Growth and wood/bark properties of Abies faxoniana seedlings as affected by elevated CO2.

PubMed

Qiao, Yun-Zhou; Zhang, Yuan-Bin; Wang, Kai-Yun; Wang, Qian; Tian, Qi-Zhuo

2008-03-01

Growth and wood and bark properties of Abies faxoniana seedlings after one year's exposure to elevated CO2 concentration (ambient + 350 (+/- 25) micromol/mol) under two planting densities (28 or 84 plants/m(2)) were investigated in closed-top chambers. Tree height, stem diameter and cross-sectional area, and total biomass were enhanced under elevated CO2 concentration, and reduced under high planting density. Most traits of stem bark were improved under elevated CO2 concentration and reduced under high planting density. Stem wood production was significantly increased in volume under elevated CO2 concentration under both densities, and the stem wood density decreased under elevated CO2 concentration and increased under high planting density. These results suggest that the response of stem wood and bark to elevated CO2 concentration is density dependent. This may be of great importance in a future CO2 enriched world in natural forests where plant density varies considerably. The results also show that the bark/wood ratio in diameter, stem cross-sectional area and dry weight are not proportionally affected by elevated CO2 concentration under the two contrasting planting densities. This indicates that the response magnitude of stem bark and stem wood to elevated CO2 concentration are different but their response directions are the same.

Carbon dioxide emitted from live stems of tropical trees is several years old.

PubMed

Muhr, Jan; Angert, Alon; Negrón-Juárez, Robinson I; Muñoz, Waldemar Alegria; Kraemer, Guido; Chambers, Jeffrey Q; Trumbore, Susan E

2013-07-01

Storage carbon (C) pools are often assumed to contribute to respiration and growth when assimilation is insufficient to meet the current C demand. However, little is known of the age of stored C and the degree to which it supports respiration in general. We used bomb radiocarbon ((14)C) measurements to determine the mean age of carbon in CO2 emitted from and within stems of three tropical tree species in Peru. Carbon pools fixed >1 year previously contributed to stem CO2 efflux in all trees investigated, in both dry and wet seasons. The average age, i.e., the time elapsed since original fixation of CO2 from the atmosphere by the plant to its loss from the stem, ranged from 0 to 6 years. The average age of CO2 sampled 5-cm deep within the stems ranged from 2 to 6 years for two of the three species, while CO2 in the stem of the third tree species was fixed from 14 to >20 years previously. Given the consistency of (14)C values observed for individuals within each species, it is unlikely that decomposition is the source of the older CO2. Our results are in accordance with other studies that have demonstrated the contribution of storage reserves to the construction of stem wood and root respiration in temperate and boreal forests. We postulate the high (14)C values observed in stem CO2 efflux and stem-internal CO2 result from respiration of storage C pools within the tree. The observed age differences between emitted and stem-internal CO2 indicate an age gradient for sources of CO2 within the tree: CO2 produced in the outer region of the stem is younger, originating from more recent assimilates, whereas the CO2 found deeper within the stem is older, fueled by several-year-old C pools. The CO2 emitted at the stem-atmosphere interface represents a mixture of young and old CO2. These observations were independent of season, even during a time of severe regional drought. Therefore, we postulate that the use of storage C for respiration occurs on a regular basis challenging the assumption that storage pools serve as substrates for respiration only during times of limited assimilation.

Acidification of rabbit corneal endothelium during contact lens wear in vitro.

PubMed

Giasson, C; Bonanno, J A

1995-04-01

Contact lens wear causes significant epithelial and stromal acidosis. In this study, we tested whether lens wear can cause endothelial acidosis as well. Rabbit corneas were isolated and perfused in vitro. The endothelial intracellular pH (pHi) was measured with a pH sensitive fluorescent probe (BCECF). Three conditions were examined: 1) Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens wear using a range of oxygen transmissibility (Dk/L) from 0 to 121, 2) epithelial hypoxia produced by exposure to oligomycin/sodium azide solution or epithelial perfusion with 100% N2 equilibrated Ringer's solution, and 3) epithelial exposure to Ringer's equilibrated with 5% CO2, balance air. PMMA and RGP contact lens wear acidified endothelial cells by 0.23 +/- 0.01 (n = 23) and 0.11 +/- 0.01 pH units (n = 23), respectively, within twenty min of lens insertion. Epithelial hypoxia, induced by sodium azide and oligomycin, reversibly acidified the endothelium by 0.04 +/- 0.01 pH units (n = 4). However, epithelial hypoxia induced by perfusion with 100% N2 equilibrated Ringer's did not have a significant effect on endothelial pHi. Introduction of 5% CO2 to the epithelium, acidified the endothelium by 0.15 +/- 0.02 pH units (n = 7) within 10 min. We conclude that contact lens wear can significantly acidify corneal endothelial cells. The endothelial pHi change is caused almost exclusively by a build up of CO2 behind the lens; hypoxia having very little contribution. As expected, RGP contact lenses induced less endothelial acidosis than PMMA controls.

Vertical variations in wood CO2 efflux for live emergent trees in a Bornean tropical rainforest.

PubMed

Katayama, Ayumi; Kume, Tomonori; Komatsu, Hikaru; Ohashi, Mizue; Matsumoto, Kazuho; Ichihashi, Ryuji; Kumagai, Tomo'omi; Otsuki, Kyoichi

2014-05-01

Difficult access to 40-m-tall emergent trees in tropical rainforests has resulted in a lack of data related to vertical variations in wood CO2 efflux, even though significant variations in wood CO2 efflux are an important source of errors when estimating whole-tree total wood CO2 efflux. This study aimed to clarify vertical variations in wood CO2 efflux for emergent trees and to document the impact of the variations on the whole-tree estimates of stem and branch CO2 efflux. First, we measured wood CO2 efflux and factors related to tree morphology and environment for seven live emergent trees of two dipterocarp species at four to seven heights of up to ∼ 40 m for each tree using ladders and a crane. No systematic tendencies in vertical variations were observed for all the trees. Wood CO2 efflux was not affected by stem and air temperature, stem diameter, stem height or stem growth. The ratios of wood CO2 efflux at the treetop to that at breast height were larger in emergent trees with relatively smaller diameters at breast height. Second, we compared whole-tree stem CO2 efflux estimates using vertical measurements with those based on solely breast height measurements. We found similar whole-tree stem CO2 efflux estimates regardless of the patterns of vertical variations in CO2 efflux because the surface area in the canopy, where wood CO2 efflux often differed from that at breast height, was very small compared with that at low stem heights, resulting in little effect of the vertical variations on the estimate. Additionally, whole-tree branch CO2 efflux estimates using measured wood CO2 efflux in the canopy were considerably different from those measured using only breast height measurements. Uncertainties in wood CO2 efflux in the canopy did not cause any bias in stem CO2 efflux scaling, but affected branch CO2 efflux. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

The melting of subducted banded iron formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Nathan; Schmidt, Max W.

2017-10-01

Banded iron formations (BIF) were common shelf and ocean basin sediments 3.5-1.8 Ga ago. To understand the fate of these dense rocks upon subduction, the melting relations of carbonated BIF were determined in Fe-Ca-(Mg)-Si-C-O2 at 950-1400 °C, 6 and 10 GPa, oxidizing (fO2 = hematite-magnetite, HM) and moderately reducing (fO2 ∼CO2-graphite/diamond, CCO) conditions. Solidus temperatures under oxidizing conditions are 950-1025 °C with H2O, and 1050-1150 °C anhydrous, but 250-175 °C higher at graphite saturation (values at 6-10 GPa). The combination of Fe3+ and carbonate leads to a strong melting depression. Solidus curves are steep with 17-20 °C/GPa. Near-solidus melts are ferro-carbonatites with ∼22 wt.% FeOtot, ∼48 wt% CO2 and 1-5 wt.% SiO2 at fO2 ∼ HM and ∼49 wt.% FeOtot, ∼20 wt% CO2 and 19-25 wt.% SiO2 at fO2 ∼ CCO . At elevated subduction geotherms, as likely for the Archean, C-bearing BIF could melt out all carbonate around 6 GPa. Fe-rich carbonatites would rise but stagnate gravitationally near the slab/mantle interface until they react with the mantle through Fe-Mg exchange and partial reduction. The latter would precipitate diamond and yield Fe- and C-rich mantle domains, yet, Fe-Mg is expected to diffusively re-equilibrate over Ga time scales. We propose that the oldest subduction derived diamonds stem from BIF derived melts.

An improved CeO2 method for high-precision measurements of 17O/16O ratios for atmospheric carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Mahata, Sasadhar; Bhattacharya, Sourandra K; Wang, Chung-Ho; Liang, Mao-Chang

2012-09-15

The oxygen isotopic composition of carbon dioxide originating at the Earth's surface is modified in the stratosphere by interaction with ozone which has anomalous oxygen isotope ratio (Δ(17)O = 1000 * ln(1 + δ(17)O/1000) - 0.522 * 1000 * ln (1 + δ(18)O/1000) >0). The inherited anomaly provides a powerful tracer for studying biogeochemical cycles involving CO(2). However, the existing methods are either too imprecise or have difficulty in determining the small Δ(17)O variations found in the tropospheric CO(2). In this study an earlier published CeO(2) and CO(2) exchange method has been modified and improved for measuring the Δ(17)O values of atmospheric carbon dioxide with high precision. The CO(2) fraction from air samples was separated by cryogenic means and purified using gas chromatography. This CO(2) was first analyzed in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, then artificially equilibrated with hot CeO(2) to alter its oxygen isotopes mass-dependently and re-analyzed. From these data the (17)O/(16)O and (18)O/(16)O ratios were calculated and the Δ(17)O value was determined. The validity of the method was established in several tests by using artificially prepared CO(2) with zero and non-zero Δ(17)O values. The published value of the CO(2)-H(2) O equilibrium slope was also reproduced. The CO(2)-CeO(2) equilibration method has been improved to measure the oxygen isotope anomaly (Δ(17)O value) of atmospheric CO(2) with an analytical precision of ±0.12‰ (2σ). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An explanation for the 18O excess in Noelaerhabdaceae coccolith calcite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hermoso, M.; Minoletti, F.; Aloisi, G.; Bonifacie, M.; McClelland, H. L. O.; Labourdette, N.; Renforth, P.; Chaduteau, C.; Rickaby, R. E. M.

2016-09-01

Coccoliths have dominated the sedimentary archive in the pelagic environment since the Jurassic. The biominerals produced by the coccolithophores are ideally placed to infer sea surface temperatures from their oxygen isotopic composition, as calcification in this photosynthetic algal group only occurs in the sunlit surface waters. In the present study, we dissect the isotopic mechanisms contributing to the "vital effect", which overprints the oceanic temperatures recorded in coccolith calcite. Applying the passive diffusion model of carbon acquisition by the marine phytoplankton widely used in biogeochemical and palaeoceanographic studies, our results suggest that the oxygen isotope offsets from inorganic calcite in fast dividing species Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica originates from the legacy of assimilated 18O-rich CO2 that induces transient isotopic disequilibrium to the internal dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool. The extent to which this intracellular isotopic disequilibrium is recorded in coccolith calcite (1.5 to +3‰ over a 10 to 25 °C temperature range) is set by the degree of isotopic re-equilibration between CO2 and water molecules before intracellular mineralisation. We show that the extent of re-equilibration is, in turn, set by temperature through both physiological (dynamics of the utilisation of the DIC pool) and thermodynamic (completeness of the re-equilibration of the relative 18O-rich CO2 influx) processes. At the highest temperature, less ambient aqueous CO2 is present for algal growth, and the consequence of carbon limitation is exacerbation of the oxygen isotope vital effect, obliterating the temperature signal. This culture dataset further demonstrates that the vital effect is variable for a given species/morphotype, and depends on the intricate relationship between the environment and the physiology of biomineralising algae.

Stem juice production of the C4 sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is enhanced by growth at double-ambient CO2 and high temperature.

PubMed

Vu, Joseph C V; Allen, Leon H

2009-07-15

Two cultivars of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum cv. CP73-1547 and CP88-1508) were grown for 3 months in paired-companion, temperature-gradient, sunlit greenhouses under daytime [CO2] of 360 (ambient) and 720 (double ambient) micromol mol(-1) and at temperatures of 1.5 degrees C (near ambient) and 6.0 degrees C higher than outside ambient temperature. Leaf area and biomass, stem biomass and juice and CO2 exchange rate (CER) and activities of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) of fully developed leaves were measured at harvest. On a main stem basis, leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight and stem juice volume were increased by growth at doubled [CO2] or high temperature. Such increases were even greater under combination of doubled [CO2]/high temperature. Plants grown at doubled [CO2]/high temperature combination averaged 50%, 26%, 84% and 124% greater in leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight and stem juice volume, respectively, compared with plants grown at ambient [CO2]/near-ambient temperature combination. In addition, plants grown at doubled [CO2]/high temperature combination were 2-3-fold higher in stem soluble solids than those at ambient [CO2]/near-ambient temperature combination. Although midday CER of fully developed leaves was not affected by doubled [CO2] or high temperature, plants grown at doubled [CO2] were 41-43% less in leaf stomatal conductance and 69-79% greater in leaf water-use efficiency, compared with plants grown at ambient [CO2]. Activity of PEPC was down-regulated 23-32% at doubled [CO2], while high temperature did not have a significant impact on this enzyme. Activity of Rubisco was not affected by growth at doubled [CO2], but was reduced 15-28% at high temperature. The increases in stem juice production and stem juice soluble solids concentration for sugarcane grown at doubled [CO2] or high temperature, or at doubled [CO2]/high temperature combination, were partially the outcome of an increase in whole plant leaf area. Such increase would enhance the ongoing and cumulative photosynthetic capability of the whole plant. The results indicate that a doubling of [CO2] would benefit sugarcane production more than the anticipated 10-15% increase for a C4 species.

Evaluation of Direct Vapour Equilibration for Stable Isotope Analysis of Plant Water.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millar, C. B.; McDonnell, J.; Pratt, D.

2017-12-01

The stable isotopes of water (2H and 18O), extracted from plants, have been utilized in a variety of ecohydrological, biogeochemical and climatological studies. The array of methods used to extract water from plants are as varied as the studies themselves. Here we perform a comprehensive inter-method comparison of six plant water extraction techniques: direct vapour equilibration, microwave extraction, two unique versions of cryogenic extraction, centrifugation, and high pressure mechanical squeezing. We applied these methods to four isotopically unique plant portions (heads, stems, leaves and root crown) of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The spring wheat was grown under controlled conditions with irrigation inputs of a known isotopic composition. Our results show that the methods of extraction return significantly different plant water isotopic signals. Centrifugation, microwave extraction, direct vapour equilibration, and squeezing returned more enriched results. Both cryogenic systems and squeezing returned more depleted results, depending upon the plant portion extracted. While cryogenic extraction is currently the most widely used method in the literature, our results suggest that direct vapor equilibration method outperforms it in terms of accuracy, sample throughput and replicability. More research is now needed with other plant species (especially woody plants) to see how far the findings from this study could be extended.

Modeling Amorphous Microporous Polymers for CO2 Capture and Separations.

PubMed

Kupgan, Grit; Abbott, Lauren J; Hart, Kyle E; Colina, Coray M

2018-06-13

This review concentrates on the advances of atomistic molecular simulations to design and evaluate amorphous microporous polymeric materials for CO 2 capture and separations. A description of atomistic molecular simulations is provided, including simulation techniques, structural generation approaches, relaxation and equilibration methodologies, and considerations needed for validation of simulated samples. The review provides general guidelines and a comprehensive update of the recent literature (since 2007) to promote the acceleration of the discovery and screening of amorphous microporous polymers for CO 2 capture and separation processes.

Vertical gradients and seasonal variation in stem CO2 efflux within a Norway spruce stand.

PubMed

Tarvainen, Lasse; Räntfors, Mats; Wallin, Göran

2014-05-01

Stem CO2 efflux is known to vary seasonally and vertically along tree stems. However, annual tree- and stand-scale efflux estimates are commonly based on measurements made only a few times a year, during daytime and at breast height. In this study, the effect of these simplifying assumptions on annual efflux estimates and their influence on the estimates of the importance of stems in stand-scale carbon cycling are evaluated. In order to assess the strength of seasonal, diurnal and along-stem variability in CO2 efflux, half-hourly measurements were carried out at three heights on three mature Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees over a period of 3 years. Making the common assumption of breast height efflux rates being representative of the entire stem was found to result in underestimations of 10-17% in the annual tree-scale CO2 efflux. Upscaling using only daytime measurements from breast height increased the underestimation to 15-20%. Furthermore, the results show that the strength of the vertical gradient varies seasonally, being strongest in the early summer and non-existent during the cool months. The observed seasonality in the vertical CO2 efflux gradient could not be explained by variation in stem temperature, temperature response of the CO2 efflux (Q10), outer-bark permeability, CO2 transport in the xylem or CO2 release from the phloem. However, the estimated CO2 concentration immediately beneath the bark was considerably higher in the upper stem during the main period of diameter growth, coinciding with the strongest vertical efflux gradient. These results suggest that higher growth rates in the upper stem are the main cause for the observed vertical variation in the stem CO2 effluxes. Furthermore, the results indicate that accounting for the vertical efflux variation is essential for assessments of the importance of stems in stand-scale carbon cycling. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Do Tree Stems Recapture Respired CO2?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilman, B.; Angert, A.

2016-12-01

Tree stem respiration is an important, yet not well understood, component of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Predicting how trees as whole organisms respond to changes in climate and atmospheric CO2 requires understanding of the variability in the fraction of assimilated carbon allocated to respiration, versus the allocation to growth, damage repair, and to rhizosphere symbionts. Here we used the ratio of CO2 efflux/O2 influx (Apparent Respiratory Quotient, ARQ) to study stem respiration. The ARQ in trees stems is predicted to be 1.0, as a result of carbohydrates metabolism. Lower than 1.0 ARQ values may indicate a local assimilation of respired CO2, or dissolution and transport of CO2 in the xylem stream. We measured stems ARQ in 16 tree species at tropical, Mediterranean and temperate ecosystems using stem chambers and in-vitro incubations. The CO2 and O2 were measured by a system we developed, which is based on an IRGA and a Fuel-cell O2 analyzer (Hilman and Angert 2016). We found typical values of ARQ in the range of 0.4-0.8. Since incubations of detach stem tissues yielded similar ARQ values, and since the influence of natural variations in the transpiration stream on ARQ was found to be small, we conclude that the removal of the respired CO2 is not via dissolution in the xylem stream. Using 13C labeling, dark fixation of stem tissues was detected, which is most probably phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) mediated. Hence, we suggest that in-stem dark fixation of respired CO2 to organic acids (e.g. malate) affects the outgoing efflux. Further research should determine if these organic acids are transported to the canopy, stored in the stem, or transported to the roots to serve as exudates. Hilman B, Angert A (2016) Measuring the ratio of CO2 efflux to O2 influx in tree stem respiration. Tree Physiol 2016, doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpw057

Hypoxia-mimicking bioactive glass regenerative effects on dental stem cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noor, Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd; Azevedo, Maria; Mohamad, Hasmaliza; Autefage, Hélène

2016-12-01

Vascularization is an important aspect of tissue regeneration. Hypoxia, low oxygen concentration, is a known stimulus for the release of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) which play important roles in vascularization. The current study aimed to assess the effect of a cobalt-containing bioactive glass (BG) in stimulating hypoxia and promoting vascularization. To incorporate cobalt into BG, 1 mol% of calcium was substituting with cobalt, and this formulation was compared to the one without cobalt. Both BGs were processed via melt-derived method. The BG powders with particle size less than 38 µm were incubated with cell culture medium for 4 hours at 37°C on continuous rolling, and then the medium was filtered using 0.22 µm syringe filters. Prior to use, the BG-conditioned media were supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum and 1% (v/v) antibiotic-antimycotic, and were allowed to equilibrate overnight inside a CO2 incubator. The conditioned media were used on human dental stem cells (stem cells from permanent (DPSC) and deciduous (SHED) teeth) and assessed for their capacity to stimulate the release of angiogenic factors from the cells. The results showed that cobalt ions were released from the cobalt-containing BG, following partial dissolution of the glasses in cell culture medium, and promoted VEGF release from the cells. In conclusion, the incorporation of cobalt in BG may have potential to be used for tissue regeneration by promoting vascularization through the activation of hypoxia pathway and the release of VEGF.

Manganese-calcium intermixing facilitates heteroepitaxial growth at the (1014) calcite-water interface

DOE PAGES

Xu, Man; Riechers, Shawn L.; Ilton, Eugene S.; ...

2017-09-05

For this research, in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were performed to probe surface precipitates that formed on the (10more » $$\\bar{1}$$4) surface of calcite (CaCO 3) single crystals following reaction with Mn2 +-bearing aqueous solutions. Three-dimensional epitaxial islands were observed to precipitate and grow on the surfaces. In situ time-sequenced measurements demonstrated that the growth rates were commensurate with those obtained for epitaxial islands formed on calcite crystals reacted with Cd2 +-bearing aqueous solutions of the same range in supersaturation with respect to the pure metal carbonate phase. This finding was unexpected as rhodochrosite (MnCO 3) and calcite display a 10% lattice mismatch, based on the area of their (10$$\\bar{1}$$4) surface unit cells, whereas the lattice mismatch is only 4% for otavite (CdCO 3) and calcite. Coatings of varying thicknesses were therefore synthesized by reacting calcite single crystals in calcite-equilibrated aqueous solutions with up to 250 μM MnCl 2. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), and AFM measurements of the reacted crystals demonstrated the formation of an epitaxial (Mn,Ca)CO 3 solid solution. The epitaxial solid solution had a spatially complex composition, whereby the first few nanometers were rich in Ca and the Mn content increased with distance from the original calcite surface, culminating in a topmost region of almost pure MnCO 3 for the thickest coatings. The effective lattice mismatch was therefore much smaller than the nominal mismatch thus explaining the measured growth rates. Lastly, these findings highlight the strong influence played by the substrate on the composition of surface precipitates in aqueous conditions.« less

Study on O2-supplying characteristics of Azolla in Controlled Ecological Life Support System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Min; Deng, Sufang; Yang, Youquang; Huang, Yibing; Liu, Zhongzhu

Azolla has high growth and propagation rate, strong photosynthetic O2-releasing ability and rich nutrient value. It is able to be used as salad-type vegetable, and can also be cultured on wet bed in multi-layer condition. Hence, it possesses a potential functioning as providing O2, fresh vegetable and absorbing CO2 for Controlled Ecological Life Support System in space. In this study, we try to make clear the O2-providing characteristics of Azolla in controlled close chamber under manned condition in order to lay a foundation for Azolla as a biological component in the next ground simulated experiment and space application. A closed test cham-ber of Controlled Ecological Life Support System and Azolla wet-culturing devices were built to measure the changes of atmospheric O2-CO2 concentration inside chamber under "Azolla-fish -men" coexisting condition. The results showed that, the amount of O2 consumption is 80.49 83.07 ml/h per kilogram fish, the amount of CO2 emissions is 70.49 73.56 ml/(kg • h); O2 consumption of trial volunteers is 19.71 L/h, the volume of respiration release CO2 18.90 L/h .Artificial light intensity of Azolla wet culture under 70009000 Lx, people respiration and Azolla photosynthesis complemented each other, the atmospheric O2-CO2 concentration inside chamber maintained equilibration. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations in close chamber have obvious effects on enhancing Azolla net photosynthesis efficiency. This shows that Azolla has strong photosynthetic O2-releasing ability, which equilibrates the O2-CO2 concentration inside chamber in favor of human survival, and then verifies the prospect of Azolla in space application.

Hydrogen peroxide release and acid-base status in exhaled breath condensate at rest and after maximal exercise in young, healthy subjects.

PubMed

Marek, E; Platen, P; Volke, J; Mückenhoff, K; Marek, W

2009-12-07

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) contains among a large number of mediators hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a marker of airway inflammation and oxidative stress. Similarly EBC pH also changes in respiratory diseases. It was the aim of our investigation to prove if hydrogen peroxide release and changes in pH of EBC changes with exercise. EBC was collected from 100 litres exhaled air along with samples of arterialized blood of 16 healthy subjects (9 males, 7 females, age 23 +/- 1 years). EBC hydrogen peroxide was analyzed with EcoCheck amperometer (FILT, Berlin). The rate of H(2)O(2) release was calculated from the concentration and collection time. pH and PCO(2) in blood and in EBC were measured with the Radiometer blood gas analyzer, EBC was equilibrated with a gas mixture (5% CO(2) in O(2)). The bicarbonate concentration was calculated according to the law of mass action for CO(2) and HCO(3)(-) (pK = 6.1). H(2)O(2) concentration in EBC was 190 +/- 109 nmol/l, and H (2)O(2) release at rest was 31.0 +/- 18.3 pmol/min. At maximal exercise, the H(2)O(2) concentration in EBC increased to 250 +/- 120 nmol/l, and H(2)O(2) release significantly increased at maximal exercise to 84.4 +/- 39.9 pmol/min (P<0.01). At rest pH of the CO(2) equilibrated EBC was at 6.08 +/- 0.23 and the [HCO(3)(-)] was 1.03 +/- 0.40 mmol/l. At maximum exercise, pH 6.18 +/- 0.17 and [HCO(3)(-)] 1.23 +/- 0.30 mmol/l remained almost unaltered. The rate of H(2)O(2) release in EBC increased during exhausting exercise (external load: 300 Watt) by a factor of 2, whereas the pH and the bicarbonate concentration of the EBC, equilibrated with 5% CO(2) at 37 degrees C were not significantly altered. It has to be proven by further experiments whether there is a linear relationship between the rates of H(2)O(2) release in EBC in graded submaximal exercise.

Materials to Engineer the Immune System

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

presentation of danger signals to regulate the ratio of distinct DC subtypes was next examined by immobilizing TLR-activating, polyethylenimine (PEI...compression molded. The resulting disc was allowed to equilibrate within a high-pressure CO2 environment, and a rapid reduction in pressure causes the...pressure CO2 process to foam macroporous PLG matrices incorporating tumor lysates. To incorporate CpG-ODNs into PLG scaffolds, we first con- densed CpG-ODN

Temporal and spatial patterns of internal and external stem CO2 fluxes in a sub-Mediterranean oak.

PubMed

Salomón, Roberto L; Valbuena-Carabaña, María; Gil, Luis; McGuire, Mary Anne; Teskey, Robert O; Aubrey, Doug P; González-Doncel, Inés; Rodríguez-Calcerrada, Jesús

2016-11-01

To accurately estimate stem respiration (R S ), measurements of both carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) efflux to the atmosphere (E A ) and internal CO 2 flux through xylem (F T ) are needed because xylem sap transports respired CO 2 upward. However, reports of seasonal dynamics of F T and E A are scarce and no studies exist in Mediterranean species under drought stress conditions. Internal and external CO 2 fluxes at three stem heights, together with radial stem growth, temperature, sap flow and shoot water potential, were measured in Quercus pyrenaica Willd. in four measurement campaigns during one growing season. Substantial daytime depressions in temperature-normalized E A were observed throughout the experiment, including prior to budburst, indicating that diel hysteresis between stem temperature and E A cannot be uniquely ascribed to diversion of CO 2 in the transpiration stream. Low internal [CO 2 ] (<0.5%) resulted in low contributions of F T to R S throughout the growing season, and R S was mainly explained by E A (>90%). Internal [CO 2 ] was found to vary vertically along the stems. Seasonality in resistance to radial CO 2 diffusion was related to shoot water potential. The low internal [CO 2 ] and F T observed in our study may result from the downregulation of xylem respiration in response to a legacy of coppicing as well as high radial diffusion of CO 2 through cambium, phloem and bark tissues, which was related to low water content of stems. Long-term studies analyzing temporal and spatial variation in internal and external CO 2 fluxes and their interactions are needed to mechanistically understand and model respiration of woody tissues. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effect of CO2 enrichment on the glucosinolate contents under different nitrogen levels in bolting stem of Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra L.).

PubMed

La, Gui-xiao; Fang, Ping; Teng, Yi-bo; Li, Ya-juan; Lin, Xian-yong

2009-06-01

The effects of CO(2) enrichment on the growth and glucosinolate (GS) concentrations in the bolting stem of Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra L.) treated with three nitrogen (N) concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mmol/L) were investigated. Height, stem thickness, and dry weights of the total aerial parts, bolting stems, and roots, as well as the root to shoot ratio, significantly increased as CO(2) concentration was elevated from 350 to 800 microl/L at each N concentration. In the edible part of the bolting stem, 11 individual GSs were identified, including 7 aliphatic and 4 indolyl GSs. GS concentration was affected by the elevated CO(2) concentration, N concentration, and CO(2)xN interaction. At 5 and 10 mmol N/L, the concentrations of aliphatic GSs and total GSs significantly increased, whereas those of indolyl GSs were not affected, by elevated atmospheric CO(2). However, at 20 mmol N/L, elevated CO(2) had no significant effects on the concentrations of total GSs and total indolyl GSs, but the concentrations of total aliphatic GSs significantly increased. Moreover, the bolting stem carbon (C) content increased, whereas the N and sulfur (S) contents decreased under elevated CO(2) concentration in the three N treatments, resulting in changes in the C/N and N/S ratios. Also the C/N ratio is not a reliable predictor of change of GS concentration, while the changes in N and S contents and the N/S ratio at the elevated CO(2) concentration may influence the GS concentration in Chinese kale bolting stems. The results demonstrate that high nitrogen supply is beneficial for the growth of Chinese kale, but not for the GS concentration in bolting stems, under elevated CO(2) condition.

Melting behavior and phase relations of lunar samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hays, J. F.

1976-01-01

An attempt was made to show that feldspar would float during melting. Large anorthite crystals were placed beneath a silicate glass representative of liquid in which plagioclase accumulation is thought to have occurred. In less than 3 hours at 1,300 C, the crystals rose to the top in a Pt crucible 3 cm deep equilibrated in air and in a Mo crucible 1.5 cm deep equilibrated in an H2/CO2 gas stream of log PO2 = -10.9 (below Fe/FeO). These results suggest that lunar crustal formation by feldspar flotation is possible without special recourse to differential sinking of plagioclase versus mafic minerals or selective elutriation of plagioclase.

Development of sol-gel bioactive glass for hard tissue regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noor, Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd; Zain, Nurul Shazwani Mohd; Wei, Poh Yong; Azizan, Nur Syazana; Mohamad, Hasmaliza

2016-12-01

The regeneration of hard tissues requires various contributing factors such as cells, scaffolds and growth factors. Bioactive glasses are known for its properties to stimulate hard tissue regeneration. In this study, sol-gel bioactive glasses (BG) were prepared and characterized. Sol-gel BG powders having particle size less than 25 µm were incubated with cell culture medium for 4 hours at 37°C on continuous rolling, and then the medium was filtered using 0.22 µm syringe filters. Prior to use, the SGBG-conditioned media were supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum and 1% (v/v) antibiotic-antimycotic, and were allowed to equilibrate overnight inside a CO2 incubator. The human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) were incubated with the BG-conditioned media and their viability and proliferation were assessed at day 1, 2, 4 and 7 using Alamar Blue and MTT assays. The results showed that BG at various powders to liquid ratio concentrations promoted DPSC growth. The BG have potential to be used for hard tissue regeneration especially in the field of regenerative dentistry.

Hypercarbic cardiorespiratory reflexes in the facultative air-breathing fish jeju (Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus): the role of branchial CO2 chemoreceptors.

PubMed

de Lima Boijink, Cheila; Florindo, Luiz Henrique; Leite, Cleo A Costa; Kalinin, Ana Lúcia; Milsom, William K; Rantin, Francisco Tadeu

2010-08-15

The aim of the present study was to determine the roles that externally versus internally oriented CO(2)/H(+)-sensitive chemoreceptors might play in promoting cardiorespiratory responses to environmental hypercarbia in the air-breathing fish, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (jeju). Fish were exposed to graded hypercarbia (1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20% CO(2)) and also to graded levels of environmental acidosis (pH approximately 7.0, 6.0, 5.8, 5.6, 5.3 and 4.7) equal to the pH levels of the hypercarbic water to distinguish the relative roles of CO(2) versus H(+). We also injected boluses of CO(2)-equilibrated solutions (5, 10 and 20% CO(2)) and acid solutions equilibrated to the same pH as the CO(2) boluses into the caudal vein (internal) and buccal cavity (external) to distinguish between internal and external stimuli. The putative location of the chemoreceptors was determined by bilateral denervation of branches of cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus) to the gills. The data indicate that the chemoreceptors eliciting bradycardia, hypertension and gill ventilatory responses (increased frequency and amplitude) to hypercarbia are exclusively branchial, externally oriented and respond specifically to changes in CO(2) and not H(+). Those involved in producing the cardiovascular responses appeared to be distributed across all gill arches while those involved in the gill ventilatory responses were located primarily on the first gill arch. Higher levels of aquatic CO(2) depressed gill ventilation and stimulated air breathing. The chemoreceptors involved in producing air breathing in response to hypercarbia also appeared to be branchial, distributed across all gill arches and responded specifically to changes in aquatic CO(2). This would suggest that chemoreceptor groups with different orientations (blood versus water) are involved in eliciting air-breathing responses to hypercarbia in jeju.

Relationships between stem CO2 efflux, substrate supply, and growth in young loblolly pine trees

Treesearch

Chris A. Maier; Kurt H. Johnsen; Barton D. Clinton; Kim H. Ludovici

2009-01-01

We examined the relationships between stem CO2 efflux (Es), diametergrowth, and nonstructural carbohydrate concentration in loblolly pine trees. Carbohydratesupply was altered via stem girdling during rapid stem growth in the

Laser based water equilibration method for d18O determination of water samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandic, Magda; Smajgl, Danijela; Stoebener, Nils

2017-04-01

Determination of d18O with water equilibration method using mass spectrometers equipped with equilibration unit or Gas Bench is known already for many years. Now, with development of laser spectrometers this extends methods and possibilities to apply different technologies in laboratory but also in the field. The Thermo Scientific™ Delta Ray™ Isotope Ratio Infrared Spectrometer (IRIS) analyzer with the Universal Reference Interface (URI) Connect and Teledyne Cetac ASX-7100 offers high precision and throughput of samples. It employs optical spectroscopy for continuous measurement of isotope ratio values and concentration of carbon dioxide in ambient air, and also for analysis of discrete samples from vials, syringes, bags, or other user-provided sample containers. Test measurements and conformation of precision and accuracy of method determination d18O in water samples were done in Thermo Fisher application laboratory with three lab standards, namely ANST, Ocean II and HBW. All laboratory standards were previously calibrated with international reference material VSMOW2 and SLAP2 to assure accuracy of the isotopic values of the water. With method that we present in this work achieved repeatability and accuracy are 0.16‰ and 0.71‰, respectively, which fulfill requirements of regulatory method for wine and must after equilibration with CO2.

Effect of CO2 enrichment on the glucosinolate contents under different nitrogen levels in bolting stem of Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra L.)*

PubMed Central

La, Gui-xiao; Fang, Ping; Teng, Yi-bo; Li, Ya-juan; Lin, Xian-yong

2009-01-01

The effects of CO2 enrichment on the growth and glucosinolate (GS) concentrations in the bolting stem of Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra L.) treated with three nitrogen (N) concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mmol/L) were investigated. Height, stem thickness, and dry weights of the total aerial parts, bolting stems, and roots, as well as the root to shoot ratio, significantly increased as CO2 concentration was elevated from 350 to 800 μl/L at each N concentration. In the edible part of the bolting stem, 11 individual GSs were identified, including 7 aliphatic and 4 indolyl GSs. GS concentration was affected by the elevated CO2 concentration, N concentration, and CO2×N interaction. At 5 and 10 mmol N/L, the concentrations of aliphatic GSs and total GSs significantly increased, whereas those of indolyl GSs were not affected, by elevated atmospheric CO2. However, at 20 mmol N/L, elevated CO2 had no significant effects on the concentrations of total GSs and total indolyl GSs, but the concentrations of total aliphatic GSs significantly increased. Moreover, the bolting stem carbon (C) content increased, whereas the N and sulfur (S) contents decreased under elevated CO2 concentration in the three N treatments, resulting in changes in the C/N and N/S ratios. Also the C/N ratio is not a reliable predictor of change of GS concentration, while the changes in N and S contents and the N/S ratio at the elevated CO2 concentration may influence the GS concentration in Chinese kale bolting stems. The results demonstrate that high nitrogen supply is beneficial for the growth of Chinese kale, but not for the GS concentration in bolting stems, under elevated CO2 condition. PMID:19489111

Formation of C-C and C-O bonds and oxygen removal in reactions of alkanediols, alkanols, and alkanals on copper catalysts.

PubMed

Sad, María E; Neurock, Matthew; Iglesia, Enrique

2011-12-21

This study reports evidence for catalytic deoxygenation of alkanols, alkanals, and alkanediols on dispersed Cu clusters with minimal use of external H(2) and with the concurrent formation of new C-C and C-O bonds. These catalysts selectively remove O-atoms from these oxygenates as CO or CO(2) through decarbonylation or decarboxylation routes, respectively, that use C-atoms present within reactants or as H(2)O using H(2) added or formed in situ from CO/H(2)O mixtures via water-gas shift. Cu catalysts fully convert 1,3-propanediol to equilibrated propanol-propanal intermediates that subsequently form larger oxygenates via aldol-type condensation and esterification routes without detectable involvement of the oxide supports. Propanal-propanol-H(2) equilibration is mediated by their chemisorption and interconversion at surfaces via C-H and O-H activation and propoxide intermediates. The kinetic effects of H(2), propanal, and propanol pressures on turnover rates, taken together with measured selectivities and the established chemical events for base-catalyzed condensation and esterification reactions, indicate that both reactions involve kinetically relevant bimolecular steps in which propoxide species, acting as the base, abstract the α-hydrogen in adsorbed propanal (condensation) or attack the electrophilic C-atom at its carbonyl group (esterification). These weakly held basic alkoxides render Cu surfaces able to mediate C-C and C-O formation reactions typically catalyzed by basic sites inherent in the catalyst, instead of provided by coadsorbed organic moieties. Turnover rates for condensation and esterification reactions decrease with increasing Cu dispersion, because low-coordination corner and edge atoms prevalent on small clusters stabilize adsorbed intermediates and increase the activation barriers for the bimolecular kinetically relevant steps required for both reactions. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Unraveling carbohydrate transport mechanisms in young beech trees (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea) by 13CO2 efflux measurements from stem and soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thoms, Ronny; Muhr, Jan; Keitel, Claudia; Kayler, Zachary; Gavrichkova, Olga; Köhler, Michael; Gessler, Arthur; Gleixner, Gerd

2016-04-01

Transport mechanisms of soluble carbohydrates and diurnal CO2 efflux from tree stems and surrounding soil are well studied. However, the effect of transport carbohydrates on respiration and their interaction with storage processes is largely unknown. Therefore, we performed a set of 13CO2 pulse labeling experiments on young trees of European beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea). We labeled the whole tree crowns in a closed transparent plastic chamber with 99% 13CO2 for 30 min. In one experiment, only a single branch was labeled and removed 36 hours after labeling. In all experiments, we continuously measured the 13CO2 efflux from stem, branch and soil and sampled leaf and stem material every 3 h for 2 days, followed by a daily sampling of leaves in the successive 5 days. The compound specific δ 13C value of extracted soluble carbohydrates from leaf and stem material was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography linked with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (HPLC-IRMS). The 13CO2 signal from soil respiration occurred only few hours after labeling indicating a very high transport rate of carbohydrates from leaf to roots and to the rhizosphere. The label was continuously depleted within the next 5 days. In contrast, we observed a remarkable oscillating pattern of 13CO2 efflux from the stem with maximum 13CO2 enrichment at noon and minima at night time. This oscillation suggests that enriched carbohydrates are respired during the day, whereas in the night the enriched sugars are not respired. The observed oscillation in stem 13CO2 enrichment remained unchanged even when only single branches were labelled and cut right afterwards. Thus, storage and conversion of carbohydrates only occurred within the stem. The δ13C patterns of extracted soluble carbohydrates showed, that a transformation of transitory starch to carbohydrates and vice versa was no driver of the oscillating 13CO2 efflux from the stem. Carbohydrates might have been transported in the phloem to the location of biosynthesis further to a storage pool from which they are respired during the day. Keywords: 13CO2 efflux, oscillating pattern, carbohydrates, transitory starch

Automated CO2, CH4 and N2O Fluxes from Tree Stems and Soils: Magnitudes, Temporal Patterns and Drivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barba, J.; Poyatos, R.; Vargas, R.

2017-12-01

The emissions of the main greenhouse gases (GHG; CO2, CH4 and N2O) through tree stems are still an uncertain component of the total GHG balance of forests. Despite that stem CO2 emissions have been studied for several decades, it is still unclear the drivers and spatiotemporal patterns of CH4 and N2O stem emissions. Additionally, it is unknown how stem emissions could be related to soil physiological processes or environmental conditions. We measured CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions hourly from April to July 2017 at two different heights (75 [LStem] and 150cm [HStem]) of bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) trees and adjacent soil locations in a forested area in the Mid Atlantic of the USA. We designed an automated system to continuously measure the three greenhouse gases (GHG) in stems and soils. Stem and soil CO2 emissions showed similar seasonal patterns with an average of 6.56±0.09 (soil), 3.72±0.05 (LStem) and 2.47±0.04 µmols m-2 s-1 (HStem) (mean±95% CI). Soil temperature controlled CO2 fluxes at both daily and seasonal scales (R2>0.5 for all cases), but there was no clear effect of soil moisture. The stems were a clear CH4 source with emissions decreasing with height (0.35±0.02 and 0.25±0.01 nmols m-2 s-1 for LStem and HStem, respectively) with no apparent seasonal pattern, and no clear relationship with environmental drivers (e.g., temperature, moisture). In contrast, soil was a CH4 sink throughout the experiment (-0.55±0.02 nmols m-2 s-1) and its seasonal pattern responded to moisture changes. Despite soil and stem N2O emissions did not show a seasonal pattern or apparent dependency on temperature or moisture, they showed net N2O emissions with a decrease in emissions with stem height (0.29±0.05 for soil, 0.38±0.06 for LStem and 0.28±0.05 nmols m-2 s-1 for HStem). The three GHG emissions decreased with stem height at similar rates (33%, 28% and 27% for CO2, CH4 and N2O, respectively). These results suggest that the gases were not produced in the stem but originated in the soil and transported within the stem. At the forest stand level, the CH4 sink capacity of soils could be partially counteracted by the stem emissions. These results indicate the need to measure CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions not only in soil but also in stems to account for the total GHG balance in ecosystems.

Effects of Dissolved Carbonate on Arsenate Adsorption and Surface Speciation at the Hematite-Water Interface

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arai, Y.; Sparks, D.L.; Davis, J.A.

2004-01-01

Effects of dissolved carbonate on arsenate [As(V)] reactivity and surface speciation at the hematite-water interface were studied as a function of pH and two different partial pressures of carbon dioxide gas [PCO2 = 10 -3.5 atm and ???0; CO2-free argon (Ar)] using adsorption kinetics, pseudo-equilibrium adsorption/titration experiments, extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopic (EXAFS) analyses, and surface complexation modeling. Different adsorbed carbonate concentrations, due to the two different atmospheric systems, resulted in an enhanced and/or suppressed extent of As(V) adsorption. As(V) adsorption kinetics [4 g L -1, [As(V)]0 = 1.5 mM and / = 0.01 M NaCl] showed carbonate-enhanced As(V) uptake in the air-equilibrated systems at pH 4 and 6 and at pH 8 after 3 h of reaction. Suppressed As(V) adsorption was observed in the air-equilibrated system in the early stages of the reaction at pH 8. In the pseudo-equilibrium adsorption experiments [1 g L-1, [As(V)] 0 = 0.5 mM and / = 0.01 M NaCl], in which each pH value was held constant by a pH-stat apparatus, effects of dissolved carbonate on As(V) uptake were almost negligible at equilibrium, but titrant (0.1 M HCl) consumption was greater in the air-equilibrated systems (PCO2 = 10-3.5 atm)than in the CO2-free argon system at pH 4-7.75. The EXAFS analyses indicated that As(V) tetrahedral molecules were coordinated on iron octahedral via bidentate mononuclear (???2.8 A??) and bidentate binuclear (???3.3 A??) bonding at pH 4.5-8 and loading levels of 0.46-3.10 ??M m-2. Using the results of the pseudoequilibrium adsorption data and the XAS analyses, the pH-dependent As(V) adsorption under the PCO2 = 10-3.5 atm and the CO2-free argon system was modeled using surface complexation modeling, and the results are consistent with the formation of nonprotonated bidentate surface species at the hematite surfaces. The results also suggest that the acid titrant consumption was strongly affected by changes to electrical double-layer potentials caused by the adsorption of carbonate in the air-equilibrated system. Overall results suggest that the effects of dissolved carbonate on As(V) adsorption were influenced by the reaction conditions [e.g., available surface sites, initial As(V) concentrations, and reaction times]. Quantifying the effects of adsorbed carbonate may be important in predicting As(V) transport processes in groundwater, where iron oxide-coated aquifer materials are exposed to seasonally fluctuating partial pressures of CO2(g).

Expansion of mesenchymal stem cells under atmospheric carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Brodsky, Arthur Nathan; Zhang, Jing; Visconti, Richard P; Harcum, Sarah W

2013-01-01

Stem cells are needed for an increasing number of scientific applications, including both fundamental research and clinical disease treatment. To meet this rising demand, improved expansion methods to generate high quantities of high quality stem cells must be developed. Unfortunately, the bicarbonate buffering system - which relies upon an elevated CO2 environment - typically used to maintain pH in stem cell cultures introduces several unnecessary limitations in bioreactor systems. In addition to artificially high dissolved CO2 levels negatively affecting cell growth, but more importantly, the need to sparge CO2 into the system complicates the ability to control culture parameters. This control is especially important for stem cells, whose behavior and phenotype is highly sensitive to changes in culture conditions such as dissolved oxygen and pH. As a first step, this study developed a buffer to support expansion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) under an atmospheric CO2 environment in static cultures. MSC expanded under atmospheric CO2 with this buffer achieved equivalent growth rates without adaptation compared to those grown in standard conditions and also maintained a stem cell phenotype, self-renewal properties, and the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages after expansion. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Determination of the delta(18O/16O)of Water: RSIL Lab Code 489

USGS Publications Warehouse

Revesz, Kinga; Coplen, Tyler

2008-01-01

The purpose of the technique described by the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL) lab code 489 is to present a method to determine the delta(180/160), abbreviated as delta-180, of water. This delta-18O measurement of water also is a component of National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL in USGS) schedules 1142 and 1172. Water samples are loaded into glass sample containers on a vacuum manifold to equilibrate gaseous CO2 at constant temperature (25 deg C) with water samples. After loading water samples on the vacuum manifold, air is evacuated through capillary to avoid evaporation, and CO2 is added. The samples are shaken to increase the equilibration rate of water and CO2. When isotopic equilibrium has been attained, an aliquot of CO2 is extracted sequentially from each sample container, separated from water vapor by means of a dry ice trap, and introduced into a dual-inlet isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (DI-IRMS) for determination of the delta-18O value. There is oxygen isotopic fractionation between water and CO2, but it is constant at constant temperature. The DI-IRMS is a DuPont double-focusing mass spectrometer. It has a double collector. One ion beam passes through a slit in a forward collector and is collected in the rear collector. The other ion beams are collected in the front collector. The instrument is capable of measuring mass/charge (m/z) 44 and 45 or 44 and 46 by changing the ion-accelerating voltage under computer control. The ion beams from these m/z values are as follows: m/z 44=CO2=12C16O16O, m/z 45=CO2=13C16O16O primarily, and m/z 46 = CO2=12C16O18O primarily. The data acquisition and control software calculates delta-18O values.

Clinical significance of corrosion of cemented femoral stems in metal-on-metal hips: a retrieval study.

PubMed

Hothi, Harry S; Berber, Reshid; Panagiotopoulos, Andreas C; Whittaker, Robert K; Rhead, Camilla; Skinner, John A; Hart, Alister J

2016-11-01

The clinical significance of corrosion of cemented femoral stems is unclear. The purpose of this retrieval study was to: (1) report on corrosion at the stem-cement interface and (2) correlate these findings with clinical data. We analysed cemented stems (n = 36) composed of cobalt-chromium (CoCr) and stainless steel (SS) in a series of revised metal-on-metal hips. We performed detailed inspection of each stem to assess the severity of corrosion at the stem-cement interface using a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (severe). We assessed the severity of corrosion at each stem trunnion and measured wear rates at the head taper and bearing surfaces. We used non-parametric tests to determine the significance of differences between the CoCr and SS stems in relation to: (1) pre-revision whole blood Co and Cr metal ion levels, (2) trunnion corrosion, (3) bearing surface wear and (4) taper material loss. The corrosion scores of CoCr stems were significantly greater than SS stems (p < 0.01). Virtually all stem trunnions in both alloy groups had minimal evidence of corrosion. The median pre-revision Co levels of implants with CoCr stems were significantly greater than the SS stems (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in relation to pre-revision Cr levels (p = 0.521). There was no significant difference between the two stem types in relation to bearing wear (p = 0.926) or taper wear (p = 0.148). Severe corrosion of cemented femoral stems is a common finding at our retrieval centre; surgeons should consider corrosion of CoCr stems as a potential source of metal ions when revising a hip.

Choice of 17O Abundance Correction Affects Δ47 and Thus Calibrations for Paleothermometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelson, J.; Schauer, A. J.; Huntington, K. W.; Saenger, C.; Lechler, A. R.

2016-12-01

The clumped isotope composition of CO2 derived from carbonate (Δ47) varies with temperature, making it a valuable geothermometer with broad applications. However, its accuracy is limited by inter-laboratory discrepancies of carbonate reference materials and disagreement among Δ47-temperature calibrations. Here we use a suite of CO2-H2O equilibrations at known temperatures with a wide range in 13C and 18O compositions to show how the correction for the abundance of 17O impacts Δ47 and potentially explains these discrepancies. When a traditional value of 0.5164 is used for the fractionation between 17O and 18O (λ), corrected Δ47 in 23 °C CO2-H2O equilibrations exhibits a dependence on 13C composition that is equivalent to 20 ºC (Δ47 range of 0.06 ‰). In contrast, these discrepancies are effectively removed when λ=0.528, as in global meteoric waters. Furthermore, carbonate standards with identical formation temperatures have significantly different Δ47 when corrected using λ=0.5164, but agree within error when λ=0.528. The choice of λ affects the accuracy of all sample Δ47 values, unless the sample CO2, mass spectrometer reference gas, and equilibrated gases share the same 13C composition. The sensitivity of Δ47 to the choice of λ, and the apparent dependence on 13C when 0.5164 is used, are relevant to the abiogenic experiments used in Δ47-temperature calibrations given that precipitation methods involving CO2 bubbling produce carbonates depleted in 13C by tens of permil relative to methods that mix salts. We evaluate the influence of 17O correction on Δ47-temperature calibrations using a suite of 58 abiogenic carbonates precipitated at 4-85 ºC using CO2 bubbling and the mixing of salts. Aliquots of precipitated carbonates were digested at 25 and 90ºC, but all other preparatory and analytical variables were held constant. When corrected using λ=0.5164, various precipitation methods yield sub-parallel Δ47-temperature relationships with slopes of 0.034-0.044 (x 106/T2), but offset intercepts. Conversely, Δ47-temperature relationships overlap within error when λ=0.528. This suggests that the method used to correct for 17O abundance likely contributes to observed calibration discrepancies and that adopting λ=0.528 may reduce the uncertainty in Δ47 temperature reconstructions.

Effects of sulfate ligand on uranyl carbonato surface species on ferrihydrite surfaces.

PubMed

Arai, Yuji; Fuller, C C

2012-01-01

Understanding uranium (U) sorption processes in permeable reactive barriers (PRB) are critical in modeling reactive transport for evaluating PRB performance at the Fry Canyon demonstration site in Utah, USA. To gain insight into the U sequestration mechanism in the amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide (AFO)-coated gravel PRB, U(VI) sorption processes on ferrihydrite surfaces were studied in 0.01 M Na(2)SO(4) solutions to simulate the major chemical composition of U-contaminated groundwater (i.e., [SO(4)(2-)] ~13 mM L(-1)) at the site. Uranyl sorption was greater at pH 7.5 than that at pH 4 in both air- and 2% pCO(2)-equilibrated systems. While there were negligible effects of sulfate ligands on the pH-dependent U(VI) sorption (<24 h) in both systems, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis showed sulfate ligand associated U(VI) surface species at the ferrihydrite-water interface. In air-equilibrated systems, binary and mono-sulfate U(VI) ternary surface species co-existed at pH 5.43. At pH 6.55-7.83, a mixture of mono-sulfate and bis-carbonato U(VI) ternary surface species became more important. At 2% pCO(2), there was no contribution of sulfate ligands on the U(VI) ternary surface species. Instead, a mixture of bis-carbonato inner-sphere (38%) and tris-carbonato outer-sphere U(VI) ternary surface species (62%) was found at pH 7.62. The study suggests that the competitive ligand (bicarbonate and sulfate) coordination on U(VI) surface species might be important in evaluating the U solid-state speciation in the AFO PRB at the study site where pCO(2) fluctuates between 1 and 2 pCO(2)%. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Equilibrium and Effective Climate Sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rugenstein, M.; Bloch-Johnson, J.

2016-12-01

Atmosphere-ocean general circulation models, as well as the real world, take thousands of years to equilibrate to CO2 induced radiative perturbations. Equilibrium climate sensitivity - a fully equilibrated 2xCO2 perturbation - has been used for decades as a benchmark in model intercomparisons, as a test of our understanding of the climate system and paleo proxies, and to predict or project future climate change. Computational costs and limited time lead to the widespread practice of extrapolating equilibrium conditions from just a few decades of coupled simulations. The most common workaround is the "effective climate sensitivity" - defined through an extrapolation of a 150 year abrupt2xCO2 simulation, including the assumption of linear climate feedbacks. The definitions of effective and equilibrium climate sensitivity are often mixed up and used equivalently, and it is argued that "transient climate sensitivity" is the more relevant measure for predicting the next decades. We present an ongoing model intercomparison, the "LongRunMIP", to study century and millennia time scales of AOGCM equilibration and the linearity assumptions around feedback analysis. As a true ensemble of opportunity, there is no protocol and the only condition to participate is a coupled model simulation of any stabilizing scenario simulating more than 1000 years. Many of the submitted simulations took several years to conduct. As of July 2016 the contribution comprises 27 scenario simulations of 13 different models originating from 7 modeling centers, each between 1000 and 6000 years. To contribute, please contact the authors as soon as possible We present preliminary results, discussing differences between effective and equilibrium climate sensitivity, the usefulness of transient climate sensitivity, extrapolation methods, and the state of the coupled climate system close to equilibrium. Caption for the Figure below: Evolution of temperature anomaly and radiative imbalance of 22 simulations with 12 models (color indicates the model). 20 year moving average.

Effects of sulfate ligand on uranyl carbonato surface species on ferrihydrite surfaces

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arai, Yuji; Fuller, C.C.

2012-01-01

Understanding uranium (U) sorption processes in permeable reactive barriers (PRB) are critical in modeling reactive transport for evaluating PRB performance at the Fry Canyon demonstration site in Utah, USA. To gain insight into the U sequestration mechanism in the amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide (AFO)-coated gravel PRB, U(VI) sorption processes on ferrihydrite surfaces were studied in 0.01 M Na2SO4 solutions to simulate the major chemical composition of U-contaminatedgroundwater (i.e., [SO42-]~13 mM L-1) at the site. Uranyl sorption was greater at pH 7.5 than that at pH 4 in both air- and 2% pCO2-equilibrated systems. While there were negligible effects of sulfate ligands on the pH-dependent U(VI) sorption (<24 h) in both systems, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis showed sulfate ligand associated U(VI) surface species at the ferrihydrite–water interface. In air-equilibrated systems, binary and mono-sulfate U(VI) ternary surface species co-existed at pH 5.43. At pH 6.55–7.83, a mixture of mono-sulfate and bis-carbonato U(VI) ternary surface species became more important. At 2% pCO2, there was no contribution of sulfate ligands on the U(VI) ternary surface species. Instead, a mixture of bis-carbonato inner-sphere (38%) and tris-carbonato outer-sphere U(VI) ternary surface species (62%) was found at pH 7.62. The study suggests that the competitive ligand (bicarbonate and sulfate) coordination on U(VI) surface species might be important in evaluating the U solid-state speciation in the AFO PRB at the study site where pCO2 fluctuates between 1 and 2 pCO2%.

Neutral Gas Temperature Estimates in an Inductively Coupled CF4 Plasma by Fitting Diatomic Emission Spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruden, Brett A.; Rao, M. V. V. S.; Sharma, Surendra P.; Meyyappan, M.

2001-01-01

This work examines the accuracy of plasma neutral temperature estimates by fitting the rotational band envelope of different diatomic species in emission. Experiments are performed in an inductively coupled CF4 plasma generated in a Gaseous Electronics Conference reference cell. Visible and ultraviolet emission spectra are collected at a power of 300 W (approximately 0.7 W/cc) and pressure of 30 mtorr. The emission bands of several molecules (CF, CN, C2, CO, and SiF) are fit simultaneously for rotational and vibrational temperatures and compared. Four different rotational temperatures are obtained: 1250 K for CF and CN, 1600 K for CO, 1800 K for C2, and 2300 K for SiF. The vibrational temperatures obtained vary from 1750-5950 K, with the higher vibrational temperatures generally corresponding to the lower rotational temperatures. These results suggest that the different species have achieved different degrees of equilibration between the rotational and vibrational modes and may not be equilibrated with the translational temperatures. The different temperatures are also related to the likelihood that the species are produced by ion bombardment of the surface, with etch products like SiF, CO, and C2 having higher temperatures than species expected to have formed in the gas phase.

Manganese-calcium intermixing facilitates heteroepitaxial growth at the 10 1 ¯ 4 calcite-water interface

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

Xu, Man; Riechers, Shawn L.; Ilton, Eugene S.

2017-10-01

In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were performed to probe surface precipitates that formed on the (10-14) surface of calcite (CaCO3) single crystals following reaction with Mn2+-bearing aqueous solutions with a range of initial concentrations. Three-dimensional epitaxial islands were observed to precipitate and grow on the surfaces and in situ time-sequenced measurements demonstrated that their growth rates were commensurate with those obtained for epitaxial islands formed on calcite crystals reacted with Cd2+-bearing aqueous solutions of the same range in supersaturation with respect to the pure metal carbonate phase. This finding was unexpected as rhodochrosite (MnCO3) and calcite display amore » 10% lattice mismatch, based on the area of their (10-14) surface unit cells, whereas the lattice mismatch is only 4% for otavite (CdCO3) and calcite. Coatings of varying thicknesses were therefore synthesized by reacting calcite single crystals with calcite-equilibrated aqueous solutions with concentrations of up to 250 µM MnCl2 and analyzed to determine the composition of the surface precipitates. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), and AFM measurements of the reacted crystals demonstrated the formation of an epitaxial (Mn,Ca)CO3 solid solution with a spatially complex composition atop the calcite surface, whereby the first few nanometers were rich in Ca and the Mn content increased with distance from the original calcite surface, culminating in a topmost region of almost pure MnCO3 for the thickest coatings. These findings explain the measured growth rates (the effective lattice mismatch was much smaller than nominal mismatch) and highlight the strong influence played by the substrate on the composition of surface precipitates in aqueous conditions.« less

Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue in Clinical Applications for Dermatological Indications and Skin Aging.

PubMed

Gaur, Meenakshi; Dobke, Marek; Lunyak, Victoria V

2017-01-20

Operating at multiple levels of control, mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue (ADSCs) communicate with organ systems to adjust immune response, provide signals for differentiation, migration, enzymatic reactions, and to equilibrate the regenerative demands of balanced tissue homeostasis. The identification of the mechanisms by which ADSCs accomplish these functions for dermatological rejuvenation and wound healing has great potential to identify novel targets for the treatment of disorders and combat aging. Herein, we review new insights into the role of adipose-derived stem cells in the maintenance of dermal and epidermal homeostasis, and recent advances in clinical applications of ADSCs related to dermatology.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue in Clinical Applications for Dermatological Indications and Skin Aging

PubMed Central

Gaur, Meenakshi; Dobke, Marek; Lunyak, Victoria V.

2017-01-01

Operating at multiple levels of control, mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue (ADSCs) communicate with organ systems to adjust immune response, provide signals for differentiation, migration, enzymatic reactions, and to equilibrate the regenerative demands of balanced tissue homeostasis. The identification of the mechanisms by which ADSCs accomplish these functions for dermatological rejuvenation and wound healing has great potential to identify novel targets for the treatment of disorders and combat aging. Herein, we review new insights into the role of adipose-derived stem cells in the maintenance of dermal and epidermal homeostasis, and recent advances in clinical applications of ADSCs related to dermatology. PMID:28117680

The Precise Measurement of Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Properties of the CO2/Isopentane Binary Mixture, and Fitted Parameters for a Helmholtz Energy Mixture Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyamoto, H.; Shoji, Y.; Akasaka, R.; Lemmon, E. W.

2017-10-01

Natural working fluid mixtures, including combinations of CO2, hydrocarbons, water, and ammonia, are expected to have applications in energy conversion processes such as heat pumps and organic Rankine cycles. However, the available literature data, much of which were published between 1975 and 1992, do not incorporate the recommendations of the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. Therefore, new and more reliable thermodynamic property measurements obtained with state-of-the-art technology are required. The goal of the present study was to obtain accurate vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) properties for complex mixtures based on two different gases with significant variations in their boiling points. Precise VLE data were measured with a recirculation-type apparatus with a 380 cm3 equilibration cell and two windows allowing observation of the phase behavior. This cell was equipped with recirculating and expansion loops that were immersed in temperature-controlled liquid and air baths, respectively. Following equilibration, the composition of the sample in each loop was ascertained by gas chromatography. VLE data were acquired for CO2/ethanol and CO2/isopentane binary mixtures within the temperature range from 300 K to 330 K and at pressures up to 7 MPa. These data were used to fit interaction parameters in a Helmholtz energy mixture model. Comparisons were made with the available literature data and values calculated by thermodynamic property models.

Radial diffusion, vertical transport, and refixation of labeled bicarbonate in scots pine stems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, J. D.; Tarvainen, L.; Wallin, G.

2016-12-01

The CO2 produced by a respiring stem provides an index of metabolic activity in the stem and a quantitative estimate of an important component of the forest carbon budget. Production of CO2 by a given stem volume is lost by three competing processes. First, some diffuses radially outward through the bark. Second, some is dissolved and vertically transported upward out of the control volume by the xylem stream. Third, some is refixed by photosynthesis under the bark. The relative balance among these pathways was quantified in 17-m Scots pine trees by 13C-bicarbonate labeling of the xylem stream and monitoring of the 13CO2 in the xylem water, along with continuous monitoring of the radial diffusive flux at four canopy heights and in transpiration from leaves. Most of the label diffused out radially, as 13CO2, immediately above the labeling site, over about a week. The pulse was weakly and briefly detected 4 m above that height. Further up the stem it was not detected at all. We detected significant refixation of CO2 in the stems at all heights above 4 m, where the bark becomes papery and thin, but the label was so weak at this height that refixation had little influence on the pulse chase. We conclude that the vertical flux is negligible in Scots pine, but that the refixation flux must be accounted for in estimates of whole-stem CO2 efflux.

Determination of Activities of Niobium in Cu-Nb Melts Containing Dilute Nb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Daya; Yan, Baijun; Sichen, Du

2015-04-01

The activity coefficients of niobium in Cu-Nb melts were measured by equilibrating solid NbO2 with liquid copper under controlled oxygen potentials in the temperature range of 1773 K to 1898 K (1500 °C to 1625 °C). Either CO-CO2 gas mixture or H2-CO2 gas mixture was employed to obtain the desired oxygen partial pressures. Cu-Nb system was found to follow Henry's law in the composition range studied. The temperature dependence of Henry's constant in the Cu-Nb melts could be expressed as follows: The partial molar excess Gibbs energy change of niobium in Cu-Nb melts can be expressed as follows:

Dual stable isotopes of CH 4 from Yellowstone hot-springs suggest hydrothermal processes involving magmatic CO 2

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

Moran, James J.; Whitmore, Laura M.; Jay, Zackary J.

Volcanism and post-magmatism contribute significant annual methane (CH 4) fluxes to the atmosphere (on par with other natural sources such as forest fire and wild animal emissions) and have been implicated in past climate-change events. The Yellowstone hot spot is one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth and is known to emit CH 4 (as well as carbon dioxide (CO 2) and other gases), but the ultimate sources of this CH 4 flux have not been elucidated. In this paper, we use dual stable isotope analysis (δ 2H and δ 13C) of CH 4 sampled from ten high-temperature geothermalmore » pools in Yellowstone National Park along with other isotopic and gas analyses to evaluate potential sources of methane. The average δ 13C and δ 2H values of CH 4 emitted from hot springs ( 26.7 (± 2.4) and - 236.9 (± 12.0) ‰, respectively) are inconsistent with microbial methanogenesis but do not allow distinction between thermogenic and abiotic sources. Correlation between δ 13C CH4 and δ 13C of dissolved inorganic C (DIC) is consistent with DIC as the parent C source for the observed CH 4, or with equilibration of CH 4 and DIC. Methane formation temperatures estimated by isotopic geothermometry based on δ 13C CH4 and δ 13C CO2 ranged from ~ 250–350 °C, which is just below previous temperature estimates for the hydrothermal reservoir. Further, the δ 2H H2O of the thermal springs and the measured δ 2H CH4 values are consistent with equilibration between the source water and the CH 4 at the formation temperatures. Though the ultimate origin of the CH 4 could be attributed to either abiotic of themorgenic processes with subsequent isotopic equilibration, the C 1/C 2+ composition of the gases is more consistent with abiotic origins for most of the samples. Finally, our data support the hypothesis that subsurface rock-water interactions are responsible for at least a significant fraction of the CH 4 flux from the Yellowstone National Park volcanic system.« less

Dual stable isotopes of CH 4 from Yellowstone hot-springs suggest hydrothermal processes involving magmatic CO 2

DOE PAGES

Moran, James J.; Whitmore, Laura M.; Jay, Zackary J.; ...

2017-05-16

Volcanism and post-magmatism contribute significant annual methane (CH 4) fluxes to the atmosphere (on par with other natural sources such as forest fire and wild animal emissions) and have been implicated in past climate-change events. The Yellowstone hot spot is one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth and is known to emit CH 4 (as well as carbon dioxide (CO 2) and other gases), but the ultimate sources of this CH 4 flux have not been elucidated. In this paper, we use dual stable isotope analysis (δ 2H and δ 13C) of CH 4 sampled from ten high-temperature geothermalmore » pools in Yellowstone National Park along with other isotopic and gas analyses to evaluate potential sources of methane. The average δ 13C and δ 2H values of CH 4 emitted from hot springs ( 26.7 (± 2.4) and - 236.9 (± 12.0) ‰, respectively) are inconsistent with microbial methanogenesis but do not allow distinction between thermogenic and abiotic sources. Correlation between δ 13C CH4 and δ 13C of dissolved inorganic C (DIC) is consistent with DIC as the parent C source for the observed CH 4, or with equilibration of CH 4 and DIC. Methane formation temperatures estimated by isotopic geothermometry based on δ 13C CH4 and δ 13C CO2 ranged from ~ 250–350 °C, which is just below previous temperature estimates for the hydrothermal reservoir. Further, the δ 2H H2O of the thermal springs and the measured δ 2H CH4 values are consistent with equilibration between the source water and the CH 4 at the formation temperatures. Though the ultimate origin of the CH 4 could be attributed to either abiotic of themorgenic processes with subsequent isotopic equilibration, the C 1/C 2+ composition of the gases is more consistent with abiotic origins for most of the samples. Finally, our data support the hypothesis that subsurface rock-water interactions are responsible for at least a significant fraction of the CH 4 flux from the Yellowstone National Park volcanic system.« less

Continuous high-frequency dissolved O2/Ar measurements by equilibrator inlet mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Cassar, Nicolas; Barnett, Bruce A; Bender, Michael L; Kaiser, Jan; Hamme, Roberta C; Tilbrook, Bronte

2009-03-01

The oxygen (O(2)) concentration in the surface ocean is influenced by biological and physical processes. With concurrent measurements of argon (Ar), which has similar solubility properties as oxygen, we can remove the physical contribution to O(2) supersaturation and determine the biological oxygen supersaturation. Biological O(2) supersaturation in the surface ocean reflects the net metabolic balance between photosynthesis and respiration, i.e., the net community productivity (NCP). We present a new method for continuous shipboard measurements of O(2)/Ar by equilibrator inlet mass spectrometry (EIMS). From these measurements and an appropriate gas exchange parametrization, NCP can be estimated at high spatial and temporal resolution. In the EIMS configuration, seawater from the ship's continuous intake flows through a cartridge enclosing a gas-permeable microporous membrane contactor. Gases in the headspace of the cartridge equilibrate with dissolved gases in the flowing seawater. A fused-silica capillary continuously samples headspace gases, and the O(2)/Ar ratio is measured by mass spectrometry. The ion current measurements on the mass spectrometer reflect the partial pressures of dissolved gases in the water flowing through the equilibrator. Calibration of the O(2)/Ar ion current ratio (32/40) is performed automatically every 2 h by sampling ambient air through a second capillary. A conceptual model demonstrates that the ratio of gases reaching the mass spectrometer is dependent on several parameters, such as the differences in molecular diffusivities and solubilities of the gases. Laboratory experiments and field observations performed by EIMS are discussed. We also present preliminary evidence that other gas measurements, such as N(2)/Ar and pCO(2) measurements, may potentially be performed with EIMS. Finally, we compare the characteristics of the EIMS with the previously described membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) approach.

Experimental Determination of Carbon Isotope Fractionation in C-O-H-Fluids and the Carbonate-melt - Graphite System at High Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kueter, N.; Schmidt, M. W.; Lilley, M. D.; Bernasconi, S. M.

2017-12-01

The understanding of deep-earth carbon fluxes depends greatly on the investigation of carbon isotope systematics in C-O-H-fluids and carbon minerals, such as graphite and diamond (C0). The isotope fractionation factors between the different C-phases and species (in e.g. a fluid) thus govern the observed isotope fractionation patterns. C-isotope fractionation factors relevant for high temperatures are mainly derived from theoretical calculations [e.g. 1,2,3] and, with few exceptions, lack experimental determinations [e.g. 4]. Hundreds of own experiments aimed at equilibrating elemental carbon (C0, graphite/diamond) with C-O-H-fluids demonstrate that kinetics reigns as no system would be closed for H on time scales and temperatures allowing for graphite to equilibrate. To overcome this problem, we performed two studies to determine the C-isotope fractionation in 1) the CO2-CO-CH4 system and 2) the carbonate-melt - graphite system. Equilibrium C-isotope fractionation factors were obtained for CO2 - CO and CH4 - CO pairs (600 - 1200°C) and graphite - Na2CO3/CaCO3melt (900 - 1500°C). Combined with the already available fractionation data for the CaCO3-CO2 pair (400-950°C) from Chacko et al. [4], we determined experimentally based C-isotope fractionation factors for C0 - CH4 and CO2 - C0 pairs by 1) Δ13CCO2-graphite = Δ13CCO2-carbonate + Δ13CCarbonate-graphite and 2) Δ13Cgraphite-CH4 = Δ13CCO2-CH4 - Δ13CCO2-graphite . Current calculated fractionation factors relevant for mantle temperatures (1100 - 1500°C) suggest C-isotope partitioning in the CO2 - C0 pair on the order of 4.2 to 2.4‰, about 2‰ less than predicted by theoretically derived factors [3]. In contrast, our calculations suggest fractionation of about 1.4 to 1.1‰ for the C0 - CH4 pair, about 1‰ higher than expected by theory [3]. [1] Richet et al. (1977) Ann. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.; [2] Polyakov & Kharlashina (1995) GCA; [3] Bottinga (1969) GCA; [4] Chacko et al. (2001) Rev Mineral Geochem

Oxygen buffering of Kilauea volcanic gases and the oxygen fugacity of Kilauea basalt

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gerlach, T.M.

1993-01-01

Volcanic gases collected during episode 1 of the Puu Oo eruption along the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, have uniform C-O-H-S-Cl-F compositions that are sharply depleted in CO2. The CO2-poor gases are typical of Type II volcanic gases (gerlach and Graeber, 1985) and were emitted from evolved magma stored for a prolonged period of time in the east rift zone after releasing CO2-rich gases during an earlier period of temporary residence in the summit magma chamber. The samples are remarkably free of contamination by atmospheric gases and meteoric water. Thermodynamic evaluation of the analytical data shows that the episode 1 gases have equilibrium compositions appropriate for temperatures between 935 and 1032??C. Open- and closed-system equilibrium models of species distributions for the episode 1 gases show unequivocally that coexisting lavas buffered the gas oxygen fugacities during cooling. These models indicate that the fO2 buffering process occurs by transfer of oxygen from the major species in the gas phase (H2O, CO2, SO2) to the lava during cooling and that the transfer of oxygen also controls the fugacities of several minor and trace species (H2, CO, H2S, S2, Cl2, F2), in addition to O2 during cooling. Gas/lava exchanges of other components are apparently insignificant and exert little influence, compared to oxygen exchange, during cooling. Oxygen transfer during cooling is variable, presumably reflecting short-term fluctuations in gas flow rates. Higher flow rates restrict the time available for gas/lava oxygen transfer and result in gases with higher equilibrium temperatures. Lower flow rates favor fO2-constrained equilibration by oxygen transfer down to lower temperatures. Thus, the chemical equilibrium preserved in these gases is a heterogeneous equilibrium constrained by oxygen fugacity, and the equilibrium temperatures implied by the compositions of the gases reflect the temperatures at which gas/lava oxygen exchange ceased. This conclusion challenges the common assumption that volcanic gases are released from lava in a state of chemical equilibrium and then continue equilibrating homogeneously with falling temperature until reaction rates are unable to keep pace with cooling. No evidence is found, moreover, that certain gas species are kinetically more responsive and able to equilibrate down to lower temperatures than those of the last gas/lava oxygen exchange. Homogeneous reaction rates in the gas phase are apparently slow compared to the time it took for the gases to move from the last site of gas/lava equilibration to the site of collection. An earlier set of data for higher temperature CO2-rich Type I volcanic gases, which come from sustained summit lava lake eruptions supplied by magma that experienced substantially shorter periods of crustal storage, shows fO2 buffering by oxygen transfer up to 1185??C. Oxygen fugacity measurements in drill holes into ponded lava flows suggest that buffering by oxygen transfer may control the fO2 of residual gases down to several hundred degrees below the solidus in the early stages of cooling. Although the details of the fO2 buffering mechanisms for oxygen transfer are unknown, the fact that fO2 buffering is effective from molten to subsolidus conditions suggests that the reaction mechanisms must change with cooling as the reactants change from predominantly melt, to melt plus crystals, to glass plus crystals. Mass balance calculations suggest that redox reactions between the gas and ferrous/ferric iron in the lava are plausible mechanisms for the oxygen transfer and that the fO2 of the gases is buffered by sliding ferrous/ferric equilibria in the erupting lavas. Contrary to expectations based on models predicting the oxidation of basalt by H2 and CO escape during crustal storage, CO2-rich Type I gases and CO2-poor Type II gases have identical oxygen fugacities despite greatly different crustal storage and degassing histories. Volcanic gas data give a tightly co

High-pressure sorption of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and their mixtures on Argonne Premium Coals

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

Andreas Busch; Yves Gensterblum; Bernhard M. Krooss

2007-06-15

Gas sorption isotherms have been measured for carbon dioxide and nitrogen and their binary mixture (N{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} {approximately} 80/20) on three different moisture-equilibrated coals from the Argonne Premium Coal Sample Program by the U.S. Department of Energy, varying in rank from 0.25 to 1.68% vitrinite reflectance (VR{sub r}). The measurements were conducted at 55 C and at pressures up to 27 MPa for the pure gases and up to 10 MPa for the gas mixture. The effects of the large differences in equilibrium moisture contents (0.8 to 32.2%) on sorption capacity were estimated on the basis of the aqueousmore » solubility of CO{sub 2} and N{sub 2} at experimental conditions. Especially for the Beulah-Zap coal with an equilibrium moisture content of {approximately} 32%, the amount of dissolved CO{sub 2} contributes significantly to the overall storage capacity, whereas the amounts of N{sub 2} dissolved in the moisture water are low and can be neglected. Sorption measurements with nitrogen/carbon dioxide mixtures showed very low capacities for N{sub 2}. For Illinois coal, these excess sorption values were even slightly negative, probably due to small volumetric effects (changes in condensed phase volume). The evolution of the composition of the free gas phase in contact with the coal sample has been monitored continuously during each pressure step of the sorption tests. This composition changed strongly over time. Apparently, CO{sub 2} reaches sorption sites very quickly initially and is subsequently partly replaced by N{sub 2} molecules until concentration equilibration is reached. 18 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Bursts of CO2 released during freezing offer a new perspective on avoidance of winter embolism in trees.

PubMed

Lintunen, A; Lindfors, L; Kolari, P; Juurola, E; Nikinmaa, E; Hölttä, T

2014-12-01

Woody plants can suffer from winter embolism as gas bubbles are formed in the water-conducting conduits when freezing occurs: gases are not soluble in ice, and the bubbles may expand and fill the conduits with air during thawing. A major assumption usually made in studies of winter embolism formation is that all of the gas dissolved in the xylem sap is trapped within the conduits and forms bubbles during freezing. The current study tested whether this assumption is actually valid, or whether efflux of gases from the stem during freezing reduces the occurrence of embolism. CO2 efflux measurements were conducted during freezing experiments for saplings of three Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and three Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees under laboratory conditions, and the magnitudes of the freezing-related bursts of CO2 released from the stems were analysed using a previously published mechanistic model of CO2 production, storage, diffusion and efflux from a tree stem. The freezing-related bursts of CO2 released from a mature Scots pine tree growing in field conditions were also measured and analysed. Substantial freezing-related bursts of CO2 released from the stem were found to occur during both the laboratory experiments and under field conditions. In the laboratory, the fraction of CO2 released from the stem ranged between 27 and 96 % of the total CO2 content within the stem. All gases dissolved in the xylem sap are not trapped within the ice in the stem during freezing, as has previously been assumed, thus adding a new dimension to the understanding of winter embolism formation. The conduit water volume not only determines the volume of bubbles formed during freezing, but also the efficiency of gas efflux out of the conduit during the freezing process. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.

Transient changes in transpiration, and stem and soil CO2 efflux in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) following fire-induced leaf area reduction

Treesearch

Barton Clinton; Chris Maier; Chelcy Ford; Robert Mitchell

2011-01-01

In 20-year-old longleaf pine, we examined short-term effects of reduced live leaf area (A L) via canopy scorching on sap flow (Q; kg H2O h−1), transpiration per unit leaf area (E L; mm day−1), stem CO2 efflux (R stem; μmol m−2 s−1) and soil CO2 efflux (R soil; μmol m−2 s−1) over a 2-week period during early summer. R stem and Q were measured at two positions (1.3-m or...

Stem respiration of Populus species in the third year of free-air CO2 enrichment.

PubMed

Gielen, Birgit; Scarascia-Mugnozza, Giuseppe; Ceulemans, Reinhart

2003-04-01

Carbon cycling in ecosystems, and especially in forests, is intensively studied to predict the effects of global climate change, and the role which forests may play in 'changing climate change'. One of the questions is whether the carbon balance of forests will be affected by increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Regarding this question, effects of elevated [CO2] on woody-tissue respiration have frequently been neglected. Stem respiration of three Populus species (P. alba L. (Clone 2AS-11), P. nigra L. (Clone Jean Pourtet), and P. x euramericana (Clone I-214)) was measured in a managed, high-density forest plantation exposed to free-air CO2 enrichment (POPFACE). During the period of measurements, in May of the third year, stem respiration rates were not affected by the FACE treatment. Moreover, FACE did not influence the relationships between respiration rate and both stem temperature and relative growth rate. The results were supported by the reported absence of a FACE-effect on growth and stem wood density.

In vitro mesenchymal stem cell response to a CO2 laser modified polymeric material.

