors and molars.The ratio Ca/P is in concordance with other studies. Some elements have shown statistically significant differences between different levels of measurement. These results may be used as reference values for research on the chemical composition of enamel and dentin in primary teeth from patients with different conditions and/or syndromes.

Suppression of H-/O2- exchange by incorporated nitride anions in the perovskite lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeiri, Fumitaka; Yajima, Takeshi; Yamamoto, Takafumi; Kobayashi, Yoji; Matsui, Toshiaki; Hester, James; Kageyama, Hiroshi

2017-12-01

We investigate the low temperature anion exchange behavior of hydride and oxide in perovskite oxynitrides. CaH2 reduction of (Sr1-xLax)Ti(O3-xNx) (0

A simple biomineralization model to explain Li, Mg, and Sr incorporation into aragonitic foraminifera and corals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchitto, T. M.; Bryan, S. P.; Doss, W.; McCulloch, M. T.; Montagna, P.

2018-01-01

In contrast to Li/Ca and Mg/Ca, Li/Mg is strongly anticorrelated with temperature in aragonites precipitated by the benthic foraminifer Hoeglundina elegans and a wide range of scleractinian coral taxa. We propose a simple conceptual model of biomineralization that explains this pattern and is consistent with available abiotic aragonite partition coefficients. Under this model the organism actively modifies seawater within its calcification pool by raising its [Ca2+], using a pump that strongly discriminates against both Li+ and Mg2+. Rayleigh fractionation during calcification effectively reverses this process, removing Ca2+ while leaving most Li+ and Mg2+ behind in the calcifying fluid. The net effect of these two processes is that Li/Mg in the calcifying fluid remains very close to the seawater value, and temperature-dependent abiotic partition coefficients are expressed in the biogenic aragonite Li/Mg ratio. We further show that coral Sr/Ca is consistent with this model if the Ca2+ pump barely discriminates against Sr2+. In H. elegans the covariation of Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca requires either that the pump more strongly discriminates against Sr2+, or that cation incorporation is affected by aragonite precipitation rate via the mechanism of surface entrapment. In either case Li/Mg is minimally affected by such 'vital effects' which plague other elemental ratio paleotemperature proxies.

Structure of Sr-substituted photosystem II at 2.1 A resolution and its implications in the mechanism of water oxidation.

PubMed

Koua, Faisal Hammad Mekky; Umena, Yasufumi; Kawakami, Keisuke; Shen, Jian-Ren

2013-03-05

Oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (PSII) is a tetra-manganese calcium penta-oxygenic cluster (Mn4CaO5) catalyzing light-induced water oxidation through several intermediate states (S-states) by a mechanism that is not fully understood. To elucidate the roles of Ca(2+) in this cluster and the possible location of water substrates in this process, we crystallized Sr(2+)-substituted PSII from Thermosynechococcus vulcanus, analyzed its crystal structure at a resolution of 2.1 Å, and compared it with the 1.9 Å structure of native PSII. Our analysis showed that the position of Sr was moved toward the outside of the cubane structure of the Mn4CaO5-cluster relative to that of Ca(2+), resulting in a general elongation of the bond distances between Sr and its surrounding atoms compared with the corresponding distances in the Ca-containing cluster. In particular, we identified an apparent elongation in the bond distance between Sr and one of the two terminal water ligands of Ca(2+), W3, whereas that of the Sr-W4 distance was not much changed. This result may contribute to the decrease of oxygen evolution upon Sr(2+)-substitution, and suggests a weak binding and rather mobile nature of this particular water molecule (W3), which in turn implies the possible involvement of this water molecule as a substrate in the O-O bond formation. In addition, the PsbY subunit, which was absent in the 1.9 Å structure of native PSII, was found in the Sr-PSII structure.

[Effects of hypoxic acclimatization on myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase and 45Ca2+ uptake in rats].

PubMed

Long, Chao-liang; Zhang, Yan-fang; Yin, Zhao-yun; Wang, Hai

2005-08-01

To study the effect of acute hypoxia and hypoxic acclimatization on myocardial function of rats. Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normoxic control, acute hypoxia and intermittent hypoxic acclimatization group (n=6). After being exposed to hypoxia (8000 m) for 4 h before and after intermittent hypoxic acclimatization (3000 m and 5000 m, 14 d respectively, 4 h/d), the rats were decapitated and then myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were derived from cardiac muscles. Activities of Na+, K(+)-ATPase, Ca2+, Mg2(+)-ATPase in SR, phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB) and the ability of 45Ca2+ uptake in SR were observed in all these three groups. 1) Hypoxia had no effects on the activity of Na+, K(+)-ATPase in rats myocardial SR of rats. 2) Compared with normoxic control rats, the activity of Ca2+, Mg2(+)-ATPase in myocardial SR of rats after acute hypoxia was reduced significantly (P<0.01). After intermittent hypoxic acclimatization, its activity increased significantly as compared with that of acute hypoxic rats (P<0.01). 3) The phosphorylation of PLB in acute hypoxic rats was reduced significantly compared with normoxic control rats. After intermittent hypoxic acclimatization, its phosphorylation was increased significantly compared with that of acute hypoxic rats. It suggests that hypoxic acclimatization could alleviate the inhibition of calcium pump. 4) The ability of 45Ca2+ uptake of SR in acute hypoxic rats was decreased significantly. After hypoxic acclimatization, its ability was strengthened significantly. These results suggest that the increased function of myocardial SR calcium pump, the strengthened phosphorylation of PLB to alleviate the inhibition of calcium pump and the increased function of Ca2+ transport in SR are the mechanisms of hypoxic acclimatization protecting cardiac functions from injury induced by severe hypoxia.

Diet and behavior of the Saint-Césaire Neanderthal inferred from biogeochemical data inversion.

PubMed

Balter, Vincent; Simon, Laurent

2006-10-01

Biogeochemistry is a powerful tool for dietary reconstruction, and mixing equations can be used to quantify the contribution of multiple sources to an individual's diet. The goals of this paper are: 1) to generalize the inverse method to dietary mixtures; and 2) to reconstruct the diet of the Saint-Césaire Neanderthal using Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca data of the mineral fraction of bone (hydroxylapatite), and with published delta13C and delta15N data of the associated organic fraction of bone (collagen). A new method is proposed to calculate the maximum diagenetic contribution of the Sr/Ba ratio, assuming that the soil soluble fraction is the diagenetic end-member and, for a given fraction of diagenesis, allows the restoration of the original Sr/Ba ratio. Considering the Saint-Césaire Châtelperronian mammalian assemblage as the meat source, and on the basis of available Sr, Ba, and Ca contents of plants, the results indicate that the percentage of plants in the Neanderthal's diet must have been close to zero for realistic Sr and Ba impoverishment between diet and hydroxylapatite. Contrary to previous studies, it is shown that fish could constitute a significant proportion (30%) of the diet of the Saint-Césaire Neanderthal. However, this mass balance solution is not supported by the zooarchaeological data. When the entire faunal assemblage is considered as the dietary source, the calculation shows that bovids (except reindeer) represent the greatest percentage of consumed meat (58%), followed by horses/rhinoceros (22%), reindeer (13%), and mammoths (7%). These respective percentages are in close accordance with zooarchaeological records, suggesting that the faunal assemblage associated with the Neanderthal of Saint-Césaire reliably reflects what he ate during the last few years of his life. In behavioral terms, this result supports the hypothesis that this Neanderthal carried the foodstuffs back to the Saint-Césaire shelter before their consumption.

Interactions between calcium and phosphorus in the regulation of the production of fibroblast growth factor 23 in vivo

PubMed Central

Quinn, Stephen J.; Thomsen, Alex R. B.; Pang, Jian L.; Kantham, Lakshmi; Bräuner-Osborne, Hans; Pollak, Martin; Goltzman, David

2013-01-01

Calcium and phosphorus homeostasis are highly interrelated and share common regulatory hormones, including FGF23. However, little is known about calcium's role in the regulation of FGF23. We sought to investigate the regulatory roles of calcium and phosphorus in FGF23 production using genetic mouse models with targeted inactivation of PTH (PTH KO) or both PTH and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR; PTH-CaSR DKO). In wild-type, PTH KO, and PTH-CaSR DKO mice, elevation of either serum calcium or phosphorus by intraperitoneal injection increased serum FGF23 levels. In PTH KO and PTH-CaSR DKO mice, however, increases in serum phosphorus by dietary manipulation were accompanied by severe hypocalcemia, which appeared to blunt stimulation of FGF23 release. Increases in dietary phosphorus in PTH-CaSR DKO mice markedly decreased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] despite no change in FGF23, suggesting direct regulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis by serum phosphorus. Calcium-mediated increases in serum FGF23 required a threshold level of serum phosphorus of about 5 mg/dl. Analogously, phosphorus-elicited increases in FGF23 were markedly blunted if serum calcium was less than 8 mg/dl. The best correlation between calcium and phosphorus and serum FGF23 was found between FGF23 and the calcium × phosphorus product. Since calcium stimulated FGF23 production in the PTH-CaSR DKO mice, this effect cannot be mediated by the full-length CaSR. Thus the regulation of FGF23 by both calcium and phosphorus appears to be fundamentally important in coordinating the serum levels of both mineral ions and ensuring that the calcium × phosphorus product remains within a physiological range. PMID:23233539

Calcimimetic R568 inhibits tetrodotoxin-sensitive colonic electrolyte secretion and reduces c-fos expression in myenteric neurons.

PubMed

Sun, Xiangrong; Tang, Lieqi; Winesett, Steven; Chang, Wenhan; Cheng, Sam Xianjun

2018-02-01

Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed on neurons of both submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the CaSR agonist R568 inhibited Cl - secretion in intestine. The purpose of this study was to localize the primary site of action of R568 in the ENS and to explore how CaSR regulates secretion through the ENS. Two preparations of rat proximal and distal colon were used. The full-thickness preparation contained both the submucosal and myenteric plexuses, whereas for the "stripped" preparation the myenteric plexus with the muscle layers was removed. Both preparations were mounted onto Ussing chambers and Cl - secretory responses were compared by measuring changes in short circuit current (I sc ). Two tissue-specific CaSR knockouts (i.e., neuron-specific vs. enterocyte-specific) were generated to compare the effect of R568 on expression of c-fos protein in myenteric neurons by immunocytochemistry. In full-thickness colons, tetrodotoxin (TTX) inhibited I sc , both in proximal and distal colons. A nearly identical inhibition was produced by R568. However, in stripped preparations, while the effect of TTX on I sc largely remained, the effect of R568 was nearly completely eliminated. In keeping with this, R568 reduced c-fos protein expression only in myenteric neurons of wild type mice and mutant mice that contained CaSR in neurons (i.e., villin Cre/Casr flox/flox mice), but not in myenteric neurons of nestin Cre/Casr flox/flox mice in which neuronal cell CaSR was eliminated. These results indicate that R568 exerts its anti-secretory effects predominantly via CaSR-mediated inhibition of neuronal activity in the myenteric plexus. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS): Optimal cut points for remission and response in a German sample.

PubMed

von Glischinski, M; Willutzki, U; Stangier, U; Hiller, W; Hoyer, J; Leibing, E; Leichsenring, F; Hirschfeld, G

2018-02-11

The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) is the most frequently used instrument to assess social anxiety disorder (SAD) in clinical research and practice. Both a self-reported (LSAS-SR) and a clinician-administered (LSAS-CA) version are available. The aim of the present study was to define optimal cut-off (OC) scores for remission and response to treatment for the LSAS in a German sample. Data of N = 311 patients with SAD were used who had completed psychotherapeutic treatment within a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Diagnosis of SAD and reduction in symptom severity according to the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, served as gold standard. OCs yielding the best balance between sensitivity and specificity were determined using receiver operating characteristics. The variability of the resulting OCs was estimated by nonparametric bootstrapping. Using diagnosis of SAD (present vs. absent) as a criterion, results for remission indicated cut-off values of 35 for the LSAS-SR and 30 for the LSAS-CA, with acceptable sensitivity (LSAS-SR: .83, LSAS-CA: .88) and specificity (LSAS-SR: .82, LSAS-CA: .87). For detection of response to treatment, assessed by a 1-point reduction in the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, rating, a reduction of 28% for the LSAS-SR and 29% for the LSAS-CA yielded the best balance between sensitivity (LSAS-SR: .75, LSAS-CA: .83) and specificity (LSAS-SR: .76, LSAS-CA: .80). To our knowledge, we are the first to define cut points for the LSAS in a German sample. Overall, the cut points for remission and response corroborate previously reported cut points, now building on a broader data basis. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Magnetic properties of (SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}){sub x}(CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}){sub 1–x} composites

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

Eremina, R. M., E-mail: REremina@yandex.ru; Sharipov, K. R.; Yatsyk, I. V.

2016-07-15

New composite materials (SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}){sub x}(CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}){sub 1–x} (x = 0, 0.05, 1) have been synthesized. Their magnetic properties are studied in the temperature range 5–300 K using the magnetic resonance and magnetometry methods. It is found that strontium hexaferrite microinclusions in the (SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}){sub 0.05}(CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}){sub 0.95} composite “magnetize” CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} at temperatures from 300 to 200 K, forming a ferrimagnetic particle near the SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} “core.” The magnetic resonance line below 200 K splits into two lines corresponding to SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} and CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}. The coremore » effect decoration is manifested in the increase in the Curie–Weiss temperature from 25 K in CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} without the doping ceramics to 80 K in the composite with 5% of SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}.« less

Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry and depolarization explain the anomalous behaviour of myometrial SR: effects of SERCA inhibition on electrical activity, Ca²⁺ and force.

PubMed

Noble, Debbie; Borysova, Lyudmyla; Wray, Susan; Burdyga, Theodor

2014-09-01

In the myometrium SR Ca(2+) depletion promotes an increase in force but unlike several other smooth muscles, there is no Ca(2+) sparks-STOCs coupling mechanism to explain this. Given the importance of the control of contractility for successful parturition, we have examined, in pregnant rat myometrium, the effects of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) inhibition on the temporal relationship between action potentials, Ca(2+) transients and force. Simultaneous recording of electrical activity, calcium and force showed that SERCA inhibition, by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA 20 μM), caused time-dependent changes in excitability, most noticeably depolarization and elevations of baseline [Ca(2+)]i and force. At the onset of these changes there was a prolongation of the bursts of action potentials and a corresponding series of Ca(2+) spikes, which increased the amplitude and duration of contractions. As the rise of baseline Ca(2+) and depolarization continued a point was reached when electrical and Ca(2+) spikes and phasic contractions ceased, and a maintained, tonic force and Ca(2+) was produced. Lanthanum, a non-selective blocker of store-operated Ca(2+) entry, but not the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine (1-10 μM), could abolish the maintained force and calcium. Application of the agonist, carbachol, produced similar effects to CPA, i.e. depolarization, elevation of force and calcium. A brief, high concentration of carbachol, to cause SR Ca(2+) depletion without eliciting receptor-operated channel opening, also produced these results. The data obtained suggest that in pregnant rats SR Ca(2+) release is coupled to marked Ca(2+) entry, via store operated Ca(2+) channels, leading to depolarization and enhanced electrical and mechanical activity. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Calsequestrin mutation and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: a simulation study of cellular mechanism.

PubMed

Faber, Gregory M; Rudy, Yoram

2007-07-01

Patients with a missense mutation of the calsequestrin 2 gene (CASQ2) are at risk for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. This mutation (CASQ2(D307H)) results in decreased ability of CASQ2 to bind Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In this theoretical study, we investigate a potential mechanism by which CASQ2(D307H) manifests its pro-arrhythmic consequences in patients. Using simulations in a model of the guinea pig ventricular myocyte, we investigate the mutation's effect on SR Ca2+ storage, the Ca2+ transient (CaT), and its indirect effect on ionic currents and membrane potential. We model the effects of isoproterenol (ISO) on Ca(V)1.2 (the L-type Ca2+ current, I(Ca(L))) and other targets of beta-adrenergic stimulation. ISO increases I(Ca(L)), prolonging action potential (AP) duration (Control: 172 ms, +ISO: 207 ms, at cycle length of 1500 ms) and increasing CaT (Control: 0.79 microM, +ISO: 1.61 microM). ISO increases I(Ca(L)) by reducing the fraction of channels which undergo voltage-dependent inactivation and increasing transitions from a non-conducting to conducting mode of channel gating. CASQ2(D307H) reduces SR storage capacity, thereby reducing the magnitude of CaT (Control: 0.79 microM, CASQ2(D307H): 0.52 microM, at cycle length of 1500 ms). The combined effect of CASQ2(D307H) and ISO elevates SR free Ca2+ at a rapid rate, leading to store-overload-induced Ca2+ release and delayed afterdepolarization (DAD). If resting membrane potential is sufficiently elevated, the Na+-Ca2+ exchange-driven DAD can trigger I(Na) and I(Ca(L)) activation, generating a triggered arrhythmogenic AP. The CASQ2(D307H) mutation manifests its pro-arrhythmic consequences due to store-overload-induced Ca2+ release and DAD formation due to excess free SR Ca2+ following rapid pacing and beta-adrenergic stimulation.

Characterization of the slow calcium channel binding sites for ( sup 3 H)SR 33557 in rat heart sarcolemmal membranes

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

Chatelain, P.; Beaufort, P.; Meysmans, L.

1991-01-01

SR 33557 represents a new class of compounds (indolizine sulfone) that inhibit L-type Ca2+ channels. ({sup 3}H)SR 33557 has been shown to bind with high affinity (Kd congruent to 0.36 nM, calculated from saturation isotherms and association/dissociation kinetics) to a single class of sites in a purified preparation of rat cardiac sarcolemmal membranes. The binding was found to be saturable and reversible. The maximal binding capacity was in approximately 1:1 stoichiometry with that of other Ca2+ channel antagonists. Various divalent cations (Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, and Cd2+) were shown to inhibit specific ({sup 3}H)SR 33557 binding, with Cd2+ being themore » most potent. Among several receptor or channel ligands (including omega-conotoxin and Na+ and K+ channel modulators), only the L-type Ca2+ channel antagonists were found to displace ({sup 3}H)SR 33557. However, dihydropyridines, phenylalkylamines, benzothiazepines, and diphenylbutylpiperidines were found to inhibit ({sup 3}H)SR 33557 in a noncompetitive manner as demonstrated by displacement and saturation experiments in addition to dissociation kinetics. From these results, we suggest that SR 33557 binds with high affinity to a unique site on the L-type Ca2+ channel found in rat cardiac sarcolemmal membranes.« less

Effects of feed supplementation on mineral composition, mechanical properties and structure in femurs of Iberian red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus hispanicus).

PubMed

Olguin, Cesar A; Landete-Castillejos, Tomas; Ceacero, Francisco; García, Andrés J; Gallego, Laureano

2013-01-01

Few studies in wild animals have assessed changes in mineral profile in long bones and their implications for mechanical properties. We examined the effect of two diets differing in mineral content on the composition and mechanical properties of femora from two groups each with 13 free-ranging red deer hinds. Contents of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, B and Sr, Young's modulus of elasticity (E), bending strength and work of fracture were assessed in the proximal part of the diaphysis (PD) and the mid-diaphysis (MD). Whole body measures were also recorded on the hinds. Compared to animals on control diets, those on supplemented diets increased live weight by 6.5 kg and their kidney fat index (KFI), but not carcass weight, body or organ size, femur size or cortical thickness. Supplemental feeding increased Mn content of bone by 23%, Cu by 9% and Zn by 6%. These differences showed a mean fourfold greater content of these minerals in supplemental diet, whereas femora did not reflect a 5.4 times greater content of major minerals (Na and P) in the diet. Lower content of B and Sr in supplemented diet also reduced femur B by 14% and Sr by 5%. There was a subtle effect of diet only on E and none on other mechanical properties. Thus, greater availability of microminerals but not major minerals in the diet is reflected in bone composition even before marked body effects, bone macro-structure or its mechanical properties are affected.

Effects of Feed Supplementation on Mineral Composition, Mechanical Properties and Structure in Femurs of Iberian Red Deer Hinds (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)

PubMed Central

Olguin, Cesar A.; Landete-Castillejos, Tomas; Ceacero, Francisco; García, Andrés J.; Gallego, Laureano

2013-01-01

Few studies in wild animals have assessed changes in mineral profile in long bones and their implications for mechanical properties. We examined the effect of two diets differing in mineral content on the composition and mechanical properties of femora from two groups each with 13 free-ranging red deer hinds. Contents of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, B and Sr, Young’s modulus of elasticity (E), bending strength and work of fracture were assessed in the proximal part of the diaphysis (PD) and the mid-diaphysis (MD). Whole body measures were also recorded on the hinds. Compared to animals on control diets, those on supplemented diets increased live weight by 6.5 kg and their kidney fat index (KFI), but not carcass weight, body or organ size, femur size or cortical thickness. Supplemental feeding increased Mn content of bone by 23%, Cu by 9% and Zn by 6%. These differences showed a mean fourfold greater content of these minerals in supplemental diet, whereas femora did not reflect a 5.4 times greater content of major minerals (Na and P) in the diet. Lower content of B and Sr in supplemented diet also reduced femur B by 14% and Sr by 5%. There was a subtle effect of diet only on E and none on other mechanical properties. Thus, greater availability of microminerals but not major minerals in the diet is reflected in bone composition even before marked body effects, bone macro-structure or its mechanical properties are affected. PMID:23750262

Relationships between water, otolith, and scale chemistries of westslope cutthroat trout from the Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho: the potential application of hard-part chemistry to describe movements in freshwater

Treesearch

Brian K. Wells; Bruce E. Rieman; James L. Clayton; Donna L. Horan; Cynthia M. Jones

2003-01-01

We quantified Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca molar ratios from an area representing the summer 2000 growth season on otoliths and scales from 1-year-old westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhyncus clarki lewisi collected from three streams in the Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho, system. We also quantified Mg:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca molar ratios in the water...

Calcium-sensing receptor antagonists abrogate airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in allergic asthma

PubMed Central

Yarova, Polina L.; Stewart, Alecia L.; Sathish, Venkatachalem; Britt, Rodney D; Thompson, Michael A.; Lowe, Alexander P. P.; Freeman, Michelle; Aravamudan, Bharathi; Kita, Hirohito; Brennan, Sarah C.; Schepelmann, Martin; Davies, Thomas; Yung, Sun; Cholisoh, Zakky; Kidd, Emma J.; Ford, William R.; Broadley, Kenneth J.; Rietdorf, Katja; Chang, Wenhan; Khayat, Mohd E. Bin; Ward, Donald T.; Corrigan, Christopher J.; Ward, Jeremy P. T.; Kemp, Paul J.; Pabelick, Christina M.; Prakash, Y. S.; Riccardi, Daniela

2016-01-01

Airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation are fundamental hallmarks of allergic asthma that are accompanied by increases in certain polycations, such as eosinophil cationic protein. Levels of these cations in body fluids correlate with asthma severity. We show that polycations and elevated extracellular calcium activate the human recombinant and native calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), leading to intracellular calcium mobilization, cyclic adenosine monophosphate breakdown, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. These effects can be prevented by CaSR antagonists, termed calcilytics. Moreover, asthmatic patients and allergen-sensitized mice expressed more CaSR in ASMs than did their healthy counterparts. Indeed, polycations induced hyper-reactivity in mouse bronchi, and this effect was prevented by calcilytics and absent in mice with CaSR ablation from ASM. Calcilytics also reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in allergen-sensitized mice in vivo. These data show that a functional CaSR is up-regulated in asthmatic ASM and targeted by locally produced polycations to induce hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Thus, calcilytics may represent effective asthma therapeutics. PMID:25904744

The effect of oxidant on resputtering of Bi from Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grace, J. M.; McDonald, D. B.; Reiten, M. T.; Olson, J.; Kampwirth, R. T.; Gray, K. E.

1991-09-01

The type and partial pressure of oxidant mixed with argon can affect the selective resputtering of Bi in composite-target, magnetron-sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films. Comparative studies using oxygen and ozone show that ozone is a more potent oxidant, as well as a more potent source of resputterers, than is oxygen. Severe resputtering from ozone is significantly reduced by a -40 V potential on the sample block. We suggest that oxygen causes resputtering by forming O2(+)p , which interacts with the target to produce energetic O(-). In contrast, ozone may form lower-energy O(-) by electron impact in the dark space. Negative oxygen ions from the target itself may be responsible for a background resputtering effect. Our results and those found for Y-Ba-Cu-O by others are comparable. Bi in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O behaves as Ba in Y-Ba-Cu-O, with regard to selective resputtering; furthermore, the response of Sr, Ca, and Cu to oxygen in sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O is similar to what is observed for Cu in Y-Ba-Cu-O.

Calcium biogeochemical cycle at the beech tree-soil solution interface from the Strengbach CZO (NE France): insights from stable Ca and radiogenic Sr isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Anne-Désirée; Gangloff, Sophie; Labolle, François; Chabaux, François; Stille, Peter

2017-09-01

Calcium (Ca) is the fourth most abundant element in mineral nutrition and plays key physiological and structural roles in plant metabolism. At the soil-water-plant scale, stable Ca isotopes are a powerful tool for the identification of plant-mineral interactions and recycling via vegetation. Radiogenic Sr isotopes are often used as tracers of Ca sources and mixtures of different reservoirs. In this study, stable Ca and radiogenic Sr are combined and analysed in several organs from two beech trees that were collected in June and September in the Strengbach critical zone observatory (CZO) (NE France) and in corresponding soil solutions. At the beech-tree scale, this study confirms the field Ca adsorption (i.e., physico-chemical mechanism and not vital effects) on carboxyl acid groups of pectin in the apoplasm of small roots. The analysis of the xylem sap and corresponding organs shows that although the Strengbach CZO is nutrient-poor, Ca seems to be non-limiting for tree-growth. Different viscosities of xylem sap between the stemwood and branches or leaves can explain δ44/40Ca values in different tree-organs. The bark and phloem 40Ca-enrichments could be due to Ca-oxalate precipitation in the bark tissues and in the phloem. The results from this study regarding the combination of these two isotopic systems show that the isotopic signatures of the roots are dominated by Ca fractionation mechanisms and Sr, and thus Ca, source variations. In contrast, translocation mechanisms are only governed by Ca fractionation processes. This study showed that at the root-soil solution interface, litter degradation was not the main source of Ca and Sr and that the soil solutions are not the complement of uptake by roots for samples from the 2011/2013 period. The opposite is observed for older samples. These observations indicate the decreasing contribution of low radiogenic Sr fluxes, such as recycling, alimenting the soil solutions. Such reduced importance of nutrient uptake and biomass production by the trees could be because the Strengbach trees are ageing and probably weakened by repeated storm events and drought episodes.

Effects of urbanization on groundwater evolution in an urbanizing watershed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes, D.; Banner, J. L.; Bendik, N.

2011-12-01

The Jollyville Plateau Salamander (Eurycea tonkawae), a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act, is endemic to springs and caves within the Bull Creek Watershed of Austin, Texas. Rapid urbanization endangers known populations of this salamander. Conservation strategies lack information on the extent of groundwater contamination from anthropogenic sources in this karst watershed. Spring water was analyzed for strontium (Sr) isotopes and major ions from sites classified as "urban" or "rural" based on impervious cover estimates. Previous studies have shown that the 87Sr/86Sr value of municipal water is significantly higher than values for natural streamwater, which are similar to those for the Cretaceous limestone bedrock of the region's watersheds. We investigate the application of this relationship to understanding the effects of urbanization on groundwater quality. The use of Sr isotopes as hydrochemical tracers is complemented by major ion concentrations, specifically the dominant ions in natural groundwater (Ca and HCO3) and the ions associated with the addition of wastewater (Na and Cl). To identify high priority salamander-inhabited springs for water quality remediation, we explore the processes controlling the chemical evolution of groundwater such as municipal water inputs, groundwater-soil interactions, and solution/dissolution reactions. 87Sr/86Sr values for water samples from within the watershed range from 0.70760 to 0.70875, the highest values corresponding to sites located in the urbanized areas of the watershed. Analyses of the covariation of Sr isotopes with major ion concentrations help elucidate controls on spring water evolution. Springs located in rural portions of the watershed have low 87Sr/86Sr, high concentrations of Ca and HCO3, and low concentrations of Na and Cl. This is consistent with small inputs of municipal water. Three springs located in urban portions of the watershed have high 87Sr/86Sr, low Ca and HCO3, and high Na and Cl. This is consistent with large inputs of municipal water. The other five springs located in urban portions have low 87Sr/86Sr, low concentrations of Ca and HCO3, and high concentrations of Na and Cl. This is reflects a process other than an input of municipal water. Groundwater interaction with soils generally results in higher Na concentrations relative to Ca. 87Sr/86Sr values in this scenario may increase or decrease, depending on the Sr isotope variability of the local soils. Alternatively, precipitation of calcite from groundwater would decrease the concentration of Ca without necessarily decreasing 87Sr/86Sr values. The results suggest more anthropogenic water in urban springs than rural springs. These data serve to identify sources of spring recharge, including better constraints on the location(s) of urban leakage.

Climatic Constraints on Growth Rate and Geochemistry (Sr/Ca and U/Ca) of the Coral Siderastrea stellata in the Southwest Equatorial Atlantic (Rocas Atoll, Brazil)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evangelista, H.; Sifeddine, A.; Corrège, T.; Servain, J.; Dassié, E. P.; Logato, R.; Cordeiro, R. C.; Shen, C.-C.; Le Cornec, F.; Nogueira, J.; Segal, B.; Castagna, A.; Turcq, B.

2018-03-01

Although relatively rare compared to similar latitudes in the Pacific or Indian Oceans, massive coral colonies are present in the Tropical/Equatorial Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. However, detailed geochemical compositions of these corals are still largely unknown. In this work, we present growth rates, Sr/Ca, and U/Ca ratios of the coral colony (Siderastrea stellata) sampled at Rocas Atoll, off the Brazilian coast. These variables are primarily affected by sea surface temperature (SST) at seasonal scale, and by wind stress at interannual scale, these results represent a broad new finding. A lower significance at the interannual time scale between Sr/Ca and U/Ca with respect to SST is attributed to the low SST amplitude closed to Equator. An investigation on the dependence of coral growth rates with respect to the "cloud shading effect" promoted by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) does not show significant influence. Additionally, rain seems to act on local geochemistry of Sr/Ca ratios and growth rate at the decadal scale.