PubMed

Waugh, D G; Hussain, I; Lawrence, J; Smith, G C; Cosgrove, D; Toccaceli, C

2016-10-01

With an ageing world population it is becoming significantly apparent that there is a need to produce implants and platforms to manipulate stem cell growth on a pharmaceutical scale. This is needed to meet the socio-economic demands of many countries worldwide. This paper details one of the first ever studies in to the manipulation of stem cell growth on CO2 laser surface treated nylon 6,6 highlighting its potential as an inexpensive platform to manipulate stem cell growth on a pharmaceutical scale. Through CO2 laser surface treatment discrete changes to the surfaces were made. That is, the surface roughness of the nylon 6,6 was increased by up to 4.3μm, the contact angle was modulated by up to 5° and the surface oxygen content increased by up to 1atom %. Following mesenchymal stem cell growth on the laser treated samples, it was identified that CO2 laser surface treatment gave rise to an enhanced response with an increase in viable cell count of up to 60,000cells/ml when compared to the as-received sample. The effect of surface parameters modified by the CO2 laser surface treatment on the mesenchymal stem cell response is also discussed along with potential trends that could be identified to govern the mesenchymal stem cell response. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Ecology and ecophysiology of tree stems: corticular and wood photosynthesis.

PubMed

Pfanz, H; Aschan, G; Langenfeld-Heyser, R; Wittmann, C; Loose, M

2002-04-01

Below the outer peridermal or rhytidomal layers, most stems of woody plants possess greenish tissues. These chlorophyll-containing tissues (the chlorenchymes) within the stems are able to use the stem internal CO2 and the light penetrating the rhytidome to photoassimilate and produce sugars and starch. Although net photosynthetic uptake of CO2 is rarely found, stem internal re-fixation of CO2 in young twigs and branches may compensate for 60-90% of the potential respiratory carbon loss. Isolated chlorenchymal tissues reveal rather high rates of net photosynthesis (being up to 75% of the respective rates for leaf photosynthesis). Corticular photosynthesis is thus thought to be an effective mechanism for recapturing respiratory carbon dioxide before it diffuses out of the stem. Furthermore, chloroplasts of the proper wood or pith fraction also take part in stem internal photosynthesis. Although there has been no strong experimental evidence until now, we suggest that the oxygen evolved during wood or pith photosynthesis may play a decisive role in avoiding/reducing stem internal anaerobiosis.

Ecology and ecophysiology of tree stems: corticular and wood photosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfanz, H.; Aschan, G.; Langenfeld-Heyser, R.; Wittmann, C.; Loose, M.

2002-03-01

Below the outer peridermal or rhytidomal layers, most stems of woody plants possess greenish tissues. These chlorophyll-containing tissues (the chlorenchymes) within the stems are able to use the stem internal CO2 and the light penetrating the rhytidome to photoassimilate and produce sugars and starch. Although net photosynthetic uptake of CO2 is rarely found, stem internal re-fixation of CO2 in young twigs and branches may compensate for 60-90% of the potential respiratory carbon loss. Isolated chlorenchymal tissues reveal rather high rates of net photosynthesis (being up to 75% of the respective rates for leaf photosynthesis). Corticular photosynthesis is thus thought to be an effective mechanism for recapturing respiratory carbon dioxide before it diffuses out of the stem. Furthermore, chloroplasts of the proper wood or pith fraction also take part in stem internal photosynthesis. Although there has been no strong experimental evidence until now, we suggest that the oxygen evolved during wood or pith photosynthesis may play a decisive role in avoiding/reducing stem internal anaerobiosis.

[Regulation of airway stem cell proliferation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

PubMed

Yang, S X; Wu, Q; Sun, X; Li, X; Li, K; Xu, L; Li, Y; Zhang, Q Y; Zhang, Y C; Chen, H Y

2016-09-01

To investigate the effect of fibroblasts on regulating airway stem cell proliferation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lung cell suspension was prepared from β-actin-GFP mice. Airway stem cells were obtained by fluorescence activated cell sorting and co-cultured with lung fibroblasts. The fibroblasts were treated with TGF-β inhibitor SB43142. The expression of growth factors FGF1/2 and the effect of FGF1/2 on stem cell proliferation were observed. The cloning efficiency of airway stem cells, when co-cultured with normal lung fibroblast cells for 8 days, was (3.5±1.1)%, while the cloning efficiency was reduced to (0.04±0.04)% when co-cultured with lung fibroblasts from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P=0.002 5). TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542 increased lung fibroblast growth factors FGF1/2 expression.FGF1 mRNA expression was increased to the experimental group 0.005 5 from 0.000 2 in the control group.FGF2 mRNA expression of the amount raised to the experimental group 0.000 15 from 0.000 8 in the control group.FGF1/2 promoted the growth of airway stem cells. After FGF1/2 was co-cultured with normal lung fibroblast cells for 8 days, the cloning efficiency of airway stem cells was (0.3±0.1)%. During the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, fibroblast secreted FGF1/2 regulate airway stem cell proliferation.

Leaf and Stem CO2 Uptake in the Three Subfamilies of the Cactaceae 1

PubMed Central

Nobel, Park S.; Hartsock, Terry L.

1986-01-01

Net CO2 uptake over 24-hour periods was examined for the leaves and for the stems of 11 species of cacti representing all three subfamilies. For Pereskia aculeata, Pereskia grandifolia, and Maihuenia poeppigii (subfamily Pereskioideae), all the net shoot CO2 uptake was by the leaves and during the daytime. In contrast, for the leafless species Carnegiea gigantea, Ferocactus acanthodes, Coryphantha vivipara, and Mammillaria dioica (subfamily Cactoideae), all the shoot net CO2 uptake was by the stems and at night. Similarly, for leafless Opuntia ficus-indica (subfamily Opuntioideae), all net CO2 uptake occurred at night. For leafy members of the Opuntioideae (Pereskiopsis porteri, Quiabentia chacoensis, Austrocylindropuntia subulata), at least 88% of the shoot CO2 uptake over 24 hours was by the leaves and some CO2 uptake occurred at night. Leaves responded to the instantaneous level of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) during the daytime, as occurs for C3 plants, whereas nocturnal CO2 uptake by stems of O. ficus-indica and F. acanthodes responded to the total daily PAR, as occurs for Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants. Thus, under the well-watered conditions employed, the Pereskioideae behaved as C3 plants, the Cactoideae behaved as CAM plants, and the Opuntioideae exhibited characteristics of both pathways. PMID:16664741

Solid-phase microextraction of methadone in urine samples by electrochemically co-deposited sol-gel/Cu nanocomposite fiber.

PubMed

Mohammadiazar, Sirwan; Hasanli, Fateme; Maham, Mehdi; Payami Samarin, Somayeh

2017-08-01

Electrochemically co-deposited sol-gel/Cu nanocomposites have been introduced as a novel, simple and single-step technique for preparation of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coating to extract methadone (MDN) (a synthetic opioid) in urine samples. The porous surface structure of the sol-gel/Cu nanocomposite coating was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Direct immersion SPME followed by HPLC-UV determination was employed. The factors influencing the SPME procedure, such as the salt content, desorption solvent type, pH and equilibration time, were optimized. The best conditions were obtained with no salt content, acetonitrile as desorption solvent type, pH 9 and 10 min equilibration time. The calibration graphs for urine samples showed good linearity. The detection limit was about 0.2 ng mL -1 . Also, the novel method for preparation of nanocomposite fiber was compared with previously reported techniques for MDN determination. The results show that the novel nanocomposite fiber has relatively high extraction efficiency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Elevational change in woody tissue CO2 efflux in a tropical mountain rain forest in southern Ecuador.

PubMed

Zach, Alexandra; Horna, Viviana; Leuschner, Christoph

2008-01-01

Much uncertainty exists about the magnitude of woody tissue respiration and its environmental control in highly diverse tropical moist forests. In a tropical mountain rain forest in southern Ecuador, we measured the apparent diurnal gas exchange of stems and coarse roots (diameter 1-4 cm) of trees from representative families along an elevational transect with plots at 1050, 1890 and 3050 m a.s.l. Mean air temperatures were 20.8, 17.2 and 10.6 degrees C, respectively. Stem and root CO(2) efflux of 13 to 21 trees per stand from dominant families were investigated with an open gas exchange system while stand microclimate was continuously monitored. Substantial variation in respiratory activity among and within species was found at all sites. Mean daily CO(2) release rates from stems declined 6.6-fold from 1.38 micromol m(-2) s(-1) at 1050 m to 0.21 micromol m(-2) s(-1) at 3050 m. Mean daily CO(2) release from coarse roots decreased from 0.35 to 0.20 micromol m(-2) s(-1) with altitude, but the differences were not significant. There was, thus, a remarkable shift from a high ratio of stem to coarse root respiration rates at the lowest elevation to an apparent equivalence of stem and coarse root CO(2) efflux rates at the highest elevation. We conclude that stem respiration, but not root respiration, greatly decreases with elevation in this transect, coinciding with a substantial decrease in relative stem diameter increment and a large increase in fine and coarse root biomass production with elevation.

Response of Stem Respiration of Two Tropical Species to an Imposed Drought

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brigham, L.; Van Haren, J. L. M.

2015-12-01

Increased instances of drought are predicted for tropical forests; therefore, it is important to better understand how drought will affect individual aspects of the forest carbon cycle. Through photosynthesis, CO2 is assimilated into sugars, a dominant portion of which goes to the stems where it is used for growth and cell maintenance. Both processes produce CO2 through respiration, which leaves the stem through the bark. This investigation focused on how stem CO2 efflux differs between two tree species in the tropical rainforest biome of Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona—a species of legume (Clitoria racemosa) and a species of non-legume (Phytolacca dioica). A flexible chamber was strapped to each tree and the CO2 that diffused across the bark was measured with a LI-7000. A 4-week long drought was imposed in an effort to simulate future conditions resulting from climate change. It was found that C. racemosa had an overall higher CO2 efflux than P. dioica. C. racemosa has thinner bark than P. dioica, which displays a secondary thickening of its stem as a result of successive cambia; therefore, CO2 could more easily diffuse from the stems of C. racemosa. The results also indicate that decreased soil moisture, as a result of the drought, leads to a significantly lower CO2 efflux from C. racemosa whereas no significant change was observed in P. dioica. This suggests that C. racemosa is more sensitive to water stress than P. dioica, which may have greater water storage capabilities due to its successive cambia. The differing reactions of C. racemosa and P. dioica to decreased soil moisture could be important for calculating carbon stocks and modeling the response of tropical trees to drought.

Metamorphic P-T conditions and CO2 influx history of medium-grade metapelites from Karakorum, Trans-Himalaya, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachan, Himanshu K.; Santosh, M.; Prakash, Divya; Kharya, Aditya; Chandra Singh, P.; Rai, Santosh K.

2016-07-01

The medium grade metapelites of Pangong-Tso area in the trans-Himalayan region underwent sillimanite-grade metamorphism initiated during the Cretaceous, associated with the collision of the Kohistan arc and the Indian plate with Asia. This paper present results from a petrological and fluid inclusion study to understand the metamorphic P-T conditions and fluid history of these rocks. The calculated phase equilibria in the Na2O-CaO-K2O-FeO-MgO-MnO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O-TiO2 (NCKFMMnASHT) system suggest P-T conditions of 8 kbar and 650 °C for the peak metamorphic event. Primary fluid inclusions occur in staurolite and garnet, whereas quartz carries mostly secondary fluid inclusions. The trapped fluids in primary inclusions show initial melting temperatures in the range of -56.9 to -56.6 °C, suggesting nearly pure CO2 composition. The secondary fluids are of mixed carbonic-aqueous nature. The re-equilibrated inclusions show annular morphology as well as necking phenomena. The CO2 isochores for the primary inclusions indicate pressures of 6.1-6.7 kbar, suggesting that the CO2-rich fluids were trapped during post-peak exhumation of the rocks, or that synmetamorphic carbonic fluids underwent density reversal during isothermal decompression. The secondary CO2-H2O fluids must have been trapped during the late exhumation stage, as their isochores define further lower pressures of 4.8 kbar. The morphology of re-equilibrated fluid inclusions and the rapid decrease in pressure are consistent with a near-isothermal decompression trajectory following the peak metamorphism. The carbonic fluids were probably derived locally from decarbonation reactions of the associated carbonate rocks during metamorphism or from a deep-seated reservoir through Karakorum fault.

Ethanol synthesis and aerobic respiration in the laboratory by leader segments of Douglas-fir seedlings from winter and spring.

PubMed

Joseph, Gladwin; Kelsey, Rick G

2004-05-01

Stem segments from terminal leaders of Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, seedlings were sampled in mid-December when cambial cells were dormant. The residual, debudded leaders were resampled again in early May when the cambium was metabolically active. May stems had higher constitutive ethanol concentrations than December stems. This was not the result of cambial hypoxia generated by rapid spring respiration rates, because when aerobic respiration was stimulated by incubating the stems in air at 30 degrees C ethanol production was induced in December, but not in May. Rapid respiration rates at 30 degrees C may have depleted O(2) supplies and induced ethanol production in December stems because dormant, thick-walled cambial cells may be less permeable to CO(2) and O(2), compared with metabolically active, thin-walled cambial cells in May. December stem segments incubated in a N(2) atmosphere at 30 degrees C synthesized 1.8 times more ethanol than segments from May, most likely because spring growth had reduced the soluble sugars available for fermentation. CO(2) efflux from May stems (after 5.5 h of incubation at 30 degrees C) was equal to December stems per unit volume, but greater than December stems per unit surface area. N(2)-induced ethanol concentrations were positively related with CO(2) efflux per unit volume, indicating that rapidly respiring leaders can maintain rapid fermentation rates, provided soluble sugars are readily available. N(2)-induced ethanol and CO(2) efflux per unit volume declined with increasing leader diameter in both seasons, whereas there were no relationships between CO(2) efflux per unit surface area and diameter. Cambium physiology and phenology influence the induction of fermentation and concentrations of ethanol produced in terminal leaders of Douglas-fir, and probably other conifers as well. This needs to be considered when comparing fermentation among species, or comparing individuals from different seasons, or disparate ages within a species.

A transmission electron microscopy study of CoFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles in silica aerogel matrix using HREM and STEM imaging and EDX spectroscopy and EELS.

PubMed

Falqui, Andrea; Corrias, Anna; Wang, Peng; Snoeck, Etienne; Mountjoy, Gavin

2010-04-01

Magnetic nanocomposite materials consisting of 5 and 10 wt% CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in a silica aerogel matrix have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. For the CoFe2O4-10wt% sample, bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (BF STEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) images showed distinct, rounded CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, with typical diameters of roughly 8 nm. For the CoFe2O4-5wt% sample, BF STEM images and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements showed CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with diameters of roughly 3 +/- 1 nm. EDX measurements indicate that all nanoparticles consist of stoichiometric CoFe2O4, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements from lines crossing nanoparticles in the CoFe2O4-10wt% sample show a uniform composition within nanoparticles, with a precision of at best than +/-0.5 nm in analysis position. BF STEM images obtained for the CoFe2O4-10wt% sample showed many "needle-like" nanostructures that typically have a length of 10 nm and a width of 1 nm, and frequently appear to be attached to nanoparticles. These needle-like nanostructures are observed to contain layers with interlayer spacing 0.33 +/- 0.1 nm, which could be consistent with Co silicate hydroxide, a known precursor phase in these nanocomposite materials.

Impacts of Organic Ligands on Forsterite Reactivity in Supercritical CO2 Fluids

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

Miller, Quin R.; Kaszuba, John; Schaef, Herbert T.

2015-04-07

Subsurface injection of CO2 for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, hydraulic fracturing of unconventional reservoirs, and geologic carbon sequestration produces a complex geochemical setting in which CO2-dominated fluids containing dissolved water and organic compounds interact with rocks and minerals. The details of these reactions are relatively unknown and benefit from additional experimentally derived data. In this study, we utilized an in situ X-ray diffraction technique to examine the carbonation reactions of forsterite (Mg2SiO4) during exposure to supercritical CO2 (scCO2) that had been equilibrated with aqueous solutions of acetate, oxalate, malonate, or citrate at 50 °C and 90 bar. The organics affected themore » relative abundances of the crystalline reaction products, nesquehonite (MgCO3·3H2O) and magnesite (MgCO3), likely due to enhanced dehydration of the Mg2+ cations by the organic ligands. These results also indicate that the scCO2 solvated and transported the organic ligands to the forsterite surface. This phenomenon has profound implications for mineral transformations and mass transfer in the upper crust.« less

Time-Dependent CO[subscript 2] Sorption Hysteresis in a One-Dimensional Microporous Octahedral Molecular Sieve

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

Espinal, Laura; Wong-Ng, Winnie; Kaduk, James A.

2014-09-24

The development of sorbents for next-generation CO{sub 2} mitigation technologies will require better understanding of CO{sub 2}/sorbent interactions. Among the sorbents under consideration are shape-selective microporous molecular sieves with hierarchical pore morphologies of reduced dimensionality. We have characterized the non-equilibrium CO{sub 2} sorption of OMS-2, a well-known one-dimensional microporous octahedral molecular sieve with manganese oxide framework. Remarkably, we find that the degree of CO{sub 2} sorption hysteresis increases when the gas/sorbent system is allowed to equilibrate for longer times at each pressure step. Density functional theory calculations indicate a 'gate-keeping' role of the cation in the tunnel, only allowing CO{submore » 2} molecules to enter fully into the tunnel via a highly unstable transient state when CO{sub 2} loadings exceed 0.75 mmol/g. The energy barrier associated with the gate-keeping effect suggests an adsorption mechanism in which kinetic trapping of CO{sub 2} is responsible for the observed hysteretic behavior.« less

Isospin equilibration processes and dipolar signals: Coherent cluster production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papa, M.; Berceanu, I.; Acosta, L.; Agodi, C.; Auditore, L.; Cardella, G.; Chatterjee, M. B.; Dell'Aquila, D.; De Filippo, E.; Francalanza, L.; Lanzalone, G.; Lombardo, I.; Maiolino, C.; Martorana, N.; Pagano, A.; Pagano, E. V.; Pirrone, S.; Politi, G.; Quattrocchi, L.; Rizzo, F.; Russotto, P.; Trifiró, A.; Trimarchi, M.; Verde, G.; Vigilante, M.

2017-11-01

The total dipolar signal related to multi-break-up processes induced on the system ^{48}Ca +{^{27}Al} at 40MeV/nucleon has been investigated with the CHIMERA multi-detector. Experimental data related to semi-peripheral collisions are shown and compared with CoMD-III calculations. The strong connection between the dipolar signal as obtained from the detected fragments and the dynamics of the isospin equilibration processes is also shortly discussed.

Measuring the ratio of CO2 efflux to O2 influx in tree stem respiration.

PubMed

Hilman, Boaz; Angert, Alon

2016-11-01

In recent studies, the ratio of tree stem CO 2 efflux to O 2 influx has been defined as the apparent respiratory quotient (ARQ). The metabolism of carbohydrates, the putative respiratory substrate in trees, is expected to yield an ARQ of 1.0. However, previous studies have reported ARQ values ranging between 0.23 and 0.90. These interesting results may indicate internal transport of respired CO 2 within stems; yet no simple field applicable methods for ARQ measurement have been available. Here, we report on the assembly of a closed circulating system called 'Hampadah', which uses CO 2 and O 2 analyzers to measure air samples from stem chambers. We tested the performance of the Hampadah with samples from 36 trees (Tetragastris panamensis (Engl.) Kuntze). Additionally, we showed the feasibility of measuring ARQ directly from stem chambers, using portable CO 2 and O 2 sensors, in both discrete and continuous modes of operation. The Hampadah measurement proved to be consistent with CO 2 gas standards (R 2 = 0.999) and with O 2 determined by O 2 /Ar measurements with a mass spectrometer (R 2 = 0.998). The Hampadah gave highly reproducible results for ARQ determination of field samples (±0.01 for duplicates). The portable sensors measurement showed good correlation with the Hampadah in measuring CO 2 , O 2 and ARQ (n = 5, R 2 = 0.97, 0.98 and 0.91, respectively). We have demonstrated here that the Hampadah and the sensors' methods enable accurate ARQ measurements for both laboratory and field research. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Processes preventing nocturnal equilibration between leaf and soil water potential in tropical savanna woody species.

Treesearch

Sandra Bucci; Fabian G. Scholz; Guillermo Goldstein; Frederick C. Meinzer; Jose A. Hinojosa; William A. Hoffman; Augusto C. Franco

2004-01-01

The impact of nocturnal water loss and recharge of stem water storage on predawn disequilibrium between leaf (ΨL) and soil (Ψ S) water potentials was studied in three dominant tropical savanna woody species in central Brazil (Cerrado). Sap flow continued throughout the night during the dry season and...

Phase Equilibria of Sn-Co-Cu Ternary System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yu-Kai; Hsu, Chia-Ming; Chen, Sinn-Wen; Chen, Chih-Ming; Huang, Yu-Chih

2012-10-01

Sn-Co-Cu ternary alloys are promising lead-free solders, and isothermal sections of Sn-Co-Cu phase equilibria are fundamentally important for the alloys' development and applications. Sn-Co-Cu ternary alloys were prepared and equilibrated at 523 K, 1073 K, and 1273 K (250 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C), and the equilibrium phases were experimentally determined. In addition to the terminal solid solutions and binary intermetallic compounds, a new ternary compound, Sn3Co2Cu8, was found. The solubilities of Cu in the α-CoSn3 and CoSn2 phases at 523 K (250 °C) are 4.2 and 1.6 at. pct, respectively, while the Cu solubility in the α-Co3Sn2 phase is as high as 20.0 at. pct. The Cu solubility increases with temperature and is around 30.0 at. pct in the β-Co3Sn2 at 1073 K (800 °C). The Co solubility in the η-Cu6Sn5 phase is also significant and is 15.5 at. pct at 523 K (250 °C).

Carbon dioxide degassing at the groundwater-stream-atmosphere interface: isotopic equilibration and hydrological mass balance in a sandy watershed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deirmendjian, Loris; Abril, Gwenaël

2018-03-01

Streams and rivers emit significant amounts of CO2 and constitute a preferential pathway of carbon transport from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere. However, the estimation of CO2 degassing based on the water-air CO2 gradient, gas transfer velocity and stream surface area is subject to large uncertainties. Furthermore, the stable isotope signature of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C-DIC) in streams is strongly impacted by gas exchange, which makes it a useful tracer of CO2 degassing under specific conditions. For this study, we characterized the annual transfers of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) along the groundwater-stream-river continuum based on DIC concentrations, stable isotope composition and measurements of stream discharges. We selected a homogeneous, forested and sandy lowland watershed as a study site, where the hydrology occurs almost exclusively through drainage of shallow groundwater (no surface runoff). We observed the first general spatial pattern of decreases in pCO2 and DIC and an increase in δ13C-DIC from groundwater to stream orders 1 and 2, which was due to the experimentally verified faster degassing of groundwater 12C-DIC compared to 13C-DIC. This downstream enrichment in 13C-DIC could be modelled by simply considering the isotopic equilibration of groundwater-derived DIC with the atmosphere during CO2 degassing. A second spatial pattern occurred between stream orders 2 and 4, consisting of an increase in the proportion of carbonate alkalinity to the DIC accompanied by the enrichment of 13C in the stream DIC, which was due to the occurrence of carbonate rock weathering downstream. We could separate the contribution of these two processes (gas exchange and carbonate weathering) in the stable isotope budget of the river network. Thereafter, we built a hydrological mass balance based on drainages and the relative contribution of groundwater in streams of increasing order. After combining with the dissolved CO2 concentrations, we quantified CO2 degassing for each stream order for the whole watershed. Approximately 75% of the total CO2 degassing from the watershed occurred in first- and second-order streams. Furthermore, from stream order 2-4, our CO2 degassing fluxes compared well with those based on stream hydraulic geometry, water pCO2, gas transfer velocity, and stream surface area. In first-order streams, however, our approach showed CO2 fluxes that were twice as large, suggesting that a fraction of degassing occurred as hotspots in the vicinity of groundwater resurgence and was missed by conventional stream sampling.

Respiratory fluxes in a Canary Islands pine forest.

PubMed

Wieser, Gerhard; Gruber, Andreas; Bahn, Michael; Catalá, Enrique; Carrillo, Estefanía; Jiménez, Maria Soledad; Morales, Domingo

2009-03-01

We estimated component and whole-ecosystem CO(2) efflux (R(ECO)) in a Pinus canariensis Chr. Sm. ex DC stand in Tenerife, Canary Islands, an ecotone with strong seasonal changes in soil water availability. From November 2006 to February 2008, we measured foliage, stem and soil CO(2) efflux by chamber techniques. Site-specific CO(2) efflux models obtained from these chamber measurements were then combined with half-hourly measurements of canopy, stem and soil temperature as well as soil water potential, leaf and stem surface area data for scaling up component-specific CO(2) efflux to R(ECO). Integrated over an entire year, R(ECO) was 938 g of C m(-2) in 2007 and comprised the following component fluxes: 77% from soil, 11% from stems and 12% from foliage. Whole-ecosystem CO(2) efflux varied markedly throughout the year. During the cold and wet season, R(ECO) generally followed the seasonal trends in temperature, and during the warm and dry summer, however, R(ECO) was significantly reduced because of limited soil water availability in the main rooting horizon.

Elevated CO2 affects secondary metabolites in Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings in Cd- and Pb-contaminated soils.

PubMed

Jia, Xia; Zhao, Yonghua; Liu, Tuo; Huang, Shuping

2016-10-01

Secondary metabolites play important roles in plant interactions with the environment. The co-occurrence of heavy metal contamination of soils and rising atmospheric CO2 has important effects on plant. It is important to explore the ways in which production of plant secondary metabolites is affected by heavy metals under elevated atmospheric CO2. We examined the effects of elevated CO2 on secondary metabolite contents in Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings grown in Cd- and lead (Pb)-contaminated soils. The increase in secondary metabolites was greater under Cd + Pb exposure than under exposure to individual metals regardless of elevated CO2 with the exception of condensed tannins in leaves and total alkaloids in stems. Except for phenolic compounds and condensed tannins, elevated CO2 was associated with increased secondary metabolite contents in leaves and stems of plants exposed to Cd, Pb, and Cd + Pb compared to plants exposed to ambient CO2 + metals. Changes in saponins in leaves and alkaloids in stems were greater than changes in the other secondary metabolites. Significant interactive effects of CO2, Cd, and Pb on secondary metabolites were observed. Saponins in leaves and alkaloids in stems were more sensitive than other secondary metabolites to elevated CO2 + Cd + Pb. Elevated CO2 could modulate plant protection and defense mechanisms in R. pseudoacacia seedlings exposed to heavy metals by altering the production of secondary metabolites. The increased Cd and Pb uptake under elevated CO2 suggested that R. pseudoacacia may be used in the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils under global environmental scenarios. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ikaite solubility in seawater-derived brines at 1 atm and sub-zero temperatures to 265 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadimitriou, Stathys; Kennedy, Hilary; Kennedy, Paul; Thomas, David N.

2013-05-01

The concentration-based (stoichiometric) equilibrium solubility product of ikaite (CaCO3·6H2O) in seawater and cryogenic seawater-derived brines was determined at 1 atm total pressure over the temperature range from -1.1 to -7.5 °C and the salinity range from 34 to 124 in temperature-salinity pairs representative of sea ice brines. The solubility measurements were obtained in solutions that were undersaturated and supersaturated with respect to ikaite by equilibration with CO2/N2 gas mixtures of known pCO2 (20-400 μatm). The solutions were then equilibrated with synthetic ikaite (seed) for up to 3 months in a closed system. Arrival of the solid-solution system at a long-term chemical equilibrium was indicated by attainment of constant chemical solution composition with respect to total dissolved calcium, total dissolved inorganic carbon, and total alkalinity. Using these measurements, the stoichiometric equilibrium solubility product of ikaite (Ksp,ikaite∗=[Ca][CO32-], in molkgsolution-2) was determined, with the carbonate ion concentration computed from the measured total alkalinity and total dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations. The computed carbonate ion concentration and, by extension, the Ksp,ikaite∗ are both contingent on solving the system of equations that describe the parameters of the CO2 system in seawater by extrapolation to the experimental salinity and temperature conditions. The results show that the pKsp,ikaite∗=-logKsp,ikaite∗ in seawater of salinity 34 at -1.1 °C was 5.362 ± 0.004 and that the pKsp,ikaite∗ in sea ice at the freezing point of brines of salinity greater than 34 can be described as a function of temperature (T, in K) by the equation, pKsp,ikaite∗=-15489.09608+623443.70216T-1+2355.14596lnT, in the temperature range of 265.15 K < T < 271.15 K (-8 °C < t < -2 °C). Brines of low pCO2 (20 μatm) yielded a much slower (>1 month) approach to chemical equilibrium when incubated without seeding ikaite crystals. Simple modeling indicated that ikaite should not precipitate from sea ice brines evolving under closed system conditions with respect to CO2 exchange. To facilitate ikaite precipitation, brine pCO2 reduction due to photosynthesis or CO2 degassing, or both, is necessary.

Precious Metal Distributions in Direct Nickel Matte Smelting with Low-Cu Mattes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piskunen, P.; Avarmaa, K.; O'Brien, H.; Klemettinen, L.; Johto, H.; Taskinen, P.

2018-02-01

Base metal (Cu, Fe, and Ni) and trace element (Ag, Au, Co, Pd, and Pt) distributions between low-iron nickel mattes with [Ni]:[Cu] = 4 (w/w) have been studied at 1623 K to 1723 K (1350 °C to 1450 °C). We equilibrated small slag-matte samples with CO-CO2-SO2-Ar atmospheres in pre-selected P_{{{S}2 }} - P_{{{O}2 }} points, maintaining silica saturation by fused silica crucibles. The slags studied contained about 0 to 8.5 wt pct MgO. The matte-slag distribution coefficients L m/s[Me] were obtained from assays by electron probe X-ray microanalysis for the matte and by laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry for the slag. The measured L m/s[Me] values were clearly dependent on iron concentration of the matte and on MgO concentration of the slag, with values on the order of 104, 105, and 104 for gold, platinum, and palladium, respectively, in the 5 wt pct iron in matte experiments. The obtained data for silver were scattered, due to volatilization, resulting in depletion of most silver and its escape from matte to gas phase during the 3-hour equilibration period. The matte-to-slag distribution coefficient for silver was estimated to be L m/s[Ag] = 100 to 400. We also measured the distributions of the base metals Cu and Ni in the same conditions as the trace elements.

Tracing high-pressure metamorphism in marbles: Phase relations in high-grade aluminous calcite-dolomite marbles from the Greek Rhodope massif in the system CaO-MgO-Al 2O 3-SiO 2-CO 2 and indications of prior aragonite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Proyer, A.; Mposkos, E.; Baziotis, I.; Hoinkes, G.

2008-08-01

Four different types of parageneses of the minerals calcite, dolomite, diopside, forsterite, spinel, amphibole (pargasite), (Ti-)clinohumite and phlogopite were observed in calcite-dolomite marbles collected in the Kimi-Complex of the Rhodope Metamorphic Province (RMP). The presence of former aragonite can be inferred from carbonate inclusions, which, in combination with an analysis of phase relations in the simplified system CaO-MgO-Al 2O 3-SiO 2-CO 2 (CMAS-CO 2) show that the mineral assemblages preserved in these marbles most likely equilibrated at the aragonite-calcite transition, slightly below the coesite stability field, at ca. 720 °C, 25 kbar and aCO 2 ~ 0.01. The thermodynamic model predicts that no matter what activity of CO 2, garnet has to be present in aluminous calcite-dolomite-marble at UHP conditions.

Platinum catalytic effect on oxygen fugacity of CO 2H 2 gas mixtures measured with ZrO 2 oxygen sensor at 105 Pa from 1300 to 700°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyamoto, M.; Mikouchi, T.

1996-08-01

The oxygen fugacity of CO 2H 2 gas mixtures were measured with a ZrO 2 oxygen sensor at high temperatures in a furnace. We confirmed that the oxygen fugacity values measured by the ZrO 2 cell are more reducing than those of the CO 2H 2 gas mixtures calculated by using JANAF data at temperatures below 1150°C as was previously reported by Huebner (1975). We successfully decreased the deviation of the measured oxygen-fugacity value from the calculated one down to temperature of 800°C by using a Pt catalyst. Our results suggest that the deviation is probably due to incomplete equilibration of the gases.

Climatic response of annual tree-rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ageev, Boris G.; Gruzdev, Aleksandr N.; Ponomarev, Yurii N.; Sapozhnikova, Valeria A.

2014-11-01

Extensive literature devoted to investigations into the influence of environmental conditions on the plant respiration and respiration rate. It is generally accepted that the respired CO2 generated in a stem completely diffuses into the atmosphere. Results obtained from explorations into the CO2 content in disc tree rings by the method proposed in this work shows that a major part of CO2 remains in tree stems and exhibits inter-annual variability. Different methods are used to describe of CO2 and H2O distributions in disc tree rings. The relation of CO2 and H2O variations in a Siberian stone pine disc to meteorological parameters are analyzed with use of wavelet, spectral and cross-spectral techniques. According to a multiple linear regression model, the time evolution of the width of Siberian stone pine rings can be partly explained by a combined influence of air temperature, precipitation, cloudiness and solar activity. Conclusions are made regarding the response of the CO2 and H2O content in coniferous tree disc rings to various climatic factors. Suggested method of CO2, (CO2+H2O) detection can be used for studying of a stem respiration in ecological risk areas.

Proximate nutritional composition of CELSS crops grown at different CO2 partial pressures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, R. M.; Mackowiak, C. L.; Sager, J. C.; Knott, W. M.; Berry, W. L.

1994-01-01

Two Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) candidate crops, soybean (Glycine max) and potato (Solanum tuberosum), were grown hydroponically in controlled environments maintained at carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressures ranging from 0.05 to 1.00 kPa (500 to 10,000 ppm at 101 kPa atmospheric pressure). Plants were harvested at maturity (90 days for soybean and 105 days for potato) and all tissues analyzed for proximate nutritional composition (i.e. protein, fat, carbohydrate, crude fiber, and ash content). Soybean seed ash and crude fiber were higher and carbohydrate was lower than values reported for field-grown seed. Potato tubers showed little difference from field-grown tubers. Crude fiber of soybean stems and leaves increased with increased CO2, as did soybean leaf protein (total nitrogen). Potato leaf and stem (combined) protein levels also increased with increased CO2, while leaf and stem carbohydrates decreased. Values for leaf and stem protein and ash were higher than values generally reported for field-grown plants for both species. Results suggest that CO2 partial pressure should have little influence on proximate composition of potato tubers or soybean seed, but that high ash and protein levels might be expected from leaves and stems of crops grown in controlled environments of a CELSS.

Residual CO2 trapping in Indiana limestone.

PubMed

El-Maghraby, Rehab M; Blunt, Martin J

2013-01-02

We performed core flooding experiments on Indiana limestone using the porous plate method to measure the amount of trapped CO(2) at a temperature of 50 °C and two pressures: 4.2 and 9 MPa. Brine was mixed with CO(2) for equilibration, then the mixture was circulated through a sacrificial core. Porosity and permeability tests conducted before and after 884 h of continuous core flooding confirmed negligible dissolution. A trapping curve for supercritical (sc)CO(2) in Indiana showing the relationship between the initial and residual CO(2) saturations was measured and compared with that of gaseous CO(2). The results were also compared with scCO(2) trapping in Berea sandstone at the same conditions. A scCO(2) residual trapping end point of 23.7% was observed, indicating slightly less trapping of scCO(2) in Indiana carbonates than in Berea sandstone. There is less trapping for gaseous CO(2) (end point of 18.8%). The system appears to be more water-wet under scCO(2) conditions, which is different from the trend observed in Berea; we hypothesize that this is due to the greater concentration of Ca(2+) in brine at higher pressure. Our work indicates that capillary trapping could contribute to the immobilization of CO(2) in carbonate aquifers.

Fluid chemistry and evolution of hydrothermal fluids in an Archaean transcrustal fault zone network: The case of the Cadillac Tectonic Zone, Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Neumayr, P.; Hagemann, S.G.; Banks, D.A.; Yardley, B.W.D.; Couture, J.-F.; Landis, G.P.; Rye, R.

2007-01-01

Detailed fluid geochemistry studies on hydrothermal quartz veins from the Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d'Or areas along the transcrustal Cadillac Tectonic Zone (CTZ) indicate that unmineralized (with respect to gold) sections of the CTZ contained a distinct CO2-dominated, H2S-poor hydrothermal fluid. In contrast, both gold mineralized sections of the CTZ (e.g., at Orenada #2) and associated higher order shear zones have a H2O-CO2 ?? CH4-NaCl hydrothermal fluid. Their CO2/H2S ratios indicate H2S-rich compositions. The Br/Cl compositions in fluid inclusions trapped in these veins indicate that hydrothermal fluids have been equilibrated with the crust. Oxygen isotope ratios from hydrothermal quartz veins in the CTZ are consistently 2??? more enriched than those of associated higher order shear zones, which are interpreted to be a function of greater fluid/rock ratios in the CTZ and lower fluid/rock ratios, and more efficient equilibration of the hydrothermal fluid with the wall rock, in higher order shear zones. An implication from this study is that the lower metal endowment of the transcrustal CTZ, when compared with the higher metal endowment in higher order shear zones (ratio of about 1 : 1000), may be the result of the lack of significant amounts of H2O-H2S rich fluids in most of the CTZ. In contrast, gold mineralization in the higher order shear zones appear to be controlled by the high H2S activity of the aqueous fluids, because gold was likely transported in a bisulfide complex and was deposited during sulfidation reactions in the wall rock and phase separation in the quartz veins. ?? 2007 NRC Canada.

Leaf and stem CO/sub 2/ uptake in the three subfamilies of the Cactaceae. [Pereskia aculeata; Pereskia grandifolia; Maihuenia poeppigii; Carnegiea gigantea; Ferocactus acanthodes; Coryphantha vivipara; Mammillaria dioica; Opuntia ficus-inidica; Pereskiopsis porteri; Quiabentia chacoensis; Austrocylindropuntia subulata

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

Nobel, P.S.; Hartsock, T.L.

Net CO/sub 2/ uptake over 24-hour periods was examined for the leaves and for the stems of 11 species of cacti representing all three subfamilies. For Pereskia aculeata, Pereskia grandifolia, and Maihuenia poeppigii (subfamily Pereskioideae), all the net shoot CO/sub 2/ uptake was by the leaves and during the daytime. In contrast, for the leafless species Carnegiea gigantea, Ferocactus acanthodes, Coryphantha vivipara, and Mammillaria dioica (subfamily Cactoideae), all the shoot net CO/sub 2/ uptake was by the stems and at night. Similarly, for leafless Opuntia ficus-indica (subfamily Opuntioideae), all net CO/sub 2/ uptake occurred at night. For leafy members ofmore » the Opuntioideae (Pereskiopsis porteri, Quiabentia chacoensis, Austrocylindropuntia subulata), at least 88% of the shoot CO/sub 2/ uptake over 24 hours was by the leaves and some CO/sub 2/ uptake occurred at night. Leaves responded to the instantaneous level of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) during the daytime, as occurs for C/sub 3/ plants, whereas nocturnal CO/sub 2/ uptake by stems of O. ficus-indica and F. acanthodes responded to the total daily PAR, as occurs for Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants. Thus, under the well-watered conditions employed, the Pereskioideae behaved as C/sub 3/ plants, the Cactoideae behaved as CAM plants, and the Opuntioideae exhibited characteristics of both pathways.« less

Simultaneous and continuous measurements of dissolved CO2, CH4, N2O and CO in rivers using Fourier-Transform-InfraRed (FTIR) spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warneke, Thorsten; Müller, Denise; Caldow, Christopher; Rixen, Tim; Notholt, Justus

2015-04-01

We have coupled a Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) trace gas analyser to an equilibrator, which allows the simultaneous and continuous measurement of dissolved CO2, CH4, N2O and CO in water. The FTIR-technique has a high precision over a wide range of concentrations, making it very suitable for the measurement of these gases in freshwater systems. We have employed this measurement system on a commercial river barge on the Elbe river (Czech Republic, Germany) and on a fisher boat in the coastal area of Sarawak (Malaysia). In addition we have performed stationary continuous measurements at a small river in Northern Germany over the duration of 3 months. The presentation will outline the advantages and disadvantages of the FTIR-technique for freshwater measurements and will present results from the measurement campaigns.

Abiotic vs biological sources and fates of organic compounds in a low temperature continental serpentinizing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, K.; Noble, S. M.; Shock, E.

2016-12-01

Serpentinization is likely the most common water-rock reaction in our solar system. During this process ultramafic silicates are hydrated, a calcium hydroxide solution is formed, and H2O is reduced to H2 coupled to the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+. The resulting hyper-alkaline, reduced conditions generate thermodynamic drives for numerous carbon compound reactions, including the precipitation of various carbonate minerals and the reduction of inorganic carbonate to organic carbon. Testing the extent to which these thermodynamic drives lead to observable results led to the present study of the flow and transformations of carbon through the active continental serpentinizing system at the Samail Ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman. Water samples were collected from shallow groundwater (representing system input), hyper-alkaline seeps (system output), boreholes (system intermediate), and surface fluid mixing zones, and analyzed for concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC + δ13C), organic carbon (+ δ13C), formate, acetate, H2, methane (+ δ13C), ethane, and an accompanying suite of other geochemical solutes. These analyses indicate that the vast majority of DIC in these serpentinizing fluids precipitates in the subsurface as carbonate minerals; however, a significant amount of DIC is converted into organic acids and light hydrocarbons and expelled at the surface in hyper-alkaline seeps. Based on thermodynamic calculations, it seems most likely that formate last equilibrated with dolomite (CaMg[CO3]2) in the subsurface, acetate last equilibrated with calcite (CaCO3) near the surface, and methane and ethane last equilibrated in a distinct carbon-limited region of the subsurface. As for the fates of these compounds, energetic calculations reveal that a combination of oxidative, reductive, and fermentative metabolisms are thermodynamically favorable. Indeed, δ13C trends record microbial methane oxidation at the surface and cannot rule out methane as biologically sourced from the subsurface.

The effect of frictional torque and bending moment on corrosion at the taper interface : an in vitro study.

PubMed

Panagiotidou, A; Meswania, J; Osman, K; Bolland, B; Latham, J; Skinner, J; Haddad, F S; Hart, A; Blunn, G

2015-04-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of frictional torque and bending moment on fretting corrosion at the taper interface of a modular femoral component and to investigate whether different combinations of material also had an effect. The combinations we examined were 1) cobalt-chromium (CoCr) heads on CoCr stems 2) CoCr heads on titanium alloy (Ti) stems and 3) ceramic heads on CoCr stems. In test 1 increasing torque was imposed by offsetting the stem in the anteroposterior plane in increments of 0 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm when the torque generated was equivalent to 0 Nm, 9 Nm, 14 Nm and 18 Nm. In test 2 we investigated the effect of increasing the bending moment by offsetting the application of axial load from the midline in the mediolateral plane. Increments of offset equivalent to head + 0 mm, head + 7 mm and head + 14 mm were used. Significantly higher currents and amplitudes were seen with increasing torque for all combinations of material. However, Ti stems showed the highest corrosion currents. Increased bending moments associated with using larger offset heads produced more corrosion: Ti stems generally performed worse than CoCr stems. Using ceramic heads did not prevent corrosion, but reduced it significantly in all loading configurations. ©2015 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

Experimentally Determined Subsolidus Metal-Olivine Element Partitioning with Applications to Pallasites.

PubMed

Donohue, Patrick H; Hill, Eddy; Huss, Gary R

2018-02-01

Pallasite meteorites, which consist primarily of olivine and metal, may be remnants of disrupted core-mantle boundaries of differentiated asteroids or planetesimals. The early thermal histories of pallasites are potentially recorded by minor- and trace-element zonation in olivine. However, constraining this history requires knowledge of element behavior under the conditions of pallasite formation, which is lacking for many of the main elements of interest (e.g., Co, Cr, Mn). In this study, we experimentally determined metal/olivine partition coefficients for Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, and Mn in a pallasite analogue at subsolidus temperatures. Metal/olivine partition coefficients ( K M ) increase in the order K Mn < K Cr < 1 < K Fe < K Co < K Ni , with five orders of magnitude separating K Mn from K Ni . Transition metals also become more siderophile with increasing experimental temperature (900 to 1550°C). The experiments incidentally produced diffusion profiles in olivine for these elements; Our results suggest they diffuse through olivine at similar rates. Core compositions of pallasite olivines are consistent with high-temperature equilibration with FeNi-metal. Olivine zonation toward crystal rims varies significantly for the investigated transition metals. We suggest rim zonation results from partial re-equilibration during late stage crystallization of minor phases (e.g., chromite, phosphates). This re- equilibration occurred over short timescales relative to overall pallasite cooling, likely tied to initial cooling rates on the order of 100-300°C/Myr.

Efficient and selective molecular catalyst for the CO2-to-CO electrochemical conversion in water.

PubMed

Costentin, Cyrille; Robert, Marc; Savéant, Jean-Michel; Tatin, Arnaud

2015-06-02

Substitution of the four paraphenyl hydrogens of iron tetraphenylporphyrin by trimethylammonio groups provides a water-soluble molecule able to catalyze the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide. The reaction, performed in pH-neutral water, forms quasi-exclusively carbon monoxide with very little production of hydrogen, despite partial equilibration of CO2 with carbonic acid-a low pKa acid. This selective molecular catalyst is endowed with a good stability and a high turnover frequency. On this basis, prescribed composition of CO-H2 mixtures can be obtained by adjusting the pH of the solution, optionally adding an electroinactive buffer. The development of these strategies will be greatly facilitated by the fact that one operates in water. The same applies for the association of the cathode compartment with a proton-producing anode by means of a suitable separator.

The Colony meteorite and variations in CO3 chondrite properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubin, A. E.; James, J. A.; Keck, B. D.; Weeks, K. S.; Sears, D. W. G.

1985-01-01

The Colony meteorite is one of the least equilibrated CO3 chondrites, yet differs from normal CO chondrites in that, while Al, Sc, V, Cr, Ir, Fe, Au, and Ga abundances are consistent with a CO chondrite classification, certain lithophile, siderophile, and chalcophile contents are depleted by factors of 10-40 percent. Colony is badly weathered, and its Fe, Ni abundance of about 19 wt pct is similar to that of the Kainsaz CO3 unweathered fall but higher than all other CO3 chondrites.

Acclimation of respiratory O{sub 2} uptake in green tissues of field-grown native species after long-term exposure to elevated atmospheric CO{sub 2}

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

Azcon-Bieto, J.; Gonzalez-Meler, M.A.; Doherty, W.

1994-11-01

C{sub 3} and C{sub 4} plants were grown in open-top chambers in the field at two CO{sub 2} concentrations, normal ambient (ambient) and normal ambient + 340 {mu}L L{sup {minus}1} (elevated). Dark oxygen uptake was measured in leaves and stems using a liquid-phase Clark-type oxygen electrode. High CO{sub 2} treatment decreased dark oxygen uptake in stems of Scirpus olneyi (C{sub 3}) and leaves of Lindera benzoin (C{sub 3}) expressed on either a dry weight or area basis. Respiration of Spartina patens (C{sub 4}) leaves was unaffected by CO{sub 2} treatment. Leaf dry weight per unit area was unchanged by CO{submore » 2}, but respiration per unit of carbon or per unit of nitrogen was decreased in the C{sub 3} species grown at high CO{sub 2}. The component of respiration in stems of S. olneyi and leaves of L. benzoin primarily affected by long-term exposure to the elevated CO{sub 2} treatment was the activity of the cytochrome pathway. Elevated CO{sub 2} had no effect on activity and capacity of the alternative pathway in S. olneyi. The cytochrome c oxidase activity, assayed in a cell-free extract, was strongly decreased by growth at high CO{sub 2} in stems of S. olneyi but it was unaffected in S. patens leaves. The activity of cytochrome c oxidase and complex III extracted from mature leaves of L. benzoin was also decreased after one growing season of plant exposure to elevated CO{sub 2} concentration. These results show that in some C{sub 3} species respiration will be reduced when plants are grown in elevated atmospheric CO{sub 2}. The possible physiological causes and implications of these effects are discussed. 34 refs., 1 fig., 6 tabs.« less

Arabidopsis membrane-associated acyl-CoA-binding protein ACBP1 is involved in stem cuticle formation

PubMed Central

Xue, Yan; Xiao, Shi; Kim, Juyoung; Lung, Shiu-Cheung; Chen, Liang; Tanner, Julian A.; Suh, Mi Chung; Chye, Mee-Len

2014-01-01

The membrane-anchored Arabidopsis thaliana ACYL-COA-BINDING PROTEIN1 (AtACBP1) plays important roles in embryogenesis and abiotic stress responses, and interacts with long-chain (LC) acyl-CoA esters. Here, AtACBP1 function in stem cuticle formation was investigated. Transgenic Arabidopsis transformed with an AtACBP1pro::GUS construct revealed β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression on the stem (but not leaf) surface, suggesting a specific role in stem cuticle formation. Isothermal titration calorimetry results revealed that (His)6-tagged recombinant AtACBP1 interacts with LC acyl-CoA esters (18:1-, 18:2-, and 18:3-CoAs) and very-long-chain (VLC) acyl-CoA esters (24:0-, 25:0-, and 26:0-CoAs). VLC fatty acids have been previously demonstrated to act as precursors in wax biosynthesis. Gas chromatography (GC)–flame ionization detector (FID) and GC–mass spectrometry (MS) analyses revealed that an acbp1 mutant showed a reduction in stem and leaf cuticular wax and stem cutin monomer composition in comparison with the wild type (Col-0). Consequently, the acbp1 mutant showed fewer wax crystals on the stem surface in scanning electron microscopy and an irregular stem cuticle layer in transmission electron microscopy in comparison with the wild type. Also, the mutant stems consistently showed a decline in expression of cuticular wax and cutin biosynthetic genes in comparison with the wild type, and the mutant leaves were more susceptible to infection by the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Taken together, these findings suggest that AtACBP1 participates in Arabidopsis stem cuticle formation by trafficking VLC acyl-CoAs. PMID:25053648

Dual stable isotopes of CH4 from Yellowstone hot-springs suggest hydrothermal processes involving magmatic CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, James J.; Whitmore, Laura M.; Jay, Zackary J.; Jennings, Ryan deM.; Beam, Jacob P.; Kreuzer, Helen W.; Inskeep, William P.

2017-07-01

Volcanism and post-magmatism contribute significant annual methane (CH4) fluxes to the atmosphere (on par with other natural sources such as forest fire and wild animal emissions) and have been implicated in past climate-change events. The Yellowstone hot spot is one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth and is known to emit CH4 (as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases), but the ultimate sources of this CH4 flux have not been elucidated. Here we use dual stable isotope analysis (δ2H and δ13C) of CH4 sampled from ten high-temperature geothermal pools in Yellowstone National Park along with other isotopic and gas analyses to evaluate potential sources of methane. The average δ13C and δ2H values of CH4 emitted from hot springs (26.7 (± 2.4) and - 236.9 (± 12.0) ‰, respectively) are inconsistent with microbial methanogenesis but do not allow distinction between thermogenic and abiotic sources. Correlation between δ13CCH4 and δ13C of dissolved inorganic C (DIC) is consistent with DIC as the parent C source for the observed CH4, or with equilibration of CH4 and DIC. Methane formation temperatures estimated by isotopic geothermometry based on δ13CCH4 and δ13CCO2 ranged from 250-350 °C, which is just below previous temperature estimates for the hydrothermal reservoir. Further, the δ2HH2O of the thermal springs and the measured δ2HCH4 values are consistent with equilibration between the source water and the CH4 at the formation temperatures. Though the ultimate origin of the CH4 could be attributed to either abiotic of themorgenic processes with subsequent isotopic equilibration, the C1/C2 + composition of the gases is more consistent with abiotic origins for most of the samples. Thus, our data support the hypothesis that subsurface rock-water interactions are responsible for at least a significant fraction of the CH4 flux from the Yellowstone National Park volcanic system.

Simultaneous determination of dissolved gases and moisture in mineral insulating oils by static headspace gas chromatography with helium photoionization pulsed discharge detection.

PubMed

Jalbert, J; Gilbert, R; Tétreault, P

2001-07-15

This paper presents the development of a static headspace capillary gas chromatographic method (HS-GC) for simultaneously determining dissolved gases (H2, O2, N2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H6, C2H4, C2H2, C3H8) and moisture from a unique 15-mL mineral oil sample. A headspace sampler device is used to equilibrate the sample species in a two-phase system under controlled temperature and agitation conditions. A portion of the equilibrated species is then automatically split-injected into two chromatographic channels mounted on the same GC for their separation. The hydrocarbons and the lighter gases are separated on the first channel by a GS-Q column coupled with a MolSieve 5-A column via a bypass valve, while the moisture is separated on the second channel using a Stabilwax column. The analytes are detected by using two universal pulsed-discharge helium ionization detectors (PDHID). The performance of the method was established using equilibrated vials containing known amounts of gas mixture, water, and blank oil. The signal is linear over the concentration ranges normally found for samples collected from open-breathing power transformers. Determination sensitivity varies with the nature of the species considered with values as high as 21 500 A x 10(-9) s (microg/ g)(-1) for H2O, 46-216 A x 10(-9) s (microL/L)(-1) for the hydrocarbons and carbon oxides, and as low as 8-21 A x 10(-9) s (microL/L)(-1) for the O2 and N2 permanent gases. The detection limit of the method is between 0.08 and 6 microL/L for the dissolved gases, except for O2, N2, and CO2, where higher values are observed due to air intrusion during sampler operations, and 0.1 microg/g for the dissolved water. Ten consecutive measurements in the low and high levels of the calibration curves have shown a precision better than 12% and 6%, respectively, in all cases. A comparison study between the HS-GC method and the ASTM standard procedures on 31 field samples showed a very good agreement of the results. The advantages of configuring the arrangement with two PDHID over the conventional flame ionization and thermal conductivity detectors were clearly demonstrated.

Reciprocal modulation of O2 and CO2 cardiorespiratory chemoreflexes in the tambaqui.

PubMed

Reid, Stephen G; Perry, Steve F; Gilmour, Kathleen M; Milsom, William K; Rantin, F Tadeu

2005-04-15

This study examined the effect of acute hypoxic and hypercapnic cardiorespiratory stimuli, superimposed on existing cardiorespiratory disturbances in tambaqui. In their natural habitat, these fish often encounter periods of hypoxic hypercapnia that can be acutely exacerbated by water turnover. Tambaqui were exposed to periods of normoxia, hypoxia, hyperoxia and hypercapnia during which, externally oriented O2 and CO2 chemoreceptors were further stimulated, by administration into the inspired water of sodium cyanide and CO2-equilibrated water, respectively. Hyperoxic water increased the sensitivity of the NaCN-evoked increase in breathing frequency (f(R)) and decrease in heart rate. Hypoxia and hypercapnia attenuated the increase in f(R) but, aside from blood pressure, did not influence the magnitude of NaCN-evoked cardiovascular changes. Water PO2 influenced the magnitude of the CO2-evoked cardiorespiratory changes and the sensitivity of CO2-evoked changes in heart rate and blood flow. The results indicate that existing respiratory disturbances modulate cardiorespiratory responses to further respiratory challenges reflecting both changes in chemosensitivity and the capacity for further change.

Continuous measurements of nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, methane and carbon dioxide in the surface ocean with novel laser-absorption analysers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaiser, Jan; Grefe, Imke; Wager, Natalie; Bakker, Dorothee C. E.; Lee, Gareth A.

2013-04-01

In recent years, improvements in spectroscopic technology have revolutionised atmospheric trace gas research. In particular, cavity-based optical absorption analysers allow determination of gas concentrations with high frequency, repeatability, reproducibility and long-term stability. These qualities make them particularly suitable for autonomous measurements on voluntary observing ships (VOS). Here, we present results from three of the first deployments of such analysers on research ships, as a first step towards VOS installations. Los Gatos off-axis ICOS (Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy) analysers were used to measure nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) mixing ratios in ocean surface water during research cruises in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The analysers were coupled to an equilibrator fed by the scientific seawater supply in the ship's laboratories. The equilibrator measurements were alternated with regular measurements of marine air and calibrated standard gases. Short-term precision for 10 s-average N2O mole fractions at an acquisition rate of 1 Hz was better than 0.2 nmol mol-1. The same value was achieved for duplicate measurements of a standard gas analysed within 1 hour of each other. The response time to concentration changes in water was 142-203 s, depending on the headspace flow rate. During the first deployment on the AMT20 cruise (Atlantic Meridional Transect, Southampton to Punta Arenas, 12 October to 25 November 2010), we unexpectedly found the subtropical gyres to be slightly undersaturated in N2O, implying that this region acted as a sink for this greenhouse gas. In contrast, the equatorial region was supersaturated and a source of nitrous oxide to the atmosphere. Mean sea-to-air fluxes were overall small and ranged between -1.6 and 0.11 μmol m-2 d-1 (negative fluxes imply an net uptake by the ocean). Despite the good short-term repeatability, significant calibration drift occurred between the six-hourly calibration intervals. We have therefore repeated the observations during the AMT22 cruise (Southampton to Punta Arenas, 10 October to 24 November 2012) and will present the results together with the 2010 data. The second deployment during the D366 Round Britain ocean acidification cruise (6 June to 9 July 2011) showed virtually no day-to-day drift, based on the calibration gases and marine air analyses. Preliminary analyses of the data show that CH4 and N2O were supersaturated in the Skagerrak region, presumably due to the influence of Baltic Sea water, and in coastal areas. Phytoplankton blooms show evidence of CO2 draw-down. CO is extremely supersaturated (up to 50 times), which can be attributed to photochemical breakdown of dissolved organic carbon compounds. For the more recent deployments, a CO2/CH4 and an N2O/CO analyser were successfully operated in series, off of a single equilibrator feed. No leaks or other problems occurred during these deployments, which shows that such a configuration would be ideal for VOS installations as part of the ICOS observational network.

Carbon isotopes in biological carbonates: Respiration and photosynthesis

USGS Publications Warehouse

McConnaughey, T.A.; Burdett, J.; Whelan, J.F.; Paull, C.K.

1997-01-01

Respired carbon dioxide is an important constituent in the carbonates of most air breathing animals but is much less important in the carbonates of most aquatic animals. This difference is illustrated using carbon isotope data from freshwater and terrestrial snails, ahermatypic corals, and chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic pelecypods. Literature data from fish otoliths and bird and mammal shell and bone carbonates are also considered. Environmental CO2/O2 ratios appear to be the major controlling variable. Atmospheric CO2/O2 ratios are about thirty times lower than in most natural waters, hence air breathing animals absorb less environmental CO2 in the course of obtaining O2. Tissue CO2 therefore, does not isotopically equilibrate with environmental CO2 as thoroughly in air breathers as in aquatic animals, and this is reflected in skeletal carbonates. Animals having efficient oxygen transport systems, such as vertebrates, also accumulate more respired CO2 in their tissues. Photosynthetic corals calcify mainly during the daytime when photosynthetic CO2 uptake is several times faster than respiratory CO2 release. Photosynthesis, therefore, affects skeletal ??13C more strongly than does respiration. Corals also illustrate how "metabolic" effects on skeletal isotopic composition can be estimated, despite the presence of much larger "kinetic" isotope effects. Copyright ?? 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Carbon isotopes in biological carbonates: Respiration and photosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McConnaughey, Ted A.; Burdett, Jim; Whelan, Joseph F.; Paull, Charles K.

1997-02-01

Respired carbon dioxide is an important constituent in the carbonates of most air breathing animals but is much less important in the carbonates of most aquatic animals. This difference is illustrated using carbon isotope data from freshwater and terrestrial snails, ahermatypic corals, and chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic pelecypods. Literature data from fish otoliths and bird and mammal shell and bone carbonates are also considered. Environmental CO 2/O 2 ratios appear to be the major controlling variable. Atmospheric CO 2/O 2 ratios are about thirty times lower than in most natural waters, hence air breathing animals absorb less environmental CO 2 in the course of obtaining 0 2. Tissue CO 2 therefore, does not isotopically equilibrate with environmental CO 2 as thoroughly in air breathers as in aquatic animals, and this is reflected in skeletal carbonates. Animals having efficient oxygen transport systems, such as vertebrates, also accumulate more respired CO 2 in their tissues. Photosynthetic corals calcify mainly during the daytime when photosynthetic CO 2 uptake is several times faster than respiratory CO 2 release. Photosynthesis, therefore, affects skeletal δ13C more strongly than does respiration. Corals also illustrate how "metabolic" effects on skeletal isotopic composition can be estimated, despite the presence of much larger "kinetic" isotope effects.

Oxygen isotope fractionation in the CaCO3-DIC-H2O system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devriendt, Laurent S.; Watkins, James M.; McGregor, Helen V.

2017-10-01

The oxygen isotope ratio (δ18O) of inorganic and biogenic carbonates is widely used to reconstruct past environments. However, the oxygen isotope exchange between CaCO3 and H2O rarely reaches equilibrium and kinetic isotope effects (KIE) commonly complicate paleoclimate reconstructions. We present a comprehensive model of kinetic and equilibrium oxygen isotope fractionation between CaCO3 and water (αc/w) that accounts for fractionation between both (a) CaCO3 and the CO32- pool (α c / CO32-) , and (b) CO32- and water (α CO32- / w) , as a function of temperature, pH, salinity, calcite saturation state (Ω), the residence time of the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in solution, and the activity of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. The model results suggest that: (1) The equilibrium αc/w is only approached in solutions with low Ω (i.e. close to 1) and low ionic strength such as in the cave system of Devils Hole, Nevada. (2) The sensitivity of αc/w to the solution pH and/or the mineral growth rate depends on the level of isotopic equilibration between the CO32- pool and water. When the CO32- pool approaches isotopic equilibrium with water, small negative pH and/or growth rate effects on αc/w of about 1-2‰ occur where these parameters covary with Ω. In contrast, isotopic disequilibrium between CO32- and water leads to strong (>2‰) positive or negative pH and growth rate effects on α CO32-/ w (and αc/w) due to the isotopic imprint of oxygen atoms derived from HCO3-, CO2, H2O and/or OH-. (3) The temperature sensitivity of αc/w originates from the negative effect of temperature on α CO32-/ w and is expected to deviate from the commonly accepted value (-0.22 ± 0.02‰/°C between 0 and 30 °C; Kim and O'Neil, 1997) when the CO32- pool is not in isotopic equilibrium with water. (4) The model suggests that the δ18O of planktic and benthic foraminifers reflects a quantitative precipitation of DIC in isotopic equilibrium with a high-pH calcifying fluid, leading to a relatively constant foraminifer calcite δ18O-temperature relationship (-0.21 ± 0.01‰/°C). The lower average coral δ18O data relative to foraminifers and other calcifiers is best explained by the precipitation of internal DIC derived from hydrated CO2 in a high-pH calcifying fluid and minimal subsequent DIC-H2O isotopic equilibration. This leads to a reduced and variable coral aragonite δ18O-temperature relationship (-0.11 to -0.22‰/°C). Together, the model presented here reconciles observations of oxygen isotope fractionation over a range of CaCO3-DIC-H2O systems.

Non-destructive estimates of soil carbonic anhydrase activity and associated soil water oxygen isotope composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Sam P.; Ogée, Jérôme; Sauze, Joana; Wohl, Steven; Saavedra, Noelia; Fernández-Prado, Noelia; Maire, Juliette; Launois, Thomas; Bosc, Alexandre; Wingate, Lisa

2017-12-01

The contribution of photosynthesis and soil respiration to net land-atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange can be estimated based on the differential influence of leaves and soils on budgets of the oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) of atmospheric CO2. To do so, the activity of carbonic anhydrases (CAs), a group of enzymes that catalyse the hydration of CO2 in soils and plants, needs to be understood. Measurements of soil CA activity typically involve the inversion of models describing the δ18O of CO2 fluxes to solve for the apparent, potentially catalysed, rate of CO2 hydration. This requires information about the δ18O of CO2 in isotopic equilibrium with soil water, typically obtained from destructive, depth-resolved sampling and extraction of soil water. In doing so, an assumption is made about the soil water pool that CO2 interacts with, which may bias estimates of CA activity if incorrect. Furthermore, this can represent a significant challenge in data collection given the potential for spatial and temporal variability in the δ18O of soil water and limited a priori information with respect to the appropriate sampling resolution and depth. We investigated whether we could circumvent this requirement by inferring the rate of CO2 hydration and the δ18O of soil water from the relationship between the δ18O of CO2 fluxes and the δ18O of CO2 at the soil surface measured at different ambient CO2 conditions. This approach was tested through laboratory incubations of air-dried soils that were re-wetted with three waters of different δ18O. Gas exchange measurements were made on these soils to estimate the rate of hydration and the δ18O of soil water, followed by soil water extraction to allow for comparison. Estimated rates of CO2 hydration were 6.8-14.6 times greater than the theoretical uncatalysed rate of hydration, indicating that CA were active in these soils. Importantly, these estimates were not significantly different among water treatments, suggesting that this represents a robust approach to assay the activity of CA in soil. As expected, estimates of the δ18O of the soil water that equilibrates with CO2 varied in response to alteration to the δ18O of soil water. However, these estimates were consistently more negative than the composition of the soil water extracted by cryogenic vacuum distillation at the end of the gas measurements with differences of up to -3.94 ‰ VSMOW-SLAP. These offsets suggest that, at least at lower water contents, CO2-H2O isotope equilibration primarily occurs with water pools that are bound to particle surfaces and are depleted in 18O compared to bulk soil water.

The special features of tree ring gas chronologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ageev, Boris G.; Gruzdev, Aleksandr N.; Sapozhnikova, Valeria A.

2015-11-01

Stem wood is known to contain significant amounts of gases. However, literature data on the functional role of the gases are lacking. The results of our experiments show that porous wood structure is capable of annual accumulation (sorption) of the stem gas components that include H2O vapor and plant cell-respired CO2. This allows for development of additional chronologies to be used for gaining a deeper insight into the behavior of the stem gases. An analysis of the vacuum-extracted wood tree ring CO2 and H2O has revealed that the CO2 and H2O chronologies are associated with interannual variations in the total pressure of the gas components in the tree rings and are characterized by short-period cycles independent of tree age and by long-period variations with tree age. Our investigations led us to propose a procedure for using the CO2 content as a marker of year-to-year variations in the total pressure of the residual gas components found in wood tree rings.

Breath ethane as a marker of reactive oxygen species during manipulation of diet and oxygen tension in rats.

PubMed

Risby, T H; Jiang, L; Stoll, S; Ingram, D; Spangler, E; Heim, J; Cutler, R; Roth, G S; Rifkind, J M

1999-02-01

Breath ethane, O2 consumption, and CO2 production were analyzed in 24-mo-old female Fischer 344 rats that had been fed continuously ad libitum (AL) or restricted 30% of AL level (DR) diets since 6 wk of age. Rats were placed in a glass chamber that was first flushed with air, then with a gas mixture containing 12% O2. After equilibration, a sample of the outflow was collected in gas sampling bags for subsequent analyses of ethane and CO2. The O2 and CO2 levels were also directly monitored in the outflow of the chamber. O2 consumption and CO2 production increased for DR rats. Hypoxia decreased O2 consumption and CO2 production for the AL-fed and DR rats. These changes reflect changes in metabolic rate due to diet and PO2. A significant decrease in ethane generation was found in DR rats compared with AL-fed rats. Under normoxic conditions, breath ethane decreased from 2.20 to 1.61 pmol ethane/ml CO2. During hypoxia the levels of ethane generation increased, resulting in a DR-associated decrease in ethane from 2.60 to 1.90 pmol ethane/ml CO2. These results support the hypothesis that DR reduces the level of oxidative stress.

Laboratory Investigations in Support of Dioxide-Limestone Sequestration in the Ocean

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

Dan Golomb; Eugene Barry; David Ryan

2008-09-30

Research under this Project has proven that liquid carbon dioxide can be emulsified in water by using very fine particles as emulsion stabilizers. Hydrophilic particles stabilize a CO{sub 2}-in-H{sub 2}O (C/W) emulsion; hydrophobic particles stabilize a H{sub 2}O-in-CO{sub 2} (W/C) emulsion. The C/W emulsion consists of tiny CO{sub 2} droplets coated with hydrophilic particles dispersed in water. The W/C emulsion consists of tiny H{sub 2}O droplets coated with hydrophobic particles dispersed in liquid carbon dioxide. The coated droplets are called globules. The emulsions could be used for deep ocean sequestration of CO{sub 2}. Liquid CO{sub 2} is sparsely soluble inmore » water, and is less dense than seawater. If neat, liquid CO{sub 2} were injected in the deep ocean, it is likely that the dispersed CO{sub 2} droplets would buoy upward and flash into vapor before the droplets dissolve in seawater. The resulting vapor bubbles would re-emerge into the atmosphere. On the other hand, the emulsion is denser than seawater, hence the emulsion plume would sink toward greater depth from the injection point. For ocean sequestration a C/W emulsion appears to be most practical using limestone (CaCO{sub 3}) particles of a few to ten ?m diameter as stabilizing agents. A mix of one volume of liquid CO{sub 2} with two volumes of H{sub 2}O, plus 0.5 weight of pulverized limestone per weight of liquid CO{sub 2} forms a stable emulsion with density 1087 kg m{sup -3}. Ambient seawater at 500 m depth has a density of approximately 1026 kg m{sup -3}, so the emulsion plume would sink by gravity while entraining ambient seawater till density equilibrium is reached. Limestone is abundant world-wide, and is relatively cheap. Furthermore, upon disintegration of the emulsion the CaCO{sub 3} particles would partially buffer the carbonic acid that forms when CO{sub 2} dissolves in seawater, alleviating some of the concerns of discharging CO{sub 2} in the deep ocean. Laboratory experiments showed that the CaCO{sub 3} emulsion is slightly alkaline, not acidic. We tested the release of the CO{sub 2}-in-H{sub 2}O emulsion stabilized by pulverized limestone in the DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory High Pressure Water Tunnel Facility (HPWTF). Digital photographs showed the sinking globules in the HPWTF, confirming the concept of releasing the emulsion in the deep ocean. We modeled the release of an emulsion from the CO{sub 2} output of a 1000 MW coal-fired power plant at 500 m depth. The emulsion would typically sink several hundred meters before density equilibration with ambient seawater. The CO{sub 2} globules would rain out from the equilibrated plume toward the ocean bottom where they would disintegrate due to wave action and bottom friction. Conceptual release systems are described both for an open ocean release and a sloping seabed release of the emulsion.« less

Fanconi anemia mesenchymal stromal cells-derived glycerophospholipids skew hematopoietic stem cell differentiation through Toll-like receptor signaling

PubMed Central

Amarachintha, Surya; Sertorio, Mathieu; Wilson, Andrew; Li, Xiaoli; Pang, Qishen

2015-01-01

Fanconi anemia (FA) patients develop bone marrow (BM) failure or leukemia. One standard care for these devastating complications is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We identified a group of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-derived metabolites, glycerophospholipids and their endogenous inhibitor, 5-(Tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid (TOFA), as regulators of donor hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We provided two pieces of evidence that TOFA could improve hematopoiesis-supporting function of FA MSCs: (1) limiting-dilution CAFC assay revealed that TOFA significantly increased cobblestone colonies in Fanca−/− or Fancd2−/− co-cultures compared to untreated co-cultures. (2) Competitive repopulating assay using output cells collected from co-cultures showed that TOFA greatly alleviated the abnormal expansion of the donor myeloid (CD45.2+Gr1+Mac1+) compartment in both peripheral blood and BM of recipient mice transplanted with cells from Fanca−/− or Fancd2−/− co-cultures. Further, mechanistic studies identified Tlr4 signaling as the responsible pathway mediating the effect of glycerophospholipids. Thus, targeting Glycerophospholipid biosynthesis in FA MSCs could be a therapeutic strategy to improve hematopoiesis and stem cell transplantation. PMID:26212365

Sequestration of non-pure carbon dioxide streams in iron oxyhydroxide-containing saline repositories

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garcia, S.; Rosenbauer, Robert J.; Palandri, James L.; Maroto-Valer, M. Mercedes

2012-01-01

Iron oxyhydroxide, goethite (α-FeOOH), was evaluated as a potential formation mineral reactant for trapping CO2 in a mineral phase such as siderite (FeCO3), when a mixture of CO2-SO 2 flue gas is injected into a saline aquifer. Two thermodynamic simulations were conducted, equilibrating a CO2-SO2 fluid mixture with a NaCl-brine and Fe-rich rocks at 150 °C and 300 bar. The modeling studies evaluated mineral and fluid composition at equilibrium and the influence of pH buffering in the system. Results show siderite precipitates both in the buffered and unbuffered system; however, the presence of an alkaline pH buffer enhances the stability of the carbonate. Based on the model, an experiment was designed to compare with thermodynamic predictions. A CO2-SO2 gas mixture was reacted in 150 ml of NaCl-NaOH brine containing 10 g of goethite at 150 °C and 300 bar for 24 days. Mineralogical and brine chemistry confirmed siderite as the predominant reaction product in the system. Seventy-six mg of CO2 are sequestered in siderite per 10 g of goethite.

Insights from fumarole gas geochemistry on the origin of hydrothermal fluids on the Yellowstone Plateau

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chiodini, Giovanni; Caliro, Stefano; Lowenstern, Jacob B.; Evans, William C.; Bergfeld, D.; Tassi, Franco; Tedesco, Dario

2012-01-01

The chemistry of Yellowstone fumarole gases shows the existence of two component waters, type MC, influenced by the addition of deep mantle fluid, and type CC, influenced by crustal interactions (CC). MC is high in 3He/4He (22 Ra) and low in 4He/40Ar (~1), reflecting input of deep mantle components. The other water is characterized by 4He concentrations 3-4 orders of magnitude higher than air-saturated meteoric water (ASW). These high He concentrations originate through circulation in Pleistocene volcanic rocks, as well as outgassing of Tertiary and older (including Archean) basement, some of which could be particularly rich in uranium, a major 4He source. Consideration of CO2-CH4-CO-H2O-H2 gas equilibrium reactions indicates equilibration temperatures from 170 °C to 310 °C. The estimated temperatures highly correlate with noble-gas variations, suggesting that the two waters differ in temperature. Type CC is ~170 °C whereas the MC is hotter, at 340 °C. This result is similar to models proposed by previous studies of thermal water chemistry. However, instead of mixing the deep hot component simply with cold, meteoric waters we argue that addition of a 4He-rich component, equilibrated at temperatures around 170 °C, is necessary to explain the range in fumarole gas chemistry.

Effect of CO2 absorption on ion and water mobility in an anion exchange membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Jing; Roy, Asa L.; Greenbaum, Steve G.; Zawodzinski, Thomas A.

2018-03-01

We report the measured water uptake, density, ionic conductivity and water transport properties in Tokuyama A201 membrane in OH-, HCO3- and Cl- forms. The water uptake of the AEM varies with anion type in the order λ(OH-) > λ(HCO3-) > λ(Cl-) for samples equilibrated with the same water vapor activity (aw). The conductivity of the AEM is reduced by absorption of CO2. Pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR) measurements were utilized to characterize the diffusivity of water and HCO3- ion. The anion diffusion coefficient and membrane conductivity are used to probe the applicability of the Nernst-Einstein equation in these AEMs.

Intraspecific variation in juvenile tree growth under elevated CO2 alone and with O3: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Resco de Dios, Víctor; Mereed, Tessema E; Ferrio, Juan Pedro; Tissue, David T; Voltas, Jordi

2016-06-01

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are expected to increase throughout this century, potentially fostering tree growth. A wealth of studies have examined the variation in CO2 responses across tree species, but the extent of intraspecific variation in response to elevated CO2 (eCO2) has, so far, been examined in individual studies and syntheses of published work are currently lacking. We conducted a meta-analysis on the effects of eCO2 on tree growth (height, stem biomass and stem volume) and photosynthesis across genotypes to examine whether there is genetic variation in growth responses to eCO2 and to understand their dependence on photosynthesis. We additionally examined the interaction between the responses to eCO2 and ozone (O3), another global change agent. Most of the published studies so far have been conducted in juveniles and in Populus spp., although the patterns observed were not species dependent. All but one study reported significant genetic variation in stem biomass, and the magnitude of intraspecific variation in response to eCO2 was similar in magnitude to previous analyses on interspecific variation. Growth at eCO2 was predictable from growth at ambient CO2 (R(2) = 0.60), and relative rankings of genotype performance were preserved across CO2 levels, indicating no significant interaction between genotypic and environmental effects. The growth response to eCO2 was not correlated with the response of photosynthesis (P > 0.1), and while we observed 57.7% average increases in leaf photosynthesis, stem biomass and volume increased by 36 and 38.5%, respectively, and height only increased by 9.5%, suggesting a predominant role for carbon allocation in ultimately driving the response to eCO2 Finally, best-performing genotypes under eCO2 also responded better under eCO2 and elevated O3 Further research needs include widening the study of intraspecific variation beyond the genus Populus and examining the interaction between eCO2 and other environmental stressors. We conclude that significant potential to foster CO2-induced productivity gains through tree breeding exists, that these programs could be based upon best-performing genotypes under ambient conditions and that they would benefit from an increased understanding on the controls of allocation. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Absolute Isotopic Abundance Ratios and the Accuracy of Δ47 Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daeron, M.; Blamart, D.; Peral, M.; Affek, H. P.

2016-12-01

Conversion from raw IRMS data to clumped isotope anomalies in CO2 (Δ47) relies on four external parameters: the (13C/12C) ratio of VPDB, the (17O/16O) and (18O/16O) ratios of VSMOW (or VPDB-CO2), and the slope of the triple oxygen isotope line (λ). Here we investigate the influence that these isotopic parameters exert on measured Δ47 values, using real-world data corresponding to 7 months of measurements; simulations based on randomly generated data; precise comparisons between water-equilibrated CO2 samples and between carbonate standards believed to share quasi-identical Δ47 values; reprocessing of two carbonate calibration data sets with different slopes of Δ47 versus T. Using different sets of isotopic parameters generally produces systematic offsets as large as 0.04 ‰ in final Δ47 values. What's more, even using a single set of isotopic parameters can produce intra- and inter-laboratory discrepancies in final Δ47 values, if some of these parameters are inaccurate. Depending on the isotopic compositions of the standards used for conversion to "absolute" values, these errors should correlate strongly with either δ13C or δ18O, or more weakly with both. Based on measurements of samples expected to display identical Δ47 values, such as 25°C water-equilibrated CO2 with different carbon and oxygen isotope compositions, or high-temperature standards ETH-1 and ETH-2, we conclude that the isotopic parameters used so far in most clumped isotope studies produces large, systematic errors controlled by the relative bulk isotopic compositions of samples and standards, which should be one of the key factors responsible for current inter-laboratory discrepancies. By contrast, the isotopic parameters of Brand et al. [2010] appear to yield accurate Δ47 values regardless of bulk isotopic composition. References:Brand, Assonov and Coplen [2010] http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REP-09-01-05

Quantifying the impact of daily and seasonal variation in sap pH on xylem dissolved inorganic carbon estimates in plum trees.

PubMed

Erda, F G; Bloemen, J; Steppe, K

2014-01-01

In studies on internal CO2 transport, average xylem sap pH (pH(x)) is one of the factors used for calculation of the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon in the xylem sap ([CO2 *]). Lack of detailed pH(x) measurements at high temporal resolution could be a potential source of error when evaluating [CO2*] dynamics. In this experiment, we performed continuous measurements of CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and stem temperature (T(stem)), complemented with pH(x) measurements at 30-min intervals during the day at various stages of the growing season (Day of the Year (DOY): 86 (late winter), 128 (mid-spring) and 155 (early summer)) on a plum tree (Prunus domestica L. cv. Reine Claude d'Oullins). We used the recorded pH(x) to calculate [CO2*] based on T(stem) and the corresponding measured [CO2]. No statistically significant difference was found between mean [CO2*] calculated with instantaneous pH(x) and daily average pH(x). However, using an average pH(x) value from a different part of the growing season than the measurements of [CO2] and T(stem) to estimate [CO2*] led to a statistically significant error. The error varied between 3.25 ± 0.01% under-estimation and 3.97 ± 0.01% over-estimation, relative to the true [CO2*] data. Measured pH(x) did not show a significant daily variation, unlike [CO2], which increased during the day and declined at night. As the growing season progressed, daily average [CO2] (3.4%, 5.3%, 7.4%) increased and average pH(x) (5.43, 5.29, 5.20) decreased. Increase in [CO2] will increase its solubility in xylem sap according to Henry's law, and the dissociation of [CO2*] will negatively affect pH(x). Our results are the first quantifying the error in [CO2*] due to the interaction between [CO2] and pH(x) on a seasonal time scale. We found significant changes in pH(x) across the growing season, but overall the effect on the calculation of [CO2*] remained within an error range of 4%. However, it is possible that the error could be more substantial for other tree species, particularly if pH(x) is in the more sensitive range (pH(x) > 6.5). © 2013 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Phase Equilibria of the Ternary Sn-Pb-Co System at 250°C and Interfacial Reactions of Co with Sn-Pb Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chao-hong; Kuo, Chun-yi; Yang, Nian-cih

2015-11-01

The isothermal section of the ternary Sn-Pb-Co system at 250°C was experimentally determined through a series of the equilibrated Sn-Pb-Co alloys of various compositions. The equilibrium phases were identified on the basis of compositional analysis. For the Sn-Co intermetallic compounds (IMCs), CoSn3, CoSn2, CoSn and Co3Sn2, the Pb solubility was very limited. There exist five tie-triangle regions. The Co-Pb system involves one monotectic reaction, so the phase separation of liquid alloys near the Co-Pb side occurred prior to solidification. The immiscibility field was also determined. Additionally, interfacial reactions between Co and Sn-Pb alloys were conducted. The reaction phase for the Sn-48 at.%Pb and Sn-58 at.%Pb at 250°C was CoSn3 and CoSn2, respectively. Both of them were simultaneously formed in the Sn-53 at.%Pb/Co. The formed IMCs were closely associated to the phase equilibria relationship of the liquid-CoSn3-CoSn2 tie-triangle. Furthermore, with increasing temperatures, the phase formed in equilibrium with Sn-37 wt.%Pb was found to transit from CoSn3 to CoSn2 at 275°C. We propose a simple method of examining the phase transition temperature in the interfacial reactions to determine the boundaries of the liquid-CoSn3-CoSn2 tie-triangles at different temperatures.