Bone integration capability of a series of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite coatings formed by micro-arc oxidation.

PubMed

Yan, Jun; Sun, Ji-Feng; Chu, Paul K; Han, Yong; Zhang, Yu-Mei

2013-09-01

Strontium-containing hydroxyapatites (Sr-HA) combine the desirable bone regenerative properties of hydroxyapatites (HA) with anabolic and anti-catabolic effects of strontium cations. In the present work, a series of Sr(y)HA [Sr(y)Ca(10-y)(PO4)6(OH)2; y = 0, 0.5, 1, 2] coatings on titanium are produced by micro-arc oxidation (MAO), and the effects of the in vivo osseointegration ability of the coatings are investigated by using a rabbit model. All samples are subjected to biomechanical, surface elemental, micro-CT and histological analysis after 4 and 12 weeks of healing. The obtained results show that the MAO-formed coatings exhibit a microporous network structure composed of Sr(y)HA/Sr(y)HA-Sr(x)Ca(1-x)TiO3/Sr(x)Ca(1-x)TiO3-TiO2 multilayers, in which the outer Sr(y)HA and intermediate Sr(y)HA-Sr(x)Ca(1-x)TiO3 layers have a nanocrystalline structure. All Sr-HA coated implants induce marked improvements in the behavior of bone formation, quantity and quality of bone tissue around the implants than the control HA implant and in particular, the 20%Sr-HA coating promotes early bone formation as identified by polyfluorochrome sequential labeling. The bone-to-implant contact is increased by 46% (p < 0.05) and the pull-out strength is increased by 103% over the HA group (p < 0.01). Extensive areas of mineralized tissue densely deposit on the 20%Sr-HA coating after biomechanical testing, and the greatest improvement of bone microarchitecture are observed around the 20%Sr-HA implant. The identified biological parameters successfully demonstrate the osteoconductivity of 20%Sr-HA surfaces, which results not only in an acceleration but also an improvement of bone-implant integration. The study demonstrates the immense potential of 20%Sr-HA coatings in dental and orthopedic applications. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Metal-to-metal charge transfer between dopant and host ions: Photoconductivity of Yb-doped CaF{sub 2} and SrF{sub 2} crystals

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

Barandiarán, Zoila, E-mail: zoila.barandiaran@uam.es; Seijo, Luis; Instituto Universitario de Ciencia de Materiales Nicolás Cabrera and Condensed Matter Physics Center

2015-10-14

Dopant-to-host electron transfer is calculated using ab initio wavefunction-based embedded cluster methods for Yb/Ca pairs in CaF{sub 2} and Yb/Sr pairs in SrF{sub 2} crystals to investigate the mechanism of photoconductivity. The results show that, in these crystals, dopant-to-host electron transfer is a two-photon process mediated by the 4f{sup N−1}5d excited states of Y b{sup 2+}: these are reached by the first photon excitation; then, they absorb the second photon, which provokes the Y b{sup 2+} + Ca{sup 2+} (Sr{sup 2+}) → Y b{sup 3+} + Ca{sup +} (Sr{sup +}) electron phototransfer. This mechanism applies to all the observed Ymore » b{sup 2+} 4f–5d absorption bands with the exception of the first one: Electron transfer cannot occur at the first band wavelengths in CaF{sub 2}:Y b{sup 2+} because the Y b{sup 3+}–Ca{sup +} states are not reached by the two-photon absorption. In contrast, Yb-to-host electron transfer is possible in SrF{sub 2}:Y b{sup 2+} at the wavelengths of the first 4f–5d absorption band, but the mechanism is different from that described above: first, the two-photon excitation process occurs within the Y b{sup 2+} active center, then, non-radiative Yb-to-Sr electron transfer can occur. All of these features allow to interpret consistently available photoconductivity experiments in these materials, including the modulation of the photoconductivity by the absorption spectrum, the differences in photoconductivity thresholds observed in both hosts, and the peculiar photosensitivity observed in the SrF{sub 2} host, associated with the lowest 4f–5d band.« less

Luminescence properties of Eu2+ in M2MgSi2O7 (M=Ca, Sr, and Ba) phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, T.; Kim, Y.; Kang, S.

2012-03-01

The photoluminescence properties of alkali-earth magnesium silicates (M2MgSi2O7, M=Ca, Sr, and Ba) doped with Eu2+ were investigated. Solid solutions of Ba x Sr2- x Si2O7, Ca2MgSi2O7, and Sr2MgSi2O7 were prepared. Ba x Sr2- x Si2O7 retained a tetragonal crystal structure similar to the structure of the other compounds up to a stoichiometry of x=1.6, which enabled a systematic study of the common structure. Monoclinic Ba2MgSi2O7 was prepared, and the luminescence properties were compared with those of other samples. The emission and excitation spectra of tetragonal M2MgSi2O7 (M=Ca, Sr, and Ba) changed as a function of the covalency, site symmetry, and crystal field strength. The luminescence properties showed excellent agreement with theoretical predictions based on these factors. The Stokes shift differentiated the emission behaviors of the tetragonal and monoclinic structures.

Fabrication and Enhancement of Critical Currents of Silver Sheathed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Qingyu

X-ray diffraction was used to characterise the phase composition and to investigate the formation mechanism of the (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca_2Cu _3O_{10} phase from the precursor with (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2CaCu _2O_8 as the main phase. The reaction is found to be a two-dimensional nucleation (random)-growth type, (-(ln(1-F)) ^{1/2} = kt, where F is the conversional fraction of (Bi,Pb) _2Sr_2CaCu_2O_8 phase and t is the sintering time. The two dimensional behaviour of the critical current in (Bi,Pb)_2Sr2Ca_2Cu _3O_{10}/Ag tapes was observed and analysed by introducing an effective grain misalignment angle, varphi_{eff}. This angle was found to be identical to the average crystallographic grain misalignment angle in the superconducting core. Furthermore, after fast neutron irradiation, which is isotropical, the J_{c}'s of the tapes were modified by the introduction of artificial defects, but the varphi_{eff}'s remained the same. The transport critical current of (Bi,Pb) _2Sr_2Ca_2Cu_3O_ {10}/Ag tapes was measured in magnetic fields up to 15 T and at temperatures from of 4.2 to 84 K. At high temperatures, the J_ {c} is strongly anisotropic and the anisotropy increases rapidly with magnetic field, whereas at low temperatures the critical current is less anisotropic and the anisotropy is almost field independent above 1 T. The transport J_{c }'s in (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca _2Cu_3O_{10}/Ag tapes at 77 K and higher magnetic fields after neutron irradiation are significantly enhanced. This enhancement is attributed to an improvement in the flux pinning capability of this material by the neutron-induced defects. The angular dependence of J_{c} is still consistent with two-dimensionality, i.e. flux pinning of pancake and/or Josephson vortices is directly confirmed by this transport measurement. Short multifilamentary (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca_2Cu_2O_{10 }/Ag tapes were fabricated. The sintering parameters were optimised to be 832^circ C and 180 h. The multifilamentary tape consists mainly of pure (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca _2Cu_3O_{10} with a (00l) preferred orientation, like the single filamentary tape. The mass densities of the (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca_2Cu_3O_{10 }/Ag wire and tape vary during the mechanical deformation process, as one of the steps of the oxide-powder -in-tube technique used to fabricate the composite superconductor. Results show that the rolling has a more significant effect on densifying the tape core, whereas the drawing process can only densify the core to about 75% of the theoretical density. Since the textured (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca _2Cu_3O_{10} phase forms by epitaxial growth on the textured (Bi,Pb) _2Sr_2CaCu_2O_8 seed crystals, the deformation induced texture is critical. The formation of the amorphous phase is harmful to the texturing of the (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca_2Cu _2O_{10} phase, which finally leads to a degradation of critical currents. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Superresolution Modeling of Calcium Release in the Heart

PubMed Central

Walker, Mark A.; Williams, George S.B.; Kohl, Tobias; Lehnart, Stephan E.; Jafri, M. Saleet; Greenstein, Joseph L.; Lederer, W.J.; Winslow, Raimond L.

2014-01-01

Stable calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) is critical for maintaining normal cellular contraction during cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. The fundamental element of CICR in the heart is the calcium (Ca2+) spark, which arises from a cluster of ryanodine receptors (RyR). Opening of these RyR clusters is triggered to produce a local, regenerative release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The Ca2+ leak out of the SR is an important process for cellular Ca2+ management, and it is critically influenced by spark fidelity, i.e., the probability that a spontaneous RyR opening triggers a Ca2+ spark. Here, we present a detailed, three-dimensional model of a cardiac Ca2+ release unit that incorporates diffusion, intracellular buffering systems, and stochastically gated ion channels. The model exhibits realistic Ca2+ sparks and robust Ca2+ spark termination across a wide range of geometries and conditions. Furthermore, the model captures the details of Ca2+ spark and nonspark-based SR Ca2+ leak, and it produces normal excitation-contraction coupling gain. We show that SR luminal Ca2+-dependent regulation of the RyR is not critical for spark termination, but it can explain the exponential rise in the SR Ca2+ leak-load relationship demonstrated in previous experimental work. Perturbations to subspace dimensions, which have been observed in experimental models of disease, strongly alter Ca2+ spark dynamics. In addition, we find that the structure of RyR clusters also influences Ca2+ release properties due to variations in inter-RyR coupling via local subspace Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]ss). These results are illustrated for RyR clusters based on super-resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy. Finally, we present a believed-novel approach by which the spark fidelity of a RyR cluster can be predicted from structural information of the cluster using the maximum eigenvalue of its adjacency matrix. These results provide critical insights into CICR dynamics in heart, under normal and pathological conditions. PMID:25517166

Stabilization of diastolic calcium signal via calcium pump regulation of complex local calcium releases and transient decay in a computational model of cardiac pacemaker cell with individual release channels

PubMed Central

Maltsev, Alexander V.; Maltsev, Victor A.; Stern, Michael D.

2017-01-01

Intracellular Local Ca releases (LCRs) from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) regulate cardiac pacemaker cell function by activation of electrogenic Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) during diastole. Prior studies demonstrated the existence of powerful compensatory mechanisms of LCR regulation via a complex local cross-talk of Ca pump, release and NCX. One major obstacle to study these mechanisms is that LCR exhibit complex Ca release propagation patterns (including merges and separations) that have not been characterized. Here we developed new terminology, classification, and computer algorithms for automatic detection of numerically simulated LCRs and examined LCR regulation by SR Ca pumping rate (Pup) that provides a major contribution to fight-or-flight response. In our simulations the faster SR Ca pumping accelerates action potential-induced Ca transient decay and quickly clears Ca under the cell membrane in diastole, preventing premature releases. Then the SR generates an earlier, more synchronized, and stronger diastolic LCR signal activating an earlier and larger inward NCX current. LCRs at higher Pup exhibit larger amplitudes and faster propagation with more collisions to each other. The LCRs overlap with Ca transient decay, causing an elevation of the average diastolic [Ca] nadir to ~200 nM (at Pup = 24 mM/s). Background Ca (in locations lacking LCRs) quickly decays to resting Ca levels (<100 nM) at high Pup, but remained elevated during slower decay at low Pup. Release propagation is facilitated at higher Pup by a larger LCR amplitude, whereas at low Pup by higher background Ca. While at low Pup LCRs show smaller amplitudes, their larger durations and sizes combined with longer transient decay stabilize integrals of diastolic Ca and NCX current signals. Thus, the local interplay of SR Ca pump and release channels regulates LCRs and Ca transient decay to insure fail-safe pacemaker cell operation within a wide range of rates. PMID:28792496

Superconducting glass-ceramics in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

De Guire, Mark R.; Kim, Cheol J.; Bausal, Narottam P.

1990-01-01

Differential thermal analysis, XRD, SEM, and resistivity measurements, have been used to study the recrystallization during various heat treatments of a Bi1.5SrCaCu2O(z) glass obtained by rapid quenching from the melt. Heating at 450 C formed the Bi(2+x)Sr(2-x)-CuO(z) solid solution designated 'R'. Between 765 and 845 C, R reacts slowly with the glass to form the 80 K superconductor Bi2(Sr,Ca)3Cu2O(z), together with CuO. Heating for 7 days at the higher temperature, followed by slow cooling, raised the temperature of zero resistance to 77 K.

Determination of Ca content of coral skeleton by analyte additive method using the LIBS technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haider, A. F. M. Y.; Khan, Z. H.

2012-09-01

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopic (LIBS) technique was used to study the elemental profile of coral skeletons. Apart from calcium and carbon, which are the main elemental constituents of coral skeleton, elements like Sr, Na, Mg, Li, Si, Cu, Ti, K, Mn, Zn, Ba, Mo, Br and Fe were detected in the coral skeletons from the Inani Beach and the Saint Martin's island of Bangladesh and the coral from the Philippines. In addition to the qualitative analysis, the quantitative analysis of the main elemental constituent, calcium (Ca), was done. The result shows the presence of (36.15±1.43)% by weight of Ca in the coral skeleton collected from the Inani Beach, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. It was determined by using six calibration curves, drawn for six emission lines of Ca I (428.301 nm, 428.936 nm, 431.865 nm, 443.544 nm, 443.569 nm, and 445.589 nm), by standard analyte additive method. Also from AAS measurement the percentage content of Ca in the same sample of coral skeleton obtained was 39.87% by weight which compares fairly well with the result obtained by the analyte additive method.

Mesozoic high-Mg andesites from the Daohugou area, Inner Mongolia: Upper-crustal fractional crystallization of parental melt derived from metasomatized lithospheric mantle wedge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Fanxue; Gao, Shan; Song, Zhaojun; Niu, Yaoling; Li, Xuping

2018-03-01

Mineral chemistry, major- and trace-element data, zircon U-Pb ages, and Sr-Nd isotopic data are presented for a suite of volcanic rocks from the Daohugou area, Ningcheng City, Inner Mongolia, on the northern margin of the North China Craton. Samples from the suite are of basaltic andesite to rhyolite in composition, with the rocks containing <60 wt% SiO2 have high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, and classify as high-Mg andesites (HMAs). Zircons from a rhyolite yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 164 ± 1 Ma, indicating that the Daohugou volcanic suite is coeval with the Tiaojishan Formation of northern Hebei and western Liaoning Province. The HMAs have similar enriched-mantle I (EMI)-type isotopic compositions to each other, with low εNd (t) values, moderate (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios, enrichment in LREEs relative to LILEs, and depletion in HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti), indicating formation through protracted fractional crystallization of a common parental magma. The unusually low CaO contents and CaO/FeO ratios of olivine phenocrysts in the HMAs suggest that the parental melt was subduction-related. The results of Rhyolite-MELTS modelling indicates that HMAs may form through upper-crustal fractional crystallization from arc basalts. Therefore, the Daohugou HMAs were most likely formed through fractional crystallization of a parental melt derived from metasomatized lithospheric mantle at crustal depths. The addition of "water" to the cratonic keel may have played a key role in the destruction of the North China Craton.

Chemical weathering outputs from the flood plain of the Ganga

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bickle, Michael J.; Chapman, Hazel J.; Tipper, Edward; Galy, Albert; De La Rocha, Christina L.; Ahmad, Talat

2018-03-01

Transport of sediment across riverine flood plains contributes a significant but poorly constrained fraction of the total chemical weathering fluxes from rapidly eroding mountain belts which has important implications for chemical fluxes to the oceans and the impact of orogens on long term climate. We report water and bedload chemical analyses from the Ganges flood-plain, a major transit reservoir of sediment from the Himalayan orogen. Our data comprise six major southern tributaries to the Ganga, 31 additional analyses of major rivers from the Himalayan front in Nepal, 79 samples of the Ganga collected close to the mouth below the Farakka barrage every two weeks over three years and 67 water and 8 bedload samples from tributaries confined to the Ganga flood plain. The flood plain tributaries are characterised by a shallow δ18O - δD array, compared to the meteoric water line, with a low δDexcess from evaporative loss from the flood plain which is mirrored in the higher δDexcess of the mountain rivers in Nepal. The stable-isotope data confirms that the waters in the flood plain tributaries are dominantly derived from flood plain rainfall and not by redistribution of waters from the mountains. The flood plain tributaries are chemically distinct from the major Himalayan rivers. They can be divided into two groups. Tributaries from a small area around the Kosi river have 87Sr/86Sr ratios >0.75 and molar Na/Ca ratios as high as 6. Tributaries from the rest of the flood plain have 87Sr/86Sr ratios ≤0.74 and most have Na/Ca ratios <1. One sample of the Gomti river and seven small adjacent tributaries have elevated Na concentrations likely caused by dissolution of Na carbonate salts. The compositions of the carbonate and silicate components of the sediments were determined from sequential leaches of floodplain bedloads and these were used to partition the dissolved cation load between silicate and carbonate sources. The 87Sr/86Sr and Sr/Ca ratios of the carbonate inputs were derived from the acetic-acid leach compositions and silicate Na/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr ratios derived from silicate residues from leaching. Modelling based on the 87Sr/86Sr and Sr/Ca ratios of the carbonate inputs and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the silicates indicates that the flood plain waters have lost up to 70% of their Ca (average ∼ 50%) to precipitation of secondary calcite which is abundant as a diagenetic cement in the flood plain sediments. 31% of the Sr, 8% of the Ca and 45% of the Mg are calculated to be derived from silicate minerals. Because of significant evaporative loss of water across the flood plain, and in the absence of hydrological data for flood plain tributaries, chemical weathering fluxes from the flood plain are best calculated by mass balance of the Na, K, Ca, Mg, Sr, SO4 and 87Sr/86Sr compositions of the inputs, comprising the flood plain tributaries, Himalayan rivers and southern rivers, with the chemical discharge in the Ganga at Farakka. The calculated fluxes from the flood plain for Na, K, Ca and Mg are within error of those estimated from changes in sediment chemistry across the flood plain (Lupker et al., 2012, Geochemica Cosmochimica Acta). Flood plain weathering supplies between 41 and 63% of the major cation and Sr fluxes and 58% of the alkalinity flux carried by the Ganga at Farakka which compares with 24% supplied by Himalayan rivers and 18% by the southern tributaries.

Trace metal (Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca) analyses of single coccoliths by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prentice, Katy; Jones, Tom Dunkley; Lees, Jackie; Young, Jeremy; Bown, Paul; Langer, Gerald; Fearn, Sarah; EIMF

2014-12-01

Here we present the first multi-species comparison of modern and fossil coccolith trace metal data obtained from single liths. We present both trace metal analyses (Sr, Ca, Mg and Al) and distribution maps of individual Paleogene fossil coccoliths obtained by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). We use this data to determine the effects of variable coccolith preservation and diagenetic calcite overgrowths on the recorded concentrations of strontium and magnesium in coccolith calcite. The analysis of coccoliths from deep-ocean sediments spanning the Eocene/Oligocene transition demonstrates that primary coccolith calcite is resistant to the neomorphism that is common in planktonic foraminifera from similar depositional environments. Instead, where present, diagenetic calcite forms distinct overgrowths over primary coccolith calcite rather than replacing this calcite. Diagenetic overgrowths on coccoliths are easily distinguished in SIMS analyses on the basis of relatively higher Mg and lower Sr concentrations than co-occurring primary coccolith calcite. This interpretation is confirmed by the comparable SIMS analyses of modern cultured coccoliths of Coccolithus braarudii. Further, with diagenetic calcite overgrowth being the principle source of bias in coccolith-based geochemical records, we infer that lithologies with lower carbonate content, deposited below the palaeo-lysocline, are more likely to produce geochemical records dominated by primary coccolith calcite than carbonate-rich sediments where overgrowth is ubiquitous. The preservation of primary coccolith carbonate in low-carbonate lithologies thus provides a reliable geochemical archive where planktonic foraminifera are absent or have undergone neomorphism.

Geochemical Fingerprinting of the World Trade Center Attack in New York Harbor Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brabander, D. J.; Oktay, S.; Smith, J.; Kada, J.; Bullen, T.; Olsen, C.

2002-12-01

By comparing the textural, chemical, and isotopic composition of World Trade Center (WTC) ash samples (collected near Ground Zero one week after the terrorist attack) with sediment samples from cores taken on October 12, 2001 in known deposition areas in New York Harbor (NYH), we characterized a unique suite of geochemical-textural tracers that allow us to both identify and quantify the input of WTC derived material to adjacent areas in the Hudson River estuary. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed two chemically distinct (Si-rich and Ca-rich) rod-like features (40-200 æm in length) in both ash and sediment samples. The Si-rich rods are consistent with a fiberglass parent material while the Ca-rich rods originate from gypsum. An 87Sr/86Sr ratio for the ash material of 0.7088 (n=2) coupled with Ca/Sr (wt. ratio) ranging from 260-300 suggest that the ash material analyzed is approximately 70% gypsum. As a function of depth within the sediment core, correlations exist between the measured activities of 7Be (a naturally occurring short-lived radionuclide), elemental weight-percent ratios of Ca/Sr, and the isotopic ratios of 87Sr/86Sr ratios. . These combined isotopic approaches allow us to constrain the timing (via 7Be), and the composition and amount (via 87Sr/86Sr and Ca/Sr) of WTC material input into the NYH sediments. These down-core isotope-ratio profiles can be described by a mixing line between background NYH 87Sr/86Sr ratios (>0.724) and the WTC derived ash material. The geochemical-textural tracers associated with the WTC terrorist attack may provide a potential tool for assessing the fate and transport of WTC material in the Lower Hudson River and aid in assessing the environmental and human health impacts of the WTC catastrophe.

Uncoupling Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry and Altered Ca2+ Release from Sarcoplasmic Reticulum through Silencing of Junctophilin Genes

PubMed Central

Hirata, Yutaka; Brotto, Marco; Weisleder, Noah; Chu, Yi; Lin, Peihui; Zhao, Xiaoli; Thornton, Angela; Komazaki, Shinji; Takeshima, Hiroshi; Ma, Jianjie; Pan, Zui

2006-01-01

Junctophilin (JP) mediates the close contact between cell surface and intracellular membranes in muscle cells ensuring efficient excitation-contraction coupling. Here we demonstrate that disruption of triad junction structure formed by the transverse tubular (TT) invagination of plasma membrane and terminal cisternae of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) by reduction of JP expression leads to defective Ca2+ homeostasis in muscle cells. Using adenovirus with small hairpin interference RNA (shRNA) against both JP1 and JP2 genes, we could achieve acute suppression of JPs in skeletal muscle fibers. The shRNA-treated muscles exhibit deformed triad junctions and reduced store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which is likely due to uncoupled retrograde signaling from SR to TT. Knockdown of JP also causes a reduction in SR Ca2+ storage and altered caffeine-induced Ca2+ release, suggesting an orthograde regulation of the TT membrane on the SR Ca2+ release machinery. Our data demonstrate that JPs play an important role in controlling overall intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in muscle cells. We speculate that altered expression of JPs may underlie some of the phenotypic changes associated with certain muscle diseases and aging. PMID:16565048

Raman scattering spectra of superconducting Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirillov, D.; Bozovic, I.; Geballe, T. H.; Kapitulnik, A.; Mitzi, D. B.

1988-12-01

Raman spectra of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single crystals with superconducting phase-transition temperature of 90 K have been studied. The spectra contained phonon lines and electronic continuum. Phonon energies and polarization selection rules were measured. A gap in the electronic continuum spectrum was observed in a superconducting state. Noticeable similarity between Raman spectra of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 and YBa2Cu3O7 was found.

A first principles study on newly proposed (Ca/Sr/Ba)Fe2Bi2 compounds with their parent compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundareswari, M.; Jayalakshmi, D. S.; Viswanathan, E.

2016-02-01

The structural, electronic, bonding and magnetic properties of newly proposed iron-based compounds viz., CaFe2Bi2, SrFe2Bi2, BaFe2Bi2 with their Fermi surface topology are reported here for the first time by means of first principles calculation. All these properties of newly proposed compounds are compared and analysed along with their respective parent compounds namely (Ca,Sr,Ba)Fe2As2.

Aluminum/alkaline earth metal composites and method for producing

DOEpatents

Russell, Alan M; Anderson, Iver E; Kim, Hyong J; Freichs, Andrew E

2014-02-11

A composite is provided having an electrically conducting Al matrix and elongated filaments comprising Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba disposed in the matrix and extending along a longitudinal axis of the composite. The filaments initially comprise Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba metal or allow and then may be reacted with the Al matrix to form a strengthening intermetallic compound comprising Al and Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba. The composite is useful as a long-distance, high voltage power transmission conductor.

First-Principles Prediction of Two-Dimensional Electron Gas Driven by Polarization Discontinuity in Nonpolar/Nonpolar AHfO3/SrTiO3 (A=Ca, Sr, and Ba) Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jianli; Nazir, Safdar; Yang, Kesong

By using first-principles electronic structure calculations, we explored the possibility of producing two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in nonpolar/nonpolar AHfO3/SrTiO3 (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba) heterostructures (HS). Two types of interfaces, AO/TiO2 and HfO2/SrO, each with AO and HfO2 surface terminations, are modeled, respectively. The polarization domain and resulting interfacial electronic property are found to be more sensitive to the surface termination of the film rather than the interface model. As film thickness increases, an insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) is found in all the HS with HfO2 surface termination: for AO/TiO2 interfaces, predicted critical film thickness for an IMT is about 7, 6, and 3 unit cells for CaHfO3/SrTiO3, SrHfO3/SrTiO3, and BaHfO3/SrTiO3, respectively; for HfO2/SrO interfaces, the critical film thickness is about 7.5, 5.5, and 4.5 unit cells, respectively. In contrast, for the HS with AO surface termination, only CaHfO3/SrTiO3 exhibits an IMT with a much larger critical film thickness about 11 - 12 unit cells. This work is expected to stimulate further experimental investigation to the interfacial conductivity in the nonpolar/nonpolar AHfO3/SrTiO3 HS. National Science Foundation and Department of Defense National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship.

Twentieth century warming of the tropical Atlantic captured by Sr-U paleothermometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alpert, Alice E.; Cohen, Anne L.; Oppo, Delia W.; DeCarlo, Thomas M.; Gaetani, Glenn A.; Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A.; Winter, Amos; Gonneea, Meagan E.

2017-02-01

Coral skeletons are valuable archives of past ocean conditions. However, interpretation of coral paleotemperature records is confounded by uncertainties associated with single-element ratio thermometers, including Sr/Ca. A new approach, Sr-U, uses U/Ca to constrain the influence of Rayleigh fractionation on Sr/Ca. Here we build on the initial Pacific Porites Sr-U calibration to include multiple Atlantic and Pacific coral genera from multiple coral reef locations spanning a temperature range of 23.15-30.12°C. Accounting for the wintertime growth cessation of one Bermuda coral, we show that Sr-U is strongly correlated with the average water temperature at each location (r2 = 0.91, P < 0.001, n = 19). We applied the multispecies spatial calibration between Sr-U and temperature to reconstruct a 96 year long temperature record at Mona Island, Puerto Rico, using a coral not included in the calibration. Average Sr-U derived temperature for the period 1900-1996 is within 0.12°C of the average instrumental temperature at this site and captures the twentieth century warming trend of 0.06°C per decade. Sr-U also captures the timing of multiyear variability but with higher amplitude than implied by the instrumental data. Mean Sr-U temperatures and patterns of multiyear variability were replicated in a second coral in the same grid box. Conversely, Sr/Ca records from the same two corals were inconsistent with each other and failed to capture absolute sea temperatures, timing of multiyear variability, or the twentieth century warming trend. Our results suggest that coral Sr-U paleothermometry is a promising new tool for reconstruction of past ocean temperatures.

Twentieth century warming of the tropical Atlantic captured by Sr-U paleothermometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alpert, Alice E.; Cohen, Anne L.; Oppo, Delia W.; DeCarlo, Thomas M.; Gaetani, Glenn A.; Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A.; Winter, Amos; Gonneea, Meagan

2017-01-01

Coral skeletons are valuable archives of past ocean conditions. However, interpretation of coral paleotemperature records is confounded by uncertainties associated with single-element ratio thermometers, including Sr/Ca. A new approach, Sr-U, uses U/Ca to constrain the influence of Rayleigh fractionation on Sr/Ca. Here we build on the initial Pacific Porites Sr-U calibration to include multiple Atlantic and Pacific coral genera from multiple coral reef locations spanning a temperature range of 23.15–30.12°C. Accounting for the wintertime growth cessation of one Bermuda coral, we show that Sr-U is strongly correlated with the average water temperature at each location (r2 = 0.91, P < 0.001, n = 19). We applied the multispecies spatial calibration between Sr-U and temperature to reconstruct a 96 year long temperature record at Mona Island, Puerto Rico, using a coral not included in the calibration. Average Sr-U derived temperature for the period 1900–1996 is within 0.12°C of the average instrumental temperature at this site and captures the twentieth century warming trend of 0.06°C per decade. Sr-U also captures the timing of multiyear variability but with higher amplitude than implied by the instrumental data. Mean Sr-U temperatures and patterns of multiyear variability were replicated in a second coral in the same grid box. Conversely, Sr/Ca records from the same two corals were inconsistent with each other and failed to capture absolute sea temperatures, timing of multiyear variability, or the twentieth century warming trend. Our results suggest that coral Sr-U paleothermometry is a promising new tool for reconstruction of past ocean temperatures.

Dissolved Strontium and Barium in Fresh and Saltwater: a 2-year Study in the Calcasieu River to the Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, S.; Xu, Y. J.