CO2 adhesion on hydrated mineral surfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Shibo; Tao, Zhiyuan; Persily, Sara M; Clarens, Andres F

2013-10-15

Hydrated mineral surfaces in the environment are generally hydrophilic but in certain cases can strongly adhere CO2, which is largely nonpolar. This adhesion can significantly alter the wettability characteristics of the mineral surface and consequently influence capillary/residual trapping and other multiphase flow processes in porous media. Here, the conditions influencing adhesion between CO2 and homogeneous mineral surfaces were studied using static pendant contact angle measurements and captive advancing/receding tests. The prevalence of adhesion was sensitive to both surface roughness and aqueous chemistry. Adhesion was most widely observed on phlogopite mica, silica, and calcite surfaces with roughness on the order of ~10 nm. The incidence of adhesion increased with ionic strength and CO2 partial pressure. Adhesion was very rarely observed on surfaces equilibrated with brines containing strong acid or base. In advancing/receding contact angle measurements, adhesion could increase the contact angle by a factor of 3. These results support an emerging understanding of adhesion of, nonpolar nonaqueous phase fluids on mineral surfaces influenced by the properties of the electrical double layer in the aqueous phase film and surface functional groups between the mineral and CO2.

Triple oxygen isotope composition of tropospheric carbon dioxide and terrestrial carbonates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmann, M. E.; Horváth, B.; Pack, A.

2011-12-01

The triple oxygen isotope composition of tropospheric CO2 is a potential new tracer in urban air studies and for biosphere-atmosphere interactions [1]. In this study, we are analyzing CO2 from different provenances in order to trace the influx of anthropogenic CO2 to urban air and to test predictions on the stratosphere-troposphere exchange flux. Since July 2010, we are monitoring the triple oxygen isotope composition of CO2 in urban air in a two-week interval. For this purpose, carbon dioxide was extracted from ~450L of ambient air on the campus of the University of Göttingen using a Russian Doll type cryogenic trap [2]. The CO2 was analyzed by CO2-CeO2 equilibration at 685°C and subsequent IR laser fluorination of CeO2 and CF-irmMS [3]. All triple oxygen isotope data are reported as Δ17OTFL values relative to the terrestrial fractionation line (TFL) with a slope βTFL=0.5251 and an intercept γTFL=-0.014%. On average, the Δ17OTFL value of ambient CO2 was -0.11±0.05% (SD) with a seasonal cycle of 0.04±0.01%. Lower Δ17O values were observed during wintertime. In order to test the potential of Δ17O as a tracer for anthropogenic CO2, we analyzed CO2 from different combustion processes. Our results showed that the Δ17O anomaly of tropospheric O2 [4] is passed on fully, or partially to the combustion CO2 [5]. We estimate that elevated anthropogenic emission during wintertime could be responsible for a decrease in Δ17O of urban air CO2 of -0.02±0.01%. In order to predict the triple oxygen isotope composition of tropospheric CO2 on a global scale, we revised the box model calculation from Hoag et al. [1]. For the exponent β for CO2-water equilibrium, we assume that βCO2-water=0.522±0.001 [6]. Furthermore, we took into account that the Δ17OTFL value of CO2 released from soils is affected by kinetic fractionation. Thus, we obtained a Δ17OTFL value for global tropospheric CO2 of -0.13%. The model calculation agrees well with the Δ17OTFL value determined for ambient air CO2. The triple oxygen isotope composition of terrestrial carbonates should provide additional information on the formation process of biogenic and abiotic carbonates. In order to determine the triple oxygen isotope composition on carbonates, phosphoric acid decomposition of carbonates was carried out. Subsequently, the liberated CO2 was also analyzed by the CO2-CeO2 equilibration method [3]. The Δ17OTFL of CO2 released from Solnhofen limestone was -0.11±0.09% (SE, t0.95, n=6). We are currently determining the exponent β for phosphoric acid decomposition. [1] Hoag, K.J., et al., Geophys. Res. Lett., 2005. 32: p. 1-5. [2] Brenninkmeijer, C.A.M. and T. Röckmann, Anal. Chem., 1996. 68(17): p. 3050-3053. [3] Hofmann, M. and A. Pack, Anal. Chem., 2010. 82: p. 4357-4361. [4] Barkan, E. and B. Luz, Rapid Commun. Mass Spec., 2005. 19(24): p. 3737-3742. [5] Horváth, B., M.E.G. Hofmann, and A. Pack, 2011. XI Isotope Workshop. Budapest. [6] Hofmann, M., et al., 2011. EGU. Vienna.

Note: A dual temperature closed loop batch reactor for determining the partitioning of trace gases within CO2-water systems.

PubMed

Warr, Oliver; Rochelle, Christopher A; Masters, Andrew J; Ballentine, Christopher J

2016-01-01

An experimental approach is presented which can be used to determine partitioning of trace gases within CO2-water systems. The key advantages of this system are (1) The system can be isolated with no external exchange, making it ideal for experiments with conservative tracers. (2) Both phases can be sampled concurrently to give an accurate composition at each phase at any given time. (3) Use of a lower temperature flow loop outside of the reactor removes contamination and facilitates sampling. (4) Rapid equilibration at given pressure/temperature conditions is significantly aided by stirring and circulating the water phase using a magnetic stirrer and high-pressure liquid chromatography pump, respectively.

CO2 enrichment alters diurnal stem radius fluctuations of 36-yr-old Larix decidua growing at the alpine tree line.

PubMed

Dawes, Melissa A; Zweifel, Roman; Dawes, Nicholas; Rixen, Christian; Hagedorn, Frank

2014-06-01

To understand how trees at high elevations might use water differently in the future, we investigated the effects of CO2 enrichment and soil warming (separately and combined) on the water relations of Larix decidua growing at the tree line in the Swiss Alps. We assessed diurnal stem radius fluctuations using point dendrometers and applied a hydraulic plant model using microclimate and soil water potential data as inputs. Trees exposed to CO2 enrichment for 9 yr showed smaller diurnal stem radius contractions (by 46 ± 16%) and expansions (42 ± 16%) compared with trees exposed to ambient CO2 . Additionally, there was a delay in the timing of daily maximum (40 ± 12 min) and minimum (63 ± 14 min) radius values for trees growing under elevated CO2 . Parameters optimized with the hydraulic model suggested that CO2 -enriched trees had an increased flow resistance between the xylem and bark, representing a more buffered water supply system. Soil warming did not alter diurnal fluctuation dynamics or the CO2 response. Elevated CO2 altered the hydraulic water flow and storage system within L. decidua trees, which might have contributed to enhanced growth during 9 yr of CO2 enrichment and could ultimately influence the future competitive ability of this key tree-line species. © 2014 WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research - SLF. New Phytologist © 2014 New Phytologist Trust.

In vitro three-dimensional coculturing poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate with mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells for myocardial patch application.

PubMed

Shijun, Xu; Junsheng, Mu; Jianqun, Zhang; Ping, Bo

2016-03-01

Identifying a suitable polymeric biomaterial for myocardial patch repair following myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and cartilage injury is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the novel polymer material, poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate, on the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells were isolated, expanded, and cultured on either two-dimensional or three-dimensional poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films (membranes were perforated to imitate three-dimensional space). Following attachment onto the films, mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell morphology was visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Cell vitality was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and cell proliferation was observed using fluorescent 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells were induced into cardiomyocytes by differentiation medium containing vitamin C. A control group in the absence of an inducer was included. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell survival and differentiation were observed using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, respectively. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells growth, proliferation, and differentiation were observed on both two-dimensional and three-dimensional poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films. Vitamin C markedly improved the efficiency of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes on poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films. Three-dimensional culture was better at promoting mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell proliferation and differentiation compared with two-dimensional culture. © The Author(s) 2016.

Crosstalk between HIF-1 and ROCK pathways in neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, neurospheres and in PC12 neurite outgrowth.

PubMed

Pacary, Emilie; Tixier, Emmanuelle; Coulet, Florence; Roussel, Simon; Petit, Edwige; Bernaudin, Myriam

2007-07-01

This study demonstrates that the Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632, potentiates not only the effect of cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) but also that of deferoxamine, another HIF-1 inducer, on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) neuronal differentiation. HIF-1 is essential for CoCl(2)+/-Y-27632-induced MSC neuronal differentiation, since agents inhibiting HIF-1 abolish the changes of morphology and cell cycle arrest-related gene or protein expressions (p21, cyclin D1) and the increase of neuronal marker expressions (Tuj1, NSE). Y-27632 potentiates the CoCl(2)-induced decrease of cyclin D1 and nestin expressions, the increase of HIF-1 activation and EPO expression, and decreases pVHL expression. Interestingly, CoCl(2) decreases RhoA expression, an effect potentiated by Y-27632, revealing crosstalk between HIF-1 and RhoA/ROCK pathways. Moreover, we demonstrate a synergistic effect of CoCl(2) and Y-27632 on neurosphere differentiation into neurons and PC12 neurite outgrowth underlining that a co-treatment targeting both HIF-1 and ROCK pathways might be relevant to differentiate stem cells into neurons.

Combined Gemcitabine and Metronidazole Is a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer Stem-like Cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Makoto; Umebayashi, Masayo; Tanaka, Hiroto; Koya, Norihiro; Nakagawa, Sinichiro; Kawabe, Ken; Onishi, Hideya; Nakamura, Masafumi; Morisaki, Takashi

2018-05-01

Metronidazole (MNZ) is a common antibiotic that exerts disulfiram-like effects when taken together with alcohol. However, the relationship between MNZ and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity remains unclear. This study investigated whether MNZ reduces cancer stemness by suppressing ALDH activity and accordingly reducing the malignancy of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We developed gemcitabine (GEM)-resistant TFK-1 cells and originally established CCA cell line from a patient with GEM-resistant CCA. Using these cell lines, we analyzed the impacts of MNZ for cancer stem cell markers, invasiveness, and chemosensitivity. MNZ reduced ALDH activity in GEM-resistant CCA cells, leading to decreased invasiveness and enhanced chemosensitivity. MNZ diminished the invasiveness by inducing mesenchymal-epithelial transition and enhancing chemosensitivity by increasing ENT1 (equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1) and reducing RRM1 (ribonucleotide reductase M1). MNZ reduced cancer stemness in GEM-resistant CCA cells. Combined GEM and MNZ would be a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer stem-like CAA. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Network-based expression analyses and experimental validations revealed high co-expression between Yap1 and stem cell markers compared to differentiated cells.

PubMed

Dehghanian, Fariba; Hojati, Zohreh; Esmaeili, Fariba; Masoudi-Nejad, Ali

2018-05-21

The Hippo signaling pathway is identified as a potential regulatory pathway which plays critical roles in differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. Yap1 is a primary transcriptional effector of this pathway. The importance of Yap1 in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and differentiation procedure remains a challenging question, since two different observations have been reported. To answer this question we used co-expression network and differential co-expression analyses followed by experimental validations. Our results indicate that Yap1 is highly co-expressed with stem cell markers in ESCs but not in differentiated cells (DCs). The significant Yap1 down-regulation and also translocation of Yap1 into the cytoplasm during P19 differentiation was also detected. Moreover, our results suggest the E2f7, Lin28a and Dppa4 genes as possible regulatory nuclear factors of Hippo pathway in stem cells. The present findings are actively consistent with studies that suggested Yap1 as an essential factor for stem cell self-renewal. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Statistical modeling of the reactions Fe(+) + N2O → FeO(+) + N2 and FeO(+) + CO → Fe(+) + CO2.

PubMed

Ushakov, Vladimir G; Troe, Jürgen; Johnson, Ryan S; Guo, Hua; Ard, Shaun G; Melko, Joshua J; Shuman, Nicholas S; Viggiano, Albert A

2015-08-14

The rates of the reactions Fe(+) + N2O → FeO(+) + N2 and FeO(+) + CO → Fe(+) + CO2 are modeled by statistical rate theory accounting for energy- and angular momentum-specific rate constants for formation of the primary and secondary cationic adducts and their backward and forward reactions. The reactions are both suggested to proceed on sextet and quartet potential energy surfaces with efficient, but probably not complete, equilibration by spin-inversion of the populations of the sextet and quartet adducts. The influence of spin-inversion on the overall reaction rate is investigated. The differences of the two reaction rates mostly are due to different numbers of entrance states (atom + linear rotor or linear rotor + linear rotor, respectively). The reaction Fe(+) + N2O was studied either with (6)Fe(+) or with (4)Fe(+) reactants. Differences in the rate constants of (6)Fe(+) and (4)Fe(+) reacting with N2O are attributed to different contributions from electronically excited potential energy surfaces, such as they originate from the open-electronic shell reactants.

Huperzine A protects neural stem cells against Aβ-induced apoptosis in a neural stem cells and microglia co-culture system

PubMed Central

Zhu, Ning; Lin, Jizong; Wang, Kewan; Wei, Meidan; Chen, Qingzhuang; Wang, Yong

2015-01-01

Objectives: This study aims to explore whether Huperzine A (HupA) could protect neural stem cells against amyloid beta-peptide Aβ induced apoptosis in a neural stem cells (NSCs) and microglia co-culture system. Methods: Rat NSCs and microglial cells were isolated, cultured and identified with immunofluorescence Assays (IFA). Co-culture systems of NSCs and microglial cells were employed using Transwell Permeable Supports. The effects of Aβ1-42 on NSCs were studied in 4 groups using co-culture systems: NSCs, Aβ+NSCs, co-culture and Aβ+co-culture groups. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and flow cytometry were utilized to assess the differences of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of NSCs between the groups. LQ test was performed to assess the amounts of IL-6, TNF-α and MIP-α secreted, and flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to assess apoptosis of NSCs and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in each group. Results: IFA results showed that isolated rat NSCs were nestin-positive and microglial cells were CD11b/c-positive. Among all the groups, the Aβ+co-culture group has the lowest BrdU expression level, the lowest MAP2-positive, ChAT-positive cell counts and the highest NSC apoptosis rate. Smaller amounts of IL-6, TNF-α and MIP-α were being secreted by microglial cells in the HupA+Aβ+co-culture group compared with those in the Aβ+ co-culture group. Also the Bcl-2: Bax ratio was much higher in the HupA+Aβ+co-culture group than in the Aβ+co-culture group. Conclusions: HupA inhibits cell apoptosis through restraining microglia’s inflammatory response induced by Aβ1-42. PMID:26261518

A bit of both science and economics: a non-traditional STEM identity narrative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mark, Sheron L.

2017-10-01

Black males, as one non-dominant population, remain underrepresented and less successful in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Researchers focused on non-dominant populations are advised against generalizations and to examine cultural intersections (i.e. race, ethnicity, gender, and more) and also to explore cases of success, in addition to cases of under-achievement and underrepresentation. This study has focused on one African American male, Randy, who expressed high-achieving STEM career goals in computer science and engineering. Furthermore, recognizing that culture and identity development underlie STEM engagement and persistence, this long-term case study focused on how Randy developed a STEM identity during the course of the study and the implications of that process for his STEM career exploration. Étienne Wenger's (1999) communities-of-practice (CoP) was employed as a theoretical framework and, in doing so, (1) the informal STEM program in which Randy participated was characterized as a STEM-for-social-justice CoP and (2) Randy participated in ways that consistently utilized an "economics" lens from beyond the boundaries of the CoP. In doing so, Randy functioned as a broker within the CoP and developed a non-traditional STEM identity-in-practice which integrated STEM, "economics", and community engagement. Randy's STEM identity-in-practice is discussed in terms of the contextual factors that support scientific identity development (Hazari et al. in J Res Sci Teach 47:978-1003, 2010), the importance of recognizing and supporting the development of holistic and non-traditional STEM identities, especially for diverse populations in STEM, and the implications of this new understanding of Randy's STEM identity for his long-term STEM career exploration.

[Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and nitrogen application on cotton biomass, nitrogen utilization and soil urease activity].

PubMed

Lyu, Ning; Yin, Fei-hu; Chen, Yun; Gao, Zhi-jian; Liu, Yu; Shi, Lei

2015-11-01

In this study, a semi-open-top artificial climate chamber was used to study the effect of CO2 enrichment (360 and 540 µmol · mol(-1)) and nitrogen addition (0, 150, 300 and 450 kg · hm(-2)) on cotton dry matter accumulation and distribution, nitrogen absorption and soil urease activity. The results showed that the dry matter accumulation of bud, stem, leaf and the whole plant increased significantly in the higher CO2 concentration treatment irrespective of nitrogen level. The dry matter of all the detected parts of plant with 300 kg · hm(-2) nitrogen addition was significantly higher than those with the other nitrogen levels irrespective of CO2 concentration, indicating reasonable nitrogen fertilization could significantly improve cotton dry matter accumulation. Elevated CO2 concentration had significant impact on the nitrogen absorption contents of cotton bud and stem. Compared to those under CO2 concentration of 360 µmol · mol(-1), the nitrogen contents of bud and stem both increased significantly under CO2 concentration of 540 µmol · mol(-1). The nitrogen content of cotton bud in the treatment of 300 kg · hm(-2) nitrogen was the highest among the four nitrogen fertilizer treatments. While the nitrogen contents of cotton stem in the treatments of 150 kg · hm(-2) and 300 kg · hm(-2) nitrogen levels were higher than those in the treatment of 0 kg · hm(-2) and 450 kg · hm(-2) nitrogen levels. The nitrogen content of cotton leaf was significantly influenced by the in- teraction of CO2 elevation and N addition as the nitrogen content of leaf increased in the treatments of 0, 150 and 300 kg · hm(-2) nitrogen levels under the CO2 concentration of 540 µmol · mol(-1). The nitrogen content in cotton root was significantly increased with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer level under elevated CO2 (540 µmol · mol(-1)) treatment. Overall, the cotton nitrogen absorption content under the elevated CO2 (540 µmol · mol(-1)) treatment was higher than that under the ambient CO2- (360 µmol · mol(-1)) treatment. The order of nitrogen accumulation content in organs was bud > leaf > stem > root. Soil urease activity of both layers increased significantly with the elevation of CO2 concentration in all the nitrogen treatments. Under each CO2 concentration treatment, the soil urease activity in the upper layer (0-20 cm) increased significantly with nitrogen application, while the urease activity under the application of 300 kg · hm(-2) nitrogen was highest in the lower layer (20- 40 cm). The average soil urease activity in the upper layer (0-20 cm) was significantly higher than that in the lower layer (20-40 cm). This study suggested that the cotton dry matter accumulation and nitrogen absorption content were significantly increased in response to the elevated CO2 concentration (540 µmol · mol(-1)) and higher nitrogen addition (300 kg · hm(-2)).

42 CFR Appendix - Tables to Subpart L of Part 84

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... respiratory protection against more than one gas of a type, as for use in chlorine and sulfur dioxide, the... Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 32 4 50 50 Chlorine As received Cl2 500 64 3 5 35 Chlorine Equilibrated Cl2... Sulfur dioxide As received SO2 500 64 3 5 30 Sulfur dioxide Equilibrated SO2 500 32 4 5 30 1 Minimum life...

Harvesting Duke FACE: improving estimates of productivity and biomass under elevated CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarthy, H. R.; Oren, R.; Kim, D.; Tor-ngern, P.; Johnsen, K. H.; Maier, C. A.

2013-12-01

Free air CO2 enrichment experiments (FACE) have greatly advanced our knowledge on the impacts of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations in developing and mature ecosystems. These experiments have provided years of data on changes in physiology and ecosystem functions, such as photosynthesis, water use, net primary productivity (NPP), ecosystem carbon storage, and nutrient cycling. As these experiments come to a close, there has also been the opportunity to add critically lacking biometric data, which can be obtained only through destructive measurements. After 15 years of CO2 elevation at the Duke Forest FACE, a 28 year old pine plantation with a hardwood understory, a vast array of biometric data was obtained through harvesting of >1150 trees in both elevated and ambient CO2 plots. Harvested trees included pines and hardwoods, understory and overstory trees. The harvest provided direct assessments of leaf, stem and branch biomass, as well as the vertical distribution of these masses. In combination with leaf and wood level properties (e.g. specific leaf area, wood density), it was possible to explore potential CO2 effects on allometric relationships between plant parts, and stem and canopy shape and distribution. Although stimulatory effects of elevated CO2 on NPP are well established in this forest (averaging 27%), harvest results thus far indicate few changes in basic allometric relationships, such as height-diameter relationships, proportion of mass contained in different plant parts (stems vs. leaves vs. branches), distribution of leaves within the canopy and stem shape. The coupling of site-specific biometric relationships with long-term data on tree growth and mortality will reduce current sources of uncertainty in estimates of NPP and carbon storage under future increased CO2 conditions. Recent efforts in data-model synthesis have demonstrated the critical need for such data as constraints and initial values in ecosystem and earth system models; these outcomes suggest that we are well positioned to represent future forest growth and function.

Concentration and Mobility of Electrically-Conducting Defects in Olivine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Constable, S.; Roberts, J.; Duba, A.

2002-12-01

We have collected measurements of electrical conductivity and thermopower as a function of temperature and oxygen fugacity (f O2) on a sample of San Quintin dunite (95% olivine), and measurements of electrical conductivity equilibration after changes in f O2 on Mt.Porndon lherzolite (65% olivine). Both data sets have been analysed using nonlinear parameter inversion of mathematical models relating conductivity, thermopower, and diffusion kinetics to temperature, f O2, time, and defect concentration and mobility. From the dunite thermopower/conductivity data we are able to estimate the concentration and mobilities of electrically conducting defects. Our model allows electrons, small polarons (Fe+++ on Fe++ sites), and magnesium vacancies (V'' Mg) to contribute to conduction, but only polarons and V'' Mg are required by our data. Polarons dominate conduction below 1300°~C; at this temperature conduction, is equal for the two defects at all f O2 tested. Thermopower measurements allow us to estimate defect concentration independently from mobility, and so we can back out polaron mobility as 12.2x 10-6 exp(-1.05~eV/kT) m2V-1s-1 and magnesium vacancy mobility as 2.72x 10-6 exp(-1.09~eV/kT) m2V-1s-1. Electrical conductivity of the lherzolite, measured as a function of time after changes in the oxygen fugacity of the surrounding CO2/CO atmosphere, is used to infer the diffusivity of the point defects associated with the oxidation reactions. An observed f O2 dependence in the time constants associated with equilibration implies two species of fixed diffusivity, each with f O2-dependent concentrations. Although the rate-limiting step may not necessarily be associated with conducting defects, when time constants are converted to mobilities, the magnitudes and activation energies agree extremely well with the model presented above for the dunite, after one free parameter (effective grain size) is fit at a plausible 1.6~mm diameter. Not only does this study represent one of the few direct measurements of polaron mobility, but the very good agreement between two independent measurement techniques (thermopower versus equilibration kinetics) and two independent samples (dunite versus lherzolite) provides some level of confidence in the results. We are currently extending these modeling techniques to study olivine defect mobility anisotropy.

Development of Bicarbonate-Activated Peroxide as a Chemical and Biological Warfare Agent Decontaminant

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-30

may operate for certain substrates. The reaction of equation 1 proceeds with the intermediacy of CO2 as shown in Figure 1. Although it is well...competition between paths 5 and 6 will depend on the conditions and the nature of the substrate S. Note that figures, equations , etc. in the...1 shows the complete reaction scheme used to model the equilibration reaction at low temperature. Table 1 Kinetic equations and their

Targeting cancer stem cell plasticity through modulation of epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor receptor signaling in head and neck squamous cell cancer.

PubMed

Leong, Hui Sun; Chong, Fui Teen; Sew, Pui Hoon; Lau, Dawn P; Wong, Bernice H; Teh, Bin-Tean; Tan, Daniel S W; Iyer, N Gopalakrishna

2014-09-01

Emerging data suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) exist in equilibrium with differentiated cells and that stochastic transitions between these states can account for tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro system that recapitulates stem cell plasticity in head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCCs) and identify the factors that play a role in the maintenance and repopulation of CSCs. Tumor spheres were established using patient-derived cell lines via anchorage-independent cell culture techniques. These tumor spheres were found to have higher aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALD) cell fractions and increased expression of Kruppel-like factor 4, SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2, and Nanog and were resistant to γ-radiation, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and etoposide treatment compared with monolayer culture cells. Monolayer cultures were subject to single cell cloning to generate clones with high and low ALD fractions. ALDHigh clones showed higher expression of stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers compared with ALDLow clones. ALD fractions, representing stem cell fractions, fluctuated with serial passaging, equilibrating at a level specific to each cell line, and could be augmented by the addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and/or insulin. ALDHigh clones showed increased EGF receptor (EGFR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) phosphorylation, with increased activation of downstream pathways compared with ALDLow clones. Importantly, blocking these pathways using specific inhibitors against EGFR and IGF-1R reduced stem cell fractions drastically. Taken together, these results show that HNSCC CSCs exhibit plasticity, with the maintenance of the stem cell fraction dependent on the EGFR and IGF-1R pathways and potentially amenable to targeted therapeutics. ©AlphaMed Press.

Microscopic calculations of dynamics and N/Z equilibration in peripheral collisions below the Fermi energy.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souliotis, G. A.; Shetty, D. V.; Galanopoulos, S.; Yennello, S. J.

2008-04-01

A systematic study of heavy residues formed in peripheral collisions below the Fermi energy has been undertaken at Texas A&M aiming at obtaining information on the mechanism of nucleon exchange and the course towards N/Z equilibration [1,2]. We expect to get insight on the dynamics and the nuclear equation of state by comparing our heavy residue data to detailed calculations using microscopic models of quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) type. We are performing calculations using two codes: the CoMD code of M. Papa, A. Bonasera [3] and the CHIMERA-QMD code of J. Lukasik [4]. Both codes implement an effective interaction with a nuclear-matter compressibility of K=200 (soft EOS) with several forms of the density dependence of the nucleon-nucleon symmetry potential. CoMD imposes a constraint in the phase space occupation for each nucleon restoring the Pauli principle at each time step of the collision. CHIMERA-QMD uses a Pauli potential term to mimic the Pauli principle. Results of the calculations and comparisons with our residue data will be presented. [1] G.A. Souliotis et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 022701 (2003). [2] G.A. Souliotis et al., Phys. Lett. B 588, 35 (2004). [3] M. Papa et al., Phys. Rev. C 64, 024612 (2001). [4] J. Lukasik, Z. Majka, Acta Phys. Pol. B 24, 1959 (1993).

Xylem transport of root-derived CO2: An alternative flux pathway of substantial importance for understanding the components of ecosystem respiration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aubrey, D. P.; Teskey, R. O.

2011-12-01

Forest ecosystem respiration releases one of the largest annual CO2 fluxes of the global carbon cycle and is dominated by belowground autotrophic and heterotrophic contributions. A mechanistic understanding of forest respiratory flux pathways is imperative to understanding carbon cycling in forests. We recently demonstrated that, on a daily basis, the amount of CO2 that fluxes upward from tree root systems into stems via the xylem stream rivals the amount of CO2 diffusing from the soil surface. However, our original observations were limited to only four individual eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides L.) trees over a single week where environmental conditions remained similar. Here, we expand our investigation to an entire growing season using nine trees. We calculated the internal transport of root-derived CO2 as the product of sap flow and dissolved CO2 concentration ([CO2]) in the xylem at the base of the stem and measured soil CO2 efflux using the [CO2] gradient approach. We then compared the magnitude of these two flux pathways throughout the growing season. The internal transport of root-derived CO2 was equivalent to one-third of the total belowground respiration throughout the growing season. This indicates that autotrophic respiration was substantially higher than previously estimated, and also higher than heterotrophic soil respiration. The quantity of internally transported CO2 was influenced by both seasonal and daily environmental factors that influenced sap flow rates. We observed high concentrations of CO2 in xylem sap which ranged from 1% to 20% [CO2] among and within individual trees through time. Our results provide evidence that belowground autotrophic respiration consumes a larger amount-and stem respiration consumes a smaller amount-of carbohydrates than previously realized. The magnitude of the internal pathway for root-derived CO2 flux highlights the inadequacy of using the CO2 efflux from the soil surface to the atmosphere alone to measure root respiration. We suggest the internal transport of root-derived CO2 should be measured concurrently with CO2 efflux to the atmosphere to more fully understand the components of ecosystem respiration.

Kinetics and Thermochemistry of ClCO Formation from the Cl + CO Association Reaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicovich, J. M.; Kreutter, K. D.; Wine, P. H.

1997-01-01

Laser flash photolysis of Cl2/CO/M mixtures (M = N2, CO, Ar, CO2) has been employed in conjunction with Cl((sup 2)P(sub J)) detection by time-resolved resonance fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate equilibration kinetics in the reactions Cl((sup 2)P(sub J)) + CO ClCO as a function of temperature (185-260 K) and pressure (14-200 Torr). The association and dissociation reactions are found to be in the low-pressure limit over the range of experimental conditions investigated. In N2 and/or CO buffer gases, the temperature dependences of the ClCO formation and dissociation reaction rate constants are described by the Arrhenius expressions k(sub 1) = (1.05 +/- 0.36) x 10(exp -34) exp[(810 +/- 70)/T] cm(exp 6)/molecules(exp 2).s and k(sub -1) = (4.1 +/- 3.1) x 10(exp -10) exp[(-2960 +/- 60)/T]cu cm/(molecule.s) (errors are 2 sigma). Second- and third-law analyses of the temperature dependence of the equilbrium constant (k/k-1) lead to the following thermodynamic parameters for the association reaction: Delta-H(sub 298) = -7.7 +/- 0.6 kcal/mol, Delta-H(sub 0) = -6.9 +/- 0.7 kcal/mol, Delta-S(sub 298) = -23.8 +/- 2.0 cal/mole.K, Delta-H(sub f,298)(ClCO) = 5.2 +/- 0.6 kcal/mol (errors are 2 sigma). The results repported in this study significantly reduce the uncertainties in all reported kinetic and thermodynamic parameters.

Note: A dual temperature closed loop batch reactor for determining the partitioning of trace gases within CO{sub 2}-water systems

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

Warr, Oliver, E-mail: oliver.warr@earth.ox.ac.uk; Ballentine, Christopher J.; Rochelle, Christopher A.

An experimental approach is presented which can be used to determine partitioning of trace gases within CO{sub 2}-water systems. The key advantages of this system are (1) The system can be isolated with no external exchange, making it ideal for experiments with conservative tracers. (2) Both phases can be sampled concurrently to give an accurate composition at each phase at any given time. (3) Use of a lower temperature flow loop outside of the reactor removes contamination and facilitates sampling. (4) Rapid equilibration at given pressure/temperature conditions is significantly aided by stirring and circulating the water phase using a magneticmore » stirrer and high-pressure liquid chromatography pump, respectively.« less

The Doubly Labeled Water Method for Measuring Human Energy Expenditure: Adaptations for Spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulz, Leslie O.

1991-01-01

It is essential to determine human energy requirements in space, and the doubly labeled water method has been identified as the most appropriate means of indirect calorimetry to meet this need. The method employs naturally occurring, stable isotopes of hydrogen (H-2, deuterium) and oxygen (O-18) which, after dosing, mix with body water. The deuterium is lost from the body as water while the O-18 is eliminated as both water and CO2. The difference between the two isotope elimination rates is therefore a measure of CO2 production and hence energy expenditure. Spaceflight will present a unique challenge to the application of the doubly labeled water method. Specifically, interpretation of doubly labeled water results assumes that the natural abundance or 'background' levels of the isotopes remain constant during the measurement interval. To address this issue, an equilibration model will be developed in an ongoing ground-based study. As energy requirements of women matched to counterparts in the Astronauts Corps are being determined by doubly labeled water, the baseline isotope concentration will be changed by consumption of 'simulated Shuttle water' which is artificially enriched. One group of subjects will be equilibrated on simulated Shuttle water prior to energy determinations by doubly labeled water while the others will consume simulated Shuttle water after dosing. This process will allow us to derive a prediction equation to mathematically model the effect of changing background isotope concentrations.

Magnesium isotope fractionation in co-existing clino-pyroxene and garnet: implications for geothermometry and mantle source characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakrabarti, R.; Jacobsen, S. B.; Basu, A. R.

2011-12-01

It is now well established that the Mg isotopic composition of the bulk silicate Earth, as represented by olivines, peridotites and basalts is identical to bulk meteorites and the Moon. However, small differences have been documented between co-existing olivines and clino-pyroxenes in mantle xenoliths as well as co-existing hornblendes and biotites in granitoids; spinels show some of the heaviest δ26Mg (deviation of the 26Mg/24Mg ratio from the Dead Sea Metal standard). A recent study has documented a large Mg isotopic fractionation between co-existing omphacite and garnet (Δ26MgOMP-GT = δ26MgOMP - δ26MgGT ~1.14) from eclogites in the Dabie orogen of China. This large equilibrium Mg isotope fractionation is explained by the difference in coordination number of Mg in omphacite (six) and garnet (eight). We report stable Mg isotopic compositions of co-existing garnet and clino-pyroxenes from different mantle-derived rocks. Garnet-omphacite pairs analyzed are from an eclogite xenolith from the Roberts Victor kimberlite pipe, the ultra-high pressure Tso Morari eclogite from the Ladakh Himalayas and the Healdsburg eclogite from the Franciscan Subduction Complex, which have a wide range in estimated temperatures of equilibration. Although, the latter two eclogites were exhumed in orogenic belts, our selective picking of the mineral cores for analysis avoided retrograded compositions. We have also analyzed Cr-diopside and pyrope-rich garnet pairs from several southern African kimberlite pipes. These include granular garnet peridotite xenoliths (P = 30-40 kbar, T =950-10500C) as well as the deeper sheared xenoliths (P = 50-60 kbar, T = 13500C). Rapid quenching of the kimberlite-hosted xenoliths ensures minimal low temperature pervasive alteration of these samples. Also analyzed are samples from the Gore Mt. amphibolite and a wollastonite-diopside-garnet skarn from the Adirondacks with equilibration temperatures of 700-7260C. Minerals were separated by hand-picking under a binocular microscope. Mg was quantitatively separated from other matrix elements using cation exchange chromatography. All three Mg isotopes were simultaneously measured using the IsoProbe-P MC-ICPMS at Harvard University by sample-standard bracketing. Our results from 11 garnet-clinopyroxene mineral pairs with widely varying temperatures of equilibration indicate that δ26Mg in garnet (-0.6 to -2.3) is much lower than that in co-existing clino-pyroxenes (-0.1 to -0.6 and -1.3 in the wollastonite skarn). This result is consistent with theoretical predictions as well as recent results from the Dabie orogen. Δ26Mg between clino-pyroxene and garnet ranges from 0.7 to 2.3. Our results suggest a temperature dependence of Δ26Mg between clino-pyroxene and garnet in mantle-derived rocks which can potentially be used as a geothermometer. Large Mg isotopic fractionation between co-existing garnet and clino-pyroxenes has implications for source characterization (garnet peridotite versus eclogite) of mantle-derived melts.

Effects of soil pyrene contamination on growth and phenolics in Norway spruce (Picea abies) are modified by elevated temperature and CO2.

PubMed

Zhang, Yaodan; Virjamo, Virpi; Du, Wenchao; Yin, Ying; Nissinen, Katri; Nybakken, Line; Guo, Hongyan; Julkunen-Tiitto, Riitta

2018-05-01

With the constant accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and increasing temperature and CO 2 levels, plants will inevitably be exposed to combined stress. Studies on the effects of such combined stresses are needed to develop mitigation and adaptation measures. Here, we investigated the effects of soil pyrene contamination (50 mg kg -1 ) on growth and phenolics of 1-year-old Norway spruce seedlings from five different origins in Finland at elevated temperature (+ 2 °C) and CO 2 (+ 360 ppm). Pyrene significantly decreased spruce height growth (0-48%), needle biomass (0-44%), stem biomass (0-43%), and total phenolic concentrations in needles (2-13%) and stems (1-19%) compared to control plants. Elevated temperature alone did not affect growth but led to lower concentrations of total phenolics in needles (5-29%) and stems (5-18%) in both soil treatments. By contrast, elevated CO 2 led to higher needle biomass (0-39%) in pyrene-spiked soils and higher concentrations of stem phenolics (0-18%) in pyrene-spiked and control soils compared to ambient treatments. The decrease in height growth and phenolic concentrations caused by pyrene was greater at elevated temperature, while elevated CO 2 only marginally modified the response. Seedlings from different origins showed different responses to the combined environmental stressors. The changes in growth and in the quantity and quality of phenolics in this study suggest that future climate changes will aggravate the negative influence of soil pyrene pollution on northern conifer forest ecosystems.

Pancreatic stellate cells enhance stem cell-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells

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

Hamada, Shin; Masamune, Atsushi, E-mail: amasamune@med.tohoku.ac.jp; Takikawa, Tetsuya

2012-05-04

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) promote the progression of pancreatic cancer. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pancreatic cancer cells co-cultured with PSCs showed enhanced spheroid formation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Expression of stem cell-related genes ABCG2, Nestin and LIN28 was increased. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-injection of PSCs enhanced tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells in vivo. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This study suggested a novel role of PSCs as a part of the cancer stem cell niche. -- Abstract: The interaction between pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), a major profibrogenic cell type in the pancreas, is receiving increasing attention. There is accumulating evidence that PSCs promote the progression ofmore » pancreatic cancer by increasing cancer cell proliferation and invasion as well as by protecting them from radiation- and gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. Recent studies have identified that a portion of cancer cells, called 'cancer stem cells', within the entire cancer tissue harbor highly tumorigenic and chemo-resistant phenotypes, which lead to the recurrence after surgery or re-growth of the tumor. The mechanisms that maintain the 'stemness' of these cells remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that PSCs might enhance the cancer stem cell-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells. Indirect co-culture of pancreatic cancer cells with PSCs enhanced the spheroid-forming ability of cancer cells and induced the expression of cancer stem cell-related genes ABCG2, Nestin and LIN28. In addition, co-injection of PSCs enhanced tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells in vivo. These results suggested a novel role of PSCs as a part of the cancer stem cell niche.« less

Photosynthetic refixation varies along the stem and reduces CO2 efflux in mature boreal Pinus sylvestris trees.

PubMed

Tarvainen, Lasse; Wallin, Göran; Lim, Hyungwoo; Linder, Sune; Oren, Ram; Ottosson Löfvenius, Mikaell; Räntfors, Mats; Tor-Ngern, Pantana; Marshall, John

2018-04-01

Trees are able to reduce their carbon (C) losses by refixing some of the CO2 diffusing out of their stems through corticular photosynthesis. Previous studies have shown that under ideal conditions the outflowing CO2 can be completely assimilated in metabolically active, young stem and branch tissues. Fewer studies have, however, been carried out on the older stem sections of large trees and, accordingly, the importance of refixation is still unclear under natural environmental conditions. We investigated the spatial and temporal variation in refixation in ~90-year-old boreal Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees by utilizing month-long continuous measurements of stem CO2 efflux (Ec) made at four heights along the bole. Refixation rates were found to vary considerably along the bole, leading to a 28% reduction in long-term Ec in the upper stem compared with a negligible reduction at breast height. This vertical pattern correlated with variation in light availability, bark chlorophyll content and bark type. Analysis of the vertical and diurnal patterns in Ec further suggested that the influence of sap flow on the observed daytime reduction in Ec was small. The areal rates of corticular photosynthesis were much lower than previous estimates of photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area from the same trees, implying that the impact of refixation on tree-scale C uptake was small. However, upscaling of refixation indicated that 23-27% of the potential Ec was refixed by the bole and the branches, thereby significantly reducing the woody tissue C losses. Thus, our results suggest that refixation needs to be considered when evaluating the aboveground C cycling of mature P. sylvestris stands and that breast-height estimates should not be extrapolated to the whole tree.

Inorganic Carbon Source for Photosynthesis in the Seagrass Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers.

PubMed

Abel, K M

1984-11-01

Photosynthetic carbon uptake of the tropical seagrass Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers was studied by several methods. Photosynthesis in buffered seawater in media in the range of pH 6 to pH 9 showed an exponentially increasing rate with decreasing pH, thus indicating that free CO(2) was a photosynthetic substrate. However, these experiments were unable to determine whether photosynthesis at alkaline pH also contained some component due to HCO(3) (-) uptake. This aspect was further investigated by studying photosynthetic rates in a number of media of varying pH (7.8-8.61) and total inorganic carbon (0.75-13.17 millimolar). In these media, photosynthetic rate was correlated with free CO(2) concentration and was independent of the HCO(3) (-) concentration in the medium. Short time-course experiments were conducted during equilibration of free CO(2) and HCO(3) (-) after injection of (14)C labeled solution at acid or alkaline pH. High initial photosynthetic rates were observed when acidic solutions (largely free CO(2)) were used but not with alkaline solutions. The concentration of free CO(2) was found to be a limiting factor for photosynthesis in this plant.

Inorganic carbon dynamics in the upwelling system off the Oregon coast and implications for commercial shellfish hatcheries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vance, J. M.; Hales, B. R.

2010-12-01

The increasing absorption of anthropogenic CO2 by the global ocean and concomitant decrease in pH will alter seawater carbonate chemistry in ways that may negatively impact calcifying organisms. In particular, the change in saturation state (Ω) of calcium carbonate minerals calcite and aragonite may be energetically unfavorable for shell formation while favoring shell dissolution. Eastern boundary upwelling systems may provide insights into how ecosystems respond to future conditions of ocean acidification when deep water with high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), low pH and low Ω is forced toward the surface. Mortality in commercial seed stock and reduced wild set of the oyster Crassostrea gigas in the northeast Pacific during 2005-2009 reinforced the need for understanding biological responses to acidified ocean water. In response, a long-term strategy to understand local carbonate chemistry dynamics, seasonal perturbations and the effects on development of calcifying bivalves was developed. At present, a time-series of pCO2 measurements was implemented in April 2010 in Netarts Bay, Oregon at Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery (WCH). The intake sits at a depth of 0.5-8ft and water is pumped in at 100gpm. A line taken off the intake is run continuously through a thermosalinograph at approximately 1.5gpm into a showerhead style equilibrator in which the headspace is recirculated by aerating the water for enhanced gas exchange. CO2 in equilibrated air is analyzed by NDIR. Additionally two discrete samples of intake seawater were taken across tidal cycles weekly and analyzed for total CO2 (TCO2) according to the methods of Hales et al. (2004) and pCO2 for quality control. The pCO2 in the bay exhibits a diurnal cycle representative of daytime photosynthesis and nighttime respiration. However, the phasing and profiles of these cycles are dominated by tidal mixing and are affected by the introduction of high pCO2 water during upwelling events. Diurnal pCO2 during periods of low wind stress ranges from 100-700µatm. When strong equatorward winds induce upwelling, pCO2 levels exhibit a higher daily range of 300-2000µatm. The saturation state was calculated from the pCO2/TCO2 measurements of the discrete samples. The Ω for calcite and aragonite ranged from 2.07 and 1.15 to 8.58 and 4.69 respectively from April through August. Increased pCO2 and decreased pH have been shown to negatively impact larval development in C. gigas (Kurihara, 2007). Periods of elevated pCO2 in May and June 2010 correlated with commercial losses at WCH. The use of precise pCO2 measurements in real time has proven to be a valuable tool for use in aquaculture. As a commercial practice WCH has elected to only use source water that is below empirical pCO2 thresholds for spawning and culturing larvae. This has resulted in continued production and cost saving in an industry crucial to coast economies. A continuous TCO2/pCO2 monitoring system will be integrated into this long time-series to constrain inorganic carbon providing insight into carbonate chemistry dynamics in Netarts Bay, effects of ocean acidification on bivalve development and possible water treatment approaches for commercial aquaculture.

Co-culture with Sertoli cells promotes proliferation and migration of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

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

Zhang, Fenxi, E-mail: fxzhang0824@gmail.com; Hong, Yan; Liang, Wenmei

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-culture of Sertoli cells (SCs) with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Presence of SCs dramatically increased proliferation and migration of UCMSCs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Presence of SCs stimulated expression of Mdm2, Akt, CDC2, Cyclin D, CXCR4, MAPKs. -- Abstract: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) have been recently used in transplant therapy. The proliferation and migration of MSCs are the determinants of the efficiency of MSC transplant therapy. Sertoli cells are a kind of 'nurse' cells that support the development of sperm cells. Recent studies show that Sertoli cells promote proliferation of endothelial cells and neuralmore » stem cells in co-culture. We hypothesized that co-culture of UCMSCs with Sertoli cells may also promote proliferation and migration of UCMSCs. To examine this hypothesis, we isolated UCMSCs from human cords and Sertoli cells from mouse testes, and co-cultured them using a Transwell system. We found that UCMSCs exhibited strong proliferation ability and potential to differentiate to other cell lineages such as osteocytes and adipocytes. The presence of Sertoli cells in co-culture significantly enhanced the proliferation and migration potential of UCMSCs (P < 0.01). Moreover, these phenotypic changes were accompanied with upregulation of multiple genes involved in cell proliferation and migration including phospho-Akt, Mdm2, phospho-CDC2, Cyclin D1, Cyclin D3 as well as CXCR4, phospho-p44 MAPK and phospho-p38 MAPK. These findings indicate that Sertoli cells boost UCMSC proliferation and migration potential.« less

Stable Isotope Measurements of Martian Atmospheric CO2 at the Phoenix Landing Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niles, Paul B.; Boynton, William V.; Hoffman, John H.; Ming, Douglas W.; Hamara, Dave

2010-09-01

Carbon dioxide is a primary component of the martian atmosphere and reacts readily with water and silicate rocks. Thus, the stable isotopic composition of CO2 can reveal much about the history of volatiles on the planet. The Mars Phoenix spacecraft measurements of carbon isotopes [referenced to the Vienna Pee Dee belemnite (VPDB)] [δ13CVPDB = -2.5 ± 4.3 per mil (‰)] and oxygen isotopes [referenced to the Vienna standard mean ocean water (VSMOW)] (δ18OVSMOW = 31.0 ± 5.7‰), reported here, indicate that CO2 is heavily influenced by modern volcanic degassing and equilibration with liquid water. When combined with data from the martian meteorites, a general model can be constructed that constrains the history of water, volcanism, atmospheric evolution, and weathering on Mars. This suggests that low-temperature water-rock interaction has been dominant throughout martian history, carbonate formation is active and ongoing, and recent volcanic degassing has played a substantial role in the composition of the modern atmosphere.

A Janus cobalt-based catalytic material for electro-splitting of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cobo, Saioa; Heidkamp, Jonathan; Jacques, Pierre-André; Fize, Jennifer; Fourmond, Vincent; Guetaz, Laure; Jousselme, Bruno; Ivanova, Valentina; Dau, Holger; Palacin, Serge; Fontecave, Marc; Artero, Vincent

2012-09-01

The future of energy supply depends on innovative breakthroughs regarding the design of cheap, sustainable and efficient systems for the conversion and storage of renewable energy sources. The production of hydrogen through water splitting seems a promising and appealing solution. We found that a robust nanoparticulate electrocatalytic material, H2-CoCat, can be electrochemically prepared from cobalt salts in a phosphate buffer. This material consists of metallic cobalt coated with a cobalt-oxo/hydroxo-phosphate layer in contact with the electrolyte and mediates H2 evolution from neutral aqueous buffer at modest overpotentials. Remarkably, it can be converted on anodic equilibration into the previously described amorphous cobalt oxide film (O2-CoCat or CoPi) catalysing O2 evolution. The switch between the two catalytic forms is fully reversible and corresponds to a local interconversion between two morphologies and compositions at the surface of the electrode. After deposition, the noble-metal-free coating thus functions as a robust, bifunctional and switchable catalyst.

Study of Chromium Oxide Activities in EAF Slags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Baijun; Li, Fan; Wang, Hui; Sichen, Du

2016-02-01

The activity coefficients of chromium in Cu-Cr melts were determined by equilibrating liquid copper with solid Cr2O3 in CO-CO2 atmosphere. The temperature dependence of the activity coefficients of chromium in Cu-Cr melts could be expressed as lg γ_{Cr}(s)^{0} = { 3 2 5 9( ± 1 8 6} )/T - 0. 5 9( { ± 0. 1} ). Based on the above results, the activities of bivalent and trivalent chromium oxide in some slags at 1873 K (1600 °C) were measured. The slags were equilibrated with Cu-Cr melts under two oxygen partial pressures ( {p_{O}_{ 2} }} } = 6.9 × 10-4 and 1.8 × 10-6 Pa, respectively). The morphology of the quenched slags and the solubility of chromium oxide in the melts were investigated by EPMA, SEM, and XRD. Under both oxygen partial pressures, the slags were saturated by the solid solution MgAl2- x Cr x O4- δ . At the low oxygen partial pressure (1.8 × 10-6 Pa), the content of Cr in the liquid phase varied from 0.4 to 1.6 mass pct with the total Cr content in the slags increasing from 1.3 to 10.8 mass pct. At the high oxygen partial pressure (6.9 × 10-4 Pa), the content of Cr in the liquid phase decreased to the level of 0.2 to 0.6 mass pct. Both the activities of CrO and Cr2O3 in slag were found to increase approximately linearly with the increase of the total Cr content in slag. While the oxygen partial pressure had minor effect on the activity of Cr2O3 in the slag, it had significant effect on the activity of CrO.

Experimentally determined subsolidus metal-olivine element partitioning with applications to pallasites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donohue, Patrick H.; Hill, Eddy; Huss, Gary R.

2018-02-01

Pallasite meteorites, which consist primarily of olivine and metal, may be remnants of disrupted core-mantle boundaries of differentiated asteroids or planetesimals. The early thermal histories of pallasites are potentially recorded by minor- and trace-element zonation in olivine. However, constraining this history requires knowledge of element behavior under the conditions of pallasite formation, which is lacking for many of the main elements of interest (e.g., Co, Cr, Mn). In this study, we experimentally determined metal/olivine partition coefficients for Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, and Mn in a pallasite analogue at subsolidus temperatures. Metal/olivine partition coefficients (KM) increase in the order KMn < KCr < 1 < KFe < KCo < KNi, with five orders of magnitude separating KMn from KNi. Transition metals also become more siderophile with increasing experimental temperature (900-1550 °C). The experiments incidentally produced diffusion profiles in olivine for these elements; our results suggest they diffuse through olivine at similar rates. Core compositions of pallasite olivines are consistent with high-temperature equilibration with FeNi-metal. Olivine zonation toward crystal rims varies significantly for the investigated transition metals. We suggest rim zonation results from partial re-equilibration during late stage crystallization of minor phases (e.g., chromite, phosphates). This re-equilibration occurred over short timescales relative to overall pallasite cooling, likely tied to initial cooling rates on the order of 100-300 °C/Myr.

Does Surface Topography Play a Role in Taper Damage in Head-neck Modular Junctions?

PubMed

Pourzal, Robin; Hall, Deborah J; Ha, Nguyen Q; Urban, Robert M; Levine, Brett R; Jacobs, Joshua J; Lundberg, Hannah J

2016-10-01

There are increasing reports of total hip arthroplasty failure subsequent to modular taper junction corrosion. The surfaces of tapers are machined to have circumferential machining marks, resulting in a surface topography of alternating peaks and valleys on the scale of micrometers. It is unclear if the geometry of this machined surface topography influences the degree of fretting and corrosion damage present on modular taper junctions or if there are differences between modular taper junction material couples. (1) What are the differences in damage score and surface topography between CoCr/CoCr and CoCr/Ti modular junctions? (2) How are initial surface topography, flexural rigidity, taper angle mismatch, and time in situ related to visual taper damage scores for CoCr/CoCr couples? (3) How are initial surface topography, flexural rigidity, taper angle mismatch, and time in situ related to visual taper damage scores for CoCr/Ti couples? Damage on stem and head tapers was evaluated with a modified Goldberg score. Differences in damage scores were determined between a group of 140 CoCr/CoCr couples and 129 CoCr/Ti couples using a chi-square test. For a subgroup of 70 retrievals, selected at random, we measured five variables, including initial stem taper machining mark height and spacing, initial head taper roughness, flexural rigidity, and taper angle mismatch. All retrievals were obtained at revision surgeries. None were retrieved as a result of metal-on-metal failures or were recalled implants. Components were chosen so there was a comparable number of each material couple and damage score. Machining marks around the circumference of the tapers were measured using white light interferometry to characterize the initial stem taper surface topography in terms of the height of and spacing between machining mark peaks as well as initial head taper roughness. The taper angle mismatch was assessed with a coordinate measuring machine. Flexural rigidity was determined based on measurements of gross taper dimensions and material properties. Differences of median or mean values of all variables between material couples were determined (Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and t-tests). The effect of all five variables along with time in situ on stem and head taper damage scores was tested with a multiple regression model. With 70 retrievals, a statistical power of 0.8 could be achieved for the model. Damage scores were different between CoCr/CoCr and CoCr/Ti modular taper junction material couples. CoCr/CoCr stem tapers were less likely to be mildly damaged (11%, p = 0.006) but more likely to be severely damaged (4%, p = 0.02) than CoCr/Ti stem tapers (28% and 1%, respectively). CoCr/CoCr couples were less likely to have moderately worn head tapers (7% versus 17%, p = 0.003). Stem taper machining mark height and spacing and head taper roughness were 11 (SD 3), 185 (SD 46), and 0.57 (SD 0.5) for CoCr/CoCr couples and 10 (SD 3), 170 (SD 56), and 0.64 (SD 0.4) for CoCr/Ti couples, respectively. There was no difference (p = 0.09, p = 0.1, p = 0.16, respectively) for either factor between material couples. Larger stem taper machining mark heights (p = 0.001) were associated with lower stem taper damage scores, and time in situ (p = 0.006) was associated with higher stem taper damage scores for CoCr/CoCr material couples. Stem taper machining marks that had higher peaks resulted in slower damage progression over time. For CoCr/Ti material couples, head taper roughness was associated with higher stem (p = 0.001) and head taper (p = 0.003) damage scores, and stem taper machining mark height, but not time in situ, was associated with lower stem taper damage scores (p = 0.007). Stem taper surface topography was related to damage scores on retrieved head-neck modular junctions; however, it affected CoCr/CoCr and CoCr/Ti couples differently. A taper topography of circumferential machining marks with higher peaks appears to enable slower damage progression and, subsequently, a reduction of the reported release of corrosion products. This may be of interest to implant designers and manufacturers in an effort to reduce the effects of metal release from modular femoral components.

Formation, isomerization, and derivatization of Keggin tungstoaluminates.

PubMed

Cowan, J J; Bailey, A J; Heintz, R A; Do, B T; Hardcastle, K I; Hill, C L; Weinstock, I A

2001-12-17

Trends in the stability of alpha- and beta-Keggin heteropolytungstates of the second-row main-group heteroatoms Al(III), Si(IV), and P(V) are elaborated by data that establish the roles of kinetic and thermodynamic control in the formation and isomerization of Keggin tungstoaluminates. Slow, room-temperature co-condensation of Al(III) and W(VI) (2:11 molar ratio) in water gives a pH 7 solution containing beta(1) and beta(2) isomers of [Al(AlOH(2))W(11)O(39)](6)(-) (beta(1)- and beta(2)-1). Partial equilibration of this kinetic product mixture by gentle heating (2 h at 100 degrees C) or, alternatively, co-condensation of Al(III) and W(VI) for 2.5 h at 100 degrees C both give mixtures of beta(2)-, beta(3)-, and alpha-1. Full equilibration, by prolonged heating (25 days at 100 degrees C), gives an isomerically pure solution of alpha-1, thus demonstrating that isomerization occurs in the direction beta(1) --> beta(2) --> beta(3) --> alpha. Furthermore, kinetically controlled conversions of 1 to H(5)[AlW(12)O(40)] (2)-achieved by heating pH 0-0.2 solutions of 1 for 5 days at 100 degrees C-occur with retention of isomeric integrity, such that alpha-1 is converted to alpha-2 (92%; 8% beta), while mixtures of beta(2)- and beta(3)-1 are converted to beta-2 (87%; 13% alpha). These data, when combined with previously reported observations (equilibria between alpha- and beta-2, kinetically controlled hydrolyses of alpha-2 to alpha-[AlW(11)O(39)](9)(-) (alpha-3) and of beta-2 to beta(2)-3, and equilibria between beta(3)- and alpha-3), provide a comprehensive picture regarding the roles of kinetic and thermodynamic control. Finally, a general method for preparation of the isomerically pure derivatives alpha-K(9)(-)(n)()[AlM(n)()(+)W(11)O(39)] (4), M(n)()(+) = Al(III), [V(IV)O](2+), [V(V)O](3+), Mn(II), Mn(III), Mn(IV), Co(II), and Co(III), is provided. The presence of Mn(IV) is confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, pK(a) values of the aquo ligands on 4 are determined by pH titration, and the isomeric structure of these derivatives is established by (27)Al, (51)V, and (183)W NMR and IR spectroscopies and X-ray crystallography.

Kinetically Relevant Steps and H2/D2 Isotope Effects in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis on Fe and Co Catalysts

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

Ojeda, Manuel; Li, Anwu; Nabar, Rahul P.

2010-11-25

H2/D2 isotope effects on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) rate and selectivity are examined here by combining measured values on Fe and Co at conditions leading to high C5+ yields with theoretical estimates on model Fe(110) and Co(0001) surfaces with high coverages of chemisorbed CO (CO*). Inverse isotope effects (rH/rD < 1) are observed on Co and Fe catalysts as a result of compensating thermodynamic (H2 dissociation to H*; H* addition to CO* species to form HCO*) and kinetic (H* reaction with HCO*) isotope effects. These isotopic effects and their rigorous mechanistic interpretation confirm the prevalence of H-assisted CO dissociation routes onmore » both Fe and Co catalysts, instead of unassisted pathways that would lead to similar rates with H2 and D2 reactants. The small contributions from unassisted pathways to CO conversion rates on Fe are indeed independent of the dihydrogen isotope, as is also the case for the rates of primary reactions that form CO2 as the sole oxygen rejection route in unassisted CO dissociation paths. Isotopic effects on the selectivity to C5+ and CH4 products are small, and D2 leads to a more paraffinic product than does H2, apparently because it leads to preference for chain termination via hydrogen addition over abstraction. These results are consistent with FTS pathways limited by H-assisted CO dissociation on both Fe and Co and illustrate the importance of thermodynamic contributions to inverse isotope effects for reactions involving quasi-equilibrated H2 dissociation and the subsequent addition of H* in hydrogenation catalysis, as illustrated here by theory and experiment for the specific case of CO hydrogenation.« less

Fusion-independent expression of functional ACh receptors in mouse mesoangioblast stem cells contacting muscle cells

PubMed Central

Grassi, Francesca; Pagani, Francesca; Spinelli, Gabriele; Angelis, Luciana De; Cossu, Giulio; Eusebi, Fabrizio

2004-01-01

Mesoangioblasts are vessel-associated fetal stem cells that can be induced to differentiate into skeletal muscle, both in vitro and in vivo. Whether this is due to fusion or to transdifferentiation into bona fide satellite cells is still an open question, for mesoangioblasts as well as for other types of stem cells. The early steps of satellite cell myogenic differentiation involve MyoD activation, membrane hyperpolarization and the appearance of ACh sensitivity and gap junctional communication. If mesoangioblasts differentiate into satellite cells, these characteristics should be observed in stem cells prior to fusion into multinucleated myotubes. We have investigated the functional properties acquired by mononucleated green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive mesoangioblasts co-cultured with differentiating C2C12 myogenic cells, using the patch-clamp technique. Mesoangioblasts whose membrane contacted myogenic cells developed a hyperpolarized membrane resting potential and ACh-evoked current responses. Dye and electrical coupling was observed among mesoangioblasts but not between mesoangioblasts and myotubes. Mouse MyoD was detected by RT-PCR both in single, mononucleated mesoangioblasts co-cultured with C2C12 myotubes and in the total mRNA from mouse mesoangioblasts co-cultured with human myotubes, but not in human myotubes or stem cells cultured in isolation. In conclusion, when co-cultured with muscle cells, mesoangioblasts acquire many of the functional characteristics of differentiating satellite cells in the absence of cell fusion, strongly indicating that these stem cells undergo transdifferentiation into satellite cells, when exposed to a myogenic environment. PMID:15319417

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) induce ex vivo proliferation and erythroid commitment of cord blood haematopoietic stem cells (CB-CD34+ cells)

PubMed Central

Perucca, Simone; Di Palma, Andrea; Piccaluga, Pier Paolo; Gemelli, Claudia; Zoratti, Elisa; Bassi, Giulio; Giacopuzzi, Edoardo; Lojacono, Andrea; Borsani, Giuseppe; Tagliafico, Enrico; Scupoli, Maria Teresa; Bernardi, Simona; Zanaglio, Camilla; Cattina, Federica; Cancelli, Valeria; Malagola, Michele; Krampera, Mauro; Marini, Mirella; Almici, Camillo; Ferrari, Sergio; Russo, Domenico

2017-01-01

A human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs) and cord blood-derived CD34+ stem cell co-culture system was set up in order to evaluate the proliferative and differentiative effects induced by MSCs on CD34+ stem cells, and the reciprocal influences on gene expression profiles. After 10 days of co-culture, non-adherent (SN-fraction) and adherent (AD-fraction) CD34+ stem cells were collected and analysed separately. In the presence of MSCs, a significant increase in CD34+ cell number was observed (fold increase = 14.68), mostly in the SN-fraction (fold increase = 13.20). This was combined with a significant increase in CD34+ cell differentiation towards the BFU-E colonies and with a decrease in the CFU-GM. These observations were confirmed by microarray analysis. Through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we noted a significant enrichment in genes involved in heme metabolism (e.g. LAMP2, CLCN3, BMP2K), mitotic spindle formation and proliferation (e.g. PALLD, SOS1, CCNA1) and TGF-beta signalling (e.g. ID1) and a down-modulation of genes participating in myeloid and lymphoid differentiation (e.g. PCGF2) in the co-cultured CD34+ stem cells. On the other hand, a significant enrichment in genes involved in oxygen-level response (e.g. TNFAIP3, SLC2A3, KLF6) and angiogenesis (e.g. VEGFA, IGF1, ID1) was found in the co-cultured MSCs. Taken together, our results suggest that MSCs can exert a priming effect on CD34+ stem cells, regulating their proliferation and erythroid differentiation. In turn, CD34+ stem cells seem to be able to polarise the BM-niche towards the vascular compartment by modulating molecular pathways related to hypoxia and angiogenesis. PMID:28231331

Investigation of preparation techniques for δ2H analysis of keratin materials and a proposed analytical protocol

USGS Publications Warehouse

Qi, H.; Coplen, T.B.

2011-01-01

Accurate hydrogen isotopic measurements of keratin materials have been a challenge due to exchangeable hydrogen in the sample matrix and the paucity of appropriate isotopic reference materials for calibration. We found that the most reproducible δ2HVSMOW-SLAP and mole fraction of exchangeable hydrogen, x(H)ex, of keratin materials were measured with equilibration at ambient temperature using two desiccators and two different equilibration waters with two sets of the keratin materials for 6 days. Following equilibration, drying the keratin materials in a vacuum oven for 4 days at 60 °C was most critical. The δ2H analysis protocol also includes interspersing isotopic reference waters in silver tubes among samples in the carousel of a thermal conversion elemental analyzer (TC/EA) reduction unit. Using this analytical protocol, δ2HVSMOW-SLAP values of the non-exchangeable fractions of USGS42 and USGS43 human-hair isotopic reference materials were determined to be –78.5 ± 2.3 ‰ and –50.3 ± 2.8 ‰, respectively. The measured x(H)ex values of keratin materials analyzed with steam equilibration and N2 drying were substantially higher than those previously published, and dry N2 purging was unable to remove absorbed moisture completely, even with overnight purging. The δ2H values of keratin materials measured with steam equilibration were about 10 ‰ lower than values determined with equilibration in desiccators at ambient temperatures when on-line evacuation was used to dry samples. With steam equilibrations the x(H)ex of commercial keratin powder was as high as 28 %. Using human-hair isotopic reference materials to calibrate other keratin materials, such as hoof or horn, can introduce bias in δ2H measurements because the amount of absorbed water and the x(H)ex values may differ from those of unknown samples. Correct δ2HVSMOW-SLAP values of the non-exchangeable fractions of unknown human-hair samples can be determined with atmospheric moisture equilibration by normalizing with USGS42 and USGS43 human-hair reference materials when all materials have the same powder size.

Isotope hydrology of voluminous cold springs in fractured rock from an active volcanic region, northeastern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roses, Timothy P.; Lee Davisson, M.; Criss, Robert E.

1996-05-01

The more than 1550 km2 (600 mi2) Hat Creek Basin in northeastern California is host to several first magnitude cold springs that emanate from Quaternary basaltic rocks with individual discharge rates ranging from 1.7 to 8.5 m3 s-1 (60-300 ft3 s-1). Stable isotope (δ18O, δD, δ13C) and 14C measurements of surface and groundwater samples were used to identify recharge areas, and to evaluate aquifer residence times and flow paths. Recharge locations were constrained from the regional decrement in meteoric water δ18O values as a function of elevation, determined to be -0.23‰ per 100 m for small springs and creek waters collected along the western Cascade slope of this region. In general, the large-volume springs are lower in (δ18O than surrounding meteoric waters, and are inferred to originate in high-elevation, high-precipitation regions up to 50 km away from their discharge points. Large spring 14C abundances range from 99 to 41 % modern carbon (pmc), and most show evidence of interaction with three distinct carbon isotope reservoirs. These reservoirs are tentatively identified as (1) soil CO2 gas equilibrated under open system conditions with groundwater in the recharge zone [δ13CDIC ≈ -18‰, 14C > 100 pmc], (2) dissolved carbon equilibrated with atmospheric CO2 gas [δ13CDIC ≈ +1‰, 14C > 100 pmc], and (3) dissolved carbon derived from volcanic CO2 gas emissions [δ13CDIC≈0‰, 14C=0 pmc]. Many regional waters show a decrease in 14C abundance with increasing δ13C values, a pattern indicative of interaction with dead carbon originating from volcanic CO2 gas. Several lines of evidence suggest that actual groundwater residence times are too short (⩽ 200 years) to apply radiocarbon dating corrections. In particular, water temperatures measured at springs show that deep groundwater circulation does not occur, which implies an insufficient aquifer volume to account for both the high discharge rates and long residence times suggested by 14C apparent ages. The large springs also exhibit rapid decreases in flow during periods of drought that suggests a high level of aquifer interconnectivity to the recharge area. The estimated amount of volcanic CO2 dissolved in surface and groundwater originating from the Lassen highlands is consistent with the conversion of approximately 10% of the geothermal CO2 flux into dissolved inorganic carbon.

Effect of surface site interactions on potentiometric titration of hematite (α-Fe2O3) crystal faces.

PubMed

Chatman, Shawn; Zarzycki, P; Preočanin, T; Rosso, K M

2013-02-01

Time dependent potentiometric pH titrations were used to study the effect of atomic scale surface structure on the protonation behavior of the structurally well-defined hematite/electrolyte interfaces. Our recently proposed thermodynamic model [1,25] was applied to measured acidimetric and alkalimetric titration hysteresis loops, collected from highly organized (001), (012), and (113) crystal face terminations using pH equilibration times ranging from 15 to 30 min. Hysteresis loop areas indicate that (001) faces equilibrate faster than the (012) and (113) faces, consistent with the different expected ensembles of singly-, doubly-, and triply-coordinated surface sites on each face. Strongly non-linear hysteretic pH-potential relationships were found, with slopes exceeding Nernstian, collectively indicating that protonation and deprotonation is much more complex than embodied in present day surface complexation models. The asymmetrical shape of the acidimetric and alkalimetric titration branches were used to illustrate a proposed steric "leaky screen" repulsion/trapping interaction mechanism that stems from high affinity singly-coordinated sites electrostatically and sterically screening lower affinity doubly- and triply-coordinated sites. Our data indicate that site interaction is the dominant phenomenon defining surface potential accumulation behavior on single crystal faces of metal oxide minerals. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electron storage in single wall carbon nanotubes. Fermi level equilibration in semiconductor-SWCNT suspensions.

PubMed

Kongkanand, Anusorn; Kamat, Prashant V

2007-08-01

The use of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as conduits for transporting electrons in a photoelectrochemical solar cell and electronic devices requires better understanding of their electron-accepting properties. When in contact with photoirradiated TiO(2) nanoparticles, SWCNTs accept and store electrons. The Fermi level equilibration with photoirradiated TiO(2) particles indicates storage of up to 1 electron per 32 carbon atoms in the SWCNT. The stored electrons are readily discharged on demand upon addition of electron acceptors such as thiazine and oxazine dyes (reduction potential less negative than that of the SWCNT conduction band) to the TiO(2)-SWCNT suspension. The stepwise electron transfer from photoirradiated TiO(2) nanoparticles --> SWCNT --> redox couple has enabled us to probe the electron equilibration process and determine the apparent Fermi level of the TiO(2)-SWCNT system. A positive shift in apparent Fermi level (20-30 mV) indicates the ability of SWCNTs to undergo charge equilibration with photoirradiated TiO(2) particles. The dependence of discharge capacity on the reduction potential of the dye redox couple is compared for TiO(2) and TiO(2)-SWCNT systems under equilibration conditions.

New tool for getting data on the field for paleoclimate and paleoceanography data based on isotope 13C and 18O measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandic, M.; Stöbener, N.; Smajgl, D.

2017-12-01

For many decades different instrumental methods involving generations of the isotope ratio mass spectrometers with different periphery units for sample preparation, have provided scientifically required high precision, and high throughput of samples for varies application - from geological and hydrological to food and forensic. With this work we introduce automated measurement of δ13C and δ18O from solid carbonate samples, DIC and δ18O of water. We have demonstrated usage of a Thermo Scientific™ Delta Ray™ IRIS with URI Connect on certified reference materials and confirmed the high achievable accuracy and a precision better then <0.1‰ for both δ13C and δ18O, in the laboratory or the field with same precision and throughput of samples. With equilibration method for determination of δ18O in water samples, which we present in this work, achieved repeatability and accuracy are 0.12‰ and 0.68‰ respectively, which fulfill requirements of regulatory methods. The preparation of the samples for carbonate and DIC analysis on the Delta Ray IRIS with URI Connect is similar to the previously mentioned Gas Bench II methods. Samples are put into vials and phosphoric acid is added. The resulting sample-acid chemical reaction releases CO2 gas, which is then introduced into the Delta Ray IRIS via the Variable Volume. Three international standards of carbonate materials (NBS-18, NBS-19 and IAEA-CO-1) were analyzed. NBS-18 and NBS-19 were used as standards for calibration, and IAEA-CO-1 was treated as unknown. For water sample analysis equilibration method with 1% of CO2 in dry air was used. Test measurements and conformation of precision and accuracy of method determination δ18O in water samples were done with three lab standards, namely ANST, OCEAN 2 and HBW. All laboratory standards were previously calibrated with international reference material VSMOW2 and SLAP2 to assure accuracy of the isotopic values. The Principle of Identical Treatment was applied in sample and standard preparation, in measurement procedure, as well as in the evaluation of the results.

Myogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from porcine adipose tissue.

PubMed

Milner, Derek J; Bionaz, Massimo; Monaco, Elisa; Cameron, Jo Ann; Wheeler, Matthew B

2018-06-01

Advances in stem cell biology and materials science have provided a basis for developing tissue engineering methods to repair muscle injury. Among stem cell populations with potential to aid muscle repair, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) hold great promise. To evaluate the possibility of using porcine ASC for muscle regeneration studies, we co-cultured porcine ASC with murine C 2 C 12 myoblasts. These experiments demonstrated that porcine ASC display significant myogenic potential. Co-culture of ASC expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) with C 2 C 12 cells resulted in GFP + myotube formation, indicating fusion of ASC with myoblasts to form myotubes. The presence of porcine lamin A/C positive nuclei in myotubes and RTqPCR analysis of porcine myogenin and desmin expression confirmed that myotube nuclei derived from ASC contribute to muscle gene expression. Co-culturing GFP + ASC with porcine satellite cells demonstrated enhanced myogenic capability of ASC, as the percentage of labeled myotubes increased compared to mouse co-cultures. Enhancing myogenic potential of ASC through soluble factor treatment or expansion of ASC with innate myogenic capacity should allow for their therapeutic use to regenerate muscle tissue lost to disease or injury.

Chemical and isotopic equilibrium between CO 2 and CH 4 in fumarolic gas discharges: Generation of CH 4 in arc magmatic-hydrothermal systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiebig, Jens; Chiodini, Giovanni; Caliro, Stefano; Rizzo, Andrea; Spangenberg, Jorge; Hunziker, Johannes C.

2004-05-01

The chemical and isotopic composition of fumarolic gases emitted from Nisyros Volcano, Greece, and of a single gas sample from Vesuvio, Italy, was investigated in order to determine the origin of methane (CH 4) within two subduction-related magmatic-hydrothermal environments. Apparent temperatures derived from carbon isotope partitioning between CH 4 and CO 2 of around 340°C for Nisyros and 470°C for Vesuvio correlate well with aquifer temperatures as measured directly and/or inferred from compositional data using the H 2O-H 2-CO 2-CO-CH 4 geothermometer. Thermodynamic modeling reveals chemical equilibrium between CH 4, CO 2 and H 2O implying that carbon isotope partitioning between CO 2 and CH 4 in both systems is controlled by aquifer temperature. N 2/ 3He and CH 4/ 3He ratios of Nisyros fumarolic gases are unusually low for subduction zone gases and correspond to those of midoceanic ridge environments. Accordingly, CH 4 may have been primarily generated through the reduction of CO 2 by H 2 in the absence of any organic matter following a Fischer-Tropsch-type reaction. However, primary occurrence of minor amounts of thermogenic CH 4 and subsequent re-equilibration with co-existing CO 2 cannot be ruled out entirely. CO 2/ 3He ratios and δ 13C CO 2 values imply that the evolved CO 2 either derives from a metasomatized mantle or is a mixture between two components, one outgassing from an unaltered mantle and the other released by thermal breakdown of marine carbonates. The latter may contain traces of organic matter possibly decomposing to CH 4 during thermometamorphism.

First-principles analysis of phase stability in layered-layered composite cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iddir, Hakim; Benedek, Roy; Voltage Fade Team

2014-03-01

The atomic order in layered-layered composites with composition xLi2MnO3 .(1-x)LiCoO2 is investigated with first-principles calculations at the GGA +U level. This material, and others in its class, are often regarded as solid solutions, however, only a minute solubility of Li2MnO3 in a LiCoO2 host is predicted. Calculations of Co-vacancy formation and migration energies in LiCoO2 are presented, to elucidate the rate of vacancy-mediated ordering in the transition-metal-layer, and thus determine whether low vacancy mobility could result in slow equilibration. The Co-vacancy formation energy can be predicted only to within a range, because of uncertainty in the chemical potentials. Predicted migration energies, however, are approximately 1 eV, small enough to be consistent with rapid ordering in the transition metal layer, and therefore separated Li2MnO3 and LiCoO2 phases. The relatively small (of the order of a few nm) Li2MnO3 domain sizes observed with TEM in some xLi2MnO3 .(1-x)LiMO2 composites may result from other factors, such as coherency strain, which perhaps block further domain coarsening in these materials. Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.

Field and Laboratory Measurements of Carbon Dioxide Mixing Ratios in Air Using the LI-COR LI-7000 CO2/H2O Analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, P. C.; Lerner, B. M.; Williams, E. J.

2003-12-01

Air measurements of CO2 were made with a LI-COR LI-7000 CO2/H2O analyzer on the NOAA ship Ronald H. Brown during the New England Air Quality Study (NEAQS 2002) field campaign. This instrument is an improved version of the older model LI-6262 CO2/H2O analyzer, which uses a non-dispersive IR radiation absorption technique. During NEAQS, we operated the LI-7000 without temperature regulation, using a simple 2-point calibration scheme. An intercomparison between our measurements of atmospheric CO2 mixing ratios and those measured by a more sophisticated method, using temperature-regulation and a multipoint calibration with a LI-6252 CO2 analyzer (operated by AOML) shows generally good results ([CO2]AL = [CO2]AOML x 1.015 (0.010) - 5.7 (3.8) ppmv; R2 = 0.9889) in highly variable air masses. During subsequent laboratory studies, we evaluated the instrument for the manufacturer's claims of improvement in signal noise, sample gas temperature equilibration and zero drift with temperature. Further work examined the instrument's susceptibility to rapid temperature changes, which has been previously demonstrated to introduce error of several ppmv ° C-1 in the LI-6252. A change in the LI-7000 optical bench temperature of 12 ° C in 1 hour caused a sampling error of ˜3 ppmv CO2. Therefore, our lab investigations indicate that the LI-7000 would benefit from a temperature-controlled enclosure, as is used by the AOML group.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors modify intracellular pH transients and contractions of rat middle cerebral arteries during CO2/HCO3- fluctuations.

PubMed

Rasmussen, Jacob K; Boedtkjer, Ebbe

2018-03-01

The CO 2 /HCO 3 - buffer minimizes pH changes in response to acid-base loads, HCO 3 - provides substrate for Na + ,HCO 3 - -cotransporters and Cl - /HCO 3 - -exchangers, and H + and HCO 3 - modify vasomotor responses during acid-base disturbances. We show here that rat middle cerebral arteries express cytosolic, mitochondrial, extracellular, and secreted carbonic anhydrase isoforms that catalyze equilibration of the CO 2 /HCO 3 - buffer. Switching from CO 2 /HCO 3 - -free to CO 2 /HCO 3 - -containing extracellular solution results in initial intracellular acidification due to hydration of CO 2 followed by gradual alkalinization due to cellular HCO 3 - uptake. Carbonic anhydrase inhibition decelerates the initial acidification and attenuates the associated transient vasoconstriction without affecting intracellular pH or artery tone at steady-state. Na + ,HCO 3 - -cotransport and Na + /H + -exchange activity after NH 4 + -prepulse-induced intracellular acidification are unaffected by carbonic anhydrase inhibition. Extracellular surface pH transients induced by transmembrane NH 3 flux are evident under CO 2 /HCO 3 - -free conditions but absent when the buffer capacity and apparent H + mobility increase in the presence of CO 2 /HCO 3 - even after the inhibition of carbonic anhydrases. We conclude that (a) intracellular carbonic anhydrase activity accentuates pH transients and vasoconstriction in response to acute elevations of pCO 2 , (b) CO 2 /HCO 3 - minimizes extracellular surface pH transients without requiring carbonic anhydrase activity, and (c) carbonic anhydrases are not rate limiting for acid-base transport across cell membranes during recovery from intracellular acidification.

Continuous pCO2 time series from Ocean Networks Canada cabled observatories at the northeast Pacific shelf edge and in the sub-tidal Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juniper, S. Kim; Sastri, Akash; Mihaly, Steven; Duke, Patrick; Else, Brent; Thomas, Helmuth; Miller, Lisa

2017-04-01

Marine pCO2 sensor technology has progressed to the point where months-long time series from remotely-deployed pCO2 sensors can be used to document seasonal and higher frequency variability in pCO2 and its relationship to oceanographic processes. Ocean Networks Canada recently deployed pCO2 sensors on two cabled platforms: a bottom-moored (400 m depth), vertical profiler at the edge of the northeast Pacific continental shelf off Vancouver Island, Canada, and a subtidal seafloor platform in the Canadian High Arctic (69˚ N) at Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Both platforms streamed continuous data to a shore-based archive from Pro-Oceanus pCO2 sensors and other oceanographic instruments. The vertical profiler time series revealed substantial intrusions of corrosive (high CO2/low O2), saltier, colder water masses during the summertime upwelling season and during winter-time reversals of along-slope currents. Step-wise profiles during the downcast provided the most reliable pCO2 data, permitting the sensor to equilibrate to the broad range of pCO2 concentrations encountered over the 400 metre depth interval. The Arctic pCO2 sensor was deployed in August 2015. Reversing seasonal trends in pCO2 and dissolved oxygen values can be related to the changing balance of photosynthesis and respiration under sea ice, as influenced by irradiance. Correlation of pCO2 and dissolved oxygen sensor data and the collection of calibration samples have permitted evaluation of sensor performance in relation to operational conditions encountered in vertical profiling and lengthy exposure to subzero seawater.