2016-02-01

Strontium and barium to calcium ratios are often used as proxies for tracking animal movement across salinity gradients. As sea level rise continues, many estuarine rivers face saltwater intrusion, which may cause changes in mobility and distribution of these metals upstream. Despite intensive research on metal adsorption and desorption in marine systems, knowledge of the spatiotemporal distribution of these elements along estuarine rivers is still limited. In this study, we conducted an intensive monitoring of Sr and Ba dynamics along an 88-km long estuary, the Calcasieu River, which has been strongly affected by saltwater intrusion. Over the period from May 2013 to July 2015, we collected monthly water samples and performed in-situ water quality measurements at six sites from the upstream to the river mouth. Water samples were analyzed for dissolved Sr, Ba, and Ca concentrations. In-situ measurements of salinity, pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and specific conductance were taken. Our preliminary data showed that the Sr and Ca concentrations and the Sr/Ca ratio all increased significantly with decreasing distance to the Gulf of Mexico, while the Ba/Ca ratio decreased with decreasing distance to the Gulf. The spatial variation in Ba concentration was marginal. The Sr and Ca concentrations and ratios were positively related to salinity, while Ba/Ca was negatively related to salinity. All the elemental concentrations and ratios had considerable seasonal and interannual variations. There were significant differences among sampling months for all the elemental concentrations and ratios (p<0.05), and there were significant differences among sampling years for the Sr and Ca concentrations and the Ba/Ca ratio (p<0.05).

Diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of different strategies to triage women with adnexal masses: a prospective study.

PubMed

Piovano, E; Cavallero, C; Fuso, L; Viora, E; Ferrero, A; Gregori, G; Grillo, C; Macchi, C; Mengozzi, G; Mitidieri, M; Pagano, E; Zola, P

2017-09-01

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) and serum biomarkers are used widely in clinical practice to triage women with adnexal masses, but the effectiveness of current biomarkers is weak. The aim of this study was to determine the best method of diagnosing patients with adnexal masses, in terms of diagnostic accuracy and economic costs, among four triage strategies: (1) the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group's simple rules (SR) for interpretation of TVS with subjective assessment (SA) by an experienced ultrasound operator when TVS results are inconclusive (referred to hereafter as SR ± SA), (2) SR ± SA and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), (3) SR ± SA and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and (4) SR ± SA and the risk of malignancy algorithm (ROMA). Our main hypothesis was that the addition of the biomarkers to SR ± SA could improve triaging of these patients in terms of diagnostic accuracy (i.e. malignant vs benign). As secondary analyses, we estimated the cost effectiveness of the four strategies and the diagnostic accuracy of SR ± SA at the study hospitals. Between February 2013 and January 2015, 447 consecutive patients who were scheduled for surgery for an adnexal mass at the S. Anna and Mauriziano Hospitals in Turin were enrolled in this multicenter prospective cohort study. Preoperative TVS was performed and preoperative CA 125 and HE4 levels were measured. Pathology reports were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the four triage strategies and the cost of each strategy was calculated. A total of 391 patients were included in the analysis: 57% (n = 221) were premenopausal and 43% (n = 170) were postmenopausal. The overall prevalence of malignancy was 21%. SR were conclusive in 89% of patients and thus did not require SA; the overall performance of SR ± SA showed a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 92% and positive and negative predictive values and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 74%, 95%, 10.5 and 0.19, respectively. In premenopausal women, mean cost among the four triage strategies varied from €36.41 for SR ± SA to €70.12 for SR ± SA + ROMA. The addition of biomarkers to SR ± SA showed no diagnostic advantage compared with SR ± SA alone and was more costly. Among postmenopausal women, mean cost among the four triage strategies varied from €39.52 for SR ± SA to €73.23 for SR ± SA + ROMA. Among these women, SR ± SA + CA 125 and SR ± SA + ROMA had a higher sensitivity (both 92% (95% CI, 85-99%)) than SR ± SA (81% (95% CI, 71-91%)), but SR ± SA had a higher specificity (84% (95% CI, 77-91%)). SR ± SA + CA 125 and SR ± SA + ROMA improved diagnostic accuracy, each diagnosing a third more malignant adnexal masses. In postmenopausal women, compared with SR ± SA alone, SR ± SA + CA 125 showed a net reclassification improvement (NRI) of 28.8% at an extra cost of €13.00, while the extra cost for SR ± SA + ROMA was €33.71, with a comparable gain, in terms of NRI, as that of SR ± SA + CA 125. In our study sample, SR ± SA seems to be the best strategy to triage women with adnexal masses for surgical management. Among postmenopausal women, SR ± SA + CA 125 increased the NRI at a reasonable extra cost. Our data do not justify the use of HE4 and ROMA in the initial triage of women with adnexal masses. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hair chemical element contents and influence factors of reproductive-age women in the West Ujimqin Banner, Inner Mongolia, China.

PubMed

Zhou, Shanshan; Yuan, Haodong; Ma, Xiaoling; Liu, Ying

2017-01-01

Women have an increased risk for chemical element deficiencies during reproductive age, particularly due to higher chemical element requirements and poor diets. Twenty-one chemical elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) in hair samples, which were collected from 71 non-pregnant and 236 pregnant women living in the West Ujimqin Banner, central Inner Mongolia, China, were measured, and the environment, dietary habits and ethnic group influence factors associated with the biomarker were analyzed. The results indicated that the average values of the chemical element contents from hair were greatly different compared to those from other areas, especially the Al, Cd, Pb, Ca and Sr contents. There was no significant difference among the three ethnicities for any element except Mn and Ti in non-pregnant women. Compared to non-pregnant women, in the first trimester group, the levels of nine chemical elements (Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, Si, Sn and Ti) decreased, while the others increased, and the contents of all of the chemical elements decreased in the second trimester group, while in the third trimester, there was a slight increase. Three chemical elements (Cu, Mn and Zn) displayed a synergistic correlation between each other in the third trimester group, which may protect the placenta from some oxidant damage. The high levels of Cd and Pb in hair likely originate from house renovations and traffic pollution. This study provided basic and useful information on the levels of chemical elements in reproductive-age women, and the results of this study are helpful to control the contents and improve the health of pregnant and non-pregnant women. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of caffeine and adenine nucleotides on Ca2+ release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum in saponin-permeabilized frog skeletal muscle fibres

PubMed Central

Duke, Adrian M; Steele, Derek S

1998-01-01

The effect of caffeine and adenine nucleotides on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release mechanism was investigated in permeabilized frog skeletal muscle fibres. Caffeine was rapidly applied and the resulting release of Ca2+ from the SR detected using fura-2 fluorescence. Decreasing the [ATP] from 5 to 0.1 mm reduced the caffeine-induced Ca2+ transient by 89 ± 1.4 % (mean ± s.e.m., n = 16), while SR Ca2+ uptake was unaffected.The dependence of caffeine-induced Ca2+ release on cytosolic [ATP] was used to study the relative ability of other structurally related compounds to substitute for, or compete with, ATP at the adenine nucleotide binding site. It was found that AMP, ADP and the non-hydrolysable analogue adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) partially substituted for ATP, although none was as potent in facilitating the Ca2+-releasing action of caffeine.Adenosine reversibly inhibited caffeine-induced Ca2+ release, without affecting SR Ca2+ uptake. Five millimolar adenosine markedly reduced the amplitude of the caffeine-induced Ca2+ transient by 64 ± 4 % (mean ± s.e.m., n = 11). The degree of inhibition was dependent upon the cytosolic [ATP], suggesting that adenosine may act as a competitive antagonist at the adenine nucleotide binding site.These data show that (i) the sensitivity of the in situ SR Ca2+ channel to caffeine activation is strongly dependent upon the cytosolic [ATP], (ii) the number of phosphates attached to the 5′ carbon of the ribose ring influences the efficacy of the ligand, and (iii) removal of a single phosphate group transforms AMP from a partial agonist, to adenosine, which acts as a competitive antagonist under these conditions. PMID:9782158

Effects of caffeine and adenine nucleotides on Ca2+ release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum in saponin-permeabilized frog skeletal muscle fibres.

PubMed

Duke, A M; Steele, D S

1998-11-15

1. The effect of caffeine and adenine nucleotides on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release mechanism was investigated in permeabilized frog skeletal muscle fibres. Caffeine was rapidly applied and the resulting release of Ca2+ from the SR detected using fura-2 fluorescence. Decreasing the [ATP] from 5 to 0.1 mM reduced the caffeine-induced Ca2+ transient by 89 +/- 1.4% (mean +/- s.e.m., n = 16), while SR Ca2+ uptake was unaffected. 2. The dependence of caffeine-induced Ca2+ release on cytosolic [ATP] was used to study the relative ability of other structurally related compounds to substitute for, or compete with, ATP at the adenine nucleotide binding site. It was found that AMP, ADP and the non-hydrolysable analogue adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) partially substituted for ATP, although none was as potent in facilitating the Ca2+-releasing action of caffeine. 3. Adenosine reversibly inhibited caffeine-induced Ca2+ release, without affecting SR Ca2+ uptake. Five millimolar adenosine markedly reduced the amplitude of the caffeine-induced Ca2+ transient by 64 +/- 4% (mean +/- s.e.m., n = 11). The degree of inhibition was dependent upon the cytosolic [ATP], suggesting that adenosine may act as a competitive antagonist at the adenine nucleotide binding site. 4. These data show that (i) the sensitivity of the in situ SR Ca2+ channel to caffeine activation is strongly dependent upon the cytosolic [ATP], (ii) the number of phosphates attached to the 5' carbon of the ribose ring influences the efficacy of the ligand, and (iii) removal of a single phosphate group transforms AMP from a partial agonist, to adenosine, which acts as a competitive antagonist under these conditions.

Determination of mineral contents of wild Boletus edulis mushroom and its edible safety assessment.

PubMed

Su, Jiuyan; Zhang, Ji; Li, Jieqing; Li, Tao; Liu, Honggao; Wang, Yuanzhong

2018-04-06

This study aimed to determine the contents of main mineral elements of wild Boletus edulis and to assess its edible safety, which may provide scientific evidence for the utilization of this species. Fourteen mineral contents (Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr, V and Zn) in the caps and stipes of B. edulis as well as the corresponding surface soils collected from nine different geographic regions in Yunnan Province, southwest China were determined. The analyses were performed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) after microwave digestion. Measurement data were analyzed using variance and Pearson correlation analysis. Edible safety was evaluated according to the provisionally tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of heavy metals recommended by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Mineral contents were significantly different with the variance of collection areas. B. edulis showed relative abundant contents of Ca, Fe, Mg and Na, followed by Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn, and the elements with the lower content less were Cd, Co, Ni, Sr and V. The elements accumulation differed significantly in caps and stipes. Among them, Cd and Zn were bioconcentrated (BCF > 1) while others were bioexcluded (BCF < 1). The mineral contents in B. edulis and its surface soil were positively related, indicating that the elements accumulation level was related to soil background. In addition, from the perspective of food safety, if an adult (60 kg) eats 300 g fresh B. edulis per week, the intake of Cd in most of tested mushrooms were lower than PTWI value whereas the Cd intakes in some other samples were higher than this standard. The results indicated that the main mineral contents in B. edulis were significantly different with respect to geographical distribution, and the Cd intake in a few of regions was higher than the acceptable intakes with a potential risk.

Spectroscopic and Thermodynamic Characterization of the Metal-Binding Sites in the LH1-RC Complex from Thermophilic Photosynthetic Bacterium Thermochromatium tepidum.

PubMed

Kimura, Yukihiro; Yura, Yuki; Hayashi, Yusuke; Li, Yong; Onoda, Moe; Yu, Long-Jiang; Wang-Otomo, Zheng-Yu; Ohno, Takashi

2016-12-15

The light-harvesting 1 reaction center (LH1-RC) complex from thermophilic photosynthetic bacterium Thermochromatium (Tch.) tepidum exhibits enhanced thermostability and an unusual LH1 Q y transition, both induced by Ca 2+ binding. In this study, metal-binding sites and metal-protein interactions in the LH1-RC complexes from wild-type (B915) and biosynthetically Sr 2+ -substituted (B888) Tch. tepidum were investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), atomic absorption (AA), and attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. The ITC measurements revealed stoichiometric ratios of approximately 1:1 for binding of Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , or Ba 2+ to the LH1 αβ-subunit, indicating the presence of 16 binding sites in both B915 and B888. The AA analysis provided direct evidence for Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ binding to B915 and B888, respectively, in their purified states. Metal-binding experiments supported that Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ (or Ba 2+ ) competitively associate with the binding sites in both species. The ATR-FTIR difference spectra upon Ca 2+ depletion and Sr 2+ substitution demonstrated that dissociation and binding of Ca 2+ are predominantly responsible for metal-dependent conformational changes of B915 and B888. The present results are largely compatible with the recent structural evidence that another binding site for Sr 2+ (or Ba 2+ ) exists in the vicinity of the Ca 2+ -binding site, a part of which is shared in both metal-binding sites.

Calcium Nutrition and Extracellular Calcium Sensing: Relevance for the Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis, Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases

PubMed Central

Peterlik, Meinrad; Kállay, Enikoe; Cross, Heide S.

2013-01-01

Through a systematic search in Pubmed for literature, on links between calcium malnutrition and risk of chronic diseases, we found the highest degree of evidence for osteoporosis, colorectal and breast cancer, as well as for hypertension, as the only major cardiovascular risk factor. Low calcium intake apparently has some impact also on cardiovascular events and disease outcome. Calcium malnutrition can causally be related to low activity of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). This member of the family of 7-TM G-protein coupled receptors allows extracellular Ca2+ to function as a “first messenger” for various intracellular signaling cascades. Evidence demonstrates that Ca2+/CaSR signaling in functional linkage with vitamin D receptor (VDR)-activated pathways (i) promotes osteoblast differentiation and formation of mineralized bone; (ii) targets downstream effectors of the canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathway to inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation of colorectal cancer cells; (iii) evokes Ca2+ influx into breast cancer cells, thereby activating pro-apoptotic intracellular signaling. Furthermore, Ca2+/CaSR signaling opens Ca2+-sensitive K+ conductance channels in vascular endothelial cells, and also participates in IP3-dependent regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+, the key intermediate of cardiomyocyte functions. Consequently, impairment of Ca2+/CaSR signaling may contribute to inadequate bone formation, tumor progression, hypertension, vascular calcification and, probably, cardiovascular disease. PMID:23340319

Influences of organic matter and calcification rate on trace elements in aragonitic estuarine bivalve shells

USGS Publications Warehouse

Takesue, R.K.; Bacon, C.R.; Thompson, J.K.

2008-01-01

A suite of elements (B, Na, Mg, S, K, Ca, V, Mn, Cr, Sr, and Ba) was measured in aragonitic shells of the estuarine bivalve Corbula amurensis, the Asian clam, using the Sensitive High-Resolution Ion MicroProbe with Reverse Geometry (SHRIMP RG). Our initial intent was to explore potential geochemical proxy relationships between shell chemistry and salinity (freshwater inflow) in northern San Francisco Bay (SFB). In the course of this study we observed variations in shell trace element to calcium ([M]/Ca) ratios that could only be attributed to internal biological processes. This paper discusses the nature and sources of internal trace element variability in C. amurensis shells related to the shell organic fraction and shell calcification rates. The average organic content of whole C. amurensis shells is 19%. After treating whole powdered shells with an oxidative cleaning procedure to remove organic matter, shells contained on average 33% less total Mg and 78% less total Mn. Within our analytical uncertainty, Sr and Ba contents were unchanged by the removal of organic matter. These results show that aragonitic C. amurensis shells have a large component of non-lattice-bound Mg and Mn that probably contribute to the dissimilarity of [M]/Ca profiles among five same-sized shells. Non-lattice-bound trace elements could complicate the development and application of geochemical proxy relationships in bivalve shells. Because B, Ba and Sr occur exclusively in shell aragonite, they are good candidates for external proxy relationships. [M]/Ca ratios were significantly different in prismatic and nacreous aragonite and in two valves of the same shell that had different crystal growth rates. Some part of these differences can be attributed to non-lattice-bound trace elements associated with the organic fraction. The differences in [M]/Ca ratios were also consistent with the calcification rate-dependent ion transport model developed by Carr?? et al. [Carr?? M., Bentaleb I., Bruguier O., Ordinola E., Barrett N. T. and Fontugne M. (2006) Calcification rate influence on trace element concentrations in aragonitic bivalve shells: evidences and mechanisms. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 70, 4906-4920] which predicts that [M]/Ca ratios increase as calcification rates increase and Ca2+ channel specificity decreases. This result, in combination with the possibility that there were ontogenetic variations in growth rates among individuals younger than 2 years, underscores the need to develop an independent age model for C. amurensis shells. If growth-rate effects on lattice-bound [M]/Ca ratios can be constrained, it may yet be possible to develop high-resolution geochemical proxies for external solution chemistry in low-salinity regions of SFB.

Thin films of the Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) superconductor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mei, YU; Luo, H. L.; Hu, Roger

1990-01-01

Using RF sputtering technique, thin films of near single phase Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) were successfully prepared on SrTiO3(100), MgO(100), and LaAlO3(012) substrates. Zero resistance of these films occurred in the range of 90-105 K.

Ca L2,3-edge XANES and Sr K-edge EXAFS study of hydroxyapatite and fossil bone apatite.

PubMed

Zougrou, I M; Katsikini, M; Brzhezinskaya, M; Pinakidou, F; Papadopoulou, L; Tsoukala, E; Paloura, E C

2016-08-01

Upon burial, the organic and inorganic components of hard tissues such as bone, teeth, and tusks are subjected to various alterations as a result of interactions with the chemical milieu of soil, groundwater, and presence of microorganisms. In this study, simulation of the Ca L 2,3-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectrum of hydroxyapatite, using the CTM4XAS code, reveals that the different symmetry of the two nonequivalent Ca(1) and Ca(2) sites in the unit cell gives rise to specific spectral features. Moreover, Ca L 2,3-edge XANES spectroscopy is applied in order to assess variations in fossil bone apatite crystallinity due to heavy bacterial alteration and catastrophic mineral dissolution, compared to well-preserved fossil apatite, fresh bone, and geologic apatite reference samples. Fossilization-induced chemical alterations are investigated by means of Ca L 2,3-edge XANES and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and are related to histological evaluation using optical microscopy images. Finally, the variations in the bonding environment of Sr and its preference for substitution in the Ca(1) or Ca(2) sites upon increasing the Sr/Ca ratio is assessed by Sr K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy.

Ca L2,3-edge XANES and Sr K-edge EXAFS study of hydroxyapatite and fossil bone apatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zougrou, I. M.; Katsikini, M.; Brzhezinskaya, M.; Pinakidou, F.; Papadopoulou, L.; Tsoukala, E.; Paloura, E. C.

2016-08-01

Upon burial, the organic and inorganic components of hard tissues such as bone, teeth, and tusks are subjected to various alterations as a result of interactions with the chemical milieu of soil, groundwater, and presence of microorganisms. In this study, simulation of the Ca L 2,3-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectrum of hydroxyapatite, using the CTM4XAS code, reveals that the different symmetry of the two nonequivalent Ca(1) and Ca(2) sites in the unit cell gives rise to specific spectral features. Moreover, Ca L 2,3-edge XANES spectroscopy is applied in order to assess variations in fossil bone apatite crystallinity due to heavy bacterial alteration and catastrophic mineral dissolution, compared to well-preserved fossil apatite, fresh bone, and geologic apatite reference samples. Fossilization-induced chemical alterations are investigated by means of Ca L 2,3-edge XANES and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and are related to histological evaluation using optical microscopy images. Finally, the variations in the bonding environment of Sr and its preference for substitution in the Ca(1) or Ca(2) sites upon increasing the Sr/Ca ratio is assessed by Sr K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy.

Mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis during Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release in gastric myocytes from Bufo marinus

PubMed Central

Drummond, Robert M; Mix, T Christian H; Tuft, Richard A; Walsh, John V; Fay, Fredric S

2000-01-01

The Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent indicator rhod-2 was used to monitor mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) in gastric smooth muscle cells from Bufo marinus. In some studies, fura-2 was used in combination with rhod-2, allowing simultaneous measurement of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and [Ca2+]m, respectively. During a short train of depolarizations, which causes Ca2+ influx from the extracellular medium, there was an increase in both [Ca2+]i and [Ca2+]m. The half-time (t½) to peak for the increase in [Ca2+]m was considerably longer than the t½ to peak for the increase in [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]m remained elevated for tens of seconds after [Ca2+]i had returned to its resting value. Stimulation with caffeine, which causes release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), also produced increases in both [Ca2+]i and [Ca2+]m. The values of t½ to peak for the increase in [Ca2+] in both cytoplasm and mitochondria were similar; however, [Ca2+]i returned to baseline values much faster than [Ca2+]m. Using a wide-field digital imaging microscope, changes in [Ca2+]m were monitored within individual mitochondria in situ, during stimulation of Ca2+ influx or Ca2+ release from the SR. Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake during depolarizing stimulation caused depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The mitochondrial membrane potential recovered considerably faster than the recovery of [Ca2+]m. This study shows that Ca2+ influx from the extracellular medium and Ca2+ release from the SR are capable of increasing [Ca2+]m in smooth muscle cells. The efflux of Ca2+ from the mitochondria is a slow process and appears to be dependent upon the amount of Ca2+ in the SR. PMID:10713963

Measurements of Sr/Ca in bones to evaluate differences in temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, P. R.; Added, N.; Aburaya, J. H.; Rizzutto, M. A.

2008-04-01

Analysis of aragonite from sea shells and coral skeletons showed a clear correlation between the strontium and calcium concentrations for these crystals (Sr/Ca ratio) and seawater temperature obtained by satellites and ship readings. In this work we present the results of a study that correlates Sr/Ca ratio with formation temperature of another calcium crystal, the hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), main mineral compound of teeth and bones from vertebrates. These animals, independent of its thermoregulation pattern (endothermic or ectothermic) have variations of internal temperature along the body. One interesting application of this work is to differentiate warm-blooded animals from cold-blooded ones just by measuring Sr/Ca ratio in their bones. Bones from a crocodile from Caiman yacare species and two dogs, a poodle and a non defined race, were analyzed using PIXE technique and thick target correction. A 1.78 (18) MeV external proton beam was used in LAMFI-USP with an accumulated charge of about 10 μC for probing the samples. Emitted X-rays were collected using Si-PIN detectors (140 keV for Fe). As in coral skeletons, the Sr/Ca ratio of animals is lower in the body's warmer parts and higher in colder parts.

Reconstructing Ancient Egyptian Diet through Bone Elemental Analysis Using LIBS (Qubbet el Hawa Cemetery)

PubMed Central

Al-Khafif, Ghada Darwish; El-Banna, Rokia

2015-01-01

One of the most important advantages of LIBS that make it suitable for the analysis of archeological materials is that it is a quasi-nondestructive technique. Archeological mandibles excavated from Qubbet el Hawa Cemetery, Aswan, were subjected to elemental analysis in order to reconstruct the dietary patterns of the middle class of the Aswan population throughout three successive eras: the First Intermediate Period (FIP), the Middle Kingdom (MK), and the Second Intermediate Period (SIP). The bone Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios were significantly correlated, so the Sr/Ca ratios are considered to represent the ante-mortem values. It was suggested that the significantly low FIP Sr/Ca compared to that of both the MK and the SIP was attributed to the consumption of unusual sorts of food and imported cereals during years of famine, while the MK Sr/Ca was considered to represent the amelioration of climatic, social, economic, and political conditions in this era of state socialism. The SIP Sr/Ca, which is nearly the same as that of the MK, was considered to be the reflection of the continuity of the individualism respect and state socialism and a reflection of agriculture conditions amelioration under the reign of the 17th Dynasty in Upper Egypt. PMID:26345727

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

Ogawa, E.; Suzuki, S.; Tsuzuki, H.

Mice were subcutaneoulsy injected with Sr/sup 90/ or Sr/sup 85/, and effects of various drugs on their 3-day excretion and retention on the 4th day were investigated. Among chelating agents, NaCa citrate, NaMg citrate, NaSr citrate, Achromycin (or tetracycline), and aspartic MgK (alone or in combination with NH/sub 4/Cl) displayed Sr-eliminating effects. ATP increased only the excretion without diminishing the retention in bone. EDTA, DTPA, BADE, tricarballylate, Na citrate and NaPb citrate were not effective. Among salts, Mg salt, sulfite, and thiosulfate were effective in eliminating Sr. The last exerted a greater effect when given concurrently with Mg, Ca, ormore » Sr salt. Ca and Sr salt exerted no effect, and ammonium chloride promoted only urinary secretion, not extending to local or total excretion. Such salts as induce alkalosis conversely exerted inhibitory effects. Among hormones, glucocorticoids had Sreliminating effects. TSH was effective, and antithyroidal drugs conversely seemed to have excretion-diminishing effects. Among vitamins, cocarboxylase increased Sr excretion, but did not decrease the retention in bone. Also metabolic inhibitors were ineffective, and NaF conversely increased bone deposition of Sr. Among diuretics, SHdrugs, and weak chelating agents, there were no effective drugs. (JAIF)« less

Determination of element/Ca ratios in foraminifera and corals using cold- and hot-plasma techniques in inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, Li; Shen, Chuan-Chou; Lu, Chia-Jung; Chen, Yi-Chi; Chang, Ching-Chih; Wei, Kuo-Yen; Qu, Dingchuang; Gagan, Michael K.

2014-02-01

We have developed a rapid and precise procedure for measuring multiple elements in foraminifera and corals by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SF-MS) with both cold- [800 W radio frequency (RF) power] and hot- (1200 W RF power) plasma techniques. Our quality control program includes careful subsampling protocols, contamination-free workbench spaces, and refined plastic-ware cleaning process. Element/Ca ratios are calculated directly from ion beam intensities of 24Mg, 27Al, 43Ca, 55Mn, 57Fe, 86Sr, and 138Ba, using a standard bracketing method. A routine measurement time is 3-5 min per dissolved sample. The matrix effects of nitric acid, and Ca and Sr levels, are carefully quantified and overcome. There is no significant difference between data determined by cold- and hot-plasma methods, but the techniques have different advantages. The cold-plasma technique offers a more stable plasma condition and better reproducibility for ppm-level elements. Long-term 2-sigma relative standard deviations (2-RSD) for repeat measurements of an in-house coral standard are 0.32% for Mg/Ca and 0.43% for Sr/Ca by cold-plasma ICP-SF-MS, and 0.69% for Mg/Ca and 0.51% for Sr/Ca by hot-plasma ICP-SF-MS. The higher sensitivity and enhanced measurement precision of the hot-plasma procedure yields 2-RSD precision for μmol/mol trace elements of 0.60% (Mg/Ca), 9.9% (Al/Ca), 0.68% (Mn/Ca), 2.7% (Fe/Ca), 0.50% (Sr/Ca), and 0.84% (Ba/Ca) for an in-house foraminiferal standard. Our refined ICP-SF-MS technique, which has the advantages of small sample size (2-4 μg carbonate consumed) and fast sample throughput (5-8 samples/hour), should open the way to the production of high precision and high resolution geochemical records for natural carbonate materials.

K-Ca and Rb-Sr Dating of Lunar Granite 14321 Revisited

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Justin I.; Shih, C.-Y.; Nyquist, L. E.

2011-01-01

K-Ca and Rb-Sr age determinations were made for a bulk feldspar-rich portion of an Apollo rock fragment of the pristine lunar granite clast (14321,1062), an acid-leached split of the sample, and the leachate. K-Ca and Rb-Sr data were also obtained for a whole rock sample of Apollo ferroan anorthosite (FAN, 15415). The recent detection [1] of widespread intermediate composition plagioclase indicates that the generation of a diversity of evolved lunar magmas maybe more common and therefore more important to our understanding of crust formation than previously believed. Our new data strengthen the K-Ca and Rb-Sr internal isochrons of the well-studied Apollo sample 14321 [2], which along with a renewed effort to study evolved lunar magmas will provide an improved understanding of the petrogenetic history of evolved rocks on the Moon.

Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and Pb-Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor films via an electrodeposition process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxfield, M.; Eckhardt, H.; Iqbal, Z.; Reidinger, F.; Baughman, R. H.

1989-05-01

A novel electrochemical process has been developed for the formation of superconducting films. Using this process, superconducting films of Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 and (Pb,Bi)2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 have been formed. The process consists of simultaneously depositing the metallic constituents of the superconductor from a single electrolyte, and thermally oxidizing the resulting precursors film to form the superconducting phase. Application of -4 to -5 V vs Ag/Ag(+) to a conductive cathode substrate which is immersed in an electrolyte containing salts of all of the metals reduces the metal cations, causing then to deposit on the cathode as a metallic film precursor. Precursor films having desired stoichiometries were obtained by regulating the electrolyte bath composition.

Calcium Isotope Analysis with "Peak Cut" Method on Column Chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, H.; Zhang, Z.; Liu, F.; Li, X.

2017-12-01

To eliminate isobaric interferences from elemental and molecular isobars (e.g., 40K+, 48Ti+, 88Sr2+, 24Mg16O+, 27Al16O+) on Ca isotopes during mass determination, samples should be purified through ion-exchange column chemistry before analysis. However, large Ca isotopic fractionation has been observed during column chemistry (Russell and Papanastassiou, 1978; Zhu et al., 2016). Therefore, full recovery during column chemistry is greatly needed, otherwise uncertainties would be caused by poor recovery (Zhu et al., 2016). Generally, matrix effects could be enhanced by full recovery, as other elements might overlap with Ca cut during column chemistry. Matrix effects and full recovery are difficult to balance and both need to be considered for high-precision analysis of stable Ca isotopes. Here, we investigate the influence of poor recovery on δ44/40Ca using TIMS with the double spike technique. The δ44/40Ca values of IAPSO seawater, ML3B-G and BHVO-2 in different Ca subcats (e.g., 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, 80-100%) with 20% Ca recovery on column chemistry display limited variation after correction by the 42Ca-43Ca double spike technique with the exponential law. Notably, δ44/40Ca of each Ca subcut is quite consistent with δ44/40Ca of Ca cut with full recovery within error. Our results indicate that the 42Ca-43Ca double spike technique can simultaneously correct both of the Ca isotopic fractionation that occurred during column chemistry and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) determination properly, because both of the isotopic fractionation occurred during analysis follow the exponential law well. Therefore, we propose the "peak cut" method on Ca column chemistry for samples with complex matrix effects. Briefly, for samples with low Ca contents, we can add the double spike before column chemistry, and only collect the middle of the Ca eluate and abandon the both sides of Ca eluate that might overlap with other elements (e.g., K, Sr). This method would eliminate matrix effects and improve efficiency for the column chemistry.

Relationship of otolith strontium-to-calcium ratios and salinity: Experimental validation for juvenile salmonids

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zimmerman, C.E.

2005-01-01

Analysis of otolith strontium (Sr) or strontium-to-calcium (Sr:Ca) ratios provides a powerful tool to reconstruct the chronology of migration among salinity environments for diadromous salmonids. Although use of this method has been validated by examination of known individuals and translocation experiments, it has never been validated under controlled experimental conditions. In this study, incorporation of otolith Sr was tested across a range of salinities and resulting levels of ambient Sr and Ca concentrations in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus rnykiss), and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). Experimental water was mixed, using stream water and seawater as end members, to create experimental salinities of 0.1, 6.3, 12.7, 18.6, 25.5, and 33.0 psu. Otolith Sr and Sr:Ca ratios were significantly related to salinity for all species (r2 range: 0.80-0.91) but provide only enough predictive resolution to discriminate among fresh water, brackish water, and saltwater residency. These results validate the use of otolith Sr:Ca ratios to broadly discriminate salinity histories encountered by salmonids but highlight the need for further research concerning the influence of osmoregulation and physiological changes associated with smoking on otolith microchemistry.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Almonds and Mistletoe as a Parasite Growing on the Almond Tree Using ICP-OES or ICP-MS.

PubMed

Kamar, Veysi; Dağalp, Rukiye; Taştekin, Mustafa

2017-12-28

In this study, the elements of Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, Pb, Ti, and Zn were determined in the leaves, fruits, and branches of mistletoe, (Viscum albüm L.), used as a medicinal plant, and in the leaves, branches and barks of almond tree which mistletoe grows on. The aim of the study is to investigate whether the mistletoe are more absorbent than the almond tree in terms of the heavy metal contents and the determination of the amount of the elements penetrated into the mistletoe from the almond tree. ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) was used for the analysis of As, Cd, Mo, and Pb, whereas ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) was used for the other elements. The results obtained were statistically evaluated at 95% confidence level. Within the results obtained in this study, it was determined whether there is a significant difference between metal elements in almond tree and mistletoe, or not. As a result, it was observed that there were higher contents of B, Ba, K, Mg, and Zn in the mistletoe than in the almond tree. K was found much higher than other elements in the mistletoe. On the other hand, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Sr, Pb, and Ti contents were determined to be more in almond tree than mistletoe.

Crystallization conditions and controls on trace element residence in the main minerals from the Pedra Branca Syenite, Brazil: An electron microprobe and LA-ICPMS study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, Bruna Borges; Janasi, Valdecir de Assis

2012-11-01

Major and trace-element microanalyses of the main minerals from the 610 Ma Pedra Branca Syenite, southeast Brazil, allow inferences on intensive parameters of magmatic crystallization and on the partition of trace-elements among these minerals, with important implications for the petrogenetic evolution of the pluton. Two main syenite types make up the pluton, a quartz-free syenite with tabular alkali feldspar (laminated silica-saturated syenite, LSS, with Na-rich augite + phlogopite + hematite + magnetite + titanite + apatite) and a quartz-bearing syenite (laminated silica-oversaturated syenite, LSO, with scarce corroded plagioclase plus diopside + biotite ± hornblende + ilmenite ± magnetite + titanite + apatite). Both types share a remarkable enrichment in incompatible elements as K, Ba, Sr, P and LREE. Apatite saturation temperatures of ~ 1060-1090 °C are the best estimates of liquidus, whereas the pressure of emplacement, based on Al-in-hornblende barometry, is estimated as 3.3 to 4.8 kbar. Although both units crystallized under oxidizing conditions, oxygen fugacity was probably higher in LSS, as shown by higher mg# of the mafic minerals and higher hematite contents in Hem-Ilmss. In contrast with the Ca-bearing alkali-feldspar from LSO, which hosts most of the whole-rock Sr and Pb, virtually Ca-free alkali-feldspar from LSS hosts ~ 50% of whole-rock Sr and ~ 80% of Pb, the remainder of these elements being shared by apatite, pyroxene and titanite. This contrast reflects a strong crystal-chemical control, whereby a higher proportion of an element with similar ratio and charge (Ca2 +) enhances the residence of Sr and Pb in the M-site of alkali feldspar. The more alkaline character of the LSS magma is inferred to have inhibited zircon saturation; Zr + Hf remained in solution until late in the crystallization, and were mostly accommodated in the structure of Ca-Na pyroxene and titanite, which are one order of magnitude richer in these elements compared to the same minerals in LSO, where most of Zr and Hf are inferred to reside in zircon. The REE, Th and U reside mostly in titanite and apatite; D(REE)Tit/Ap raises steadily from 1 to 6 from La to Tb then remains constant up to Lu in the LSO sample; these values are about half as much in the LSS sample, where lower contents of incompatible elements in titanite are attributed to its greater modal abundance and earlier crystallization.

Mg2+ activates the ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) at intermediate Ca2+ concentrations.

PubMed

Chugun, Akihito; Sato, Osamu; Takeshima, Hiroshi; Ogawa, Yasuo

2007-01-01

To clarify whether activity of the ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) is reduced in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of cardiac muscle, as is the case with the ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1), Ca(2+)-dependent [(3)H]ryanodine binding, a biochemical measure of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR), was determined using SR vesicle fractions isolated from rabbit and rat cardiac muscles. In the absence of an adenine nucleotide or caffeine, the rat SR showed a complicated Ca(2+) dependence, instead of the well-documented biphasic dependence of the rabbit SR. In the rat SR, [(3)H]ryanodine binding initially increased as [Ca(2+)] increased, with a plateau in the range of 10-100 microM Ca(2+), and thereafter further increased to an apparent peak around 1 mM Ca(2+), followed by a decrease. In the presence of these modulators, this complicated dependence prevailed, irrespective of the source. Addition of 0.3-1 mM Mg(2+) unexpectedly increased the binding two- to threefold and enhanced the affinity for [(3)H]ryanodine at 10-100 microM Ca(2+), resulting in the well-known biphasic dependence. In other words, the partial suppression of RyR2 is relieved by Mg(2+). Ca(2+) could be a substitute for Mg(2+). Mg(2+) also amplifies the responses of RyR2 to inhibitory and stimulatory modulators. This stimulating effect of Mg(2+) on RyR2 is entirely new, and is referred to as the third effect, in addition to the well-known dual inhibitory effects. This effect is critical to describe the role of RyR2 in excitation-contraction coupling of cardiac muscle, in view of the intracellular Mg(2+) concentration.

Experimental Study of Sr Partitioning into Calcite at Various Linear Growth Rates and Temperatures: Preliminary Results.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabitov, R. I.; Watson, B. E.

2004-05-01

The surface of a crystal in equilibrium with surrounding fluid can have a composition that differs from the bulk crystal. If growth rate of the crystal exceeds a minimum value at which partitioning-equilibrium can be maintained, then the crystal surface composition may be "captured" by the newly-formed lattice. The degree of this entrapment increases with increasing crystal growth rate. Non-equlibrium partitioning of Sr into calcite probably occurs by this entrapment mechanism. Sr and calcite are geochemically significant in understanding the thermal history of the ocean because the substitution of Sr for Ca in calcite is temperature dependent. To improve our understanding of the partitioning of Sr into calcite, we conducted two different types of experiment: 1) calcite growth from Sr-bearing solution with analysis of the crystal cross-section by electron microprobe (bulk crystal-liquid runs); and 2) treatment of calcite cleavage surfaces with Sr-bearing solutions and examination of the top few nm surface layer by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (surface-liquid runs). In the series of bulk-liquid experiments crystals were grown by three different procedures: 1) precipitation on glass slide (pre-coated with calcite), where a steady flow of CaCl2 - SrCl2 and Na2CO3 solutions were mixed just before passage through a tube and allowed to drip onto a slide ("cave"-type experiments, ionic strength I=0.01); 2) growth from a CaCl2 - NH4Cl - SrCl2 solution by diffusion of CO2 from an ammonium carbonate source ("drift" experiments, I=0.52); 3) coarsening of small calcite crystals in the CaCO3-SrCO3-NaCl-H2O system at 800-950° C and 0.5-1 kb in a cold seal apparatus. The growth rate of individual crystals was determined by periodic monitoring of crystal size with time or roughly by comparison of final size with duration of the experiment. Surface-liquid experiments were performed by treatment of cleavage surfaces of natural calcite fragments in a Sr(ClO4)2 solution for 1 minute. After treatment the remaining solution was blown out by a stream of nitrogen to preclude the precipitation of Sr phase. We observed that the precipitated calcite crystals can be very different in size even if the runs have the same input rate of calcite components. The cave-type and cold-seal runs yielded 15-40 μ m calcites, but in the drift experiments crystal size varied between 60 μ m and 1 mm. Electron microprobe analysis across the large crystals show that the concentration of Sr is higher in the center and decreases toward the edge. This is probably due to the cube-root dependence of radial growth on the volume change of the growing crystals. Like previous workers who measured bulk uptake of Sr as a function of precipitation rate, we observed that increased growth rate (V, nm/s) enhances Sr uptake into the crystal, raising Kdbulk/liquid=(Sr/Ca)bulk/(Sr/Ca)liquid. Kdbulk/liquid = 0.03 to 0.06 when log(V)=-1.1 to -0.6 at 25° C in the cave-type runs (I=0.01). At higher ionic strength (I=0.52) and T=55° C, Kdbulk/liquid=0.11 to 0.15 when log(V)=-0.6 to 0.4 in the drift experiments. XPS analysis of surface-liquid experiments yielded higher Kdsurface/liquid=(Sr/Ca)surface/(Sr/Ca)liquid values compared with Kdbulk/liquid. This combined evidence supports the idea that Sr is enriched at the calcite surface relative to the bulk crystal during crystal growth.

A multi-scaled hybrid orthopedic implant: bone ECM-shaped Sr-HA nanofibers on the microporous walls of a macroporous titanium scaffold.

PubMed

Han, Yong; Zhou, Jianhong; Zhang, Lan; Xu, Kewei

2011-07-08

We report here, for the first time, a novel multi-scaled hybrid orthopedic implant material consisting of a macroporous Ti scaffold, whose macropores' walls have a microporous titania layer which is fully covered with nanofibers of Sr-doped hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA). The microporous titania layer is formed on and within the Ti scaffold by micro-arc oxidation, which firmly binds to the Ti substrate and contains Ca2+, Sr2+ and PO4(3-) ions. It is then hydrothermally treated to form Sr-HA nanofibers. During the hydrothermal treatment, Sr-HA nanoprisms nucleate from Ca0.5Sr0.5TiO3 pre-formed on the TiO2 and grow in length to nanofibers at the expense of Ca2+, Sr2+ and PO4(3-) ions that migrate from the TiO2. These Sr-HA nanofibers construct a network structure similar to the hierarchical organization of bone extracellular matrix (ECM), and the resulting nanofibrous surface displays a firm adhesion to substrate, superhydrophilicity and apatite-inducing ability. The induced apatite prefers to nucleate on the basal-faceted surfaces of Sr-HA nanofibers. The nanofiber-walled scaffold has a great potential for load-bearing orthotopic use.

A multi-scaled hybrid orthopedic implant: bone ECM-shaped Sr-HA nanofibers on the microporous walls of a macroporous titanium scaffold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Yong; Zhou, Jianhong; Zhang, Lan; Xu, Kewei

2011-07-01

We report here, for the first time, a novel multi-scaled hybrid orthopedic implant material consisting of a macroporous Ti scaffold, whose macropores' walls have a microporous titania layer which is fully covered with nanofibers of Sr-doped hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA). The microporous titania layer is formed on and within the Ti scaffold by micro-arc oxidation, which firmly binds to the Ti substrate and contains Ca2 + , Sr2 + and PO43 - ions. It is then hydrothermally treated to form Sr-HA nanofibers. During the hydrothermal treatment, Sr-HA nanoprisms nucleate from Ca0.5Sr0.5TiO3 pre-formed on the TiO2 and grow in length to nanofibers at the expense of Ca2 + , Sr2 + and PO43 - ions that migrate from the TiO2. These Sr-HA nanofibers construct a network structure similar to the hierarchical organization of bone extracellular matrix (ECM), and the resulting nanofibrous surface displays a firm adhesion to substrate, superhydrophilicity and apatite-inducing ability. The induced apatite prefers to nucleate on the basal-faceted surfaces of Sr-HA nanofibers. The nanofiber-walled scaffold has a great potential for load-bearing orthotopic use.

Photoluminescence Properties of Red-Emitting Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ Phosphors for White Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Hakeem, D A; Park, K

2015-07-01

The photoluminescent properties of the Eu(3+)-activated Ca3Sr3(PO4)4 phosphors prepared by a solution combustion method were investigated. The excitation spectra of Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) phosphors under 614 nm wavelength showed a broad band centered at 266 nm along with other peaks at 320, 362, 381, 394, 414, 464, and 534 nm. The emission spectra observed in the range of 450 to 750 nm under excitation at 394 nm were ascribed to the 5D0-7F1-4 transitions of Eu3+ ions. The Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ phosphors showed the strongest red emission at 614 nm due to the electric dipole 5DO -->7F2 transition of Eu3+. The strongest emission intensity was obtained for the Eu3+ ions of x = 0.5. The prepared Ca3Sr3-x(PO4)4:xEu3+ can be used as an efficient red phosphor for UV-based white LEDs.

Measurement of trace elements in tree rings using the PIXE method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, Toru; Katayama, Yukio; Kagawa, Akira; Koh, Susumu; Yoshida, Kohji

1998-03-01

Standard materials were prepared in order to calculate element concentrations in tree samples using the particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method. Five standard solutions (1) Ti, Fe, Cu, As, Rb, Sr; (2) Ca, V, Co, Zn, As, Rb; (3) Ti, Mn, Ni, As, Sr; (4) K, Mn, Co, As, Rb, Sr; and (5) Ca, Mn, Cu, As, Rb, Sr, were added to filter papers. The dried filter papers were used as standard samples. Pellets of Pepperbush leaves (National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)) and Peach leaves (National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)) were used as references. The peak counts of Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr in samples taken from a kaki ( Diospros kaki Thunb.) were measured and the concentrations (ppm) of the elements were calculated using the yield curve obtained from the standard filter papers. The concentrations of Mn, Zn, Rb, and Ca were compared with the data obtained from a separate INAA analysis. Concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Ca obtained by both methods were almost the same, but the concentrations of Rb differed slightly. The amounts of trace elements in samples taken from a sugi ( Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) were also measured.

Influence of carbonate ion in the crystallization medium on the formation and chemical composition of CaHA-SrHA solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaev, Anton; Kuz'mina, Maria; Frank-Kamenetskaya, Olga; Zorina, Maina

2015-06-01

The study of the influence of carbonate ions in a solution to Sr-distribution in system «solution-crystal» and to ion substitutions and the non-stoichiometry of formed CaHA-SrHA solid solutions was carried out. The CaHA-SrHA solid solutions were synthesized by precipitation from aqueous solutions with the atomic C/P ratio equal to 0, 0.05 and 0.1 at T = 90 °C. Resulting precipitates were studied using various methods including X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and different chemical analyses. The results of the study have shown that in the range of values of (Ca + Sr)/P in the water solution from 40% to 85%, the presence of carbonate ions (C/P = 0.05-0.1) promotes the incorporation of strontium in the apatite. Crystalline apatite solid solutions formed from water solutions of such composition are more defective compared to apatites that are mainly calcium or strontium. They are characterized by a smaller size coherence scattering domain length along [0 0 1] direction and a greater number of carbonate ions, water molecules and vacancies at the Ca-sites.

Recovery of temperature records from slow-growing corals by fine scale sampling of skeletons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, Anne L.; Thorrold, Simon R.

2007-09-01

We used laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA ICP-MS) to analyze Sr/Ca ratios in 5 colonies of the Atlantic corals, Diploria labyrinthiformis and Montastrea franski, each growing less than 5 mm yr-1. By targeting the centers of septa we avoided thickening deposits to achieve an analytical sampling resolution of 5-10 days. The sensitivity of Sr/Ca to temperature (-0.096 mmol/mol/°C) is ˜3 times higher than previously reported for these species and equivalent to that exhibited by fast-growing Porites corals from the Indo-Pacific. The Sr/Ca-sea surface temperature (SST) calibrations derived from these corals were not statistically different and were independent of colony growth rate over the period studied. Data from 4 D. labyrinthiformis colonies were pooled to produce a single Sr/Ca-SST calibration with a calculated standard error on the predicted ocean temperature of ±0.51°C. Applying our calibration to Sr/Ca analyses of D. labyrinthiformis skeleton deposited in the late 18th century indicated that average annual sea surface temperatures around Bermuda were ˜1°C cooler than today.

Contractile properties of skinned muscle fibres from young and adult normal and dystrophic (mdx) mice.

PubMed Central

Williams, D A; Head, S I; Lynch, G S; Stephenson, D G

1993-01-01

1. Single muscle fibres were enzymatically isolated from the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of genetically dystrophic mdx and normal (C57BL/10) mice aged 3-6 or 17-23 weeks. 2. Fibres of both muscles were chemically skinned with the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 (2% v/v). Ca(2+)- and Sr(2+)-activated contractile responses were recorded and comparisons were made between several contractile parameters of various fibre types of normal and dystrophic mice of similar age. 3. There were no significant differences in the following contractile parameters of skinned fibres of normal and mdx mice of the same age: sensitivity to activating Ca2+ (pCa50) or Sr2+ (pSr50) and differential sensitivity to the activating ions (pCa50-pSr50). However the maximum isometric tension (Po) and the frequency of myofibrillar force oscillations in EDL fast-twitch fibres of young mdx mice were significantly lower than those of soleus fast-twitch fibres of the same animals, or fast-twitch fibres (EDL or soleus) of normal mice. 4. Age-related differences were apparent in some contractile parameters of both normal and mdx mice. In particular the steepness of force-pCa and force-pSr curves increased with age in normal mice, yet decreased with age in fibres of mdx mice. 5. A fluorescent probe, ethidium bromide, which interchelates with DNA, was used with laser-scanning confocal microscopy to determine the distribution of myonuclei in fibres. Fibres isolated from either muscle type of normal animals displayed a characteristic peripheral spiral of myonuclei. Fibres from muscles of mdx mice displayed three major patterns of nuclear distribution; the normal peripheral spiral, long central strands of nuclei, and a mixture of these two patterns. 6. The contractile characteristics of mdx fibres were not markedly influenced by the nuclear distribution pattern in that there were no discernible differences in the major contractile parameters (the Hill coefficients nCa and nSr, which are associated with the steepness of the Ca2+ and Sr2+ activation curves, pCa50, pSr50, pCa50-pSr50) of skinned fibres possessing peripheral or central nuclei. However, except for nSr, these values were all lower in individual fibres which displayed similar proportions of central and peripheral nuclei. The presence of mixed nucleation and absence of fibres with embryonic contractile characteristics in mdx mice suggest that the dystrophin-negative fibres can repair locally occurring muscle damage. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 1(Contd.) Fig. 4 Fig. 5 PMID:8487206

Ca biogeochemical cycle at the beech tree - soil solution interface from the Strengbach CZO (NE France): a clue from stable Ca and radiogenic Sr isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Anne-Désirée; Gangloff, Sophie; Labolle, François; Chabaux, François; Stille, Peter

2017-04-01

Stable calcium and radiogenic Sr are analysed in several organs from two beech trees that were collected in June and September in the Strengbach CZO (NE France) and in corresponding soil solutions. The combination of these two isotopic systems shows that the isotopic signatures of roots are dominated by Ca fractionation mechanisms and Sr, and thus Ca, source variations. In contrast, translocation mechanisms are only governed by Ca fractionation processes. This study also confirms in the field that the Ca uptake mechanisms from nutritive solutions are controlled by adsorption processes in small roots because of physico-chemical mechanisms. Similarly, a study of surface soil solutions suggests that recent soil waters are less affected by vegetation uptake than in the past, probably because of a decline in the growth of the vegetation that is linked to climate warming, which causes drought episodes. Thus, soil solutions reflect the role of soil components in addition to nutrient uptake by vegetation. This isotopic Ca-Sr study also helps to identify one-time events that are caused by snow cover melting and/or dry episodes that release cations.

Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca in Glycymeris glycymeris (Bivalvia) shells from the Iberian upwelling system: Ontogeny and environmental control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freitas, Pedro; Richardson, Christopher; Chenery, Simon; Monteiro, Carlos; Butler, Paul; Reynolds, David; Scourse, James; Gaspar, Miguel

2017-04-01

Bivalve shells have a great potential as high-resolution geochemical proxy archives of marine environmental conditions. In addition, sclerochronology of long-lived bivalve species (e.g. Arctica islandica) provides a timeline of absolutely dated shell material for geochemical analysis that can extend into the past beyond the lifetime of single individuals through the use of replicated crossmatched centennial to millennial chronologies. However, the interpretation of such records remains extremely challenging and complex, with multiple environmental and biological processes affecting element incorporation in the shell (e.g. crystal fabrics, organic matrix, biomineralization mechanisms and physiological processes). As a result, the effective use of bivalve shell elemental/Ca ratios as palaeoenvironmental proxies has been limited, often to species-specific applications or applications restricted to particular environmental settings. The dog-cockle, Glycymeris glycymeris, is a relatively long-lived bivalve (up to 200 years) that occurs in coarse-grained subtidal sediments of coastal shelf seas of Europe and North West Africa. Glycymeris glycymeris shells provide a valuable, albeit not fully explored, archive to reconstruct past environmental variability in an area lacking sclerochronological studies due to the rarity of long-lived bivalves and lack of coral reefs. In this study, we evaluate the potential of Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios in G. glycymeris shells as geochemical proxies of upwelling conditions in the Iberian Upwelling System, the northern section of the Canary Current Eastern Boundary Upwelling System. Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca generally co-varied significantly and a clear ontogenetic, non-environmental related change in Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca variability was observed. High Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios in older shells (> 10 years old) were found to be associated with the occurrence of growth lines deposited during the winter reduction in shell growth. Nevertheless, Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca variation in older shells was synchronous with contemporary environmental conditions, i.e. upwelling intensity and salinity. The use of Sr or Mg in G. glycymeris shells as valid geochemical environmental proxies in the Iberian Upwelling System remains complex and requires further research to unravel environmental and physiological/biomineralization controls. This study was financed by the Portuguese Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) GLYCY Project (contract PTDC/AAC-CLI/118003/2010) and a sabbatical grant to PSF (Ref: SFRH/BSAB/127786/2016), co-supported by POCH and the European Social Fund. Funding for consumable costs was provided by Bangor University.

Estimation of soil-soil solution distribution coefficient of radiostrontium using soil properties.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Nao K; Uchida, Shigeo; Tagami, Keiko

2009-02-01

We propose a new approach for estimation of soil-soil solution distribution coefficient (K(d)) of radiostrontium using some selected soil properties. We used 142 Japanese agricultural soil samples (35 Andosol, 25 Cambisol, 77 Fluvisol, and 5 others) for which Sr-K(d) values had been determined by a batch sorption test and listed in our database. Spearman's rank correlation test was carried out to investigate correlations between Sr-K(d) values and soil properties. Electrical conductivity and water soluble Ca had good correlations with Sr-K(d) values for all soil groups. Then, we found a high correlation between the ratio of exchangeable Ca to Ca concentration in water soluble fraction and Sr-K(d) values with correlation coefficient R=0.72. This pointed us toward a relatively easy way to estimate Sr-K(d) values.

Synthesis of highly phase pure (Bi, Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor

DOEpatents

Dorris, Stephen E.; Poeppel, Roger B.; Prorok, Barton C.; Lanagan, Michael T.; Maroni, Victor A.

1994-01-01

An article and method of manufacture of (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor. The superconductor is manufactured by preparing a first powdered mixture of bismuth oxide, lead oxide, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate and copper oxide. A second powdered mixture is then prepared of strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate and copper oxide. The mixtures are calcined separately with the two mixtures then combined. The resulting combined mixture is then subjected to a powder in tube deformation and thermal processing to produce a substantially phase pure (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor.

Redox modification of ryanodine receptors by mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species contributes to aberrant Ca2+ handling in ageing rabbit hearts

PubMed Central

Cooper, Leroy L; Li, Weiyan; Lu, Yichun; Centracchio, Jason; Terentyeva, Radmila; Koren, Gideon; Terentyev, Dmitry

2013-01-01

Ageing is associated with a blunted response to sympathetic stimulation and an increased risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Aberrant calcium (Ca2+) handling is an important contributor to the electrical and contractile dysfunction associated with ageing. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal Ca2+ handling in ageing heart remain poorly understood. In this study, we used ventricular myocytes isolated from young (5–9 months) and old (4–6 years) rabbit hearts to test the hypothesis that changes in Ca2+ homeostasis are caused by post-translational modification of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) by mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the ageing heart. Changes in parameters of Ca2+ handling were determined by measuring cytosolic and intra-sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ dynamics in intact and permeabilized ventricular myocytes using confocal microscopy. We also measured age-related changes in ROS production and mitochondria membrane potential using a ROS-sensitive dye and a mitochondrial voltage-sensitive fluorescent indicator, respectively. In permeablized myocytes, ageing did not change SERCA activity and spark frequency but decreased spark amplitude and SR Ca2+ load suggesting increased RyR activity. Treatment with the antioxidant dithiothreitol reduced RyR-mediated SR Ca2+ leak in permeabilized myocytes from old rabbit hearts to the level comparable to young. Moreover, myocytes from old rabbits had more depolarized mitochondria membrane potential and increased rate of ROS production. Under β-adrenergic stimulation, Ca2+ transient amplitude, SR Ca2+ load, and latency of pro-arrhythmic spontaneous Ca2+ waves (SCWs) were decreased while RyR-mediated SR Ca2+ leak was increased in cardiomyocytes from old rabbits. Additionally, with β-adrenergic stimulation, scavenging of mitochondrial ROS in myocytes from old rabbit hearts restored redox status of RyRs, which reduced SR Ca2+ leak, ablated most SCWs, and increased latency to levels comparable to young. These data indicate that an age-associated increase of ROS production by mitochondria leads to the thiol-oxidation of RyRs, which underlies the hyperactivity of RyRs and thereby shortened refractoriness of Ca2+ release in cardiomyocytes from the ageing heart. This mechanism probably plays an important role in the increased incidence of arrhythmia and sudden death in the ageing population. PMID:24042501

The Effect of Risk Factors on the Levels of Chemical Elements in the Tibial Plateau of Patients with Osteoarthritis following Knee Surgery.

PubMed

Lanocha-Arendarczyk, Natalia; Kosik-Bogacka, Danuta Izabela; Prokopowicz, Adam; Kalisinska, Elzbieta; Sokolowski, Sebastian; Karaczun, Maciej; Zietek, Pawel; Podlasińska, Joanna; Pilarczyk, Bogumila; Tomza-Marciniak, Agnieszka; Baranowska-Bosiacka, Irena; Gutowska, Izabela; Safranow, Krzysztof; Chlubek, Dariusz

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the aforementioned chemical elements in tibial plateau samples obtained during knee arthroplasty. The gender-specific analysis of chemical element levels in the bone samples revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the concentration of Pb and Se/Pb ratio. The contents of elements in the tibial plateau in the patients with osteoarthritis (OA) can be arranged in the following descending order: F(-) > K > Zn > Fe > Sr > Pb > Mn > Se > Cd > THg. We observed statistical significant effects of environmental factors including smoking, seafood diet, and geographical distribution on the levels of the elements in tibial bone. Significant positive correlation coefficients were found for the relationships K-Cd, Zn-Sr, Zn-F(-), THg-Pb, Pb-Cd, Se-Se/Pb, Se-Se/Cd, Se/Pb-Se/Cd, Pb-Cd/Ca, Cd-Cd/Ca, and F(-)-F(-)/Ca·1000. Significant negative correlations were found for the relationships THg-Se/Pb, Pb-Se/Pb, Cd-Se/Pb, K-Se/Cd, Pb-Se/Cd, Cd-Se/Cd, THg-Se/THg, Pb-Se/THg, Se-Pb/Cd, Zn-Cd/Ca, and Se/Cd-Cd/Ca. The results reported here may provide a basis for establishing reference values for the tibial plateau in patients with OA who had undergone knee replacement surgery. The concentrations of elements in the bone with OA were determined by age, presence of implants, smoking, fish and seafood diet, and sport activity.

Multianalytical determination of trace elements in atmospheric biomonitors by k0-INAA, ICP-MS and AAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freitas, M. C.; Pacheco, A. M. G.; Dionísio, I.; Sarmento, S.; Baptista, M. S.; Vasconcelos, M. T. S. D.; Cabral, J. P.

2006-08-01

Elemental contents of atmospheric biomonitors—epiphytic lichens and tree bark, exposed in continuous and discontinuous modes—have been assessed through k0-standardised instrumental neutron activation analysis ( k0-INAA) (two different institutions), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Certified reference materials—ISE-921 (river clay), NIST-1547 (peach leaves), ICHTJ-INCT-TL-1 (tea leaves; TL-1 hereinafter) and IAEA-336 (lichen material), and nonparametric statistics—rank-order correlations (Spearman RS) and enhanced-sign tests (Wilcoxon T)—were used for analytical control and data comparison, respectively. In general, quality of procedures was deemed good, except for k0-INAA in determining Br, Cu and Na, all likely affected by high counting statistics, and/or contamination issues (the latter). Results for Cu, Ni, Pb and Sr (by both ICP-MS and AAS) revealed that, despite an outstanding correlation (asymptotic p=0.000), they could be viewed as statistically equal for Cu only: AAS tended to yield higher values for Pb and Ni, and lower ones for Sr. The comparison between ICP-MS and k0-INAA data from TUDelft, for Al, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Ti and V, showed an excellent correlation (as above) and random (relative) magnitude for Cu, Mg, Mn and Ti only: ICP-MS tended to yield higher values for Al, Na and V, and lower ones for Ca, whereas between k0-INAA data from TUDelft and ITN, for Br, Ca and Na, resulted in systematically higher [Br] and [Ca] variates from TUDelft, even if all corresponding data sets were found to correlate at stringent significance levels. In a few cases, though—Ca, Sr in lichens; Pb in bark—matrix effects did appear to interfere in the outcome of matched-pairs, signed-rank tests, since random hierarchy of variates could be asserted just when lichen and bark data sets were processed separately.