Identification of Regulatory Factors for Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Salivary Epithelial Cells in a Co-Culture System

PubMed Central

Park, Yun-Jong; Koh, Jin; Gauna, Adrienne E.; Chen, Sixue; Cha, Seunghee

2014-01-01

Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome or head and neck cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy suffer from severe dry mouth (xerostomia) due to salivary exocrine cell death. Regeneration of the salivary glands requires a better understanding of regulatory mechanisms by which stem cells differentiate into exocrine cells. In our study, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured with primary salivary epithelial cells from C57BL/6 mice. Co-cultured bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells clearly resembled salivary epithelial cells, as confirmed by strong expression of salivary gland epithelial cell-specific markers, such as alpha-amylase, muscarinic type 3 receptor, aquaporin-5, and cytokeratin 19. To identify regulatory factors involved in this differentiation, transdifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells were analyzed temporarily by two-dimensional-gel-electrophoresis, which detected 58 protein spots (>1.5 fold change, p<0.05) that were further categorized into 12 temporal expression patterns. Of those proteins only induced in differentiated mesenchymal stem cells, ankryin-repeat-domain-containing-protein 56, high-mobility-group-protein 20B, and transcription factor E2a were selected as putative regulatory factors for mesenchymal stem cell transdifferentiation based on putative roles in salivary gland development. Induction of these molecules was confirmed by RT-PCR and western blotting on separate sets of co-cultured mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, our study is the first to identify differentially expressed proteins that are implicated in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into salivary gland epithelial cells. Further investigation to elucidate regulatory roles of these three transcription factors in mesenchymal stem cell reprogramming will provide a critical foundation for a novel cell-based regenerative therapy for patients with xerostomia. PMID:25402494

Optimal recovery of regional carbon dioxide surface fluxes by data assimilation of anthropogenic and biogenic tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Elliott

Measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) have led to an understanding of the past and present CO2 trends at global scales. However, many of the processes that underlie the CO 2 fluxes are highly uncertain, especially at smaller spatial scales in the terrestrial biosphere. Our abilities to forecast climate change and manage the carbon cycle are reliant on an understanding of these underlying processes. In this dissertation, new steps were taken to understand the biogenic and anthropogenic processes based on analysis with an atmospheric transport model and simultaneous measurements of CO2 and other trace gases. The biogenic processes were addressed by developing an approach for quantifying photosynthesis and respiration surface fluxes using observations of CO 2 and carbonyl sulfide (COS). There is currently no reliable method for separating the influence of these gross biosphere fluxes on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. First, the plant sink for COS was quantified as a function of the CO2 photosynthesis uptake using the STEM transport model and measurements of COS and CO2 from the INTEX-NA campaign. Next, the STEM inversion model was modified for the simultaneous optimization of fluxes using COS and CO2 measurements and using only CO 2 measurements. The CO2-only inversion was found to be process blind, while the simultaneous COS/CO2 inversion was found to provide a unique estimate of the respiration and photosynthesis component fluxes. Further validation should be pursued with independent observations. The approach presented here is the first application of COS measurements for inferring information about the carbon cycle. Anthropogenic emissions were addressed by improving the estimate of the fossil fuel component of observed CO2 by using observed carbon monoxide (CO). Recent applications of the CO approach were based on simple approximations of non-fossil fuel influences on the measured CO such as sources from oxidation of volatile organic carbon species, sinks from oxidation of CO, and sources from forest fires. A revised CO method was developed using STEM simulations of atmospheric reactions and tracers of different combustion sources. Applications of the revised method to the NASA INTEX-NA measurements showed large differences with conventional methods. Application to the INTEX-B measurements resulted in partitioning of continental and offshore oil rig sources around Mexico.

Measurement and interpretation of the oxygen isotope composition of carbon dioxide respired by leaves in the dark.

PubMed

Cernusak, Lucas A; Farquhar, Graham D; Wong, S Chin; Stuart-Williams, Hilary

2004-10-01

We measured the oxygen isotope composition (delta(18)O) of CO(2) respired by Ricinus communis leaves in the dark. Experiments were conducted at low CO(2) partial pressure and at normal atmospheric CO(2) partial pressure. Across both experiments, the delta(18)O of dark-respired CO(2) (delta(R)) ranged from 44 per thousand to 324 per thousand (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water scale). This seemingly implausible range of values reflects the large flux of CO(2) that diffuses into leaves, equilibrates with leaf water via the catalytic activity of carbonic anhydrase, then diffuses out of the leaf, leaving the net CO(2) efflux rate unaltered. The impact of this process on delta(R) is modulated by the delta(18)O difference between CO(2) inside the leaf and in the air, and by variation in the CO(2) partial pressure inside the leaf relative to that in the air. We developed theoretical equations to calculate delta(18)O of CO(2) in leaf chloroplasts (delta(c)), the assumed location of carbonic anhydrase activity, during dark respiration. Their application led to sensible estimates of delta(c), suggesting that the theory adequately accounted for the labeling of CO(2) by leaf water in excess of that expected from the net CO(2) efflux. The delta(c) values were strongly correlated with delta(18)O of water at the evaporative sites within leaves. We estimated that approximately 80% of CO(2) in chloroplasts had completely exchanged oxygen atoms with chloroplast water during dark respiration, whereas approximately 100% had exchanged during photosynthesis. Incorporation of the delta(18)O of leaf dark respiration into ecosystem and global scale models of C(18)OO dynamics could affect model outputs and their interpretation.

Process for recovery of sulfur from acid gases

DOEpatents

Towler, Gavin P.; Lynn, Scott

1995-01-01

Elemental sulfur is recovered from the H.sub.2 S present in gases derived from fossil fuels by heating the H.sub.2 S with CO.sub.2 in a high-temperature reactor in the presence of a catalyst selected as one which enhances the thermal dissociation of H.sub.2 S to H.sub.2 and S.sub.2. The equilibrium of the thermal decomposition of H.sub.2 S is shifted by the equilibration of the water-gas-shift reaction so as to favor elemental sulfur formation. The primary products of the overall reaction are S.sub.2, CO, H.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. Small amounts of COS, SO.sub.2 and CS.sub.2 may also form. Rapid quenching of the reaction mixture results in a substantial increase in the efficiency of the conversion of H.sub.2 S to elemental sulfur. Plant economy is further advanced by treating the product gases to remove byproduct carbonyl sulfide by hydrolysis, which converts the COS back to CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 S. Unreacted CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 S are removed from the product gas and recycled to the reactor, leaving a gas consisting chiefly of H.sub.2 and CO, which has value either as a fuel or as a chemical feedstock and recovers the hydrogen value from the H.sub.2 S.

L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate and fibroblast growth factor-2 treatment maintains differentiation potential in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells through expression of hepatocyte growth factor.

PubMed

Bae, Sung Hae; Ryu, Hoon; Rhee, Ki-Jong; Oh, Ji-Eun; Baik, Soon Koo; Shim, Kwang Yong; Kong, Jee Hyun; Hyun, Shin Young; Pack, Hyun Sung; Im, Changjo; Shin, Ha Cheol; Kim, Yong Man; Kim, Hyun Soo; Eom, Young Woo; Lee, Jong In

2015-04-01

l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc-2P) acts as an antioxidant and a stimulator of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) production. Previously, we reported that depletion of growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), FGF-4 and HGF during serial passage could induce autophagy, senescence and down-regulation of stemness (proliferation via FGF-2/-4 and differentiation via HGF). In this study, we investigated the proliferation and differentiation potential of BMSCs by FGF-2 and Asc-2P. Co-treatment with FGF-2 and Asc-2P induced optimal proliferation of BMSCs and increased the accumulation rate of BMSC numbers during a 2-month culture period. Moreover, differentiation potential was maintained by co-treatment with FGF-2 and Asc-2P via HGF expression. Adipogenic differentiation potential by FGF-2 and Asc-2P was dramatically suppressed by c-Met inhibitors (SU11274). These data suggest that co-treatment with FGF-2 and Asc-2P would be beneficial in obtaining BMSCs that possess "stemness" during long-term culture.

Modeling the movement and equilibrium of water in the body of ruminants in relation to estimating body composition by deuterium oxide dilution

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

Arnold, R.N.

1986-01-01

Deuterium oxide (D/sub 2/O) dilution was evaluated for use in estimating body composition of ruminants. Empty body composition of cattle could not be accurately estimated by two- or three-compartment models when solved on the basis of clearance of D/sub 2/O from blood. A 29-compartment blood-flow model was developed from measured blood flow rates and water volumes of tissues of sheep. The rates of equilibration of water in tissues that were simulated by the blood-flow model were much faster than actual rates measured in sheep and cattle. The incorporation of diffusion hindrances for movement of water into tissues enabled the bloodmore » flow model to simulate the measured equilibration rates in tissues, but the values of the diffusion coefficients were different for each tissue. The D/sub 2/O-disappearance curve for blood simulated by the blood-flow model with diffusion limitations was comprised for four exponential components. The tissues and gastrointestinal tract contents were placed into five groups based upon the rate of equilibration. Water in the organs of the body equilibrated with water in blood within 3 min. Water in visceral fat, head, and some of the gastrointestinal tract tissues equilibrated within 8 to 16 min. Water in skeletal muscle, fat, and bone and the contents of some segments of the gastrointestinal tract equilibrated within 30 to 36 min. Water in the tissues and contents of the cecum and upper-large intestine equilibrated within 160 to 200 min. Water in ruminal tissue and contents equilibrated within 480 min.« less

Lessons Learned From Recent Research on Internal CO2 Transport in Trees. Part II, Recycling of Respired CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, M. A.; Bloemen, J.; Aubrey, D. P.; Steppe, K.; Teskey, R. O.

2016-12-01

It has long been known that photosynthesis in woody tissues can provide substantial contributions to tree carbon economy in species with green bark, for example in the high-latitude species Populus tremuloides and the desert genus Cercidium. In addition, in the last half of the prior century, the capacity to re-assimilate xylem-transported CO2 was shown in leaves and small stems of trees, although little research has been conducted until recently. It is likely that recycling of respired CO2 occurs in leaves and branches of all woody plants and also in large stems of many species. Re-assimilation of respired CO2 may be especially important to the carbon economy of trees during periods of stress because some constraints to carbon gain from the atmosphere are absent in recycling processes; most importantly, acquisition of CO2 is not limited by leaf abscission or stomatal closure as long as respiration continues. The ability to quantify the re-assimilation of xylem-transported CO2 has emerged only in the last decade. Here, we will review newly developed measurement techniques and recent data from several research groups. Factors affecting the re-assimilation capacity of woody plant tissues will be discussed, including light environment, light penetration, chlorophyll content, xylem CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, tissue age, and species. Two main research paths have emerged for measuring re-assimilation of respired CO2: the first involves measuring the fate of isotope-labeled dissolved CO2 in the transpiration stream and the second compares growth of shaded vs. non-shaded woody tissues. Gas exchange measurements have been used to verify both techniques. In experiments on multiple species, isotope labeling has shown that up to 35% of transported CO2 was re-assimilated and shading has shown that up to 30% of carbon needed for stem growth can be provided by woody tissue photosynthesis. We suggest that the role of recycling of xylem-transported respired CO2 in plant carbon dynamics deserves more research attention, especially as related to stress and mortality.

Interactive effects of CO2 enrichment and temperature on the growth of dioecious Hydrilla verticillata

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, De-Xing; Coughenour, M. B.; Eberts, Debra; Thullen, Joan S.

1994-01-01

Experiments of plant growth responses to different CO2 concentrations and temperatures were conducted in growth chambers to explore the interactive effects of atmospheric CO2 enrichment and temperature on the growth and dry matter allocation of dioecious Hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle]. Hydrilla plants were exposed to two atmospheric CO2 concentrations (350 and 700 ppm) and three temperatures (15, 25 and 32°C) under a 12-hr photoperiod for about 2 months. The plant growth analysis showed that elevated CO2 appeared to enhance the growth of Hydrilla, and that the percentage of the enhancement is strongly temperature-dependent. Maximum biomass production was achieved at 700 ppm CO2 and 32°C. At 15°C, the total dry matter production was increased about 27% by doubling CO2, due to a 26% enhancement of leaf biomass, a 34% enhancement of stem biomass and 16% enhancement of root biomass. At 25°C, the dry matter production was increased about 46% by doubling CO2, due to a 29% enhancement of leaf biomass, a 27% enhancement of stem biomass and 40% enhancement of root biomass. At 32°C, however, the percentage of the enhancement of total dry matter production by doubling CO2 was only about 7%. The dry matter allocation among different plant parts was influenced by temperature but not by elevated CO2 concentration.

An improved technique for the 2H/1H analysis of urines from diabetic volunteers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coplen, T.B.; Harper, I.T.

1994-01-01

The H2-H2O ambient-temperature equilibration technique for the determination of 2H/1H ratios in urinary waters from diabetic subjects provides improved accuracy over the conventional Zn reduction technique. The standard deviation, ~ 1-2???, is at least a factor of three better than that of the Zn reduction technique on urinary waters from diabetic volunteers. Experiments with pure water and solutions containing glucose, urea and albumen indicate that there is no measurable bias in the hydrogen equilibration technique.The H2-H2O ambient-temperature equilibration technique for the determination of 2H/1H ratios in urinary waters from diabetic subjects provides improved accuracy over the conventional Zn reduction technique. The standard deviation, approximately 1-2%, is at least a factor of three better than that of the Zn reduction technique on urinary waters from diabetic volunteers. Experiments with pure water and solutions containing glucose, urea and albumen indicate that there is no measurable bias in the hydrogen equilibration technique.

In Situ 13C and 23Na Magic Angle Spinning NMR Investigation of Supercritical CO2 Incorporation in Smectite-Natural Organic Matter Composites

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

Bowers, Geoffrey M.; Hoyt, David W.; Burton, Sarah D.

2014-01-29

This paper presents an in situ NMR study of clay-natural organic polymer systems (a hectoritehumic acid [HA] composite) under CO2 storage reservoir conditions (90 bars CO2 pressure, 50°C). The 13C and 23Na NMR data show that supercritical CO2 interacts more strongly with the composite than with the base clay and does not react to form other C-containing species over several days at elevated CO2. With and without organic matter, the data suggest that CO2 enters the interlayer space of Na-hectorite equilibrated at 43% relative humidity. The presence of supercritical CO2 also leads to increased 23Na signal intensity, reduced line widthmore » at half height, increased basal width, more rapid 23Na T1 relaxation rates, and a shift to more positive resonance frequencies. Larger changes are observed for the hectorite-HA composite than for the base clay. In light of recently reported MD simulations of other polymer-Na-smectite composites, we interpret the observed changes as an increase in the rate of Na+ site hopping in the presence of supercritical CO2, the presence of potential new Na+ sorption sites when the humic acid is present, and perhaps an accompanying increase in the number of Na+ ions actively involved in site hopping. The results suggest that the presence of organic material either in clay interlayers or on external particle surfaces can significantly affect the behavior of supercritical CO2 and the mobility of metal ions in reservoir rocks.« less

High temporal resolution tracing of up-and downward carbon transport in oak trees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bloemen, Jasper; Ingrisch, Johannes; Bahn, Michael

2017-04-01

Carbon (C) allocation defines the flows of C between plant organs and their storage pools and metabolic processes and is therefore considered as an important determinant of forest C budgets and their responses to climate change. In trees, assimilates derived from leaf photosynthesis are transported via the phloem to above- and belowground sink tissues, where partitioning between growth, storage, and respiration occurs. At the same time, root- and aboveground respired CO2 can be dissolved in water and transported in the xylem tissue, thereby representing a secondary C flux of large magnitude. The relative magnitude of both fluxes in a same set of trees and their concurrent role in C allocation remains unclear. In this study, we 13C pulse labeled five year old potted oak (Quercus rubra) trees to investigate both the role of C transport via the phloem and xylem in C allocation. To this end trees were randomly assigned to two 13C labeling experiments: 1) a canopy labeling experiment using transparent canopy chambers and 2) a stem labeling experiment based on the infusion of 13C labeled water in the stem base. We used high-resolution laser-based measurements of the isotopic composition of stem and soil CO2 efflux to monitor both the down-and upward transport of 13C label. Additional tissue samples at stem, canopy and root level were analyzed to validate the assimilation of the label in tree tissues during transport. Overall, after both labeling experiments enrichment was observed in both stem and soil CO2 efflux, showing that the 13C label was removed from both xylem and phloem transport during up- and downward transport, respectively. Higher enrichments of CO2 efflux were observed after stem labeling as compared to canopy labeling, which implies that xylem transport strongly contributes to C lost to the atmosphere. This study is the first to show combined results from tracing of xylem and phloem transport of C for a same set of trees at high temporal resolution using a 13C labeling approach. Moreover, they extend results from previous studies on the tracing of phloem transport in trees to a tracing of both xylem and canopy transport as well as results from studies on the internal CO2 transport in species with high transpiration rates like poplar to species with lower transpiration rates like oak. The results further demonstrate the complex interplay of phloem and xylem transport of carbon and its role for the emission of respired CO2 from trees into the atmosphere.

CO2 laser increases the regenerative capacity of human adipose-derived stem cells by a mechanism involving the redox state and enhanced secretion of pro-angiogenic molecules.

PubMed

Constantin, Alina; Dumitrescu, Madalina; Mihai Corotchi, Maria Cristina; Jianu, Dana; Simionescu, Maya

2017-01-01

CO 2 laser has a beneficial effect on stem cells by mechanisms that are not clearly elucidated. We hypothesize that the effect of fractional CO 2 laser on human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) could be due to changes in redox homeostasis and secretion of factors contributing to cellular proliferation and angiogenic potential. ADSC incubated in medium containing 0.5 or 10 % FBS were exposed to a single irradiation of a 10,600-nm fractional CO 2 laser; non-irradiated ADSC were used as control. Viability/proliferation of ADSC was assessed by MTT assay; the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψ m ) were determined with DCFH-DA and JC-1 fluorescent probes, respectively. Molecules secreted by ADSC in the medium were determined by ELISA assay, and their capacity to support endothelial tube-like formation by the Matrigel assay. The results showed that compared to controls, ADSC kept in low FBS medium and irradiated with CO 2 laser at 9 W exhibited: (a) increased proliferation (∼20 %), (b) transient increase of mitochondrial ROS and the capacity to restore Δψ m after rotenone induced depolarization, and (c) augmented secretion in the conditioned medium of MMP-2 (twofold), MMP-9 (eightfold), VEGF (twofold), and adiponectin (∼50 %) that have the capacity to support angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells. In conclusion, the mechanisms underlying the benefic effect of CO 2 laser on ADSC are the activation of the redox pathways which increases cell proliferation and enhances secretion of angiogenic molecules. These results explain, in part, the mechanisms involved in the increased regenerative potential of CO 2 laser-exposed ADSC that could be exploited for clinical applications.

Carbon isotope constraints on degassing of carbon dioxide from Kilauea Volcano

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gerlach, T.M.; Taylor, B.E.

1990-01-01

We examine models for batch-equilibrium and fractional-equilibrium degassing of CO2 from magma at Kilauea Volcano. The models are based on 1. (1) the concept of two-stage degassing of CO2 from magma supplied to the summit chamber, 2. (2) C isotope data for CO2 in eruptive and noneruptive (quiescent) gases from Kilauea and 3. (3) data for the isotopic fractionation of C between CO2 and C dissolved in tholeiitic basalt melt. The results of our study indicate that 1. (1) both eruptive and noneruptive degassing of CO2 most closely approach a batch equilibrium process, 2. (2) the ??13C of parental magma supplied to the summit chamber is in the range -4.1 to-3.4??? and 3. (3) the ??13C of melt after summit chamber degassing is in the range -7 to -8???, depending upon the depth of equilibration. We also present ??13C data for CO2 in eruptive gases from the current East Rift Zone eruption. These are the first C isotope data for CO2 in high-temperature (>900??C) eruptive gases from Kilauea; they have a mean ??13C value of -7.82 ?? 0.24??? and are similar to those predicted for the melt after summit chamber degassing. The minor role played by fractional degassing of ascending magma at Kilauea means that exsolved CO2 tends to remain entrained in and coherent with its host melt during ascent from both mantle source regions and crustal magma reservoirs. This has important implications for magma dynamics at Kilauea. ?? 1990.

Stem hypertrophic lenticels and secondary aerenchyma enable oxygen transport to roots of soybean in flooded soil.

PubMed

Shimamura, Satoshi; Yamamoto, Ryo; Nakamura, Takuji; Shimada, Shinji; Komatsu, Setsuko

2010-08-01

Aerenchyma provides a low-resistance O(2) transport pathway that enhances plant survival during soil flooding. When in flooded soil, soybean produces aerenchyma and hypertrophic stem lenticels. The aims of this study were to investigate O(2) dynamics in stem aerenchyma and evaluate O(2) supply via stem lenticels to the roots of soybean during soil flooding. Oxygen dynamics in aerenchymatous stems were investigated using Clark-type O(2) microelectrodes, and O(2) transport to roots was evaluated using stable-isotope (18)O(2) as a tracer, for plants with shoots in air and roots in flooded sand or soil. Short-term experiments also assessed venting of CO(2) via the stem lenticels. The radial distribution of the O(2) partial pressure (pO(2)) was stable at 17 kPa in the stem aerenchyma 15 mm below the water level, but rapidly declined to 8 kPa at 200-300 microm inside the stele. Complete submergence of the hypertrophic lenticels at the stem base, with the remainder of the shoot still in air, resulted in gradual declines in pO(2) in stem aerenchyma from 17.5 to 7.6 kPa at 13 mm below the water level, and from 14.7 to 6.1 kPa at 51 mm below the water level. Subsequently, re-exposure of the lenticels to air caused pO(2) to increase again to 14-17 kPa at both positions within 10 min. After introducing (18)O(2) gas via the stem lenticels, significant (18)O(2) enrichment in water extracted from roots after 3 h was confirmed, suggesting that transported O(2) sustained root respiration. In contrast, slight (18)O(2) enrichment was detected 3 h after treatment of stems that lacked aerenchyma and lenticels. Moreover, aerenchyma accelerated venting of CO(2) from submerged tissues to the atmosphere. Hypertrophic lenticels on the stem of soybean, just above the water surface, are entry points for O(2), and these connect to aerenchyma and enable O(2) transport into roots in flooded soil. Stems that develop aerenchyma thus serve as a 'snorkel' that enables O(2) movement from air to the submerged roots.

Elevated [CO2] mitigates the effect of surface drought by stimulating root growth to access sub-soil water.

PubMed

Uddin, Shihab; Löw, Markus; Parvin, Shahnaj; Fitzgerald, Glenn J; Tausz-Posch, Sabine; Armstrong, Roger; O'Leary, Garry; Tausz, Michael

2018-01-01

Through stimulation of root growth, increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) may facilitate access of crops to sub-soil water, which could potentially prolong physiological activity in dryland environments, particularly because crops are more water use efficient under elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]). This study investigated the effect of drought in shallow soil versus sub-soil on agronomic and physiological responses of wheat to e[CO2] in a glasshouse experiment. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Yitpi) was grown in split-columns with the top (0-30 cm) and bottom (31-60 cm; 'sub-soil') soil layer hydraulically separated by a wax-coated, root-penetrable layer under ambient [CO2] (a[CO2], ∼400 μmol mol-1) or e[CO2] (∼700 μmol mol-1) [CO2]. Drought was imposed from stem-elongation in either the top or bottom soil layer or both by withholding 33% of the irrigation, resulting in four water treatments (WW, WD, DW, DD; D = drought, W = well-watered, letters denote water treatment in top and bottom soil layer, respectively). Leaf gas exchange was measured weekly from stem-elongation until anthesis. Above-and belowground biomass, grain yield and yield components were evaluated at three developmental stages (stem-elongation, anthesis and maturity). Compared with a[CO2], net assimilation rate was higher and stomatal conductance was lower under e[CO2], resulting in greater intrinsic water use efficiency. Elevated [CO2] stimulated both above- and belowground biomass as well as grain yield, however, this stimulation was greater under well-watered (WW) than drought (DD) throughout the whole soil profile. Imposition of drought in either or both soil layers decreased aboveground biomass and grain yield under both [CO2] compared to the well-watered treatment. However, the greatest 'CO2 fertilisation effect' was observed when drought was imposed in the top soil layer only (DW), and this was associated with e[CO2]-stimulation of root growth especially in the well-watered bottom layer. We suggest that stimulation of belowground biomass under e[CO2] will allow better access to sub-soil water during grain filling period, when additional water is converted into additional yield with high efficiency in Mediterranean-type dryland agro-ecosystems. If sufficient water is available in the sub-soil, e[CO2] may help mitigating the effect of drying surface soil.

Ceramic Heads Decrease Metal Release Caused by Head-taper Fretting and Corrosion.

PubMed

Kocagoz, Sevi B; Underwood, Richard J; MacDonald, Daniel W; Gilbert, Jeremy L; Kurtz, Steven M

2016-04-01

Metal release resulting from taper fretting and corrosion is a clinical concern, because wear and corrosion products may stimulate adverse local tissue reactions. Unimodular hip arthroplasties have a conical taper between the femoral head (head bore taper) and the femoral stem (stem cone taper). The use of ceramic heads has been suggested as a way of reducing the generation of wear and corrosion products from the head bore/stem cone taper junction. A previous semiquantitative study found that ceramic heads had less visual evidence of fretting-corrosion damage compared with CoCr heads; but, to our knowledge, no studies have quantified the volumetric material loss from the head bore and stem cone tapers of a matched cohort of ceramic and metal heads. We asked: (1) Do ceramic heads result in less volume of material loss at the head-stem junction compared with CoCr heads; (2) do stem cone tapers have less volumetric material loss compared with CoCr head bore tapers; (3) do visual fretting-corrosion scores correlate with volumetric material loss; and (4) are device, patient, or intraoperative factors associated with volumetric material loss? A quantitative method was developed to estimate volumetric material loss from the head and stem taper in previously matched cohorts of 50 ceramic and 50 CoCr head-stem pairs retrieved during revision surgery for causes not related to adverse reactions to metal particles. The cohorts were matched according to (1) implantation time, (2) stem flexural rigidity, and (3) lateral offset. Fretting corrosion was assessed visually using a previously published four-point, semiquantitative scoring system. The volumetric loss was measured using a precision roundness machine. Using 24 equally spaced axial traces, the volumetric loss was estimated using a linear least squares fit to interpolate the as-manufactured surfaces. The results of this analysis were considered in the context of device (taper angle clearance, head size, head offset, lateral offset, stem material, and stem surface finish) and patient factors that were obtained from the patients' operative records (implantation time, age at insertion, activity level, and BMI). The cumulative volumetric material losses estimated for the ceramic cohort had a median of 0.0 mm(3) per year (range, 0.0-0.4 mm(3)). The cumulative volumetric material losses estimated for the CoCr cohort had a median of 0.1 mm(3) per year (range, 0.0-8.8 mm(3)). An order of magnitude reduction in volumetric material loss was found when a ceramic head was used instead of a CoCr head (p < 0.0001). In the CoCr cohort, the femoral head bore tapers had a median material loss of 0.02 mm(3) (range, 0.0-8.7 mm(3)) and the stem cone tapers had a median material loss of 0.0 mm(3) (range, 0.0-0.32 mm(3)/year). There was greater material loss from femoral head bore tapers compared with stem cone tapers in the CoCr cohort (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between visual scoring and volumetric material loss (Spearman's ρ = 0.67, p < 0.01). Although visual scoring was effective for preliminary screening to separate tapers with no or mild damage from tapers with moderate to severe damage, it was not capable of discriminating in the large range of material loss observed at the taper surfaces with moderate to severe fretting-corrosion damage, indicated with a score of 3 or 4. We observed no correlations between volumetric material loss and device and patient factors. The majority of estimated material loss from the head bore-stem cone junctions resulting from taper fretting and corrosion was from the CoCr head bore tapers as opposed to the stem cone tapers. Additionally, the total material loss from the ceramic cohort showed a reduction in the amount of metal released by an order of magnitude compared with the CoCr cohort. We found that ceramic femoral heads may be an effective means by which to reduce metal release caused by taper fretting and corrosion at the head bore-stem cone modular interface in THAs.

Effect of equilibration on primitive path analyses of entangled polymers.

PubMed

Hoy, Robert S; Robbins, Mark O

2005-12-01

We use recently developed primitive path analysis (PPA) methods to study the effect of equilibration on entanglement density in model polymeric systems. Values of Ne for two commonly used equilibration methods differ by a factor of 2-4 even though the methods produce similar large-scale chain statistics. We find that local chain stretching in poorly equilibrated samples increases entanglement density. The evolution of Ne with time shows that many entanglements are lost through fast processes such as chain retraction as the local stretching relaxes. Quenching a melt state into a glass has little effect on Ne. Equilibration-dependent differences in short-scale structure affect the craze extension ratio much less than expected from the differences in PPA values of Ne.

Liver fibrosis alleviation after co-transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells with mesenchymal stem cells in patients with thalassemia major.

PubMed

Ghavamzadeh, Ardeshir; Sotoudeh, Masoud; Hashemi Taheri, Amir Pejman; Alimoghaddam, Kamran; Pashaiefar, Hossein; Jalili, Mahdi; Shahi, Farhad; Jahani, Mohammad; Yaghmaie, Marjan

2018-02-01

The aims of this study are to determine the replacement rate of damaged hepatocytes by donor-derived cells in sex-mismatched recipient patients with thalassemia major and to determine whether co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can alleviate liver fibrosis. Ten sex-mismatched donor-recipient pairs who received co-transplantation of HSCs with mesenchymal stem cells were included in our study. Liver biopsy was performed before transplantation. Two other liver biopsies were performed between 2 and 5 years after transplantation. The specimens were studied for the presence of donor-derived epithelial cells or hepatocytes using fluorescence in situ hybridization by X- and Y-centromeric probes and immunohistochemical staining for pancytokeratin, CD45, and a hepatocyte-specific antigen. All sex-mismatched tissue samples demonstrated donor-derived hepatocyte independent of donor gender. XY-positive epithelial cells or hepatocytes accounted for 11 to 25% of the cells in histologic sections of female recipients in the first follow-up. It rose to 47-95% in the second follow-up. Although not statistically significant, four out of ten patients showed signs of improvement in liver fibrosis. Our results showed that co-transplantation of HSC with mesenchymal stem cells increases the rate of replacement of recipient hepatocytes by donor-derived cells and may improve liver fibrosis.

Mineralization of Basalts in the CO2-H2O-SO2-O2 System

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

Schaef, Herbert T.; Horner, Jacob A.; Owen, Antionette T.

2014-05-01

Sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) containing minor amounts of co-contaminants in geologic formations was investigated in the laboratory through the use of high pressure static experiments. Five different basalt samples were immersed in water equilibrated with supercritical CO2 containing 1wt% sulfur dioxide (SO2) and 1wt% oxygen (O2) at reservoir conditions (~100 bar, 90°C) for 49 and 98 days. Gypsum (CaSO4) was a common precipitate, occurred early as elongated blades with striations, and served as substrates for other mineral products. Bimodal pulses of water released during dehydroxylation were key indicators along with X-ray diffraction for verifying the presences of jarosite-alunite group minerals.more » Well-developed pseudocubic jarosite crystals formed surface coatings, and in some instances mixtures of natrojarosite and natroalunite aggregated into spherically shaped structures measuring 100 μm in diameter. Reaction products were also characterized using infrared spectroscopy, which indicated OH and Fe-O stretching modes. The presences of jarosite-alunite group minerals were found in the lower wavenumber region from 700–400 cm-1. A strong preferential incorporation of Fe(III) into natrojarosite was attributed to the oxidation potential of O2. Evidence of CO2 was detected during thermal decomposition of precipitates, suggesting the onset of mineral carbonation.« less

Mineralization of basalts in the CO2-H2O-SO2-O2 system.

PubMed

Schaef, Herbert T; Horner, Jake A; Owen, Antoinette T; Thompson, Chris J; Loring, John S; McGrail, Bernard P

2014-05-06

Sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) containing minor amounts of co-contaminants in geologic formations was investigated in the laboratory through the use of high pressure static experiments. Five different basalt samples were immersed in water equilibrated with supercritical CO2 containing 1 wt % sulfur dioxide (SO2) and 1 wt % oxygen (O2) at reservoir conditions (∼ 100 bar, 90 °C) for 48 and 98 days. Gypsum (CaSO4) was a common precipitate, occurred early as elongated blades with striations, and served as substrates for other mineral products. In addition to gypsum, bimodal pulses of water released during dehydroxylation were key indicators, along with X-ray diffraction, for verifying the presence of jarosite-alunite group minerals. Well-developed pseudocubic jarosite crystals formed surface coatings, and in some instances, mixtures of natrojarosite and natroalunite aggregated into spherically shaped structures measuring 100 μm in diameter. Reaction products were also characterized using infrared spectroscopy, which indicated OH and Fe-O stretching modes. The presences of jarosite-alunite group minerals were found in the lower wavenumber region from 700 to 400 cm(-1). A strong preferential incorporation of Fe(III) into natrojarosite was attributed to the oxidation potential of O2. Evidence of CO2 was detected during thermal decomposition of precipitates, suggesting the onset of mineral carbonation.

Using Isotope Ratio Infrared Spectrometer to determine δ13C of CaCO3 carbonate and DIC samples and δ18O of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandic, M.; Stöbener, N.; Mandic, L.; Smajgl, D.; Jost, H. J. H.

2016-12-01

Precise and accurate determination of isotopic composition of carbon (13C) and oxygen (18O) from carbonate or DIC sample with proper referencing and data evaluation algorithm presents a challenge for scientists. Mass spectrometry was the only widely used technique for this kind of analysis, but recent advances make laser based isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) a viable alternative. To analyze discrete samples, the Universal Reference Interface (URI) Connect was developed. CO2 free syntethic air is used to flush out the contents of a sample container into a variable volume. If necessary, the sample is further diluted before entering the analysis chamber. Reference gas measurements are automatically performed at the same concentration as sample measurements to compensate for instrument drifts and non linearity. The URI Connect can handle about 100 samples per day from an autosampler, or samples can be injected one at a time through a septum on the front of the instrument. Gas samples collected in flasks, bags, syringes, or vials can be analyzed. The system only needs the equivalent of about 80µg - or 40µL - of pure CO2 gas to complete an analysis. Due to it's small weight and robustness, sample analysis can be performed in the field, e.g. aboard a research vessel. To demonstrate the performance, a test experiment with 1% CO2 in 12 ml vials was performed. We achieved an internal precision of better than 0.07‰ and 0.1‰ for δ13C and δ18O, respectively. Analyses with sample amounts as low as 200 μg of carbonate can also be performed reliably with IRIS. We present measurements of three international reference materials, and one of them treated as an unknown. Five samples each of approximately 1mg each were acidified using a few droplets of 43% H3PO4 and left for equilibration overnight at 25°C. The standard deviation was less than 0.1‰ δ13C and the accuracy <0.01‰ As another example of head space analysis in 12 ml vials, we determined δ18O of aliquots of 500 µl of water using equilibration with 1% CO2 in the volume above the water. The agreement with traditional IRMS methods was <0.06‰ was found.

The evolution of Carbon isotopes in calcite in the presence of cyanobacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimm, Christian; Mavromatis, Vasileios; Pokrovsky, Oleg S.; Oelkers, Eric H.

2016-04-01

Stable isotopic compositions in carbonates are widely used as indicators of environmental conditions prevailing during mineral formation. This reconstruction is substantially based on the assumption that there is no change in the mineral composition over geological time. However, recent experimental studies have shown that carbon and magnesium isotopes in hydrous Mg-carbonates undergo continuous re-equilibration with the ambient solution even after mineral precipitation stopped ([1] and [2], respectively). To verify whether this holds true for anhydrous Ca-bearing carbonates which readily form at earth's surface environments, a series of batch system calcite precipitation experiments were performed in the presence of actively growing cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. The bacteria were grown at ambient temperature in a BG11 culture medium (SIGMA C3061) and continuous stirring, air-bubbling and illumination. Calcite precipitation was initiated by the addition of 8.5mM CaCl2 and 0-50 mM NaHCO3 or NaHCO3-Na2CO3 mixtures. The presence of cyanobacteria is on one hand promoting CaCO3 formation due to increasing pH resulting from photosynthesis. On the other hand, actively growing cyanobacteria drastically change carbon isotope signature of the aqueous fluid phase by preferably incorporating the lighter 12C isotope into biomass [1]. This study explores the effect of continuously changing carbon isotope compositions in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) on precipitated calcite which is in chemical equilibrium with the ambient fluid phase. [1] Mavromatis et al. (2015). The continuous re-equilibration of carbon isotope compositions of hydrous Mg-carbonates in the presence of cyanobacteria. Chem. Geol. 404, 41-51 [2] Mavromatis et al. (2012). Magnesium isotope fractionation during hydrous magnesium carbonate precipitation with and without cyanobacteria. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 76, 161-174

Element Pool Changes within a Scrub-Oak Ecosystem after 11 Years of Exposure to Elevated CO2

PubMed Central

Duval, Benjamin D.; Dijkstra, Paul; Drake, Bert G.; Johnson, Dale W.; Ketterer, Michael E.; Megonigal, J. Patrick; Hungate, Bruce A.

2013-01-01

The effects of elevated CO2 on ecosystem element stocks are equivocal, in part because cumulative effects of CO2 on element pools are difficult to detect. We conducted a complete above and belowground inventory of non-nitrogen macro- and micronutrient stocks in a subtropical woodland exposed to twice-ambient CO2 concentrations for 11 years. We analyzed a suite of nutrient elements and metals important for nutrient cycling in soils to a depth of ∼2 m, in leaves and stems of the dominant oaks, in fine and coarse roots, and in litter. In conjunction with large biomass stimulation, elevated CO2 increased oak stem stocks of Na, Mg, P, K, V, Zn and Mo, and the aboveground pool of K and S. Elevated CO2 increased root pools of most elements, except Zn. CO2-stimulation of plant Ca was larger than the decline in the extractable Ca pool in soils, whereas for other elements, increased plant uptake matched the decline in the extractable pool in soil. We conclude that elevated CO2 caused a net transfer of a subset of nutrients from soil to plants, suggesting that ecosystems with a positive plant growth response under high CO2 will likely cause mobilization of elements from soil pools to plant biomass. PMID:23717607

Lithospheric magma dynamics beneath the El Hierro Volcano, Canary Islands: insights from fluid inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oglialoro, E.; Frezzotti, M. L.; Ferrando, S.; Tiraboschi, C.; Principe, C.; Groppelli, G.; Villa, I. M.

2017-10-01

At active volcanoes, petrological studies have been proven to be a reliable approach in defining the depth conditions of magma transport and storage in both the mantle and the crust. Based on fluid inclusion and mineral geothermobarometry in mantle xenoliths, we propose a model for the magma plumbing system of the Island of El Hierro (Canary Islands). The peridotites studied here were entrained in a lava flow exposed in the El Yulan Valley. These lavas are part of the rift volcanism that occurred on El Hierro at approximately 40-30 ka. The peridotites are spinel lherzolites, harzburgites, and dunites which equilibrated in the shallow mantle at pressures between 1.5 and 2 GPa and at temperatures between 800 and 950 °C (low-temperature peridotites; LT), as well as at higher equilibration temperatures of 900 to 1100 °C (high-temperature peridotites; HT). Microthermometry and Raman analyses of fluid inclusions reveal trapping of two distinct fluid phases: early type I metasomatic CO2-N2 fluids ( X N2 = 0.01-0.18; fluid density (d) = 1.19 g/cm3), coexisting with silicate-carbonate melts in LT peridotites, and late type II pure CO2 fluids in both LT (d = 1.11-1.00 and 0.75-0.65 g/cm3) and HT ( d = 1.04-1.11 and 0.75-0.65 g/cm3) peridotites. While type I fluids represent metasomatic phases in the deep oceanic lithosphere (at depths of 60-65 km) before the onset of magmatic activity, type II CO2 fluids testify to two fluid trapping episodes during the ascent of xenoliths in their host mafic magmas. Identification of magma accumulation zones through interpretation of type II CO2 fluid inclusions and mineral geothermobarometry indicate the presence of a vertically stacked system of interconnected small magma reservoirs in the shallow lithospheric mantle between a depth of 22 and 36 km (or 0.67 to 1 GPa). This magma accumulation region fed a short-lived magma storage region located in the lower oceanic crust at a depth of 10-12 km (or 0.26-0.34 GPa). Following our model, the 40-30-ka-old volcanic activity of El Hierro is related to this mantle-based magma system, a system that we propose fed the recent 2011-2012 eruption.

Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 on tree branch growth and implications for hydraulic budgeting

Treesearch

L. Rhea; J. King; Mark Kubiske; N. Saliendra; R. Teclaw

2010-01-01

The forest hydrologic budget may be impacted by increasing CO2 and tropospheric O3. Efficient means to quantify such effects are beneficial. We hypothesized that changes in the balance of canopy interception, stem flow, and through-fall in the presence of elevated CO2 and O3...

Enhancement of human mesenchymal stem cell infiltration into the electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold by fluid shear stress.

PubMed

Kim, Min Sung; Lee, Mi Hee; Kwon, Byeong-Ju; Koo, Min-Ah; Seon, Gyeung Mi; Park, Jong-Chul

The infiltration of the cells into the scaffolds is important phenomenon to give them good biocompatibility and even biodegradability. Fluid shear stress is one of the candidates for the infiltration of cells into scaffolds. Here we investigated the directional migration of human mesenchymal stem cells and infiltration into PLGA scaffold by fluid shear stress. The human mesenchymal stem cells showed directional migrations following the direction of the flow (8, 16 dyne/cm(2)). In the scaffold models, the fluid shear stress (8 dyne/cm(2)) enhanced the infiltration of cells but did not influence on the infiltration of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) particles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Co-precipitation of DEAE-dextran coated SPIONs: how synthesis conditions affect particle properties, stem cell labelling and MR contrast.

PubMed

Barrow, Michael; Taylor, Arthur; García Carrión, Jaime; Mandal, Pranab; Park, B Kevin; Poptani, Harish; Murray, Patricia; Rosseinsky, Matthew J; Adams, Dave J

2016-09-01

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are widely used as contrast agents for stem cell tracking using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The total mass of iron oxide that can be internalised into cells without altering their viability or phenotype is an important criterion for the generation of contrast, with SPIONs designed for efficient labelling of stem cells allowing for an increased sensitivity of detection. Although changes in the ratio of polymer and iron salts in co-precipitation reactions are known to affect the physicochemical properties of SPIONs, particularly core size, the effects of these synthesis conditions on stem cell labelling and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast have not been established. Here, we synthesised a series of cationic SPIONs with very similar hydrodynamic diameters and surface charges, but different polymer content. We have investigated how the amount of polymer in the co-precipitation reaction affects core size and modulates not only the magnetic properties of the SPIONs but also their uptake into stem cells. SPIONs with the largest core size and lowest polymer content presented the highest magnetisation and relaxivity. These particles also had the greatest uptake efficiency without any deleterious effect on either the viability or function of the stem cells. However, for all particles internalised in cells, the T 2 and T 2 * relaxivity was independent of the SPION's core size. Our results indicate that the relative mass of iron taken up by cells is the major determinant of MR contrast generation and suggest that the extent of SPION uptake can be regulated by the amount of polymer used in co-precipitation reactions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determining pH at elevated pressure and temperature using in situ ¹³C NMR.

PubMed

Surface, J Andrew; Wang, Fei; Zhu, Yanzhe; Hayes, Sophia E; Giammar, Daniel E; Conradi, Mark S

2015-02-03

We have developed an approach for determining pH at elevated pressures and temperatures by using (13)C NMR measurements of inorganic carbon species together with a geochemical equilibrium model. The approach can determine in situ pH with precision better than 0.1 pH units at pressures, temperatures, and ionic strengths typical of geologic carbon sequestration systems. A custom-built high pressure NMR probe was used to collect (13)C NMR spectra of (13)C-labeled CO2 reactions with NaOH solutions and Mg(OH)2 suspensions at pressures up to 107 bar and temperatures of 80 °C. The quantitative nature of NMR spectroscopy allows the concentration ratio [CO2]/[HCO3(-)] to be experimentally determined. This ratio is then used with equilibrium constants calculated for the specific pressure and temperature conditions and appropriate activity coefficients for the solutes to calculate the in situ pH. The experimentally determined [CO2]/[HCO3(-)] ratios agree well with the predicted values for experiments performed with three different concentrations of NaOH and equilibration with multiple pressures of CO2. The approach was then applied to experiments with Mg(OH)2 slurries in which the change in pH could track the dissolution of CO2 into solution, rapid initial Mg(OH)2 dissolution, and onset of magnesium carbonate precipitation.

Learning to perceive in the sensorimotor approach: Piaget’s theory of equilibration interpreted dynamically

PubMed Central

Di Paolo, Ezequiel Alejandro; Barandiaran, Xabier E.; Beaton, Michael; Buhrmann, Thomas

2014-01-01

Learning to perceive is faced with a classical paradox: if understanding is required for perception, how can we learn to perceive something new, something we do not yet understand? According to the sensorimotor approach, perception involves mastery of regular sensorimotor co-variations that depend on the agent and the environment, also known as the “laws” of sensorimotor contingencies (SMCs). In this sense, perception involves enacting relevant sensorimotor skills in each situation. It is important for this proposal that such skills can be learned and refined with experience and yet up to this date, the sensorimotor approach has had no explicit theory of perceptual learning. The situation is made more complex if we acknowledge the open-ended nature of human learning. In this paper we propose Piaget’s theory of equilibration as a potential candidate to fulfill this role. This theory highlights the importance of intrinsic sensorimotor norms, in terms of the closure of sensorimotor schemes. It also explains how the equilibration of a sensorimotor organization faced with novelty or breakdowns proceeds by re-shaping pre-existing structures in coupling with dynamical regularities of the world. This way learning to perceive is guided by the equilibration of emerging forms of skillful coping with the world. We demonstrate the compatibility between Piaget’s theory and the sensorimotor approach by providing a dynamical formalization of equilibration to give an explicit micro-genetic account of sensorimotor learning and, by extension, of how we learn to perceive. This allows us to draw important lessons in the form of general principles for open-ended sensorimotor learning, including the need for an intrinsic normative evaluation by the agent itself. We also explore implications of our micro-genetic account at the personal level. PMID:25126065

Learning to perceive in the sensorimotor approach: Piaget's theory of equilibration interpreted dynamically.

PubMed

Di Paolo, Ezequiel Alejandro; Barandiaran, Xabier E; Beaton, Michael; Buhrmann, Thomas

2014-01-01

if understanding is required for perception, how can we learn to perceive something new, something we do not yet understand? According to the sensorimotor approach, perception involves mastery of regular sensorimotor co-variations that depend on the agent and the environment, also known as the "laws" of sensorimotor contingencies (SMCs). In this sense, perception involves enacting relevant sensorimotor skills in each situation. It is important for this proposal that such skills can be learned and refined with experience and yet up to this date, the sensorimotor approach has had no explicit theory of perceptual learning. The situation is made more complex if we acknowledge the open-ended nature of human learning. In this paper we propose Piaget's theory of equilibration as a potential candidate to fulfill this role. This theory highlights the importance of intrinsic sensorimotor norms, in terms of the closure of sensorimotor schemes. It also explains how the equilibration of a sensorimotor organization faced with novelty or breakdowns proceeds by re-shaping pre-existing structures in coupling with dynamical regularities of the world. This way learning to perceive is guided by the equilibration of emerging forms of skillful coping with the world. We demonstrate the compatibility between Piaget's theory and the sensorimotor approach by providing a dynamical formalization of equilibration to give an explicit micro-genetic account of sensorimotor learning and, by extension, of how we learn to perceive. This allows us to draw important lessons in the form of general principles for open-ended sensorimotor learning, including the need for an intrinsic normative evaluation by the agent itself. We also explore implications of our micro-genetic account at the personal level.

Evolutionary dynamics of adult stem cells: comparison of random and immortal-strand segregation mechanisms.

PubMed

Tannenbaum, Emmanuel; Sherley, James L; Shakhnovich, Eugene I

2005-04-01

This paper develops a point-mutation model describing the evolutionary dynamics of a population of adult stem cells. Such a model may prove useful for quantitative studies of tissue aging and the emergence of cancer. We consider two modes of chromosome segregation: (1) random segregation, where the daughter chromosomes of a given parent chromosome segregate randomly into the stem cell and its differentiating sister cell and (2) "immortal DNA strand" co-segregation, for which the stem cell retains the daughter chromosomes with the oldest parent strands. Immortal strand co-segregation is a mechanism, originally proposed by [Cairns Nature (London) 255, 197 (1975)], by which stem cells preserve the integrity of their genomes. For random segregation, we develop an ordered strand pair formulation of the dynamics, analogous to the ordered strand pair formalism developed for quasispecies dynamics involving semiconservative replication with imperfect lesion repair (in this context, lesion repair is taken to mean repair of postreplication base-pair mismatches). Interestingly, a similar formulation is possible with immortal strand co-segregation, despite the fact that this segregation mechanism is age dependent. From our model we are able to mathematically show that, when lesion repair is imperfect, then immortal strand co-segregation leads to better preservation of the stem cell lineage than random chromosome segregation. Furthermore, our model allows us to estimate the optimal lesion repair efficiency for preserving an adult stem cell population for a given period of time. For human stem cells, we obtain that mispaired bases still present after replication and cell division should be left untouched, to avoid potentially fixing a mutation in both DNA strands.

Evolutionary dynamics of adult stem cells: Comparison of random and immortal-strand segregation mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tannenbaum, Emmanuel; Sherley, James L.; Shakhnovich, Eugene I.

2005-04-01

This paper develops a point-mutation model describing the evolutionary dynamics of a population of adult stem cells. Such a model may prove useful for quantitative studies of tissue aging and the emergence of cancer. We consider two modes of chromosome segregation: (1) random segregation, where the daughter chromosomes of a given parent chromosome segregate randomly into the stem cell and its differentiating sister cell and (2) “immortal DNA strand” co-segregation, for which the stem cell retains the daughter chromosomes with the oldest parent strands. Immortal strand co-segregation is a mechanism, originally proposed by [Cairns Nature (London) 255, 197 (1975)], by which stem cells preserve the integrity of their genomes. For random segregation, we develop an ordered strand pair formulation of the dynamics, analogous to the ordered strand pair formalism developed for quasispecies dynamics involving semiconservative replication with imperfect lesion repair (in this context, lesion repair is taken to mean repair of postreplication base-pair mismatches). Interestingly, a similar formulation is possible with immortal strand co-segregation, despite the fact that this segregation mechanism is age dependent. From our model we are able to mathematically show that, when lesion repair is imperfect, then immortal strand co-segregation leads to better preservation of the stem cell lineage than random chromosome segregation. Furthermore, our model allows us to estimate the optimal lesion repair efficiency for preserving an adult stem cell population for a given period of time. For human stem cells, we obtain that mispaired bases still present after replication and cell division should be left untouched, to avoid potentially fixing a mutation in both DNA strands.

Assessing the impact of Native American elders as co-educators for university students in STEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alkholy, Sarah Omar

Introduction: Minorities are underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, post-secondary STEM education, and show high academic attrition rates. Academic performance and retention improve when culturally relevant support is provided. The interface of Western Science and Indigenous Science provides an opportunity for bridging this divide. This three parts project is an example of Community-based participatory research (CBPR) that aims to support academic institutions that serve minority students in STEM, and implement educational components (pedagogy) to serve the needs of the underserved community. Method: Part 1: was a cross-sectional used a survey given to participants designed to assess prevalence of natural health products use by students, and to determine how students learn about NHPs. Part 2: was a longitudinal survey pilot study based upon an online STEM course offer at four universities to determine the differences between U.S. vs. Canadian and minority vs. non-minority university students regarding their perceptions of traditional Elders as STEM co-educators, interest in STEM, and science identity by using a pre-and post- course survey. Part 3: was a longitudinal quasi-experiment based upon an online STEM course offered at four universities show what Indigenous science claims regarding: Elders are viewed as valuable STEM co-educators; Elders increase student interest in STEM; students exposed to Indigenous science improve their identity as a scientist; students exposed to Indigenous Science/Elders show improved learning outcomes. Result: We found that Native/Aboriginal students learn information about natural health products from traditional Elders significantly more so than non-Native/Aboriginal students. There were no statistically significant results from the pilot study. Findings from the quasi-experiment show that students taught with Indigenous science Elder co-educators have significantly greater interest in STEM than students not exposed to Elders' teachings. Minority students reported significantly less self-identification as a scientist than did White students at pre-course, but report similar identity as a scientist to White students post-course. Discussion: Future work should investigate the role of Elder traditional educators to convey NHPs information directed specifically to Aboriginal university students. We expect that Elder co-educators may then impact student science identity and interest in STEM. We expect that Elder co-educators may then impact student science identity and interest in STEM. Although there were no statistically significant results from the pilot study, the observed trends suggest that Indigenous science Elder educators merit involvement in novel pedagogical approaches and delivery modalities to reach minority students and to increase students' interest in STEM. From quasi-experiment we attribute these findings to the impact of culturally competent course content to minority students especially, in a post-secondary STEM class. This work establishes the need for convergence of Indigenous science and Western STEM in academia.

H2O Adsorption Kinetics on Smectites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zent, Aaron P.; Quinn, Richard C.; Howard, Jeanie; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The adsorptive equilibration of H2O a with montomorillonite, a smectite clay has been measured. At low temperatures and pressures, equilibration can require many hours, effectively preventing smectites at the martian surface from responding rapidly to diurnal pressure and temperature variations.

Influence of volatile anesthetics on muscarinic receptor adenylate cyclase coupling in brain and heart

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

Anthony, B.L.

In the present study, the influence of four volatile anesthetics (enflurane, isoflurane, diethyl ether, and chloroform) on (1) muscarinic receptor binding parameters and (2) muscarnic regulation of adenylate cyclase activity was examined using membranes isolated from rat brain and heart. Membranes were equilibrated with each of the four anesthetics for 30 minutes and then during the binding assay. The data obtained can be summarized as follows: (1) volatile anesthetics increased receptor affinity for a radiolabeled antagonists, ({sup 3}H)N-methylscopolamine (({sup 3}H)MS), by decreasing its rate of dissociation in brain stem, but not in cardiac, membranes, (2) volatile anesthetics decreased high affinitymore » ({sup 3}H)Oxotremorine-M binding, (3) volatile anesthetics depressed or eliminated the guanine nucleotide sensitivity of agonist binding. The influence of volatile anesthetics on muscarinic regulation of adenylate cyclase enzyme activity was studied using {alpha}({sup 32}P)ATP as the substrate.« less

CO2-ECBM related coupled physical and mechanical transport processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gensterblum, Y.; Sartorius, M.; Busch, A.; Krooss, B. M.; Littke, R.

2012-12-01

The interrelation of cleat transport processes and mechanical properties was investigated by permeability tests at different stress levels (60% to 130% of in-situ stress) with sorbing (CH4, CO2) and inert gases (N2, Ar, He) on a subbituminous A coal from the Surat Basin, Queensland Australia (figure). From the flow tests under controlled triaxial stress conditions the Klinkenberg-corrected "true" permeability coefficients and the Klinkenberg slip factors were derived. The "true"-, absolute or Klinkenberg-corrected permeability depends on gas type. Following the approach of Seidle et al. (1992) the cleat volume compressibility (cf) was calculated from observed changes in apparent permeability upon variation of external stress (at equal mean gas pressures). The observed effects also show a clear dependence on gas type. Due to pore or cleat compressibility the cleat aperture decreases with increasing effective stress. Vice versa, with increasing mean pore pressure at lower confining pressure an increase in permeability is observed, which is attributed to a widening of cleat aperture. Non-sorbing gases like helium and argon show higher apparent permeabilities than sorbing gases like methane and CO2. Permeability coefficients measured with successively increasing mean gas pressures were consistently lower than those determined at decreasing mean gas pressures. The kinetics of matrix transport processes were studied by sorption tests on different particle sizes at various moisture contents and temperatures (cf. Busch et al., 2006). Methane uptake rates were determined from the pressure decline curves recorded for each particle-size fraction, and "diffusion coefficients" were calculated using several unipore and bidisperse diffusion models. While the CH4 sorption capacity of moisture-equilibrated coals was significantly lower (by 50%) than that of dry coals, no hysteresis was observed between sorption and desorption on dry and moisture-equilibrated samples and the sorption isotherms recorded for different particle sizes were essentially identical. The CH4 uptake rates were lower by a factor of two for moist coals than for dry coals. Busch, A., Gensterblum, Y., Krooss, B.M. and Siemons, N., 2006. Investigation of high-pressure selective adsorption/desorption behaviour of CO2 and CH4 on coals: An experimental study. International Journal of Coal Geology, 66(1-2): 53-68. Seidle, J.P., Jeansonne, M.W. and Erickson, D.J., 1992. Application of Matchstick Geometry to Stress-Dependent Permeability in Coals, SPE Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting, Casper, Wyoming.

The pentose cycle (hexose monophosphate shunt). Rigorous evaluation of limits to the flux from glucose using 14CO2 data, with applications to peripheral ganglia of chicken embryos.

PubMed

Larrabee, M G

1989-09-25

The difference between the 14CO2 outputs from [1-14C]glucose and [6-14C]glucose has frequently been used as a measure of activity in the hexose monophosphate shunt without considering the exact significance of this difference. Assuming only 1) that all C-1 of glucose is released to CO2 on entry to the shunt and 2) that the shunt provides the only mechanism for increasing C-1 of glucose over C-6 of glucose in CO2, it is very simply shown that the flux from glucose to the shunt is not less than the difference between the 14CO2 outputs at any time after adding labeled glucose nor more than the steady-state output of 14CO2 from [1-14C]glucose. Moreover, absence of a 14CO2 difference does not prove that the shunt is absent or inactive. The value for the minimum flux rate can be maximized by following the time course of the C-1 - C-6 difference in 14CO2 during the transient phase before isotopic equilibration is complete, but useful values can be obtained when the time course is not available. The above relationships are applicable to gluconeogenic as well as non-gluconeogenic tissues. Applications of these relationships to peripheral ganglia from chicken embryos, in which the 14CO2 difference passes through a maximum during incubation, show that 27-37% of the glucose taken up enters the pentose cycle in sympathetic ganglia from 10-day-old embryos, while 17-36% enters the cycle in 15-day-old dorsal root ganglia.

Co-expression of the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor and Stem Cell Markers: A Novel Approach to Target Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

ovarian cancer stem cell markers to consider it as a new experimental target for novel nanotechnology approaches capable of destroying ovarian cancer stem...FSHR mRNA after several generations in an amount consistent with stem cell characteristics. Nude mouse experiments to confirm co-expression in vivoare

Antitumor Activity of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Direct or Indirect Co-Culturing with C6 Glioma Cells.

PubMed

Gabashvili, A N; Baklaushev, V P; Grinenko, N F; Mel'nikov, P A; Cherepanov, S A; Levinsky, A B; Chehonin, V P

2016-02-01

The tumor-suppressive effect of rat mesenchymal stem cells against low-differentiated rat C6 glioma cells during their direct and indirect co-culturing and during culturing of C6 glioma cells in the medium conditioned by mesenchymal stem cells was studied in an in vitro experiment. The most pronounced antitumor activity of mesenchymal stem cells was observed during direct co-culturing with C6 glioma cells. The number of live C6 glioma cells during indirect co-culturing and during culturing in conditioned medium was slightly higher than during direct co-culturing, but significantly differed from the control (C6 glioma cells cultured in medium conditioned by C6 glioma cells). The cytotoxic effect of medium conditioned by mesenchymal stem cells was not related to medium depletion by glioma cells during their growth. The medium conditioned by other "non-stem" cells (rat astrocytes and fibroblasts) produced no tumor-suppressive effect. Rat mesenchymal stem cells, similar to rat C6 glioma cells express connexin 43, the main astroglial gap junction protein. During co-culturing, mesenchymal stem cells and glioma C6 cells formed functionally active gap junctions. Gap junction blockade with connexon inhibitor carbenoxolone attenuated the antitumor effect observed during direct co-culturing of C6 glioma cells and mesenchymal stem cells to the level produced by conditioned medium. Cell-cell signaling mediated by gap junctions can be a mechanism of the tumor-suppressive effect of mesenchymal stem cells against C6 glioma cells. This phenomenon can be used for the development of new methods of cell therapy for high-grade malignant gliomas.

Rate of disappearance of labeled carbon dioxide from the lungs of humans during breath holding: a method for studying the dynamics of pulmonary CO2 exchange

PubMed Central

Hyde, Richard W.; Puy, Ricardo J. M.; Raub, William F.; Forster, Robert E.

1968-01-01

The dynamics of CO2 exchange in the lungs of man was studied by observing the rate of disappearance of a stable isotope of CO2 (13CO2) from the alveolar gas during breath holding. Over 50% of the inspired isotope disappeared within the first 3 sec followed by a moderately rapid logarithmic decline in which one-half of the remaining 13CO2 disappeared every 10 sec. The large initial disappearance of 13CO2 indicated that alveolar 13CO2 equilibrated in less than 3 sec with the CO2 stored in the pulmonary tissues and capillary blood. The volume of CO2 in the pulmonary tissues calculated from this initial disappearance was 200 ml or 0.33 ml of CO2 per milliliter of pulmonary tissue volume. The alveolar to end-capillary gradient for 13CO2 was calculated by comparing the simultaneous disappearance rates of 13CO2 and acetylene. At rest and during exercise this gradient for 13CO2 was either very small or not discernible, and diffusing capacity for CO2 (DLCO2) exceeded 200 ml/(min × mm Hg). After the administration of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor the rate of disappearance of 13CO2 decreased markedly. DLCO2 fell to 42 ml/(min × mm Hg) and at least 70% of the exchange of 13CO2 with the CO2 stores in the pulmonary tissues and blood was blocked by the inhibitor. These changes were attributed to impairment of exchange of 13CO2 with the bicarbonate in the pulmonary tissues and blood. The pH of the pulmonary tissues (Vtis) was determined by a method based on the premise that the CO2 space in the pulmonary tissues blocked by the inhibitor represented total bicarbonate content. At an alveolar PCO2 of 40 mm Hg pH of Vtis equalled 6.97 ± 0.09. PMID:5658586

Root-derived CO2 efflux via xylem stream rivals soil CO2 efflux

Treesearch

Doug P. Aubrey; Robert O. Teskey

2009-01-01

Respiration consumes a large portion of annual gross primary productivity in forest ecosystems and is dominated by belowground metabolism. Here, we present evidence of a previously unaccounted for internal CO2 flux of large magnitude from tree roots through stems. If this pattern is shown to persist over time and in other forests, it suggests...

Analysis of Femoral Components of Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Shantanu; Harsha, A. P.

2016-10-01

There have been continuous on-going revisions in design of prosthesis in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) to improve the endurance of hip replacement. In the present work, Finite Element Analysis was performed on cemented THA with CoCrMo trapezoidal, CoCrMo circular, Ti6Al4V trapezoidal and Ti6Al4V circular stem. It was observed that cross section and material of femoral stem proved to be critical parameters for stress distribution in femoral components, distribution of interfacial stress and micro movements. In the first part of analysis, designs were investigated for micro movements and stress developed, for different stem materials. Later part of the analysis focused on investigations with respect to different stem cross sections. Femoral stem made of Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) resulted in larger debonding of stem at cement-stem interface and increased stress within the cement mantle in contrast to chromium alloy (CoCrMo) stem. Thus, CoCrMo proved to be a better choice for cemented THA. Comparison between CoCrMo femoral stem of trapezium and circular cross section showed that trapezoidal stem experiences lesser sliding and debonding at interfaces than circular cross section stem. Also, trapezium cross section generated lower peak stress in femoral stem and cortical femur. In present study, femur head with diameter of 36 mm was considered for the analysis in order to avoid dislocation of the stem. Also, metallic femur head was coupled with cross linked polyethylene liner as it experiences negligible wear compared to conventional polyethylene liner and unlike metallic liner it is non carcinogenic.

Experimental Investigation of Gas/Slag/Matte/Tridymite Equilibria in the Cu-Fe-O-S-Si System in Controlled Atmospheres: Development of Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fallah-Mehrjardi, Ata; Hidayat, Taufiq; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2017-12-01

The majority of primary pyrometallurgical copper making processes involve the formation of two immiscible liquid phases, i.e., matte product and the slag phase. There are significant gaps and discrepancies in the phase equilibria data of the slag and the matte systems due to issues and difficulties in performing the experiments and phase analysis. The present study aims to develop an improved experimental methodology for accurate characterisation of gas/slag/matte/tridymite equilibria in the Cu-Fe-O-S-Si system under controlled atmospheres. The experiments involve high-temperature equilibration of synthetic mixtures on silica substrates in CO/CO2/SO2/Ar atmospheres, rapid quenching of samples into water, and direct composition measurement of the equilibrium phases using Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis (EPMA). A four-point-test procedure was applied to ensure the achievement of equilibrium, which included the following: (i) investigation of equilibration as a function of time, (ii) assessment of phase homogeneity, (iii) confirmation of equilibrium by approaching from different starting conditions, and (iv) systematic analysis of the reactions specific to the system. An iterative improved experimental methodology was developed using this four-point-test approach to characterize the complex multi-component, multi-phase equilibria with high accuracy and precision. The present study is a part of a broader overall research program on the characterisation of the multi-component (Cu-Fe-O-S-Si-Al-Ca-Mg), multi-phase (gas/slag/matte/metal/solids) systems with minor elements (Pb, Zn, As, Bi, Sn, Sb, Ag, and Au).

Effects of ocean acidification driven by elevated CO2 on larval shell growth and abnormal rates of the venerid clam, Mactra veneriformis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jee-Hoon; Yu, Ok Hwan; Yang, Eun Jin; Kang, Sung-Ho; Kim, Won; Choy, Eun Jung

2016-11-01

The venerid clam ( Mactra veneriformis Reeve 1854) is one of the main cultured bivalve species in intertidal and shallow subtidal ecosystems along the west coast of Korea. To understand the effects of ocean acidification on the early life stages of Korean clams, we investigated shell growth and abnormality rates and types in the D-shaped, umbonate veliger, and pediveliger stages of the venerid clam M. veneriformis during exposure to elevated seawater pCO2. In particular, we examined abnormal types of larval shell morphology categorized as shell deformations, shell distortions, and shell fissures. Specimens were incubated in seawater equilibrated with bubbled CO2-enriched air at (400±25)×10-6 (ambient control), (800±25)×10-6 (high pCO2), or (1 200±28)×10-6 (extremely high pCO2), the atmospheric CO2 concentrations predicted for the years 2014, 2084, and 2154 (70-year intervals; two human generations), respectively, in the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario. The mean shell lengths of larvae were significantly decreased in the high and extremely high pCO2 groups compared with the ambient control groups. Furthermore, under high and extremely high pCO2 conditions, the cultures exhibited significantly increased abundances of abnormal larvae and increased severity of abnormalities compared with the ambient control. In the umbonate veliger stage of the experimental larvae, the most common abnormalities were shell deformations, distortions, and fissures; on the other hand, convex hinges and mantle protuberances were absent. These results suggest that elevated CO2 exerts an additional burden on the health of M. veneriformis larvae by impairing early development.

A reaction-diffusion model of CO2 influx into an oocyte

PubMed Central

Somersalo, Erkki; Occhipinti, Rossana; Boron, Walter F.; Calvetti, Daniela

2012-01-01

We have developed and implemented a novel mathematical model for simulating transients in surface pH (pHS) and intracellular pH (pHi) caused by the influx of carbon dioxide (CO2) into a Xenopus oocyte. These transients are important tools for studying gas channels. We assume that the oocyte is a sphere surrounded by a thin layer of unstirred fluid, the extracellular unconvected fluid (EUF), which is in turn surrounded by the well-stirred bulk extracellular fluid (BECF) that represents an infinite reservoir for all solutes. Here, we assume that the oocyte plasma membrane is permeable only to CO2. In both the EUF and intracellular space, solute concentrations can change because of diffusion and reactions. The reactions are the slow equilibration of the CO2 hydration-dehydration reactions and competing equilibria among carbonic acid (H2CO3)/bicarbonate ( HCO3-) and a multitude of non-CO2/HCO3- buffers. Mathematically, the model is described by a coupled system of reaction-diffusion equations that—assuming spherical radial symmetry—we solved using the method of lines with appropriate stiff solvers. In agreement with experimental data (Musa-Aziz et al, PNAS 2009, 106:5406–5411), the model predicts that exposing the cell to extracellular 1.5% CO2/10 mM HCO3- (pH 7.50) causes pHi to fall and pHS to rise rapidly to a peak and then decay. Moreover, the model provides insights into the competition between diffusion and reaction processes when we change the width of the EUF, membrane permeability to CO2, native extra-and intracellular carbonic anhydrase-like activities, the non-CO2/HCO3- (intrinsic) intracellular buffering power, or mobility of intrinsic intracellular buffers. PMID:22728674

Direct electrolytic dissolution of silicate minerals for air CO2 mitigation and carbon-negative H2 production

PubMed Central

Rau, Greg H.; Carroll, Susan A.; Bourcier, William L.; Singleton, Michael J.; Smith, Megan M.; Aines, Roger D.

2013-01-01

We experimentally demonstrate the direct coupling of silicate mineral dissolution with saline water electrolysis and H2 production to effect significant air CO2 absorption, chemical conversion, and storage in solution. In particular, we observed as much as a 105-fold increase in OH− concentration (pH increase of up to 5.3 units) relative to experimental controls following the electrolysis of 0.25 M Na2SO4 solutions when the anode was encased in powdered silicate mineral, either wollastonite or an ultramafic mineral. After electrolysis, full equilibration of the alkalized solution with air led to a significant pH reduction and as much as a 45-fold increase in dissolved inorganic carbon concentration. This demonstrated significant spontaneous air CO2 capture, chemical conversion, and storage as a bicarbonate, predominantly as NaHCO3. The excess OH− initially formed in these experiments apparently resulted via neutralization of the anolyte acid, H2SO4, by reaction with the base mineral silicate at the anode, producing mineral sulfate and silica. This allowed the NaOH, normally generated at the cathode, to go unneutralized and to accumulate in the bulk electrolyte, ultimately reacting with atmospheric CO2 to form dissolved bicarbonate. Using nongrid or nonpeak renewable electricity, optimized systems at large scale might allow relatively high-capacity, energy-efficient (<300 kJ/mol of CO2 captured), and inexpensive (<$100 per tonne of CO2 mitigated) removal of excess air CO2 with production of carbon-negative H2. Furthermore, when added to the ocean, the produced hydroxide and/or (bi)carbonate could be useful in reducing sea-to-air CO2 emissions and in neutralizing or offsetting the effects of ongoing ocean acidification. PMID:23729814

The Effect of Increased CO2 Mixing Ratio on Water Use Efficiency, Evapo-transpiration, Soil Moisture Content and Stem Flow in two Long-term Field Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drake, B.; Powell, T.; Li, J.; Hinkle, R.; Rasse, D.

2007-12-01

Stomatal opening in plant leaves control carbon and water exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere. Closure of these water-gates in response to increased atmospheric CO2 mixing ratio's, reduces transpiration under most laboratory and short term experimental conditions. Does this imply however, as atmospheric CO2 rises, and plant canopies expand, that evapo-transpiration (ETR), soil moisture content (SMC), and ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE) will increase? To test this question, field experiments have been and still are conducted using open top chambers. We have exposed native species in Florida Scrub to a carbon dioxide mixing ratio of nearly 700 ppmv CO2 for the past ten years and in Chesapeake Bay wetlands for 21 years. As a result of this treatment, in both ecosystems there was an increase in net ecosystem CO2 exchange and leaf area but a reduction of stomatal conductance, stem flow, transpiration, and ETR. For Florida scrub oak, these changes were also accompanied by an increase in soil moisture content as well.

Dynamic control of osmolality and ionic composition of the xylem sap in two mangrove species.

PubMed

López-Portillo, Jorge; Ewers, Frank W; Méndez-Alonzo, Rodrigo; Paredes López, Claudia L; Angeles, Guillermo; Alarcón Jiménez, Ana Luisa; Lara-Domínguez, Ana Laura; Torres Barrera, María Del Carmen

2014-06-01

• Premise of the study: Xylem sap osmolality and salinity is a critical unresolved issue in plant function with impacts on transport efficiency, pressure gradients, and living cell turgor pressure, especially for halophytes such as mangrove trees.• Methods: We collected successive xylem vessel sap samples from stems and shoots of Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa using vacuum and pressure extraction and measured their osmolality. Following a series of extractions with the pressure chamber, we depressurized the shoot and pressurized again after various equilibration periods (minutes to hours) to test for dynamic control of osmolality. Transpiration and final sap osmolality were measured in shoots perfused with deionized water or different seawater dilutions.• Key results: For both species, the sap osmolality values of consecutive samples collected by vacuum extraction were stable and matched those of the initial samples extracted with the pressure chamber. Further extraction of samples with the pressure chamber decreased sap osmolality, suggesting reverse osmosis occurred. However, sap osmolalities increased when longer equilibration periods after sap extraction were allowed. Analysis of expressed sap with HPLC indicated a 1:1 relation between measured osmolality and the osmolality of the inorganic ions in the sap (mainly Na + , K + , and Cl - ), suggesting no contamination by organic compounds. In stems perfused with deionized water, the sap osmolality increased to mimic the native sap osmolality.• Conclusions: Xylem sap osmolality and ionic contents are dynamically adjusted by mangroves and may help modulate turgor pressure, hydraulic conductivity, and water potential, thus being important for mangrove physiology, survival, and distribution. © 2014 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

[Effect of atmospheric CO2 concentration and nitrogen application level on absorption and transportation of nutrient elements in oilseed rape].

PubMed

Wang, Wen-ming; Zhang, Zhen-hua; Song, Hai-xing; Liu, Qiang; Rong, Xiang-min; Guan, Chun-yun; Zeng, Jing; Yuan, Dan

2015-07-01

Effect of elevated atmospheric-CO2 (780 µmol . mol-1) on the absorption and transportation of secondary nutrient elements (calcium, magnesium, sulphur) and micronutrient elements (iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum and boron) in oilseed rape at the stem elongation stage were studied by greenhouse simulated method. Compared with the ambient CO2 condition, the content of Zn in stem was increased and the contents of other nutrient elements were decreased under the elevated atmospheric-CO2 with no nitrogen (N) application; the contents of Ca, S, B and Zn were increased, and the contents of Mg, Mn, Mo and Fe were decreased under the elevated atmospheric CO2 with N application (0.2 g N . kg-1 soil); except the content of Mo in leaf was increased, the contents of other nutrient elements were decreased under the elevated atmospheric-CO2 with two levels of N application. Compared with the ambient CO2 condition, the amounts of Ca and S relative to the total amount of secondary nutrient elements in stem and the amounts of B and Zn relative to the total amount of micronutrient elements in stem were increased under the elevated-CO2 treatment with both levels of N application, and the corresponding values of Mg, Fe, Mn and Mo were decreased; no-N application treatment increased the proportion of Ca distributed into the leaves, and the proportion of Mg distributed into leaves was increased by the normal-N application level; the proportions of Mn, Zn and Mo distributed into the leaves were increased at both N application levels. Without N application, the elevation of atmospheric CO2 increased the transport coefficients of SFe, Mo and SS,B, but decreased the transport coefficients of SMg,Fe, SMg, Mn and SS,Fe, indicating the proportions of Mo, S transported into the upper part of plant tissues was higher than that of Fe, and the corresponding value of B was higher than that observed for S, the corresponding value of Mg was higher than that of Fe and Mn. Under normal-N application, the elevation of atmospheric CO2 increased the transport coefficients of SMg,Fe, SMg,Mn and SS,B, but decreased the transport coefficients of SCa, Mg, SFe,Mo and SS,Fe indicating the proportions of Fe, Mn and Ca transported into the upper part of plant tissues was higher than that of Mg; the corresponding value of B was higher than that observed for S, the corresponding value of Fe was higher than that of Mo, and the corresponding value of S was higher than that of Fe.

Effects of elevated CO2 concentrations and fly ash amended soils on trace element accumulation and translocation among roots, stems and seeds of Glycine max (L.) Merr.

PubMed

Rodriguez, J H; Klumpp, A; Fangmeier, A; Pignata, M L

2011-03-15

The carbon dioxide (CO(2)) levels of the global atmosphere and the emissions of heavy metals have risen in recent decades, and these increases are expected to produce an impact on crops and thereby affect yield and food safety. In this study, the effects of elevated CO(2) and fly ash amended soils on trace element accumulation and translocation in the root, stem and seed compartments in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were evaluated. Soybean plants grown in fly ash (FA) amended soil (0, 1, 10, 15, and 25% FA) at two CO(2) regimes (400 and 600 ppm) in controlled environmental chambers were analyzed at the maturity stage for their trace element contents. The concentrations of Br, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in roots, stems and seeds in soybeans were investigated and their potential risk to the health of consumers was estimated. The results showed that high levels of CO(2) and lower concentrations of FA in soils were associated with an increase in biomass. For all the elements analyzed except Pb, their accumulation in soybean plants was higher at elevated CO(2) than at ambient concentrations. In most treatments, the highest concentrations of Br, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb were found in the roots, with a strong combined effect of elevated CO(2) and 1% of FA amended soils on Pb accumulation (above maximum permitted levels) and translocation to seeds being observed. In relation to non-carcinogenic risks, target hazard quotients (TQHs) were significant in a Chinese individual for Mn, Fe and Pb. Also, the increased health risk due to the added effects of the trace elements studied was significant for Chinese consumers. According to these results, soybean plants grown for human consumption under future conditions of elevated CO(2) and FA amended soils may represent a toxicological hazard. Therefore, more research should be carried out with respect to food consumption (plants and animals) under these conditions and their consequences for human health. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Can Helical Peptides Unwind One Turn at a Time? - Controlled Conformational Transitions in α,β(2,3)-Hybrid Peptides.

PubMed

Balamurugan, Dhayalan; Muraleedharan, Kannoth M

2015-06-22

Unfolding of helical trans-β(2,3) -hybrid peptides with (α-β)n α composition, when executed by increasing solvent polarity or temperature, proceeded in a systematic manner with the turns unwinding sequentially; C-terminal region of these peptides were first to unwind and the process propagated towards N terminus with more and more β residues equilibrating from the gauche to the anti rotameric state across Cα-Cβ . This is evidenced by clear change in their Cβ H signal splitting, (3)JCαH-CβH values, and sequential disappearance of i,i+2 NOEs. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemical models for martian weathering profiles: Insights into formation of layered phyllosilicate and sulfate deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zolotov, Mikhail Yu.; Mironenko, Mikhail V.

2016-09-01

Numerical chemical models for water-basalt interaction have been used to constrain the formation of stratified mineralogical sequences of Noachian clay-bearing rocks exposed in the Mawrth Vallis region and in other places on cratered martian highlands. The numerical approaches are based on calculations of water-rock type chemical equilibria and models which include rates of mineral dissolution. Results show that the observed clay-bearing sequences could have formed through downward percolation and neutralization of acidic H2SO4-HCl solutions. A formation of weathering profiles by slightly acidic fluids equilibrated with current atmospheric CO2 requires large volumes of water and is inconsistent with observations. Weathering by solutions equilibrated with putative dense CO2 atmospheres leads to consumption of CO2 to abundant carbonates which are not observed in clay stratigraphies. Weathering by H2SO4-HCl solutions leads to formation of amorphous silica, Al-rich clays, ferric oxides/oxyhydroxides, and minor titanium oxide and alunite at the top of weathering profiles. Mg-Fe phyllosilicates, Ca sulfates, zeolites, and minor carbonates precipitate from neutral and alkaline solutions at depth. Acidic weathering causes leaching of Na, Mg, and Ca from upper layers and accumulation of Mg-Na-Ca sulfate-chloride solutions at depth. Neutral MgSO4 type solutions dominate in middle parts of weathering profiles and could occur in deeper layers owing to incomplete alteration of Ca minerals and a limited trapping of Ca to sulfates. Although salts are not abundant in the Noachian geological formations, the results suggest the formation of Noachian salty solutions and their accumulation at depth. A partial freezing and migration of alteration solutions could have separated sulfate-rich compositions from low-temperature chloride brines and contributed to the observed diversity of salt deposits. A Hesperian remobilization and release of subsurface MgSO4 type solutions into newly-formed depressions could account for formation of some massive layered sulfate deposits through freezing or evaporation. This scenario explains the observed deficiency of salts in Noachian formations, a paucity of Hesperian phyllosilicates, and the occurrence of sulfate deposits in Valles Marineris troughs, chaotic terrains, and some craters of the Hesperian age.