Structural studies of the rhombohedral and orthorhombic monouranates: CaUO{sub 4}, α-SrUO{sub 4}, β-SrUO{sub 4} and BaUO{sub 4}

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

Murphy, Gabriel; Kennedy, Brendan J., E-mail: kennedyb@chem.usyd.edu.au; Johannessen, Bernt

The structures of some AUO{sub 4} (A=Ca, Sr, or Ba) oxides have been determined using a combination of neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, supported by X-ray absorption spectroscopic measurements at the U L{sub 3}-edge. The smaller Ca cation favours a rhombohedral AUO{sub 4} structure with 8-coordinate UO{sub 8} moieties whilst an orthorhombic structure based on UO{sub 6} groups is found for BaUO{sub 4}. Both the rhombohedral and orthorhombic structures can be stabilised for SrUO{sub 4}. The structural studies suggest that the bonding requirements of the A site cation play a significant role in determining which structure is favoured. In themore » rhombohedral structure, Bond Valence Sums demonstrate the A site is invariably overbonded, which, in the case of rhombohedral α-SrUO{sub 4}, is compensated for by the formation of vacancies in the oxygen sub-lattice. The uranium cation, with its flexible oxidation state, is able to accommodate this by inducing vacancies along its equatorial coordination site as demonstrated by neutron powder diffraction. - Graphical abstract: Diffraction studies of AUO{sub 4} (A = Ca, Sr, or Ba) oxides reveal the importance of the bonding requirements of the A site cation in determining whether the structure is rhombohedral or orthorhombic. - Highlights: • Structures of AUO{sub 4} ( A = Ca Sr, Ba) refined against X-ray and Neutron diffraction. • The alkali cations size has a dramatic effect on the crystal structure. • Smaller cations favouring a rhombohedral structure. • Oxygen vacancies to stabilise the rhombohedral structure in SrUO{sub 4}.« less

Decreased cardiac SERCA2 expression, SR Ca uptake, and contractile function in hypothyroidism are attenuated in SERCA2 overexpressing transgenic rats.

PubMed

Vetter, Roland; Rehfeld, Uwe; Reissfelder, Christoph; Fechner, Henry; Seppet, Enn; Kreutz, Reinhold

2011-03-01

The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase SERCA2a has a key role in controlling cardiac contraction and relaxation. In hypothyroidism, decreased expression of the thyroid hormone (TH)-responsive SERCA2 gene contributes to slowed SR Ca(2+) reuptake and relaxation. We investigated whether cardiac expression of a TH-insensitive SERCA2a cDNA minigene can rescue SR Ca(2+) handling and contractile function in female SERCA2a-transgenic rats (TG) with experimental hypothyroidism. Wild-type rats (WT) and TG were rendered hypothyroid by 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil treatment for 6 wk; control rats received no treatment. In vivo measured left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic parameters were compared with SERCA2a expression and function in LV tissue. Hypothyroidism decreased LV peak systolic pressure, dP/dt(max), and dP/dt(min) in both WT and TG. However, loss of function was less in TG. Thus slowed relaxation in hypothyroidism was found to be 1.5-fold faster in TG compared with WT (P < 0.05). In parallel, a 1.4-fold higher V(max) value of homogenate SR Ca(2+) uptake was observed in hypothyroid TG (P < 0.05 vs. hypothyroid WT), and the hypothyroidism-caused decline of LV SERCA2a mRNA expression in TG by -24% was markedly less than the decrease of -49% in WT (P < 0.05). A linear relationship was observed between the SERCA2a/PLB mRNA ratio values and the V(max) values of SR Ca(2+) uptake when the respective data of all experimental groups were plotted together (r = 0.90). The data show that expression of the TH-insensitive SERCA2a minigene compensates for loss of expressional activity of the TH-responsive native SERCA2a gene in the female hypothyroid rat heart. However, SR Ca(2+) uptake and in vivo heart function were only partially rescued.

The Extracellular Calcium-Sensing Receptor in the Intestine: Evidence for Regulation of Colonic Absorption, Secretion, Motility, and Immunity

PubMed Central

Tang, Lieqi; Cheng, Catherine Y.; Sun, Xiangrong; Pedicone, Alexandra J.; Mohamadzadeh, Mansour; Cheng, Sam X.

2016-01-01

Different from other epithelia, the intestinal epithelium has the complex task of providing a barrier impeding the entry of toxins, food antigens, and microbes, while at the same time allowing for the transfer of nutrients, electrolytes, water, and microbial metabolites. These molecules/organisms are transported either transcellularly, crossing the apical and basolateral membranes of enterocytes, or paracellularly, passing through the space between enterocytes. Accordingly, the intestinal epithelium can affect energy metabolism, fluid balance, as well as immune response and tolerance. To help accomplish these complex tasks, the intestinal epithelium has evolved many sensing receptor mechanisms. Yet, their roles and functions are only now beginning to be elucidated. This article explores one such sensing receptor mechanism, carried out by the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). In addition to its established function as a nutrient sensor, coordinating food digestion, nutrient absorption, and regulating energy metabolism, we present evidence for the emerging role of CaSR in the control of intestinal fluid homeostasis and immune balance. An additional role in the modulation of the enteric nerve activity and motility is also discussed. Clearly, CaSR has profound effects on many aspects of intestinal function. Nevertheless, more work is needed to fully understand all functions of CaSR in the intestine, including detailed mechanisms of action and specific pathways involved. Considering the essential roles CaSR plays in gastrointestinal physiology and immunology, research may lead to a translational opportunity for the development of novel therapies that are based on CaSR's unique property of using simple nutrients such as calcium, polyamines, and certain amino acids/oligopeptides as activators. It is possible that, through targeting of intestinal CaSR with a combination of specific nutrients, oral solutions that are both inexpensive and practical may be developed to help in conditioning the gut microenvironment and in maintaining digestive health. PMID:27458380

Constraining the 40K decay constant with 87Rb-87Sr - 40K-40Ca chronometer intercomparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naumenko-Dèzes, Maria O.; Nägler, Thomas F.; Mezger, Klaus; Villa, Igor M.

2018-01-01

A literature survey reveals that the K-Ar chronometer gives ages that are ca. 1% younger than U-Pb ages. This offset is generally attributed to an inaccurate 40K decay constant. Three geological samples selected from a shortlist of eight with known U-Pb ages were investigated using detailed petrological methods and subsequently the Rb-Sr and K-Ca chronometers in order (a) to evaluate if they meet the requirement of a geological history reflecting a ;point-like; event (i.e. isochronous formation and subsequent ideal closure of chronometers) and (b) to narrow down the systematic uncertainty on the 40K decay constant by investigating the metrologically traceable K-Ca decay branch. Lepidolite of the Rubikon pegmatite, Namibia, was dated with Rb-Sr at 504.7 ± 4.2 Ma and the phlogopite and apatite from the Phalaborwa carbonatite complex, South Africa, yielded a Rb-Sr age of 2058.9 ± 5.2 Ma. Both Rb-Sr ages agree with published U-Pb ages. The Rb-Sr age of the late Archean Siilinjärvi carbonatite, Finland, records a later regional metamorphic event at 1869 ± 10 Ma. Only the samples from the Phalaborwa complex represent a ;point-like; magmatic event and meet all the criteria to make them suitable for the 40K decay constant intercalibration. The Phalaborwa K-Ca isochron has a slope of 1.878 ± 0.012. Forcing the K-Ca isochron to coincide with the U-Pb and Rb-Sr ages gives one equation with two unknowns. Assuming that the branching ratio of the K-Ca branch, BCa, lies in the interval (k = 2) of all published references, 0.8925 < BCa < 0.8963, then the most reliable uncertainty interval (k = 2) for the total 40K decay constant, λtot, is calculated as 5.484 × 10-10 a-1 < λtot < 5.498 × 10-10 a-1. This confirms that the currently used IUGS recommendation is inaccurate.

The Extracellular Calcium-Sensing Receptor in the Intestine: Evidence for Regulation of Colonic Absorption, Secretion, Motility, and Immunity.

PubMed

Tang, Lieqi; Cheng, Catherine Y; Sun, Xiangrong; Pedicone, Alexandra J; Mohamadzadeh, Mansour; Cheng, Sam X

2016-01-01

Different from other epithelia, the intestinal epithelium has the complex task of providing a barrier impeding the entry of toxins, food antigens, and microbes, while at the same time allowing for the transfer of nutrients, electrolytes, water, and microbial metabolites. These molecules/organisms are transported either transcellularly, crossing the apical and basolateral membranes of enterocytes, or paracellularly, passing through the space between enterocytes. Accordingly, the intestinal epithelium can affect energy metabolism, fluid balance, as well as immune response and tolerance. To help accomplish these complex tasks, the intestinal epithelium has evolved many sensing receptor mechanisms. Yet, their roles and functions are only now beginning to be elucidated. This article explores one such sensing receptor mechanism, carried out by the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). In addition to its established function as a nutrient sensor, coordinating food digestion, nutrient absorption, and regulating energy metabolism, we present evidence for the emerging role of CaSR in the control of intestinal fluid homeostasis and immune balance. An additional role in the modulation of the enteric nerve activity and motility is also discussed. Clearly, CaSR has profound effects on many aspects of intestinal function. Nevertheless, more work is needed to fully understand all functions of CaSR in the intestine, including detailed mechanisms of action and specific pathways involved. Considering the essential roles CaSR plays in gastrointestinal physiology and immunology, research may lead to a translational opportunity for the development of novel therapies that are based on CaSR's unique property of using simple nutrients such as calcium, polyamines, and certain amino acids/oligopeptides as activators. It is possible that, through targeting of intestinal CaSR with a combination of specific nutrients, oral solutions that are both inexpensive and practical may be developed to help in conditioning the gut microenvironment and in maintaining digestive health.

Effects of Nb doping level on the electronic transport, photoelectric effect and magnetoresistance across La0.5Ca0.5MnO3/Nb:SrTiO3 junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J. F.; Jiang, Y. C.; Chen, M. G.; Gao, J.

2013-12-01

Heterojunctions composed of La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 and Nb doped SrTiO3 were fabricated, and the effects of the Nb doping level on their electronic transport, photoelectric effect, and magnetoresistance were investigated. A lower doping concentration of Nb led to better rectifying properties and higher open circuit voltages. The I-V curves for La0.5Ca0.5MnO3/0.7 wt. % Nb-SrTiO3 showed a negligible response to magnetic fields for all temperatures, whereas La0.5Ca0.5MnO3/0.05 wt. % Nb-SrTiO3 exhibited distinct magnetoresistance, which depended on both the bias voltage and temperature. These results are discussed with the assistance of conventional semiconductor theories.

Sequestration of Sr-90 Subsurface Contamination in the Hanford 100-N Area by Surface Infiltration of a Ca-Citrate-Phosphate Solution

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

Szecsody, James E.; Rockhold, Mark L.; Oostrom, Martinus

The objective of this project is to develop a method to emplace apatite precipitate in the 100N vadose zone, which results in sorption and ultimately incorporation of Sr-90 into the apatite structure. The Ca-citrate-PO4 solution can be infiltrated into unsaturated sediments to result in apatite precipitate to provide effective treatment of Sr-90 contamination. Microbial redistribution during solution infiltration and a high rate of citrate biodegradation for river water microbes (water used for solution infiltration) results in a relatively even spatial distribution of the citrate biodegradation rate and ultimately apatite precipitate in the sediment. Manipulation of the Ca-citrate-PO4 solution infiltration strategymore » can be used to result in apatite precipitate in the lower half of the vadose zone (where most of the Sr-90 is located) and within low-K layers (which are hypothesized to have higher Sr-90 concentrations). The most effective infiltration strategy to precipitate apatite at depth (and with sufficient lateral spread) was to infiltrate a high concentration solution (6 mM Ca, 15 mM citrate, 60 mM PO4) at a rapid rate (near ponded conditions), followed by rapid, then slow water infiltration. Repeated infiltration events, with sufficient time between events to allow water drainage in the sediment profile can be used to buildup the mass of apatite precipitate at greater depth. Low-K heterogeneities were effectively treated, as the higher residual water content maintained in these zones resulted in higher apatite precipitate concentration. High-K zones did not receive sufficient treatment by infiltration, although an alternative strategy of air/surfactant (foam) was demonstrated effective for targeting high-K zones. The flow rate manipulation used in this study to treat specific depths and heterogeneities are not as easy to implement at field scale due to the lack of characterization of heterogeneities and difficulty tracking the wetting front over a large subsurface area. However, the use of real-time surface and cross-borehole geophysics can be used to track the infiltrating Ca-citrate-PO4 front so some adjustments can be made in the infiltration rate to precipitate apatite in desired zones. In addition, the reactive transport code used in this study with field scale physical parameters for sediments can be used to evaluate infiltration strategies along with preliminary water infiltration tests at field scale.« less

Ca and Sr Isotope Sytematics in Mid-Ocean Ridge Hydrothermal Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pester, N. J.; Syverson, D. D.; Higgins, J. A.; Seyfried, W. E., Jr.

2016-12-01

We report a comprehensive suite of Ca isotopic data (δ44/40Ca) from mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal fluids, standardized relative to seawater. Samples were acquired from 7 different vent fields on the EPR, JdFR and MAR during expeditions between 1999 and 2014. All endmember hydrothermal fluids (within analytical uncertainty) reflect an entirely MORB-dominated signal (-1.0 to -1.2 ‰). This rather uniform signal, despite variable fluid chemistries and a mixture of mafic to ultramafic host lithologies, is somewhat surprising given the noteworthy Ca concentrations in both the hydrothermal fluids and precursor seawater. One explanation for this observation involves the change in anhydrite (CaSO4) saturation with increasing temperature, and the molal concentration ratio of [Mg]:[Ca]:[SO4] in modern seawater of 53:10:28. The near quantitative removal of seawater Mg to silicate alteration phases, favorable at all temperatures, is largely charge balanced by exchange for basaltic Ca, and this process alone can account for the majority of the rock dominated δ44/40Casw signal. That these values are equivalent to MORB, however, suggests a high proportion of this Mg-Ca exchange occurs after seawater Ca precipitates as anhydrite in lower temperature (recharge) regimes of the hydrothermal system, aided by the low [Ca]/[SO4]. 87/86Sr ratios of hydrothermal fluids exhibit a seawater signal of 20 to 30% and Sr is therefore not quantitatively removed during incipient anhydrite formation. Strontium mobility in hydrothermal systems is still poorly understood, but the offset between the Ca and Sr isotopic signatures is consistent with near-equilibrium partitioning of Sr into anhydrite observed in recent experiments. Such observations from modern MOR systems place important constraints on the role of hydrothermal fluxes in paleo-seawater evolution, such as feedbacks involving significant variability in [Mg]:[Ca]:[SO4] ratios of seawater suggested over much of the Phanerozoic.

Acetylcholine protects mesenteric arteries against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury via inhibiting calcium-sensing receptor.

PubMed

Zhao, Ming; He, Xi; Yang, Yong-Hua; Yu, Xiao-Jiang; Bi, Xue-Yuan; Yang, Yang; Xu, Man; Lu, Xing-Zhu; Sun, Qiang; Zang, Wei-Jin

2015-04-01

The Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaSR) plays an important role in regulating vascular tone. In the present study, we investigated the positive effects of the vagal neurotransmitter acetylcholine by suppressing CaSR activation in mesenteric arteries exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The artery rings were exposed to a modified 'ischemia mimetic' solution and an anaerobic environment to simulate an H/R model. Our results showed that acetylcholine (10(-6) mol/L) significantly reduced the contractions induced by KCl and phenylephrine and enhanced the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine. Additionally, acetylcholine reduced CaSR mRNA expression and activity when the rings were subjected to 4 h of hypoxia and 12 h of reoxygenation. Notably, the CaSR antagonist NPS2143 significantly reduced the contractions but did not improve the endothelium-dependent relaxation. When a contractile response was achieved with extracellular Ca(2+), both acetylcholine and NPS2143 reversed the H/R-induced abnormal vascular vasoconstriction, and acetylcholine reversed the calcimimetic R568-induced abnormal vascular vasoconstriction in the artery rings. In conclusion, this study suggests that acetylcholine ameliorates the dysfunctional vasoconstriction of the arteries after H/R, most likely by decreasing CaSR expression and activity, thereby inhibiting the increase in intracellular calcium concentration. Our findings may be indicative of a novel mechanism underlying ACh-induced vascular protection. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

87Sr solid-state NMR as a structurally sensitive tool for the investigation of materials: antiosteoporotic pharmaceuticals and bioactive glasses.

PubMed

Bonhomme, Christian; Gervais, Christel; Folliet, Nicolas; Pourpoint, Frédérique; Diogo, Cristina Coelho; Lao, Jonathan; Jallot, Edouard; Lacroix, Joséphine; Nedelec, Jean-Marie; Iuga, Dinu; Hanna, John V; Smith, Mark E; Xiang, Ye; Du, Jincheng; Laurencin, Danielle

2012-08-01

Strontium is an element of fundamental importance in biomedical science. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that Sr(2+) ions can promote bone growth and inhibit bone resorption. Thus, the oral administration of Sr-containing medications has been used clinically to prevent osteoporosis, and Sr-containing biomaterials have been developed for implant and tissue engineering applications. The bioavailability of strontium metal cations in the body and their kinetics of release from materials will depend on their local environment. It is thus crucial to be able to characterize, in detail, strontium environments in disordered phases such as bioactive glasses, to understand their structure and rationalize their properties. In this paper, we demonstrate that (87)Sr NMR spectroscopy can serve as a valuable tool of investigation. First, the implementation of high-sensitivity (87)Sr solid-state NMR experiments is presented using (87)Sr-labeled strontium malonate (with DFS (double field sweep), QCPMG (quadrupolar Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill), and WURST (wideband, uniform rate, and smooth truncation) excitation). Then, it is shown that GIPAW DFT (gauge including projector augmented wave density functional theory) calculations can accurately compute (87)Sr NMR parameters. Last and most importantly, (87)Sr NMR is used for the study of a (Ca,Sr)-silicate bioactive glass of limited Sr content (only ~9 wt %). The spectrum is interpreted using structural models of the glass, which are generated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and relaxed by DFT, before performing GIPAW calculations of (87)Sr NMR parameters. Finally, changes in the (87)Sr NMR spectrum after immersion of the glass in simulated body fluid (SBF) are reported and discussed.

Voltage Dependence of a Neuromodulator-Activated Ionic Current.

PubMed

Gray, Michael; Golowasch, Jorge

2016-01-01

The neuromodulatory inward current (IMI) generated by crab Cancer borealis stomatogastric ganglion neurons is an inward current whose voltage dependence has been shown to be crucial in the activation of oscillatory activity of the pyloric network of this system. It has been previously shown that IMI loses its voltage dependence in conditions of low extracellular calcium, but that this effect appears to be regulated by intracellular calmodulin. Voltage dependence is only rarely regulated by intracellular signaling mechanisms. Here we address the hypothesis that the voltage dependence of IMI is mediated by intracellular signaling pathways activated by extracellular calcium. We demonstrate that calmodulin inhibitors and a ryanodine antagonist can reduce IMI voltage dependence in normal Ca(2+), but that, in conditions of low Ca(2+), calmodulin activators do not restore IMI voltage dependence. Further, we show evidence that CaMKII alters IMI voltage dependence. These results suggest that calmodulin is necessary but not sufficient for IMI voltage dependence. We therefore hypothesize that the Ca(2+)/calmodulin requirement for IMI voltage dependence is due to an active sensing of extracellular calcium by a GPCR family calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and that the reduction in IMI voltage dependence by a calmodulin inhibitor is due to CaSR endocytosis. Supporting this, preincubation with an endocytosis inhibitor prevented W7 (N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride)-induced loss of IMI voltage dependence, and a CaSR antagonist reduced IMI voltage dependence. Additionally, myosin light chain kinase, which is known to act downstream of the CaSR, seems to play a role in regulating IMI voltage dependence. Finally, a Gβγ-subunit inhibitor also affects IMI voltage dependence, in support of the hypothesis that this process is regulated by a G-protein-coupled CaSR.

Voltage Dependence of a Neuromodulator-Activated Ionic Current123

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Abstract The neuromodulatory inward current (IMI) generated by crab Cancer borealis stomatogastric ganglion neurons is an inward current whose voltage dependence has been shown to be crucial in the activation of oscillatory activity of the pyloric network of this system. It has been previously shown that IMI loses its voltage dependence in conditions of low extracellular calcium, but that this effect appears to be regulated by intracellular calmodulin. Voltage dependence is only rarely regulated by intracellular signaling mechanisms. Here we address the hypothesis that the voltage dependence of IMI is mediated by intracellular signaling pathways activated by extracellular calcium. We demonstrate that calmodulin inhibitors and a ryanodine antagonist can reduce IMI voltage dependence in normal Ca2+, but that, in conditions of low Ca2+, calmodulin activators do not restore IMI voltage dependence. Further, we show evidence that CaMKII alters IMI voltage dependence. These results suggest that calmodulin is necessary but not sufficient for IMI voltage dependence. We therefore hypothesize that the Ca2+/calmodulin requirement for IMI voltage dependence is due to an active sensing of extracellular calcium by a GPCR family calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and that the reduction in IMI voltage dependence by a calmodulin inhibitor is due to CaSR endocytosis. Supporting this, preincubation with an endocytosis inhibitor prevented W7 (N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride)-induced loss of IMI voltage dependence, and a CaSR antagonist reduced IMI voltage dependence. Additionally, myosin light chain kinase, which is known to act downstream of the CaSR, seems to play a role in regulating IMI voltage dependence. Finally, a Gβγ-subunit inhibitor also affects IMI voltage dependence, in support of the hypothesis that this process is regulated by a G-protein-coupled CaSR. PMID:27257619

Melting and Vaporization of the 1223 Phase in the System (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O)

PubMed Central

Cook, L. P.; Wong-Ng, W.; Paranthaman, P.

1996-01-01

The melting and vaporization of the 1223 [(Tl,Pb):(Ba,Sr):Ca:Cu] oxide phase in the system (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O) have been investigated using a combination of dynamic methods (differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, effusion) and post-quenching characterization techniques (powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry). Vaporization rates, thermal events, and melt compositions were followed as a function of thallia loss from a 1223 stoichiometry. Melting and vaporization equilibria of the 1223 phase are complex, with as many as seven phases participating simultaneously. At a total pressure of 0.1 MPa the 1223 phase was found to melt completely at (980 ± 5) °C in oxygen, at a thallia partial pressure (pTl2O) of (4.6 ± 0.5) kPa, where the quoted uncertainties are standard uncertainties, i.e., 1 estimated standard deviation. The melting reaction involves five other solids and a liquid, nominally as follows: 1223→1212+(Ca,Sr)2CuO3+(Sr,Ca)CuO2+BaPbO3+(Ca,Sr)O+Liquid Stoichiometries of the participating phases have been determined from microchemical analysis, and substantial elemental substitution on the 1212 and 1223 crystallographic sites is indicated. The 1223 phase occurs in equilibrium with liquids from its melting point down to at least 935 °C. The composition of the lowest melting liquid detected for the bulk compositions of this study has been measured using microchemical analysis. Applications to the processing of superconducting wires and tapes are discussed. PMID:27805086

The Crystal Structure and Magnetic Behavior of Quinary Osmate and Ruthenate Double Perovskites La ABB'O 6 ( A = Ca, Sr; B = Co, Ni; B' = Ru, Os)

DOE PAGES

Morrow, Ryan; McGuire, Michael A.; Yan, Jiaqiang; ...

2018-02-23

In this work, six LaABB'O 6 (A = Ca, Sr; B = Co, Ni; B' = Ru, Os) double perovskites were synthesized, several for the first time, and their crystal structures and magnetic behavior were characterized with neutron powder diffraction and direct-current and alternating-current magnetometry. All six compounds crystallize with P2 1/n space group symmetry, resulting from a –a –c + octahedral tilting and complete rock salt ordering of transition-metal ions. Despite the electronic configurations of the transition-metal ions, either d 8–d 3 or d 7–d 3, not one of the six compounds shows ferromagnetism as predicted by the Goodenough–Kanamorimore » rules. LaSrNiOsO 6, LaSrNiRuO 6, and LaCaNiRuO 6 display long-range antiferromagnetic order, while LaCaNiOsO 6, LaCaCoOsO 6, and LaSrCoOsO 6 exhibit spin-glass behavior. These compounds are compared to the previously studied LaCaCoRuO 6 and LaSrCoRuO 6, both of which order antiferromagnetically. Lastly, the observed variations in magnetic properties can be attributed largely to the response of competing superexchange pathways due to changes in B–O–B' bond angles, differences in the radial extent of the 4d (B' = Ru) and 5d (B' = Os) orbitals, and filling of the t 2g orbitals of the 3d ion.« less

The Crystal Structure and Magnetic Behavior of Quinary Osmate and Ruthenate Double Perovskites La ABB'O 6 ( A = Ca, Sr; B = Co, Ni; B' = Ru, Os)

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

Morrow, Ryan; McGuire, Michael A.; Yan, Jiaqiang

In this work, six LaABB'O 6 (A = Ca, Sr; B = Co, Ni; B' = Ru, Os) double perovskites were synthesized, several for the first time, and their crystal structures and magnetic behavior were characterized with neutron powder diffraction and direct-current and alternating-current magnetometry. All six compounds crystallize with P2 1/n space group symmetry, resulting from a –a –c + octahedral tilting and complete rock salt ordering of transition-metal ions. Despite the electronic configurations of the transition-metal ions, either d 8–d 3 or d 7–d 3, not one of the six compounds shows ferromagnetism as predicted by the Goodenough–Kanamorimore » rules. LaSrNiOsO 6, LaSrNiRuO 6, and LaCaNiRuO 6 display long-range antiferromagnetic order, while LaCaNiOsO 6, LaCaCoOsO 6, and LaSrCoOsO 6 exhibit spin-glass behavior. These compounds are compared to the previously studied LaCaCoRuO 6 and LaSrCoRuO 6, both of which order antiferromagnetically. Lastly, the observed variations in magnetic properties can be attributed largely to the response of competing superexchange pathways due to changes in B–O–B' bond angles, differences in the radial extent of the 4d (B' = Ru) and 5d (B' = Os) orbitals, and filling of the t 2g orbitals of the 3d ion.« less

Strontium-based glass polyalkenoate cements for luting applications in the skeleton.

PubMed

Clarkin, O; Boyd, D; Towler, M R

2010-02-01

Glass Polyalkenoate Cements (GPCs) based on strontium calcium zinc silicate (Sr-Ca-Zn-SiO2) glasses and high molecular weight poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) have been shown to exhibit suitable mechanical properties for orthopaedic arthroplasty applications, however for vertebroplasty and other medical luting applications these cements have working and setting times which are unsuitable for such applications. In this study GPCs based on Sr-Ca-Zn-SiO2 glasses and low molecular weight PAA were evaluated for orthopaedic luting applications. GPCs based on four different glasses; BT100 (0.16CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2), BT101 (0.04SrO, 0.12CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2), BT102 (0.08SrO 0.08CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2) and BT103 (0.12SrO 0.04CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2) and two PAAs (MW; 12,700 and 25,700) were examined. These cement formulations exhibited handling properties potentially suitable for luting applications as well as mechanical strengths which were similar to those of trabecular bone. Upon immersion in simulated body fluid, the GPCs showed sustained growth of a calcium phosphate layer on the surface of the cement indicating that these cements were bioactive in nature.

Hydrothermal Preparation and Characterization of Ultralong Strontium-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Whiskers Using Acetamide as Homogeneous Precipitation Reagent

PubMed Central

Xu, Jianqiang; Yang, Yaoqi; Wan, Rong; Zhang, Weibin

2014-01-01

The ultralong strontium- (Sr-) substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) whiskers were successfully prepared using acetamide as homogeneous precipitation reagent. The effect of the Sr substitution amount on the lattice constants and proliferation of human osteoblast cells (MG-63) was further investigated. The results showed that the SrHAp whiskers with diameter of 0.2–12 μm and ultralong length up to 200 μm were obtained and the Sr substitution level could be facilely tailored by regulating the initial molar ratio of Sr/(Sr + Ca) in raw materials. The Sr2+ replaced part of Ca2+ and the lattice constants increased apparently with the increase of the Sr substitution amount. Compared with the pure HAp whiskers, the Sr substitution apparently stimulated the proliferation of MG-63 at certain extracted concentrations. Our study suggested that the obtained SrHAp whiskers might be used as bioactive and mechanical reinforcement materials for hard tissue regeneration applications. PMID:24592192

On the “alpha-phase” of Ca{sub 2−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 4} and extending the chemistry of Sr{sub 7−y}Ca{sub y}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 15} to y>1

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

Craddock, Sarah; Senn, Mark S.

There has been renewed interest in the Ruddlesden-Popper phase (n=2) of composition Ca{sub n+1}Mn{sub n}O{sub 3} {sub n+1} in the light of recent research that has highlighted the nature of the improper ferroelectric ground state, which arises due to the couplings between specific combinations of MnO{sub 6} octahedral rotations and tilts. A fruitful route to control these octahedral degrees of freedom, and hence such desired physical properties, is through chemical substitution on the A–site cation i.e. Ca{sub 2−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 4} for n =1, and in light of this, we have reinvestigated the chemistry of this solid solution. Here we focusmore » on a common impurity phase observed during this synthesis which has been termed the “alpha-phase” in the literature. We show that this impurity phase is actually comprised mainly of a structure related to Sr{sub 7}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 15} but is found here with significantly higher Ca substitution than previously believed possible. Sr{sub 7}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 15} is an interesting structural type in its own right, but has been mainly overlooked to date, exhibiting interesting physics related to low dimensional magnetic ordering and dimer interactions, and we show here that the structural type is a likely candidate for exhibiting a multiferroic ground state. The prospect of being able to tune the lattice and the exchange interactions through further chemical substitution is likely to lead to a renewed interest in this material. - Graphical abstract: Extending the chemistry of Sr{sub 7−y}Ca{sub y}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 15} beyond y>1, revealing highly anisotropic cation ordering and tunable magnetic properties. - Highlights: • Chemistry of the unique structural type Sr{sub 7}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 15} is extended to high Ca concentrations. • Cation occupancy model is determined, showing highly anisotropic solubility of Ca on the 7 unique Sr crystallographic sites. • Anomalies in the magnetic susceptibility data are discussed with reference to symmetry arguments pointing towards a possible novel multiferroic mechanism in this material.« less

Sea surface temperature variability in the Gulf of Mexico from 1734-2008 CE: A reconstruction using cross-dated Sr/Ca records from the coral Siderastrea siderea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeLong, K. L.; Flannery, J. A.; Quinn, T. M.; Maupin, C. R.; Lin, K.; Shen, C.