Temperature influences neuronal activity and CO2/pH sensitivity of locus coeruleus neurons in the bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus.

PubMed

Santin, Joseph M; Watters, Kayla C; Putnam, Robert W; Hartzler, Lynn K

2013-12-15

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a chemoreceptive brain stem region in anuran amphibians and contains neurons sensitive to physiological changes in CO2/pH. The ventilatory and central sensitivity to CO2/pH is proportional to the temperature in amphibians, i.e., sensitivity increases with increasing temperature. We hypothesized that LC neurons from bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus, would increase CO2/pH sensitivity with increasing temperature and decrease CO2/pH sensitivity with decreasing temperature. Further, we hypothesized that cooling would decrease, while warming would increase, normocapnic firing rates of LC neurons. To test these hypotheses, we used whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure firing rate, membrane potential (V(m)), and input resistance (R(in)) in LC neurons in brain stem slices from adult bullfrogs over a physiological range of temperatures during normocapnia and hypercapnia. We found that cooling reduced chemosensitive responses of LC neurons as temperature decreased until elimination of CO2/pH sensitivity at 10°C. Chemosensitive responses increased at elevated temperatures. Surprisingly, chemosensitive LC neurons increased normocapnic firing rate and underwent membrane depolarization when cooled and decreased normocapnic firing rate and underwent membrane hyperpolarization when warmed. These responses to temperature were not observed in nonchemosensitive LC neurons or neurons in a brain stem slice 500 μm rostral to the LC. Our results indicate that modulation of cellular chemosensitivity within the LC during temperature changes may influence temperature-dependent respiratory drive during acid-base disturbances in amphibians. Additionally, cold-activated/warm-inhibited LC neurons introduce paradoxical temperature sensitivity in respiratory control neurons of amphibians.

Seasonality of biological and physical controls on surface ocean CO2 from hourly observations at the Southern Ocean Time Series site south of Australia.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shadwick, E. H.; Trull, T. W.; Tilbrook, B. D.; Sutton, A.; Sabine, C. L.

2016-02-01

The Subantarctic Zone (SAZ), which covers the northern half of the Southern Ocean between the Subtropical and Subantarctic Fronts is important for air-sea CO2 exchange, ventilation of the lower thermocline, and nutrient supply for global ocean productivity. The first high-resolution autonomous observations of mixed layer CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) and hydrographic properties in the SAZ covering a full annual cycle will be presented. The annual cycle of pCO2 is decomposed into physical and biological drivers: after the summer biological pCO2 depletion (driven by an annual net community production of 2.45±1.47 mol C m-2 yr-1), the return to near atmospheric equilibrium proceeds slowly, driven by entrainment in early autumn when mixed layers deepen from <100 to 200m, but only achieving full equilibration in late winter/early spring as respiration completes the annual cycle. The shutdown of winter convection and associated mixed layer shoaling proceeds intermittently, appearing to frustrate the initiation of production. Horizontal processes, identified from salinity anomalies, are associated with biological pCO2 signatures, but with differing impacts in winter (when they reflect far-field variations in dissolved inorganic carbon and/or biomass) and summer (when they suggest promotion of local production by the relief of silicic acid or iron limitation). These results provide clarity on SAZ seasonal carbon cycling and demonstrate that the magnitude of the annual pCO2 cycle is twice as large as that in the subarctic high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll waters, which can inform the selection of optimal global models in this region.

Efficacy of oxygen-supplying capacity of Azolla in a controlled life support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Min; Deng, Sufang; Yang, Youquan; Huang, Yibing; Liu, Chongchu

2012-02-01

Azolla shows high growth and propagation rates, strong photosynthetic O2-releasing ability and high nutritional value. It is suitable as a salad vegetable and can be cultured on a multi-layered wet bed. Hence, it possesses potential as a fresh vegetable, and to release O2 and absorb CO2 in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System in space. In this study, we investigated the O2-providing characteristics of Azolla in a closed chamber under manned, controlled conditions to lay a foundation for use of Azolla as a biological component in ground simulation experiments for space applications. A closed test chamber, representing a Controlled Ecological Life Support System including an Azolla wet-culture device, was built to measure the changes in atmospheric O2 and CO2 concentrations inside the chamber in the presence of coexisting Azolla, fish and men. The amount of O2 consumed by fish was 0.0805-0.0831 L kg-1 h-1 and the level of CO2 emission was 0.0705-0.0736 L kg-1 h-1; O2 consumption by the two trial volunteers was 19.71 L h-1 and the volume of respiration-released CO2 was 18.90 L h-1. Under 7000-8000 Lx artificial light and Azolla wet-culture conditions, human and fish respiration and Azolla photosynthesis were complementary, thus the atmospheric O2 and CO2 concentrations inside chamber were maintained in equilibrium. The increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration in the closed chamber enhanced the net photosynthesis efficiency of the Azolla colony. This study showed that Azolla has strong photosynthetic O2-releasing ability, which equilibrates the O2 and CO2 concentrations inside the chamber in favor of human survival and verifies the potential of Azolla for space applications.

Detection of Abiotic Methane in Terrestrial Continental Hydrothermal Systems: Implications for Methane on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Socki, Richard A.; Niles, Paul B.; Gibson, Everett K., Jr.; Romanek, Christopher S.; Zhang, Chuanlun L.; Bissada, Kadry K.

2008-01-01

The recent detection of methane in the Martian atmosphere and the possibility that its origin could be attributed to biological activity, have highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms of methane formation and its usefulness as a biomarker. Much debate has centered on the source of the methane in hydrothermal fluids, whether it is formed biologically by microorganisms, diagenetically through the decomposition of sedimentary organic matter, or inorganically via reduction of CO2 at high temperatures. Ongoing research has now shown that much of the methane present in sea-floor hydrothermal systems is probably formed through inorganic CO2 reduction processes at very high temperatures (greater than 400 C). Experimental results have indicated that methane might form inorganically at temperatures lower still, however these results remain controversial. Currently, methane in continental hydrothermal systems is thought to be formed mainly through the breakdown of sedimentary organic matter and carbon isotope equilibrium between CO2 and CH4 is thought to be rarely present if at all. Based on isotopic measurements of CO2 and CH4 in two continental hydrothermal systems, we suggest that carbon isotope equilibration exists at temperatures as low as 155 C. This would indicate that methane is forming through abiotic CO2 reduction at lower temperatures than previously thought and could bolster arguments for an abiotic origin of the methane detected in the martian atmosphere.

Mean age, concentrations and usage of nonstructural carbon in California oaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czimczik, C. I.; Muhr, J.; Xu, X.; Druffel-Rodriguez, K. C.; Trumbore, S.

2012-12-01

Recent studies show that plants transport, accumulate, and store significant amounts of photosynthetic assimilates as nonstructural carbon (NSC). However, the temporal dynamics of the NSC pool and its role as energy source, in particular during times of stress, are not well known. Taking advantage of the bomb radiocarbon (14C) tracer, we determined the mean age (here defined as mean time elapsed since C was initially fixed from the atmosphere) of soluble and insoluble NSC pools within the stem and of stem-emitted CO2 in mature, sympatric deciduous and evergreen oaks in California. In 2008, we quantified the 14C content and concentration of soluble and insoluble NSC in up to 20 cm long stem increment cores of sympatric evergreen (Quercus agrifolia, wislizeni) and deciduous (Q. lobata, douglasii) oaks during the wet (deciduous dormant) and dry (deciduous growing) seasons. Samples were taken along a coastal precipitation gradient at five nature reserves. In 2010 and 2011, we monitored the rate and 14C content of CO2 emissions from tree trunks of sympatric evergreen Q. agrifolia and deciduous Q. lobata and douglasii at two of the reserves. In all cores, we found that the NSC associated with a given depth averaged several years younger than the structural C (cellulose) in the wood at the same depth. For example, in wood made of structural C fixed before 1950, we detected modern NSC that was clearly fixed during the decades since the testing of atomic weapons in the atmosphere (peak 1950-1960s). These patterns can be explained by a model in which NSC in a given location in the stem is derived from a component that was fixed in the same year as the structural C, mixed with younger NSC that has been transported inward. Despite differences in growth rates, we found no differences in the mean age of NSC pools between life strategies or locations. Within a given stem core increment, there was no difference between the mean age of soluble and insoluble NSC. Concentrations of soluble NSC were similar among life strategies and locations. Insoluble NSC concentrations were higher in evergreen than in deciduous oaks, and higher during the wet than the dry season. Throughout the year, stems of evergreen oaks emitted CO2 with a mean age of 2-4 years relative to ambient air. Emissions from deciduous oaks followed a seasonal trend with the oldest CO2 emissions at the end of the dormant season; peak growing season emissions were dominated by current-year C. This indicates that stored NSC with a mean age of several years is being metabolized and contributes to stem CO2 emissions in California oaks.

Improvements in the gaseous hydrogen-water equilibration technique for hydrogen isotope ratio analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coplen, T.B.; Wildman, J.D.; Chen, J.

1991-01-01

Improved precision in the H2-H2O equilibration method for ??D analysis has been achieved in an automated system. Reduction in 1-?? standard deviation of a single mass-spectrometer analysis to 1.3??? is achieved by (1) bonding catalyst to glass rods and assigning use to specific equilibration chambers to monitor performance of catalyst, (2) improving the apparatus design, and (3) reducing the H3+ contribution of the mass-spectrometer ion source. For replicate analysis of a water sample, the standard deviation improved to 0.8???. H2S-bearing samples and samples as small as 0.1 mL can be analyzed routinely with this method.

Impact of holding and equilibration time on post-thaw quality of shipped boar semen.

PubMed

Schäfer, J; Waberski, D; Jung, M; Schulze, M

2017-12-01

Cryopreservation of boar semen is of growing interest for breeding companies. Overnight-shipping of pre-diluted ejaculates to specialized laboratories offers a practicable method, but requires fine-tuned protocols. In this study, the impact of holding post shipping at 17°C for 2 or 24h (n=10 samples) and of equilibration in lactose-egg yolk extender without glycerol at 5°C for 2, 4, 24 or 48h (n=11 samples) before freezing was investigated. Sperm-rich fractions of ejaculates from 21 mature Pietrain boars were collected at a single boar stud. After pre-dilution (1+1, v:v) with Beltsville thawing solution, samples were sent to the laboratory. Temperature profiles during transport and initial equilibration time were recorded. Semen quality post-thaw (PT) was evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Holding of 2h after shipping resulted in higher sperm motility (P=0.013) and beat cross frequency (BCF; P=0.047) compared to 24h. Differences between both groups vanished with prolonged incubation at 38°C PT. Equilibration at 5°C for 4h yielded the highest motility and BCF, whereas the equilibration for 48h impaired sperm motility. Membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation index were not affected by any protocol modification. In conclusion, processing of pre-diluted boar semen shipped overnight within 2h after arrival at the laboratory is preferred to 24h of additional holding at 17°C. Extending the equilibration period in lactose-egg yolk extender without glycerol at 5°C from 2h to 4h before freezing is recommended. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ventilatory effects of gap junction blockade in the RTN in awake rats.

PubMed

Hewitt, Amy; Barrie, Rachel; Graham, Michael; Bogus, Kara; Leiter, J C; Erlichman, Joseph S

2004-12-01

We tested the hypothesis that carbenoxolone, a pharmacological inhibitor of gap junctions, would reduce the ventilatory response to CO(2) when focally perfused within the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). We tested this hypothesis by measuring minute ventilation (V(E)), tidal volume (V(T)), and respiratory frequency (F(R)) responses to increasing concentrations of inspired CO(2) (Fi(CO(2)) = 0-8%) in rats during wakefulness. We confirmed that the RTN was chemosensitive by perfusing the RTN unilaterally with either acetazolamide (AZ; 10 microM) or hypercapnic artificial cerebrospinal fluid equilibrated with 50% CO(2) (pH approximately 6.5). Focal perfusion of AZ or hypercapnic aCSF increased V(E), V(T), and F(R) during exposure to room air. Carbenoxolone (300 microM) focally perfused into the RTN decreased V(E) and V(T) in animals <11 wk of age, but V(E) and V(T) were increased in animals >12 wk of age. Glyzyrrhizic acid, a congener of carbenoxolone, did not change V(E), V(T), or F(R) when focally perfused into the RTN. Carbenoxolone binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor, but spironolactone (10 microM) did not block the disinhibition of V(E) or V(T) in older animals when combined with carbenoxolone. Thus the RTN is a CO(2) chemosensory site in all ages tested, but the function of gap junctions in the chemosensory process varies substantially among animals of different ages: gap junctions amplify the ventilatory response to CO(2) in younger animals, but appear to inhibit the ventilatory response to CO(2) in older animals.

Stripe rust and leaf rust resistance QTL mapping, epistatic interactions, and co-localization with stem rust resistance loci in spring wheat evaluated over three continents.

PubMed

Singh, A; Knox, R E; DePauw, R M; Singh, A K; Cuthbert, R D; Campbell, H L; Shorter, S; Bhavani, S

2014-11-01

In wheat, advantageous gene-rich or pleiotropic regions for stripe, leaf, and stem rust and epistatic interactions between rust resistance loci should be accounted for in plant breeding strategies. Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. tritici Eriks) contribute to major production losses in many regions worldwide. The objectives of this research were to identify and study epistatic interactions of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for stripe and leaf rust resistance in a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from the cross of Canadian wheat cultivars, AC Cadillac and Carberry. The relationship of leaf and stripe rust resistance QTL that co-located with stem rust resistance QTL previously mapped in this population was also investigated. The Carberry/AC Cadillac population was genotyped with DArT(®) and simple sequence repeat markers. The parents and population were phenotyped for stripe rust severity and infection response in field rust nurseries in Kenya (Njoro), Canada (Swift Current), and New Zealand (Lincoln); and for leaf rust severity and infection response in field nurseries in Canada (Swift Current) and New Zealand (Lincoln). AC Cadillac was a source of stripe rust resistance QTL on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5B, and 7B; and Carberry was a source of resistance on chromosomes 2B, 4B, and 7A. AC Cadillac contributed QTL for resistance to leaf rust on chromosome 2A and Carberry contributed QTL on chromosomes 2B and 4B. Stripe rust resistance QTL co-localized with previously reported stem rust resistance QTL on 2B, 3B, and 7B, while leaf rust resistance QTL co-localized with 4B stem rust resistance QTL. Several epistatic interactions were identified both for stripe and leaf rust resistance QTL. We have identified useful combinations of genetic loci with main and epistatic effects. Multiple disease resistance regions identified on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 7B are prime candidates for further investigation and validation of their broad resistance.

77 FR 10783 - Sunshine Act Meetings; Notice

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-23

... NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION National Science Board Sunshine Act Meetings; Notice The National Science Board's Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEH), pursuant to NSF regulations (45 CFR part... Science and Technology Council Committee on STEM (Co-STEM) Framework Report; (2) CEH Chairman wrap-up and...

Clinical Evaluation of Decellularized Nerve Allograft with Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells to Improve Peripheral Nerve Repair and Functional Outcomes

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-15-2-0026 TITLE: Clinical Evaluation of Decellularized Nerve Allograft With Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells To Improve...5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-15-2-0026 CClinical Evaluation of Decellularized Nerve Allograft With Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells To Improve...co- treatments of a commercially available decellularized processed peripheral nerve allograft scaffold (Avance® Nerve Graft, AxoGen, Alachua FL) with

Co-Seeding Human Endothelial Cells with Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Calcium Phosphate Scaffold Enhances Osteogenesis and Vascularization in Rats.

PubMed

Liu, Xian; Chen, Wenchuan; Zhang, Chi; Thein-Han, Wahwah; Hu, Kevin; Reynolds, Mark A; Bao, Chongyun; Wang, Ping; Zhao, Liang; Xu, Hockin H K

2017-06-01

A major challenge in repairing large bone defects with tissue-engineered constructs is the poor vascularization in the defect. The lack of vascular networks leads to insufficient oxygen and nutrients supply, which compromises the survival of seeded cells. To achieve favorable regenerative effects, prevascularization of tissue-engineered constructs by co-culturing of endothelial cells and bone cells is a promising strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hiPSC-MSCs) co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for prevascularization of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) scaffold on bone regeneration in vivo for the first time. HUVECs co-cultured with hiPSC-MSCs formed microcapillary-like structures in vitro. HUVECs promoted mineralization of hiPSC-MSCs on CPC scaffolds. Four groups were tested in a cranial bone defect model in nude rats: (1) CPC scaffold alone (CPC control); (2) HUVEC-seeded CPC (CPC-HUVEC); (3) hiPSC-MSC-seeded CPC (CPC-hiPSC-MSC); and (4) HUVECs co-cultured with hiPSC-MSCs on CPC scaffolds (co-culture group). After 12 weeks, the co-culture group achieved the greatest new bone area percentage of 46.38% ± 3.8% among all groups (p < 0.05), which was more than four folds of the 10.61% ± 1.43% of CPC control. In conclusion, HUVECs co-cultured with hiPSC-MSCs substantially promoted bone regeneration. The novel construct of HUVECs co-cultured with hiPSC-MSCs delivered via CPC scaffolds is promising to enhance bone and vascular regeneration in orthopedic applications.

Proliferation and differentiation of direct co-culture of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and pigmented cells from the ciliary margin

PubMed Central

Li, Yan; He, Xinzheng; Li, Jun; Ni, Fangfang; Sun, Qingqing; Zhou, Yan

2017-01-01

Damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is the major consequence of glaucoma and regeneration of RGCs is extremely difficult once the damage has occurred. Retinal stem cells (RSCs) are considered an ideal choice for RGC regeneration. Pigmented cells from the ciliary margin (PCMs) have great retinal differentiation potential and may be an ideal RSC candidate. However, the ciliary margin is too small, so the number of cells that can be obtained is limited. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are another type of stem cell that have been previously investigated for RGC regeneration. BMMSCs expand sufficiently, whereas the retinal differentiation of BMMSCs is insufficient. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the co-culture of PCMs and BMMSCs may combine the advantages of both cell types to establish a novel and effective stem cell source for RGC regeneration. Primary rat PCMs and BMMSCs were isolated and co-cultured. Cell growth was observed by an inverted microscope and proliferation was monitored by an MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed by using a flow cytometer, while the expression of the photoreceptor-specific homeobox gene (cone-rod homeobox, Crx) was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. In addition, retinal differentiation was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of major markers of retinal differentiation, including rhodopsin, visual system homeobox 2 and heparin sulfate. The co-cultured cells expanded successfully, in a similar way to BMMSCs. In addition, the expression of Crx and retinal markers were significantly upregulated following BMMSC and PCM co-culture. The results of the present study demonstrated that the co-culture of BMMSCs and PCMs may be used as a source of RSCs. PMID:28440470

Transport of heat and mass in near-critical fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garrabos, Yves; Leneindre, B.; Guenoun, P.; Perrot, F.; Beysens, Daniel

1992-08-01

In order to investigate some aspects of heat and mass transport in fluids in the absence of gravity, thermal cycles were performed near the liquid-phase critical point of CO2 and SF6 in the TEXUS 25 rocket and during the International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-1) Spacelab mission. In the absence of gravity driven convection, the heat transport is expected to be diffusive and very slow. Experimentally, although the local density and temperature gradients indeed relax by a diffusive process, clear evidence is found of fast and uniform thermal equilibration. This new mechanism is a 'piston effect'.

Use of Inert Gases and Carbon Monoxide to Study the Possible Influence of Countercurrent Exchange on Passive Absorption from the Small Bowel

PubMed Central

Bond, John H.; Levitt, David G.; Levitt, Michael D.

1974-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to quantitate the influence of countercurrent exchange on passive absorption of highly diffusible substances from the small intestine of the rabbit. The absorption of carbon monoxide, which is tightly bound to hemoglobin and therefore cannot exchange, was compared to the absorption of four unbound gases (H2, He, CH4, and 133Xe), which should exchange freely. The degree to which the observed absorption of the unbound gases falls below that predicted from CO absorption should provide a quantitative measure of countercurrent exchange. CO uptake at high luminal Pco is flow-limited and, assuming that villus and central hemoglobin concentrations are equal, the flow that equilibrates with CO (Fco) was calculated to equal 7.24 ml/min/100 g. The observed absorption rate of the unbound gases was from two to four times greater than would have been predicted had their entire uptake been accounted for by equilibration with Fco. This is the opposite of what would occur if countercurrent exchange retarded absorption of the unbound gases. The unbound gases have both flow- and diffusion-limited components, and Fco should account for only the fraction of absorption that is flow limited. A simple model of perfusion and diffusion made it possible to calculate the fraction of the total uptake of unbound gases that was flow limited. This fraction of the total observed absorption rate was still about 1.8 times greater than predicted by CO absorption. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is that plasma skimming reduces the hemoglobin of villus blood to about 60% of that of central blood. Thus, Fco is actually about 1.7 times greater than initially calculated, and with this correction, there is close agreement between the predicted and observed rates of absorption of each of the unbound gases. We conclude that countercurrent exchange does not influence passive absorption under the conditions of this study. PMID:4436431

Short communication: Serum composition of milk subjected to re-equilibration by dialysis at different temperatures, after pH adjustments.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhengtao; Corredig, Milena

2016-04-01

The objective of this work was to investigate the properties of casein micelles after pH adjustment and their re-equilibration to the original pH and serum composition. Re-equilibration was carried out by dialyzing against skim milk at 2 different temperatures (4 or 22 °C). Turbidity, the average radius of the casein micelles, and the composition of the soluble phase were measured at different pH values, ranging between 5.5 and 8. Acidification led to the solubilization of colloidal calcium phosphate and decrease of the average radius of the micelles. With re-equilibration, casein dissociation occurred. In milk with pH values greater than 6.0, the average radius was recovered after re-equilibration. At pH values greater than neutral, an increase of the radius of casein micelles and increased dissociation of the casein were found. After re-equilibration, the radius of micelles and soluble protein in the serum decreased. The results were not affected by the temperature of re-equilibration. The changes to the calcium phosphate equilibrium and the dissociation of the micelles will have important consequences to the functionality of casein micelles. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CO 2-induced chemo-mechanical alteration in reservoir rocks assessed via batch reaction experiments and scratch testing

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

Aman, Michael; Espinoza, D. Nicolas; Ilgen, Anastasia G.

Here, the injection of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into geological formations results in a chemical re-equilibration between the mineral assemblage and the pore fluid, with ensuing mineral dissolution and re-precipitation. Hence, target rock formations may exhibit changes of mechanical and petrophysical properties due to CO 2 exposure. We conducted batch reaction experiments with Entrada Sandstone and Summerville Siltstone exposed to de-ionized water and synthetic brine under reservoir pressure (9–10 MPa) and temperature (80°C) for up to four weeks. Samples originate from the Crystal Geyser field site, where a naturally occurring CO 2 seepage alters portions of these geologic formations. Wemore » conducted micro-scratch tests on rock samples without alteration, altered under laboratory conditions, and naturally altered over geologic time. Scratch toughness and hardness decrease as a function of exposure time and water salinity up to 52% in the case of Entrada and 87% in the case of Summerville after CO 2-induced alteration in the laboratory. Imaging of altered cores with SEM-EDS and X-ray microCT methods show dissolution of carbonate and silica cements and matrix accompanied by minor dissolution of Fe-oxides, clays, and other silicates. Parallel experiments using powdered samples confirm that dissolution of carbonate and silica are the primary reactions. The batch reaction experiments in the autoclave utilize a high fluid to rock volume ratio and represent an end member of possible alteration associated with CO 2 storage systems. These types of tests serve as a pre-screening tool to identify the susceptibility of rock facies to CO 2-related chemical-mechanical alteration during long-term CO 2 storage.« less

CO 2-induced chemo-mechanical alteration in reservoir rocks assessed via batch reaction experiments and scratch testing

DOE PAGES

Aman, Michael; Espinoza, D. Nicolas; Ilgen, Anastasia G.; ...

2017-09-22

Here, the injection of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into geological formations results in a chemical re-equilibration between the mineral assemblage and the pore fluid, with ensuing mineral dissolution and re-precipitation. Hence, target rock formations may exhibit changes of mechanical and petrophysical properties due to CO 2 exposure. We conducted batch reaction experiments with Entrada Sandstone and Summerville Siltstone exposed to de-ionized water and synthetic brine under reservoir pressure (9–10 MPa) and temperature (80°C) for up to four weeks. Samples originate from the Crystal Geyser field site, where a naturally occurring CO 2 seepage alters portions of these geologic formations. Wemore » conducted micro-scratch tests on rock samples without alteration, altered under laboratory conditions, and naturally altered over geologic time. Scratch toughness and hardness decrease as a function of exposure time and water salinity up to 52% in the case of Entrada and 87% in the case of Summerville after CO 2-induced alteration in the laboratory. Imaging of altered cores with SEM-EDS and X-ray microCT methods show dissolution of carbonate and silica cements and matrix accompanied by minor dissolution of Fe-oxides, clays, and other silicates. Parallel experiments using powdered samples confirm that dissolution of carbonate and silica are the primary reactions. The batch reaction experiments in the autoclave utilize a high fluid to rock volume ratio and represent an end member of possible alteration associated with CO 2 storage systems. These types of tests serve as a pre-screening tool to identify the susceptibility of rock facies to CO 2-related chemical-mechanical alteration during long-term CO 2 storage.« less

Advances in tissue engineering through stem cell-based co-culture.

PubMed

Paschos, Nikolaos K; Brown, Wendy E; Eswaramoorthy, Rajalakshmanan; Hu, Jerry C; Athanasiou, Kyriacos A

2015-05-01

Stem cells are the future in tissue engineering and regeneration. In a co-culture, stem cells not only provide a target cell source with multipotent differentiation capacity, but can also act as assisting cells that promote tissue homeostasis, metabolism, growth and repair. Their incorporation into co-culture systems seems to be important in the creation of complex tissues or organs. In this review, critical aspects of stem cell use in co-culture systems are discussed. Direct and indirect co-culture methodologies used in tissue engineering are described, along with various characteristics of cellular interactions in these systems. Direct cell-cell contact, cell-extracellular matrix interaction and signalling via soluble factors are presented. The advantages of stem cell co-culture strategies and their applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are portrayed through specific examples for several tissues, including orthopaedic soft tissues, bone, heart, vasculature, lung, kidney, liver and nerve. A concise review of the progress and the lessons learned are provided, with a focus on recent developments and their implications. It is hoped that knowledge developed from one tissue can be translated to other tissues. Finally, we address challenges in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that can potentially be overcome via employing strategies for stem cell co-culture use. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at specific linker threonine indicates slow-cycling intestinal stem-like cells before reentry to cell cycle.

PubMed

Kishimoto, Masanobu; Fukui, Toshiro; Suzuki, Ryo; Takahashi, Yu; Sumimoto, Kimi; Okazaki, Takashi; Sakao, Masayuki; Sakaguchi, Yutaku; Yoshida, Katsunori; Uchida, Kazushige; Nishio, Akiyoshi; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi

2015-02-01

Quiescent (slow-cycling) and active (rapid-cycling) stem cells are demonstrated in small intestines. We have identified significant expression of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), in murine stomach, and suggested these cells are epithelial stem cells. Here, we explore whether pSmad2/3L-Thr could serve as a biomarker for small intestine and colon stem cells. We examined small intestines and colons from C57BL/6 mice and colons with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. We performed double-immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, cytokeratin 8, chromogranin A, CDK4, DCAMKL1, and Musashi-1. Small intestines and colons from Lgr5-EGFP knock-in mice were examined by pSmad2/3L-Thr immunofluorescent staining. To examine BrdU label retention of pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells, we collected specimens after BrdU administration and observed double-immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with BrdU. In small intestines and colons, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells were detected around crypt bases. Immunohistochemical co-localization of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67 was not observed. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells showed co-localization with cytokeratin 8, CDK4, and Musashi-1 and different localization from chromogranin A and DCAMKL1 immunostaining-positive cells. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells were morphologically undifferentiated. In Lgr5-EGFP knock-in mice, some but not all pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells showed co-localization with Lgr5. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells showed co-localization with BrdU at 5, 10, and 15 days after administration. In DSS-induced colitis, pSmad2/3L-Thr and Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells increased in the regeneration phase and decreased in the injury phase. In murine small intestines and colons, we suggest pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells are epithelial stem-like cells just before reentry to the cell cycle.

Silvering substrates after CO2 snow cleaning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zito, Richard R.

2005-09-01

There have been some questions in the astronomical community concerning the quality of silver coatings deposited on substrates that have been cleaned with carbon dioxide snow. These questions center around the possible existence of carbonate ions left behind on the substrate by CO2. Such carbonate ions could react with deposited silver to produce insoluble silver carbonate, thereby reducing film adhesion and reflectivity. Carbonate ions could be produced from CO2 via the following mechanism. First, during CO2 snow cleaning, a small amount of moisture can condense on a surface. This is especially true if the jet of CO2 is allowed to dwell on one spot. CO2 gas can dissolve in this moisture, producing carbonic acid, which can undergo two acid dissociations to form carbonate ions. In reality, it is highly unlikely that charged carbonate ions will remain stable on a substrate for very long. As condensed water evaporates, Le Chatelier's principle will shift the equilibrium of the chain of reactions that produced carbonate back to CO2 gas. Furthermore, the hydration of CO2 reaction of CO2 with H20) is an extremely slow process, and the total dehydrogenation of carbonic acid is not favored. Living tissues that must carry out the equilibration of carbonic acid and CO2 use the enzyme carbonic anhydrase to speed up the reaction by a factor of one million. But no such enzymatic action is present on a clean mirror substrate. In short, the worst case analysis presented below shows that the ratio of silver atoms to carbonate radicals must be at least 500 million to one. The results of chemical tests presented here support this view. Furthermore, film lift-off tests, also presented in this report, show that silver film adhesion to fused silica substrates is actually enhanced by CO2 snow cleaning.

Non-structural carbon dynamics and allocation relate to growth rate and leaf habit in California oaks.

PubMed

Trumbore, Susan; Czimczik, Claudia I; Sierra, Carlos A; Muhr, Jan; Xu, Xiaomei

2015-11-01

Trees contain non-structural carbon (NSC), but it is unclear for how long these reserves are stored and to what degree they are used to support plant activity. We used radiocarbon ((14)C) to show that the carbon (C) in stemwood NSC can achieve ages of several decades in California oaks. We separated NSC into two fractions: soluble (∼50% sugars) and insoluble (mostly starch) NSC. Soluble NSC contained more C than insoluble NSC, but we found no consistent trend in the amount of either pool with depth in the stem. There was no systematic difference in C age between the two fractions, although ages increased with stem depth. The C in both NSC fractions was consistently younger than the structural C from which they were extracted. Together, these results indicate considerable inward mixing of NSC within the stem and rapid exchange between soluble and insoluble pools, compared with the timescale of inward mixing. We observed similar patterns in sympatric evergreen and deciduous oaks and the largest differences among tree stems with different growth rates. The (14)C signature of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from tree stems was higher than expected from very recent photoassimilates, indicating that the mean age of C in respiration substrates included a contribution from C fixed years previously. A simple model that tracks NSC produced each year, followed by loss (through conversion to CO2) in subsequent years, matches our observations of inward mixing of NSC in the stem and higher (14)C signature of stem CO2 efflux. Together, these data support the idea of continuous accumulation of NSC in stemwood and that 'vigor' (growth rate) and leaf habit (deciduous vs evergreen) control NSC pool size and allocation. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

ELEVATED CO2 AND TEMPERATURE ALTER NITROGEN ALLOCATION IN DOUGLAS-FIR

EPA Science Inventory

The effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on principal carbon constituents (PCC) and C and N allocation between needle, woody (stem and branches) and root tissue of Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco seedlings were determined. The seedlings were grown in sun-lit controlled-envi...

Extracellular HCO3- is sensed by mouse cerebral arteries: Regulation of tone by receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase γ

PubMed Central

Hansen, Kristoffer B; Boedtkjer, Donna MB; Aalkjaer, Christian; Boron, Walter F

2015-01-01

We investigate sensing and signaling mechanisms for H+, HCO3- and CO2 in basilar arteries using out-of-equilibrium solutions. Selectively varying pHo, [HCO3-]o, or pCO2, we find: (a) lowering pHo attenuates vasoconstriction and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) Ca2+-responses whereas raising pHo augments vasoconstriction independently of VSMC [Ca2+]i, (b) lowering [HCO3-]o increases arterial agonist-sensitivity of tone development without affecting VSMC [Ca2+]i but c) no evidence that CO2 has direct net vasomotor effects. Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP)γ is transcribed in endothelial cells, and direct vasomotor effects of HCO3o- are absent in arteries from RPTPγ-knockout mice. At pHo 7.4, selective changes in [HCO3-]o or pCO2 have little effect on pHi. At pHo 7.1, decreased [HCO3-]o or increased pCO2 causes intracellular acidification, which attenuates vasoconstriction. Under equilibrated conditions, anti-contractile effects of CO2/HCO3- are endothelium-dependent and absent in arteries from RPTPγ-knockout mice. With CO2/HCO3- present, contractile responses to agonist-stimulation are potentiated in arteries from RPTPγ-knockout compared to wild-type mice, and this difference is larger for respiratory than metabolic acidosis. In conclusion, decreased pHo and pHi inhibit vasoconstriction, whereas decreased [HCO3-]o promotes vasoconstriction through RPTPγ-dependent changes in VSMC Ca2+-sensitivity. HCO3o- serves dual roles, providing substrate for pHi-regulating membrane transporters and modulating arterial responses to acid–base disturbances. PMID:26661205

Resolving stem and progenitor cells in the adult mouse incisor through gene co-expression analysis

PubMed Central

Seidel, Kerstin; Marangoni, Pauline; Tang, Cynthia; Houshmand, Bahar; Du, Wen; Maas, Richard L; Murray, Steven; Oldham, Michael C; Klein, Ophir D

2017-01-01

Investigations into stem cell-fueled renewal of an organ benefit from an inventory of cell type-specific markers and a deep understanding of the cellular diversity within stem cell niches. Using the adult mouse incisor as a model for a continuously renewing organ, we performed an unbiased analysis of gene co-expression relationships to identify modules of co-expressed genes that represent differentiated cells, transit-amplifying cells, and residents of stem cell niches. Through in vivo lineage tracing, we demonstrated the power of this approach by showing that co-expression module members Lrig1 and Igfbp5 define populations of incisor epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells. We further discovered that two adjacent mesenchymal tissues, the periodontium and dental pulp, are maintained by distinct pools of stem cells. These findings reveal novel mechanisms of incisor renewal and illustrate how gene co-expression analysis of intact biological systems can provide insights into the transcriptional basis of cellular identity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24712.001 PMID:28475038

Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Labeled with Plasmonic Gold Nanostars for Cellular Tracking and Photothermal Cancer Cell Ablation.

PubMed

Shammas, Ronnie L; Fales, Andrew M; Crawford, Bridget M; Wisdom, Amy J; Devi, Gayathri R; Brown, David A; Vo-Dinh, Tuan; Hollenbeck, Scott T

2017-04-01

Gold nanostars are unique nanoplatforms that can be imaged in real time and transform light energy into heat to ablate cells. Adipose-derived stem cells migrate toward tumor niches in response to chemokines. The ability of adipose-derived stem cells to migrate and integrate into tumors makes them ideal vehicles for the targeted delivery of cancer nanotherapeutics. To test the labeling efficiency of gold nanostars, undifferentiated adipose-derived stem cells were incubated with gold nanostars and a commercially available nanoparticle (Qtracker), then imaged using two-photon photoluminescence microscopy. The effects of gold nanostars on cell phenotype, proliferation, and viability were assessed with flow cytometry, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide metabolic assay, and trypan blue, respectively. Trilineage differentiation of gold nanostar-labeled adipose-derived stem cells was induced with the appropriate media. Photothermolysis was performed on adipose-derived stem cells cultured alone or in co-culture with SKBR3 cancer cells. Efficient uptake of gold nanostars occurred in adipose-derived stem cells, with persistence of the luminescent signal over 4 days. Labeling efficiency and signal quality were greater than with Qtracker. Gold nanostars did not affect cell phenotype, viability, or proliferation, and exhibited stronger luminescence than Qtracker throughout differentiation. Zones of complete ablation surrounding the gold nanostar-labeled adipose-derived stem cells were observed following photothermolysis in both monoculture and co-culture models. Gold nanostars effectively label adipose-derived stem cells without altering cell phenotype. Once labeled, photoactivation of gold nanostar-labeled adipose-derived stem cells ablates neighboring cancer cells, demonstrating the potential of adipose-derived stem cells as a vehicle for the delivery of site-specific cancer therapy.

Stem CO2 efflux in six co-occurring tree species: underlying factors and ecological implications.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Calcerrada, Jesús; López, Rosana; Salomón, Roberto; Gordaliza, Guillermo G; Valbuena-Carabaña, María; Oleksyn, Jacek; Gil, Luis

2015-06-01

Stem respiration plays a role in species coexistence and forest dynamics. Here we examined the intra- and inter-specific variability of stem CO2 efflux (E) in dominant and suppressed trees of six deciduous species in a mixed forest stand: Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl, Quercus pyrenaica Willd., Prunus avium L., Sorbus aucuparia L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq. We conducted measurements in late autumn. Within species, dominants had higher E per unit stem surface area (Es ) mainly because sapwood depth was higher than in suppressed trees. Across species, however, differences in Es corresponded with differences in the proportion of living parenchyma in sapwood and concentration of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Across species, Es was strongly and NSC marginally positively related with an index of drought tolerance, suggesting that slow growth of drought-tolerant trees is related to higher NSC concentration and Es . We conclude that, during the leafless period, E is indicative of maintenance respiration and is related with some ecological characteristics of the species, such as drought resistance; that sapwood depth is the main factor explaining variability in Es within species; and that the proportion of NSC in the sapwood is the main factor behind variability in Es among species. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Equilibration of experimentally determined protein structures for molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, Emily B.; Vanvliet, Krystyn J.

2006-12-01

Preceding molecular dynamics simulations of biomolecular interactions, the molecule of interest is often equilibrated with respect to an initial configuration. This so-called equilibration stage is required because the input structure is typically not within the equilibrium phase space of the simulation conditions, particularly in systems as complex as proteins, which can lead to artifactual trajectories of protein dynamics. The time at which nonequilibrium effects from the initial configuration are minimized—what we will call the equilibration time—marks the beginning of equilibrium phase-space exploration. Note that the identification of this time does not imply exploration of the entire equilibrium phase space. We have found that current equilibration methodologies contain ambiguities that lead to uncertainty in determining the end of the equilibration stage of the trajectory. This results in equilibration times that are either too long, resulting in wasted computational resources, or too short, resulting in the simulation of molecular trajectories that do not accurately represent the physical system. We outline and demonstrate a protocol for identifying the equilibration time that is based on the physical model of Normal Mode Analysis. We attain the computational efficiency required of large-protein simulations via a stretched exponential approximation that enables an analytically tractable and physically meaningful form of the root-mean-square deviation of atoms comprising the protein. We find that the fitting parameters (which correspond to physical properties of the protein) fluctuate initially but then stabilize for increased simulation time, independently of the simulation duration or sampling frequency. We define the end of the equilibration stage—and thus the equilibration time—as the point in the simulation when these parameters attain constant values. Compared to existing methods, our approach provides the objective identification of the time at which the simulated biomolecule has entered an energetic basin. For the representative protein considered, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, existing methods indicate a range of 0.2-10ns of simulation until a local minimum is attained. Our approach identifies a substantially narrower range of 4.5-5.5ns , which will lead to a much more objective choice of equilibration time.

Comparison of CO 2 Detection Methods Tested in Shallow Groundwater Monitoring Wells at a Geological Sequestration Site

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

Edenborn, Harry M.; Jain, Jinesh N.

The geological storage of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2) is one method of reducing the amount of CO 2 released into the atmosphere. Monitoring programs typically determine baseline conditions in surface and near-surface environments before, during, and after CO 2 injection to evaluate if impacts related to injection have occurred. Because CO 2 concentrations in groundwater fluctuate naturally due to complex geochemical and geomicrobiologicalinteractions, a clear understanding of the baseline behavior of CO 2 in groundwater near injection sites is important. Numerous ways of measuring aqueous CO 2 in the field and lab are currently used, but most methods havemore » significant shortcomings (e.g., are tedious, lengthy, have interferences, or have significant lag time before a result is determined). In this study, we examined the effectiveness of two novel CO 2 detection methods and their ability to rapidly detect CO2in shallow groundwater monitoring wells associated with the Illinois Basin –Decatur Project geological sequestration site. The CarboQC beverage carbonation meter was used to measure the concentration of CO 2 in water by monitoring temperature and pressure changes and calculating the PCO 2 from the ideal gas law. Additionally, a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO< sub>2sensor enclosed in a gas-permeable, water-impermeable membrane measured CO2by determining an equilibrium concentration. Results showed that the CarboQC method provided rapid (< 3 min) and repeatable results under field conditions within a measured concentration range of 15 –125 mg/L CO 2. The NDIR sensor results correlated well (r 2= 0.93) with the CarboQC data, but CO 2 equilibration required at least 15 minutes, making the method somewhat less desirable under field conditions. In contrast, NDIR-based sensors have a greater potential for long-term deployment. Both systems are adaptable to in-line groundwater sampling methods. Other specific advantages and disadvantages associated with the two approaches, and anomalies associated with specific samples, are discussed in greater detail in this poster.« less

Effects of stem size on stem respiration and its flux components in yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) trees.

PubMed

Fan, Hailan; McGuire, Mary Anne; Teskey, Robert O

2017-11-01

Carbon dioxide (CO2) released from respiring cells in the stems of trees (RS) can diffuse radially to the atmosphere (EA) or dissolve in xylem sap and move internally in the tree (FT). Previous studies have observed that EA decreases as stem or branch diameter increases, but the cause of this relationship has not been determined, nor has the relationship been confirmed between stem diameter and RS, which includes both EA and FT. In this study, for the first time the mass balance technique was used to estimate RS of stems of Liriodendron tulipifera L. trees of different diameters, ranging from 16 to 60 cm, growing on the same site. The magnitude of the component fluxes scaled with tree size. Among the five trees, the contribution of EA to RS decreased linearly with increasing stem diameter and sapwood area while the contribution of FT to RS increased linearly with stem diameter and sapwood area. For the smallest tree EA was 86% of RS but it was only 46% of RS in the largest tree. As tree size increased a greater proportion of respired CO2 dissolved in sap and remained within the tree. Due to increase in FT with tree size, we observed that trees of different sizes had the same RS even though they had different EA. This appears to explain why the EA of stems and branches decreases as their size increases. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Exogenous Nkx2.5- or GATA-4-transfected rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and myocardial cell co-culture on the treatment of myocardial infarction in rabbits.

PubMed

Li, Pu; Zhang, Lei

2015-08-01

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Nkx2.5 or GATA-4 transfection with myocardial extracellular environment co-culture on the transformation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into differentiated cardiomyocytes. Nkx2.5 or GATA-4 were transfected into myocardial extracellular environment co-cultured BMSCs, and then injected into the periphery of infarcted myocardium of a myocardial infarction rabbit model. The effects of these gene transfections and culture on the infarcted myocardium were observed and the results may provide an experimental basis for the efficient myocardial cell differentiation of BMSCs. The present study also suggested that these cells may provide a source and clinical basis for myocardial injury repair via stem cell transplantation. The present study examined whether Nkx2.5 or GATA-4 exogenous gene transfection with myocardial cell extracellular environment co-culture were able to induce the differentiation of BMSCs into cardiac cells. In addition, the effect of these transfected BMSCs on the repair of the myocardium following myocardial infarction was determined using New Zealand rabbit models. The results demonstrated that myocardial cell differentiation was significantly less effective following exogenous gene transfection of Nkx2.5 or GATA-4 alone compared with that of transfection in combination with extracellular environment co-culture. In addition, the results of the present study showed that exogenous gene transfection of Nkx2.5 or GATA-4 into myocardial cell extracellular environment co-cultured BMSCs was able to significantly enhance the ability to repair, mitigating the death of myocardial cells and activation of the myocardium in rabbits with myocardial infarction compared with those of the rabbits transplanted with untreated BMSCs. In conclusion, the exogenous Nkx2.5 and GATA-4 gene transfection into myocardial extracellular environment co-cultured BMSCs induced increased differentiation into myocardial cells compared with that of gene transfection alone. Furthermore, significantly enhanced reparative effects were observed in the myocardium of rabbits following treatment with Nkx2.5-or GATA-4-transfected myocardial cell extracellular environment co-cultured BMSCs compared with those treated with untreated BMSCs.

Effective myotube formation in human adipose tissue-derived stem cells expressing dystrophin and myosin heavy chain by cellular fusion with mouse C2C12 myoblasts

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

Eom, Young Woo; Biomedical Research Institute, Lifeliver Co., Ltd., Suwon; Lee, Jong Eun

2011-04-29

Highlights: {yields} hASCs were differentiated into skeletal muscle cells by treatment with 5-azacytidine, FGF-2, and the supernatant of cultured hASCs. {yields} Dystrophin and MyHC were expressed in late differentiation step by treatment with the supernatant of cultured hASCs. {yields} hASCs expressing dystrophin and MyHC contributed to myotube formation during co-culture with mouse myoblast C2C12 cells. -- Abstract: Stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophies requires stem cells that are able to participate in the formation of new muscle fibers. However, the differentiation steps that are the most critical for this process are not clear. We investigated the myogenic phases of humanmore » adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) step by step and the capability of myotube formation according to the differentiation phase by cellular fusion with mouse myoblast C2C12 cells. In hASCs treated with 5-azacytidine and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) for 1 day, the early differentiation step to express MyoD and myogenin was induced by FGF-2 treatment for 6 days. Dystrophin and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression was induced by hASC conditioned medium in the late differentiation step. Myotubes were observed only in hASCs undergoing the late differentiation step by cellular fusion with C2C12 cells. In contrast, hASCs that were normal or in the early stage were not involved in myotube formation. Our results indicate that stem cells expressing dystrophin and MyHC are more suitable for myotube formation by co-culture with myoblasts than normal or early differentiated stem cells expressing MyoD and myogenin.« less

The nature of the fluids associated with the Monte Rosa gold district, NW Alps, Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lattanzi, P.

1990-12-01

Recent O-isotope and fluid inclusion studies have provided evidence on the nature of the fluids associated with the late-Alpine quartz-gold deposits of the Monte Rosa district. The most abundant inclusions in quartz from these deposits contain a low salinity aqueous fluid (about 2% to 10% wt. NaCl eq.), and a CO2 phase (usually less than 20% mol), in places with minor methane. CO2 densities and total homogenization temperatures vary widely throughout the district, reflecting diverse conditions of trapping (P = 1 to 3 kb, T = 300° to 450°C). At Miniera dei Cani, unmixing between CO2-rich and H2O-rich fluids possibly occurred. A second type of inclusion contains an aqueous brine without recognizable CO2, and is especially abundant at Val Toppa. O-isotope studies suggest that fluids were largely equilibrated in a metamorphic environment. It is concluded that the gold-related fluids in the district were mainly of a metamorphic nature; at Val Toppa, both isotopic and fluid inclusion data point to contributions of unexchanged meteoric waters. Mechanisms of gold transport and precipitation are less contrained. A possible model involves transport of gold as bisulfide complexes, and precipitation due to one or more of the following processes: decrease of sulfur activity due to precipitation of sulfides, wall-rock reaction, cooling/dilution, and/or fluid unmixing.

Dynamics and Solubility of He and CO 2 in Brine

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

Ho, Tuan Anh; Tenney, Craig M.

2016-09-01

Molecular dynamics simulation was implemented using LAMMPS simulation package (1) to study the diffusivity of He 3 and CO 2 in NaCl aqueous solution. To simulate at infinite dilute gas concentration, we placed one He 3 or CO 2 molecule in an initial simulation box of 24x24x33Å 3 containing 512 water molecules and a certain number of NaCl molecules depending on the concentration. Initial configuration was set up by placing water, NaCl, and gas molecules into different regions in the simulation box. Calculating diffusion coefficient for one He or CO 2 molecule consistently yields poor results. To overcome this, formore » each simulation at specific conditions (i.e., temperature, pressure, and NaCl concentration), we conducted 50 simulations initiated from 50 different configurations. These configurations are obtained by performing the simulation starting from the initial configuration mentioned above in the NVE ensemble (i.e., constant number of particles, volume, and energy). for 100,000 time steps and collecting one configuration every 2,000 times step. The output temperature of this simulation is about 500K. The collected configurations were then equilibrated for 2ns in the NPT ensemble (i.e., constant number of particles, pressure, and temperature) followed by 9ns simulations in the NVT ensemble (i.e., constant number of particles, volume, and temperature). The time step is 1fs for all simulations.« less

Influence of Changes in Daylength and Carbon Dioxide on the Growth of Potato

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, Raymond; Tibbitts, Theodore W.

1997-01-01

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are highly productive in mid- to high-latitude areas where photoperiods change significantly throughout the growing season. To study the effects of changes in photoperiod on growth and tuber development of potato cv. Denali, plants were grown for 112 d with 400 micromol/sq m/s photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) under a 12-h photoperiod (short days, SD), a 24-h photoperiod (long days, LD), and combinations where plants were moved between the two photoperiods 28, 56, or 84 d after planting. Plants given LD throughout growth received the greatest total daily PPF and produced the greatest tuber yields. At similar levels of total PPF, plants given SD followed by LD yielded greater tuber dry mass (DM) than plants given LD followed by SD. Stem DM per plant, leaf DM, and total plant DM all increased with an increasing proportion of LD and increasing daily PPF, regardless of the daylength sequence. When studies were repeated, but at an enriched (1000micromol/mol) CO2 concentration, overall growth trends were similar, with high CO2 resulting in greater stem length, stem DM, leaf DM, and total plant DM; but high CO2 did not increase tuber DM.

Altered respiratory response to substance P in capsaicin-treated rats.

PubMed

Towle, A C; Mueller, R A; Breese, G R; Lauder, J

1985-01-01

The present investigation sought to examine the importance of substance P in the altered respiratory activity after neonatal capsaicin administration. Halothane-anesthetized adult rats given capsaicin neonatally exhibit a decreased basal minute ventilation with PaCO2 equal to and PaO2 greater than vehicle injected controls. In addition, the minute ventilation-PaCO2 curve was displaced to the right. Acute bilateral cervical vagotomy severely blunted the minute ventilation response to PaCO2 and abolished the differences in ventilation between capsaicin treated and control rats. Neonatal capsaicin significantly reduced pons-medulla substance P content but not TRH, serotonin or 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that substance P fibers of the trigeminal spinal nucleus were the most severely affected in the brain stem and that substance P fibers in the lung were totally absent. The intracerebroventricular administration of substance P increased minute ventilation similarly in both control and capsaicin treated rats, largely as a result of increases in tidal volume. The minute ventilation-PaCO2 curve was similar in both groups after substance P administration. Simultaneous administration of the peptidase inhibitor captopril with substance P increased the respiratory response to substance P in normal rats. Administration of captopril to capsaicin treated rats restored the ventilation-PaCO2 curve to the position observed in normal rats. The hypotensive response to intracerebroventricular captopril alone in control rats was less profound in rats given neonatal capsaicin. These results are consistent with the thesis that respiratory depression after capsaicin treatment is at least in part due to the loss of substance P primary afferent nerve terminals in the brain stem, suggesting that substance P fibers in the brain stem may participate in the normal modulation of respiratory activity.

Kinetics and equilibria of redox systems at temperatures as low as 300°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkhard, Dorothee J. M.; Ulmer, Gene C.

1995-05-01

ZrO 2 oxygen sensors, gas mixtures, and conventional solid buffers have been used for decades to either control or measure oxygen fugacity (ƒ O 2) at high temperatures. In dry systems below ca. 700°C these techniques were used cautiously, if at all, due to doubt that there was any equilibration at lower temperatures. We have re-investigated these three types of redox systems in a study where each system (two different Y 2O 3ZrO 2 cells, four different gas mixtures, and four different dry solid buffers) was simultaneously cross-checked with the other to temperatures below 300°C and compared to JANAF data, extrapolated down to low temperatures. Steady and reproducible readings were observed down to T ≤ 300°C, from which we infer fast kinetics for all three systems. Specifically, we find equilibration of various CO 2H 2 gas mixtures over the entire temperature range and to much lower temperature than previously predicted. We assign the reactivity (decomposition) of CO 2 at low T to the catalytic action of Pt, whereby chemisorption of H 2 on the platinum surface enhances the reactivity with CO 2. This catalytic reactivity is diminished over time due to a long-term irreversible reaction of Pt with H 2. Subsequent embrittling and aging after prolonged exposure to H 2 explains erroneously high emf readings. Oxygen sensing of ZrO 2 cells is linear in 1/ T-log ƒ O 2 space and Nernstian at high temperatures. However, for cells with a specific and complex trace element chemistry, one may observe a non-Nernstian behavior in the low T range, i.e., below 470° or lower, probably caused by partially blocked O 2- migration, dependent on the H 2 content in the gas mixture. Linearity and reproducibility of this deviation still allows, however, a useable calibration. Solid buffers of the metal-metal oxide type are known to alloy with noble metals and we therefore used AgPd electrodes, for consistency in all studies, including (IW), (IM), (FMQ), and (NNO). Whereas (IW) and (IM) can be used in the temperature range of consideration, (FMQ) and (NNO) react sluggishly. Complex defect structure of (FMQ) and age alteration of Ni surfaces by chemisorption of oxygen and/or AgNi alloying of (NNO) may be the reason. Fast kinetics and successful redox sensing of CO 2H 2 gas mixtures, of ZrO 2 cells and of at least some solid buffers are therefore promising for future research on low- T redox equilibria.

Effects of an extension of the equilibration period up to 96 hours on the characteristics of cryopreserved bull semen.

PubMed

Fleisch, A; Malama, E; Witschi, U; Leiding, C; Siuda, M; Janett, F; Bollwein, H

2017-02-01

This study was designed to investigate the effects of an equilibration period up to 96 hours and three extenders (AndroMed, OPTIXcell, and Triladyl) on the quality of cryopreserved bull semen and to evaluate, whether an extension of the equilibration time to 72 hours does affect fertility in the field. One ejaculate of 17 bulls was collected and divided into three equal aliquots and diluted, respectively, with the three extenders. Each aliquot was again divided into five parts and equilibrated for 4, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours before freezing in an automatic freezer. Sperm motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI), and DNA fragmentation index (% DFI) were measured during equilibration. In addition to the parameters measured during equilibration, the percentage of viable sperm cells with high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) was measured immediately after thawing, and after 3 hours of incubation at 37 °C. Sperm motility was assessed using CASA, and PMAI, HMMP, and % DFI were measured using flow cytometry. Equilibration time did affect all parameters before freezing (P < 0.01), and also the extender affected all parameters except HMMP (P < 0.05). After thawing, all parameters except HMMP immediately after thawing were influenced by the equilibration period (P < 0.001), whereas all parameters except % DFI immediately after thawing were influenced by the extender (P < 0.001). The changes of semen characteristics during 3 hours of incubation were also dependent on the equilibration time and the extender used in all parameters (P < 0.01). In the field study, semen of nine bulls was collected thrice weekly, processed using Triladyl egg yolk extender, and frozen in 0.25 mL straws with 15 × 10 6 spermatozoa per straw. In total, the nonreturn rates on Day 90 after insemination (NRR90) of 263,816 inseminations in two periods were evaluated. Whereas semen collected on Mondays and Wednesdays was equilibrated for 24 hours in both periods, semen collected on Fridays was equilibrated for 4 hours in period one and equilibrated for 72 hours in period 2. No differences in NRR90 could be found (P > 0.05). In conclusion, extension of the equilibration time from 4 hours to 24-72 hours can improve motility and viability of cryopreserved semen after thawing. The extent of improvement in semen quality is dependent on the extender used. Prolongation of the equilibration period from 4 hours to 72 hours had no effect on fertility in the field. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of calcium on aqueous uranium(VI) speciation and adsorption to ferrihydrite and quartz

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fox, P.M.; Davis, J.A.; Zachara, J.M.

2006-01-01

Recent studies of uranium(VI) geochemistry have focused on the potentially important role of the aqueous species, CaUO2 (CO3)32- and Ca2 UO2(CO3)30(aq), on inhibition of microbial reduction and uranium(VI) aqueous speciation in contaminated groundwater. However, to our knowledge, there have been no direct studies of the effects of these species on U(VI) adsorption by mineral phases. The sorption of U(VI) on quartz and ferrihydrite was investigated in NaNO3 solutions equilibrated with either ambient air (430 ppm CO2) or 2% CO2 in the presence of 0, 1.8, or 8.9 mM Ca2+. Under conditions where the Ca2UO2(CO3)30 (aq) species predominates U(VI) aqueous speciation, the presence of Ca in solution lowered U(VI) adsorption on quartz from 77% in the absence of Ca to 42% and 10% at Ca concentrations of 1.8 and 8.9 mM, respectively. U(VI) adsorption to ferrihydrite decreased from 83% in the absence of Ca to 57% in the presence of 1.8 mM Ca. Surface complexation model predictions that included the formation constant for aqueous Ca2UO2(CO3)30(aq) accurately simulated the effect of Ca2+ on U(VI) sorption onto quartz and ferrihydrite within the thermodynamic uncertainty of the stability constant value. This study confirms that Ca2+ can have a significant impact on the aqueous speciation of U(VI), and consequently, on the sorption and mobility of U(VI) in aquifers. ?? 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of CO2 Enrichment on Synthesis of Some Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

PubMed Central

Ghasemzadeh, Ali; Jaafar, Hawa Z. E.

2011-01-01

The effect of two different CO2 concentrations (400 and 800 μmol mol−1) on the photosynthesis rate, primary and secondary metabolite syntheses and the antioxidant activities of the leaves, stems and rhizomes of two Zingiber officinale varieties (Halia Bentong and Halia Bara) were assessed in an effort to compare and validate the medicinal potential of the subterranean part of the young ginger. High photosynthesis rate (10.05 μmol CO2 m−2s−1 in Halia Bara) and plant biomass (83.4 g in Halia Bentong) were observed at 800 μmol mol−1 CO2. Stomatal conductance decreased and water use efficiency increased with elevated CO2 concentration. Total flavonoids (TF), total phenolics (TP), total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), starch and plant biomass increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in all parts of the ginger varieties under elevated CO2 (800 μmol mol−1). The order of the TF and TP increment in the parts of the plant was rhizomes > stems > leaves. More specifically, Halia Bara had a greater increase of TF (2.05 mg/g dry weight) and TP (14.31 mg/g dry weight) compared to Halia Bentong (TF: 1.42 mg/g dry weight; TP: 9.11 mg/g dry weight) in average over the whole plant. Furthermore, plants with the highest rate of photosynthesis had the highest TSC and phenolics content. Significant differences between treatments and species were observed for TF and TP production. Correlation coefficient showed that TSC and TP content are positively correlated in both varieties. The antioxidant activity, as determined by the ferric reducing/antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity, increased in young ginger grown under elevated CO2. The FRAP values for the leaves, rhizomes and stems extracts of both varieties grown under two different CO2 concentrations (400 and 800 μmol mol−1) were significantly lower than those of vitamin C (3107.28 μmol Fe (II)/g) and α-tocopherol (953 μmol Fe (II)/g), but higher than that of BHT (74.31 μmol Fe (II)/g). These results indicate that the plant biomass, primary and secondary metabolite synthesis, and following that, antioxidant activities of Malaysian young ginger varieties can be enhanced through controlled environment (CE) and CO2 enrichment. PMID:21541046

Multiscale approach for the construction of equilibrated all-atom models of a poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel

PubMed Central

Li, Xianfeng; Murthy, N. Sanjeeva; Becker, Matthew L.; Latour, Robert A.

2016-01-01

A multiscale modeling approach is presented for the efficient construction of an equilibrated all-atom model of a cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel using the all-atom polymer consistent force field (PCFF). The final equilibrated all-atom model was built with a systematic simulation toolset consisting of three consecutive parts: (1) building a global cross-linked PEG-chain network at experimentally determined cross-link density using an on-lattice Monte Carlo method based on the bond fluctuation model, (2) recovering the local molecular structure of the network by transitioning from the lattice model to an off-lattice coarse-grained (CG) model parameterized from PCFF, followed by equilibration using high performance molecular dynamics methods, and (3) recovering the atomistic structure of the network by reverse mapping from the equilibrated CG structure, hydrating the structure with explicitly represented water, followed by final equilibration using PCFF parameterization. The developed three-stage modeling approach has application to a wide range of other complex macromolecular hydrogel systems, including the integration of peptide, protein, and/or drug molecules as side-chains within the hydrogel network for the incorporation of bioactivity for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery applications. PMID:27013229

Semipermeable Capsules Wrapping a Multifunctional and Self-regulated Co-culture Microenvironment for Osteogenic Differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Correia, Clara R.; Pirraco, Rogério P.; Cerqueira, Mariana T.; Marques, Alexandra P.; Reis, Rui L.; Mano, João F.

2016-02-01

A new concept of semipermeable reservoirs containing co-cultures of cells and supporting microparticles is presented, inspired by the multi-phenotypic cellular environment of bone. Based on the deconstruction of the “stem cell niche”, the developed capsules are designed to drive a self-regulated osteogenesis. PLLA microparticles functionalized with collagen I, and a co-culture of adipose stem (ASCs) and endothelial (ECs) cells are immobilized in spherical liquified capsules. The capsules are coated with multilayers of poly(L-lysine), alginate, and chitosan nano-assembled through layer-by-layer. Capsules encapsulating ASCs alone or in a co-culture with ECs are cultured in endothelial medium with or without osteogenic differentiation factors. Results show that osteogenesis is enhanced by the co-encapsulation, which occurs even in the absence of differentiation factors. These findings are supported by an increased ALP activity and matrix mineralization, osteopontin detection, and the up regulation of BMP-2, RUNX2 and BSP. The liquified co-capsules also act as a VEGF and BMP-2 cytokines release system. The proposed liquified capsules might be a valuable injectable self-regulated system for bone regeneration employing highly translational cell sources.

Stem compression reversibly reduces phloem transport in Pinus sylvestris trees.

PubMed

Henriksson, Nils; Tarvainen, Lasse; Lim, Hyungwoo; Tor-Ngern, Pantana; Palmroth, Sari; Oren, Ram; Marshall, John; Näsholm, Torgny

2015-10-01

Manipulating tree belowground carbon (C) transport enables investigation of the ecological and physiological roles of tree roots and their associated mycorrhizal fungi, as well as a range of other soil organisms and processes. Girdling remains the most reliable method for manipulating this flux and it has been used in numerous studies. However, girdling is destructive and irreversible. Belowground C transport is mediated by phloem tissue, pressurized through the high osmotic potential resulting from its high content of soluble sugars. We speculated that phloem transport may be reversibly blocked through the application of an external pressure on tree stems. Thus, we here introduce a technique based on compression of the phloem, which interrupts belowground flow of assimilates, but allows trees to recover when the external pressure is removed. Metal clamps were wrapped around the stems and tightened to achieve a pressure theoretically sufficient to collapse the phloem tissue, thereby aiming to block transport. The compression's performance was tested in two field experiments: a (13)C canopy labelling study conducted on small Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees [2-3 m tall, 3-7 cm diameter at breast height (DBH)] and a larger study involving mature pines (∼15 m tall, 15-25 cm DBH) where stem respiration, phloem and root carbohydrate contents, and soil CO2 efflux were measured. The compression's effectiveness was demonstrated by the successful blockage of (13)C transport. Stem compression doubled stem respiration above treatment, reduced soil CO2 efflux by 34% and reduced phloem sucrose content by 50% compared with control trees. Stem respiration and soil CO2 efflux returned to normal within 3 weeks after pressure release, and (13)C labelling revealed recovery of phloem function the following year. Thus, we show that belowground phloem C transport can be reduced by compression, and we also demonstrate that trees recover after treatment, resuming C transport in the phloem. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Integrated Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

patterns in these reconstructed co-cultured cancer cell /stromal cell 3D organoids (Figure 2). The role of mesenchymal stem cells in cancer Bone...marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been the subject of interest in solid tumor. Because of their ability to migrate to sites of inflammation...10 Figure 3. Characterization of ex-vivo expanded C57 B6 derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells . The cells are positive for CD44, CD140β

The Calvin Cycle Inevitably Produces Sugar-Derived Reactive Carbonyl Methylglyoxal During Photosynthesis: A Potential Cause of Plant Diabetes

PubMed Central

Takagi, Daisuke; Inoue, Hironori; Odawara, Mizue; Shimakawa, Ginga; Miyake, Chikahiro

2014-01-01

Sugar-derived reactive carbonyls (RCs), including methylglyoxal (MG), are aggressive by-products of oxidative stress known to impair the functions of multiple proteins. These advanced glycation end-products accumulate in patients with diabetes mellitus and cause major complications, including arteriosclerosis and cardiac insufficiency. In the glycolytic pathway, the equilibration reactions between dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (GAP) have recently been shown to generate MG as a by-product. Because plants produce vast amounts of sugars and support the same reaction in the Calvin cycle, we hypothesized that MG also accumulates in chloroplasts. Incubating isolated chloroplasts with excess 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) as the GAP precursor drove the equilibration reaction toward MG production. The rate of oxygen (O2) evolution was used as an index of 3-PGA-mediated photosynthesis. The 3-PGA- and time-dependent accumulation of MG in chloroplasts was confirmed by HPLC. In addition, MG production increased with an increase in light intensity. We also observed a positive linear relationship between the rates of MG production and O2 evolution (R = 0.88; P < 0.0001). These data provide evidence that MG is produced by the Calvin cycle and that sugar-derived RC production is inevitable during photosynthesis. Furthermore, we found that MG production is enhanced under high-CO2 conditions in illuminated wheat leaves. PMID:24406631

Seasonal and spatial variations in surface pCO2 and air-sea CO2 flux in the Chesapeake Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, W. J.; Chen, B.

2017-12-01

Bay-wide observations of surface water partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) were conducted in May, June, August, and October 2016 to study the spatial and seasonal variations in surface pCO2 and to estimate air-sea CO2 flux in the Chesapeake Bay. Overall, high surface pCO2 in the upper-bay decreased downstream rapidly below the atmospheric value near the bay bridge in the mid-bay and then increased slightly to the lower-bay where pCO2 approached the atmospheric level. Over the course of a year, pCO2 was higher than 1000 µatm in the upper bay and the highest pCO2 (2500 µatm) was observed in August. Significant biologically-induced pCO2 undersaturation was observed at the upper part of the mid-bay in August with pCO2 as low as 50 µatm and oversaturated DO% of 200%. In addition to biological control, vertical mixing and upwelling controlled by wind direction and tidal stage played an important role in controlling surface pCO2 in the mid-bay as is evidenced by co-occurrence of high pCO2 with low temperature and low oxygen or high salinity from the subsurface. These physical processes occurred regularly and in short time scale of hours, suggesting they must be considered in the assessment of annual air-sea CO2 flux. Seasonally, the upper-bay acted as a source for atmospheric CO2 over the course of a year. The boundary of upper and mid bay transited from a CO2 source to a sink from May to August and was a source again in October due to strong biological production in summer. In contrast, the mid-bay represented as a CO2 source with large temporal variation due to dynamic hydrographic settings. The lower-bay transited from a weak sink in May to equilibrated with the atmosphere from June to August, while became a source again in October. Moreover, the CO2 flux could be reversed very quickly under episodic severe weather events. Thus further research, including the influence of severe weather and subsequent bloom, is needed to get better understanding of the carbon cycling in the Chesapeake Bay.

Growth and Chemical Responses to CO2 Enrichment Virginia Pine (Pinus Virginiana Mill.) (NDP-009)

DOE Data Explorer

Luxmoore, R. J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (USA); Norby, R. J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (USA); O'Neill, E. G. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (USA); Weller, D. G. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (USA); Ells, J. M. [Agricultural Research Service, USDA; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (USA); Rogers, H. H. [Agricultural Research Service, USDA; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (USA)

1985-01-01

From June 28 to October 29 in 1982, Virginia pine seedlings were exposed to elevated CO2 levels in open-top growth chambers at one of four concentrations (75, 150, 300, and 600 ppm above ambient). Plant dry weight; height; stem diameter; and chemical contents of leaf, stem, and root tissues were measured before and after exposure. Soil variables were also characterized. These data illustrate the short-term physical and chemical response of Virginia pine seedlings to elevated levels of CO2. The data are in seven files: initial dry weights before exposure (844 kB), dry weights after exposure (4 kB), major nutrient concentrations after final harvest (12 kB), minor nutrient concentrations after final harvest (17 kB), soil nutrient concentrations after final harvest (4 kB), soil leachate elements after final harvest (5 kB), and soil leachate solutes after final harvest (4 kB).

A new device for continuous monitoring the CO2 dissolved in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Gregorio, S.; Camarda, M.; Cappuzzo, S.; Giudice, G.; Gurrieri, S.; Longo, M.

2009-04-01

The measurements of dissolved CO2 in water are common elements of industrial processes and scientific research. In order to perform gas dissolved measurements is required to separate the dissolved gaseous phase from water. We developed a new device able to separate the gases phase directly in situ and well suitable for continuous measuring the CO2 dissolved in water. The device is made by a probe of a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) tube connected to an I.R. spectrophotometer (I.R.) and a pump. The PTFE is a polymeric semi-permeable membrane and allows the permeation of gas in the system. Hence, this part of the device is dipped in water in order to equilibrate the probe headspace with the dissolved gases. The partial pressure of the gas i in the headspace at equilibrium (Pi) follows the Henry's law: Pi=Hi•Ci, where Hi is the Henry's constant and Ci is the dissolved concentration of gas i. After the equilibrium is achieved, the partial pressure of CO2 inside the tube is equal to the partial pressure of dissolved CO2. The concentration of CO2 is measured by the I.R. connected to the tube. The gas is moved from the tube headspace to the I.R. by using the pump. In order to test the device and assess the best operating condition, several experimental were performed in laboratory. All the test were executed in a special apparatus where was feasible to create controlled atmospheres. Afterward the device has been placed in a draining tunnel sited in the Mt. Etna Volcano edifice (Italy). The monitored groundwater intercepts the Pernicana Fault, along which degassing phenomena are often observed. The values recorded by the station result in agreement with monthly directly measurements of dissolved CO2 partial pressure.

Modeling Hf-W Evolution for Earth, Moon and Mars in Grand Tack Accretion Simulations: The Isotopic Consequences of Rapid Accretion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zube, N.; Nimmo, F.; Jacobson, S. A.; Fischer, R. A.

2017-12-01

Short-lived isotopes, such as the decay of lithophile 182Hf into siderophile 182W with a half-life of 9 My, can provide constraints on the timescales of planetary core formation and accretion. Classical accretion scenarios have produced Hf-W isotopic outcomes like those measured presently on the Earth [2,3]. We examine Grand Tack accretion simulations [4,5] and determine the mantle equilibration conditions necessary to produce the observed tungsten isotopic anomaly. Additionally, we follow Hf-W evolution for pairs of bodies that experience a last giant impact fitting the conditions of Earth's Moon-forming collision. In this way, we determine the likelihood of producing the observed almost indistinguishable W isotope anomalies of the Earth and Moon mantles [6]. We model Hf-W evolution for growing planets in 141 N-body simulations during late accretion in the Grand Tack scenario. For each case, we vary the equilibration factor during collisions—the fraction of impactor core that experiences re-equilibration with the entire target mantle—in steps ranging from none (cores merging) to complete equilibration. For Earth-like and Mars-like surviving planets, we find that cases with a high equilibration factor (k > 0.8) and an intermediate (2:1 - 4:1) ratio of initial embryo mass to planetesimal mass were most frequently able to approximate the observed W measurements for Earth and Mars. The equilibration factor required is more restrictive than the one found for classical accretion scenarios [2,3] and may not be consistent with fluid-dynamical predictions [7]. Moons made of impactor material from Earth's last giant impact are only able to result in an Earth-Moon pair having sufficiently similar W anomalies with a likelihood of 8% or less across all simulations. This indicates that a scenario where the Moon isotopically equilibrated with the Earth's mantle after the impact [8] may be required to explain the measured values. [1] Kleine et al. 2009 [2] Nimmo et al. 2010 [3] Rudge et al. 2010 [4] Walsh et al. 2009 [5] Jacobson et al. 2014 [6] Touboul et al., 2007 [7] Deguen et al. 2014 [8] Pahlevan and Stevenson 2007

Seasonality of biological and physical controls on surface ocean CO2 from hourly observations at the Southern Ocean Time Series site south of Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shadwick, E. H.; Trull, T. W.; Tilbrook, B.; Sutton, A. J.; Schulz, E.; Sabine, C. L.

2015-02-01

The Subantarctic Zone (SAZ), which covers the northern half of the Southern Ocean between the Subtropical and Subantarctic Fronts, is important for air-sea CO2 exchange, ventilation of the lower thermocline, and nutrient supply for global ocean productivity. Here we present the first high-resolution autonomous observations of mixed layer CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) and hydrographic properties covering a full annual cycle in the SAZ. The amplitude of the seasonal cycle in pCO2 (˜60 μatm), from near-atmospheric equilibrium in late winter to ˜330 μatm in midsummer, results from opposing physical and biological drivers. Decomposing these contributions demonstrates that the biological control on pCO2 (up to 100 μatm), is 4 times larger than the thermal component and driven by annual net community production of 2.45 ± 1.47 mol C m-2 yr-1. After the summer biological pCO2 depletion, the return to near-atmospheric equilibrium proceeds slowly, driven in part by autumn entrainment into a deepening mixed layer and achieving full equilibration in late winter and early spring as respiration and advection complete the annual cycle. The shutdown of winter convection and associated mixed layer shoaling proceeds intermittently, appearing to frustrate the initiation of production. Horizontal processes, identified from salinity anomalies, are associated with biological pCO2 signatures but with differing impacts in winter (when they reflect far-field variations in dissolved inorganic carbon and/or biomass) and summer (when they suggest promotion of local production by the relief of silicic acid or iron limitation). These results provide clarity on SAZ seasonal carbon cycling and demonstrate that the magnitude of the seasonal pCO2 cycle is twice as large as that in the subarctic high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll waters, which can inform the selection of optimal global models in this region.

Graphite solubility and co-vesiculation in basalt-like melts at one-ATM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colson, R. O.

1993-01-01

The identity and source of the vapor phase that caused lunar lava-fountaining and vesiculation in lunar basalts continues to be of interest because of its implications for the composition and state of the lunar interior and because of its implications for lunar resources. In light of the apparent near-absence of H2O on the Moon, it has been suggested that the vapor phase may be CO2-CO. This premise is supported by the presence of carbon on the surface of volcanic glass beads. However, although the rapid exsolution of CO2 from a melt during decompression may be consistent with firefountaining, it fails to provide a satisfying explanation for vesiculation in mare basalt where exsolution of the gas phase would more reasonably be related to cooling/crystallization at low pressure rather than decompression from high pressure. Also, geochemical trends in lunar volcanic glasses suggest that their source has an oxygen fugacity more reducing than the iron-wustite buffer, an oxygen fugacity that is inconsistent with presence of dissolved CO2-CO at depth. The results of experiments in which a vesicular 'basalt' is produced from a melt equilibrated with graphite and pure CO gas at one atmosphere pressure are reported. The vesiculation is apparently related to exsolution of CO or a CO species during cooling of the melt or growth of quench crystals. Additionally, particulate carbon dispersed through the quenched sample suggests that elemental carbon is either in solution in the melt prior to quenching or tends to go into suspension perhaps as colloid-like particles. These two observations may provide insight into the nature of fire-fountaining and vesiculation on the Moon.

Poly(ethylenimine)-Functionalized Monolithic Alumina Honeycomb Adsorbents for CO2 Capture from Air.

PubMed

Sakwa-Novak, Miles A; Yoo, Chun-Jae; Tan, Shuai; Rashidi, Fereshteh; Jones, Christopher W

2016-07-21

The development of practical and effective gas-solid contactors is an important area in the development of CO2 capture technologies. Target CO2 capture applications, such as postcombustion carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) from power plant flue gases or CO2 extraction directly from ambient air (DAC), require high flow rates of gas to be processed at low cost. Extruded monolithic honeycomb structures, such as those employed in the catalytic converters of automobiles, have excellent potential as structured contactors for CO2 adsorption applications because of the low pressure drop imposed on fluid moving through the straight channels of such structures. Here, we report the impregnation of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI), an effective aminopolymer reported commonly for CO2 separation, into extruded monolithic alumina to form structured CO2 sorbents. These structured sorbents are first prepared on a small scale, characterized thoroughly, and compared with powder sorbents with a similar composition. Despite consistent differences observed in the filling of mesopores with PEI between the monolithic and powder sorbents, their performance in CO2 adsorption is similar across a range of PEI contents. A larger monolithic cylinder (1 inch diameter, 4 inch length) is evaluated under conditions closer to those that might be used in large-scale applications and shows a similar performance to the smaller monoliths and powders tested initially. This larger structure is evaluated over five cycles of CO2 adsorption and steam desorption and demonstrates a volumetric capacity of 350 molCO2  m-3monolith and an equilibration time of 350 min under a 0.4 m s(-1) linear flow velocity through the monolith channels using 400 ppm CO2 in N2 as the adsorption gas at 30 °C. This volumetric capacity surpasses that of a similar technology considered previously, which suggested that CO2 could be removed from air at an operating cost as low as $100 per ton. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

42 CFR Appendix - Tables to Subpart L of Part 84

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

....) Number of tests Penetration 1 (p.p.m.) Minimum life 2 (min.) Ammonia As received NH3 1000 64 3 50 50 Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 32 4 50 50 Chlorine As received Cl2 500 64 3 5 35 Chlorine Equilibrated Cl2... life shall be one-half that shown for each type of gas or vapor. Where a respirator is designed for...

42 CFR Appendix - Tables to Subpart L of Part 84

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

....) Number of tests Penetration 1 (p.p.m.) Minimum life 2 (min.) Ammonia As received NH3 1000 64 3 50 50 Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 32 4 50 50 Chlorine As received Cl2 500 64 3 5 35 Chlorine Equilibrated Cl2... life shall be one-half that shown for each type of gas or vapor. Where a respirator is designed for...

42 CFR Appendix - Tables to Subpart L of Part 84

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

....) Number of tests Penetration 1 (p.p.m.) Minimum life 2 (min.) Ammonia As received NH3 1000 64 3 50 50 Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 32 4 50 50 Chlorine As received Cl2 500 64 3 5 35 Chlorine Equilibrated Cl2... life shall be one-half that shown for each type of gas or vapor. Where a respirator is designed for...

Intramuscular injection of malignant hyperthermia trigger agents induces hypermetabolism in susceptible and nonsusceptible individuals.

PubMed

Metterlein, Thomas; Schuster, Frank; Kranke, Peter; Roewer, Norbert; Anetseder, Martin

2010-01-01

A new minimally invasive metabolic test for the diagnosis of susceptibility for malignant hyperthermia measuring intramuscular p(CO(2)) and lactate following local application of caffeine and halothane in humans was recently proposed. The present study tested the hypothesis that a more simplified test protocol allows a differentiation between malignant hyperthermia susceptible (MHS) and malignant hyperthermia nonsusceptible (MHN) and control individuals. With approval of the local ethics committee and informed consent, microdialysis and p(CO(2)) probes with attached microtubing were placed into the lateral vastus muscle of six MHS, seven MHN and seven control individuals. Following equilibration, boluses of 500 microl caffeine 80 mmol l(-1) and halothane 10 vol% dissolved in soybean oil were injected locally. p(CO(2)) and lactate were measured spectrophotometrically. The maximal rate of p(CO(2)) increase was significantly higher in MHS than in MHN and control individuals following application of halothane and caffeine, respectively. Intramuscular caffeine injection leads to a significantly higher increase of local lactate levels in MHS than in MHN and control individuals, whereas halothane increased local lactate levels in all investigated groups. Haemodynamic and systemic metabolic parameters did not differ between the investigated groups. Local caffeine and halothane injection increased intramuscular metabolism in MHS individuals significantly more than in the two other groups. In contrast to previous investigations, direct injection of the concentrations of halothane described here increased lactate and p(CO(2)) even in MHN skeletal muscle.

Triosmium Clusters on a Support: Determination of Structure by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy and High-Resolution Microscopy

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

Shareghe, Mehraeen; Chi, Miaofang; Browning, Nigel D.