2013-12-01

Sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the Gulf of Mexico impacts climate in Central and North America because the Gulf is a major source of moisture and is a source region for the Gulf Stream, which transports ocean heat northward. Here we use skeletal variations in coral Sr/Ca from three Siderastrea siderea coral colonies within the Dry Tortugas National Park in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico (24°42'N, 82°48'W) to develop 274 years of monthly-resolved SST variations. The cross-dated chronology, determined by counting annual density bands and correlating Sr/Ca variations, is verified by four replicated high precision 230Th dates (×1.7-37 years, 2σ). Calibration and verification of our replicated coral Sr/Ca-SST reconstruction with Dry Tortugas SST (r = 0.98 and 0.55 for monthly and 36-month smoothed, respectively; 1992-2008 CE) and Key West, Florida surface air temperature (1895-2008 CE) measurements reveals similar covariance (r = 0.96 and 0.56 for monthly and 36-month smoothed, respectively). The absolute coral SST reconstruction is consistent with SST recorded at the Dry Tortugas lighthouse from 1879-1907 CE indicating that this coral Sr/Ca-SST relationship is stable on centennial time scales. The Sr/Ca-SST reconstruction reveals ~2.0°C interannual variability, ~1.5°C decadal fluctuations, and a 0.7°C warming trend for the past 274 years. Secular variability in our reconstruction is similar to approximately decadally resolved planktic foraminifer Mg/Ca records from the northern Gulf of Mexico. The coral Sr/Ca-SST reconstruction reveals colder decades (~1.5°C) suggesting a reduction in moisture and ocean heat flux from the Gulf of Mexico. We find winter extremes are more variable than summer extremes (×2.2°C vs. ×1.6°C, 2σ) with a stronger warming trend (1°C) in the summers suggesting continued warming may increase coral bleaching.

SR Ca2+-leak and disordered excitation-contraction coupling as the basis for arrhythmogenic and negative inotropic effects of acute ethanol exposure.

PubMed

Mustroph, Julian; Wagemann, Olivia; Lebek, Simon; Tarnowski, Daniel; Ackermann, Jasmin; Drzymalski, Marzena; Pabel, Steffen; Schmid, Christof; Wagner, Stefan; Sossalla, Samuel; Maier, Lars S; Neef, Stefan

2018-03-01

Ethanol has acute negative inotropic and arrhythmogenic effects. The underlying mechanisms, however, are largely unknown. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -leak is an important mechanism for reduced contractility and arrhythmias. Ca 2+ -leak can be induced by oxidative stress and Ca 2+ /Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Therefore, we investigated the influence of acute ethanol exposure on excitation-contraction coupling in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes. Isolated human atrial and murine atrial or ventricular cardiomyocytes were preincubated for 30 min and then superfused with control solution or solution containing ethanol. Ethanol had acute negative inotropic and positive lusitropic effects in human atrial muscle strips and murine ventricular cardiomyocytes. Accordingly, Ca 2+ -imaging indicated lower Ca 2+ -transient amplitudes and increased SERCA2a activity, while myofilament Ca 2+ -sensitivity was reduced. SR Ca 2+ -leak was assessed by measuring Ca 2+ -sparks. Ethanol induced severe SR Ca 2+ -leak in human atrial cardiomyocytes (calculated leak: 4.60 ± 0.45 mF/F 0 vs 1.86 ± 0.26 in control, n ≥ 80). This effect was dose-dependent, while spontaneous arrhythmogenic Ca 2+ -waves increased ~5-fold, as investigated in murine cardiomyocytes. Delayed afterdepolarizations, which can result from increased SR Ca 2+ -leak, were significantly increased by ethanol. Measurements using the reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensor CM-H 2 DCFDA showed increased ROS-stress in ethanol treated cells. ROS-scavenging with N-acetylcysteine prevented negative inotropic and positive lusitropic effects in human muscle strips. Ethanol-induced Ca 2+ -leak was abolished in mice with knockout of NOX2 (the main source for ROS in cardiomyocytes). Importantly, mice with oxidation-resistant CaMKII (Met281/282Val mutation) were protected from ethanol-induced Ca 2+ -leak. We show for the first time that ethanol acutely induces strong SR Ca 2+ -leak, also altering excitation-contraction coupling. Acute negative inotropic effects of ethanol can be explained by reduced systolic Ca 2+ -release. Mechanistically, ROS-production via NOX2 and oxidative activation of CaMKII appear to play central roles. This provides a mechanism for the arrhythmogenic and negative inotropic effects of ethanol and suggests a druggable target (CaMKII). Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Calcium and strontium isotope fractionation in aqueous solutions as a function of temperature and reaction rate; I. Calcite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AlKhatib, Mahmoud; Eisenhauer, Anton

2017-07-01

In order to study Strontium (Sr) partitioning and isotope fractionation of Sr and Calcium (Ca) in calcite we performed precipitation (T) experiments decoupling temperature and precipitation rate (R∗). Calcite was precipitated at 12.5, 25.0 and 37.5 °C by diffusing NH3 and CO2 gases into aqueous solutions closely following the experimental setup of Lemarchand et al. (2004). The precipitation rate (R∗) for every sample was determined applying the initial rate method and from the specific surface area of almost all samples for each reaction. The order of reaction with respect to Ca2+ ions was determined to be one and independent of T. However, the order of reaction with respect to HCO3- changed from three to one as temperature increases from 12.5, 25 °C and 37.5 °C. Strontium incorporated into calcite (expressed as DSr = [Sr/Ca]calcite/[Sr/Ca]solution) was found to be R∗ and T dependent. As a function of increasing R∗ the Δ88/86Sr-values become more negative and as temperature increases the Δ88/86Sr values also increase at constant R∗. The DSr and Δ88/86Sr-values are correlated to a high degree and depend only on R∗ being independent of temperature, complexation and varying initial ratios. Latter observation may have important implications for the study of diagenesis, the paleo-sciences and the reconstruction of past environmental conditions. Calcium isotope fractionation (Δ44/40Ca) was also found to be R∗ and T dependent. For 12.5 and 25.0 °C we observe a general increase of the Δ44/40Ca values as a function of R∗ (Lemarchand et al. type behavior, Lemarchand et al. (2004)). Whereas at 37.5 °C a significant decreasing Δ44/40Ca is observed relative to increasing R∗ (Tang et al. type behavior, Tang et al. (2008)). In order to reconcile the discrepant observations we suggest that the temperature triggered change from a Ca2+-NH3-aquacomplex covalent controlled bonding to a Ca2+-H2O-aquacomplex van-der-Waals controlled bonding caused the change in sign of the R∗ - Δ44/40Ca slope due to the switch of an equilibrium type of isotope fractionation related to the covalent bonding during lower temperatures to a kinetic type of isotope fractionation at higher temperatures. This is supported by the observation that the Δ44/40Ca ratios tend to depend on the [Ca]:[DIC] ratio at 12.5 and 25 °C but is highly independent at 37.5 °C. Our observations imply the chemical fluid composition and temperature dependent complexation controls the amount and direction of Ca isotope fractionation in contrast to the Sr isotopes which do not show any change of its fractionation behavior as a function of complexation in the liquid phase.

Sr-doped nanowire modification of Ca-Si-based coatings for improved osteogenic activities and reduced inflammatory reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kai; Hu, Dandan; Xie, Youtao; Huang, Liping; Zheng, Xuebin

2018-02-01

Biomedical coatings for orthopedic implants should facilitate osseointegration and mitigate implant-induced inflammatory reactions. In our study, Ca-Si coatings with Sr-containing nanowire-like structures (NW-Sr-CS) were achieved via hydrothermal treatment. In order to identify the effect of nanowire-like topography and Sr dopant on the biological properties of Ca-Si-based coatings, the original Ca-Si coating, Ca-Si coatings modified with nanoplate (NP-CS) and similar nanowire-like structure (NW-CS) were fabricated as the control. Surface morphology, phase composition, surface area, zeta potential and ion release of these coatings were characterized. The in vitro osteogenic activities and immunomodulatory properties were evaluated with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and RAW 264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage cell line. Compared with the CS and NP-CS coatings, the NW-CS coating possessed a larger surface area and pore volume, beneficial protein adsorption, up-regulated the expression levels of integrin β1, Vinculin and focal adhesion kinase and promoted cell spreading. Furthermore, the NW-CS coating significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization as indicated by the up-regulation of ALP activity, mineralized nodule formation and osteoblastogenesis-related gene expression. With the introduction of Sr, the NW-Sr-CS coatings exerted a greater effect on the BMSC proliferation rate, calcium sensitive receptor gene expression as well as PKC and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, the Sr-doped coatings significantly up-regulated the ratio of OPG/RANKL in the BMSCs. The NW-Sr-CS coatings could modulate the polarization of macrophages towards the wound-healing M2 phenotype, reduce the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and enhance anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ra, IL-10). The Sr-doped nanowire modification may be a valuable approach to enhance osteogenic activities and reduce inflammatory reactions.

Comparison of sarcoplasmic reticulum capabilities in toadfish (Opsanus tau) sonic muscle and rat fast twitch muscle.

PubMed

Feher, J J; Waybright, T D; Fine, M L

1998-08-01

The sonic muscle of the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, can produce unfused contractions at 300 Hz. Electron microscopy shows a great abundance of the Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in this muscle, but no functional characterization of the capabilities of the SR has been reported. We measured the oxalate-supported Ca2+ uptake rate and capacities of homogenates of toadfish sonic muscle and rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle, and estimated the number of pump units by titration with thapsigargin, a high-affinity, specific inhibitor of the SR Ca-ATPase. The Ca2+ uptake rate averaged 70.9 +/- 9.5 mumol min -1 per g tissue for the toad fish sonic muscle, and 73.5 +/- 3.7 mumol min -1 g-1 for rat EDL. The capacity for Ca2+ -oxalate uptake was 161 +/- 20 mumol g -1 and 33 +/- 2 mumol g -1 for toadfish sonic muscle and rat EDL, respectively. Thus, the rates of Ca2+ uptake were similar in the two muscles, but the toadfish sonic muscle had about five times the capacity of the rat EDL. The number of pumps as estimated by thapsigargin titration was 68 +/- 4 nmol of Ca-ATPase per g tissue in the toadfish, and 42 +/- 5 nmol Ca-ATPase per g tissue in the rat EDL. The turnover number, defined as the Ca2+ uptake divided by the number of pumps, was 1065 +/- 150 min -1 for toadfish and 1786 +/- 230 min -1 for rat EDL (p < 0.05) at 37 degrees C. The Ca2+ uptake rate of toadfish sonic muscle at 22 degree C, a typical temperature for calling toadfish, averaged 42 +/- 1% of its rate at 37 degree C. At these operating temperatures, the toadfish SR is likely to be slower than the rat fast-twitch SR, yet the toadfish sonic muscle supports more rapid contractions. One explanation for this is that the voluminous SR provides activator Ca2+ for contraction, but the abundant parvalbumin plays a major role in relaxation.

Effects of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation-Induced Electrical Remodeling on Atrial Electro-Mechanics - Insights from a 3D Model of the Human Atria.

PubMed

Adeniran, Ismail; MacIver, David H; Garratt, Clifford J; Ye, Jianqiao; Hancox, Jules C; Zhang, Henggui

2015-01-01

Atrial stunning, a loss of atrial mechanical contraction, can occur following a successful cardioversion. It is hypothesized that persistent atrial fibrillation-induced electrical remodeling (AFER) on atrial electrophysiology may be responsible for such impaired atrial mechanics. This simulation study aimed to investigate the effects of AFER on atrial electro-mechanics. A 3D electromechanical model of the human atria was developed to investigate the effects of AFER on atrial electro-mechanics. Simulations were carried out in 3 conditions for 4 states: (i) the control condition, representing the normal tissue (state 1) and the tissue 2-3 months after cardioversion (state 2) when the atrial tissue recovers its electrophysiological properties after completion of reverse electrophysiological remodelling; (ii) AFER-SR condition for AF-remodeled tissue with normal sinus rhythm (SR) (state 3); and (iii) AFER-AF condition for AF-remodeled tissue with re-entrant excitation waves (state 4). Our results indicate that at the cellular level, AFER (states 3 & 4) abbreviated action potentials and reduced the Ca2+ content in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, resulting in a reduced amplitude of the intracellular Ca2+ transient leading to decreased cell active force and cell shortening as compared to the control condition (states 1 & 2). Consequently at the whole organ level, atrial contraction in AFER-SR condition (state 3) was dramatically reduced. In the AFER-AF condition (state 4) atrial contraction was almost abolished. This study provides novel insights into understanding atrial electro-mechanics illustrating that AFER impairs atrial contraction due to reduced intracellular Ca2+ transients.

Modulation of Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor Channels by Alkaline Earth Cations

PubMed Central

Diaz-Sylvester, Paula L.; Porta, Maura; Copello, Julio A.

2011-01-01

Cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) function is modulated by Ca2+ and Mg2+. To better characterize Ca2+ and Mg2+ binding sites involved in RyR2 regulation, the effects of cytosolic and luminal earth alkaline divalent cations (M2+: Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) were studied on RyR2 from pig ventricle reconstituted in bilayers. RyR2 were activated by M2+ binding to high affinity activating sites at the cytosolic channel surface, specific for Ca2+ or Sr2+. This activation was interfered by Mg2+ and Ba2+ acting at low affinity M2+-unspecific binding sites. When testing the effects of luminal M2+ as current carriers, all M2+ increased maximal RyR2 open probability (compared to Cs+), suggesting the existence of low affinity activating M2+-unspecific sites at the luminal surface. Responses to M2+ vary from channel to channel (heterogeneity). However, with luminal Ba2+or Mg2+, RyR2 were less sensitive to cytosolic Ca2+ and caffeine-mediated activation, openings were shorter and voltage-dependence was more marked (compared to RyR2 with luminal Ca2+or Sr2+). Kinetics of RyR2 with mixtures of luminal Ba2+/Ca2+ and additive action of luminal plus cytosolic Ba2+ or Mg2+ suggest luminal M2+ differentially act on luminal sites rather than accessing cytosolic sites through the pore. This suggests the presence of additional luminal activating Ca2+/Sr2+-specific sites, which stabilize high Po mode (less voltage-dependent) and increase RyR2 sensitivity to cytosolic Ca2+ activation. In summary, RyR2 luminal and cytosolic surfaces have at least two sets of M2+ binding sites (specific for Ca2+ and unspecific for Ca2+/Mg2+) that dynamically modulate channel activity and gating status, depending on SR voltage. PMID:22039534

Effects of glyphosate on the mineral content of glyphosate-resistant soybeans (Glycine max).

PubMed

Duke, Stephen O; Reddy, Krishna N; Bu, Kaixuan; Cizdziel, James V

2012-07-11

There are conflicting claims as to whether treatment with glyphosate adversely affects mineral nutrition of glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops. Those who have made claims of adverse effects have argued links between reduced Mn and diseases in these crops. This article describes experiments designed to determine the effects of a recommended rate (0.86 kg ha(-1)) of glyphosate applied once or twice on the mineral content of young and mature leaves, as well as in seeds produced by GR soybeans (Glycine max) in both the greenhouse and field using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the greenhouse, there were no effects of either one application (at 3 weeks after planting, WAP) or two applications (at 3 and 6 WAP) of glyphosate on Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Sr, Ba, Al, Cd, Cr, Co, or Ni content of young or old leaves sampled at 6, 9, and 12 WAP and in harvested seed. Se concentrations were too low for accurate detection in leaves, but there was also no effect of glyphosate applications on Se in the seeds. In the field study, there were no effects of two applications (at 3 and 6 WAP) of glyphosate on Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Sr, Ba, Al, Cd, Cr, Co, or Ni content of young or old leaves at either 9 or 12 WAP. There was also no effect on Se in the seeds. There was no difference in yield between control and glyphosate-treated GR soybeans in the field. The results indicate that glyphosate does not influence mineral nutrition of GR soybean at recommended rates for weed management in the field. Furthermore, the field studies confirm the results of greenhouse studies.

Electron tunneling and the energy gap in Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Mark; Mitzi, D. B.; Kapitulnik, A.; Beasley, M. R.

1989-01-01

Results of electron tunneling on single crystals of the Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox superconductor are reported. The junctions show a gap structure with Δ~=25 meV, whose temperature dependence exhibits a qualitatively Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer-like behavior with a gap-closing Tc~=81-85 K. Comparisons of these tunneling spectra to those obtained on YBa2Cu3O7-x are made. Evidence that 2Δ/kTc~7 for both Ba2Sr2CaCu2Ox and YBa2Cu3O7-x is also discussed.

Synthesis of highly phase pure (Bi, Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor

DOEpatents

Dorris, S.E.; Poeppel, R.B.; Prorok, B.C.; Lanagan, M.T.; Maroni, V.A.

1994-10-11

An article and method of manufacture of (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor are disclosed. The superconductor is manufactured by preparing a first powdered mixture of bismuth oxide, lead oxide, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate and copper oxide. A second powdered mixture is then prepared of strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate and copper oxide. The mixtures are calcined separately with the two mixtures then combined. The resulting combined mixture is then subjected to a powder in tube deformation and thermal processing to produce a substantially phase pure (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor. 5 figs.

Computational insights on crystal structures of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II with either Ca²⁺ or Ca²⁺ substituted by Sr²⁺

DOE PAGES

Vogt, Leslie; Ertem, Mehmed Z.; Pal, Rhitankar; ...

2015-01-15

The oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II can function with either Ca²⁺ or Sr²⁺ as the heterocation, but the reason for differing turnover rates remains unresolved despite reported X-ray crystal structures for both forms. Using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations, we optimize structures with each cation in both the resting state (S₁) and in a series of reduced states (S₀, S₋₁, and S-₂). Through comparison with experimental data, we determine that X-ray crystal structures with either Ca²⁺ or Sr²⁺ are most consistent with the S-₂ state, Mn₄[III,III,III,II] with O4 and O5 protonated. As expected, the QM/MM models show that Ca²⁺/Sr²⁺ substitutionmore » results in elongation of the heterocation bonds and displaces terminal waters W3 and W4. The optimized structures also show that hydrogen-bonded W5 is displaced in all S states with Sr²⁺ as the heterocation, suggesting that this water may play a critical role during water oxidation.« less

Development of biodegradable Zn-1X binary alloys with nutrient alloying elements Mg, Ca and Sr.

PubMed

Li, H F; Xie, X H; Zheng, Y F; Cong, Y; Zhou, F Y; Qiu, K J; Wang, X; Chen, S H; Huang, L; Tian, L; Qin, L

2015-05-29

Biodegradable metals have attracted considerable attentions in recent years. Besides the early launched biodegradable Mg and Fe metals, Zn, an essential element with osteogenic potential of human body, is regarded and studied as a new kind of potential biodegradable metal quite recently. Unfortunately, pure Zn is soft, brittle and has low mechanical strength in the practice, which needs further improvement in order to meet the clinical requirements. On the other hand, the widely used industrial Zn-based alloys usually contain biotoxic elements (for instance, ZA series contain toxic Al elements up to 40 wt.%), which subsequently bring up biosafety concerns. In the present work, novel Zn-1X binary alloys, with the addition of nutrition elements Mg, Ca and Sr were designed (cast, rolled and extruded Zn-1Mg, Zn-1Ca and Zn-1Sr). Their microstructure and mechanical property, degradation and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility were studied systematically. The results demonstrated that the Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys have profoundly modified the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of pure Zn. Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys showed great potential for use in a new generation of biodegradable implants, opening up a new avenue in the area of biodegradable metals.

Development of biodegradable Zn-1X binary alloys with nutrient alloying elements Mg, Ca and Sr

PubMed Central

Li, H. F.; Xie, X. H.; Zheng, Y. F.; Cong, Y.; Zhou, F. Y.; Qiu, K. J.; Wang, X.; Chen, S. H.; Huang, L.; Tian, L.; Qin, L.

2015-01-01

Biodegradable metals have attracted considerable attentions in recent years. Besides the early launched biodegradable Mg and Fe metals, Zn, an essential element with osteogenic potential of human body, is regarded and studied as a new kind of potential biodegradable metal quite recently. Unfortunately, pure Zn is soft, brittle and has low mechanical strength in the practice, which needs further improvement in order to meet the clinical requirements. On the other hand, the widely used industrial Zn-based alloys usually contain biotoxic elements (for instance, ZA series contain toxic Al elements up to 40 wt.%), which subsequently bring up biosafety concerns. In the present work, novel Zn-1X binary alloys, with the addition of nutrition elements Mg, Ca and Sr were designed (cast, rolled and extruded Zn-1Mg, Zn-1Ca and Zn-1Sr). Their microstructure and mechanical property, degradation and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility were studied systematically. The results demonstrated that the Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys have profoundly modified the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of pure Zn. Zn-1X (Mg, Ca and Sr) alloys showed great potential for use in a new generation of biodegradable implants, opening up a new avenue in the area of biodegradable metals. PMID:26023878

Regulation of Bicarbonate Secretion in Marine Fish Intestine by the Calcium-Sensing Receptor.

PubMed

Gregório, Sílvia F; Fuentes, Juan

2018-04-04

In marine fish, high epithelial intestinal HCO₃ − secretion generates luminal carbonate precipitates of divalent cations that play a key role in water and ion homeostasis. The present study was designed to expose the putative role for calcium and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in the regulation of HCO₃ − secretion in the intestine of the sea bream ( Sparus aurata L.). Effects on the expression of the CaSR in the intestine were evaluated by qPCR and an increase was observed in the anterior intestine in fed fish compared with unfed fish and with different regions of intestine. CaSR expression reflected intestinal fluid calcium concentration. In addition, anterior intestine tissue was mounted in Ussing chambers to test the putative regulation of HCO₃ − secretion in vitro using the anterior intestine. HCO₃ − secretion was sensitive to varying calcium levels in luminal saline and to calcimimetic compounds known to activate/block the CaSR i.e., R 568 and NPS-2143. Subsequent experiments were performed in intestinal sacs to measure water absorption and the sensitivity of water absorption to varying luminal levels of calcium and calcimimetics were exposed as well. It appears, that CaSR mediates HCO₃ − secretion and water absorption in marine fish as shown by responsiveness to calcium levels and calcimimetic compounds.

Superconductivity in Bi-(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films made by thermal decomposition of metal carboxylates: Preparation, characterisation and magnetisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Vries, J. W. C.; Klee, M.; Marbach, G.; Stotz, S.

1989-12-01

Superconducting films in the system Bi-(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O are made by thermal decomposition of metal carboxylates. The layers are deposited by dip-coating and spin-coating on ceramic and single-crystal MgO substrates. In lead-free samples a continuous path of the high-T c phase ( Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu33O10 + δ, Tc ≈ 110 K), leading to zero-resistance at 95 K, can be obtained after firing at 878°C for 3 h. From DC magnetisation measurements in an external field of 10 mT, it followed that the relative amount of the high- Tc phase ( Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 + δ) and the low-T c phase ( Bi2 ( Sr, Ca) 3Cu2O8 + δ, Tc ≈ 80 K) is about 14:86. Substitution of 20% of bismuth by lead yields, after firing at 850°C or 860°C, the high- Tc phase as the major phase, as can be deduced both from X-ray diffraction and DC magnetisation measurements. The resistance is zero at 104 K and the relative quantity of high-T c to low-T c phase is about 60:40 to 75:25.

Hydrogen impurity effects. A

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

Leon-Escamilla, E. Alejandro; Corbett, John D.

2001-06-01

All of the binary systems Ca, Sr, Ba, or Eu (A) with Tt (tetrel) = Si or Ge as well as Sr-Sn form both binary Cr{sub 5}B{sub 3}-type A{sub 5}Tt{sub 3} phases and the corresponding ternary hydrides with stuffed Cr{sub 5}B{sub 3}- (Ca{sub 5}Sn{sub 3}F-) type structures. All of those tested, Ca-Si, Ba-Si, Ca-Ge, also yield the isotypic A{sub 5}Tt{sub 3}F{sub x} phases. The tetragonal structures of Ca{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, Ca{sub 5}Si{sub 3}F{sub 0.42}, Sr{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, Eu{sub 5}Si{sub 3}H{sub x}, Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}, Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}H{sub x}, Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}F{sub 0.66} (I4/mcm, No. 140) and of Ba{sub 5}Si{sub 3}F{submore » 0.16} (P4/ncc, Ba{sub 5}Si{sub 3}-type) were refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The interstitial H, F atoms are bound in a constricted tetrahedral (A{sup 2+}){sub 4} cavity in the Cr{sub 5}B{sub 3}-type heavy atom structure, which can be described ideally as (A{sup 2+}){sub 5}(Tt{sub 2}){sup 6{minus}}(Tt){sup 4{minus}}. Many of 14 previous reports of the phases reported here were apparently hydrides according to lattice constant differences or, for Sr{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, the fractional coordinates of Sr2 about the tetrahedral site. An articulated model is developed that allows description of the relationship between the dimensions of the tetrahedral interstitial site and the cation cavity about Tt{sub 2} and for some matrix effects in this structure type. The model suggests limitations on the stability of these binary A{sub 5}Tt{sub 3} compounds for the heavier tetrels, as observed. The resistivities of Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3} and Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}H{sub x} are both characteristic of poor metals, and Pauli-like magnetic susceptibilities are exhibited by Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}, Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}H{sub x}, Ca{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}F{sub 0.66}, Sr{sub 5}Ge{sub 3}, and Sr{sub 5}Sn{sub 3}. The characteristic ideal Tt{sub 2}{sup 6{minus}} dimers are evidently not realistic descriptions for these phases; rather, at least some of the {pi}*{sup 4} electrons in the dimers are delocalized in a conduction band. This effect appears to be greater in two europium salts. Bond lengths of dimers in the Ca-Si and Ca-Ge families appear to shorten slightly in three instances of their oxidation to form the hydride or the fluoride, as might be expected.« less

Ca2+-induced Ca2+ Release Phenomena in Mammalian Sympathetic Neurons Are Critically Dependent on the Rate of Rise of Trigger Ca2+

PubMed Central

Hernández-Cruz, Arturo; Escobar, Ariel L.; Jiménez, Nicolás

1997-01-01

The role of ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores present in nonmuscular cells is not yet completely understood. Here we examine the physiological parameters determining the dynamics of caffeine-induced Ca2+ release in individual fura-2–loaded sympathetic neurons. Two ryanodine-sensitive release components were distinguished: an early, transient release (TR) and a delayed, persistent release (PR). The TR component shows refractoriness, depends on the filling status of the store, and requires caffeine concentrations ≥10 mM. Furthermore, it is selectively suppressed by tetracaine and intracellular BAPTA, which interfere with Ca2+-mediated feedback loops, suggesting that it constitutes a Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release phenomenon. The dynamics of release is markedly affected when Sr2+ substitutes for Ca2+, indicating that Sr2+ release may operate with lower feedback gain than Ca2+ release. Our data indicate that when the initial release occurs at an adequately fast rate, Ca2+ triggers further release, producing a regenerative response, which is interrupted by depletion of releasable Ca2+ and Ca2+-dependent inactivation. A compartmentalized linear diffusion model can reproduce caffeine responses: When the Ca2+ reservoir is full, the rapid initial Ca2+ rise determines a faster occupation of the ryanodine receptor Ca2+ activation site giving rise to a regenerative release. With the store only partially loaded, the slower initial Ca2+ rise allows the inactivating site of the release channel to become occupied nearly as quickly as the activating site, thereby suppressing the initial fast release. The PR component is less dependent on the store's Ca2+ content. This study suggests that transmembrane Ca2+ influx in rat sympathetic neurons does not evoke widespread amplification by CICR because of its inability to raise [Ca2+] near the Ca2+ release channels sufficiently fast to overcome their Ca2+-dependent inactivation. Conversely, caffeine-induced Ca2+ release can undergo considerable amplification especially when Ca2+ stores are full. We propose that the primary function of ryanodine-sensitive stores in neurons and perhaps in other nonmuscular cells, is to emphasize subcellular Ca2+ gradients resulting from agonist-induced intracellular release. The amplification gain is dependent both on the agonist concentration and on the filling status of intracellular Ca2+ stores. PMID:9041445

Coprecipitation of (14)C and Sr with carbonate precipitates: The importance of reaction kinetics and recrystallization pathways.

PubMed

Hodkin, David J; Stewart, Douglas I; Graham, James T; Burke, Ian T

2016-08-15

This study investigated the simultaneous removal of Sr(2+) and (14)CO3(2-) from pH>12 Ca(OH)2 solution by the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Initial Ca(2+):CO3(2-) ratios ranged from 10:1 to 10:100 (mM:mM). Maximum removal of (14)C and Sr(2+) both occurred in the system containing 10mM Ca(2+) and 1mM CO3(2-) (99.7% and 98.6% removal respectively). A kinetic model is provided that describes (14)C and Sr removal in terms of mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions. The removal of (14)C was achieved during the depletion of the initial TIC in solution, and was subsequently significantly affected by recrystallization of the calcite precipitate from an elongate to isotropic morphology. This liberated >46% of the (14)C back to solution. Sr(2+) removal occurred as Ca(2+) became depleted in solution and was not significantly affected by the recrystallization process. The proposed reaction could form the basis for low cost remediation scheme for (90)Sr and (14)C in radioactively contaminated waters (<$0.25 reagent cost per m(3) treated). Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Strontium hydroxyapatite and strontium carbonate as templates for the precipitation of calcium-phosphates in the absence and presence of fluoride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sternitzke, Vanessa; Janousch, Markus; Heeb, Michèle B.; Hering, Janet G.; Johnson, C. Annette

2014-06-01

The heterogeneous precipitation of calcium-phosphates on calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 or HAP) in the presence and absence of fluoride is important in the formation of bone and teeth, protection against tooth decay, dental and skeletal fluorosis and defluoridation of drinking water. Strontium hydroxyapatite (Sr10(PO4)6(OH)2 or SrHAP) and strontium carbonate (SrCO3) were used as calcium-free seed templates in precipitation experiments conducted with varying initial calcium-to-phosphate (Ca/P) or calcium-to-phosphate-to-fluoride (Ca/P/F) ratios. Suspensions of SrHAP or SrCO3 seed templates (which were calcium-limited for both templates and phosphate-limited in the case of SrCO3) were reacted at pH 7.3 (25 °C) over 3 days. The resulting solids were examined with Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES), and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy (EXAFS). Calcium apatite was the predominant phase identified by all techniques independent of the added Ca/P ratios and of the presence of fluoride. It was not possible to make an unambiguous distinction between HAP and fluorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6F2, FAP). The apatite was calcium-deficient and probably contained some strontium.