2011-01-01

The structures of small, robust metal clusters on a solid support were determined by a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic methods: extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and aberration-corrected STEM. The samples were synthesized from [Os{sub 3}(CO){sub 12}] on MgO powder to provide supported clusters intended to be triosmium. The results demonstrate that the supported clusters are robust in the absence of oxidants. Conventional high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) STEM images demonstrate a high degree of uniformity of the clusters, with root-mean-square (rms) radii of 2.03 {+-} 0.06 {angstrom}. The EXAFS OsOs coordination number ofmore » 2.1 {+-} 0.4 confirms the presence of triosmium clusters on average and correspondingly determines an average rms cluster radius of 2.02 {+-} 0.04 {angstrom}. The high-resolution STEM images show the individual Os atoms in the clusters, confirming the triangular structures of their frames and determining OsOs distances of 2.80 {+-} 0.14 {angstrom}, matching the EXAFS value of 2.89 {+-} 0.06 {angstrom}. IR and EXAFS spectra demonstrate the presence of CO ligands on the clusters. This set of techniques is recommended as optimal for detailed and reliable structural characterization of supported clusters.« less

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

Chatman, Shawn ME; Zarzycki, Piotr P.; Preocanin, Tajana

Time dependent potentiometric pH titrations were used to study the effect of atomic scale surface structure on the protonation behavior of the structurally well defined hematite/aqueous electrolyte interfaces. Our recently proposed thermodynamic model [1,23] was applied to measured acidimetric and alkalimetric titration hysteresis loops, collected from highly organized (001), (012), and (113) crystal face terminations using pH equilibration times ranging from 15 to 30 mins. Hysteresis loop areas indicate that (001) faces equilibrate faster than the (012) and (113) faces, consistent with the different expected ensembles of singly, doubly, and triply coordinated surface sites on each face. Strongly non-linear hystereticmore » pH-potential relationships were found, with slopes exceeding Nernstian, collectively indicating that protonation and deprotonation is much more complex than embodied in present day surface complexation models. The asymmetrical shape of the acidimetric and alkalimetric titration branches were used to illustrate a proposed steric "leaky screen" repulsion/trapping interaction mechanism that stems from high affinity singly-coordinated sites electrostatically and sterically screening lower affinity doubly and triply coordinated sites. Our data indicate that site interaction is the dominant phenomenon defining surface potential accumulation behavior on single crystal faces of metal oxide minerals.« less

Adipose-derived stem cells cooperate with fractional carbon dioxide laser in antagonizing photoaging: a potential role of Wnt and β-catenin signaling.

PubMed

Xu, Xiao; Wang, Hong-Yi; Zhang, Yu; Liu, Yang; Li, Yan-Qi; Tao, Kai; Wu, Chu-Tse; Jin, Ji-de; Liu, Xiao-Yan

2014-01-01

It is well established that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) produce and secrete cytokines/growth factors that antagonize UV-induced photoaging of skin. However, the exact molecular basis underlying the anti-photoaging effects exerted by ADSCs is not well understood, and whether ADSCs cooperate with fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to facilitate photoaging skin healing process has not been explored. Here, we investigated the impacts of ADSCs on photoaging in a photoaging animal model, its associated mechanisms, and its functional cooperation with fractional CO2 laser in treatment of photoaging skin. We showed that ADSCs improved dermal thickness and activated the proliferation of dermal fibroblast. We further demonstrated that the combined treatment of ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser, the latter which is often used to resurface skin and treat wrinkles, had more beneficial effects on the photoaging skin compared with each individual treatment. In our prepared HDF photoaging model, flow cytometry showed that, after adipose derived stem cells conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) co-cultured HDF photoaging model, the cell proliferation rate is higher than UVB irradiation induced HDF modeling (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expressions of β-catenin and Wnt3a, which were up-regulated after the transplantation of ADSCs alone or in combination with fractional CO2 laser treatment. And the expression of wnt3a and β-catenin has the positive correlation with photoaging related protein TGF-β2 and COLI. We also verified these protein expressions in tissue level. In addition, after injected SFRP2 into ADSC-CM co-cultured HDF photoaging model, wnt3a inhibitor, compared with un-intervened group, wnt3a, β-catenin protein level significantly decreased. Both ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser improved photoaging skin at least partially via targeting dermal fibroblast activity which was increased in photoaging skin. The combinatorial use of ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser synergistically improved the healing process of photoaging skin. Thus, we provide a strong rationale for a combined use of ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser in treatment of photoaging skin in clinic in the future. Moreover, we provided evidence that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may contribute to the activation of dermal fibroblast by the transplantation of ADSCs in both vitro and vivo experiment.

Adipose-derived stem cells cooperate with fractional carbon dioxide laser in antagonizing photoaging: a potential role of Wnt and β-catenin signaling

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background It is well established that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) produce and secrete cytokines/growth factors that antagonize UV-induced photoaging of skin. However, the exact molecular basis underlying the anti-photoaging effects exerted by ADSCs is not well understood, and whether ADSCs cooperate with fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to facilitate photoaging skin healing process has not been explored. Here, we investigated the impacts of ADSCs on photoaging in a photoaging animal model, its associated mechanisms, and its functional cooperation with fractional CO2 laser in treatment of photoaging skin. Results We showed that ADSCs improved dermal thickness and activated the proliferation of dermal fibroblast. We further demonstrated that the combined treatment of ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser, the latter which is often used to resurface skin and treat wrinkles, had more beneficial effects on the photoaging skin compared with each individual treatment. In our prepared HDF photoaging model, flow cytometry showed that, after adipose derived stem cells conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) co-cultured HDF photoaging model, the cell proliferation rate is higher than UVB irradiation induced HDF modeling (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expressions of β-catenin and Wnt3a, which were up-regulated after the transplantation of ADSCs alone or in combination with fractional CO2 laser treatment. And the expression of wnt3a and β-catenin has the positive correlation with photoaging related protein TGF-β2 and COLI. We also verified these protein expressions in tissue level. In addition, after injected SFRP2 into ADSC-CM co-cultured HDF photoaging model, wnt3a inhibitor, compared with un-intervened group, wnt3a, β-catenin protein level significantly decreased. Conclusion Both ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser improved photoaging skin at least partially via targeting dermal fibroblast activity which was increased in photoaging skin. The combinatorial use of ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser synergistically improved the healing process of photoaging skin. Thus, we provide a strong rationale for a combined use of ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser in treatment of photoaging skin in clinic in the future. Moreover, we provided evidence that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may contribute to the activation of dermal fibroblast by the transplantation of ADSCs in both vitro and vivo experiment. PMID:24917925

Impact of Elevated CO2 on Trace Element Release from Aquifer Sediments of the San Joaquin Valley, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, P. M.; Nico, P. S.; Davis, J. A.; Spycher, N.

2014-12-01

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a promising technique for mitigating climate change by storing large volumes of carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers. In California, the thick marine sediments of the Central and Salinas Valleys have been identified as prime targets for future CO2 storage. However, the potential impacts on water quality of overlying drinking-water aquifers must be studied before CCS can be implemented. In this study, we compare trace element release from San Joaquin Valley aquifer sediments with a wide range of textural and redox properties. Kinetic batch experiments were performed with artificial groundwater continuously equilibrated under CO2-saturated (at 1 atm) and background CO2 (0.002-0.006 atm) conditions, resulting in a shift of nearly 3 pH units. In addition, the reversibility of trace element release was studied by sequentially lowering the CO2 from 1.0 atm to 0.5 atm to background concentrations (0.002-0.006 atm) for CO2-saturated systems in order to mimic the dissipation of a CO2 plume in the aquifer. During exposure to high CO2, a number of elements displayed enhanced release compared to background CO2 experiments (Ca, Mg, Li, Si, B, As, Sr, Ni, Fe, Mn, V, Ti, and Co) with concentrations of As, Fe, and Mn exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in some cases. On the other hand, Mo and U showed suppressed release. Most intriguing, many of the elements showing enhanced release displayed at least some degree of irreversibility when CO2 concentrations were decreased to background levels. In fact, in some cases (i.e., for V), an element showed further release when CO2 concentrations were decreased. These results suggest that there may be longer-term effects on groundwater quality that persist even after the CO2 plume has dissipated. Several different mechanisms of trace element release including ion exchange, desorption, and carbonate mineral dissolution are explored. Preliminary modeling results suggest that carbonate mineral dissolution can play a key role in driving trace element release even in sediments where carbonates are in low abundance.

The mechanical coupling of adult marrow stromal stem cells during cardiac regeneration assessed in a 2-D co-culture model

PubMed Central

Valarmathi, Mani T.; Fuseler, John W.; Goodwin, Richard L.; Davis, Jeffrey M.; Potts, Jay D.

2011-01-01

Postnatal cardiomyocytes undergo terminal differentiation and a restricted number of human cardiomyocytes retain the ability to divide and regenerate in response to ischemic injury. However, whether these neo-cardiomyocytes are derived from endogenous population of resident cardiac stem cells or from the exogenous double assurance population of resident bone marrow-derived stem cells that populate the damaged myocardium is unresolved and under intense investigation. The vital challenge is to ameliorate and/or regenerate the damaged myocardium. This can be achieved by stimulating proliferation of native quiescent cardiomyocytes and/or cardiac stem cell, or by recruiting exogenous autologous or allogeneic cells such as fetal or embryonic cardiomyocyte progenitors or bone marrow-derived stromal stem cells. The prerequisites are that these neo-cardiomyocytes must have the ability to integrate well within the native myocardium and must exhibit functional synchronization. Adult bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have been shown to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo. As a result, BMSCs may potentially play an essential role in cardiac repair and regeneration, but this concept requires further validation. In this report, we have provided compelling evidence that functioning cardiac tissue can be generated by the interaction of multipotent BMSCs with embryonic cardiac myocytes (ECMs) in two-dimensional (2-D) co-cultures. The differentiating BMSCs were induced to undergo cardiomyogenic differentiation pathway and were able to express unequivocal electromechanical coupling and functional synchronization with ECMs. Our 2-D co-culture system provides a useful in vitro model to elucidate various molecular mechanisms underpinning the integration and orderly maturation and differentiation of BMSCs into neo-cardiomyocytes during myocardial repair and regeneration. PMID:21288568

Sedimentary reservoir oxidation during geologic CO2 sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lammers, Laura N.; Brown, Gordon E.; Bird, Dennis K.; Thomas, Randal B.; Johnson, Natalie C.; Rosenbauer, Robert J.; Maher, Katharine

2015-04-01

Injection of carbon dioxide into subsurface geologic reservoirs during geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) introduces an oxidizing supercritical CO2 phase into a subsurface geologic environment that is typically reducing. The resulting redox disequilibrium provides the chemical potential for the reduction of CO2 to lower free energy organic species. However, redox reactions involving carbon typically require the presence of a catalyst. Iron oxide minerals, including magnetite, are known to catalyze oxidation and reduction reactions of C-bearing species. If the redox conditions in the reservoir are modified by redox transformations involving CO2, such changes could also affect mineral stability, leading to dissolution and precipitation reactions and alteration of the long-term fate of CO2 in GCS reservoirs. We present experimental evidence that reservoirs with reducing redox conditions are favorable environments for the relatively rapid abiotic reduction of CO2 to organic molecules. In these experiments, an aqueous suspension of magnetite nanoparticles was reacted with supercritical CO2 under pressure and temperature conditions relevant to GCS in sedimentary reservoirs (95-210 °C and ∼100 bars of CO2). Hydrogen production was observed in several experiments, likely caused by Fe(II) oxidation either at the surface of magnetite or in the aqueous phase. Heating of the Fe(II)-rich system resulted in elevated PH2 and conditions favorable for the reduction of CO2 to acetic acid. Implications of these results for the long-term fate of CO2 in field-scale systems were explored using reaction path modeling of CO2 injection into reservoirs containing Fe(II)-bearing primary silicate minerals, with kinetic parameters for CO2 reduction obtained experimentally. The results of these calculations suggest that the reaction of CO2 with reservoir constituents will occur in two primary stages (1) equilibration of CO2 with organic acids resulting in mineral-fluid disequilibrium, and (2) gradual dissolution of primary minerals promoting significant CO2 reduction through the release of Fe(II). The reduction of CO2 is identified as a new trapping mechanism that could significantly enhance the long-term stability of GCS reservoirs. Identification of reservoir characteristics that promote CO2 redox transformations could be used as an additional factor in screening geologic reservoirs for GCS.

Lessons Learned From Recent Research on Internal CO2 Transport in Trees. Part I, CO2 Efflux and Respiration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, M. A.; Bloemen, J.; Aubrey, D. P.; Steppe, K.; Teskey, R. O.

2016-12-01

Currently, the most pressing problem regarding respiration in trees is determining the rate of respiration in woody tissues. In stems and roots, barriers to diffusion promote the buildup of CO2 from respiration to high concentrations, often in the range of 3 to 10% and sometimes exceeding 20%, substantially higher than that of the atmosphere ( 0.04%). A substantial portion of this internal CO2 released from respiring cells in roots and stems can dissolve in xylem sap and move upward in the xylem stream, resulting in internal transport of respired CO2 that rivals the efflux of respired CO2from woody tissues. The importance of such internal CO2 transport for the assessment of above- and below-ground respiration has gained increasing interest and here we will synthesize the latest research. The most important recent finding has been that in tree roots, a large fraction of respired CO2 remains within the root system rather than diffusing into the soil. This CO2 is transported in xylem sap into the shoot, and because respiration is almost always measured as the flux of CO2 into the atmosphere from plant tissues, it represents an unaccounted- for component of tree root metabolism. In Populus deltoides trees, for which xylem CO2 transport and soil CO2 efflux near the tree was measured, twice the amount of CO2 derived from below-ground autotrophic respiration entered the xylem stream as diffused into the soil environment. For both Eucalyptus and Quercus, up to 24 and 19% of root-respired CO2 was transported via the transpiration stream, respectively, illustrating that a significant internal transport of root-respired CO2 is present across a wide range of plant families. These findings suggest that root and soil respiration can be substantially underestimated by "soil-centric" measurements. Moreover, internal transport of respired CO2, which has only recently been recognized and measured, has important implications for our understanding of carbon dynamics at both plant and ecosystem levels.

Curcumin and its cyclohexanone analogue inhibited human Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) in pancreatic cancer cells.

PubMed

Revalde, Jezrael L; Li, Yan; Wijeratne, Tharaka S; Bugde, Piyush; Hawkins, Bill C; Rosengren, Rhonda J; Paxton, James W

2017-05-15

Our group investigated combining the phytochemical curcumin and gemcitabine in a liposome, to improve gemcitabine's activity against pancreatic tumours. While optimising the curcumin: gemcitabine ratio for co-encapsulation, we found that increasing curcumin concentrations relative to gemcitabine resulted in antagonistic interactions. As curcumin is a promiscuous transporter inhibitor; we suspected that increased resistance occurred via inhibition of Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1)-mediated gemcitabine uptake. To test our hypothesis, we determined whether curcumin and a related analogue, 2,6-bis((3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)methylene)-cyclohexanone (or A13), inhibited ENT1-mediated accumulation of [ 3 H]uridine and [ 3 H]gemcitabine into pancreatic cancer cells. We then confirmed the inhibition of gemcitabine accumulation by investigating whether curcumin/A13 could increase gemcitabine resistance in growth inhibition assays. We found that curcumin and A13 concentration-dependently inhibited the ENT1-mediated accumulation of both uridine and gemcitabine in MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. We also found that non-toxic concentrations of curcumin and A13 significantly increased the resistance of both cell lines to gemcitabine. Increased resistance only occurred when curcumin/A13 was co-incubated with gemcitabine, and not with sequential exposure (i.e., curcumin first, followed by gemcitabine, or vice versa). We also found that the curcumin analogue (3E,5E)-3,5-bis[(2-fluorophenyl)methylene]-4-piperidinone (or EF24) did not inhibit gemcitabine accumulation, making it more suitable in combinations than curcumin/A13. From these results, we concluded that curcumin and A13 are inhibitors of the ENT1 transporter, but only at high concentrations (2-20µM). Curcumin is unlikely to inhibit gemcitabine uptake in tumours but may interfere with the oral absorption of ENT1 substrates due to high gut concentrations readily achievable from over-the-counter tablets/capsules. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Environmental Impact Analysis of Semi-Mechanical Extraction Process of Sago Starch: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusuf, M. A.; Romli, M.; Suprihatin; Wiloso, E. I.

2018-05-01

Industrial activities use material, energy and water resources and generate greenhouse gas (GHG). Currently, various regulations require industry to measure and quantify the emissions generated from its process activity. LCA is a method that can be used to analyze and report the environmental impact of an activity that uses resources and generates waste by an industrial activity. In this work, LCA is used to determine the environmental impact of a semi-mechanical extraction process of sago industry. The data was collected through the sago industry in Cimahpar, Bogor. The extraction of sago starch consists of stem cutting, rasping, mixing, filtration, starch sedimentation, washing, and drying. The scope of LCA study covers the harvesting of sago stem, transportation to extraction site, and the starch extraction process. With the assumption that the average transportation distance of sago stem to extraction site is 200 km, the GHG emission is estimated to be 325 kg CO2 eq / ton of sundried sago starch. This figure is lower than that reported for maize starch (1120 kg CO2 eq), potato starch (2232 kg CO2 eq) and cassava starch (4310 kg CO2 eq). This is most likely due to the uncounted impact from the use of electrical energy on the extraction process, which is currently being conducted. A follow-up study is also underway to formulate several process improvement scenarios to derive the design of sago starch processing that generates the minimum emissions.

Petrology of Two Itokawa Particles: Comparison with Equilibrated LL Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Komatsu, M.; Mikouchi, T.; Arai, T.; Fagan, T. J.; Zolensky, M.; Hagiya, K.; Ohsumi, K.; Karouji, Y.

2015-01-01

A strong link between Itokawa particles and LL chondrites was confirmed by preliminary examinations of Hayabusa particles [e.g., 1, 2]. Both poorly equilibrated and highly equilibrated particles have been found among the grains returned from Itokawa [1], and it is suggested that they correspond to LL4 and LL5-6, respectively. Here we report the petrography of two Itokawa particles and TEM study of one, and compare them to Antarctic LL chondrites with variable petrologic types (LL4-LL7) in order to understand the metamorphic history of asteroid Itokawa.

Experimental Investigation of Gas/Slag/Matte/Tridymite Equilibria in the Cu-Fe-O-S-Si System in Controlled Gas Atmospheres: Experimental Results at 1473 K (1200 °C) and P(SO2) = 0.25 atm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fallah-Mehrjardi, Ata; Hidayat, Taufiq; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2017-12-01

Experimental studies were undertaken to determine the gas/slag/matte/tridymite equilibria in the Cu-Fe-O-S-Si system at 1473 K (1200 °C), P(SO2) = 0.25 atm, and a range of P(O2)'s. The experimental methodology involved high-temperature equilibration using a substrate support technique in controlled gas atmospheres (CO/CO2/SO2/Ar), rapid quenching of equilibrium phases, followed by direct measurement of the chemical compositions of the phases with Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis (EPMA). The experimental data for slag and matte were presented as a function of copper concentration in matte (matte grade). The data provided are essential for the evaluation of the effect of oxygen potential under controlled atmosphere on the matte grade, liquidus composition of slag and chemically dissolved copper in slag. The new data provide important accurate and reliable quantitative foundation for improvement of the thermodynamic databases for copper-containing systems.

Federal STEM Policy and Politics and Their Impact on Astronomy EPO: Reflections and Provocations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, G.; Storksdieck, M.; Canright, S.

2015-11-01

The federal government invests more than $3 billion each year across its various units in supporting STEM education and outreach. Efforts in recent years to understand and better coordinate these investments have resulted in considerable pushback, particularly those efforts that aimed at consolidation and elimination of programs deemed ineffective or duplicative. While initial plans to streamline federal STEM education were defeated, many agencies nonetheless saw cuts and elimination, and a high-level effort to coordinate STEM education at the cross-agency level is now gaining steam (CoSTEM: Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education). What do all of these developments mean for education and public outreach in astronomy and related fields? How should this community operate within the opportunities and threats that CoSTEM might pose? Former director of the National Academy of Science's Board on Science Education, and now director of the Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning, Martin Storksdieck, reflected on past and recent developments from the perspective of a close observer, and from the perspective of someone who has been involved in astronomy education research and evaluation for nearly 20 years. Shelley Canright, Senior Advisor for Education Integration at the NASA Office of Education, shared her insights and perspectives with respect to CoSTEM and EPO, in particular from co-chairing the Federal Coordination in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (FC-STEM) group.

Combinations of glycerol percent, glycerol equilibration time, and thawing rate upon freezability of bull spermatozoa in plastic straws.

PubMed

Wiggin, H B; Almquist, J O

1975-03-01

Twelve ejaculates were used in a central composite experiment to test 15 combinations of glycerol (7, 9, 11, 13, or 15%), glycerol equilibration times (1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 h) and thawing rates (water at 35 C for 15 s, 50 C for 13 s, 65 C for 11 s, 80 C for 9 s, or 95 C for 7 s). Semen was diluted in heated skim milk-glycerol, packaged in .3-ml. Continental U.S. straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Based on post-thaw progressive sperm motility after storage at -196 C for 9 to 11 days, estimated optima from multiple regression were 10.7% for glycerol, 2.0 h for glycerol equilibration time, and 76 C for thawing bath temperature. Only the linear effect for each variable was significant. Much faster thawing rates and shorter glycerol equilibration times than those for freezing bull spermatozoa in glass ampules should be used for maximum post-thaw sperm motility in straws.

Fluid inclusions in Ebelyakh diamonds: Evidence of CO2 liberation in eclogite and the effect of H2O on diamond habit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Evan M.; Kopylova, Maya G.; Frezzotti, Maria Luce; Afanasiev, Valentin P.

2015-02-01

Fluid inclusions were studied in six octahedrally-grown, eclogitic diamonds from the Ebelyakh River mine, northern Russia, using microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy. The fluids are CO2-N2 mixtures with 40 ± 4 mol% N2, which are trapped along fractures that healed in the diamond stability field. The CO2-rich composition of the fluids provides the first empirical evidence that CO2 can be liberated as a free phase in eclogite in the diamond stability field of the lithospheric mantle, as has been previously predicted from theory. This finding means that the interpretation of carbon isotopes in eclogitic diamonds should not overlook isotopic fractionation due to CO2 liberation from carbonatitic diamond-forming media as it percolates through eclogites. Preferential nucleation of CO2 bubbles in eclogite compared to peridotite may lead to a rock type-specific fracturing mechanism and sampling bias that would help explain the overabundance of eclogite xenoliths in kimberlites. Fluid inclusions in octahedrally-grown, non-fibrous diamonds from both the studied Ebelyakh diamonds and those from other cratons do not show detectable amounts of water. In comparison, fibrous diamond fluid inclusions typically contain 10-25 wt.% water. The absence of "dry" fluids in fibrous diamonds and the presence of these in octahedrally-grown diamonds may indicate different compositions of fluids equilibrated with these two types of diamonds. If there is variability in the water content in diamond-forming fluids, it should affect diamond growth morphology. Water could be responsible for causing fibrous diamond growth, by inhibiting the advancement of growth steps within octahedral faces.

The specific linker phosphorylation of Smad2/3 indicates epithelial stem cells in stomach; particularly increasing in mucosae of Helicobacter-associated gastritis.

PubMed

Fukui, Toshiro; Kishimoto, Masanobu; Nakajima, Atsushi; Yamashina, Masao; Nakayama, Shinji; Kusuda, Takeo; Sakaguchi, Yutaku; Yoshida, Katsunori; Uchida, Kazushige; Nishio, Akiyoshi; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi

2011-04-01

The gastric corpus and antrum are believed to contain epithelial stem cells in the isthmus. However, the lack of useful markers has hindered studies of their origin. We explored whether Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), could serve as a marker for stem cells. Stomachs, small intestines, and colons from Helicobacter felis-infected and noninfected C57BL/6 mice were examined. Double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, cytokeratin 8, or doublecortin and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-like-1 (DCAMKL1) was performed, and pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were counted. After immunofluorescent staining, we stained the same sections with hematoxylin-eosin and observed these cells under a light microscope. In infected mice, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were significantly increased in the corpus and antrum compared with those of noninfected mice (p < 0.0001). The number of Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells in the corpus and antrum of infected mice was also much greater than in the noninfected mice. Although pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were detected among the Ki67 cells, immunohistochemical co-localization of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67 was never observed. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells showed immunohistochemical co-localization with cytokeratin 8, but some of them showed co-localization or adjacent localization with DCAMKL1 immunostaining-positive cells. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells indicated undifferentiated morphological features and were confirmed in the isthmus. In small intestines and colons, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were detected in specific epithelial cells around crypt bases, where the respective putative stem cells are thought to exist. We have identified the significant expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr in specific epithelial cells of the murine stomach and have suggested these cells to be epithelial stem cells.

Intrinsic oxygen fugacity measurements on seven chondrites, a pallasite, and a tektite and the redox state of meteorite parent bodies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brett, R.; Sato, M.

1984-01-01

Intrinsic oxygen-fugacity (fO2) measurements were made on five ordinary chondrites, a carbonaceous chondrite, an enstatite chondrite, a pallasite, and a tektite. Results are of the form of linear log fO2 - 1 T plots. Except for the enstatite chondrite, measured results agree well with calculated estimates by others. The tektite produced fO2 values well below the range measured for terrestrial and lunar rocks. The lowpressure atmospheric regime that is reported to follow large terrestrial explosions, coupled with a very high temperature, could produce glass with fO2 in the range measured. The meteorite Salta (pallasite) has low fO2 and lies close to Hvittis (E6). Unlike the other samples, results for Salta do not parallel the iron-wu??stite buffer, but are close to the fayalite-quartz-iron buffer in slope. Minor reduction by graphite appears to have taken place during metamorphism of ordinary chondrites. fO2 values of unequilibrated chondrites show large scatter during early heating suggesting that the constituent phases were exposed to a range of fO2 conditions. The samples equilibrated with respect to fO2 in relatively short time on heating. Equilibration with respect to fO2 in ordinary chondrites takes place between grades 3 and 4 of metamorphism. Application of P - T - fO2 relations in the system C-CO-CO2 indicates that the ordinary chondrites were metamorphosed at pressures of 3-20 bars, as it appears that they lay on the graphite surface. A steep positive thermal gradient in a meteorite parent body lying at the graphite surface will produce thin reduced exterior, an oxidized near-surface layer, and an interior that is increasingly reduced with depth; a shallow thermal gradient will produce the reverse. A body heated by accretion on the outside will have a reduced exterior and oxidized interior. Meteorites from the same parent body clearly are not required to have similar redox states. ?? 1984.

Mesenchymal stem cells induce dermal fibroblast responses to injury

PubMed Central

Smith, Andria N.; Willis, Elise; Chan, Vincent T.; Muffley, Lara A.; Isik, F. Frank; Gibran, Nicole S.; Hocking, Anne M.

2009-01-01

Although bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to promote repair when applied to cutaneous wounds, the mechanism for this response remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of paracrine signaling from mesenchymal stem cells on dermal fibroblast responses to injury including proliferation, migration and expression of genes important in wound repair. Dermal fibroblasts were co-cultured with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells grown in inserts, which allowed for paracrine interactions without direct cell contact. In this co-culture model, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulate dermal fibroblast proliferation, migration and gene expression. When co-cultured with mesenchymal stem cells, dermal fibroblasts show increased proliferation and accelerated migration in a scratch assay. A chemotaxis assay also demonstrated that dermal fibroblasts migrate towards bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. A PCR array was used to analyze the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on dermal fibroblast gene expression. In response to mesenchymal stem cells, dermal fibroblasts up-regulate integrin alpha 7 expression and down-regulate expression of ICAM1, VCAM1 and MMP11. These observations suggest that mesenchymal stem cells may provide an important early signal for dermal fibroblast responses to cutaneous injury. PMID:19666021

Mathematical modeling of positron emission tomography (PET) data to assess radiofluoride transport in living plants following petiolar administration

DOE PAGES

Converse, Alexander K.; Ahlers, Elizabeth O.; Bryan, Tom W.; ...

2015-03-15

Background: Ion transport is a fundamental physiological process that can be studied non-invasively in living plants with radiotracer imaging methods. Fluoride is a known phytotoxic pollutant and understanding its transport in plants after leaf absorption is of interest to those in agricultural areas near industrial sources of airborne fluoride. Here we report the novel use of a commercial, high-resolution, animal positron emission tomography (PET) scanner to trace a bolus of [¹⁸F]fluoride administered via bisected petioles of Brassica oleracea, an established model species, to simulate whole plant uptake of atmospheric fluoride. This methodology allows for the first time mathematical compartmental modelingmore » of fluoride transport in the living plant. Radiotracer kinetics in the stem were described with a single-parameter free- and trapped-compartment model and mean arrival times at different stem positions were calculated from the free-compartment time-activity curves. Results: After initiation of administration at the bisected leaf stalk, [¹⁸F] radioactivity climbed for approximately 10 minutes followed by rapid washout from the stem and equilibration within leaves. Kinetic modeling of transport in the stem yielded a trapping rate of 1.5 +/- 0.3%/min (mean +/- s.d., n = 3), velocity of 2.2 +/- 1.1 cm/min, and trapping fraction of 0.8 +/- 0.5%/cm. Conclusion: Quantitative assessment of physiologically meaningful transport parameters of fluoride in living plants is possible using standard positron emission tomography in combination with petiolar radiotracer administration. Movement of free fluoride was observed to be consistent with bulk flow in xylem, namely a rapid and linear change in position with respect to time. Trapping, likely in the apoplast, was observed. Future applications of the methods described here include studies of transport of other ions and molecules of interest in plant physiology.« less

Mathematical modeling of positron emission tomography (PET) data to assess radiofluoride transport in living plants following petiolar administration

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

Converse, Alexander K.; Ahlers, Elizabeth O.; Bryan, Tom W.

Background: Ion transport is a fundamental physiological process that can be studied non-invasively in living plants with radiotracer imaging methods. Fluoride is a known phytotoxic pollutant and understanding its transport in plants after leaf absorption is of interest to those in agricultural areas near industrial sources of airborne fluoride. Here we report the novel use of a commercial, high-resolution, animal positron emission tomography (PET) scanner to trace a bolus of [¹⁸F]fluoride administered via bisected petioles of Brassica oleracea, an established model species, to simulate whole plant uptake of atmospheric fluoride. This methodology allows for the first time mathematical compartmental modelingmore » of fluoride transport in the living plant. Radiotracer kinetics in the stem were described with a single-parameter free- and trapped-compartment model and mean arrival times at different stem positions were calculated from the free-compartment time-activity curves. Results: After initiation of administration at the bisected leaf stalk, [¹⁸F] radioactivity climbed for approximately 10 minutes followed by rapid washout from the stem and equilibration within leaves. Kinetic modeling of transport in the stem yielded a trapping rate of 1.5 +/- 0.3%/min (mean +/- s.d., n = 3), velocity of 2.2 +/- 1.1 cm/min, and trapping fraction of 0.8 +/- 0.5%/cm. Conclusion: Quantitative assessment of physiologically meaningful transport parameters of fluoride in living plants is possible using standard positron emission tomography in combination with petiolar radiotracer administration. Movement of free fluoride was observed to be consistent with bulk flow in xylem, namely a rapid and linear change in position with respect to time. Trapping, likely in the apoplast, was observed. Future applications of the methods described here include studies of transport of other ions and molecules of interest in plant physiology.« less

Acclimation of Pistacia integerrima trees to frost in semi-arid environments depends on autumn's drought.

PubMed

Sperling, Or; Secchi, Francesca; Godfrey, Jessie; Zwieniecki, Maciej A

2017-03-01

Main conclusion Cold acclimation is revealed through induced stem respiration during pre-winter frost of native Pistacia integerrima trees in continental semi-arid environments. Semi-arid environments challenge vegetation by simultaneous abiotic stresses. In this study, we examine the combined effects of water stress and frost on the physiology of Pistacia integerrima stems. This species is native to semi-arid environments where drought and frost frequently co-occur. We quantified carbohydrates and proline in P. integerrima stems responding to frost and experiencing water potentials between -0.2 and -1.8 MPa. We report that dehydrated trees (i.e., Ψ stem  <=-1 MPa) had more soluble sugars and proline than the well-watered trees (-0.2 MPa). The dehydrated trees also froze at lower temperatures and were less damaged by freezing. Interestingly, we observed a significant increase in stem CO 2 efflux at near-freezing temperatures that could be linked to frost protection. This novel finding challenges current paradigm of plant respiration-kinetics which predicts, according to Arrhenius equation, lower respiration rates during frost. Our results support the notion that drought and frost are analogous stresses that can independently activate corresponding physiological processes in trees and amplify protection. This inevitable stress response 'collaboration' may be the key to understanding how non-dormant perennial plants survive the highly variable weather patterns of early winters in semi-arid environments.

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

PubMed

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

2015-10-01

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

Fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope evidence for syntectonic mineralisation at the Elura mine, southeastern Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seccombe, P. K.

1990-10-01

Fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope data for the discordant, metasediment-hosted massive sulphide deposit at Elura are consistent with a syntectonic origin of the orebodies. Thermometric and laser Raman microprobe analyses indicate that two-phase, primary fluid inclusions are low salinity and H2O-CO2-CH4 types. Inclusion fluids from quartz in ore yield homogenisation temperatures (Th) ranging from 298 ° to 354 °C (mean 320 °C). They are likely to have been trapped close to the solvus of the H2O-CO2-(CH4-NaCl) system and thus should give temperatures of the mineralising fluid. An additional, low Th population of later fluid inclusions is recognised in quartz from ore and syntectonic extension veins in the adjacent wallrock. Th's for these low CO2bearing inclusions range from 150 to 231 °C (mean 190 °C), and should be considerably lower than true trapping temperatures. Sulphur isotopic composition (δ34S) of pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite and galena ranges from 4.7 to 12.6% and indicates a sulphur source from underlying Cobar Supergroup metasediments. An average temperature of 275 °C from the sphalerite-galena sulphur isotopic thermometer suggests isotopic re-equilibration below peak metamorphic temperatures.

Quality changes of fresh-cut kohlrabi sticks under modified atmosphere packaging.

PubMed

Escalona, V H; Aguayo, E; Artés, F

2007-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different gas compositions on quality attributes and shelf life of kohlrabi sticks stored in modified atmosphere up to 14 d at 0 degrees C. Two commercial films were tested: oriented polypropylene (OPP) and amide-polyethylene (amide-PE). As a control, a microperforated OPP film was used. In order to study the changes in metabolic activity by minimal processing, the respiration rate and ethylene production at 0 degrees C were monitored for both intact stems and sticks. Changes in color, chemical parameters, sugars and organic acid contents, and sensorial quality of kohlrabi sticks were evaluated. An initial ethylene production of sticks was 13-fold higher than that of intact stems; meanwhile CO(2) production was 2-fold higher. However after 4 d of storage, a similar respiration rate for stems and sticks was found. Also the ethylene production of sticks and stems was steady around 15 to 20 nL/kg(/)h after 10 d. Kohlrabi sticks showed a little change in chemical parameters and very low weight losses during cold storage. Sticks under an equilibrium atmosphere of 7 kPa O(2) and 9 kPa CO(2) at 0 degrees C reached by amide-PE kept an acceptable sensorial quality for 14 d.

Effects of elevated seawater pCO2 on early development of scallop Argopecten irradias (Lamarck, 1819)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weimin; Liu, Guangxing; Zhang, Tianwen; Chen, Hongju; Tang, Liao; Mao, Xuewei

2016-12-01

To investigate the effects of elevated seawater pCO2 on the early developmental stages of marine benthic calcifying organisms, we exposed the eggs and larvae of Argopecten irradias, an important bivalve species in Chinese aquaculture, in seawater equilibrated with CO2-enriched (1000 ppm) gas mixtures. We demonstrated that elevated seawater pCO2 significantly interfered with fertilization and larval development and resulted in an increased aberration rate. Fertilization in the treatment (pH 7.6) was 74.3% ± 3.8%, which was 9.7% lower than that in the control (pH 8.3) (84.0% ±3.0%). Hatching success decreased by 23.7%, and aberration rate increased by 30.3% under acidic condition. Larvae in acidified seawater still developed a shell during the post-embryonic phase. However, the shell length and height in the treatment were smaller than those in the control. The development of embryos differed significantly at 12 h after fertilization between the two experimental groups. Embryos developed slower in acidified seawater. Nearly half of the embryos in the control developed into D-shaped larvae at 48 h after fertilization, which were considerably more than those in the treatment (11.7%). Results suggest that future ocean acidification (OA) would cause detrimental effects on the early development of A. irradias.

Stem hydraulic traits and leaf water-stress tolerance are co-ordinated with the leaf phenology of angiosperm trees in an Asian tropical dry karst forest

PubMed Central

Fu, Pei-Li; Jiang, Yan-Juan; Wang, Ai-Ying; Brodribb, Tim J.; Zhang, Jiao-Lin; Zhu, Shi-Dan; Cao, Kun-Fang

2012-01-01

Background and Aims The co-occurring of evergreen and deciduous angiosperm trees in Asian tropical dry forests on karst substrates suggests the existence of different water-use strategies among species. In this study it is hypothesized that the co-occurring evergreen and deciduous trees differ in stem hydraulic traits and leaf water relationships, and there will be correlated evolution in drought tolerance between leaves and stems. Methods A comparison was made of stem hydraulic conductivity, vulnerability curves, wood anatomy, leaf life span, leaf pressure–volume characteristics and photosynthetic capacity of six evergreen and six deciduous tree species co-occurring in a tropical dry karst forest in south-west China. The correlated evolution of leaf and stem traits was examined using both traditional and phylogenetic independent contrasts correlations. Key Results It was found that the deciduous trees had higher stem hydraulic efficiency, greater hydraulically weighted vessel diameter (Dh) and higher mass-based photosynthetic rate (Am); while the evergreen species had greater xylem-cavitation resistance, lower leaf turgor-loss point water potential (π0) and higher bulk modulus of elasticity. There were evolutionary correlations between leaf life span and stem hydraulic efficiency, Am, and dry season π0. Xylem-cavitation resistance was evolutionarily correlated with stem hydraulic efficiency, Dh, as well as dry season π0. Both wood density and leaf density were closely correlated with leaf water-stress tolerance and Am. Conclusions The results reveal the clear distinctions in stem hydraulic traits and leaf water-stress tolerance between the co-occurring evergreen and deciduous angiosperm trees in an Asian dry karst forest. A novel pattern was demonstrated linking leaf longevity with stem hydraulic efficiency and leaf water-stress tolerance. The results show the correlated evolution in drought tolerance between stems and leaves. PMID:22585930

Reduced calcification and lack of acclimatization by coral colonies growing in areas of persistent natural acidification.

PubMed

Crook, Elizabeth D; Cohen, Anne L; Rebolledo-Vieyra, Mario; Hernandez, Laura; Paytan, Adina

2013-07-02

As the surface ocean equilibrates with rising atmospheric CO2, the pH of surface seawater is decreasing with potentially negative impacts on coral calcification. A critical question is whether corals will be able to adapt or acclimate to these changes in seawater chemistry. We use high precision CT scanning of skeletal cores of Porites astreoides, an important Caribbean reef-building coral, to show that calcification rates decrease significantly along a natural gradient in pH and aragonite saturation (Ωarag). This decrease is accompanied by an increase in skeletal erosion and predation by boring organisms. The degree of sensitivity to reduced Ωarag measured on our field corals is consistent with that exhibited by the same species in laboratory CO2 manipulation experiments. We conclude that the Porites corals at our field site were not able to acclimatize enough to prevent the impacts of local ocean acidification on their skeletal growth and development, despite spending their entire lifespan in low pH, low Ωarag seawater.

Tunable Manipulation of Mineral Carbonation Kinetics in Nanoscale Water Films via Citrate Additives.

PubMed

Miller, Quin R S; Schaef, Herbert T; Kaszuba, John P; Qiu, Lin; Bowden, Mark E; McGrail, Bernard P

2018-06-06

We explored the influence of a model organic ligand on mineral carbonation in nanoscale interfacial water films by conducting five time-resolved in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments at 50 °C. Forsterite was exposed to water-saturated supercritical carbon dioxide (90 bar) that had been equilibrated with 0-0.5 m citrate (C 6 H 5 O 7 -3 ) solutions. The experimental results demonstrated that greater concentrations of citrate in the nanoscale interfacial water film promoted the precipitation of magnesite (MgCO 3 ) relative to nesquehonite (MgCO 3 ·3H 2 O). At the highest concentrations tested, magnesite nucleation and growth were inhibited, lowering the carbonation rate constant from 9.1 × 10 -6 to 3.6 × 10 -6 s -1 . These impacts of citrate were due to partial dehydration of Mg 2+ (aq) and the adsorption of citrate onto nuclei and magnesite surfaces. This type of information may be used to predict and tailor subsurface mineralization rates and pathways.

Hypoxic preconditioning potentiates the trophic effects of mesenchymal stem cells on co-cultured human primary hepatocytes.

PubMed

Qin, Harry H; Filippi, Céline; Sun, Song; Lehec, Sharon; Dhawan, Anil; Hughes, Robin D

2015-12-01

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) improve the metabolic function of co-cultured hepatocytes. The present study aimed to further enhance the trophic effects of co-culture with hepatocytes using hypoxic preconditioning (HPc) of the MSCs and also to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Human adipose tissue-derived MSCs were subjected to hypoxia (2 % O2; HPc) or normoxia (20 % O2) for 24 h and then co-cultured with isolated human hepatocytes. Assays of metabolic function and apoptosis were performed to investigate the hepatotrophic and anti-apoptotic effects of co-culture. Indirect co-cultures and co-culture with MSC-conditioned medium investigated the role of paracrine factors in the hepatotrophic effects of co-culture. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was antagonised with N-acetylcysteine to investigate whether HPc potentiated the effects of MSCs by intracellular ROS-dependent mechanisms. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and extracellular collagen production was determined and CASP9 and BAX/BCL-2 signalling pathways analysed to investigate the role of soluble factors, extracellular matrix deposition, and apoptosis-associated gene signalling in the effects of co-culture. HPc potentiated the hepatotrophic and anti-apoptotic effects of co-culture by ROS-dependent mechanisms. There was increased MSC TGF-β1 production, and enhanced MSC deposition of extracellular collagen, with reduced synthesis of TNF-α, as well as a downregulation of the expression of pro-apoptotic CASP9, BAX, BID and BLK genes and upregulated expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 in hepatocytes. HPc potentiated the trophic and anti-apoptotic effects of MSCs on hepatocytes via mechanisms including intracellular ROS, autocrine TGF-β, extracellular collagen and caspase and BAX/BCL-2 signalling pathways.

Lactate metabolism and its effects on glucose metabolism in an excised neural tissue.

PubMed

Larrabee, M G

1995-04-01

Chains of lumbar sympathetic ganglia, excised from 15-day-old chicken embryos, were incubated for 4 h at 36 degrees C in a bicarbonate-buffered physiological salt solution containing 5.5 mM glucose and equilibrated with 5% CO2-95% O2. [U-14C]Glucose and [U-14C]lactate were used as tracers to measure the products of glucose and lactate metabolism, respectively, including CO2, lactate, and constituents of the tissue. When 5 mM lactate was added to bathing solution containing 5.5 mM glucose, lactate carbon displaced 50-70% of the glucose carbon otherwise used for CO2 production and provided about three times as much carbon for CO2 as did glucose. The lactate addition increased the total carbon incorporated into CO2 and into constituents of the tissue above those observed with glucose alone and also increased the lactate released to the bathing solution from [U-14C]-glucose. The latter increase was evidently due to an interference with reuptake of the lactate released from the ganglion cells, not to an increase in the cellular release itself. When the volume of bathing solution was increased 10-fold relative to that of the tissue, the average output of CO2 from [U-14C]glucose during a 4-h incubation was decreased by 50% when 5 mM lactate was present but was not affected significantly in the absence of added lactate. It is concluded that the effect of changing volume in the presence of lactate was due to the effects of lactate on glucose metabolism described above and resulted from a lower average lactate concentration in the smaller volume than in the larger one, due to metabolic depletion of the added lactate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Loss of quiescence and self-renewal capacity of hematopoietic stem cell in an in vitro leukemic niche.

PubMed

Vanegas, Natalia-Del Pilar; Vernot, Jean-Paul

2017-01-01

Leukemic and mesenchymal stem cells interact in the leukemic microenvironment and affect each other differently. This interplay has also important implications for the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology and function. This study evaluated human HSC self-renewal potential and quiescence in an in vitro leukemic niche without leukemic cells. A leukemic niche was established by co-culturing mesenchymal stem cells with a fresh conditioned medium obtained from a leukemic (REH) cell line. After 3 days, the REH-conditioned medium was removed and freshly isolated CD34+ at a density of up to 100,000 cells/ml were added to the leukemic niche. CD34+ cell evaluations (cell cycle, self-renewal gene expression and migration capacity) were performed after 3 further days of co-culture. Additionally, we preliminary investigated the soluble factors present in the leukemic niche and their effect on the mesenchymal stem cells. Statistical significance was assessed by Student's t test or the nonparametric test Kolmogorov-Smirnov. By co-culturing normal mesenchymal stem cells with the REH-conditioned medium we showed that hematopoietic stem cells, normally in a quiescent state, enter cell cycle and proliferate. This loss of quiescence was accompanied by an increased expression of Ki-67 and c-Myc, two well-known cell proliferation-associated markers. Two central regulators of quiescence GATA2 and p53 were also down regulated. Importantly, two genes involved in HSC self-renewal, Klf4 and the histone-lysine N -methyltransferase enzyme Ezh2, were severely affected. On the contrary, c-Kit expression, the stem cell factor receptor, was upregulated in hematopoietic stem cells when compared to the normal niche. Interestingly, mesenchymal stem cells incubated with the REH-conditioned medium stopped growing, showed a flattened morphology with the appearance of small vacuoles, and importantly, became positive for the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. Evaluation of the leukemic-conditioned medium showed increased IL-6 and IL-8, suggesting that these cytokines could be responsible for the observed changes. Our results showed that quiescence and self-renewal are severely affected in this leukemic niche. This in vitro leukemic niche, established without leukemic cells, will facilitate HSC gene expression evaluation and the development of therapeutic agents aimed to neutralize soluble factors and the cell signaling pathways involved in HSC alterations.

Kinetic Investigation of Homogeneous H(2)-D(2) Equilibration Catalyzed by Pt-Au Cluster Compounds. Characterization of the Cluster [(H)Pt(AuPPh(3))(9)](NO(3))(2).

PubMed

Rubinstein, Leon I.; Pignolet, Louis H.

1996-11-06

The new Pt-Au hydrido cluster compound [(H)Pt(AuPPh(3))(9)](NO(3))(2) (3) has been synthesized and characterized by NMR, FABMS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction [triclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 17.0452(1) Å, b = 17.4045(2) Å, c = 55.2353(1) Å, alpha = 89.891(1) degrees, beta = 85.287(1) degrees, gamma = 75.173(1) degrees, V = 15784.0(2) Å(3), Z = 4 (two molecules in asymmetric unit), residual R = 0.089 for 45 929 observed reflections and 3367 variables, Mo Kalpha radiation]. The Pt(AuP)(9) core geometry is a distorted icosahedron with three vertices vacant. The Pt-Au, Au-Au, and Au-P distances are within the normal ranges observed in other Pt-Au clusters. This cluster is a catalyst for H(2)-D(2) equilibration in homogeneous solution phase and has been used in a general mechanistic study of this reaction catalyzed by Pt-Au clusters. We previously proposed that a key step in the mechanism for catalytic H(2)-D(2) equilibration is the dissociation of a PPh(3) ligand to give a cluster with an open Au site for bonding of H(2) or D(2). This was based on qualitative observations that PPh(3) inhibited the rate of HD production with [Pt(AuPPh(3))(8)](NO(3))(2) (1) as catalyst. In order to test this hypothesis, phosphine inhibition (on the rate of HD production) and phosphine ligand exchange kinetic experiments were carried out with [(H)(PPh(3))Pt(AuPPh(3))(7)](NO(3))(2) (2) and 3. In this paper we show that the rate constant for phosphine dissociation determined from the PPh(3) inhibition rate study of H(2)-D(2) equilibration with cluster 2 is nearly identical to the rate constant for dissociative phosphine ligand exchange. The slower rate for H(2)-D(2) equilibration observed with 3 compared with 2 (5.5 x 10(-3) vs 7.7 x 10(-2) turnover s(-1)) is explained by its smaller rate constant for phosphine dissociation (2.8 x 10(-5) vs 2.9 x 10(-4) s(-1)). The fact that clusters 2 and 3 show similar kinetic behaviors suggests that the PPh(3) dissociation step in the catalytic H(2)-D(2) equilibration is general for 18-electron hydrido Pt-AuPPh(3) clusters.

Bowl adamanzanes--bicyclic tetraamines: syntheses and crystal structures of complexes with cobalt(III) and chelating coordinated oxo-anions.

PubMed

Broge, Louise; Søtofte, Inger; Jensen, Kristian; Jensen, Nicolai; Pretzmann, Ulla; Springborg, Johan

2007-09-14

Seven cobalt(III) complexes of the macrobicyclic tetraamine ligand [2(4).3(1)]adamanzane ([2(4).3(1)]adz) are reported along with the crystal structure of six of these complexes. The solid state and solution structures are discussed, and a detailed assignment of the NMR spectra of the sulfato complex is provided. Four of the seven complexes contain a chelate coordinating oxo-anion (sulfate, formiate, nitrate, carbonate). Equilibration of these species with the corresponding diaqua complex is generally slow. The rates of equilibration in 5 mol dm(-3) perchloric acid at 25 degrees C have been measured, yielding half lives of 20 min, 10 min and 3 h for the sulfato, formiato and carbonato species respectively. The corresponding reaction for the nitrato complex occurs with a half life of less than 3 min. The concentration acid dissociation constant for the Co([2(4).3(1)]adz)(HCO(3))(2+) ion has been measured to K(a) = 0.33 mol dm(-3) [25 degrees C, I = 2 mol dm(-3)] and K(a) = 0.15 mol dm(-3) [25 degrees C, I = 5 mol dm(-3)]. The propensity for coordination of sulfate was found to be large enough for a quantitative conversion of the carbonato complex to the sulfato complex to occur in 3 mol dm(-3) triflic acid containing a small sulfate contamination. On this basis the decarboxylation in 5 mol dm(-3) triflic acid of the corresponding cobalt(III) carbonato complex of the larger macrobicyclic tetraamine ligand [3(5)]adz was reinvestigated and found to lead to the sulfato complex as well. The difference in exchange rate of the oxo-anion ligands for the cobalt(III) complexes of the two adamanzane ligands is discussed and attributed to fundamental differences in the molecular structure where an inverted configuration of the secondary non-bridged amine groups is seen for the complexes of the larger [3(5)]adz ligand. The high affinity for chelating coordination of oxo-anions for these two cobalt(iii)-adamanzane-moieties is rationalised on basis of the N-Co-N angles. N-Co-N angles are compared for a series of adamanzane complexes, and the structural consequences are discussed.

Earth 2075 (CO2) - can Ocean-Amplified Carbon Capture (oacc) Impart Atmospheric CO2-SINKING Ability to CCS Fossil Energy?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fry, R.; Routh, M.; Chaudhuri, S.; Fry, S.; Ison, M.; Hughes, S.; Komor, C.; Klabunde, K.; Sethi, V.; Collins, D.; Polkinghorn, W.; Wroobel, B.; Hughes, J.; Gower, G.; Shkolnik, J.

2017-12-01

Previous attempts to capture atmospheric CO2 by algal blooming were stalled by ocean viruses, zooplankton feeding, and/or bacterial decomposition of surface blooms, re-releasing captured CO2 instead of exporting it to seafloor. CCS fossil energy coupling could bypass algal bloom limits—enabling capture of 10 GtC/yr atmospheric CO2 by selective emiliania huxleyi (EHUX) blooming in mid-latitude open oceans, far from coastal waters and polar seas. This could enable a 500 GtC drawdown, 350 ppm restoration by 2050, 280 ppm CO2 by 2075, and ocean pH 8.2. White EHUX blooms could also reflect sunlight back into outer space and seed extra ocean cloud cover, via DMS release, to raise albedo 1.8%—restoring preindustrial temperature (ΔT = 0°C) by 2030. Open oceans would avoid post-bloom anoxia, exclusively a coastal water phenomenon. The EHUX calcification reaction initially sources CO2, but net sinking prevails in follow-up equilibration reactions. Heavier-than-water EHUX sink captured CO2 to the sea floor before surface decomposition occurs. Seeding EHUX high on their nonlinear growth curve could accelerate short-cycle secondary open-ocean blooming—overwhelming mid-latitude viruses, zooplankton, and competition from other algae. Mid-latitude "ocean deserts" exhibit low viral, zooplankton, and bacterial counts. Thermocline prevents nutrient upwelling that would otherwise promote competing algae. Adding nitrogen nutrient would foster exclusive EHUX blooming. Elevated EHUX seed levels could arise from sealed, pH-buffered, floating, seed-production bioreactors infused with 10% CO2 from carbon feedstock supplied by inland CCS fossil power plants capturing 90% of emissions as liquid CO2. Deep-water SPAR platforms extract natural gas from beneath the sea floor. On-platform Haber and pH processing could convert extracted CH4 to buffered NH4+ nutrient, enabling ≥0.7 GtC/yr of bioreactor seed production and 10 GtC/yr of amplified secondary open-ocean CO2 capture—making CCS fossil energy 1400% carbon negative.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Ampelopsis grossedentata Stems: Process Optimization and Antioxidant Activity

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuefei; Ying, Le; Sun, Da; Zhang, Shikang; Zhu, Yuejin; Xu, Ping

2011-01-01

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction of bioactive compounds including flavonoids and phenolics from Ampelopsis grossedentata stems was carried out. Extraction parameters such as pressure, temperature, dynamic time and modifier, were optimized using an orthogonal array design of L9 (34), and antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assay. The best conditions obtained for SC-CO2 extraction of flavonoids was 250 bar, 40 °C, 50 min, and with a modifier of methanol/ethanol (1:3, v/v), and that for phenolics extraction was 250 bar, 40 °C, 50 min, and with a modifier of methanol/ethanol (1:1, v/v). Meantime, flavonoids and phenolics were found to be mainly responsible for the DPPH scavenging activity of the extracts, but not for the chelating activity on ferrous ion according to Pearson correlation analysis. Furthermore, several unreported flavonoids such as apigenin, vitexin, luteolin, etc., have been detected in the extracts from A. grossedentata stems. PMID:22072923

High-resolution measurement of DMS and volatile organic compounds dissolved in seawater using equilibrator inlet-proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (EI-PTR-MS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kameyama, S.; Tanimoto, H.; Inomata, S.; Tsunogai, U.; Ooki, A.; Yokouchi, Y.; Takeda, S.; Obata, H.; Tsuda, A.; Uematsu, M.

2010-12-01

We developed an equilibrator inlet-proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (EI-PTR-MS) for high-resolution measurement of multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) dissolved in seawater. The equilibration of six VOC species (dimethyl sulfide (DMS), isoprene, propene, acetone, acetaldehyde, and methanol) between seawater and carrier gas, and the response time of the system were evaluated in the laboratory. While isoprene and propene are not in equilibrium associated with slow response time (≈ 15 min) due to low solubility, other species achieve complete equilibrium with overall response time within 2 min under the condition without water droplets on the inner wall of the headspace of the equilibrator. The EI-PTR-MS instrument was deployed during a cruise in the western North Pacific. For DMS and isoprene, comparison of EI-PTR-MS with a membrane tube equilibrator-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was made, showing generally good agreement. EI-PTR-MS captured temporal variations of dissolved VOCs including small-scale variability, demonstrating the performance of EI-PTR-MS technique for continuous measurement of multiple VOCs in seawater.

The Carbon Footprint of Conference Papers.

PubMed

Spinellis, Diomidis; Louridas, Panos

2013-01-01

The action required to stem the environmental and social implications of climate change depends crucially on how humankind shapes technology, economy, lifestyle and policy. With transport CO2 emissions accounting for about a quarter of the total, we examine the contribution of CO2 output by scientific travel. Thankfully for the reputation of the scientific community, CO2 emissions associated with the trips required to present a paper at a scientific conference account for just 0.003% of the yearly total. However, with CO2 emissions for a single conference trip amounting to 7% of an average individual's total CO2 emissions, scientists should lead by example by demonstrating leadership in addressing the issue.

The Carbon Footprint of Conference Papers

PubMed Central

Spinellis, Diomidis; Louridas, Panos

2013-01-01

The action required to stem the environmental and social implications of climate change depends crucially on how humankind shapes technology, economy, lifestyle and policy. With transport CO2 emissions accounting for about a quarter of the total, we examine the contribution of CO2 output by scientific travel. Thankfully for the reputation of the scientific community, CO2 emissions associated with the trips required to present a paper at a scientific conference account for just 0.003% of the yearly total. However, with CO2 emissions for a single conference trip amounting to 7% of an average individual’s total CO2 emissions, scientists should lead by example by demonstrating leadership in addressing the issue. PMID:23840496

Illinois basin coal fly ashes. 2. Equilibria relationships and qualitative modeling of ash-water reactions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roy, W.R.; Griffin, R.A.

1984-01-01

Alkaline and acidic Illinois Basin coal fly ash samples were each mixed with deionized water and equilibrated for about 140 days to simulate ash ponding environments. Common to both equilibrated solutions, anhydrite solubility dominated Ca2+ activities, and Al3+ activities were in equilibrium with both matrix mullite and insoluble aluminum hydroxide phases. Aqueous silica activities were controlled by both mullite and matrix silicates. The pH of the extract of the acidic fly ash was 4.1 after 24 h but increased to a pH value of 6.4 as the H2SO4, assumed to be adsorbed to the particle surfaces, was exhausted by the dissolution of matrix iron oxides and aluminosilicates. The activities of aqueous Al3+ and iron, initially at high levels during the early stages of equilibration, decreased to below analytical detection limits as the result of the formation of insoluble Fe and Al hydroxide phases. The pH of the extract of the alkaline fly ash remained above a pH value of 10 during the entire equilibration interval as a result of the hydrolysis of matrix oxides. As with the acidic system, Al3+ activities were controlled by amorphous aluminum hydroxide phases that began to form after about 7 days of equilibration. The proposed mechanisms and their interrelations are discussed in addition to the solubility diagrams used to deduce these relationships. ?? 1984 American Chemical Society.

42 CFR 84.207 - Bench tests; gas and vapor tests; minimum requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 64 3 50 50 Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 32 4 50 50 Chlorine As received Cl2 500 64 3 5 35 Chlorine... 4 5 50 Sulfur dioxide As received SO2 500 64 3 5 30 Sulfur dioxide Equilibrated SO2 500 32 4 5 30 1... respiratory protection against more than one type of gas or vapor, as for use in ammonia and in chlorine, the...

42 CFR 84.207 - Bench tests; gas and vapor tests; minimum requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 64 3 50 50 Ammonia Equilibrated NH3 1000 32 4 50 50 Chlorine As received Cl2 500 64 3 5 35 Chlorine... 4 5 50 Sulfur dioxide As received SO2 500 64 3 5 30 Sulfur dioxide Equilibrated SO2 500 32 4 5 30 1... respiratory protection against more than one type of gas or vapor, as for use in ammonia and in chlorine, the...

Interaction of Rock Minerals with Carbon Dioxide and Brine: A Hydrothermal Investigation

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

Sass, Bruce M.; Gupta, Neeraj; Ickes, Jennifer A.

2002-02-02

This paper presents interim results of a feasibility study on carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) sequestration in deep saline formations. The focus of the investigation is to examine factors that may affect chemical sequestration of CO{sub 2} in deep saline formations. Findings of the first phase of this investigation were presented in a topical report (Sass et al., 1999a). Preliminary results of the second phase, now underway, have been reported elsewhere (Sass et al., 1999b; 2001). Evaluations of the suitability of Mt. Simon formation for sequestering CO{sub 2} and economic issues are reported by Gupta et al., 1999; 2001; Smith etmore » al., 2001. This study is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) under a Novel Concepts project grant. The overall objectives of Phase II experiments were to determine: (1) the potential for long-term sequestration of CO{sub 2} in deep, regional host rock formations; and (2) the effectiveness of overlying caprock as a barrier against upward migration of the injected CO{sub 2}. To meet these goals, experiments were conducted using rock samples from different potential host reservoirs and overlying rocks. In addition, pure mineral samples were used in some experimental runs to investigate specific mineralogical reactions. Due to space limitations, the scope of this paper will be limited to two types of equilibration experiments using pure minerals. Implications for more complex natural systems will be discussed in the report for Phase II being finalized at this time.« less

Mesenchymal stem cells induce dermal fibroblast responses to injury

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

Smith, Andria N., E-mail: snosmith@u.washington.edu; Willis, Elise, E-mail: elise.willis@gmail.com; Chan, Vincent T.

2010-01-01

Although bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to promote repair when applied to cutaneous wounds, the mechanism for this response remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of paracrine signaling from mesenchymal stem cells on dermal fibroblast responses to injury including proliferation, migration and expression of genes important in wound repair. Dermal fibroblasts were co-cultured with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells grown in inserts, which allowed for paracrine interactions without direct cell contact. In this co-culture model, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulate dermal fibroblast proliferation, migration and gene expression. Whenmore » co-cultured with mesenchymal stem cells, dermal fibroblasts show increased proliferation and accelerated migration in a scratch assay. A chemotaxis assay also demonstrated that dermal fibroblasts migrate towards bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. A PCR array was used to analyze the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on dermal fibroblast gene expression. In response to mesenchymal stem cells, dermal fibroblasts up-regulate integrin alpha 7 expression and down-regulate expression of ICAM1, VCAM1 and MMP11. These observations suggest that mesenchymal stem cells may provide an important early signal for dermal fibroblast responses to cutaneous injury.« less

Bridging defects in chronic spinal cord injury using peripheral nerve grafts combined with a chitosan-laminin scaffold and enhancing regeneration through them by co-transplantation with bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Case series of 14 patients

PubMed Central

Amr, Sherif M.; Gouda, Ashraf; Koptan, Wael T.; Galal, Ahmad A.; Abdel-Fattah, Dina Sabry; Rashed, Laila A.; Atta, Hazem M.; Abdel-Aziz, Mohammad T.

2014-01-01

Objective To investigate the effect of bridging defects in chronic spinal cord injury using peripheral nerve grafts combined with a chitosan-laminin scaffold and enhancing regeneration through them by co-transplantation with bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Methods In 14 patients with chronic paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury, cord defects were grafted and stem cells injected into the whole construct and contained using a chitosan-laminin paste. Patients were evaluated using the International Standards for Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries. Results Chitosan disintegration leading to post-operative seroma formation was a complication. Motor level improved four levels in 2 cases and two levels in 12 cases. Sensory-level improved six levels in two cases, five levels in five cases, four levels in three cases, and three levels in four cases. A four-level neurological improvement was recorded in 2 cases and a two-level neurological improvement occurred in 12 cases. The American Spinal Impairment Association (ASIA) impairment scale improved from A to C in 12 cases and from A to B in 2 cases. Although motor power improvement was recorded in the abdominal muscles (2 grades), hip flexors (3 grades), hip adductors (3 grades), knee extensors (2–3 grades), ankle dorsiflexors (1–2 grades), long toe extensors (1–2 grades), and plantar flexors (0–2 grades), this improvement was too low to enable them to stand erect and hold their knees extended while walking unaided. Conclusion Mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural stem cell-like cell transplantation enhances recovery in chronic spinal cord injuries with defects bridged by sural nerve grafts combined with a chitosan-laminin scaffold. PMID:24090088

Effect of increasing equilibration time of diluted bull semen up to 72 h prior to freezing on sperm quality parameters and calving rate following artificial insemination.

PubMed

Murphy, E M; Eivers, B; O'Meara, C M; Lonergan, P; Fair, S

2018-03-01

An equilibration period of approximately 3-4 h prior to semen cryopreservation is standard practice for maintaining membrane integrity and motility of bull sperm. However, a number of studies indicate that an overnight equilibration period prior to freezing results in improved post-thaw semen quality thus optimising pregnancy rates. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing the equilibration time of bull semen up to 72 h before freezing on sperm quality parameters and calving rate (CR) following artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen. The effect of holding semen at 4 °C for 6, 24, 48 or 72 h post dilution before freezing on subsequent post-thaw total and progressive motility (Experiment 1) and field fertility (n = 1640 inseminations, Experiment 2) of frozen-thawed semen was assessed. Equilibration time did not affect post-thaw total and progressive motility (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no effect (P > 0.05) of equilibration time on field fertility with a CR of 53.3, 50.5, 51.3 and 47.3 for the 6, 24, 48 and 72 h treatments, respectively. In conclusion, increasing the equilibration time of diluted bull semen from 6 to 72 h had no significant effect on CR, within the expected range of fertility outcomes, thus providing semen processing centres with flexibility in the time which semen can be held prior to freezing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of Fast Response In-situ Sensors for Simultaneous Measurements of Seawater Carbon Dioxide Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, A. Z.; Sonnichsen, F. N.; Chu, S. N.; Bradley, A. M.; Hoering, K.

2016-02-01

The marine CO2 (inorganic carbon) system is characterized by four primary parameters - total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), and pH. These parameters are central to the study of the marine carbon cycle and ocean acidification. Simultaneous measurements of two of the four CO2 parameters are required to fully resolve the seawater CO2 system, and DIC is one of the preferred parameters. A self-calibrating, in-situ sensor, Channelized Optical System (CHANOS), has recently been developed to provide simultaneous measurements of both DIC and pH, resolving carbonate chemistry with a single system. CHANOS is among the first to achieve simultaneous, in-situ measurements of a desired pair of CO2 parameters. DIC and pH channels both use flow-through, spectrophotometric methods to detect relative absorbances of the acid and base forms of a pH-sensitive indicator. The precision of CHANOS in laboratory and in-situ tests are ±0.002 and ±3.0 µmol kg-1 for pH and DIC, respectively. In-situ comparison with bottle sampling and analyses indicate that the accuracies for pH and DIC are ±0.004 and ±5.0 µmol kg-1, respectively. It has been demonstrated that CHANOS can make in-situ, climatology-quality measurements to resolve the CO2 system in dynamic aquatic environments. To further improve response time of the sensor, especially for DIC measurements, a new generation of CHANOS-DIC is under development. The new system adapts the recently developed spectrophotometric DIC method to achieve flow-through CO2 equilibration between an acidified sample and an indicator solution with a response time as fast as 22s. Continuous measurements are also achievable. Because of the fast response of CHANOS measurements, it is versatile and suitable for deployments on both fixed (e.g. buoys) and mobile (e.g., AUV, ROV, and profilers) platforms.

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

Bowers, Geoffrey M.; Schaef, H. Todd; Loring, John S.

This paper explores the molecular-scale interactions between CO 2 and the representative smectite mineral hectorite under supercritical conditions (90 bar, 50°C) using novel in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the roles of the smectite charge balancing cation (CBC) and H O in these interactions. The data show that supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2) can be adsorbed on external surfaces and in the confined interlayer spaces of hectorite at 50°C and 90 bar, with the uptake of CO 2 into the interlayer favoredmore » at low H 2O content and when the basal spacing is similar to a monolayer hydrate of hectorite (1WL, ~12.5 Å). These results are in agreement with published spectroscopic and molecular modeling data for the related smectite Na-montmorillonite.Charge balancing cations with small radii, large hydration energies, and low polarizabilities tend to scavenge H 2O from humid scCO 2 or retain the H 2O they held before scCO 2 exposure, swelling spontaneously to a bilayer hydrate (2WL) dominated state that largely prevents CO 2-ion interactions and influences the extent of CO 2 intercalation into the interlayer. In contrast, ions with large radii, low hydration energies, and large polarizabilities more readily form close associations with CO 2 with the energetics enabling coexistence of CO 2 and H2O in the interlayer over a wide range of scCO 2 humidities. Integrating our results with those from molecular dynamics simulations of wet CO 2-bearing montmorillonites suggest that adsorbed CO 2 in 1WL-type interlayers is oriented with its long axis parallel to the clay sheets and experiences dynamics dominated by anisotropic rotation about the axis perpendicular to the CO 2 long axis at rates of at least ~105 Hz. If appreciable CO 2 is adsorbed in 2WL-type interlayers, it must experience a mean orientation and dynamic averaging affects that mimic the 1WL-type adsorption environment. External surface adsorbed CO 2 is dynamically similar to the 1WL case, but the CO 2 long axis samples a larger range of orientations with respect to the smectite surface and adopts a different mean angle between the long axis and the smectite surface. Our data also suggest that equilibrating hectorite with a largevolume of scCO 2 at 50°C and 90 bar leads to interlayer dehydration, with the extent of dehydration correlating with the hydrophilicity of the CBC.« less

Evolution of the blueschist and greenschist facies rocks of Sifnos, Cyclades, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, Alan; Schliestedt, Manfred

1984-11-01

The metamorphism on the island of Sifnos is characterized by the Eocene development of a coherent highpressure blueschist terrane and an early Miocene greenschist facies overprint. This study documents the metamorphic evolution of the blueschist assemblages, still preserved in the northern parts of the island, and their subsequent transformation into greenschists in the central and southern parts. The oxygen isotope geothermometry is based on calibrations for quartz, pyroxenes and magnetite (Matthews et al. 1983a) augmented by revised calibrations for the minerals muscovite ( Δ Qz-Mu=1.55×106 T -2), epidote ( δ Qz-Ep= 1.56+1.92 Δ ps)106 T -2), and rutile ( Δ Qz-Ru=4.54×106 T -2). Oxygen isotope analyses of minerals from the Blueschist unit of northern Sifnos give consistent fractionations which are independent of rock type. An average temperature of 455° C was obtained, although the scatter in temperatures deduced from the various geothermometers suggests that equilibration occurs under slightly changing physicochemical conditions. Analyses of minerals and whole rocks shows that pervasive equilibration in the presence of a common metamorphic fluid has not occurred. The minerals and whole rocks of the greenschists of central Sifnos are systematically enriched in 18O relative to the blueschist assemblages. Chemical data indicate that the greenschist overprint was accompanied by a metasomatic enrichment of Ca2+ and CO2. The petrologic, isotopic and chemical evidence favour a metamorphism governed by the infiltration of 18O-CO2 enriched aqueous solutions. It is reasonable to assume that this is connected with the Miocene magmatic activity observed throughout the Cyclades. The marbles separating the Blueschist from the Greenschist unit probably acted as barriers to fluid infiltration into the blueschists and were responsible for their preservation. The pressure of the blueschist metamorphism is estimated at 14±2 kbar, corresponding to a depth of ca. 50 km. The structural style and stratigraphy of Sifnos are suggestive of the subduction of a continental margin sequence. It is clear that the considerable tectonic depression may be associated with continental collision and underthrusting.

Greenhouse gases dissolved in soil solution - often ignored, but important?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weymann, Daniel; Brueggemann, Nicolas; Puetz, Thomas; Vereecken, Harry

2014-05-01

Flux measurements of climate-relevant trace gases from soils are frequently undertaken in contemporary ecosystem studies and substantially contribute to our understanding of greenhouse gas balances of the biosphere. While the great majority of such investigations builds on closed chamber and eddy covariance measurements, where upward gas fluxes to the atmosphere are measured, fewest concurrently consider greenhouse gas dissolution in the seepage and leaching of dissolved gases via the vadose zone to the groundwater. Here we present annual leaching losses of dissolved N2O and CO2 from arable, grassland, and forest lysimeter soils from three sites differing in altitude and climate. We aim to assess their importance in comparison to direct N2O emission, soil respiration, and further leaching parameters of the C- and N cycle. The lysimeters are part of the Germany-wide lysimeter network initiative TERENO-SoilCan, which investigates feedbacks of climate change to the pedosphere on a long-term scale. Soil water samples were collected weekly from different depths of the profiles by means of suction cups. A laboratory pre-experiment proved that no degassing occurred under those sampling conditions. We applied the headspace equilibration technique to determine dissolved gas concentrations by gas chromatography. The seepage water of all lysimeters was consistently supersaturated with N2O and CO2 compared to water equilibrated ambient air. In terms of N2O, leaching losses increased in the ascending order forest, grassland, and arable soils, respectively. In case of the latter soils, we observed a strong variability of N2O, with dissolved concentrations up to 23 μg N L-1. However, since seepage discharge of the arable lysimeters was comparatively small and mostly limited to the hydrological winter season, leached N2O appeared to be less important than direct N2O emissions. In terms of dissolved CO2,our measurements revealed considerable leaching losses from the mountainous forest and grassland soils, based on concentrations up to 24 mg C L-1 and high seepage discharge. Such losses turned out to be similarly important like soil respiration, particularly during winter when temperature-dependent soil respiration declined. In conclusion, the results of the first year of our measurements provide evidence that dissolved greenhouse gases should be considered in studies which aim to assess full greenhouse gas balances, particularly in ecosystems where hydrological conditions favour microbial activity and high leaching losses.

Interaction Between CO2-Rich Sulfate Solutions and Carbonate Reservoir Rocks from Atmospheric to Supercritical CO2 Conditions: Experiments and Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cama, J.; Garcia-Rios, M.; Luquot, L.; Soler Matamala, J. M.

2014-12-01

A test site for CO2 geological storage is situated in Hontomín (Spain) with a reservoir rock that is mainly composed of limestone. During and after CO2 injection, the resulting CO2-rich acid brine gives rise to the dissolution of carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite) and gypsum (or anhydrite at depth) may precipitate since the reservoir brine contains sulfate. Experiments using columns filled with crushed limestone or dolostone were conducted under different P-pCO2 conditions (atmospheric: 1-10-3.5 bar; subcritical: 10-10 bar; and supercritical: 150-34 bar), T (25, 40 and 60 ºC) and input solution compositions (gypsum-undersaturated and gypsum-equilibrated solutions). We evaluated the effect of these parameters on the coupled reactions of calcite/dolomite dissolution and gypsum/anhydrite precipitation. The CrunchFlow and PhreeqC (v.3) numerical codes were used to perform reactive transport simulations of the experiments. Under the P-pCO2-T conditions, the volume of precipitated gypsum was smaller than the volume of dissolved carbonate minerals, yielding an increase in porosity (Δporosity up to ≈ 4%). A decrease in T favored limestone dissolution regardless of pCO2 owing to increasing undersaturation with decreasing temperature. However, gypsum precipitation was favored at high T and under atmospheric pCO2 conditions but not at high T and under 10 bar of pCO2 conditions. The increase in limestone dissolution with pCO2 was directly attributed to pH, which was more acidic at higher pCO2. Increasing pCO2, carbonate dissolution occurred along the column whereas it was localized in the very inlet under atmospheric conditions. This was due to the buffer capacity of the carbonic acid, which maintains pH at around 5 and keeps the solution undersaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite along the column. 1D reactive transport simulations reproduced the experimental data (carbonate dissolution and gypsum precipitation for different P-pCO2-T conditions). Drawing on reaction rate laws in the literature, we used the reactive surface area to fit the models to the experimental data. The values of the reactive surface area were much smaller than those calculated of the geometric areas.

Field demonstration of CO2 leakage detection and potential impacts on groundwater quality at Brackenridge Field Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Y.; Yang, C.; Guzman, N.; Delgado, J.; Mickler, P. J.; Horvoka, S.; Trevino, R.

2015-12-01

One concern related to GCS is possible risk of unintended CO2 leakage from the storage formations into overlying potable aquifers on underground sources of drinking water (USDW). Here we present a series of field tests conducted in an alluvial aquifer which is on a river terrace at The University of Texas Brackenridge Field Laboratory. Several shallow groundwater wells were completed to the limestone bedrock at a depth of 6 m and screened in the lower 3 m. Core sediments recovered from the shallow aquifer show that the sediments vary in grain size from clay-rich layers to coarse sandy gravels. Two main types of field tests were conducted at the BFL: single- (or double-) well push-pull test and pulse-like CO2 release test. A single- (or double-) well push-pull test includes three phases: the injection phase, the resting phase and pulling phase. During the injection phase, groundwater pumped from the shallow aquifer was stored in a tank, equilibrated with CO2 gasand then injected into the shallow aquifer to mimic CO2 leakage. During the resting phase, the groundwater charged with CO2 reacted with minerals in the aquifer sediments. During the pulling phase, groundwater was pumped from the injection well and groundwater samples were collected continuously for groundwater chemistry analysis. In such tests, large volume of groundwater which was charged with CO2 can be injected into the shallow aquifer and thus maximize contact of groundwater charged with CO2. Different than a single- (or double-) well push-pull test, a pulse-like CO2 release test for validating chemical sensors for CO2 leakage detection involves a CO2 release phase that CO2 gas was directly bubbled into the testing well and a post monitoring phase that groundwater chemistry was continuously monitored through sensors and/or grounder sampling. Results of the single- (or double-) well push-pull tests conducted in the shallow aquifer shows that the unintended CO2 leakage could lead to dissolution of carbonates and some silicates and mobilization of heavy metals from the aquifer sediments to groundwater, however, such mobilization posed no risks on groundwater quality at this site. The pulse-like tests have demonstrated it is plausible to use chemical sensors for CO2 leakage detection in groundwater.

Evidence that higher [CO2] increases tree growth sensitivity to temperature: a comparison of modern and paleo oaks

Treesearch

Steven L. Voelker; Michael C. Stambaugh; J. Renée Brooks; Frederick C. Meinzer; Barbara Lachenbruch; Richard P. Guyette

2017-01-01

To test tree growth-sensitivity to temperature under different ambient CO2 concentrations, we determined stem radial growth rates as they relate to variation in temperature during the last deglacial period, and compare these to modern tree growth rates as they relate to spatial variation in temperature across the modern species distributional...

Effect of bone mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on the micro-environment of early osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

PubMed

Song, Huanjin; Tao, Li; Wang, Fang; Wang, Weizhuo; Wei, Yongchang; Shen, Wenjun; Zhou, Fuling

2015-01-01

Autologous implantation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has achieved promising clinical efficacy for the treatment of early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Here, we investigated the effect of BMSCs on the early ONFH in vitro and in vivo. In co-cultured system, primary BMSCs enhanced the activity and inhibited the apoptosis of primary OB. The concentrations of VEGF and BMP-2 in the co-cultured medium were significantly higher than those without co-culture. Importantly, BMSCs implantation increased OB, capillaries and VEGF and BMP-2 expressions of the necrotic areas of femoral head in the ONFH rabbits. In conclusion, our results indicated that BMSCs treated the early ONFH possibly through increasing OB and capillaries, as well as VEGF and BMP-2 expression in the femoral head. These results provided possible mechanisms for the treatment of early-stage ONFH with BMSCs transplantation.

Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, and Formate Metabolism during Methanogenesis from Acetate by Thermophilic Cultures of Methanosarcina and Methanothrix Strains.

PubMed

Zinder, S H; Anguish, T

1992-10-01

CO and H(2) have been implicated in methanogenesis from acetate, but it is unclear whether they are directly involved in methanogenesis or electron transfer in acetotrophic methanogens. We compared metabolism of H(2), CO, and formate by cultures of the thermophilic acetotrophic methanogens Methanosarcina thermophila TM-1 and Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1. M. thermophila accumulated H(2) to partial pressures of 40 to 70 Pa (1 Pa = 0.987 x 10 atm), as has been previously reported for this and other Methanosarcina cultures. In contrast, Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 accumulated H(2) to maximum partial pressures near 1 Pa. Growing cultures of Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 initially accumulated CO, which reached partial pressures near 0.6 Pa (some CO came from the rubber stopper) during the middle of methanogenesis; this was followed by a decrease in CO partial pressures to less than 0.01 Pa by the end of methanogenesis. Accumulation or consumption of CO by cultures of M. thermophila growing on acetate was not detected. Late-exponential-phase cultures of Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1, in which the CO partial pressure was decreased by flushing with N(2)-CO(2), accumulated CO to 0.16 Pa, whereas cultures to which ca. 0.5 Pa of CO was added consumed CO until it reached this partial pressure. Cyanide (1 mM) blocked CO consumption but not production. High partial pressures of H(2) (40 kPa) inhibited methanogenesis from acetate by M. thermophila but not by Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1, and 2 kPa of CO was not inhibitory to M. thermophila but was inhibitory to Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1. Levels of CO dehydrogenase, hydrogenase, and formate dehydrogenase in Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 were 9.1, 0.045, and 5.8 mumol of viologen reduced min mg of protein. These results suggest that CO plays a role in Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 similar to that of H(2) in M. thermophila and are consistent with the conclusion that CO is an intermediate in a catabolic or anabolic pathway in Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1; however, they could also be explained by passive equilibration of CO with a metabolic intermediate.

Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, and Formate Metabolism during Methanogenesis from Acetate by Thermophilic Cultures of Methanosarcina and Methanothrix Strains

PubMed Central

Zinder, S. H.; Anguish, T.

1992-01-01

CO and H2 have been implicated in methanogenesis from acetate, but it is unclear whether they are directly involved in methanogenesis or electron transfer in acetotrophic methanogens. We compared metabolism of H2, CO, and formate by cultures of the thermophilic acetotrophic methanogens Methanosarcina thermophila TM-1 and Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1. M. thermophila accumulated H2 to partial pressures of 40 to 70 Pa (1 Pa = 0.987 × 10-5 atm), as has been previously reported for this and other Methanosarcina cultures. In contrast, Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 accumulated H2 to maximum partial pressures near 1 Pa. Growing cultures of Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 initially accumulated CO, which reached partial pressures near 0.6 Pa (some CO came from the rubber stopper) during the middle of methanogenesis; this was followed by a decrease in CO partial pressures to less than 0.01 Pa by the end of methanogenesis. Accumulation or consumption of CO by cultures of M. thermophila growing on acetate was not detected. Late-exponential-phase cultures of Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1, in which the CO partial pressure was decreased by flushing with N2-CO2, accumulated CO to 0.16 Pa, whereas cultures to which ca. 0.5 Pa of CO was added consumed CO until it reached this partial pressure. Cyanide (1 mM) blocked CO consumption but not production. High partial pressures of H2 (40 kPa) inhibited methanogenesis from acetate by M. thermophila but not by Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1, and 2 kPa of CO was not inhibitory to M. thermophila but was inhibitory to Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1. Levels of CO dehydrogenase, hydrogenase, and formate dehydrogenase in Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 were 9.1, 0.045, and 5.8 μmol of viologen reduced min-1 mg of protein-1. These results suggest that CO plays a role in Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1 similar to that of H2 in M. thermophila and are consistent with the conclusion that CO is an intermediate in a catabolic or anabolic pathway in Methanothrix sp. strain CALS-1; however, they could also be explained by passive equilibration of CO with a metabolic intermediate. PMID:16348788

Sorption of metals on humic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerndorff, H.; Schnitzer, M.

1980-11-01

The sorption on humic acid (HA) of metals from an aqueous solution containing Hg(II). Fe(III), Pb, Cu, Al, Ni, Cr(III), Cd, Zn, Co and Mn, was investigated with special emphasis on effects of pH, metal concentration and HA concentration. The sorption efficiency tended to increase with rise in pH, decrease in metal concentration and increase in HA concentration of the equilibrating solution. At pH 2.4. the order of sorption was: Hg≫ Fe≫ Pb≫ CuAl ≫ Ni ≫ CrZnCdCoMn. At pH 3.7. the order was: Hg and Fe were always most readily removed, while Co and Mn were sorbed least readily. There were indications of competition for active sites (CO 2H and phenolic OH groups) on the HA between the different metals. We were unable to find correlations between the affinities of the eleven metals to sorb on HA and their atomic weights, atomic numbers, valencies, and crystal and hydrated ionic radii. The sorption of the eleven metals on the HA could be described by the equation Y = 100/[1 + exp - (A + BX)], where Y = % metal removed by HA; X = mgHA; and A and B are empirical constants.

Nitrite transport into pig erythrocytes and its potential biological role.

PubMed

Jensen, F B

2005-07-01

To study nitrite transport and its oxygenation dependency in pig erythrocytes, as this is fundamental to the possible participation of nitrite in blood flow regulation via its reduction to nitric oxide by deoxygenated haemoglobin (Hb). Pig red blood cells (RBCs) were tonometer-equilibrated to physiological pCO2 in oxygenated and deoxygenated states. Nitrite was added and the kinetics of NO2- influx and methaemoglobin (metHb) formation were assessed at variable temperature and haematocrit. Nitrite quickly permeated and equilibrated across the membrane, and then continued to enter RBCs as a consequence of its intracellular removal (via reactions with Hb to form nitrate and metHb in oxygenated cells, and NO and metHb in deoxygenated cells). The membrane permeation as such showed little oxygenation dependency, but as metHb formation was significantly higher in oxygenated than deoxygenated RBCs, nitrite transport tended to be largest into oxygenated RBCs. This contrasts with a preferential permeation of deoxygenated RBCs in some fish species. Nitrite transport showed low temperature sensitivity but was speeded up at low haematocrit via more rapid intracellular nitrite removal (metHb formation). Nitrite influx was not affected by inhibitors of facilitated diffusion (DIDS, phloretin and PCMB) and may occur via conductive transport. Extracellular pH was stable during nitrite transport. Nitrite extensively permeates both oxygenated and deoxygenated pig RBCs, which may enable a dual function of nitrite entry: viz. conversion to NO at low pO2 to promote blood flow and detoxification to non-toxic nitrate at inappropriate high nitrite levels.

Curcumin-induced heme oxygenase-1 expression prevents H2O2-induced cell death in wild type and heme oxygenase-2 knockout adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Cremers, Niels A J; Lundvig, Ditte M S; van Dalen, Stephanie C M; Schelbergen, Rik F; van Lent, Peter L E M; Szarek, Walter A; Regan, Raymond F; Carels, Carine E; Wagener, Frank A D T G

2014-10-08

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration is a promising adjuvant therapy to treat tissue injury. However, MSC survival after administration is often hampered by oxidative stress at the site of injury. Heme oxygenase (HO) generates the cytoprotective effector molecules biliverdin/bilirubin, carbon monoxide (CO) and iron/ferritin by breaking down heme. Since HO-activity mediates anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects, we hypothesized that modulation of the HO-system affects MSC survival. Adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) from wild type (WT) and HO-2 knockout (KO) mice were isolated and characterized with respect to ASC marker expression. In order to analyze potential modulatory effects of the HO-system on ASC survival, WT and HO-2 KO ASCs were pre-treated with HO-activity modulators, or downstream effector molecules biliverdin, bilirubin, and CO before co-exposure of ASCs to a toxic dose of H2O2. Surprisingly, sensitivity to H2O2-mediated cell death was similar in WT and HO-2 KO ASCs. However, pre-induction of HO-1 expression using curcumin increased ASC survival after H2O2 exposure in both WT and HO-2 KO ASCs. Simultaneous inhibition of HO-activity resulted in loss of curcumin-mediated protection. Co-treatment with glutathione precursor N-Acetylcysteine promoted ASC survival. However, co-incubation with HO-effector molecules bilirubin and biliverdin did not rescue from H2O2-mediated cell death, whereas co-exposure to CO-releasing molecules-2 (CORM-2) significantly increased cell survival, independently from HO-2 expression. Summarizing, our results show that curcumin protects via an HO-1 dependent mechanism against H2O2-mediated apoptosis, and likely through the generation of CO. HO-1 pre-induction or administration of CORMs may thus form an attractive strategy to improve MSC therapy.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote cell proliferation and invasion of epithelial ovarian cancer

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

Chu, Yijing; Tang, Huijuan; Guo, Yan

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) is an important component of tumor microenvironment. However, whether ADSCs have a hand in ovarian cancer progression remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of human ADSCs derived from the omentum of normal donors on human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells in vitro and in vivo. Direct and indirect co-culture models including ADSCs and human EOC cell lines were established and the effects of ADSCs on EOC cell proliferation were evaluated by EdU incorporation and flow cytometry. Transwell migration assays and detection of MMPs were performed to assess the invasion activity of EOCmore » cells in vitro. Mouse models were established by intraperitoneal injection of EOC cells with or without concomitant ADSCs to investigate the role of ADSCs in tumor progression in vivo. We found that ADSCs significantly promoted proliferation and invasion of EOC cells in both direct and indirect co-culture assays. In addition, after co-culture with ADSCs, EOC cells secreted higher levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9 partially relieved the tumor-promoting effects of ADSCs in vitro. In mouse xenograft models, we confirmed that ADSCs promoted EOC growth and metastasis and elevated the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Our findings indicate that omental ADSCs play a promotive role during ovarian cancer progression. - Highlights: • Omental adipose derived stem cells enhanced growth and invasion properties of ovarian cancer cells. • Adipose derived stem cells promoted the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer in mice models. • Adipose derived stem cells promoted MMPs expression and secretion of ovarian cancer cells. • Elevated MMPs mediated the tumor promoting effects of ADSCs.« less

Modelling Biogenic Carbon Cycling and Remineralization In The Mesopelagic Layer 1. Conceptual Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legendre, L.; Rivkin, R. B.; Nagata, T.

Most of the biogenic carbon (BC) that is exported (E) from the euphotic zone to the mesopelagic layer (i.e. 100 to 1000 m) is remineralized to CO2 (i.e. respiration, R). A significant part of this remineralized CO2 is ventilated back to the surface layer on decadal time scales, where it equilibrates with the atmosphere. Only the BC that is remineralized or buried (i.e.. sequestration, S) below the permanent pycnocline, typi- cally ca. 1000 m, is isolated from the atmosphere long enough to be of significance to the global climate. Current estimates of E and S for the World Ocean are ca. 7 to 12 and 1 to 2 Gt C/year, respectively. The main biological mechanisms that control R in the mesopelagic layer are the size structure, sinking velocity and chemical composi- tion of E. The interactions among these factors are non-linear. Because the changing climate will modify both R and the downward propagation of characteristics of the surface ocean (e.g. heat, storm mixing), these factors will influence S, which will in turn feedback to climate.

The reactivity of plant-derived organic matter in the Amazon River and implications on aquatic carbon fluxes to the atmosphere and ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, N. D.; Sawakuchi, H. O.; Keil, R. G.; da Silva, R.; Brito, D. C.; Cunha, A. C.; Gagne-Maynard, W.; de Matos, A.; Neu, V.; Bianchi, T. S.; Krusche, A. V.; Richey, J. E.

2014-12-01

The remineralization of terrestrially-derived organic carbon (OC), along with direct CO2 inputs from autochthonous plant respiration in floodplains, results in an evasive CO2 gas flux from inland waters that is an order of magnitude greater than the flux of OC to the ocean. This phenomenon is enhanced in tropical systems as a result of elevated temperatures and productivity relative to temperate and high-latitude counterparts. Likewise, this balance is suspected to be influenced by increasing global temperatures and alterations to hydrologic and land use regimes. Here, we assess the reactivity of terrestrial and aquatic plant-derived OM near the mouth of the Amazon River. The stable isotopic signature of CO2 (δ13CO2) was monitored in real-time during incubation experiments performed in a closed system gas phase equilibration chamber connected to a Picarro Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer. Incubations were performed under natural conditions and with the injection of isotopically labeled terrestrial macromolecules (e.g. lignin) and algal fatty acids. Under natural conditions, δ13CO2 became more depleted, shifting from roughly -23‰ to -27‰ on average, suggesting that C3 terrestrial vegetation was the primary fuel for CO2 production. Upon separate injections of 13C-labeled lignin and algal fatty acids, δ13CO2 increased near instantaneously and peaked in under 12 hours. Roughly 75% of the labeled lignin was converted to CO2 at the peak in δ13CO2, whereas less than 20% of the algal fatty acids were converted to CO2 (preliminary data subject to change). The rate of labeled-OC remineralization was enhanced by the addition of a highly labile substrate (e.g. ethyl acetate). Likewise, constant measurements of O2/pCO2 along the lower river revealed anomalously high CO2 and low O2 levels near the confluence of the mainstem and large tributaries with high algal productivity. These collective results suggest that the remineralization of complex terrestrial macromolecules is a significant source of CO2 to tropical rivers, whereas algal-derived OC is primarily incorporated into the microbial loop/higher trophic levels and enhances the breakdown of more complex terrestrially-derived molecules (e.g. the "priming effect").

Sapwood development in Pinus radiata trees grown for three years at ambient and elevated carbon dioxide partial pressures.

PubMed

Atwell, B J; Henery, M L; Whitehead, D

2003-01-01

Clonal trees of Pinus radiata D. Don were grown in open-top chambers at a field site in New Zealand for 3 years at ambient (37 Pa) or elevated (65 Pa) carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure. Nitrogen (N) was supplied to half of the trees in each CO2 treatment, at 15 g N m-2 in the first year and 60 g N m-2 in the subsequent 2 years (high-N treatment). Trees in the low-N treatment were not supplied with N but received the same amount of other nutrients as trees in the high-N treatment. In the first year, stem basal area increased more in trees growing at elevated CO2 partial pressure and high-N supply than in control trees, suggesting a positive interaction between these resources. However, the relative rate of growth became the same across trees in all treatments after 450 days, resulting in trees growing at elevated CO2 partial pressure and high-N supply having larger basal areas than trees in the other treatments. Sapwood N content per unit dry mass was consistently about 0.09% in all treatments, indicating that N status was not suppressed by elevated CO2 partial pressure. Thus, during the first year of growth, an elevated CO2 partial pressure enhanced carbon (C) and N storage in woody stems, but there was no further stimulus to C and N deposition after the first year. The chemical composition of sapwood was unaffected by elevated CO2 partial pressure, indicating that no additional C was sequestered through lignification. However, independent of the treatments, early wood was 13% richer in lignin than late wood. Elevated CO2 partial pressure decreased the proportion of sapwood occupied by the lumina of tracheids by up to 12%, indicating increased sapwood density in response to CO2 enrichment. This effect was probably a result of thicker tracheid walls rather than narrower lumina.

Co-injection of SO2 With CO2 in Geological Sequestration: Potential for Acidification of Formation Brines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellis, B. R.; Crandell, L. E.; Peters, C. A.

2008-12-01

Coal-fired power plants produce flue gas streams containing 0.02-1.4% SO2 after traditional sulfur scrubbing techniques are employed. Due to the corrosive nature of H2SO4, it will likely be necessary to remove the residual SO2 prior to carbon capture and transport; however, it may still be economically advantageous to reintroduce the SO2 to the injection stream to mitigate the cost of SO2 disposal and/or to get credits for SO2 emissions reduction. This study examines the impact of SO2 co-injection on the pH of formation brine. Using phase equilibrium modeling, it is shown that a CO2 gas stream with 1% SO2 under oxidizing conditions can create extremely acidic conditions (pH<1), but this will occur only near the CO2 plume and over a short time frame. Nearly all of the SO2 will be lost to the brine during this first phase equilibration, within approximately a decade, and the pH after the second is only 3.7, which is the pH that would occur from the carbonic acid alone. This suggests that although SO2 will create low pH values due to the formation of H2SO4, the effect will have a very limited lifespan and a localized impact spatially. SO2 is much more soluble than CO2 and as the relative of amount of SO2 to CO2 is very small, the SO2 will quickly dissolve into the formation brine. The extent of H2SO4 formation is dependent on the redox conditions of the system. Several SO2 oxidation pathways are investigated, including SO2 disproportionation which produces both sulfate and the weaker acid, H2S. Further modeling considers a time varying, diffusion limited flux of SO2. Relative to the case of instantaneous phase equilibrium, this results in a smaller decrease in pH occurring over a longer duration. Our overall conclusion is that brine acidification due to SO2 co-injection is not likely to be significant over relevant time and spatial scales.

Ab initio/GIAO-CCSD(T) (13)C NMR study of the rearrangement and dynamic aspects of rapidly equilibrating tertiary carbocations, C6H13(+) and C7H15(+).

PubMed

Olah, George A; Prakash, G K Surya; Rasul, Golam

2016-01-05

The rearrangement pathways of the equilibrating tertiary carbocations, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl cation (C6H13(+), 1), 2,3,3-trimethyl-2-butyl cation (C7H15(+), 5) and 2,3-dimethyl-2-pentyl cation (C7H15(+), 8 and 9) were investigated using the ab initio/GIAO-CCSD(T) (13)C NMR method. Comparing the calculated and experimental (13)C NMR chemical shifts of a series of carbocations indicates that excellent prediction of δ(13)C could be achieved through scaling. In the case of symmetrical equilibrating cations (1 and 5) the Wagner-Meerwein 1,2-hydride and 1,2-methide shifts, respectively, produce the same structure. This indicates that the overall (13)C NMR chemical shifts are conserved and independent of temperature. However, in the case of unsymmetrical equilibrating cations (8 and 9) the Wagner-Meerwein shift produces different tertiary structures, which have slightly different thermodynamic stabilities and, thus, different spectra. At the MP4(SDTQ)/cc-pVTZ//MP2/cc-pVTZ + ZPE level structure 8 is only 90 calories/mol more stable than structure 9. Based on computed (13)C NMR chemical shift calculations, mole fractions of these isomers were determined by assuming the observed chemical shifts are due to the weighted average of the chemical shifts of the static ions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measuring Transcutaneous Oxygenation to Validate the Duration Required to Achieve Electrode Equilibration.

PubMed

Chiang, Nathaniel; Jain, Jitendra K; Sleigh, Jamie; Vasudevan, Thodur

2018-06-01

The transcutaneous oxygenation measurement (TCOM) system is useful in assessing tissue viability. There are no clear recommendations regarding the duration required for the electrode to equilibrate and reliably evaluate tissue oxygenation values. The objective of this study was to validate the duration required to achieve electrode equilibration in a clinical setting. Minute-by-minute recordings using TCOM (TCOM3; Radiometer Medical ApS, Brønshøj, Copenhagen) were obtained for 82 limbs in 50 participants. Twenty-five limbs were in patients with peripheral vascular disease; 30 were in patients with no known peripheral vascular disease; and 27 were in healthy volunteers. Transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide (TcPO2 and TcPCO2) were recorded over a 15-minute period. Participants' TcPO2 decreased and TcPCO2 increased over time. Both changed in a nonlinear fashion, eventually settling at an "equilibrium" where the measurements became stable. The difference in proportional change of TcPO2 between minutes 14 and 15 was 0.8%, and for TcPCO2was 2.9%. Changes in TCOM measurements over time were similar among the 3 groups. This is the first study to target minute-by-minute variation in TcPO2 and TcPCO2 measurements. Recording for a minimum of 15 minutes allows a reliable period for the TCOM electrode to equilibrate to record absolute values and determine wound healing potential.

Unshocked Equilibrated H Chondrites: A Common Low-Temperature Record from Fe-Mg Ordering in Orthopyroxene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Folco, L.; Mellini, M.; Pillinger, C. T.

1995-09-01

The study of the thermal metamorphism of ordinary chondrites through geothermometers can provide significant constraints on the parent body thermal models which remain controversial. We report here results from Fe-Mg ordering closure temperatures (Tc) of orthopyroxenes from eight unshocked equilibrated H-chondrites obtained by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction. The method is based on the fact that cation partitioning in orthopyroxene is sensitive to temperature [1], and makes use of the experimental calibration by Molin et al. [2]. The goal of the investigation is to check how petrographic types relate to cation ordering thermal records. Results: The orthopyroxenes show a very similar degree of Fe-Mg ordering (see Table 1.). The Tc's cluster within the 384+/-48 to 480+/-28 degrees C interval, and show no correlation with petrographic type. The lack of a correlation does not mean that the distribution is random, rather, it appears to be controlled in individual samples by the degree of equilibration. In fact, the higher the petrographic type, the more coherent the results of the grains from individual chondrites. The spread of Tc's in the least equilibrated chondrites could be either a memory of heterogeneous pre-metamorphic records related to individual chondrule histories, or an artefact due to crystal defects. Therefore (1) the thermal records, inferred from the Fe-Mg ordering, are nearly the same for all the equilibrated H-chondrites; (2) the most equilibrated chondrites record distinct Tc values within the larger common Tc range; (3) the spread of Tc in H4's maybe indicative of disequilibrium and merits further study. The closure temperature conveys information on the cooling rate close to its value, regardless of the temperature regimes when the ordering process started. Extrapolation to high temperatures can be made only if the cooling path is constrained. Since we have no data to establish the temperature when ordering began and to decide whether the cooling was linear, we have not attempted quantitative estimates of cooling rates. However we can say that as equilibrated H-chondrites carry similar Tc records, they cooled at similar rates through 380-480 degrees C. However, the k(sub)D's (i.e., the intracrystalline Fe-Mg distribution coefficient) range 0.029 to 0.054, suggesting that H-chondrites cooled in petrogenetic environments intermediate between those of volcanic [3] and granulitic rocks [3,4]. Conclusion: Our results provide the following constraints: (1) Equilibrated H-chondrites, regardless the petrographic type, were located in petrogenetic environments characterized by similar temperature-time conditions when cooling through 380-480 degrees C, and, in terms of terrestrial environments, intermediate between those of volcanic and granulitic facies. (2) Different petrographic types reflect distinct metamorphic thermal regimes. Thus, to account for constraint (1), petrographic type was determined at temperatures above the 380-480 degrees C interval. This implies that equilibrated H-chondrites were placed in different geological environments characterized by distinct temperature-time regimes when still above this temperature range. In the case of the least equilibrated chondrites, for which the two events could coincide. Acknowledgments: We thank EUROMET for providing us with the Frontier Mt. samples, and PNRA for supporting this study. References: [1] Saxena S. K. and Dal Negro A. (1983) Bull. Min ral., 106, 443-449. [2] Molin G. M. et al. (1991) EPSL, 105, 260-265. [3] Bertolo S. and Nimis P. (1993) EJM, 5, 707-719. [4] Tribaudino M. and Talarico F. (1992) EJM, 4, 453-463.

Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at the specific linker threonine residue indicates slow-cycling esophageal stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle.

PubMed

Takahashi, Y; Fukui, T; Kishimoto, M; Suzuki, R; Mitsuyama, T; Sumimoto, K; Okazaki, T; Sakao, M; Sakaguchi, Y; Yoshida, K; Uchida, K; Nishio, A; Matsuzaki, K; Okazaki, K

2016-01-01

The stem cell compartment in the esophageal epithelium is possibly located in the basal layer. We have identified significant expression of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), in the epithelial cells of murine stomach and intestine, and have suggested that these cells are epithelial stem cells. In this study, we explore whether pSmad2/3L-Thr could serve as a biomarker for esophageal stem cells. We examined esophageal tissues from normal C57BL/6 mice and those with esophagitis. Double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, CDK4, p63, or CK14 was performed. After immunofluorescent staining, we stained the same sections with hematoxylin-eosin and observed these cells under a light microscope. We used the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assay to examine label retention of pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells. We collected specimens 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after repeated BrdU administrations and observed double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with BrdU. In the esophagus, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were detected in the basal layer. These cells were detected between Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells, but they were not co-localized with Ki67. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells showed co-localization with CDK4, p63, and CK14. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells indicated undifferentiated morphological features. Until 20 days follow-up period, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were co-localized with BrdU. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells significantly increased in the regeneration phase of esophagitis mucosae, as compared with control mice (esophagitis vs. 6.889 ± 0.676/cm vs. 4.293 ± 0.659/cm; P < 0.001). We have identified significant expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr in the specific epithelial cells of murine esophagi. We suggest that these cells are slow-cycling epithelial stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle. © 2016 International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Extending the shelf life of kohlrabi stems by modified atmosphere packaging.

PubMed

Escalona, V H; Aguayo, E; Artés, F

2007-06-01

Kohlrabi stems (without leaves) were stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for 60 d at 0 degrees C. An additional retail sale period of 3 d at 12 degrees C after each cold storage evaluation (30 and 60 d) was applied. Under high relative humidity (RH) and 0 degrees C, the stems showed low metabolic activity, as no changes in sugars and organic acids were found. From day 21 at 0 degrees C, air-stored stems showed a yellowing of stalks and later they fell down. This disorder severely affected the appearance of stems. A gas composition of 4.5 to 5.5 kPa O(2) plus 11 to 12 kPa CO(2) was reached using antimist oriented polypropylene plastic bags of 20-mum thicknesses. The stems in MAP conditions kept a high sensorial quality. It was enough for commercial purpose of 2 mo. The storage of kohlrabi stems in plastic bags, either MA or in perforated (control) packages, provided an additional protection reducing physical damage. The MAP conditions delayed the weight loss and development of bacterial soft and black rot, extending the shelf life of kohlrabi stems to 60 d at 0 degrees C plus 3 d at 12 degrees C. Stems are not chilling injury sensitive.

Obsidian Pyroclasts: Where Do They Come From and What Can They Tell Us?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, J. M.; Gardner, J. E.; Befus, K.

2016-12-01

Models for how volcanic gases behave during volcanic eruptions are constructed from measurements of volatiles (δD, H2O and CO2) in melt that has been quenched to glass. Volatile measurements on obsidian pyroclasts from Mono Craters, California, have been central to the development of open- versus closed-system and equilibrium versus non-equilibrium degassing models, and these models have been applied to the interpretation of volatile data from volcanic centers worldwide. Even for the well-studied Mono Craters system, however, there are several different degassing models that are compatible with existing data, and the origin of the vesicle-poor obsidian pyroclasts (upon which the degassing models have been built) remains ambiguous. To better establish the link between the volatiles in the pyroclasts and volcanic eruption processes, we combine textural analysis with area maps of CO2 and H2O. We show that obsidian pyroclasts are heterogeneous with respect to dissolved CO2 and H2O, and that many clasts have multiple textural and chemical domains that are sutured together. The observations suggest that clasts are assembled from non-equilibrated juvenile melt and ash during repeated melt fracturing and healing, ash sintering, and shearing along conduit margins. Melt fracturing promotes gas extraction from magma, whereas healing promotes gas resorption and glass densification. Some of the clasts have bands or patches of elevated CO2 associated with cuspate vesicles, which are evidence for CO2-rich vapor fluxing through the magmatic system. Collectively, the data support a model of open-system, non-equilibrium degassing with intermittent regassing caused by increases in pressure and exposure to different vapor compositions.

Evaluation of the secretion and release of vascular endothelial growth factor from two-dimensional culture and three-dimensional cell spheroids formed with stem cells and osteoprecursor cells.

PubMed

Lee, Hyunjin; Lee, Sung-Il; Ko, Youngkyung; Park, Jun-Beom

2018-05-18

Co-culture has been applied in cell therapy, including stem cells, and has been reported to give enhanced functionality. In this study, stem-cell spheroids were formed in concave micromolds at different ratios of stem cells to osteoprecursor cells, and the amount of secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was evaluated. Gingiva-derived stem cells and osteoprecursor cells in the amount of 6 × 105 were seeded on a 24-well culture plate or concave micromolds. The ratios of stem cells to osteoprecursor cells included: 0:4 (group 1), 1:3 (group 2), 2:2 (group 3), 3:1 (group 4), and 4:0 (group 5). The morphology of cells in a 2-dimensional culture (groups 1-5) showed a fibroblast-like appearance. The secretion of VEGF increased with the increase in stem cells, and a statistically significant increase was noted in groups 3, 4 and 5 when compared with the media-only group (p < 0.05). Osteoprecursor cells formed spheroids in concave microwells, and no noticeable change in the morphology was noted with the increase in stem cells. Spheroids containing stem cells were positive for the stem-cell markers SSEA-4. The secretion of VEGF from cell spheroids increased with the increase in stem cells. This study showed that cell spheroids formed with stem cells and osteoprecursor cells with different ratios, using microwells, had paracrine effects on the stem cells. The secretion of VEGF increased with the increase in stem cells. This stem-cell spheroid may be applied for tissue-engineering purposes.

Genetic expression of adipose derived stem cell and smooth muscle cell markers to monitor differentiation potential following low intensity laser irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abrahamse, Heidi

2014-02-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into a variety of cell types that could potentially be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Low intensity laser irradiation (LILI) has been shown to induce a significant increase in cell viability and proliferation. Growth factors such as retinoic acid (RA) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) play important roles in the differentiation of cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether LILI in combination with growth factors could induce the differentiation of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) cocultured with smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The study used primary and continuous ADSC cell lines and a SMC line (SKUT-1) as control. Cells were co-cultured directly at a ratio of 1:1 using established methods, with and without growth factors and then exposed to LILI at 5 J/cm2 using a 636 nm diode laser. The cellular morphology, viability and proliferation of the co-cultures were assessed over a period of one week. The study also monitored the expression of cell specific markers over the same period of time. Genetic expression of the markers for both adipose derived stem cells (β1 Integrin and Thymidine 1) and smooth muscle cells (Heavy Myosin Chain) was monitored using flow cytometry. Cell viability and proliferation increased significantly in the co-cultured groups that were exposed to laser alone, as well as in combination with growth factors. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the expression of stem cell markers in the ADSCs over time. The results indicate that LILI in combination with growth factors not only increases the viability and proliferation of co-cultured cells but also decreases the expression of ADSC stem cell markers. This could indicate the possible differentiation of ADSCs into SMCs.

Systematic identification and comparison of expressed profiles of lncRNAs and circRNAs with associated co-expression and ceRNA networks in mouse germline stem cells

PubMed Central

Wu, Ji

2017-01-01

Accumulating evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) involve in germ cell development. However, little is known about the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs and circRNAs in self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells. Therefore, we explored the expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in male and female mouse germline stem cells by high-throughput sequencing. We identified 18573 novel lncRNAs and 18822 circRNAs in the germline stem cells and further confirmed the existence of these lncRNAs and circRNAs by RT-PCR. The results showed that male and female germline stem cells had similar GDNF signaling mechanism. Subsequently, 8115 mRNAs, 3996 lncRNAs, and 921 circRNAs exhibited sex-biased expression that may be associated with germline stem cell acquisition of the sex-specific properties required for differentiation into gametes. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed different functions for these sex-biased lncRNAs and circRNAs. We further constructed correlated expression networks including coding–noncoding co-expression and competing endogenous RNAs with bioinformatics. Co-expression analysis showed hundreds of lncRNAs were correlated with sex differences in mouse germline stem cells, including lncRNA Gm11851, lncRNA Gm12840, lncRNA 4930405O22Rik, and lncRNA Atp10d. CeRNA network inferred that lncRNA Meg3 and cirRNA Igf1r could bind competitively with miRNA-15a-5p increasing target gene Inha, Acsl3, Kif21b, and Igfbp2 expressions. These findings provide novel perspectives on lncRNAs and circRNAs and lay a foundation for future research into the regulating mechanisms of lncRNAs and circRNAs in germline stem cells. PMID:28404936

Post 4 Ma initiation of normal faulting in southern Tibet. Constraints from the Kung Co half graben

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahéo, G.; Leloup, P. H.; Valli, F.; Lacassin, R.; Arnaud, N.; Paquette, J.-L.; Fernandez, A.; Haibing, L.; Farley, K. A.; Tapponnier, P.

2007-04-01

The timing of E-W extension of the Tibetan plateau provides a test of mechanical models of the geodynamic evolution of the India-Asia convergence zone. In this work we focus on the Kung Co half graben (Southern Tibet, China), bounded by an active N-S normal fault with a minimum vertical offset of 1600 m. To estimate the onset of normal faulting we combined high and medium temperature (U-Pb, Ar/Ar) and low temperature ((U-Th)/He) thermochronometry of the Kung Co pluton, a two-mica granite of the northern Himalayan granitic belt that outcrop in the footwall of the fault. Biotite and muscovite Ar/Ar ages , are close from each other [˜ 16 Ma ± 0.2 (Ms) and ˜ 15 ± 0.4 Ma (Bt)], which is typical of fast cooling. The zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He ages range from 11.3 to 9.6 Ma and 9.9 to 3.7 Ma respectively. These He ages are indicative of (1) fast initial cooling, from 11.3 to ˜ 9 Ma, gradually decreasing with time and (2) a high geothermal gradient (˜ 400 °C/km), close to the surface at ˜ 10 Ma. The Kung Co pluton was emplaced at about 22 Ma (U-Pb on zircon) at less than 10 km depth and 520-545 °C. Subsequent to its shallow emplacement, the pluton underwent fast thermal re-equilibration ending around 7.5 Ma, followed by a period of slow cooling caused either by the end of the thermal re-equilibration or by very slow exhumation (0.02-0.03 mm/yr) from ˜ 7.5 Ma to at least 4 Ma. In either case the data suggest that the exhumation rate increased after 4 Ma. We infer this increase to be related to the initiation of the Kung Co normal fault. A critical examination of previously published data show that most ˜ N-S Tibetan normal faults may have formed less than 5 Ma ago rather than in the Miocene as assumed by several authors. Such a young age implies that E-W extension is not related to the Neogene South Tibetan magmatism (25 to 8 Ma). Consequently, models relating E-W extension to magmatism, such as convective removal of the lower lithosphere, may be inappropriate. We rather think that this extension is related with local accommodation of boundary forces and displacements.

Messengers from the deep: Fossil wadsleyite-chromite microstructures from the Mantle Transition Zone.

PubMed

Satsukawa, Takako; Griffin, William L; Piazolo, Sandra; O'Reilly, Suzanne Y

2015-11-13

Investigations of the Mantle Transition Zone (MTZ; 410-660 km deep) by deformation experiments and geophysical methods suggest that the MTZ has distinct rheological properties, but their exact cause is still unclear due to the lack of natural samples. Here we present the first direct evidence for crystal-plastic deformation by dislocation creep in the MTZ using a chromitite from the Luobusa peridotite (E. Tibet). Chromite grains show exsolution of diopside and SiO2, suggesting previous equilibration in the MTZ. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis reveals that olivine grains co-existing with exsolved phases inside chromite grains and occurring on chromite grain boundaries have a single pronounced crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO). This suggests that olivine preserves the CPO of a high-pressure polymorph (wadsleyite) before the high-pressure polymorph of chromite began to invert and exsolve. Chromite also shows a significant CPO. Thus, the fine-grained high-pressure phases were deformed by dislocation creep in the MTZ. Grain growth in inverted chromite produced an equilibrated microstructure during exhumation to the surface, masking at first sight its MTZ deformation history. These unique observations provide a window into the deep Earth, and constraints for interpreting geophysical signals and their geodynamic implications in a geologically robust context.

Self-assembly of silk fibroin under osmotic stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohn, Sungkyun

The supramolecular self-assembly behavior of silk fibroin was investigated using osmotic stress technique. In Chapter 2, a ternary phase diagram of water-silk-LiBr was constructed based on X-ray results on the osmotically stressed regenerated silk fibroin of Bombyx mori silkworm. Microscopic data indicated that silk I is a hydrated structure and a rough estimate of the number of water molecules lost by the structure upon converting from silk I to silk II has been made, and found to be about 2.2 per [GAGAGS] hexapeptide. In Chapter 3, wet-spinning of osmotically stressed, regenerated silk fibroin was performed, based on the prediction that the enhanced control over structure and phase behavior using osmotic stress method helps improve the physical properties of wet-spun regenerated silk fibroin fibers. The osmotic stress was applied in order to pre-structure the regenerated silk fibroin molecule from its original random coil state to more oriented state, manipulating the phase of the silk solution in the phase diagram before the start of spinning. Monofilament fiber with a diameter of 20 microm was produced. In Chapter 4, we investigated if there is a noticeable synergistic osmotic pressure increase between co-existing polymeric osmolyte and salt when extremely highly concentrated salt molecules are present both at sample subphase and stressing subphase, as is the case of silk fibroin self-assembly. The equilibration method that measures osmotic pressure relative to a reference with known osmotic pressure was introduced. Osmotic pressure of aqueous LiBr solution up to 2.75M was measured and it was found that the synergistic effect was insignificant up to this salt concentration. Solution parameters of stressing solutions and Arrhenius kinetics based on time-temperature relationship for the equilibration process were derived as well. In Chapter 5, self-assembly behavior of natural silk fibroin within the gland of Bombyx mori silkworm was investigated using osmotic stress technique. Microscopic and thermodynamic details of this self-assembly process along the spinline have been assessed. Formation of a needle-shaped molecular lath under appropriate osmotic stress was found. Silk I degree of hydration of silk gland was quantitatively estimated by image analysis of optical micrographs and the numbers varied from 2.2 to 2.7 depending on the region in the gland. Osmotic pressure in the gland was also estimated by equilibration method.

Controlled environments alter nutrient content of soybeans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurgonski, L. J.; Smart, D. J.; Bugbee, B.; Nielsen, S. S.

1997-01-01

Information about compositional changes in plants grown in controlled environments is essential for developing a safe, nutritious diet for a Controlled Ecological Life-Support System (CELSS). Information now is available for some CELSS candidate crops, but detailed information has been lacking for soybeans. To determine the effect of environment on macronutrient and mineral composition of soybeans, plants were grown both in the field and in a controlled environment where the hydroponic nutrient solution, photosynthetic flux (PPF), and CO_2 level were manipulated to achieve rapid growth rates. Plants were harvested at seed maturity, separated into discrete parts, and oven dried prior to chemical analysis. Plant material was analyzed for proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, and carbohydrate), total nitrogen (N), nonprotein N (NPN), nitrate, minerals, amino acid composition, and total dietary fiber. The effect of environment on composition varied by cultivar and plant part. Chamber-grown plants generally exhibited the following characteristics compared with field-grown plants: 1) increased total N and protein N for all plant parts, 2) increased nitrate in leaves and stems but not in seeds, 3) increased lipids in seeds, and 4) decreased Ca:P ratio for stems, pods, and leaves. These trends are consistent with data for other CELSS crops. Total N, protein N, and amino acid contents for 350 ppm CO_2 and 1000 ppm CO_2 were similar for seeds, but protein N and amino acid contents for leaves were higher at 350 ppm CO_2 than at 1000 ppm CO_2. Total dietary fiber content of soybean leaves was higher with 350 ppm CO_2 than with 1000 ppm CO_2. Such data will help in selecting of crop species, cultivars, and growing conditions to ensure safe, nutritious diets for CELSS.

Day-night variations in malate concentration, osmotic pressure, and hydrostatic pressure in Cereus validus

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

Luettge, U.; Nobel, P.S.

1984-07-01

Malate concentration and stem osmotic pressure concomitantly increase during nighttime CO/sub 2/ fixation and then decrease during the daytime in the obligate Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant, Cereus validus (Cactaceae). Changes in malate osmotic pressure calculated using the Van't Hoff relation match the changes in stem osmotic pressure, indicating that changes in malate level affected the water relations of the succulent stems. In contrast to stem osmotic pressure, stem water potential showed little day-night changes, suggesting that changes in cellular hydrostatic pressure occurred. This was corroborated by direct measurements of hydrostatic pressure using the Juelich pressure probe where a smallmore » oil-filled micropipette is inserted directly into chlorenchyma cells, which indicated a 4-fold increase in hydrostatic pressure from dusk to dawn. A transient increase of hydrostatic pressure at the beginning of the dark period was correlated with a short period of stomatal closing between afternoon and nighttime CO/sub 2/ fixation, suggesting that the rather complex hydrostatic pressure patterns could be explained by an interplay between the effects of transpiration and malate levels. A second CAM plant, Agave deserti, showed similar day-night changes in hydrostatic pressure in its succulent leaves. It is concluded that, in addition to the inverted stomatal rhythm, the oscillations of malate markedly affect osmotic pressures and hence water relations of CAM plants. 13 references, 4 figures.« less

Critical evaluation of 13C natural abundance techniques to partition soil-surface CO2 efflux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snell, H.; Midwood, A. J.; Robinson, D.

2013-12-01

Soil is the largest terrestrial store of carbon and the flux of CO2 from soils to the atmosphere is estimated at around 98 Pg (98 billion tonnes) of carbon per year. The CO2 efflux from the soil surface is derived from plant root and rhizosphere respiration (autotrophically fuelled) and microbial degradation of soil organic matter (heterotrophic respiration). Heterotrophic respiration is a key determinant of an ecosystem's long-term C balance, but one that is difficult to measure in the field. One approach involves partitioning the total soil-surface CO2 efflux between heterotrophic and autotrophic components; this can be done using differences in the natural abundance stable isotope ratios (δ13C) of autotrophic and heterotrophic CO2 as the end-members of a simple mixing model. In most natural, temperate ecosystems, current and historical vegetation cover (and therefore also plant-derived soil organic matter) is produced from C3 photosynthesis so the difference in δ13C between the autotrophic and heterotrophic CO2 sources is small. Successful partitioning therefore requires accurate and precise measurements of the δ13CO2 of the autotrophic and heterotrophic end-members (obtained by measuring the δ13CO2 of soil-free roots and root-free soil) and of total soil CO2 efflux. There is currently little consensus on the optimum measurement protocols. Here we systematically tested some of the most commonly used techniques to identify and minimise methodological errors. Using soil-surface chambers to sample total CO2 efflux and a cavity ring-down spectrometer to measure δ13CO2 in a partitioning study on a Scottish moorland, we found that: using soil-penetrating collars leads to a more depleted chamber measurement of total soil δ13CO2 as a result of severing roots and fungal hyphae or equilibrating with δ13CO2 at depth or both; root incubations provide an accurate estimate of in-situ root respired δ13CO2 provided they are sampled within one hour; the δ13CO2 from root-free soil changes rapidly during incubation and even CO2 sampled very soon after excavation is unlikely to give an accurate estimate of the heterotrophic isotope end-member, to solve this we applied non-linear regressions to the change in δ13CO2 with time to derive the heterotrophic end-member in undisturbed soil.

The rate of equilibration of viscous aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Meara, Simon; Topping, David O.; McFiggans, Gordon

2016-04-01

The proximity of atmospheric aerosol particles to equilibrium with their surrounding condensable vapours can substantially impact their transformations, fate and impacts and is the subject of vibrant research activity. In this study we first compare equilibration timescales estimated by three different models for diffusion through aerosol particles to assess any sensitivity to choice of model framework. Equilibration times for diffusion coefficients with varying dependencies on composition are compared for the first time. We show that even under large changes in the saturation ratio of a semi-volatile component (es) of 1-90 % predicted equilibration timescales are in agreement, including when diffusion coefficients vary with composition. For condensing water and a diffusion coefficient dependent on composition, a plasticising effect is observed, leading to a decreased estimated equilibration time with increasing final es. Above 60 % final es maximum equilibration times of around 1 s are estimated for comparatively large particles (10 µm) containing a relatively low diffusivity component (1 × 10-25 m2 s-1 in pure form). This, as well as other results here, questions whether particle-phase diffusion through water-soluble particles can limit hygroscopic growth in the ambient atmosphere. In the second part of this study, we explore sensitivities associated with the use of particle radius measurements to infer diffusion coefficient dependencies on composition using a diffusion model. Given quantified similarities between models used in this study, our results confirm considerations that must be taken into account when designing such experiments. Although quantitative agreement of equilibration timescales between models is found, further work is necessary to determine their suitability for assessing atmospheric impacts, such as their inclusion in polydisperse aerosol simulations.

Targeting survival pathways to create infarct-spanning bridges of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Luo, Jun; Weaver, Matthew S; Dennis, James E; Whalen, Elizabeth; Laflamme, Michael A; Allen, Margaret D

2014-12-01

Generating myocyte grafts that bridge across infarcts could maximize their functional impact and best utilize small numbers of stem cells. To date, however, graft survival within acute infarcts has not been feasible. To enhance intrainfarct graft viability, human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) were pretreated before implantation with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), a pharmacologic inducer of cytoprotective heme oxygenase-1. After preculturing with CoPP (vs phosphate-buffered saline), hESC-CMs were injected intramyocardially into acutely infarcted rat hearts, using directed injections to span the infarct. A further group received CoPP-pretreated hESC-CMs plus 4 weekly doses of systemic CoPP to prolong exposure to cytoprotectants. Two control groups with infarcts received vehicle-only intramyocardial injections or weekly systemic CoPP without cell therapy. Postinfarct ventricular function was gauged by echocardiography and graft size quantified at 8 weeks by histomorphometry. CoPP-preconditioned hESC-CMs formed stable grafts deep within infarcted myocardium, while grafts without CoPP exposure survived mainly at the infarct periphery. Fractional shortening was improved at 4 and 8 weeks in all hearts receiving cell therapies (P < .01 vs vehicle-only injections). CoPP treatment of both graft hESC-CMs and recipient animals resulted in the largest grafts, highest fractional shortening, preserved wall thickness, and reduced infarct dimensions. Cellular therapy delivered acutely after infarction significantly improved postinfarct ventricular function at 1 and 2 months. CoPP pretreatment of cells resulted in stable hESC-CM grafts within infarcted myocardium. This design enables construction of directionally oriented, infarct-spanning bands of new cardiomyocytes that might further improve functional restoration as engrafted myocytes proliferate and mature. Copyright © 2014 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Depletion of histone demethylase KDM2A enhanced the adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials of stem cells from apical papilla

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

Dong, Rui; Yao, Rui; Du, Juan

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a reliable resource for tissue regeneration, but the molecular mechanism underlying directed differentiation remains unclear; this has restricted potential MSC applications. The histone demethylase, lysine (K)-specific demethylase 2A (KDM2A), is evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitously expressed members of the JmjC-domain-containing histone demethylase family. A previous study determined that KDM2A can regulate the cell proliferation and osteo/dentinogenic differentiation of MSCs. It is not known whether KDM2A is involved in the other cell lineages differentiation of MSCs. Here, we show that depletion of KDM2A by short hairpin RNAs can enhance adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials in human stemmore » cells from apical papilla (SCAPs). We found that the stemness-related genes, SOX2, and the embryonic stem cell master transcription factor, NANOG were significantly increased after silence of KDM2A in SCAPs. Moreover, we found that knock-down of the KDM2A co-factor, BCOR also up-regulated the mRNA levels of SOX2 and NANOG. Furthermore, Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that silence of KDM2A increased the histone H3 Lysine 4 (H3K4) trimethylation in the SOX2 and NANOG locus and regulates its expression. In conclusion, our results suggested that depletion of KDM2A enhanced the adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials of SCAPs by up-regulated SOX2 and NANOG, BCOR also involved in this regulation as co-factor, and provided useful information to understand the molecular mechanism underlying directed differentiation in MSCs. - Highlights: • Depletion of KDM2A enhances adipogenic/chondrogenic differentiation in SCAPs. • Depletion of KDM2A enhances the differentiation of SCAPs by activate SOX2 and NANOG. • Silence of KDM2A increases histone H3 Lysine 4 trimethylation in SOX2 and NANOG. • BCOR is co-factor of KDM2A involved in the differentiation regulation.« less

Synthesis of subnanometer-diameter vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes with copper-anchored cobalt catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Kehang; Kumamoto, Akihito; Xiang, Rong; An, Hua; Wang, Benjamin; Inoue, Taiki; Chiashi, Shohei; Ikuhara, Yuichi; Maruyama, Shigeo

2016-01-01

We synthesize vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-SWNTs) with subnanometer diameters on quartz (and SiO2/Si) substrates by alcohol CVD using Cu-anchored Co catalysts. The uniform VA-SWNTs with a nanotube diameter of 1 nm are synthesized at a CVD temperature of 800 °C and have a thickness of several tens of μm. The diameter of SWNTs was reduced to 0.75 nm at 650 °C with the G/D ratio maintained above 24. Scanning transmission electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS-STEM) and high angle annular dark field (HAADF-STEM) imaging of the Co/Cu bimetallic catalyst system showed that Co catalysts were captured and anchored by adjacent Cu nanoparticles, and thus were prevented from coalescing into a larger size, which contributed to the small diameter of SWNTs. The correlation between the catalyst size and the SWNT diameter was experimentally clarified. The subnanometer-diameter and high-quality SWNTs are expected to pave the way to replace silicon for next-generation optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.We synthesize vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-SWNTs) with subnanometer diameters on quartz (and SiO2/Si) substrates by alcohol CVD using Cu-anchored Co catalysts. The uniform VA-SWNTs with a nanotube diameter of 1 nm are synthesized at a CVD temperature of 800 °C and have a thickness of several tens of μm. The diameter of SWNTs was reduced to 0.75 nm at 650 °C with the G/D ratio maintained above 24. Scanning transmission electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS-STEM) and high angle annular dark field (HAADF-STEM) imaging of the Co/Cu bimetallic catalyst system showed that Co catalysts were captured and anchored by adjacent Cu nanoparticles, and thus were prevented from coalescing into a larger size, which contributed to the small diameter of SWNTs. The correlation between the catalyst size and the SWNT diameter was experimentally clarified. The subnanometer-diameter and high-quality SWNTs are expected to pave the way to replace silicon for next-generation optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Comparison between the Co monometallic catalyst system and the Co/Mo bimetallic catalyst system, the effect of CVD temperature on the G/D ratio, the effect of ethanol partial pressure on the morphology, diameter and quality of SWNT films, and Raman spectra of the Si/SiO2 substrate. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06007a

Control of the reversibility during boronic ester formation: application to the construction of ferrocene dimers and trimers.

PubMed

Ono, Kosuke; Tohyama, Yohei; Uchikura, Tatsuhiro; Kikuchi, Yuji; Fujii, Kotaro; Uekusa, Hidehiro; Iwasawa, Nobuharu

2017-02-14

Control of the reversibility during boronic ester formation from boronic acids and diols was found to be possible by choosing an appropriate solvent. As an example, ferrocene dimers and trimers were constructed by using tetrol 1 with an indacene framework, 1,1'-ferrocenediboronic acid 2, and ferrocenemonoboronic acid 4. When equimolar amounts of 1 and 2 were mixed in methanol under equilibrating conditions, two kinds of stacked ferrocene dimers homo- and hetero-3 were selectively obtained depending on the reaction time and both structures were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. On the other hand, the ferrocene trimer 7 was successfully constructed by stepwise assembly in the presence of anhydrous magnesium sulfate in acetone where the equilibration of boronic esters was suppressed, while no formation of ferrocene trimer 7 was detected when all components 1, 2 and 4 (2 : 1 : 2 ratio) for trimer 7 were mixed at a time in methanol under equilibrating conditions.

Drought-induced changes in nitrogen partitioning between cyanide and nitrate in leaves and stems in sorghum grown at elevated CO2 are age dependent

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Möench] is the world’s fifth most important crop, grown for forage, grain, and as a biofuel. Fast growing and drought tolerant, it is considered a climate-change-ready crop. Two free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments at Maricopa, Arizona, USA showed that, like othe...

Suitability of human Tenon's fibroblasts as feeder cells for culturing human limbal epithelial stem cells.

PubMed

Scafetta, Gaia; Tricoli, Eleonora; Siciliano, Camilla; Napoletano, Chiara; Puca, Rosa; Vingolo, Enzo Maria; Cavallaro, Giuseppe; Polistena, Andrea; Frati, Giacomo; De Falco, Elena

2013-12-01

Corneal epithelial regeneration through ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells (LSCs) on 3T3-J2 fibroblasts has revealed some limitations mainly due to the corneal microenvironment not being properly replicated, thus affecting long term results. Insights into the feeder cells that are used to expand LSCs and the mechanisms underlying the effects of human feeder cells have yet to be fully elucidated. We recently developed a standardized methodology to expand human Tenon's fibroblasts (TFs). Here we aimed to investigate whether TFs can be employed as feeder cells for LSCs, characterizing the phenotype of the co-cultures and assessing what human soluble factors are secreted. The hypothesis that TFs could be employed as alternative human feeder layer has not been explored yet. LSCs were isolated from superior limbus biopsies, co-cultured on TFs, 3T3-J2 or dermal fibroblasts (DFs), then analyzed by immunofluorescence (p63α), colony-forming efficiency (CFE) assay and qPCR for a panel of putative stem cell and epithelial corneal differentiation markers (KRT3). Co-cultures supernatants were screened for a set of soluble factors. Results showed that the percentage of p63α(+)LSCs co-cultured onto TFs was significantly higher than those on DFs (p = 0.032) and 3T3-J2 (p = 0.047). Interestingly, LSCs co-cultures on TFs exhibited both significantly higher CFE and mRNA expression levels of ΔNp63α than on 3T3-J2 and DFs (p < 0.0001), showing also significantly greater levels of soluble factors (IL-6, HGF, b-FGF, G-CSF, TGF-β3) than LSCs on DFs. Therefore, TFs could represent an alternative feeder layer to both 3T3-J2 and DFs, potentially providing a suitable microenvironment for LSCs culture.

Stem and leaf gas exchange and their responses to fire in a north Australian tropical savanna.

PubMed

Cernusak, Lucas A; Hutley, Lindsay B; Beringer, Jason; Tapper, Nigel J

2006-04-01

We measured stem CO2 efflux and leaf gas exchange in a tropical savanna ecosystem in northern Australia, and assessed the impact of fire on these processes. Gas exchange of mature leaves that flushed after a fire showed only slight differences from that of mature leaves on unburned trees. Expanding leaves typically showed net losses of CO2 to the atmosphere in both burned and unburned trees, even under saturating irradiance. Fire caused stem CO2 efflux to decline in overstory trees, when measured 8 weeks post-fire. This decline was thought to have resulted from reduced availability of C substrate for respiration, due to reduced canopy photosynthesis caused by leaf scorching, and to priority allocation of fixed C towards reconstruction of a new canopy. At the ecosystem scale, we estimated the annual above-ground woody-tissue CO2 efflux to be 275 g C m(-2) ground area year(-1) in a non-fire year, or approximately 13% of the annual gross primary production. We contrasted the canopy physiology of two co-dominant overstory tree species, one of which has a smooth bark on its branches capable of photosynthetic re-fixation (Eucalyptus miniata), and the other of which has a thick, rough bark incapable of re-fixation (Eucalyptus tetrodonta). Eucalyptus miniata supported a larger branch sapwood cross-sectional area in the crown per unit subtending leaf area, and had higher leaf stomatal conductance and photosynthesis than E. tetrodonta. Re-fixation by photosynthetic bark reduces the C cost of delivering water to evaporative sites in leaves, because it reduces the net C cost of constructing and maintaining sapwood. We suggest that re-fixation allowed leaves of E. miniata to photosynthesize at higher rates than those of E. tetrodonta, while the two invested similar amounts of C in the maintenance of branch sapwood.

Weak and strong coupling equilibration in nonabelian gauge theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keegan, Liam; Kurkela, Aleksi; Romatschke, Paul; van der Schee, Wilke; Zhu, Yan

2016-04-01

We present a direct comparison studying equilibration through kinetic theory at weak coupling and through holography at strong coupling in the same set-up. The set-up starts with a homogeneous thermal state, which then smoothly transitions through an out-of-equilibrium phase to an expanding system undergoing boost-invariant flow. This first apples-to-apples comparison of equilibration provides a benchmark for similar equilibration processes in heavy-ion collisions, where the equilibration mechanism is still under debate. We find that results at weak and strong coupling can be smoothly connected by simple, empirical power-laws for the viscosity, equilibration time and entropy production of the system.

Coenzyme Q10 protects neural stem cells against hypoxia by enhancing survival signals.

PubMed

Park, Jinse; Park, Hyun-Hee; Choi, Hojin; Kim, Young Seo; Yu, Hyun-Jeung; Lee, Kyu-Yong; Lee, Young Joo; Kim, Seung Hyun; Koh, Seong-Ho

2012-10-10

Recanalization and secondary prevention are the main therapeutic strategies for acute ischemic stroke. Neuroprotective therapies have also been investigated despite unsuccessful clinical results. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is an essential cofactor for electron transport in mitochondria, is known to have an antioxidant effect. We investigated the protective effects of CoQ10 against hypoxia in neural stem cells (NSCs). We measured cell viability and levels of intracellular signaling proteins after treatment with several concentrations of CoQ10 under hypoxia-reperfusion. CoQ10 protected NSCs against hypoxia-reperfusion in a concentration-dependent manner by reducing growth inhibition and inhibiting free radical formation. It increased the expression of a number of survival-related proteins such as phosphorylated Akt (pAkt), phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (pGSK3-β), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in NSCs injured by hypoxia-reperfusion and reduced the expression of death-related proteins such as cleaved caspase-3. We conclude that CoQ10 has effects against hypoxia-reperfusion induced damage to NSCs by enhancing survival signals and decreasing death signals. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Crystallisation regimes and kinetics in experimentally decompressed dacitic magma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blum-Oeste, N.; Schmidt, B. C.; Webb, S. L.

2011-12-01

Kinetic processes during magma ascent may have a strong influence on the eruption style. In water bearing dacitic magmas decompression induced exsolution of water and accompanying crystallisation of plagioclase are the main processes which drive the system towards a new equilibrium state. We present new data on the evolution of residual glass composition and crystal size distributions of plagioclase from decompression experiments. Experiments have been conducted in cold seal pressure vessels at 850°C on a natural dacite composition from Taapaca volcano (N. Chile). After an initial equilibration at 2kbar decompression rates between 6.3 and 450bar/h were applied to final pressures between 50 and 1550bar where samples were rapidly quenched. Complementary equilibrium experiments were done at corresponding pressures. The glass composition evolves from the initial state towards the equilibrium at the final pressure. The completeness of this re-equilibration depends on run duration and reaction rates. We introduce the "re-equilibration index" (REI), a fraction between 0 (initial state) and 1 (final state) which allows comparison of chemical components in terms of re-equilibration at different decompression rates. REI divided by the decompression duration gives the "re-equilibration rate" (RER). The REI varies among oxides and it decreases with increasing decompression rate. The highest REIs of ~0.9 have been found for MgO, K2O and Al2O3 at 6.3bar/h whereas Na2O shows the lowest number with 0.25 at this decompression rate. Towards faster decompression all REIs tend to decrease which shows a decreasing completeness of re-equilibration. At 450bar/h the highest REIs are ~0.25. RERs increase from below ~0.005/h at 6.3bar/h up to almost 0.08/h for Al2O3 at 450bar/h. The variability of RERs of different oxides also increases with decompression rates. At 450bar/h the RERs reach from <0.005/h up to 0.08/h. Although RERs strongly increase from low to high decompression rates, this does not compensate for the decreasing duration available for re-equilibration as REIs clearly show. The volume fraction of plagioclase decreases from ~21% at 6.3bar/h to ~16% at 450bar/h which fits the decrease in REIs. The population density of small crystals decreases whereas the population density of larger crystals increases from slow to fast decompression. This reflects a transition from nucleation controlled crystallisation at slow decompression to a growth dominated regime at fast decompression. As RERs show re-equilibration is faster in the growth dominated regime. Although this transition in nucleation processes might be counter-intuitive it can be explained by the observation of slightly higher water concentrations at fast decompression rates resulting in higher liquidus temperatures and thus lower undercooling.

The B-MYB Transcriptional Network Guides Cell Cycle Progression and Fate Decisions to Sustain Self-Renewal and the Identity of Pluripotent Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Zhan, Ming; Riordon, Daniel R.; Yan, Bin; Tarasova, Yelena S.; Bruweleit, Sarah; Tarasov, Kirill V.; Li, Ronald A.; Wersto, Robert P.; Boheler, Kenneth R.

2012-01-01

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent and have unlimited self-renewal capacity. Although pluripotency and differentiation have been examined extensively, the mechanisms responsible for self-renewal are poorly understood and are believed to involve an unusual cell cycle, epigenetic regulators and pluripotency-promoting transcription factors. Here we show that B-MYB, a cell cycle regulated phosphoprotein and transcription factor critical to the formation of inner cell mass, is central to the transcriptional and co-regulatory networks that sustain normal cell cycle progression and self-renewal properties of ESCs. Phenotypically, B-MYB is robustly expressed in ESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and it is present predominantly in a hypo-phosphorylated state. Knockdown of B-MYB results in functional cell cycle abnormalities that involve S, G2 and M phases, and reduced expression of critical cell cycle regulators like ccnb1 and plk1. By conducting gene expression profiling on control and B-MYB deficient cells, ChIP-chip experiments, and integrative computational analyses, we unraveled a highly complex B-MYB-mediated transcriptional network that guides ESC self-renewal. The network encompasses critical regulators of all cell cycle phases and epigenetic regulators, pluripotency transcription factors, and differentiation determinants. B-MYB along with E2F1 and c-MYC preferentially co-regulate cell cycle target genes. B-MYB also co-targets genes regulated by OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG that are significantly associated with stem cell differentiation, embryonic development, and epigenetic control. Moreover, loss of B-MYB leads to a breakdown of the transcriptional hierarchy present in ESCs. These results coupled with functional studies demonstrate that B-MYB not only controls and accelerates cell cycle progression in ESCs it contributes to fate decisions and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell identity. PMID:22936984

The B-MYB transcriptional network guides cell cycle progression and fate decisions to sustain self-renewal and the identity of pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Zhan, Ming; Riordon, Daniel R; Yan, Bin; Tarasova, Yelena S; Bruweleit, Sarah; Tarasov, Kirill V; Li, Ronald A; Wersto, Robert P; Boheler, Kenneth R

2012-01-01

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent and have unlimited self-renewal capacity. Although pluripotency and differentiation have been examined extensively, the mechanisms responsible for self-renewal are poorly understood and are believed to involve an unusual cell cycle, epigenetic regulators and pluripotency-promoting transcription factors. Here we show that B-MYB, a cell cycle regulated phosphoprotein and transcription factor critical to the formation of inner cell mass, is central to the transcriptional and co-regulatory networks that sustain normal cell cycle progression and self-renewal properties of ESCs. Phenotypically, B-MYB is robustly expressed in ESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and it is present predominantly in a hypo-phosphorylated state. Knockdown of B-MYB results in functional cell cycle abnormalities that involve S, G2 and M phases, and reduced expression of critical cell cycle regulators like ccnb1 and plk1. By conducting gene expression profiling on control and B-MYB deficient cells, ChIP-chip experiments, and integrative computational analyses, we unraveled a highly complex B-MYB-mediated transcriptional network that guides ESC self-renewal. The network encompasses critical regulators of all cell cycle phases and epigenetic regulators, pluripotency transcription factors, and differentiation determinants. B-MYB along with E2F1 and c-MYC preferentially co-regulate cell cycle target genes. B-MYB also co-targets genes regulated by OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG that are significantly associated with stem cell differentiation, embryonic development, and epigenetic control. Moreover, loss of B-MYB leads to a breakdown of the transcriptional hierarchy present in ESCs. These results coupled with functional studies demonstrate that B-MYB not only controls and accelerates cell cycle progression in ESCs it contributes to fate decisions and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell identity.

Influence of root-bed size on the response of tobacco to elevated CO2 as mediated by cytokinins

PubMed Central

Schaz, Ulrike; Düll, Barbara; Reinbothe, Christiane; Beck, Erwin

2014-01-01

The extent of growth stimulation of C3 plants by elevated CO2 is modulated by environmental factors. Under optimized environmental conditions (high light, continuous water and nutrient supply, and others), we analysed the effect of an elevated CO2 atmosphere (700 ppm, EC) and the importance of root-bed size on the growth of tobacco. Biomass production was consistently higher under EC. However, the stimulation was overridden by root-bed volumes that restricted root growth. Maximum growth and biomass production were obtained at a root bed of 15 L at ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations. Starting with seed germination, the plants were strictly maintained under ambient or elevated CO2 until flowering. Thus, the well-known acclimation effect of growth to enhanced CO2 did not occur. The relative growth rates of EC plants exceeded those of ambient-CO2 plants only during the initial phases of germination and seedling establishment. This was sufficient for a persistently higher absolute biomass production by EC plants in non-limiting root-bed volumes. Both the size of the root bed and the CO2 concentration influenced the quantitative cytokinin patterns, particularly in the meristematic tissues of shoots, but to a smaller extent in stems, leaves and roots. In spite of the generally low cytokinin concentrations in roots, the amounts of cytokinins moving from the root to the shoot were substantially higher in high-CO2 plants. Because the cytokinin patterns of the (xylem) fluid in the stems did not match those of the shoot meristems, it is assumed that cytokinins as long-distance signals from the roots stimulate meristematic activity in the shoot apex and the sink leaves. Subsequently, the meristems are able to synthesize those phytohormones that are required for the cell cycle. Root-borne cytokinins entering the shoot appear to be one of the major control points for the integration of various environmental cues into one signal for optimized growth. PMID:24790131

Stable isotopes of carbon dioxide in soil gas over massive sulfide mineralization at Crandon, Wisconsin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alpers, Charles N.; Dettman, D.L.; Lohmann, K.C.; Brabec, D.

1990-01-01

Stable isotope ratios of oxygen and carbon were determined for CO2 in soil gas in the vicinity of the massive sulfide deposit at Crandon, Wisconsin with the objective of determining the source of anomalously high CO2 concentrations detected previously by McCarthy et al. (1986). Values of ??13C in soil gas CO2 from depths between 0.5 and 1.0 m were found to range from -12.68??? to -20.03??? (PDB). Organic carbon from the uppermost meter of soil has ??13C between -24.1 and -25.8??? (PDB), indicating derivation from plant species with the C3 (Calvin) type of photosynthetic pathway. Microbial decomposition of the organic carbon and root respiration from C3 and C4 (Hatch-Slack) plants, together with atmospheric CO2 are the likely sources of carbon in soil gas CO2. Values of ??18O in soil-gas CO2 range from 32 to 38??? (SMOW). These ??18O values are intermediate between that calculated for CO2 gas in isotopic equilibrium with local groundwaters and that for atmospheric CO2. The ??18O data indicate that atmospheric CO2 has been incorporated by mixing or diffusion. Any CO2 generated by microbial oxidation of organic matter has equilibrated its oxygen isotopes with the local groundwaters. The isotopic composition of soil-gas CO2 taken from directly above the massive sulfide deposit was not distinguishable from that of background samples taken 1 to 2 km away. No enrichment of the ??13C value of soil-gas CO2 was observed, contrary to what would be expected if the anomalous CO2 were derived from the dissolution of Proterozoic marine limestone country rock or of Paleozoic limestone clasts in glacial till. Therefore, it is inferred that root respiration and decay of C3 plant material were responsible for most CO2 generation both in the vicinity of the massive sulfide and in the "background" area, on the occasion of our sampling. Interpretation of our data is complicated by the effects of rainfall, which significantly reduced the magnitude of the CO2 anomaly. Therefore, we cannot rule out the possible mechanism of carbonate dissolution driven by pyrite oxidation, as proposed by Lovell et al. (1983) and McCarthy et al. (1986). Further work is needed on seasonal and daily variations of CO2 concentrations and stable isotope ratios in various hydrogeologic and ecologic settings so that more effective sampling strategies can be developed for mineral exploration using soil gases. ?? 1990.

Postnatal development of Na+-K+-2Cl− co-transporter 1 (NKCC1) and K+-Cl−co-transporter 2 (KCC2) immunoreactivity in multiple brain stem respiratory nuclei of the rat

PubMed Central

Liu, Qiuli; Wong-Riley, Margaret T.T.

2012-01-01

Previously, we reported that in rats, GABAA and glycine receptor immunoreactivity increased markedly in multiple brain stem respiratory nuclei around postnatal days (P) 12–13, a critical period when abrupt neurochemical, metabolic, ventilatory, and electrophysiological changes occur in the respiratory network and when the system is under greater inhibition than excitation. Since Na+-K+-2Cl− co-transporter 1 (NKCC1) and K+-Cl− co-transporter 2 (KCC2) play pivotal roles in determining the responses of GABAA and glycine receptors, we hypothesized that NKCC1 and KCC2 undergo significant changes during the critical period. An in-depth immunohistochemical and single neuron optical densitometric study of neurons in seven respiratory-related nuclei (the pre-Bötzinger complex [PBC], nucleus ambiguus [Amb], hypoglossal nucleus [XII], ventrolateral subnucleus of solitary tract nucleus [NTSVL], retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group [RTN/pFRG], dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve [DMNX], and inferior olivary nucleus [IO]) and a non-respiratory cuneate nucleus (CN, an internal control) was undertaken in P0–21 rats. Our data revealed that: (1) NKCC1 immunoreactivity exhibited a developmental decrease from P0 to P21 in all eight nuclei examined, being relatively high during the first 1½ postnatal weeks and decreased thereafter. The decrease was abrupt and statistically significant at P12 in the PBC, Amb, and XII; (2) KCC2 immunoreactivity in these eight nuclei showed a developmental increase from P0 to P21; and (3) the significant reduction in NKCC1 and the greater dominance of KCC2 around P12 in multiple respiratory nuclei of the brain stem may form the basis of an enhanced inhibition in the respiratory network during the critical period before the system stabilizes to a more mature state. PMID:22441038

Mantle to surface degassing of alkalic magmas at Erebus volcano, Antarctica

USGS Publications Warehouse

Oppenheimer, C.; Moretti, R.; Kyle, P.R.; Eschenbacher, A.; Lowenstern, J. B.; Hervig, R.L.; Dunbar, N.W.

2011-01-01

Continental intraplate volcanoes, such as Erebus volcano, Antarctica, are associated with extensional tectonics, mantle upwelling and high heat flow. Typically, erupted magmas are alkaline and rich in volatiles (especially CO2), inherited from low degrees of partial melting of mantle sources. We examine the degassing of the magmatic system at Erebus volcano using melt inclusion data and high temporal resolution open-path Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements of gas emissions from the active lava lake. Remarkably different gas signatures are associated with passive and explosive gas emissions, representative of volatile contents and redox conditions that reveal contrasting shallow and deep degassing sources. We show that this unexpected degassing signature provides a unique probe for magma differentiation and transfer of CO2-rich oxidised fluids from the mantle to the surface, and evaluate how these processes operate in time and space. Extensive crystallisation driven by CO2 fluxing is responsible for isobaric fractionation of parental basanite magmas close to their source depth. Magma deeper than 4kbar equilibrates under vapour-buffered conditions. At shallower depths, CO2-rich fluids accumulate and are then released either via convection-driven, open-system gas loss or as closed-system slugs that ascend and result in Strombolian eruptions in the lava lake. The open-system gases have a reduced state (below the QFM buffer) whereas the closed-system gases preserve their deep oxidised signatures (close to the NNO buffer). ?? 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Ocean acidification: Towards a better understanding of calcite dissolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilhelmus, Monica M.; Adkins, Jess; Menemenlis, Dimitris

2016-11-01

The drastic increase of anthropogenic CO2 emissions over the past two centuries has altered the chemical structure of the ocean, acidifying upper ocean waters. The net impact of this pH decrease on marine ecosystems is still unclear, given the unprecedented rate at which CO2 is being released into the atmosphere. As part of the carbon cycle, calcium carbonate dissolution in sediments neutralizes CO2: phytoplankton at the surface produce carbonate minerals, which sink and reach the seafloor after the organisms die. On time scales of thousands of years, the calcium carbonate in these shells ultimately reacts with CO2 in seawater. Research in this field has been extensive; nevertheless, the dissolution rate law, the impact of boundary layer transport, and the feedback with the global ocean carbon cycle remain controversial. Here, we (i) develop a comprehensive numerical framework via 1D modeling of carbonate dissolution in sediments, (ii) approximate its impact on water column properties by implementing a polynomial approximation to the system's response into a global ocean biogeochemistry general circulation model (OBGCM), and (iii) examine the OBGCM sensitivity response to different formulations of sediment boundary layer properties. We find that, even though the burial equilibration time scales of calcium carbonate are in the order of thousands of years, the formulation of a bottom sediment model along with an improved description of the dissolution rate law can have consequences on multi-year to decadal time scales.

A relationship between dissolved CO2 and the non-volatile chemistry of rainwater.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durham, Brian; Pfrang, Christian

2016-04-01

Measurements of a volatile acid component in UK rainwater in 2009 implicated CO2, and speculated `a concentrating mechanism (that) could mean that this weakly soluble molecule is recycled at a faster rate than inferred by its Henry's Law constant'. Last year's EGU Presentation 2015-3386 confirmed that the `saturated CO2 content (of UK rainwater) is insignificant, the bulk transport being the volatile component'. However the atmospheric capture mechanism remains enigmatic. For pure water, improved temperature control has discounted the predicted upturn in the Henry coefficient for 450Pa CO2 as the temperature approached freezing point (http://presentations.copernicus.org/EGU2015-3386_presentation.pptx), and the focus has therefore turned to rainwater chemistry. For a mid-range sample the Henry value was: • significantly higher than pure water at 20'C; • but decreasing with lower temperatures. The higher Henry constant might suggest that, as an acid anhydride, CO2 is subject to selective capture where cloud water is alkaline (terrestrial dust or marine aerosol). Analysis has however shown no simple relationship between [CO2]aq and either acidity or conductivity of the carrier water. Seeking therefore a coherent distribution, stripped CO2 was plotted against Δ[H+], from which this paper presents a tight wedge-shaped distribution of 263 UK rain/snow events. The inference is that [CO2]aq is not related directly to [H+], but possibly to Group 1 and 2 cations from marine aerosol that are buffering the cloud water acidity. By contrast, the unexpected decrease in CO2 yield with lower temperatures proved to be an artefact of a progressively slower rate of de-gassing, cooler samples still equilibrating after 100 minutes. An ultrasound stripper is therefore being developed to speed the Henry measurements, and for reproducibility it is proposed to dilute a proprietary `standard Atlantic sea water' to a representative range of conductivities, to be called `standard rainwater'. Any temptation to extrapolate from English results to address the global boundary layer is resisted pending ΔpH values from other stations, which are herewith invited in anticipation of IPCC AR6.

Cobalt and scandium partitioning versus iron content for crystalline phases in ultramafic nodules

USGS Publications Warehouse

Glassley, W.E.; Piper, D.Z.

1978-01-01

Fractionation of Co and Sc between garnets, olivines, and clino- and orthopyroxenes, separated from a suite of Salt Lake Crater ultramafic nodules that equilibrated at the same T and P, is strongly dependent on Fe contents. This observation suggests that petrogenetic equilibrium models of partial melting and crystal fractionation must take into account effects of magma composition, if they are to describe quantitatively geochemical evolutionary trends. ?? 1978.

Constraining the subsoil carbon source to cave-air CO2 and speleothem calcite in central Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergel, Shelly J.; Carlson, Peter E.; Larson, Toti E.; Wood, Chris T.; Johnson, Kathleen R.; Banner, Jay L.; Breecker, Daniel O.

2017-11-01

Canonical models for speleothem formation and the subsurface carbon cycle invoke soil respiration as the dominant carbon source. However, evidence from some karst regions suggests that belowground CO2 originates from a deeper, older source. We therefore investigated the carbon sources to central Texas caves. Drip-water chemistry of two caves in central Texas implies equilibration with calcite at CO2 concentrations (PCO2_sat) higher than the maximum CO2 concentrations observed in overlying soils. This observation suggests that CO2 is added to waters after they percolate through the soils, which requires a subsoil carbon source. We directly evaluate the carbon isotope composition of the subsoil carbon source using δ13C measurements on cave-air CO2, which we independently demonstrate has little to no contribution from host rock carbon. We do so using the oxidative ratio, OR, defined as the number of moles of O2 consumed per mole of CO2 produced during respiration. However, additional belowground processes that affect O2 and CO2 concentrations, such as gas-water exchange and/or diffusion, may also influence the measured oxidative ratio, yielding an apparent OR (ORapparent). Cave air in Natural Bridge South Cavern has ORapparent values (1.09 ± 0.06) indistinguishable from those expected for respiration alone (1.08 ± 0.06). Pore space gases from soils above the cave have lower values (ORapparent = 0.67 ± 0.05) consistent with respiration and gas transport by diffusion. The simplest explanation for these observations is that cave air in NB South is influenced by respiration in open-system bedrock fractures such that neither diffusion nor exchange with water influence the composition of the cave air. The radiocarbon activities of NB South cave-air CO2 suggest the subsoil carbon source is hundreds of years old. The calculated δ13C values of the subsoil carbon source are consistent with tree-sourced carbon (perhaps decomposing root matter), the δ13C values of which have shifted during industrialization due to changes in the δ13C values and concentrations of atmospheric CO2. Seasonal variations in PCO2_sat in most of the drip waters suggest that these waters exchange with ventilated bedrock fractures in the epikarst, implying that the subsoil CO2 source contributes carbon to speleothems.

Weak and strong coupling equilibration in nonabelian gauge theories

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

Keegan, Liam; Kurkela, Aleksi; Romatschke, Paul

2016-04-06

In this study, we present a direct comparison studying equilibration through kinetic theory at weak coupling and through holography at strong coupling in the same set-up. The set-up starts with a homogeneous thermal state, which then smoothly transitions through an out-of-equilibrium phase to an expanding system undergoing boost-invariant flow. This first apples-to-apples comparison of equilibration provides a benchmark for similar equilibration processes in heavy-ion collisions, where the equilibration mechanism is still under debate. We find that results at weak and strong coupling can be smoothly connected by simple, empirical power-laws for the viscosity, equilibration time and entropy production of themore » system.« less

Thioesterase Superfamily Member 2/Acyl-CoA Thioesterase 13 (Them2/Acot13) Regulates Adaptive Thermogenesis in Mice*

PubMed Central

Kang, Hye Won; Ozdemir, Cafer; Kawano, Yuki; LeClair, Katherine B.; Vernochet, Cecile; Kahn, C. Ronald; Hagen, Susan J.; Cohen, David E.

2013-01-01

Members of the acyl-CoA thioesterase (Acot) gene family hydrolyze fatty acyl-CoAs, but their biological functions remain incompletely understood. Thioesterase superfamily member 2 (Them2; synonym Acot13) is enriched in oxidative tissues, associated with mitochondria, and relatively specific for long chain fatty acyl-CoA substrates. Using Them2−/− mice, we have demonstrated key roles for Them2 in regulating hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. However, reduced body weights and decreased adiposity in Them2−/− mice observed despite increased food consumption were not well explained. To explore a role in thermogenesis, mice were exposed to ambient temperatures ranging from thermoneutrality (30 °C) to cold (4 °C). In response to short term (24-h) exposures to decreasing ambient temperatures, Them2−/− mice exhibited increased adaptive responses in physical activity, food consumption, and energy expenditure when compared with Them2+/+ mice. By contrast, genotype-dependent differences were not observed in mice that were equilibrated (96 h) at each ambient temperature. In brown adipose tissue, the absence of Them2 was associated with reduced lipid droplets, alterations in the ultrastructure of mitochondria, and increased expression of thermogenic genes. Indicative of a direct regulatory role for Them2 in heat production, cultured primary brown adipocytes from Them2−/− mice exhibited increased norepinephrine-mediated triglyceride hydrolysis and increased rates of O2 consumption, together with elevated expression of thermogenic genes. At least in part by regulating intracellular fatty acid channeling, Them2 functions in brown adipose tissue to suppress adaptive increases in energy expenditure. PMID:24072708

Molecular and functional interactions between AKT and SOX2 in breast carcinoma

PubMed Central

Mir, Perihan; Konantz, Martina; Pereboom, Tamara C.; Paczulla, Anna M.; Merz, Britta; Fehm, Tanja; Perner, Sven; Rothfuss, Oliver C.; Kanz, Lothar; Schulze-Osthoff, Klaus; Lengerke, Claudia

2015-01-01

The transcription factor SOX2 is a key regulator of pluripotency in embryonic stem cells and plays important roles in early organogenesis. Recently, SOX2 expression was documented in various cancers and suggested as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker. Here we identify the Ser/Thr-kinase AKT as an upstream regulator of SOX2 protein turnover in breast carcinoma (BC). SOX2 and pAKT are co-expressed and co-regulated in breast CSCs and depletion of either reduces clonogenicity. Ectopic SOX2 expression restores clonogenicity and in vivo tumorigenicity of AKT-inhibited cells, suggesting that SOX2 acts as a functional downstream AKT target. Mechanistically, we show that AKT physically interacts with the SOX2 protein to modulate its subcellular distribution. AKT kinase inhibition results in enhanced cytoplasmic retention of SOX2, presumably via impaired nuclear import, and in successive cytoplasmic proteasomal degradation of the protein. In line, blockade of either nuclear transport or proteasomal degradation rescues SOX2 expression in AKT-inhibited BC cells. Finally, AKT inhibitors efficiently suppress the growth of SOX2-expressing putative cancer stem cells, whereas conventional chemotherapeutics select for this population. Together, our results suggest the AKT/SOX2 molecular axis as a regulator of BC clonogenicity and AKT inhibitors as promising drugs for the treatment of SOX2-positive BC. PMID:26498353

Sorption, dissolution and pH determine the long-term equilibration and toxicity of coated and uncoated ZnO nanoparticles in soil.

PubMed

Waalewijn-Kool, Pauline L; Diez Ortiz, Maria; van Straalen, Nico M; van Gestel, Cornelis A M

2013-07-01

To assess the effect of long-term dissolution on bioavailability and toxicity, triethoxyoctylsilane coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP), non-nano ZnO and ZnCl2 were equilibrated in natural soil for up to twelve months. Zn concentrations in pore water increased with time for all ZnO forms but peaked at intermediate concentrations of ZnO-NP and non-nano ZnO, while for coated ZnO-NP such a clear peak only was seen after 12 months. Dose-related increases in soil pH may explain decreased soluble Zn levels due to fixation of Zn released from ZnO at higher soil concentrations. At T = 0 uncoated ZnO-NP and non-nano ZnO were equally toxic to the springtail Folsomia candida, but not as toxic as coated ZnO-NP, and ZnCl2 being most toxic. After three months equilibration toxicity to F. candida was already reduced for all Zn forms, except for coated ZnO-NP which showed reduced toxicity only after 12 months equilibration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of CO2 activation temperature on the physical and electrochemical properties of activated carbon monolith from banana stem waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taer, E.; Susanti, Y.; Awitdrus, Sugianto, Taslim, R.; Setiadi, R. N.; Bahri, S.; Agustino, Dewi, P.; Kurniasih, B.

2018-02-01

The effect of CO2 activation on the synthesis of activated carbon monolith from banana stem waste has been studied. Physical characteristics such as density, degree of crystallinity, surface morphology and elemental content has been analyzed, supporting the finding of an excellent electrochemical properties for the supercapacitor. The synthesis of activated carbon electrode began with pre-carbonization process at temperature of 250°C for 2.5 h. Then the process was continued by chemical activation using KOH as activating agent with a concentration of 0.4 M. The pellets were formed with 8 ton hydrolic pressure. All the samples were carbonized at a temperature of 600°C, followed by physical activation using CO2 gas at a various temperatures ranging from 800°C, 850°C, 900°C and 950°C for 2 h. The carbon content was increased with increasing temperature and the optimum temperature was 900°C. The specific capacitance depends on the activation temperature with the highest specific capacitance of 104.2 F/g at the activation temperature of 900°C.