Developmental changes in the activation properties and ultrastructure of fast- and slow-twitch muscles from fetal sheep.

PubMed

West, J M; Barclay, C J; Luff, A R; Walker, D W

1999-04-01

At early stages of muscle development, skeletal muscles contract and relax slowly, regardless of whether they are destined to become fast- or slow-twitch. In this study, we have characterised the activation profiles of developing fast- and slow-twitch muscles from a precocial species, the sheep, to determine if the activation profiles of the muscles are characteristically slow when both the fast- and slow-twitch muscles have slow isometric contraction profiles. Single skinned muscle fibres from the fast-twitch flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and slow-twitch soleus muscles from fetal (gestational ages 70, 90, 120 and 140 days; term 147 days) and neonatal (8 weeks old) sheep were used to determine the isometric force-pCa (pCa = -log10[Ca2+]) and force-pSr relations during development. Fast-twitch mammalian muscles generally have a greatly different sensitivity to Ca2+ and Sr2+ whereas slow-twitch muscles have a similar sensitivity to these divalent cations. At all ages studied, the force-pCa and force-pSr relations of the FDL muscle were widely separated. The mean separation of the mid-point of the curves (pCa50-pSr50) was approximately 1.1. This is typical of adult fast-twitch muscle. The force-pCa and force-pSr curves for soleus muscle were also widely separated at 70 and 90 days gestation (pCa50-pSr50 approximately 0.75); between 90 days and 140 days this separation decreased significantly to approximately 0.2. This leads to a paradoxical situation whereby at early stages of muscle development the fast muscles have contraction dynamics of slow muscles but the slow muscles have activation profiles more characteristic of fast muscles. The time course for development of the FDL and soleus is different, based on sarcomere structure with the soleus muscle developing clearly defined sarcomere structure earlier in gestation than the FDL. At 70 days gestation the FDL muscle had no clearly defined sarcomeres. Force (N cm-2) increased almost linearly between 70 and 140 days gestation in both muscle types and there was no difference between the Ca(2+)- and Sr(2+)-activated force throughout development.

Effects of GABA and bicuculline on N-methyl-D-aspartate- and quisqualate-induced reductions in extracellular free calcium in area CA1 of the hippocampal slice.

PubMed

Hamon, B; Heinemann, U

1986-01-01

Decreases in extracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]o) and concomitant field potentials were recorded from the dendritic and cell body layers of the CA1 field in transverse hippocampal slices. They were elicited by tetanic stimulation of Schaffer collaterals and commissural fibers or by iontophoretic application of the excitatory amino acids N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate (Quis). Under control conditions, decreases in [Ca2+]o were found to be maximal in stratum pyramidale (SP). In stratum radiatum (SR), 100 micron away from SP, decreases in [Ca2+]o were half the size of those observed in SP. Bicuculline methiodide, bath-applied at concentrations of 10-100 microM, enhanced the reductions in [Ca2+]o, increased the field potentials in all layers and also induced "spontaneous" epileptiform activity. In the presence of bicuculline, the decreases in [Ca2+]o were particularly enhanced in SR and were often greater than those recorded in SP. This was the case for changes in [Ca2+]o induced either by repetitive electrical stimulation or by application of NMDA and Quis. When synaptic transmission was blocked by perfusing the slices with a low Ca2+ medium, all NMDA and Quis-induced changes in [Ca2+]o were predictably reduced but there was a relative enhancement of changes in [Ca2+]o in SR with respect to those in SP. We propose that, under normal conditions, an inhibitory control mediated by GABA limits the reductions of [Ca2+]o particularly in SR. In support of this proposal, we found that bath-applied GABA had a depressant action on changes in [Ca2+]o.

Specific Effects of Oxygen Molecule and Plasma on Thin-Film Growth of Y-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-(Ca)-Cu-O Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endo, Tamio; Horie, Munehiro; Hirate, Naoki; Itoh, Katsutoshi; Yamada, Satoshi; Tada, Masaki; Itoh, Ken-ichi; Sugiyama, Morihiro; Sano, Shinji; Watabe, Kinji

1998-07-01

Thin films of a-oriented YBa2Cu3Ox (YBCO), Ca-doped c-oriented Bi2(Sr,Ca)2CuOx and nondoped c-oriented Bi2Sr2CuOx (Bi2201) were prepared at low temperatures by ion beam sputtering with supply of oxygen molecules or plasma. The plasma enhances crystal growth of the a-YBCO and Ca-doped Bi2201 phases. This can be interpreted in terms of their higher surface energies. The growth and quality of nondoped Bi2201 are improved with the supply of oxygen molecules. This particular result could be interpreted by the collision process between the oxygen molecules and the sputtered particles.

Phosphorylation of serine96 of histidine-rich calcium-binding protein by the Fam20C kinase functions to prevent cardiac arrhythmia

PubMed Central

Pollak, Adam J.; Haghighi, Kobra; Kunduri, Swati; Arvanitis, Demetrios A.; Liu, Guan-Sheng; Singh, Vivek P.; Gonzalez, David J.; Sanoudou, Despina; Wiley, Sandra E.; Dixon, Jack E.; Kranias, Evangelia G.

2017-01-01

Precise Ca cycling through the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), a Ca storage organelle, is critical for proper cardiac muscle function. This cycling initially involves SR release of Ca via the ryanodine receptor, which is regulated by its interacting proteins junctin and triadin. The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca ATPase (SERCA) pump then refills SR Ca stores. Histidine-rich Ca-binding protein (HRC) resides in the lumen of the SR, where it contributes to the regulation of Ca cycling by protecting stressed or failing hearts. The common Ser96Ala human genetic variant of HRC strongly correlates with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the underlying molecular pathways of this disease remain undefined. Here, we demonstrate that family with sequence similarity 20C (Fam20C), a recently characterized protein kinase in the secretory pathway, phosphorylates HRC on Ser96. HRC Ser96 phosphorylation was confirmed in cells and human hearts. Furthermore, a Ser96Asp HRC variant, which mimics constitutive phosphorylation of Ser96, diminished delayed aftercontractions in HRC null cardiac myocytes. This HRC phosphomimetic variant was also able to rescue the aftercontractions elicited by the Ser96Ala variant, demonstrating that phosphorylation of Ser96 is critical for the cardioprotective function of HRC. Phosphorylation of HRC on Ser96 regulated the interactions of HRC with both triadin and SERCA2a, suggesting a unique mechanism for regulation of SR Ca homeostasis. This demonstration of the role of Fam20C-dependent phosphorylation in heart disease will open new avenues for potential therapeutic approaches against arrhythmias. PMID:28784772

Isotopically distinct reservoirs in the solar nebula: Isotope anomalies in Vigarano meteorite inclusions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loss, R. D.; Lugmair, G. W.; Davis, A. M.; Macpherson, G. J.

1994-01-01

The isotopic compositions of Mg, Ca, Ti, Cr, Zn, Sr, Ba, Nd, and Sm were measured in four relatively unaltered refractory inclusions from the Vigarano carbonaceous chondrite meteorite. Three of the inclusions (USNM 1623-2, 1623-3, and 1623-8) show similar Mg, Ca, Ti, and Cr isotopic compositions to those found in most inclusions in the Allende carbonaceous chondrite. This indicates that these Vigarano inclusions sampled the same isotopic reservoirs as the majority of the Allende inclusions that isotope signatures in the latter were not significantly modified by the secondary alteration that permeates most Allende inclusions. In contrast, inclusion 1623-5 has large deficits in Mg-26, Ca-48, and Ti-50 and small but distinct Cr-54, Zn-66, Sr-84, Ba-135, Ba-137, and Sm-144 anomalies. The magnitudes of these unusual anomalies in the refractory elements are within analytical uncertainty of those found in the Allende 'FUN" inclusion C1, yet 1623-5 has a very different bulk chemical composition from C1. The fact that 1623-5 and C1 have identical isotopic anomalies yet have significantly distinct major and trace element contents provide convincing evidence for the presence of isotopically distinct reservoirs in the early solar system.

PLCζ Induced Ca2+ Oscillations in Mouse Eggs Involve a Positive Feedback Cycle of Ca2+ Induced InsP3 Formation From Cytoplasmic PIP2

PubMed Central

Sanders, Jessica R.; Ashley, Bethany; Moon, Anna; Woolley, Thomas E.; Swann, Karl

2018-01-01

Egg activation at fertilization in mammalian eggs is caused by a series of transient increases in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, referred to as Ca2+ oscillations. It is widely accepted that these Ca2+ oscillations are initiated by a sperm derived phospholipase C isoform, PLCζ that hydrolyses its substrate PIP2 to produce the Ca2+ releasing messenger InsP3. However, it is not clear whether PLCζ induced InsP3 formation is periodic or monotonic, and whether the PIP2 source for generating InsP3 from PLCζ is in the plasma membrane or the cytoplasm. In this study we have uncaged InsP3 at different points of the Ca2+ oscillation cycle to show that PLCζ causes Ca2+ oscillations by a mechanism which requires Ca2+ induced InsP3 formation. In contrast, incubation in Sr2+ media, which also induces Ca2+ oscillations in mouse eggs, sensitizes InsP3-induced Ca2+ release. We also show that the cytosolic level Ca2+ is a key factor in setting the frequency of Ca2+ oscillations since low concentrations of the Ca2+ pump inhibitor, thapsigargin, accelerates the frequency of PLCζ induced Ca2+ oscillations in eggs, even in Ca2+ free media. Given that Ca2+ induced InsP3 formation causes a rapid wave during each Ca2+ rise, we use a mathematical model to show that InsP3 generation, and hence PLCζ's substate PIP2, has to be finely distributed throughout the egg cytoplasm. Evidence for PIP2 distribution in vesicles throughout the egg cytoplasm is provided with a rhodamine-peptide probe, PBP10. The apparent level of PIP2 in such vesicles could be reduced by incubating eggs in the drug propranolol which also reversibly inhibited PLCζ induced, but not Sr2+ induced, Ca2+ oscillations. These data suggest that the cytosolic Ca2+ level, rather than Ca2+ store content, is a key variable in setting the pace of PLCζ induced Ca2+ oscillations in eggs, and they imply that InsP3 oscillates in synchrony with Ca2+ oscillations. Furthermore, they support the hypothesis that PLCζ and sperm induced Ca2+ oscillations in eggs requires the hydrolysis of PIP2 from finely spaced cytoplasmic vesicles. PMID:29666796

Heterobimetallic Complexes with MIII-(μ-OH)-MII Cores (MIII = Fe, Mn, Ga; MII = Ca, Sr, and Ba): Structural, Kinetic, and Redox Properties

PubMed Central

Park, Young Jun; Cook, Sarah A.; Sickerman, Nathaniel S.; Sano, Yohei; Ziller, Joseph W.

2013-01-01

The effects of redox-inactive metal ions on dioxygen activation were explored using a new FeII complex containing a tripodal ligand with 3 sulfonamido groups. This iron complex exhibited a faster initial rate for the reduction of O2 than its MnII analog. Increases in initial rates were also observed in the presence of group 2 metal ions for both the FeII and MnII complexes, which followed the trend NMe4+ < BaII < CaII = SrII. These studies led to the isolation of heterobimetallic complexes containing FeIII-(μ-OH)-MII cores (MII = Ca, Sr, and Ba) and one with a [SrII(OH)MnIII]+ motif. The analogous [CaII(OH)GaIII]+ complex was also prepared and its solid state molecular structure is nearly identical to that of the [CaII(OH)FeIII]+ system. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies indicated that the diamagnetic [CaII(OH)GaIII]+ complex retained its structure in solution. Electrochemical measurements on the heterobimetallic systems revealed similar one-electron reduction potentials for the [CaII(OH)FeIII]+ and [SrII(OH)FeIII]+ complexes, which were more positive than the potential observed for [BaII(OH)FeIII]+. Similar results were obtained for the heterobimetallic MnII complexes. These findings suggest that Lewis acidity is not the only factor to consider when evaluating the effects of group 2 ions on redox processes, including those within the oxygen-evolving complex of Photosystem II. PMID:24058726

Heterobimetallic Complexes with MIII-(μ-OH)-MII Cores (MIII = Fe, Mn, Ga; MII = Ca, Sr, and Ba): Structural, Kinetic, and Redox Properties.

PubMed

Park, Young Jun; Cook, Sarah A; Sickerman, Nathaniel S; Sano, Yohei; Ziller, Joseph W; Borovik, A S

2013-02-01

The effects of redox-inactive metal ions on dioxygen activation were explored using a new Fe II complex containing a tripodal ligand with 3 sulfonamido groups. This iron complex exhibited a faster initial rate for the reduction of O 2 than its Mn II analog. Increases in initial rates were also observed in the presence of group 2 metal ions for both the Fe II and Mn II complexes, which followed the trend NMe 4 + < Ba II < Ca II = Sr II . These studies led to the isolation of heterobimetallic complexes containing Fe III -( μ -OH)-M II cores (M II = Ca, Sr, and Ba) and one with a [Sr II (OH)Mn III ] + motif. The analogous [Ca II (OH)Ga III ] + complex was also prepared and its solid state molecular structure is nearly identical to that of the [Ca II (OH)Fe III ] + system. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies indicated that the diamagnetic [Ca II (OH)Ga III ] + complex retained its structure in solution. Electrochemical measurements on the heterobimetallic systems revealed similar one-electron reduction potentials for the [Ca II (OH)Fe III ] + and [Sr II (OH)Fe III ] + complexes, which were more positive than the potential observed for [Ba II (OH)Fe III ] + . Similar results were obtained for the heterobimetallic Mn II complexes. These findings suggest that Lewis acidity is not the only factor to consider when evaluating the effects of group 2 ions on redox processes, including those within the oxygen-evolving complex of Photosystem II.

Nitric oxide-dependent activation of CaMKII increases diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release in cardiac myocytes in response to adrenergic stimulation.

PubMed

Curran, Jerry; Tang, Lifei; Roof, Steve R; Velmurugan, Sathya; Millard, Ashley; Shonts, Stephen; Wang, Honglan; Santiago, Demetrio; Ahmad, Usama; Perryman, Matthew; Bers, Donald M; Mohler, Peter J; Ziolo, Mark T; Shannon, Thomas R

2014-01-01

Spontaneous calcium waves in cardiac myocytes are caused by diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum release (SR Ca(2+) leak) through ryanodine receptors. Beta-adrenergic (β-AR) tone is known to increase this leak through the activation of Ca-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) and the subsequent phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor. When β-AR drive is chronic, as observed in heart failure, this CaMKII-dependent effect is exaggerated and becomes potentially arrhythmogenic. Recent evidence has indicated that CaMKII activation can be regulated by cellular oxidizing agents, such as reactive oxygen species. Here, we investigate how the cellular second messenger, nitric oxide, mediates CaMKII activity downstream of the adrenergic signaling cascade and promotes the generation of arrhythmogenic spontaneous Ca(2+) waves in intact cardiomyocytes. Both SCaWs and SR Ca(2+) leak were measured in intact rabbit and mouse ventricular myocytes loaded with the Ca-dependent fluorescent dye, fluo-4. CaMKII activity in vitro and immunoblotting for phosphorylated residues on CaMKII, nitric oxide synthase, and Akt were measured to confirm activity of these enzymes as part of the adrenergic cascade. We demonstrate that stimulation of the β-AR pathway by isoproterenol increased the CaMKII-dependent SR Ca(2+) leak. This increased leak was prevented by inhibition of nitric oxide synthase 1 but not nitric oxide synthase 3. In ventricular myocytes isolated from wild-type mice, isoproterenol stimulation also increased the CaMKII-dependent leak. Critically, in myocytes isolated from nitric oxide synthase 1 knock-out mice this effect is ablated. We show that isoproterenol stimulation leads to an increase in nitric oxide production, and nitric oxide alone is sufficient to activate CaMKII and increase SR Ca(2+) leak. Mechanistically, our data links Akt to nitric oxide synthase 1 activation downstream of β-AR stimulation. Collectively, this evidence supports the hypothesis that CaMKII is regulated by nitric oxide as part of the adrenergic cascade leading to arrhythmogenesis.

Structural, morphological and magnetic properties of Sr0.3La0.48Ca0.25n[Fe(2-0.4/n)O3]Co0.4 (n = 5.5, 5.6,5.7,5.8, 5.9, 6.0) hexaferrites prepared by facile ceramic route methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rehman, Khalid Mehmood Ur; Liu, Xiansong; Yang, Yujie; Feng, Shuangjiu; Tang, Jin; Ali, Zulfiqar; Wazir, Z.; Khan, Muhammad Wasim; Shezad, Mudssir; Iqbal, Muhammad Shahid; Zhang, Cong; Liu, Chaocheng

2018-03-01

In present work, M-type strontium hexaferrite with chemical composition of Sr0.3La0.48Ca0.25n[Fe(2-0.4/n)O3]Co0.4 (n = 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0) magnetic powder were synthesized by using facile ceramic route methodology. The structural, morphological and magnetic properties of the products were investigated by using X-rays diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) techniques, respectively. There is a single magnetoplumbite phase in the magnetic powders containing (5.5 ≤ n ≤5.8) and (n ≥ 5.9) magnetic some impurities begin to seem in the structure. The magnets have shaped hexagonal structures. Magnetic properties of the samples were metric by permanent magnetic measuring equipment Vibrating Sample Magnetometer, respectively. We report our investigation of n-aggregation iron content on crystalline size characterization and magnetic properties of the specimen. It is originate that the desirable quantity of n-aggregation iron content substitution may curiously increase saturation magnetization (Ms) and intrinsic coercivity (Hc). With the iron addition for the same sintering temperature at 1260 °C, (Ms) and (Hc) first increase and then decrease gradually.

Structural investigation of the A-site vacancy in scheelites and the luminescence behavior of two continuous solid solutions A(1-1.5x)Eu(x)□(0.5x)WO₄ and A(0.64-0.5y)Eu(0.24)Li(y)□(0.12-0.5y)WO₄ (A = Ca, Sr; □ = vacancy).

PubMed

Jiang, Pengfei; Gao, Wenliang; Cong, Rihong; Yang, Tao

2015-04-07

Scheelite compounds with Eu(3+) substitution are well-known red-phosphors. We prepared and performed a detailed structural characterization of A(1-1.5x)Eu(x)□(0.5x)WO4 and A(0.64-0.5y)Eu(0.24)Li(y)□(0.12-0.5y)WO4 (A = Ca, Sr; □ = vacancy) to confirm the A-site vacancy mechanism for charge balance when bivalent A cations were substituted by Eu(3+). All compounds crystallize in I4₁/a with a disordered arrangement of A(2+), Eu(3+), □ at the A-site. The title compounds are all good red phosphors with a high R/O ratio (∼10), indicating that Eu(3+) is located at a significantly distorted cavity. A(1-1.5x)Eu(x)□(0.5x)WO4 shows a saturation phenomenon at a high doping level, x = 0.20. With the incorporation of Li(+), the emission intensity was generally enhanced compared to the Li(+)-free samples, moreover, an increase of the Li(+) content reduces the content of vacancies, resulting in further increase of the luminescence intensity.

Modeling CICR in rat ventricular myocytes: voltage clamp studies

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The past thirty-five years have seen an intense search for the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium-induced calcium-release (CICR) in cardiac myocytes, with voltage clamp (VC) studies being the leading tool employed. Several VC protocols including lowering of extracellular calcium to affect Ca2+ loading of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and administration of blockers caffeine and thapsigargin have been utilized to probe the phenomena surrounding SR Ca2+ release. Here, we develop a deterministic mathematical model of a rat ventricular myocyte under VC conditions, to better understand mechanisms underlying the response of an isolated cell to calcium perturbation. Motivation for the study was to pinpoint key control variables influencing CICR and examine the role of CICR in the context of a physiological control system regulating cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]myo). Methods The cell model consists of an electrical-equivalent model for the cell membrane and a fluid-compartment model describing the flux of ionic species between the extracellular and several intracellular compartments (cell cytosol, SR and the dyadic coupling unit (DCU), in which resides the mechanistic basis of CICR). The DCU is described as a controller-actuator mechanism, internally stabilized by negative feedback control of the unit's two diametrically-opposed Ca2+ channels (trigger-channel and release-channel). It releases Ca2+ flux into the cyto-plasm and is in turn enclosed within a negative feedback loop involving the SERCA pump, regulating[Ca2+]myo. Results Our model reproduces measured VC data published by several laboratories, and generates graded Ca2+ release at high Ca2+ gain in a homeostatically-controlled environment where [Ca2+]myo is precisely regulated. We elucidate the importance of the DCU elements in this process, particularly the role of the ryanodine receptor in controlling SR Ca2+ release, its activation by trigger Ca2+, and its refractory characteristics mediated by the luminal SR Ca2+ sensor. Proper functioning of the DCU, sodium-calcium exchangers and SERCA pump are important in achieving negative feedback control and hence Ca2+ homeostasis. Conclusions We examine the role of the above Ca2+ regulating mechanisms in handling various types of induced disturbances in Ca2+ levels by quantifying cellular Ca2+ balance. Our model provides biophysically-based explanations of phenomena associated with CICR generating useful and testable hypotheses. PMID:21062495

K-Ca Dating of Alkali-Rich Fragments in the Y-74442 and Bhola LL-Chondritic Breccias

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yokoyama, T; Misawa, K.; Okano, O; Shih, C. -Y.; Nyquist, L. E.; Simon, J. I.; Tappa, M. J.; Yoneda, S.

2013-01-01

Alkali-rich igneous fragments in the brecciated LL-chondrites, Krahenberg (LL5) [1], Bhola (LL3-6) [2], Siena (LL5) [3] and Yamato (Y)-74442 (LL4) [4-6], show characteristic fractionation patterns of alkali and alkaline elements [7]. The alkali-rich fragments in Krahenberg, Bhola and Y-74442 are very similar in mineralogy and petrography, suggesting that they could have come from related precursor materials [6]. Recently we reported Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of alkali-rich igneous rock fragments in Y-74442: nine fragments from Y-74442 yield the Rb-Sr age of 4429 plus or minus 54 Ma (2 sigma) for lambda(Rb-87) = 0.01402 Ga(exp -1) [8] with the initial ratio of Sr-87/Sr-86 = 0.7144 plus or minus 0.0094 (2 sigma) [9]. The Rb-Sr age of the alkali-rich fragments of Y-74442 is younger than the primary Rb-Sr age of 4541 plus or minus 14 Ma for LL-chondrite whole-rock samples [10], implying that they formed after accumulation of LL-chondrite parental bodies, although enrichment may have happened earlier. Marshall and DePaolo [11,12] demonstrated that the K-40 - Ca-40 decay system could be an important chronometer as well as a useful radiogenic tracer for studies of terrestrial rocks. Shih et al. [13,14] and more recently Simon et al. [15] determined K-Ca ages of lunar granitic rocks, and showed the application of the K-Ca chronometer for K-rich planetary materials. Since alkali-rich fragments in the LL-chondritic breccias are highly enriched in K, we can expect enhancements of radiogenic Ca-40. Here, we report preliminary results of K-Ca isotopic systematics of alkali-rich fragments in the LL-chondritic breccias, Y-74442 and Bhola.

Fidelity of the Sr/Ca proxy in recording ocean temperature in the western Atlantic coral Siderastrea siderea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kuffner, Ilsa B.; Roberts, Kelsey E.; Flannery, Jennifer A.; Morrison, Jennifer M.; Richey, Julie

2017-01-01

Massive corals provide a useful archive of environmental variability, but careful testing of geochemical proxies in corals is necessary to validate the relationship between each proxy and environmental parameter throughout the full range of conditions experienced by the recording organisms. Here we use samples from a coral-growth study to test the hypothesis that Sr/Ca in the coral Siderastrea siderea accurately records sea-surface temperature (SST) in the subtropics (Florida, USA) along 350 km of reef tract. We test calcification rate, measured via buoyant weight, and linear extension (LE) rate, estimated with Alizarin Red-S staining, as predictors of variance in the Sr/Ca records of 39 individual S. siderea corals grown at four outer-reef locations next to in-situ temperature loggers during two, year-long periods. We found that corals with calcification rates < 1.7 mg cm−2 d−1 or < 1.7 mm yr−1 LE returned spuriously high Sr/Ca values, leading to a cold-bias in Sr/Ca-based SST estimates. The threshold-type response curves suggest that extension rate can be used as a quality-control indicator during sample and drill-path selection when using long cores for SST paleoreconstruction. For our corals that passed this quality control step, the Sr/Ca-SST proxy performed well in estimating mean annual temperature across three sites spanning 350 km of the Florida reef tract. However, there was some evidence that extreme temperature stress in 2010 (cold snap) and 2011 (SST above coral-bleaching threshold) may have caused the corals not to record the temperature extremes. Known stress events could be avoided during modern calibrations of paleoproxies.

Intrareef variations in Li/Mg and Sr/Ca sea surface temperature proxies in the Caribbean reef-building coral Siderastrea siderea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowell, Sara E.; Sandford, Kate; Stewart, Joseph A.; Castillo, Karl D.; Ries, Justin B.; Foster, Gavin L.

2016-10-01

Caribbean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) have increased at a rate of 0.2°C per decade since 1971, a rate double that of the mean global change. Recent investigations of the coral Siderastrea siderea on the Belize Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) have demonstrated that warming over the last 30 years has had a detrimental impact on calcification. Instrumental temperature records in this region are sparse, making it necessary to reconstruct longer SST records indirectly through geochemical temperature proxies. Here we investigate the skeletal Sr/Ca and Li/Mg ratios of S. siderea from two distinct reef zones (forereef and backreef) of the MBRS. Our field calibrations of S. siderea show that Li/Mg and Sr/Ca ratios are well correlated with temperature, although both ratios are 3 times more sensitive to temperature change in the forereef than in the backreef. These differences suggest that a secondary parameter also influences these SST proxies, highlighting the importance for site- and species-specific SST calibrations. Application of these paleothermometers to downcore samples reveals highly uncertain reconstructed temperatures in backreef coral, but well-matched reconstructed temperatures in forereef coral, both between Sr/Ca-SSTs and Li/Mg-SSTs, and in comparison to the Hadley Centre Sea Ice and Sea Surface Temperature record. Reconstructions generated from a combined Sr/Ca and Li/Mg multiproxy calibration improve the precision of these SST reconstructions. This result confirms that there are circumstances in which both Li/Mg and Sr/Ca are reliable as stand-alone and combined proxies of sea surface temperature. However, the results also highlight that high-precision, site-specific calibrations remain critical for reconstructing accurate SSTs from coral-based elemental proxies.

Testing the fidelity of the Sr/Ca proxy in recording ocean temperature in a western Atlantic coral

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuffner, I. B.; Roberts, K.; Flannery, J. A.; Richey, J. N.; Morrison, J. M.

2017-12-01

Massive corals provide a useful archive of environmental variability, but careful testing of geochemical proxies in corals is necessary to validate the relationship between each proxy and environmental parameter throughout the full range of conditions experienced by the recording organisms. Here we use samples from a field-based coral-growth study to test the hypothesis that Sr/Ca in the coral Siderastrea siderea accurately records sea-surface temperature (SST) in the subtropics (Florida, USA) along 350 km of reef tract. We test calcification rate, measured via buoyant weight, and linear extension (LE) rate, estimated with Alizarin Red-S staining, as predictors of variance in the Sr/Ca records of 39 individual S. siderea corals grown at four outer-reef locations next to in-situ temperature loggers during two, year-long periods. We found that corals with calcification rates less than 1.7 mg cm-2 d-1 or LE rates less than 1.7 mm yr-1 returned spuriously high Sr/Ca values, leading to a cold bias in Sr/Ca-based SST estimates. The threshold-type response curves suggest that LE rate can be used as a quality-control indicator during sample and microdrill-path selection when using long cores for SST paleoreconstruction. For our corals that passed this quality control step, the Sr/Ca-SST proxy performed well in estimating mean annual SST across three sites spanning 350 km of the Florida reef tract. However, there was some evidence that extreme temperature stress in 2010 (cold snap) and 2011 (SST above coral-bleaching threshold) may have caused the corals not to record the temperature extremes. Known stress events could be avoided during modern calibrations of paleoproxies.

Differential response of corals to regional mass-warming events as evident from skeletal Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, Harry; D'Olivo, Juan Pablo; Falter, James; Zinke, Jens; Lowe, Ryan; McCulloch, Malcolm

2017-05-01

During the summer of 2010/2011, a regional marine heat wave resulted in coral bleaching of variable severity along much of the western coastline of Australia. At Ningaloo Reef, a 300 km long fringing reef system and World Heritage site, highly contrasting coral bleaching was observed between two morphologically distinct nearshore reef communities located on either side of the Ningaloo Peninsula: Tantabiddi (˜20% bleaching) and Bundegi (˜90% bleaching). For this study, we collected coral cores (Porites sp.) from Tantabiddi and Bundegi reef sites to assess the response of the Sr/Ca temperature proxy and Mg/Ca ratios to the variable levels of thermal stress imposed at these two sites during the 2010/2011 warming event. We found that there was an anomalous increase in Sr/Ca and decrease in Mg/Ca ratios in the Bundegi record that was coincident with the timing of severe coral bleaching at the site, while no significant changes were observed in the Tantabiddi record. We show that the change in the relationship of Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios with temperature at Bundegi during the 2010/2011 event reflects changes in related coral "vital" processes during periods of environmental stress. These changes were found to be consistent with a reduction in active transport of Ca2+ to the site of calcification leading to a reduction in calcification rates and reduced Rayleigh fractionation of incorporated trace elements.

[Age and gender characteristics of the content of macro- and trace elements in the organisms of the children from the European North].

PubMed

Soroko, S I; Maksimova, I A; Protasova, O V

2014-01-01

By means of the nuclear-emission spectral analysis with inductively connected argon plasma were studied the contents of 28 macro- and trace elements (Al, Ag, Li, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Mo, P, Zn, Se, Tl, Pb, Sr, S, Si) in the hair of children and teenagers living in the European North of the Russian Federation (Arkhangelsk region). There were revealed both: decrease and increase of some elements' contents. Also were revealed the dynamics of mentioned elements contents in the hair of the same children in different years. Significant individual variability of the macro and trace elements' status of children-northerners and some gender dependence were revealed.

Mechanism of chloride-dependent release of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rabbit skeletal muscle.

PubMed Central

Sukhareva, M; Morrissette, J; Coronado, R

1994-01-01

We investigated the effect of Cl- on the Ca2+ permeability of rabbit skeletal muscle junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) using 45Ca2+ fluxes and single channel recordings. In 45Ca2+ efflux experiments, the lumen of the SR was passively loaded with solutions of 150 mM univalent salt containing 5 mM 45Ca2+. Release of 45Ca2+ was measured by rapid filtration in the presence of extravesicular 0.4-0.8 microM free Ca2+ and 150 mM of the same univalent salt loaded into the SR lumen. The rate of release was 5-10 times higher when the univalent salt equilibrated across the SR-contained Cl- (Tris-Cl, choline-Cl, KCl) instead of an organic anion or other halides (gluconate-, methanesulfonate-, acetate-, HEPES-, Br-, I-). Cations (K+, Tris+) could be interchanged without a significant effect on the release rate. To determine whether Cl- stimulated ryanodine receptors, we measured the stimulation of release by ATP (5 mM total) and caffeine (20 mM total) and the inhibition by Mg2+ (0.8 mM estimated free) in Cl(-)-free and Cl(-)-containing solutions. The effects of ATP, caffeine, and Mg2+ were the largest in K-gluconate and Tris-gluconate, intermediate in KCl, and notably poor or absent in choline-Cl and Tris-Cl. Procaine (10 mM) inhibited the caffeine-stimulated release measured in K-gluconate, whereas the Cl- channel blocker clofibric acid (10 mM) but not procaine inhibited the caffeine-insensitive release measured in choline-Cl. Ruthenium red (20 microM) inhibited release in all solutions. In SR fused to planar bilayers we identified a nonselective Cl- channel (PCl: PTris: PCa = 1:0.5:0.3) blocked by ruthenium red and clofibric acid but not by procaine. These conductive and pharmacological properties suggested the channel was likely to mediate Cl(-)-dependent SR Ca2+ release. The absence of a contribution of ryanodine receptors to the Cl(-)-dependent release were indicated by the lack of an effect of Cl- on the open probability of this channel, a complete block by procaine, and a stimulation rather than inhibition by clofibric acid. A plug model of Cl(-)-dependent release, whereby Cl- removed the inhibition of the nonselective channel by large anions, was formulated under the assumption that nonselective channels and ryanodine receptor channels operated separately from each other in the terminal cisternae. The remarkably large contribution of Cl- to the SR Ca2+ permeability suggested that nonselective Cl- channels may control the Ca2+ permeability of the SR in the resting muscle cell. Images FIGURE 8 FIGURE 13 PMID:7948689

N-acetylcysteine fails to modulate the in vitro function of sarcoplasmic reticulum of diaphragm in the final phase of fatigue.

PubMed

Mishima, T; Yamada, T; Matsunaga, S; Wada, M

2005-07-01

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a non-specific antioxidant, might influence fatigue by modulating Ca2+-handling capacity by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In the presence (10 mm) or absence of NAC, bundles of rat diaphragm were stimulated with tetanic trains (350 ms, 30-40 Hz) at 1 train every 2 s for 300 s. SR functions, as assessed by SR Ca2+-uptake and release rates and SR Ca2+-ATPase activity, were measured in vitro on muscle homogenates. Following the 300-s stimulation, the force developed by NAC-treated muscles is approximately 1.8-fold higher (P < 0.05) than that of muscles without NAC treatment. Stimulation elicited an 18-30% depression in SR function (P < 0.05). Despite the differing degrees of fatigue between NAC-treated and non-treated muscles, SR functions in these muscles were reduced to similar extents. These results suggest that modulation of SR function measured in vitro may not be a major contributor to inhibition of diaphragmic fatigue with antioxidant, at least, in the final phase of fatigue where force output is remarkably reduced.

Stabilization of high Tc phase in bismuth cuprate superconductor by lead doping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Ram. P.; Pachauri, J. P.; Khokle, W. S.; Nagpal, K. C.; Date, S. K.

1991-01-01

It has been widely ascertained that doping of lead in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O systems promotes the growth of high T sub c (110 K) phase, improves critical current density, and lowers processing temperature. A systematic study was undertaken to determine optimum lead content and processing conditions to achieve these properties. A large number of samples with cationic compositions of Bi(2-x)Pb(x)Sr2Ca2Cu3 (x = 0.2 to 2.0) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction technique. Samples of all compositions were annealed together at a temperature and characterized through resistance temperature (R-T) measurements and x ray diffraction to determine the zero resistance temperature, T sub c(0) and to identify presence of phases, respectively. The annealing temperature was varied between 790 and 880 C to optimize processing parameters. Results are given. In brief, an optimum process is reported along with composition of leaded bismuth cuprate superconductor which yields nearly a high T sub c single phase with highly stable superconducting properties.

Stabilization of high T(sub c) phase in bismuth cuprate superconductor by lead doping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Ram. P.; Pachauri, J. P.; Khokle, W. S.; Nagpal, K. C.; Date, S. K.

1990-01-01

It has widely been ascertained that doping of lead in Bi:Sr:Ca:Cu:O systems promotes the growth of high T(sub c) (110 K) phase, improves critical current density, and lowers processing temperature. A systematic investigation is undertaken to determine optimum lead content and processing conditions to achieve these. A large number of samples with cationic compositions of Bi(2-x)Pb(x)Sr2Ca2Cu3 (x = 0.2 to 2.0) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction technique. Samples of all compositions were annealed together at a temperature and characterized through resistance-temperature (R-T) measurements and x ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the zero resistance temperature, T(sub c)(0) and to identify presence of phases, respectively. The annealing temperature was varied between 790 C to optimize processing parameters. Results are given. In brief, an optimum process is reported along with composition of leaded bismuth cuprate superconductor which yields nearly a high T(sub c) single phase with highly stable superconducting properties.

Dynamic measurement of the calcium buffering properties of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in mouse skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Manno, Carlo; Sztretye, Monika; Figueroa, Lourdes; Allen, Paul D; Ríos, Eduardo

2013-01-15

The buffering power, B, of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), ratio of the changes in total and free [Ca(2+)], was determined in fast-twitch mouse muscle cells subjected to depleting membrane depolarization. Changes in total SR [Ca(2+)] were measured integrating Ca(2+) release flux, determined with a cytosolic [Ca(2+)] monitor. Free [Ca(2+)](SR) was measured using the cameleon D4cpv-Casq1. In 34 wild-type (WT) cells average B during the depolarization (ON phase) was 157 (SEM 26), implying that of 157 ions released, 156 were bound inside the SR. B was significantly greater when BAPTA, which increases release flux, was present in the cytosol. B was greater early in the pulse - when flux was greatest - than at its end, and greater in the ON than in the OFF. In 29 Casq1-null cells, B was 40 (3.6). The difference suggests that 75% of the releasable calcium is normally bound to calsequestrin. In the nulls the difference in B between ON and OFF was less than in the WT but still significant. This difference and the associated decay in B during the ON were not artifacts of a slow SR monitor, as they were also found in the WT when [Ca(2+)](SR) was tracked with the fast dye fluo-5N. The calcium buffering power, binding capacity and non-linear binding properties of the SR measured here could be accounted for by calsequestrin at the concentration present in mammalian muscle, provided that its properties were substantially different from those found in solution. Its affinity should be higher, or K(D) lower than the conventionally accepted 1 mm; its cooperativity (n in a Hill fit) should be higher and the stoichiometry of binding should be at the higher end of the values derived in solution. The reduction in B during release might reflect changes in calsequestrin conformation upon calcium loss.

Left ventricular wall stress and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase gene expression in renal hypertensive rats: dose-dependent effects of ACE inhibition and AT1-receptor blockade.

PubMed

Zierhut, W; Studer, R; Laurent, D; Kästner, S; Allegrini, P; Whitebread, S; Cumin, F; Baum, H P; de Gasparo, M; Drexler, H

1996-05-01

Cardiac hypertrophy is associated with altered Ca2+ handling and may predispose to the development of LV dysfunction and cardiac failure. At the cellular level, the re-expression of ANF represents a well-established marker of myocyte hypertrophy while the decreased expression of the sarcoplasmatic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase is thought o play a crucial role in the alterations of Ca2+ handling and LV function. We assessed the dose-dependent effect of chronic ACE inhibition or AT1 receptor blockade on cardiac function in relation to the cardiac expression of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and ANF. Renal hypertensive rats (2K-1C) were treated for 12 weeks with three different doses of the ACE inhibitor benazepril, the AT1-receptor antagonist valsartan (each drug 0.3, 3, and 10 mg/kg per day i.p.) or placebo. LV dimensions, hypertrophy and wall stress were determined in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging and the gene expressions of ANF and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase were quantified by Northern blot. Low doses of both drugs did not affect blood pressure, hypertrophy, systolic wall stress and the ANF and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase gene expression. High doses of each drug reduced systolic blood pressure, wall stress, and LV hypertrophy to a similar extent and to values comparable to normotensive, age-matched rats. In addition, high dose treatment reduced LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volume as compared to untreated 2K-1C animals and normalized the mRNA levels of both ANF and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase (as compared to normotensive animals). We conclude that in this model, high doses of ACE inhibition and AT1-receptor blockade are necessary to normalize systolic blood pressure, LV hypertrophy and systolic LV wall stress which, in turn, is associated with restoration of a normal cardiac phenotype with respect to SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and ANF and normalization of cardiac function.

Ionizing radiation regulates cardiac Ca handling via increased ROS and activated CaMKII.

PubMed

Sag, Can M; Wolff, Hendrik A; Neumann, Kay; Opiela, Marie-Kristin; Zhang, Juqian; Steuer, Felicia; Sowa, Thomas; Gupta, Shamindra; Schirmer, Markus; Hünlich, Mark; Rave-Fränk, Margret; Hess, Clemens F; Anderson, Mark E; Shah, Ajay M; Christiansen, Hans; Maier, Lars S

2013-11-01

Ionizing radiation (IR) is an integral part of modern multimodal anti-cancer therapies. IR involves the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in targeted tissues. This is associated with subsequent cardiac dysfunction when applied during chest radiotherapy. We hypothesized that IR (i.e., ROS)-dependently impaired cardiac myocytes' Ca handling might contribute to IR-dependent cardiocellular dysfunction. Isolated ventricular mouse myocytes and the mediastinal area of anaesthetized mice (that included the heart) were exposed to graded doses of irradiation (sham 4 and 20 Gy) and investigated acutely (after ~1 h) as well as chronically (after ~1 week). IR induced a dose-dependent effect on myocytes' systolic function with acutely increased, but chronically decreased Ca transient amplitudes, which was associated with an acutely unaltered but chronically decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca load. Likewise, in vivo echocardiography of anaesthetized mice revealed acutely enhanced left ventricular contractility (strain analysis) that declined after 1 week. Irradiated myocytes showed persistently increased diastolic SR Ca leakage, which was acutely compensated by an increase in SR Ca reuptake. This was reversed in the chronic setting in the face of slowed relaxation kinetics. As underlying cause, acutely increased ROS levels were identified to activate Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Accordingly, CaMKII-, but not PKA-dependent phosphorylation sites of the SR Ca release channels (RyR2, at Ser-2814) and phospholamban (at Thr-17) were found to be hyperphosphorylated following IR. Conversely, ROS-scavenging as well as CaMKII-inhibition significantly attenuated CaMKII-activation, disturbed Ca handling, and subsequent cellular dysfunction upon irradiation. Targeted cardiac irradiation induces a biphasic effect on cardiac myocytes Ca handling that is associated with chronic cardiocellular dysfunction. This appears to be mediated by increased oxidative stress and persistently activated CaMKII. Our findings suggest impaired cardiac myocytes Ca handling as a so far unknown mediator of IR-dependent cardiac damage that might be of relevance for radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Predominant cause of prolonged low-frequency force depression changes during recovery after in situ fatiguing stimulation of rat fast-twitch muscle.

PubMed

Watanabe, Daiki; Wada, Masanobu

2016-11-01

To investigate time-dependent changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ release and myofibrillar (my-) Ca 2+ sensitivity during recovery from prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD), rat gastrocnemius muscles were electrically stimulated in situ. After 0 h (R0), 0.5 h (R0.5), 2 h (R2), 6 h (R6), or 12 h of recovery, the superficial gastrocnemius muscles were excised and used for biochemical and skinned fiber analyses. At R0, R0.5, R2, and R6, the ratio of force at 1 Hz to that at 50 Hz was decreased in the skinned fibers. The ratio of depolarization-induced force to the maximum Ca 2+ -activated force (depol/Ca 2+ force ratio) was utilized as an indicator of SR Ca 2+ release. At R0, both the depol/Ca 2+ force ratio and my-Ca 2+ sensitivity were decreased. At R0.5 and R2, my-Ca 2+ sensitivity was recovered, while the depol/Ca 2+ force ratio remained depressed. At R6, my-Ca 2+ sensitivity was decreased again, whereas the depol/Ca 2+ force ratio was nearly restored. Western blot analyses demonstrated that decreased my-Ca 2+ sensitivity at R6 and reduced depol/Ca 2+ force ratio at R0, R0.5, and R2 were accompanied by depressions in S-glutathionylated troponin I and increases in dephosphorylated ryanodine receptor 1, respectively. These results indicate that, in the early stage of recovery, reduced SR Ca 2+ release plays a primary role in the etiology of PLFFD, whereas decreased my-Ca 2+ sensitivity is involved in the late stage, and suggest that S-glutathionylation of troponin I and dephosphorylation of ryanodine receptor 1 contribute, at least partly, to fatiguing contraction-induced alterations in my-Ca 2+ sensitivity and SR Ca 2+ release, respectively. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Aluminum and gold deposition on cleaved single crystals of Bi2CaSr2Cu2O8 superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wells, B. O.; Lindberg, P. A. P.; Shen, Z.-X.; Dessau, D. S.; Lindau, I.; Spicer, W. E.; Mitzi, D. B.; Kapitulnik, A.

1989-02-01

We have used photoelectron spectroscopy to study the changes in the electronic structure of cleaved, single crystal Bi2CaSr2Cu2O8 caused by deposition of aluminum and gold. Al reacts strongly with the superconductor surface. Even the lowest coverages of Al reduces the valency of Cu in the superconductor, draws oxygen out of the bulk, and strongly modifies the electronic states in the valence band. The Au shows little reaction with the superconductor surface. Underneath Au, the Cu valency is unchanged and the core peaks show no chemically shifted components. Au appears to passivate the surface of the superconductor and thus may aid in the processing of the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O material. These results are consistent with earlier studies of Al and Au interfaces with other, polycrystalline oxide superconductors. Comparing with our own previous results, we conclude that Au is superior to Ag in passivating the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O surface.

The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale for Children and Adolescents.

PubMed

Olivares, José; Sánchez-García, Raquel; López-Pina, José Antonio

2009-08-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the component structure and reliability of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale for Children and Adolescents, self-report version (LSAS-CA-SR), in a Spanish community population. The sample was made up of 422 students from elementary and high schools, aged between 10 and 17 years. Exploratory factor analysis isolated one component for the Anxiety subscale and one component for the Avoidance subscale. Medium-strong associations were found between the total score and subscale scores. LSAS-CA-SR scores had stronger associations with instruments of social anxiety. Internal consistency for the Fear subscale was .91, and for the Avoidance subscale, it was .89. Gender and age effects were assessed for LSAS-CA-SR scores. Effect sizes for age and gender and interaction of age and gender were very low on both the Fear and the Avoidance subscales. There were significant differences between female and male means on the Fear subscale. The findings suggest that the LSAS-CA-SR is reliable and valid.

Direct observation of charged domain walls in hybrid improper ferroelectric (Ca,Sr)3Ti2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurushima, Kousuke; Yoshimoto, Wataru; Ishii, Yui; Cheong, Sang-Wook; Mori, Shigeo

2017-10-01

We investigated ferroelectric (FE) domain wall structures including “charged domain walls” of hybrid improper FE (Ca,Sr)3Ti2O7 at the subatomic resolution by dark-field transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution state-of-the-art aberration-corrected high-angle annular-dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Dark-field TEM and high-resolution HAADF-STEM images obtained in the FE phase of single crystals of Ca2.46Sr0.54Ti2O7 revealed the formation of abundant charged domain walls with the head-to-head and tail-to-tail configurations in the FE domain structure, in addition to the FE 180° domain structure. The charged domain walls with the head-to-head and tail-to-tail FE polarizations exist stably and can be characterized as the unique double arc-type displacement of Ca/Sr ions in a unit cell without charge accumulation.

Positron Lifetime Study on the As-Prepared Cd-Doped Pb-1212 Superconductive Oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, X. Y.; Zhou, X. Y.; Zhao, W. C.; Jin, H.; Cao, L. Z.; Zhai, L. H.; Han, R. D.

1997-12-01

The positron lifetime as a function of the Cd content x was measured for the as-prepared samples of (Pb1 - xCdx)Sr2(Y0.5Ca0.5)Cu2Oy. A constant long-lived lifetime was observed for all samples. The intensity of the long-lived lifetimes has an obvious decrease starting at x = 0.3 and indicated the existence of an impurity phase in the sample with x = 0.3. The monotonous decrease of the bulk lifetime for the single-phase samples implies that Cd mainly substitutes for Pb. The changes of the microstructure with Cd content were discussed.

New insights into organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH₃NH₃PbI₃ nanoparticles. An experimental and theoretical study of doping in Pb²⁺ sites with Sn²⁺, Sr²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ca²⁺.

PubMed

Navas, Javier; Sánchez-Coronilla, Antonio; Gallardo, Juan Jesús; Hernández, Norge Cruz; Piñero, Jose Carlos; Alcántara, Rodrigo; Fernández-Lorenzo, Concha; De los Santos, Desireé M; Aguilar, Teresa; Martín-Calleja, Joaquín

2015-04-14

This paper presents the synthesis of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite, CH3NH3PbI3, doped in the Pb(2+) position with Sn(2+), Sr(2+), Cd(2+) and Ca(2+). The incorporation of the dopants into the crystalline structure was analysed, observing how the characteristics of the dopant affected properties such as the crystalline phase, emission and optical properties. XRD showed how doping with Sn(2+), Sr(2+) and Cd(2+) did not modify the normal tetragonal phase. When doping with Ca(2+), the cubic phase was obtained. Moreover, DR-UV-Vis spectroscopy showed how the band gap decreased with the dopants, the values following the trend Sr(2+) < Cd(2+) < Ca(2+) < CH3NH3PbI3 ≈ Sn(2+). The biggest decrease was generated by Sr(2+), which reduced the CH3NH3PbI3 value by 4.5%. In turn, cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements confirmed the band gap obtained. Periodic-DFT calculations were performed to understand the experimental structures. The DOS analysis confirmed the experimental results obtained using UV-Vis spectroscopy, with the values calculated following the trend Sn(2+) ≈ Pb(2+) > Cd(2+) > Sr(2+) for the tetragonal structure and Pb(2+) > Ca(2+) for the cubic phase. The electron localization function (ELF) analysis showed similar electron localizations for undoped and Sn(2+)-doped tetragonal structures, which were different from those doped with Sr(2+) and Cd(2+). Furthermore, when Cd(2+) was incorporated, the Cd-I interaction was strengthened. For Ca(2+) doping, the Ca-I interaction had a greater ionic nature than Cd-I. Finally, an analysis based on the non-covalent interaction (NCI) index is presented to determine the weak-type interactions of the CH3NH3 groups with the dopant and I atoms. To our knowledge, this kind of analysis with these hybrid systems has not been performed previously.

Fluctuation conductivity in the superconducting compound Bi1.7Pb0.3Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aliev, V. M.; Ragimov, J. A.; Selim-zade, R. I.; Damirova, S. Z.; Tairov, B. A.

2017-12-01

A study of how the partial substitution of Bi with Pb impacts the mechanism of excess conductivity in a Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system. It is found that such a substitution leads to an increase in the critical temperature of the Bi1.7Pb0.3Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy(B2) sample, in comparison to Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (B1) [Tc (B2) = 100.09 K and Tc (B1) = 90.5 K, respectively]. At the same time, the resistivity ρ of the sample B2 in the normal phase decreases by almost 1.5 times in comparison to B1. The mechanism responsible for the generation of excess conductivity in cuprate HTSCs Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox and Bi1.7Pb0.3Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy is examined using the local pair model with consideration of the Aslamazov-Larkin theory, near Tc. The temperature T0 of the transition from the 2D fluctuation region to the 3D (i.e., the temperature of the 2D-3D crossover), is also determined. The coherence length ξc(0) along the c axis of fluctuation Cooper pairs is calculated. It is shown that the partial substitution of Bi with Pb in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system leads to a decrease in ξc(0) by a factor of 1.3 (4.205 and 3.254 Å, respectively), and that there is a narrowing of both the region of pseudogap existence and the region of superconducting fluctuations near Tc. The temperature dependence of the pseudogap Δ*(T) and the value Δ*(Tc) are determined, and the temperatures Tm, which correspond to the maximum of the pseudogap as a function of temperature in these materials, are estimated. The pseudogap maxima in samples B1 and B2 are found to be 61.06 and 38.18 meV, respectively.

Strontium/calcium ratios in modern Porites corals from the Great Barrier Reef as a proxy for sea surface temperature: Calibration of the thermometer and monitoring of ENSO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alibert, Chantal; McCulloch, Malcolm T.

1997-06-01

High-precision Sr/Ca ratios are reported for Porites corals from Davies Reef, at ˜19°S on the midshelf of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Skeletal growth parameters were also determined from coral slabs using X ray photographs and γ-densitometry measurements. A calibration of the Sr/Ca thermometer has been obtained, using in situ measured sea surface temperatures, which gives Sr/Ca × 10³ = 10.48 (±0.01) - 0.0615 (±0.0004) × T, whereT is in °C. This calibration applies to different species of Porites and a large range of annual extension and calcification rates, provided sampling follows a major growth axis. Biases of 1°-2°C have been observed in the low-density margins where growth is hampered by interfering fans of corallites. The analytical and the long-term reproducibility of Sr/Ca-derived temperatures are both better than ±0.3°C (2σ). Coral growth parameters such as the extension rate or density generally appear to respond to environmental changes such as rainfall but do not affect the Sr/Ca partitioning between coralline aragonite and seawater. No correlation has been found between calcification rate and Sr/Ca variations, consistent with Sr/Ca being mainly controlled by temperature. In the Great Barrier Reef, the interannual variability in SST is primarily related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon and is typically marked by a cold anomaly during the winter preceding the mature warm phase. Instrumental records show that the surface waters of the Coral Sea around 19°S have experienced a significant cooling associated with the El Niños of 1965, 1972, and 1982-1983 which the Porites corals record faithfully. The coral-derived temperatures for the period from 1965 to 1993 show an increase of 1.3°C, which has occurred mainly since 1979. This warming is larger in magnitude but consistent with the trend for the southern hemisphere land and marine temperature records, which shows an increase of around 0.4°C.

l-phenylalanine modulates gut hormone release and glucose tolerance, and suppresses food intake through the calcium-sensing receptor in rodents.

PubMed

Alamshah, A; Spreckley, E; Norton, M; Kinsey-Jones, J S; Amin, A; Ramgulam, A; Cao, Y; Johnson, R; Saleh, K; Akalestou, E; Malik, Z; Gonzalez-Abuin, N; Jomard, A; Amarsi, R; Moolla, A; Sargent, P R; Gray, G W; Bloom, S R; Murphy, K G

2017-11-01

High-protein diets (HPDs) are associated with greater satiety and weight loss than diets rich in other macronutrients. The exact mechanisms by which HPDs exert their effects are unclear. However, evidence suggests that the sensing of amino acids produced as a result of protein digestion may have a role in appetite regulation and satiety. We investigated the effects of l-phenylalanine (L-Phe) on food intake and glucose homeostasis in rodents. We investigated the effects of the aromatic amino-acid and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) agonist l-phenylalanine (L-Phe) on food intake and the release of the gastrointestinal (GI) hormones peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and ghrelin in rodents, and the role of the CaSR in mediating these effects in vitro and in vivo. We also examined the effect of oral l-Phe administration on glucose tolerance in rats. Oral administration of l-Phe acutely reduced food intake in rats and mice, and chronically reduced food intake and body weight in diet-induced obese mice. Ileal l-Phe also reduced food intake in rats. l-Phe stimulated GLP-1 and PYY release, and reduced plasma ghrelin, and also stimulated insulin release and improved glucose tolerance in rats. Pharmacological blockade of the CaSR attenuated the anorectic effect of intra-ileal l-Phe in rats, and l-Phe-induced GLP-1 release from STC-1 and primary L cells was attenuated by CaSR blockade. l-Phe reduced food intake, stimulated GLP-1 and PYY release, and reduced plasma ghrelin in rodents. Our data provide evidence that the anorectic effects of l-Phe are mediated via the CaSR, and suggest that l-Phe and the CaSR system in the GI tract may have therapeutic utility in the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Further work is required to determine the physiological role of the CaSR in protein sensing in the gut, and the role of this system in humans.

If and SR Ca2+ release both contribute to pacemaker activity in canine sinoatrial node cells

PubMed Central

Gao, Zhan; Chen, Biyi; Joiner, Mei-ling A.; Wu, Yuejin; Guan, Xiaoqun; Koval, Olha M.; Chaudhary, Ashok K.; Cunha, Shane R.; Mohler, Peter J.; Martins, James B.; Song, Long-Sheng; Anderson, Mark E.

2010-01-01

Increasing evidence suggests that cardiac pacemaking is the result of two sinoatrial node (SAN) cell mechanisms: a ‘voltage clock’ and a Ca2+ dependent process, or ‘Ca2+ clock.’ The voltage clock initiates action potentials (APs) by SAN cell membrane potential depolarization from inward currents, of which the pacemaker current (If) is thought to be particularly important. A Ca2+ dependent process triggers APs when sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release activates inward current carried by the forward mode of the electrogenic Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). However, these mechanisms have mostly been defined in rodents or rabbits, but are unexplored in single SAN cells from larger animals. Here, we used patch-clamp and confocal microscope techniques to explore the roles of the voltage and Ca2+ clock mechanisms in canine SAN pacemaker cells. We found that ZD7288, a selective If antagonist, significantly reduced basal automaticity and induced irregular, arrhythmia-like activity in canine SAN cells. In addition, ZD7288 impaired but did not eliminate the SAN cell rate acceleration by isoproterenol. In contrast, ryanodine significantly reduced the SAN cell acceleration by isoproterenol, while ryanodine reduction of basal automaticity was modest (∼14%) and did not reach statistical significance. Importantly, pretreatment with ryanodine eliminated SR Ca2+ release, but did not affect basal or isoproterenol-enhanced If. Taken together, these results indicate that voltage and Ca2+ dependent automaticity mechanisms coexist in canine SAN cells, and suggest If and SR Ca2+ release cooperate to determine baseline and catecholamine-dependent automaticity in isolated dog SAN cells. PMID:20380837

Superconducting ceramics in the Bi1.5SrCaCu2O sub x system by melt quenching technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Deguire, Mark R.

1989-01-01

Bi sub 1.5 SrCaCu sub 2 O sub x has been prepared in the glassy state by rapid quenching of the melt. The kinetics of crystallization of various phases in the glass have been evaluated by a variable heating rate differential scanning calorimetry method. The formation various phases on thermal treatments of the glass has been investigated by powder X-ray diffraction and electrical resistivity measurements. Heating at 450 C formed Bi sub 2 Sr sub 2 CuO sub 6, which disappeared on further heating at 765 C, where Bi sub 2 Sr sub 2 CaCu sub 2 O sub 8 formed. Prolonged heating at 845 C resulted in the formation of a small amount of a phase with T sub c onset of approx. 108 K, believed to be Bi sub 2 Sr sub 2 Ca sub 2 Cu sub 3 O sub 10. This specimen showed zero resistivity at 54 K. The glass ceramic approach could offer several advantages in the fabrication of the high-T sub c superconductors in desired practical shapes such as continuous fibers, wires, tapes, etc.

Structure and Dynamics Investigations of Sr/Ca-Doped LaPO 4 Proton Conductors

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

al-Wahish, Amal; al-Binni, U.; Tetard, L.

Proton conductors loom out of the pool of candidate materials with great potential to boost hydrogen alternatives to fossil-based resources for energy. Acceptor doped lanthanum orthophosphates are considered for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for their potential stability and conductivity at high temperature. By exploring the crystal and defect structure of x% Sr/Ca-doped LaPO 4 with different nominal Sr/Ca concentrations (x = 0 – 10) with Neutron powder diffraction (NPD) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), we confirm that Sr/Ca-doped LaPO 4 can exist as self-supported structures at high temperatures during solid oxide fuel cell operation. Thermal stability, surface topography, sizemore » distribution are also studied to better understand the proton conductivity for dry and wet compounds obtained at sintering temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1400 °C using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In conclusion, the results suggest that Sr doped samples exhibit the highest proton conductivity of our samples and illustrate the impact of material design and versatile characterization schemes on the development of proton conductors with superior functionality.« less