Modelling of Equilibrium Between Mantle and Core: Refractory, Volatile, and Highly Siderophile Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.; Danielson, L.; Pando, K.; Shofner, G.; Lee, C. -T.

2013-01-01

Siderophile elements have been used to constrain conditions of core formation and differentiation for the Earth, Mars and other differentiated bodies [1]. Recent models for the Earth have concluded that the mantle and core did not fully equilibrate and the siderophile element contents of the mantle can only be explained under conditions where the oxygen fugacity changes from low to high during accretion and the mantle and core do not fully equilibrate [2,3]. However these conclusions go against several physical and chemical constraints. First, calculations suggest that even with the composition of accreting material changing from reduced to oxidized over time, the fO2 defined by metal-silicate equilibrium does not change substantially, only by approximately 1 logfO2 unit [4]. An increase of more than 2 logfO2 units in mantle oxidation are required in models of [2,3]. Secondly, calculations also show that metallic impacting material will become deformed and sheared during accretion to a large body, such that it becomes emulsified to a fine scale that allows equilibrium at nearly all conditions except for possibly the length scale for giant impacts [5] (contrary to conclusions of [6]). Using new data for D(Mo) metal/silicate at high pressures, together with updated partitioning expressions for many other elements, we will show that metal-silicate equilibrium across a long span of Earth s accretion history may explain the concentrations of many siderophile elements in Earth's mantle. The modeling includes refractory elements Ni, Co, Mo, and W, as well as highly siderophile elements Au, Pd and Pt, and volatile elements Cd, In, Bi, Sb, Ge and As.

SOX2 regulates common and specific stem cell features in the CNS and endoderm derived organs.

PubMed

Hagey, Daniel W; Klum, Susanne; Kurtsdotter, Idha; Zaouter, Cecile; Topcic, Danijal; Andersson, Olov; Bergsland, Maria; Muhr, Jonas

2018-02-01

Stem cells are defined by their capacities to self-renew and generate progeny of multiple lineages. The transcription factor SOX2 has key roles in the regulation of stem cell characteristics, but whether SOX2 achieves these functions through similar mechanisms in distinct stem cell populations is not known. To address this question, we performed RNA-seq and SOX2 ChIP-seq on embryonic mouse cortex, spinal cord, stomach and lung/esophagus. We demonstrate that, although SOX2 binds a similar motif in the different cell types, its target regions are primarily cell-type-specific and enriched for the distinct binding motifs of appropriately expressed interacting co-factors. Furthermore, cell-type-specific SOX2 binding in endodermal and neural cells is most often found around genes specifically expressed in the corresponding tissue. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that SOX2 target regions can act as cis-regulatory modules capable of directing reporter expression to appropriate tissues in a zebrafish reporter assay. In contrast, SOX2 binding sites found in both endodermal and neural tissues are associated with genes regulating general stem cell features, such as proliferation. Notably, we provide evidence that SOX2 regulates proliferation through conserved mechanisms and target genes in both germ layers examined. Together, these findings demonstrate how SOX2 simultaneously regulates cell-type-specific, as well as core transcriptional programs in neural and endodermal stem cells.

Enhanced expression of PKM2 associates with the biological properties of cancer stem cells from A549 human lung cancer cells.

PubMed

Guo, Chang-Ying; Yan, Chen; Luo, Lan; Goto, Shinji; Urata, Yoshishige; Xu, Jian-Jun; Wen, Xiao-Ming; Kuang, Yu-Kang; Tou, Fang-Fang; Li, Tao-Sheng

2017-04-01

Cancer cells express the M2 isoform of glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PKM2) for favoring the survival under a hypoxic condition. Considering the relative low oxygen microenvironment in stem cell niche, we hypothesized that an enhanced PKM2 expression associates with the biological properties of cancer stem cells. We used A549 human lung cancer cell line and surgical resected lung cancer tissue samples from patients for experiments. We confirmed the co-localization of PKM2 and CD44, a popular marker for cancer stem cells in lung cancer tissue samples from patients. The expression of PKM2 was clearly observed in approximately 80% of the A549 human lung cancer cells. Remarkably, enhanced expression of PKM2 was specially observed in these cells that also positively expressed CD44. Downregulation of PKM2 in CD44+ cancer stem cells by siRNA significantly impaired the potency for spheroid formation, decreased the cell survival under fetal bovine serum deprivation and hypoxic conditions, but increased their sensitivity to anti-cancer drug of cisplatin and γ-ray. The enhanced expression of PKM2 seems to associate with the biological properties of cancer stem cells from A549 human lung cancer cells. Selective targeting of PKM2 may provide a new strategy for cancer therapy, especially for patients with therapeutic resistance.

Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Partial Pressure and Emission of CO2 and CH4 in and Amazon Floodplain Lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsberg, B. R.; Amaral, J. H.; Barbosa, P.; Kasper, D.; MacIntyre, S.; Cortes, A.; Sarmento, H.; Borges, A. V.; Melack, J. M.; Farjalla, V.

2015-12-01

The Amazon floodplain contains a variety of wetland environments which contribute CO2 and CH4 to the regional and global atmospheres. The partial pressure and emission of these greenhouse gases (GHGs) varies: 1) between habitats, 2) seasonally, as the characteristics these habitats changes and 3) diurnally, in response to diurnal stratification. In this study, we investigated the combined influence of these factors on the partial pressure and emission of GHGs in Lago Janauacá, a central Amazon floodplain lake (3o23' S; 60o18' O). All measurements were made between August of 2014 and April of 2015 at two different sites and in three distinct habitats: open water, flooded forest, flooded macrophytes. Concentrations of CO2 and CH4 in air were measured continuously with a cavity enhanced absorption spectrometer, Los Gatos Research´s Ultraportable Greenhouse Gas Analyzer (UGGA). Vertical profiles o pCO2 and pCH4 were measured using the UGGA connected to an electric pump and equilibrator. Diffusive surface emissions were estimated with the UGGA connected to a static floating chamber. To investigate the influence of vertical stratification and mixing on GHG partial pressure and emissions, a meteorological station and submersible sensor chain were deployed at each site. Meteorological sensors included wind speed and direction. The submersible chains included thermistors and oxygen sensors. Depth profiles of partial pressure and diffusive emissions for both CO2 and CH4 varied diurnally, seasonally and between habitats. Both pCO2 and pCH4 were consistently higher in bottom than surface waters with the largest differences occurring at high water when thermal stratification was most stable. Methane emissions and partial pressures were highest at low water while pCO2 and CO2 fluxes were highest during high water periods, with 35% of CO2 fluxes at low water being negative. The highest average surface value of pCO2 (5491 μatm), encountered during rising water, was ~3 times higher than that encountered at low water (1708 μatm). Partial pressures and emissions of both CO2 and CH4 were greatest in open water habitats and consistently higher at night. These patterns reflected the higher levels of wind driven mixing and turbulence in open water environments and higher convective mixing at night which promoted diffusive emission.

Spatial and temporal patterns of xylem sap pH derived from stems and twigs of Populus deltoides L.

Treesearch

Doug Aubrey; Justin Boyles; Laura Krysinsky; Robert Teskey

2011-01-01

Xylem sap pH (pHX) is critical in determining the quantity of inorganic carbon dissolved in xylem solution from gaseous [CO2] measurements. Studies of internal carbon transport have generally assumed that pHX derived from stems and twigs is similar and that pHX remains constant through time; however, no empirical studies have investigated these assumptions. If any of...

Assessing Spatial Variability of Grape Skin Flavonoids at the Vineyard Scale Based on Plant Water Status Mapping.

PubMed

Brillante, Luca; Martínez-Luscher, Johann; Yu, Runze; Plank, Cassandra M; Sanchez, Luis; Bates, Terrence L; Brenneman, Charles; Oberholster, Anita; Kurtural, S Kaan

2017-07-05

Plant water stress affects grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) berry composition and is variable in space due to variations in the physical environment at the growing site. We monitored the natural variability of grapevine water stress by stem water potential (Ψ stem ) and leaf gas exchange in an equi-distant grid in a commercial vineyard. Spatial differences were measured and related to topographical variation by modeling. Geospatial analysis and clustering allowed researchers to differentiate the vineyard block into two distinct zones having severe and moderate water stress where it varied by 0.2 MPa. Differences in stem water potential affected stomatal conductance, net carbon assimilation, and intrinsic water use efficiency that were different in all measurement dates. The two zones were selectively sampled at harvest for measurements of berry chemistry. The water status zones did not affect berry mass or yield per vine. Significant difference in total soluble solids was observed (3.56 Brix), and in titratable acidity, thus indicating a direct effect of water stress on ripening acceleration. Berry skin flavonol and anthocyanin composition and concentration were measured by C18 reversed-phased high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anthocyanins were most affected by the two water stress zones. The dihydroxylated anthocyanins were more affected than trihydroxylated; therefore, the ratio of the two forms increased. Flavonols were different in total amounts, but hydroxylation patterns were not affected. Proanthocyanidin isolates were characterized by acid catalysis in the presence of excess phloroglucinol followed by reversed-phase HPLC. Proanthocyanidins showed the least significant difference, although (+)-catechin terminal subunits were important predictors in a partial least square model used to summarize the multivariate relationships, predicting Ψ stem or the management zone. The results provide fundamental information on vineyard water status to discriminate harvest or direction to vineyard operators to modify irrigation management to equilibrate berry composition at harvest.

Supercritical fluid extraction of fat from ground beef: effects of water on gravimetric and GC-FAME fat determinations.

PubMed

Eller, F J; King, J W

2001-10-01

This study investigated the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) extraction of fat from ground beef and the effects of several factors on the gravimetric determination of fat. The use of ethanol modifier with the SC-CO(2) was not necessary for efficient fat extraction; however, the ethanol did increase the coextraction of water. This coextraction of water caused a significant overestimation of gravimetric fat. Oven-drying ground beef samples prior to extraction inhibited the subsequent extraction of fat, whereas oven-drying the extract after collection decreased the subsequent gas chromatographic fatty acid methyl ester (GC-FAME) fat determination. None of the drying agents tested were able to completely prevent the coextraction of water, and silica gel and molecular sieves inhibited the complete extraction of fat. Measurements of collection vial mass indicated that CO(2) extraction/collection causes an initial increase in mass due to the density of CO(2) (relative to displaced air) followed by a decrease in vial mass due to the removal of adsorbed water from the collection vial. Microwave-drying of the empty collection vials removes approximately 3 mg of adsorbed water, approximately 15-20 min is required for readsorption of the displaced water. For collection vials containing collected fat, microwave-drying effectively removed coextracted water, and the vials reached equilibration after approximately 10-15 min. Silanizing collection vials did not significantly affect weight loss during microwave-drying. SC-CO(2) can be used to accurately determine fat gravimetrically for ground beef, and the presented method can also be followed by GC-FAME analysis to provide specific fatty acid information as well.

Reduced calcification and lack of acclimatization by coral colonies growing in areas of persistent natural acidification

PubMed Central

Crook, Elizabeth D.; Cohen, Anne L.; Rebolledo-Vieyra, Mario; Hernandez, Laura; Paytan, Adina

2013-01-01

As the surface ocean equilibrates with rising atmospheric CO2, the pH of surface seawater is decreasing with potentially negative impacts on coral calcification. A critical question is whether corals will be able to adapt or acclimate to these changes in seawater chemistry. We use high precision CT scanning of skeletal cores of Porites astreoides, an important Caribbean reef-building coral, to show that calcification rates decrease significantly along a natural gradient in pH and aragonite saturation (Ωarag). This decrease is accompanied by an increase in skeletal erosion and predation by boring organisms. The degree of sensitivity to reduced Ωarag measured on our field corals is consistent with that exhibited by the same species in laboratory CO2 manipulation experiments. We conclude that the Porites corals at our field site were not able to acclimatize enough to prevent the impacts of local ocean acidification on their skeletal growth and development, despite spending their entire lifespan in low pH, low Ωarag seawater. PMID:23776217

In situ sensor technology for simultaneous spectrophotometric measurements of seawater total dissolved inorganic carbon and pH.

PubMed

Wang, Zhaohui Aleck; Sonnichsen, Frederick N; Bradley, Albert M; Hoering, Katherine A; Lanagan, Thomas M; Chu, Sophie N; Hammar, Terence R; Camilli, Richard

2015-04-07

A new, in situ sensing system, Channelized Optical System (CHANOS), was recently developed to make high-resolution, simultaneous measurements of total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pH in seawater. Measurements made by this single, compact sensor can fully characterize the marine carbonate system. The system has a modular design to accommodate two independent, but similar measurement channels for DIC and pH. Both are based on spectrophotometric detection of hydrogen ion concentrations. The pH channel uses a flow-through, sample-indicator mixing design to achieve near instantaneous measurements. The DIC channel adapts a recently developed spectrophotometric method to achieve flow-through CO2 equilibration between an acidified sample and an indicator solution with a response time of only ∼ 90 s. During laboratory and in situ testing, CHANOS achieved a precision of ±0.0010 and ± 2.5 μmol kg(-1) for pH and DIC, respectively. In situ comparison tests indicated that the accuracies of the pH and DIC channels over a three-week time-series deployment were ± 0.0024 and ± 4.1 μmol kg(-1), respectively. This study demonstrates that CHANOS can make in situ, climatology-quality measurements by measuring two desirable CO2 parameters, and is capable of resolving the CO2 system in dynamic marine environments.

Is guava phenolic metabolism influenced by elevated atmospheric CO2?

PubMed

Mendes de Rezende, Fernanda; Pereira de Souza, Amanda; Silveira Buckeridge, Marcos; Maria Furlan, Cláudia

2015-01-01

Seedlings of Psidium guajava cv. Pedro Sato were distributed into four open-top chambers: two with ambient CO(2) (∼390 ppm) and two with elevated CO(2) (∼780 ppm). Monthly, five individuals of each chamber were collected, separated into root, stem and leaves and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Chemical parameters were analyzed to investigate how guava invests the surplus carbon. For all classes of phenolic compounds analyzed only tannins showed significant increase in plants at elevated CO(2) after 90 days. There was no significant difference in dry biomass, but the leaves showed high accumulation of starch under elevated CO(2). Results suggest that elevated CO(2) seems to be favorable to seedlings of P. guajava, due to accumulation of starch and tannins, the latter being an important anti-herbivore substance. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential distribution of metals in tree tissues growing on reclaimed coal mine overburden dumps, Jharia coal field (India).

PubMed

Rana, Vivek; Maiti, Subodh Kumar

2018-04-01

Opencast bituminous coal mining invariably generates huge amount of metal-polluted waste rocks (stored as overburden (OB) dumps) and reclaimed by planting fast growing hardy tree species which accumulate metals in their tissues. In the present study, reclaimed OB dumps located in Jharia coal field (Jharkhand, India) were selected to assess the accumulation of selected metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu and Co) in tissues (leaf, stem bark, stem wood, root bark and root wood) of two commonly planted tree species (Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth. and Melia azedarach L.). In reclaimed mine soil (RMS), the concentrations of pseudo-total and available metals (DTPA-extractable) were found 182-498 and 196-1877% higher, respectively, than control soil (CS). The positive Spearman's correlation coefficients between pseudo-total concentration of Pb and Cu (r = 0.717; p < 0.05), Pb and Co (r = 0.650; p < 0.05), Zn and Mn (0.359), Cu and Co (r = 0.896; p < 0.01) suggested similar sources for Pb-Cu-Co and Mn-Zn. Among the five tree tissues considered, Pb selectively accumulated in root bark, stem bark and leaves; Zn and Mn in leaves; and Cu in root wood and stem wood. These results suggested metal accumulation to be "tissue-specific". The biological indices (BCF, TF leaf , TF stem bark and TF stem wood ) indicated variation in metal uptake potential of different tree tissues. The study indicated that A. auriculiformis could be employed for Mn phytoextraction (BCF, TF leaf , TF stem bark and TF stem wood  > 1). The applicability of both the trees in Cu phytostabilization (BCF > 1; TF leaf , TF stem bark and TF stem wood  < 1) was suggested. The study enhanced knowledge about the selection of tree species for the phytoremediation of coal mine OB dumps and specific tree tissues for monitoring metal pollution.

Deep magmatic degassing versus scrubbing: Elevated CO2 emissions and C/S in the lead-up to the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Werner, Cynthia A.; Evans, William C.; Kelly, Peter; McGimsey, Robert G.; Pfeffer, Melissa; Doukas, Michael P.; Neal, Christina

2012-01-01

We report CO2, SO2, and H2S emission rates and C/S ratios during the five months leading up to the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska. CO2emission rates up to 9018 t/d and C/S ratios ≥30 measured in the months prior to the eruption were critical for fully informed forecasting efforts. Observations of ice-melt rates, meltwater discharge, and water chemistry suggest that surface waters represented drainage from surficial, perched reservoirs of condensed magmatic steam and glacial meltwater. These fluids scrubbed only a few hundred tonnes/day of SO2, not the >2100 t/d SO2expected from degassing of magma in the mid- to upper crust (3–6.5 km), where petrologic analysis shows the final magmatic equilibration occurred. All data are consistent with upflow of a CO2-rich magmatic gas for at least 5 months prior to eruption, and minimal scrubbing of SO2by near-surface groundwater. The high C/S ratios observed could reflect bulk degassing of mid-crustal magma followed by nearly complete loss of SO2in a deep magmatic-hydrothermal system. Alternatively, high C/S ratios could be attributed to decompressional degassing of low silica andesitic magma that intruded into the mid-crust in the 5 months prior to eruption, thereby mobilizing the pre-existing high silica andesite magma or mush in this region. The latter scenario is supported by several lines of evidence, including deep long-period earthquakes (−28 to −32 km) prior to and during the eruption, and far-field deformation following the onset of eruptive activity.

The role of soil pH on soil carbonic anhydrase activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauze, Joana; Jones, Sam P.; Wingate, Lisa; Wohl, Steven; Ogée, Jérôme

2018-01-01

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are metalloenzymes present in plants and microorganisms that catalyse the interconversion of CO2 and water to bicarbonate and protons. Because oxygen isotopes are also exchanged during this reaction, the presence of CA also modifies the contribution of soil and plant CO18O fluxes to the global budget of atmospheric CO18O. The oxygen isotope signatures (δ18O) of these fluxes differ as leaf water pools are usually more enriched than soil water pools, and this difference is used to partition the net CO2 flux over land into soil respiration and plant photosynthesis. Nonetheless, the use of atmospheric CO18O as a tracer of land surface CO2 fluxes requires a good knowledge of soil CA activity. Previous studies have shown that significant differences in soil CA activity are found in different biomes and seasons, but our understanding of the environmental and ecological drivers responsible for the spatial and temporal patterns observed in soil CA activity is still limited. One factor that has been overlooked so far is pH. Soil pH is known to strongly influence microbial community composition, richness and diversity in addition to governing the speciation of CO2 between the different carbonate forms. In this study we investigated the CO2-H2O isotopic exchange rate (kiso) in six soils with pH varying from 4.5 to 8.5. We also artificially increased the soil CA concentration to test how pH and other soil properties (texture and phosphate content) affected the relationship between kiso and CA concentration. We found that soil pH was the primary driver of kiso after CA addition and that the chemical composition (i.e. phosphate content) played only a secondary role. We also found an offset between the δ18O of the water pool with which CO2 equilibrates and total soil water (i.e. water extracted by vacuum distillation) that varied with soil texture. The reasons for this offset are still unknown.

The influence of kinetics on the oxygen isotope composition of calcium carbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, James M.; Nielsen, Laura C.; Ryerson, Frederick J.; DePaolo, Donald J.

2013-08-01

Paleotemperature reconstructions rely on knowledge of the equilibrium separation of oxygen isotopes between aqueous solution and calcium carbonate. Although oxygen isotope separation is expected on theoretical grounds, the temperature-dependence remains uncertain because other factors, such as slow exchange of isotopes between dissolved CO2-species and water, can obscure the temperature signal. This is problematic for crystal growth experiments on laboratory timescales and for interpreting the oxygen isotope composition of crystals formed in natural settings. We present results from experiments in which inorganic calcite is precipitated in the presence of 0.25 μM dissolved bovine carbonic anhydrase (CA). The presence of dissolved CA accelerates oxygen isotope equilibration between the dissolved carbon species CO2, H2CO3, HCO3-, CO32- and water, thereby eliminating this source of isotopic disequilibrium during calcite growth. The experimental results allow us to isolate, for the first time, kinetic oxygen isotope effects occurring at the calcite-water interface. We present a framework of ion-by-ion growth of calcite that reconciles our new measurements with measurements of natural cave calcites that are the best candidate for having precipitated under near-equilibrium conditions. Our findings suggest that isotopic equilibrium between calcite and water is unlikely to have been established in laboratory experiments or in many natural settings. The use of CA in carbonate precipitation experiments offers new opportunities to refine oxygen isotope-based geothermometers and to interrogate environmental variables other than temperature that influence calcite growth rates.

Single-cell Sequencing Reveals Variants in ARID1A, GPRC5A and MLL2 Driving Self-renewal of Human Bladder Cancer Stem Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Zhao; Li, Chong; Fan, Zusen; Liu, Hongjie; Zhang, Xiaolong; Cai, Zhiming; Xu, Liqin; Luo, Jian; Huang, Yi; He, Luyun; Liu, Chunxiao; Wu, Song

2017-01-01

Cancer stem cells are considered responsible for many important aspects of tumors such as their self-renewal, tumor-initiating, drug-resistance and metastasis. However, the genetic basis and origination of human bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs) remains unknown. Here, we conducted single-cell sequencing on 59 cells including BCSCs, bladder cancer non-stem cells (BCNSCs), bladder epithelial stem cells (BESCs) and bladder epithelial non-stem cells (BENSCs) from three bladder cancer (BC) specimens. Specifically, BCSCs demonstrate clonal homogeneity and suggest their origin from BESCs or BCNSCs through phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, 21 key altered genes were identified in BCSCs including six genes not previously described in BC (ETS1, GPRC5A, MKL1, PAWR, PITX2 and RGS9BP). Co-mutations of ARID1A, GPRC5A and MLL2 introduced by CRISPR/Cas9 significantly enhance the capabilities of self-renewal and tumor-initiating of BCNSCs. To our knowledge, our study first provides an overview of the genetic basis of human BCSCs with single-cell sequencing and demonstrates the biclonal origin of human BCSCs via evolution analysis. Human bladder cancer stem cells show the high level of consistency and may derived from bladder epithelial stem cells or bladder cancer non-stem cells. Mutations of ARID1A, GPRC5A and MLL2 grant bladder cancer non-stem cells the capability of self-renewal. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nuclear translocation of PKM2/AMPK complex sustains cancer stem cell populations under glucose restriction stress.

PubMed

Yang, Yi-Chieh; Chien, Ming-Hsien; Liu, Hsin-Yi; Chang, Yu-Chan; Chen, Chi-Kuan; Lee, Wei-Jiunn; Kuo, Tsang-Chih; Hsiao, Michael; Hua, Kuo-Tai; Cheng, Tsu-Yao

2018-05-01

Cancer cells encounter metabolic stresses such as hypoxia and nutrient limitations because they grow and divide more quickly than their normal counterparts. In response to glucose restriction, we found that nuclear translocation of the glycolic enzyme, pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), helped cancer cells survive under the metabolic stress. Restriction of glucose stimulated AMPK activation and resulted in co-translocation of AMPK and PKM2 through Ran-mediated nuclear transport. Nuclear PKM2 subsequently bound to Oct4 and promoted the expression of cancer stemness-related genes, which might enrich the cancer stem cell population under the metabolic stress. Nuclear PKM2 was also capable of promoting cancer metastasis in an orthotopic xenograft model. In summary, we found that cytosolic AMPK helped PKM2 carry out its nonmetabolic functions in the nucleus under glucose restriction and that nuclear PKM2 promoted cancer stemness and metastasis. These findings suggested a potential new targeting pathway for cancer therapy in the future. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A randomized prospective study of desflurane versus isoflurane in minimal flow anesthesia using “equilibration time” as the change-over point to minimal flow

PubMed Central

Mallik, Tanuja; Aneja, S; Tope, R; Muralidhar, V

2012-01-01

Background: In the administration of minimal flow anesthesia, traditionally a fixed time period of high flow has been used before changing over to minimal flow. However, newer studies have used “equilibration time” of a volatile anesthetic agent as the change-over point. Materials and Methods: A randomized prospective study was conducted on 60 patients, who were divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Two volatile inhalational anesthetic agents were compared. Group I received desflurane (n = 30) and group II isoflurane (n = 30). Both the groups received an initial high flow till equilibration between inspired (Fi) and expired (Fe) agent concentration were achieved, which was defined as Fe/Fi = 0.8. The mean (SD) equilibration time was obtained for both the agent. Then, a drift in end-tidal agent concentration during the minimal flow anesthesia and recovery profile was noted. Results: The mean equilibration time obtained for desflurane and isoflurane were 4.96 ± 1.60 and 16.96 ± 9.64 min (P < 0.001). The drift in end-tidal agent concentration over time was minimal in the desflurane group (P = 0.065). Recovery time was 5.70 ± 2.78 min in the desflurane group and 8.06 ± 31 min in the isoflurane group (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Use of equilibration time of the volatile anesthetic agent as a change-over point, from high flow to minimal flow, can help us use minimal flow anesthesia, in a more efficient way. PMID:23225926

Membrane optode for uranium(VI) ions preconcentration and quantification based on a synergistic combination of 4-(2-thiazolylazo)-resorcinol with 8-hydroxyquinaldine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalyan, Y.; Pandey, A. K.; Naidu, G. R. K.; Reddy, A. V. R.

2009-12-01

A membrane optode was developed utilizing the 8-hydroxyquinaldine (HQ) facilitated preconcentration of UO 22+ ions and subsequent colored complex formation of UO 22+ with 4-(2-thiazolylazo)-resorcinol (TAR) in optode matrix. The composition of the membrane optode was optimized by scanning several extractants immobilized in different plasticized polymer matrices. It was observed that the chelating agent HQ along with an indicator TAR immobilized in the tri-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) plasticized cellulose triacetate matrix (CTA) was best suited as an optode for the UO 22+ ions in aqueous samples. On sorption of UO 22+ in the optode matrix, TAR changes color of the optode from yellow to magenta having a maximum absorbance ( λmax) at 546 nm. The uptake of UO 22+ ions in the optode was found to be pH dependent and was maximum (>90%) at pH above 3. The acetate buffer (0.1 mol L -1 sodium acetate + 0.1 mol L -1 acetic acid) was found to be necessary for the stable response. The optimum equilibration time for the optode (2 cm × 1 cm) was found to be 30 min in 10 mL aqueous sample containing acetate buffer (pH 4.75). The equilibration time was found to increase with increase in aqueous sample volume. The optode response was found to be linear in the UO 22+ ions concentration range of 0.01-0.11 μmol L -1 in tap water as well as aqueous solutions containing 0.1 mol L -1 NaCl or NaNO 3. The tolerance to the presence of several cations and anions in the determination of UO 22+ ion was studied. It was observed that the optode in the presence of buffer can tolerate presence of large amounts of interfering cations (Ce 4+, V 4+, Eu 3+, Al 3+, Fe 3+, Ni 2+, Cd 2+, Co 2+, Pb 2+, Hg 2+, Cu 2+ and Th 4+ ions) without hindering the sorption of UO 22+ ions in the optode matrix. The present work indicated that 50 ppb UO 22+ ions in 100 mL sample can easily be quantified using this optode. The optode was found to be fully reversible, can readily be regenerated by equilibrating it with 0.1 mol L -1 HNO 3 and reusable up to three cycles. The applicability of the developed optode in real samples was studied by determining uranium in the ground water samples spiked with a known quantity of UO 22+ ions.

Organocatalyzed Domino [3+2] Cycloaddition/Payne-Type Rearrangement using Carbon Dioxide and Epoxy Alcohols.

PubMed

Kleij, Arjan Willem; Sopeña, Sergio; Cozzolino, Mariachiara; Escudero-Adán, Eduardo C; Martínez Belmonte, Marta; Maquilón, Cristina

2018-05-09

An unprecedented organocatalytic approach towards highly substituted cyclic carbonates from tri- and tetra-substituted oxiranes and carbon dioxide has been developed. The protocol involves the use of a simple and cheap superbase under mild, additive- and metal-free conditions towards the initial formation of a less substituted carbonate product that equilibrates to a tri- or even tetra-substituted cyclic carbonate under thermodynamic control. The latter are conveniently trapped in situ providing overall a new domino process for synthetically elusive heterocyclic scaffolds. Control experiments provide a rationale for the observed cascade reactions, which demonstrate high similarity with the well-known Payne rearrangement of epoxy alcohols. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Carbon Dioxide Compensation Points of Flowering Plants 1

PubMed Central

Krenzer, Eugene G.; Moss, Dale N.; Crookston, R. Kent

1975-01-01

Carbon dioxide compensation points of several hundred species of monocotyledons and dicotyledons have been measured during the course of various experiments in our laboratory over a period of several years. These have been classified into two groups: high, compensation points of 40 μl/l or greater; and low, compensation points of 10 μl/l or less. They are listed alphabetically both by families and species for monocotyledons and dicotyledons. Only two species did not unequivocally fit into the above established groups. These were Moricandia arvensis (L.) DC., which had an average compensation point of 26 μl/l and Panicum milioides Nees ex Trin., which was variable, but most often equilibrated between 12 to 20 μl/l CO2. PMID:16659272

Isochoric Burn, an Internally Consistent Method for the Reactant to Product Transformation in Reactive Flow

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

Reaugh, J E; Lee, E L

2002-07-01

Mixture rules for partially reacted explosives differ amongst various models. For instance, JWL++ uses a partial pressure addition to compute an average zonal pressure, Ignition and Growth requires pressure equilibration and thermal equilibration of temperature dependent JWL EOSs, CHEETAH In Line RF also assumes temperature and pressure equilibration. It has been suggested in the past that a more realistic equilibration scheme should comprise isentropic pressure equilibration of the separate reacted and unreacted phases. This turns out not to be a proper path for equilibration. Rather, we find that the only internally consistent method is the evaluation of the equilibrium pressuremore » that satisfies the particular conditions of reactant and product resulting from deflagration in a fixed volume.« less

Characterizing NZ equilibration in dynamically deformed system at 15, 25, 35 and 45 MeV/nucleon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jedele, Andrea

2017-09-01

Neutron-proton equilibration is sensitive to the asymmetry energy in the nuclear equation of state. The process is governed by the contact time between the colliding nuclei and the gradient of the potential driving the equilibration. Recent work has shown NZ equilibration between the two largest fragments originating from the excited projectile-like fragment (PLF*) follows first-order kinetics in 70Zn, 64Zn and 64Ni symmetric reaction systems at 35 MeV/nucleon. The rate constant extracted was 3 zs-1, corresponding to a mean equilibration lifetime of 0.3 zs. An experiment has been proposed to examine the characteristics of NZ equilibration in 40Ca+ 64 , 70Zn at 15, 25, 35 and 45 MeV/nucleon with the NIMROD array.

Impact of cryopreservation on bull () semen proteome.

PubMed

Westfalewicz, B; Dietrich, M A; Ciereszko, A

2015-11-01

Cryopreservation of bull spermatozoa is a well-established technique, allowing artificial insemination of cattle on a commercial scale. However, the extent of proteome changes in seminal plasma and spermatozoa during cryopreservation are not yet fully known. The objective of this study was to compare the proteomes of fresh, equilibrated, and cryopreserved bull semen (spermatozoa and seminal plasma) to establish the changes in semen proteins during the cryopreservation process. Semen was collected from 6 mature Holstein Friesian bulls. After sample processing, comparative analysis and identification of proteins was performed using 2-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Analysis of spermatozoa extracts revealed that 25 identified protein spots, representing 16 proteins, underwent significant ( < 0.05) changes in abundance due to equilibration and cryopreservation. Eighteen protein spots decreased in abundance, 5 protein spots increased in abundance, and 2 protein spots showed different, specific patterns of abundance changes. Analysis of seminal fluid containing seminal plasma showed that 6 identified protein spots, representing 4 proteins, underwent significant ( < 0.05) changes in abundance due to equilibration and cryopreservation. Two protein spots increased in abundance and 4 decreased in abundance. Semen extending and equilibration seems to be responsible for a significant portion of the proteome changes related to cryopreservation technology. Most sperm proteins affected by equilibration and cryopreservation are membrane bound, and loss of those proteins may reduce natural spermatozoa coating. Further research is needed to unravel the mechanisms of the particular protein changes described in this study and establish the relationship between those changes and sperm quality.

Laboratory investigations of stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratio data enhance monitoring of CO2 underground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barth, Johannes A. C.; Myrttinen, Anssi; Becker, Veith; Nowak, Martin; Mayer, Bernhard

2014-05-01

Stable carbon and oxygen isotope data play an important role in monitoring CO2 in the subsurface, for instance during carbon capture and storage (CCS). This includes monitoring of supercritical and gaseous CO2 movement and reactions under reservoir conditions and detection of potential CO2 leakage scenarios. However, in many cases isotope data from field campaigns are either limited due to complex sample retrieval or require verification under controlled boundary conditions. Moreover, experimentally verified isotope fractionation factors are also accurately known only for temperatures and pressures lower than commonly found in CO2 reservoirs (Myrttinen et al., 2012). For this reason, several experimental series were conducted in order to investigate effects of elevated pressures, temperatures and salinities on stable carbon and oxygen isotope changes of CO2 and water. These tests were conducted with a heateable pressure device and with glass or metal gas containers in which CO2 reacted with fluids for time periods of hours to several weeks. The obtained results revealed systematic differences in 13C/12C-distributions between CO2 and the most important dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) species under reservoir conditions (CO2(aq), H2CO3 and HCO3-). Since direct measurements of the pH, even immediately after sampling, were unreliable due to rapid CO2 de-gassing, one of the key results of this work is that carbon isotope fractionation data between DIC and CO2 may serve to reconstruct in situ pH values. pH values reconstructed with this approach ranged between 5.5 and 7.4 for experiments with 60 bars and up to 120 °C and were on average 1.4 pH units lower than those measured with standard pH electrodes directly after sampling. In addition, pressure and temperature experiments with H2O and CO2 revealed that differences between the oxygen isotope ratios of both phases depended on temperature, water-gas ratios as well as salt contents of the solutions involved. Such systematic knowledge of the extent of oxygen isotope fractionation between H2O and CO2 can help to reconstruct equilibration times, fluid-CO2 ratios as well as temperature and salinity conditions. Isotope results from systematic laboratory studies and the information they provide for assessing in situ reservoir conditions can be transferred to field applications concerning integrity of CO2 reservoirs. They can also apply to natural systems and other industrial uses that involve monitoring of gases in the subsurface under similar pressure and temperature conditions. Reference: Myrttinen, A., Becker, V., Barth, J.A.C., 2012. A review of methods used for equilibrium isotope fractionation investigations between dissolved inorganic carbon and CO2. Earth-Science Reviews, 115(3): 192-199.

Growth mechanism and elemental distribution of beta-Ga2O3 crystalline nanowires synthesized by cobalt-assisted chemical vapor deposition.

PubMed

Wang, Hui; Lan, Yucheng; Zhang, Jiaming; Crimp, Martin A; Ren, Zhifeng

2012-04-01

Long beta-Ga2O3 crystalline nanowires are synthesized on patterned silicon substrates using chemical vapor deposition technique. Advanced electron microscopy indicates that the as-grown beta-Ga2O3 nanowires are consisted of poly-crystalline (Co, Ga)O tips and straight crystalline beta-Ga2O3 stems. The catalytic cobalt not only locates at the nanowire tips but diffuses into beta-Ga2O3 nanowire stems several ten nanometers. A solid diffusion growth mechanism is proposed based on the spatial elemental distribution along the beta-Ga2O3 nanowires at nanoscale.

A dynamic soil chamber system coupled with a tunable diode laser for online measurements of delta-13C, delta-18O, and efflux rate of soil respired CO2

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

Powers, Heath H; Mcdowell, Nate; Hanson, David

2009-01-01

High frequency observations of the stable isotopic composition of CO(2) effluxes from soil have been sparse due in part to measurement challenges. We have developed an open-system method that utilizes a flow-through chamber coupled to a tunable diode laser (TDL) to quantify the rate of soil CO(2) efflux and its delta(13)C and delta(18)O values (delta(13)C(R) and delta(18)O(R), respectively). We tested the method first in the laboratory using an artificial soil test column and then in a semi-arid woodland. We found that the CO(2) efflux rates of 1.2 to 7.3 micromol m(-2) s(-1) measured by the chamber-TDL system were similar tomore » measurements made using the chamber and an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) (R(2) = 0.99) and compared well with efflux rates generated from the soil test column (R(2) = 0.94). Measured delta(13)C and delta(18)O values of CO(2) efflux using the chamber-TDL system at 2 min intervals were not significantly different from source air values across all efflux rates after accounting for diffusive enrichment. Field measurements during drought demonstrated a strong dependency of CO(2) efflux and isotopic composition on soil water content. Addition of water to the soil beneath the chamber resulted in average changes of +6.9 micromol m(-2) s(-1), -5.0 per thousand, and -55.0 per thousand for soil CO(2) efflux, delta(13)C(R) and delta(18)O(R), respectively. All three variables initiated responses within 2 min of water addition, with peak responses observed within 10 min for isotopes and 20 min for efflux. The observed delta(18)O(R) was more enriched than predicted from temperature-dependent H(2)O-CO(2) equilibration theory, similar to other recent observations of delta(18)O(R) from dry soils (Wingate L, Seibt U, Maseyk K, Ogee J, Almeida P, Yakir D, Pereira JS, Mencuccini M. Global Change Biol. 2008; 14: 2178). The soil chamber coupled with the TDL was found to be an effective method for capturing soil CO(2) efflux and its stable isotope composition at high temporal frequency.« less

Response of CO and H2 uptake to extremes of water stress in saline and non-saline soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, G.

2017-12-01

Neither carbon monoxide (CO) nor hydrogen (H2) have direct impacts on radiative forcing, but both play important roles in tropospheric chemistry. Soils affect both the fate and significance of atmospheric CO and H2 by acting as strong global gas sinks ( 15% and >75 %, respectively), but much remains unknown about the microbiology of these gases, including responses to key environmental drivers. The role of water availability, measured as water potential, has been addressed to a limited extent by earlier studies with results suggesting that CO and H2 uptake are strongly limited by water stress. However recent results indicate a much greater tolerance of water stress than previously suspected. Ex situ assays have shown that non-saline playa soils from the Alvord Basin (Oregon, USA) consumed atmospheric and exogenous hydrogen and CO under conditions of severe water stress. CO uptake occurred at water potentials < -30 MPa, which are far below values considered optimal for terrestrial bacterial growth. Surface soils that had been exposed to water potentials as low as -300 MPa also oxidized CO and H2 after brief equilibration at higher potentials (less water stress), indicating remarkable tolerance of desiccating conditions. Tolerance to water stress for CO and H2 uptake was also observed for soils from a montane rainforest (Hawai`i, USA). However, unlike playa soils rainforest soils seldom experience extended drought that would select for desiccation tolerance. While CO uptake by forest soils was more sensitive to water stress (limits -10MPa) than in playa soils, H2 uptake was observed at -90 MPa to -100 MPa. Tolerance at these levels might be due to the formation of intracellular water that limits the local effects of stress. Comparisons of water stress responses between saline and non-saline soils further suggested that communities of CO- and H2-oxidizing were generally robust with respect to stresses resulting from solute and matric effects. Collectively the results indicate that models of global CO and H2 dynamics might be improved by incorporating responses to soil water stress that could be estimated using relative humidity regimes calibrated for different soil types and systems. Incorporating water stress responses into models offers a means for assessing potential climate change impacts on two important trace gases.

Stem photosynthesis and hydraulics are coordinated in desert plant species.

PubMed

Ávila-Lovera, Eleinis; Zerpa, Antonio J; Santiago, Louis S

2017-12-01

Coordination between stem photosynthesis and hydraulics in green-stemmed desert plants is important for understanding the physiology of stem photosynthesis and possible drought responses. Plants with photosynthetic stems have extra carbon gain that can help cope with the detrimental effects of drought. We studied photosynthetic, hydraulic and functional traits of 11 plant species with photosynthetic stems from three California desert locations. We compared relationships among traits between wet and dry seasons to test the effect of seasonality on these relationships. Finally, we compared stem trait relationships with analogous relationships in the leaf economics spectrum. We found that photosynthetic and hydraulic traits are coordinated in photosynthetic stems. The slope or intercept of all trait relationships was mediated by seasonality. The relationship between mass-based stem photosynthetic CO 2 assimilation rate (A mass ) and specific stem area (SSA; stem surface area to dry mass ratio) was statistically indistinguishable from the leaf economics spectrum. Our results indicate that photosynthetic stems behave like leaves in the coordination of multiple traits related to carbon gain, water movement and water loss. Because of the similarity of the stem A mass -SSA relationship to the leaf A mass -specific leaf area relationship, we suggest the existence of a photosynthetic stem economic spectrum. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Local atomic and electronic structure of LaCoO3 /SrTiO3 thin films by HAADF STEM and EELS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisevich, Albina; Hyuck Jang, Jae; Kim, Young-Min; Qiao, Liang; Biegalski, Michael

2013-03-01

For perovskite films with several competing functionalities, magnetic and electronic properties can be affected both by structural order parameters and chemical factors. For example, in LaCoO3 (LCO) thin films, magnetic and transport properties are strongly dependent on strain state and oxygen content. For this study, LCO thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition method with different thicknesses (2, 5, 15 unit cell and 20 nm thickness) on SrTiO3 substrate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of the grown films have demonstrated that Co 3p edges shift up to 2 eV for 15 u.c. and 20 nm films, indicating possible presence of 2D electron gas. The structure of the 5 u.c and 15 u.c LCO films was examined. Atomic position mapping from STEM HAADF and BF images can reveal lattice parameter and octahedral tilt behavior with atomic resolution. BF STEM imaging showed that octahedral tilts were active in the 15 u.c. film but not in the 5 u.c. film. A complex pattern of O K fine structure evolution at the interface was observed; results of the deconvolution of different contributions to this behavior using advanced simulations, as well as data on oxygen vacancy mapping, will be presented. Research supported by the US DOE-BES, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division, and through a user project supported by ORNL's ShaRE User Program.

Alginate Encapsulation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Co-axial Nozzle

PubMed Central

Horiguchi, Ikki; Sakai, Yasuyuki

2015-01-01

Pluripotent stem cells (PS cells) are the focus of intense research due to their role in regenerative medicine and drug screening. However, the development of a mass culture system would be required for using PS cells in these applications. Suspension culture is one promising culture method for the mass production of PS cells, although some issues such as controlling aggregation and limiting shear stress from the culture medium are still unsolved. In order to solve these problems, we developed a method of calcium alginate (Alg-Ca) encapsulation using a co-axial nozzle. This method can control the size of the capsules easily by co-flowing N2 gas. The controllable capsule diameter must be larger than 500 µm because too high a flow rate of N2 gas causes the breakdown of droplets and thus heterogeneous-sized capsules. Moreover, a low concentration of Alg-Na and CaCl2 causes non-spherical capsules. Although an Alg-Ca capsule without a coating of Alg-PLL easily dissolves enabling the collection of cells, they can also potentially leak out from capsules lacking an Alg-PLL coating. Indeed, an alginate-PLL coating can prevent cellular leakage but is also hard to break. This technology can be used to research the stem cell niche as well as the mass production of PS cells because encapsulation can modify the micro-environment surrounding cells including the extracellular matrix and the concentration of secreted factors. PMID:26168084

Stem biomass, C and N partitioning and growth efficiency of mature pedigreed black spruce on both a wet and a dry site.

Treesearch

John Major; Kurt Johnsen; Debra Barsi; Moira Campbell; John Malcolm

2013-01-01

Worldwide, efforts to manage atmospheric CO2 are being explored both by reducing emissions and by sequestering more carbon (C). Stem biomass, C, and nitrogen (N) parameters were measured in plots of first-generation (F1), 32-year-old black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) from four full-sib families studied previously for drought tolerance and differential...

Effects of various combinations of cryoprotectants and cooling speed on the survival and further development of mouse oocytes after vitrification

PubMed Central

Cha, Soo Kyung; Kim, Bo Yeun; Kim, Mi Kyung; Kim, You Shin; Lee, Woo Sik

2011-01-01

Objective The objectives of this study were to analyze efficacy of immature and mature mouse oocytes after vitrification and warming by applying various combinations of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and/or super-rapid cooling using slush nitrogen (SN2). Methods Four-week old ICR female mice were superovulated for GV- and MII-stage oocytes. Experimental groups were divided into two groups. Ethylene glycol (EG) only group: pre-equilibrated with 1.5 M EG for 2.5 minutes and then equilibrated with 5.5 M EG and 1.0 M sucrose for 20 seconds. EG+dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) group: pre-equilibrated with 1.3 M EG+1.1 M DMSO for 2.5 minutes and equilibrated with 2.7 M EG+2.1 M DMSO+0.5 M sucrose for 20 seconds. The oocytes were loaded onto grids and plunged into SN2 or liquid nitrogen (LN2). Stored oocytes were warmed by a five-step method, and then their survival, maturation, cleavage, and developmental rates were observed. Results The EG only and EG+DMSO groups showed no significant difference in survival of immature oocytes vitrified after warming. However, maturation and cleavage rates after conventional insemination were greater in the EG only group than in the EG+DMSO group. In mature oocytes, survival, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates after warming showed no significant difference when EG only or EG+DMSO was applied. Furthermore, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of MII oocytes vitrified using SN2 were increased in both the EG only and EG+DMSO groups. Conclusion A combination of CPAs in oocyte cryopreservation could be formulated according to the oocyte stage. In addition, SN2 may improve the efficiency of vitrification by reducing cryoinjury. PMID:22384414

Comparison of methods for nutrient measurement in calcareous soils: Ion-exchange resin bag, capsule, membrane, and chemical extractions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sherrod, S.K.; Belnap, J.; Miller, M.E.

2002-01-01

Four methods for measuring quantities of 12 plant-available nutrients were compared using three sandy soils in a series of three experiments. Three of the methods use different ion-exchange resin forms—bags, capsules, and membranes—and the fourth was conventional chemical extraction. The first experiment compared nutrient extraction data from a medium of sand saturated with a nutrient solution. The second and third experiments used Nakai and Sheppard series soils from Canyonlands National Park, which are relatively high in soil carbonates. The second experiment compared nutrient extraction data provided by the four methods from soils equilibrated at two temperatures, “warm” and “cold.” The third experiment extracted nutrients from the same soils in a field equilibration. Our results show that the four extraction techniques are not comparable. This conclusion is due to differences among the methods in the net quantities of nutrients extracted from equivalent soil volumes, in the proportional representation of nutrients within similar soils and treatments, in the measurement of nutrients that were added in known quantities, and even in the order of nutrients ranked by net abundance. We attribute the disparities in nutrient measurement among the different resin forms to interacting effects of the inherent differences in resin exchange capacity, differences among nutrients in their resin affinities, and possibly the relatively short equilibration time for laboratory trials. One constraint for measuring carbonate-related nutrients in high-carbonate soils is the conventional ammonium acetate extraction method, which we suspect of dissolving fine CaCO3 particles that are more abundant in Nakai series soils, resulting in erroneously high Ca2+ estimates. For study of plant-available nutrients, it is important to identify the nutrients of foremost interest and understand differences in their resin sorption dynamics to determine the most appropriate extraction method.

Can rising CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere mitigate the impact of drought years on tree growth?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Achim, Alexis; Plumpton, Heather; Auty, David; Ogee, Jerome; MacCarthy, Heather; Bert, Didier; Domec, Jean-Christophe; Oren, Ram; Wingate, Lisa

2015-04-01

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations and nitrogen deposition rates have increased substantially over the last century and are expected to continue unabated. As a result, terrestrial ecosystems will experience warmer temperatures and some may even experience droughts of a more intense and frequent nature that could lead to widespread forest mortality. Thus there is mounting pressure to understand and predict how forest growth will be affected by such environmental interactions in the future. In this study we used annual tree growth data from the Duke Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment to determine the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (+200 ppm) and Nitrogen fertilisation (11.2 g of N m-2 yr-1) on the stem biomass increments of mature loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees from 1996 to 2010. A non-linear mixed-effects model was developed to provide estimates of annual ring specific gravity in all trees using cambial age and annual ring width as explanatory variables. Elevated CO2 did not have a significant effect on annual ring specific gravity, but N fertilisation caused a slight decrease of approximately 2% compared to the non-fertilised in both the ambient and CO2-elevated plots. When basal area increments were multiplied by wood specific gravity predictions to provide estimates of stem biomass, there was a 40% increase in the CO2-elevated plots compared to those in ambient conditions. This difference remained relatively stable until the application of the fertilisation treatment, which caused a further increase in biomass increments that peaked after three years. Unexpectedly the magnitude of this second response was similar in the CO2-elevated and ambient plots (about 25% in each after 3 years), suggesting that there was no interaction between the concentration of CO2 and the availability of soil N on biomass increments. Importantly, during drier years when annual precipitation was less than 1000 mm we observed a significant decrease in annual increments across all treatments. However, the relative difference in growth between CO2-elevated and ambient plots was greater during drought years, providing evidence that tree growth in the future might become less sensitive to water shortages under elevated CO2 conditions.

Elaboration of the hydroxyapatite with different precursors and application for the retention of the lead.

PubMed

Meski, S; Ziani, S; Khireddine, H; Yataghane, F; Ferguene, N

2011-01-01

Carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHAP) was synthesized from different precursors; synthetic (CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2) and natural (egg shell before and after calcinations at 900 degrees C) under different conditions and characterized by using TG/DTG analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) method and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy techniques. The results of these analyses indicate that the four powders present the same structure of hydroxyapatite. Furthermore the four powders obtained were used for the retention of lead. The results obtained indicated that all powders present high adsorption capacity for lead, but from environmental and economic views, the hydroxyapatite synthesized from eggshell no calcined (HA2) is most advantageous. The influence of different sorption parameters, such as: initial metal concentration, equilibration time, solution pH and sorbent dosage was studied and discussed.

Formation of functional gap junctions in amniotic fluid-derived stem cells induced by transmembrane co-culture with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

PubMed Central

Connell, Jennifer Petsche; Augustini, Emily; Moise, Kenneth J; Johnson, Anthony; Jacot, Jeffrey G

2013-01-01

Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSC) have been reported to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells and form gap junctions when directly mixed and cultured with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM). This study investigated whether or not culture of AFSC on the opposite side of a Transwell membrane from NRVM, allowing for contact and communication without confounding factors such as cell fusion, could direct cardiac differentiation and enhance gap junction formation. Results were compared to shared media (Transwell), conditioned media and monoculture media controls. After a 2-week culture period, AFSC did not express cardiac myosin heavy chain or troponin T in any co-culture group. Protein expression of cardiac calsequestrin 2 was up-regulated in direct transmembrane co-cultures and media control cultures compared to the other experimental groups, but all groups were up-regulated compared with undifferentiated AFSC cultures. Gap junction communication, assessed with a scrape-loading dye transfer assay, was significantly increased in direct transmembrane co-cultures compared to all other conditions. Gap junction communication corresponded with increased connexin 43 gene expression and decreased phosphorylation of connexin 43. Our results suggest that direct transmembrane co-culture does not induce cardiomyocyte differentiation of AFSC, though calsequestrin expression is increased. However, direct transmembrane co-culture does enhance connexin-43-mediated gap junction communication between AFSC. PMID:23634988

Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Is Dispensable for The Immunomodulatory Function of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth.

PubMed

Alipour, Razieh; Masoumi Karimi, Masoumeh; Hashemi-Beni, Batool; Adib, Minoo; Sereshki, Nasrin; Sadeghi, Farzaneh

2017-01-01

In this study, we sought to better understand the immunoregulatory function of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). We studied the role of the interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-axis in immunoregulation of SHED compared to bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) under the same conditions. In this cross-sectional study, recently isolated human T cells were stimulated either by mitogen or inactivated allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These T cells were subsequently co-cultured with, either SHED or BMMSCs in the presence or absence of 1-methyl-tryptophan (1-MT) or neutralizing anti- human-IFN-γ antibodies. In all co-cultures we evaluated lymphocyte activation as well as IDO activity. SHED, similar to conventional BMMSCs, had anti-proliferative effects on stimulated T cells and reduced their cytokine production. This property of SHED and BMMSCs was changed by IFN-γ neutralization. We detected IDO in the immunosuppressive supernatant of all co-cultures. Removal of IDO decreased the immunosuppression of BMMSCs. SHED, like BMMSCs, produced the IDO enzyme. Although IFN-γ is one of inducer of IDO production in SHED, these cells were not affected by IFN-γ in the same manner as BMMSCs. Unlike BMMSCs, the IDO enzyme did not contribute to their immunosuppression and might have other cell-type specific roles.

Drought effects on soil CO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Straaten, O.; Veldkamp, E.; Köhler, M.; Anas, I.

2009-12-01

Climate change induced droughts pose a serious threat to ecosystems across the tropics and sub-tropics, particularly to those areas not adapted to natural dry periods. In order to study the vulnerability of cacao (Theobroma cacao) - Gliricidia sepium agroforestry plantations to droughts a large scale throughfall displacement roof was built in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. In this 19-month replicated experiment, we measured soil surface CO2 efflux (soil respiration) in three simulated drought plots compared with three adjacent control plots. Soil respiration rates peaked at intermediate soil moisture and decreased under increasingly dry conditions (drought induced), but also decreased when soils became water saturated, as evidenced in control plots. The simulated drought plots exhibited a slight decrease in soil respiration compared to the control plots (average 13% decrease). The strength of the drought effect was spatially variable - while some measurement chamber sites reacted strongly ("responsive") to the decrease in soil water content (up to R2=0.70) (n=11), others did not react at all ("non-responsive") (n=7). The degree of soil CO2 respiration drought response was highest around cacao tree stems and decreased with distance from the stem (R2=0.22). A significant correlation was measured between "responsive" soil respiration chamber sites and sap flux density ratios of cacao (R=0.61) and Gliricidia (R=0.65). Leaf litter CO2 respiration decreased as conditions became drier. During dry periods the litter layer contributed approximately 3-4% of the total CO2 efflux and up to 40% during wet periods. A CO2 flush was recorded during the rewetting phase that lasted for approximately two weeks, during which time accumulated labile carbon stocks mineralized. The net effect on soil CO2 emissions over the duration of the experiment was neutral, control plots respired 11.1±0.5 Mg C ha-1 yr-1, while roof plots respired 10.5±0.5 Mg C ha-1 yr-1.

Equilibrator-based measurements of dissolved nitrous oxide in the surface ocean using an integrated cavity output laser absorption spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grefe, I.; Kaiser, J.

2014-06-01

Dissolved nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations are usually determined by gas chromatography (GC). Here we present laboratory tests and initial field measurements using a novel setup comprising a commercially available laser-based analyser for N2O, carbon monoxide and water vapour coupled to a glass-bed equilibrator. This approach is less labour-intensive and provides higher temporal and spatial resolution than the conventional GC technique. The standard deviation of continuous equilibrator or atmospheric air measurements was 0.2 nmol mol-1 (averaged over 5 min). The short-term repeatability for reference gas measurements within 1 h of each other was 0.2 nmol mol-1 or better. Another indicator of the long-term stability of the analyser is the standard deviation of the calibrated N2O mole fraction in marine air, which was between 0.5 and 0.7 nmol mol-1. The equilibrator measurements were compared with purge-and-trap gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of N2O concentrations in discrete samples from the Southern Ocean and showed agreement to within the 2% measurement uncertainty of the GC-MS method. The equilibrator response time to concentration changes in water was from 142 to 203 s, depending on the headspace flow rate. The system was tested at sea during a north-to-south transect of the Atlantic Ocean. While the subtropical gyres were slightly undersaturated, the equatorial region was a source of nitrous oxide to the atmosphere, confirming previous findings (Forster et al., 2009). The ability to measure at high temporal and spatial resolution revealed submesoscale variability in dissolved N2O concentrations. Mean sea-to-air fluxes in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic ranged between -1.6 and 0.11 μmol m-2 d-1 and confirm that the subtropical Atlantic is not an important source region for N2O to the atmosphere, compared to global average fluxes of 0.6-2.4 μmol m-2 d-1. The system can be easily modified for autonomous operation on voluntary observing ships (VOS). Future work should include an interlaboratory comparison exercise with other methods of dissolved N2O analyses.

Theoretical estimates of equilibrium 13C-18O clumping in carbonates and organic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schauble, E. A.; Eiler, J. M.

2004-12-01

The development of techniques for measuring small gas-phase molecules containing more than one rare stable isotope (e.g., 13C18O16O) at natural, ppm-level abundances1,2 has made it possible to track sources and sinks of atmospheric gases from a new perspective. Similar measurements of 13C-18O clumping in ancient samples could improve our understanding of ancient climates, if the abundances of `clumped' rare stable isotopes in materials that retain isotopic signatures over geologic time can be measured with sufficient precision. This theoretical study estimates the abundances of such 13C-18O `clumps' in carbonates and organic acids and discusses their potential applications. Accompanying abstracts by Eiler et al. and Ghosh et al. will present the analytical methods and some initial data for carbonate minerals to examine the applicability of our theoretical models. Equilibrium isotopic speciations in carbonate minerals and organic acids are calculated from the reduced partition function ratios of isotopically substituted crystals and molecules. Vibrational frequencies used as input for these calculations come from ab initio force fields, determined using density functional theory. Our calculations indicate that carbonate minerals, including calcite, dolomite, and aragonite, when equilibrated at earth-surface temperatures, will have a slight overabundance of CO32- groups containing both 13C and 18O (i.e., 13C18O16O22-) relative to what would be expected if carbon and oxygen isotopes were distributed randomly in the crystal lattice. Calcite and dolomite crystals are predicted to have 0.4‰ excesses of 13C18O16O22- at 298 K; in aragonite the excess will be about 0.05‰ larger. The excesses are smaller for crystals formed or equilibrated at higher temperatures, decreasing by 0.003\\permil/oC at room temperature and essentially disappearing at temperatures of 1000 K or higher. Similarly, there is an excess of both 13C18O16OH and 13C16O18OH groups in organic acids like formic acid (HCOOH) and pyruvic acid (CH3COCOOH) that equilibrate at low temperatures. For gas-phase carboxylic acids, 13C-18O clumping in the COOH group is strongest at the C=O double bond, with an 1.0-1.1‰ excess at room temperature. The C-O-H subgroup has an ~0.4‰ 13C-18O excess, and thus the average anomaly for the whole COOH group is 0.7-0.8\\permil. As with carbonate minerals, these excesses decrease at higher temperatures. The magnitude of 13C-18O clumping in carboxylic acid is similar to gas-phase CO2 1,2,3, while in carbonate minerals the effect is about one-half as large. The temperature sensitivity of these isotopic clumping effects suggests that measurements of abundances of 13C-18O bonds in carbonates and organic acids could be useful for paleothermometry. The clumping equilibrium is an internal property of each phase, so temperature information can be obtained even when the isotopic composition of the fluid phase from which a sample precipitated is unknown. Clumping effects may also be able to distinguish pristine, unaltered sedimentary and biogenic carbonates and organic deposits from those that have undergone post-depositional diagenesis or metamorphism, even in samples that have not suffered extensive open-system exchange. Refs: 1Eiler et al. 2004, GCA in press; 2Schauble et al. in prep.; 3Wang et al. 2004, GCA in press.

Experimental Phase Relations of Hydrous, Primitive Melts: Implications for variably depleted mantle melting in arcs and the generation of primitive high-SiO2 melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weaver, S.; Wallace, P. J.; Johnston, A.

2010-12-01

There has been considerable experimental and theoretical work on how the introduction of H2O-rich fluids into the mantle wedge affects partial melting in arcs and chemical evolution of mantle melts as they migrate through the mantle. Studies aimed at describing these processes have become largely quantitative, with an emphasis on creating models that suitably predict the production and evolution of melts and describe the thermal state of arcs worldwide. A complete experimental data set that explores the P-T conditions of melt generation and subsequent melt extraction is crucial to the development, calibration, and testing of these models. This work adds to that data set by constraining the P-T-H2O conditions of primary melt extraction from two end-member subduction zones, a continental arc (Mexico) and an intraoceanic arc (Aleutians). We present our data in context with primitive melts found worldwide and with other experimental studies of melts produced from fertile and variably depleted mantle sources. Additionally, we compare our experimental results to melt compositions predicted by empirical and thermodynamic models. We used a piston-cylinder apparatus and employed an inverse approach in our experiments, constraining the permissible mantle residues with which our melts could be in equilibrium. We confirmed our inverse approach with forced saturation experiments at the P-T-H2O conditions of melt-mantle equilibration. Our experimental results show that a primitive, basaltic andesite melt (JR-28) from monogenetic cinder cone Volcan Jorullo (Central Mexico) last equilibrated with a harzburgite mantle residue at 1.2-1.4 GPa and 1150-1175°C with H2O contents in the range of 5.5-7 wt% H2O prior to ascent and eruption. Phase relations of a tholeiitic high-MgO basaltic melt (ID-16) from the Central Aleutians (Okmok) show the conditions of last equilibration with a fertile lherzolite mantle residue at shallower (1.2 GPa) but hotter (1275°C) conditions with approximately 2 wt% H2O. Given the estimated crustal thicknesses of these two regions, our data suggest that both samples equilibrate with mantle minerals just below the Moho. Recent viscosity dependent thermal models that account for slab geometry suggest that JR-28 melts last equilibrate with harzburgite in a cooler region of the mantle wedge. In contrast, ID-16 equilibrated with a fertile source near the hotter core of the mantle wedge. Our results support the hypothesis that lherzolite melting (wet or dry) produces essentially basaltic melts, whereas more Si-rich primitive melts require shallow hydrous melting of harzburgite or reequilibration of basaltic melts with harzburgite in the uppermost part of the wedge.

CO2 hydrate: Synthesis, composition, structure, dissociation behavior, and a comparison to structure I CH4 hydrate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Circone, S.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.; Durham, W.B.; Chakoumakos, B.C.; Rawn, C.J.; Rondinone, A.J.; Ishii, Y.

2003-01-01

Structure I (sI) carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrate exhibits markedly different dissociation behavior from sI methane (CH4) hydrate in experiments in which equilibrated samples at 0.1 MPa are heated isobarically at 13 K/h from 210 K through the H2O melting point (273.15 K). The CO2 hydrate samples release only about 3% of their gas content up to temperatures of 240 K, which is 22 K above the hydrate phase boundary. Up to 20% is released by 270 K, and the remaining CO2 is released at 271.0 plusmn; 0.5 K, where the sample temperature is buffered until hydrate dissociation ceases. This reproducible buffering temperature for the dissociation reaction CO2??nH2O = CO2(g) + nH2O(1 to s) is measurably distinct from the pure H2O melting point at 273.15 K, which is reached as gas evolution ceases. In contrast, when si CH4 hydrate is heated at the same rate at 0.1 MPa, >95% of the gas is released within 25 K of the equilibrium temperature (193 K at 0.1 MPa). In conjunction with the dissociation study, a method for efficient and reproducible synthesis of pure polycrystalline CO2 hydrate with suitable characteristics for material properties testing was developed, and the material was characterized. CO2 hydrate was synthesized from CO2 liquid and H2O solid and liquid reactants at pressures between 5 and 25 MPa and temperatures between 250 and 281 K. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination indicates that the samples consist of dense crystalline hydrate and 50-300 ??m diameter pores that are lined with euhedral cubic hydrate crystals. Deuterated hydrate samples made by this same procedure were analyzed by neutron diffraction at temperatures between 4 and 215 K; results confirm that complete conversion of water to hydrate has occurred and that the measured unit cell parameter and thermal expansion are consistent with previously reported values. On the basis of measured weight gain after synthesis and gas yields from the dissociation experiments, approximately all cages in the hydrate structure are filled such that n ??? 5.75.

Electron transfer between cytochrome. alpha. and copper A in cytochrome c oxidase: A perturbed equilibrium study

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

Morgan, J.E.; Li, P.M.; Jang, D.J.

1989-08-22

Intramolecular electron transfer in partially reduced cytochrome c oxidase has been studied by the perturbed equilibrium method. The authors have prepared a three-electron-reduced, CO-inhibited form of the enzyme in which cytochrome a and copper A are partially reduced and in an intramolecular redox equilibrium. When these samples were irradiated with a nitrogen laser to photodissociate the bound CO, changes in absorbance at 598 and 830 nm were observed which were consistent with a fast electron transfer from cytochrome a to copper A. The absorbance changes at 598 nm gave an apparent rate of 17,000 {plus minus} 2,000 s{sup {minus}1} (1more » {sigma}), at pH 7.0 and 25.5{degree}C. These changes were not observed in either the CO mixed-valence or the CO-inhibited fully reduced forms of the enzyme. The rate was fastest at about pH 8.0, falling off toward both lower and higher pHs. There was a small but clear temperature dependence. The process was also observed in the cytochrome c-cytochrome c oxidase high-affinity complex. The electron equilibration measured between cytochrome {alpha} and copper A is far faster than any rate measured or inferred previously for this process.« less

Translocation in Polytrichum commune (Bryophyta) I. Conduction and allocation of photoassimilates

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

Thomas, R.J.; Schiele, E.M.; Scheirer, D.C.

1988-02-01

Leafy stems and connecting underground rhizomes of Polytrichum commune Hedw. contain leptome tissues similar in structure to phloem. Isolated stems in clonal groupings were pulse labelled with {sup 14}CO{sub 2}. Labelled sugar, mostly sucrose, glucose, and fructose, appeared in the pulse labelled stems 30 min after treatment. A small amount (3.3%) of labelled sugar was transported to neighboring stems. Silver grain deposition in microautoradiographs of interconnecting rhizomes occurred predominantly over leptome tissues. Increased amounts of translocated radioactivity appeared in starch and cell wall polysaccharide pools one week and six weeks after treatment. These results (1) indicate that transport of photoassimilatemore » occurs through the leptome of perennating rhizomes, (2) demonstrate that translocated carbon is subsequently utilized or stored, and (3) raise important questions about the significance of long distance transport in the life strategy of this complex clonal moss.« less

Crop yield changes induced by emissions of individual climate-altering pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shindell, Drew T.

2016-08-01

Climate change damages agriculture, causing deteriorating food security and increased malnutrition. Many studies have examined the role of distinct physical processes, but impacts have not been previously attributed to individual pollutants. Using a simple model incorporating process-level results from detailed models, here I show that although carbon dioxide (CO2) is the largest driver of climate change, other drivers appear to dominate agricultural yield changes. I calculate that anthropogenic emissions to date have decreased global agricultural yields by 9.5 ± 3.0%, with roughly 93% stemming from non-CO2 emissions, including methane (-5.2 ± 1.7%) and halocarbons (-1.4 ± 0.4%). The differing impacts stem from atmospheric composition responses: CO2 fertilizes crops, offsetting much of the loss induced by warming; halocarbons do not fertilize; methane leads to minimal fertilization but increases surface ozone which augments warming-induced losses. By the end of the century, strong CO2 mitigation improves agricultural yields by ˜3 ± 5%. In contrast, strong methane and hydrofluorocarbon mitigation improve yields by ˜16 ± 5% and ˜5 ± 4%, respectively. These are the first quantitative analyses to include climate, CO2 and ozone simultaneously, and hence, additional studies would be valuable. Nonetheless, as policy makers have leverage over pollutant emissions rather than isolated processes, the perspective presented here may be more useful for decision making than that in the prior work upon which this study builds. The results suggest that policies should target a broad portfolio of pollutant emissions in order to optimize mitigation of societal damages.

Reduced interface spin polarization by antiferromagnetically coupled Mn segregated to the C o2MnSi /GaAs (001) interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rath, Ashutosh; Sivakumar, Chockalingam; Sun, C.; Patel, Sahil J.; Jeong, Jong Seok; Feng, J.; Stecklein, G.; Crowell, Paul A.; Palmstrøm, Chris J.; Butler, William H.; Voyles, Paul M.

2018-01-01

We have investigated the interfacial structure and its correlation with the calculated spin polarization in C o2MnSi /GaAs(001) lateral spin valves. C o2MnSi (CMS) films were grown on As-terminated c(4 ×4 ) GaAs(100) by molecular beam epitaxy using different first atomic layers: MnSi, Co, and Mn. Atomically resolved Z -contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) were used to develop atomic structural models of the CMS/GaAs interfaces that were used as inputs for first-principles calculations to understand the magnetic and electronic properties of the interface. First-principles structures were relaxed and then validated by comparing experimental and simulated high-resolution STEM images. STEM-EELS results show that all three films have similar six atomic layer thick, Mn- and As-rich multilayer interfaces. However, the Co-initiated interface contains a M n2As -like layer, which is antiferromagnetic, and which is not present in the other two interfaces. Density functional theory calculations show a higher degree of interface spin polarization in the Mn- and MnSi-initiated cases, compared to the Co-initiated case, although none of the interfaces are half-metallic. The loss of half-metallicity is attributed, at least in part, to the segregation of Mn at the interface, which leads to the formation of interface states. The implications for the performance of lateral spin valves based on these interfaces are discussed briefly.

Seasonally different carbon flux changes in the Southern Ocean in response to the southern annular mode.

PubMed

Hauck, J; Völker, C; Wang, T; Hoppema, M; Losch, M; Wolf-Gladrow, D A

2013-12-01

Stratospheric ozone depletion and emission of greenhouse gases lead to a trend of the southern annular mode (SAM) toward its high-index polarity. The positive phase of the SAM is characterized by stronger than usual westerly winds that induce changes in the physical carbon transport. Changes in the natural carbon budget of the upper 100 m of the Southern Ocean in response to a positive SAM phase are explored with a coupled ecosystem-general circulation model and regression analysis. Previously overlooked processes that are important for the upper ocean carbon budget during a positive SAM period are identified, namely, export production and downward transport of carbon north of the polar front (PF) as large as the upwelling in the south. The limiting micronutrient iron is brought into the surface layer by upwelling and stimulates phytoplankton growth and export production but only in summer. This leads to a drawdown of carbon and less summertime outgassing (or more uptake) of natural CO 2 . In winter, biological mechanisms are inactive, and the surface ocean equilibrates with the atmosphere by releasing CO 2 . In the annual mean, the upper ocean region south of the PF loses more carbon by additional export production than by the release of CO 2 into the atmosphere, highlighting the role of the biological carbon pump in response to a positive SAM event.

The Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Portfolio. A Report from the Federal Inventory of STEM Education Fast-Track Action Committee Committee on STEM Education National Science and Technology Council

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Executive Office of the President, 2011

2011-01-01

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM) coordinates Federal programs and activities in support of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education pursuant to the requirements of Sec. 101 of the America COMPETES (Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology…

Carbide-metal assemblages in a sample returned from asteroid 25143 Itokawa: Evidence for methane-rich fluids during metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harries, Dennis; Langenhorst, Falko

2018-02-01

We found that the particle RA-QD02-0115 returned by the Hayabusa spacecraft from near-Earth asteroid 25143 Itokawa contains the iron carbide haxonite (Fe21.9-22.7Co0.2-0.3Ni0.2-0.8)C6 and several Fe,Ni alloys, including multi-domain tetrataenite and spinodally decomposed taenite. Ellipsoidal to nearly spherical voids occur throughout the particle and suggest the presence of a fluid phase during textural and chemical equilibration of the host rock within the parent asteroid of 25143 Itokawa. The calculated solubility of carbon in Fe,Ni metal indicates that the carbide formed at temperatures larger than 600 °C during thermal metamorphism of the LL-chondritic mineral assemblage. Haxonite formed metastably with respect to graphite and cohenite, probably due to its high degree of lattice match with neighboring taenite, a low cooling rate at peak metamorphic temperatures, and the hindered nucleation of graphite. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations indicate that the fluid present was dry (H2O-poor) and dominated by methane. The reactive fluid most plausibly had an atomic H/C ratio of 4-5 and was derived from the reduction of macromolecular, insoluble organic matter (IOM) that initially co-accreted with water ice. The initial presence of water is a necessary assumption to provide sufficient hydrogen for the formation of methane from hydrolyzed IOM. Metallic iron was in turn partially oxidized and incorporated into the ferromagnesian silicates during the high-temperature stage of metamorphism. An exemplary bulk reaction from unequilibrated material on the left to an equilibrated assemblage on the right may be written as: 330 CH0.8O0.2(IOM) + 500 H2O(ice/g) + 681 Fe(in alloy) + 566 FeSiO3(in Opx) → 300 CH4(g) + 32 H2(g) + 5 Fe23C6(in Hx) + 566 Fe2SiO4(in Ol) (Opx = orthopyroxene, Hx = haxonite, Ol = olivine, g = fluid species). The best estimate of the fluid/rock ratio in the region of the LL parent body where RA-QD02-0115 formed is about 3 × 10-3 and corresponds to an initial ice/rock ratio of about 7 × 10-3 (both by mass).

Evaluation of somatostatin and nucleolin receptors for therapeutic delivery in non-small cell lung cancer stem cells applying the somatostatin-analog DOTATATE and the nucleolin-targeting aptamer AS1411.

PubMed

Holmboe, Sif; Hansen, Pernille Lund; Thisgaard, Helge; Block, Ines; Müller, Carolin; Langkjær, Niels; Høilund-Carlsen, Poul Flemming; Olsen, Birgitte Brinkmann; Mollenhauer, Jan

2017-01-01

Cancer stem cells represent the putative tumor-driving subpopulation thought to account for drug resistance, relapse, and metastatic spread of epithelial and other cancer types. Accordingly, cell surface markers for therapeutic delivery to cancer stem cells are subject of intense research. Somatostatin receptor 2 and nucleolin are known to be overexpressed by various cancer types, which have elicited comprehensive efforts to explore their therapeutic utilization. Here, we evaluated somatostatin receptor 2 targeting and nucleolin targeting for therapeutic delivery to cancer stem cells from lung cancer. Nucleolin is expressed highly but not selectively, while somatostatin receptor 2 is expressed selectively but not highly by cancer cells. The non-small cell lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299, displayed average levels of both surface molecules as judged based on analysis of a larger cell line panel. H1299 compared to A549 cells showed significantly elevated sphere-forming capacity, indicating higher cancer stem cell content, thus qualifying as suitable test system. Nucleolin-targeting 57Co-DOTA-AS1411 aptamer showed efficient internalization by cancer cells and, remarkably, at even higher efficiency by cancer stem cells. In contrast, somatostatin receptor 2 expression levels were not sufficiently high in H1299 cells to confer efficient uptake by either non-cancer stem cells or cancer stem cells. The data provides indication that the nucleolin-targeting AS1411 aptamer might be used for therapeutic delivery to non-small cell lung cancer stem cells.

Well-based stable carbon isotope leakage monitoring of an aquifer overlying the CO2 storage reservoir at the Ketzin pilot site, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowak, Martin; Myrttinen, Anssi; Zimmer, Martin; van Geldern, Robert; Barth, Johannes A. C.

2014-05-01

At the pilot site for CO2 storage in Ketzin, a new well-based leakage-monitoring concept was established, comprising geochemical and hydraulic observations of the aquifer directly above the CO2 reservoir (Wiese et al., 2013, Nowak et al. 2013). Its purpose was to allow early detection of un-trapped CO2. Within this monitoring concept, we established a stable carbon isotope monitoring of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). If baseline isotope values of aquifer DIC (δ13CDIC) and reservoir CO2 (δ13CCO2) are known and distinct from each other, the δ13CDIC has the potential to serve as an an early indicator for an impact of leaked CO2 on the aquifer brine. The observation well of the overlying aquifer was equipped with an U-tube sampling system that allowed sampling of unaltered brine. The high alkaline drilling mud that was used during well drilling masked δ13CDIC values at the beginning of the monitoring campaign. However, subsequent monitoring allowed observing on-going re-equilibration of the brine, indicated by changing δ13CDIC and other geochemical values, until values ranging around -23 ‰ were reached. The latter were close to baseline values before drilling. Baselineδ13CDIC and δ13CCO2 values were used to derive a geochemical and isotope model that predicts evolution of δ13CDIC, if CO2 from the reservoir would leak into the aquifer. The model shows that equilibrium isotope fractionation would have to be considered if CO2 dissolves in the brine. The model suggests that stable carbon isotope monitoring is a suitable tool to assess the impact of injected CO2 in overlying groundwater aquifers. However, more data are required to close gaps of knowledge about fractionation behaviour within the CO2(g) - DIC system under elevated pressures and temperatures. Nowak, M., Myrttinen, A., Zimmer, M., Wiese, B., van Geldern, R., Barth, J.A.C., 2013. Well-based, Geochemical Leakage Monitoring of an Aquifer Immediately Above a CO2 Storage Reservoir by Stable Carbon Isotopes at the Ketzin Pilot Site, Germany. Energy Procedia 40, 346-354. Wiese, B., Zimmer, M., Nowak, M., Pellizzari, L., Pilz, P., 2013. Well-based hydraulic and geochemical monitoring of the above zone of the CO2 reservoir at Ketzin, Germany. Environmental Earth Sciences, 1-18.

Variable mixing and degassing of mantle CO2 within continental subsurface water bodies evidenced by compared gas geochemistry and fluid-phase equilibrium modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Virgile, R.

2016-12-01

The continental degassing of mantle volatiles is known from a variety of areas characterized by Asthenosphere updoming, such as the US Basin and Range and the European Cenozoic Rift System. Mantle degassing is there usually associated to magmatic provinces where non-volcanic upwellings of cold to hot waters are frequently associated with high CO2 gas loads. The resulting aquifers, springs and mofets express variable gas compositions which are often attributed to the mixing of crustal and mantle CO2, and less often to the variable degassing states of the waters. Indeed, the compositions of water and gas in CO2, δ13C and the noble gases may justify both models. However, the implications of each model for the bulk degassing mass quantification of mantle volatiles are drastically different, and would therefore need to be confirmed or rejected on a case by case basis. We introduce here a new model for predicting fluid phase equilibrium for systems comprising CO2-CH4-H2-H2S-N2-O2-He-Ne-Ar-Kr-Xe-H2O-NaCl at shallow subsurface conditions (1-250 bars, 0-150°C). The model was applied in P-T conditions comparable to non-volcanic CO2 degassing systems, where initial fluids were defined as variable mixtures of air equilibrated water (AEW) and mantle volatiles (CO2, He, CO2/3He = 5 x109). Literature data from European non-volcanic mantle degassing systems were compiled and compared to different modeling scenarios. The distribution of the CO2/3He (from 108 to 1012) and N2/3He (from 106 to 1011) ratios in natural samples are consistent with the open system degassing of initial fluids at depths above 2000m, with variable recharges of AEW. Initial single phase fluids are composed of up to 300 mol.m-3 CO2, 7 x10-3 mol.m-3 He and N2 with typical AEW contents (0.5 mol.m-3). Most degassed systems correspond to 98% degassed initial fluids, which incorporated up to 10% of fresh AEW subsequently to degassing. Our results suggest that fluid phase fractionation effects alone are sufficient to generate the range of compositions observed in the studied natural water-gas systems, without the need to invoke a crustal CO2 end-member.

Accelerated generation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells by forced expression of Sox10 and Olig2.

PubMed

Li, Pengyan; Li, Mo; Tang, Xihe; Wang, Shuyan; Zhang, Y Alex; Chen, Zhiguo

2016-11-01

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) hold great promise for treatment of dysmyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Recent studies on generation of human OPCs mainly use human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or neural stem cells (NSCs) as starter cell sources for the differentiation process. However, NSCs are restricted in availability and the present method for generation of oligodendrocytes (OLs) from ESCs often requires a lengthy period of time. Here, we demonstrated a protocol to efficiently derive OPCs from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by forced expression of two transcription factors (2TFs), Sox10 and Olig2. With this method, PDGFRα + OPCs can be obtained in 14 days and O4 + OPCs in 56 days. Furthermore, OPCs may be able to differentiate to mature OLs that could ensheath axons when co-cultured with rat cortical neurons. The results have implications in the development of autologous cell therapies.

Development of in situ CO2 and pH sensor for AUVs and ROVs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Yoshiyuki; Kimoto, Hideshi; Miwa, Tetsuya; Yoshida, Hiroshi

2013-04-01

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has been developing two-type autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs): a cruising AUV and a working AUV, since October 2010. These vehicles will perform carbon dioxide (CO2) and pH observations to explore hydrothermal plume on seabed mineral resources and to monitor a leak of CO2 in carbon capture and storage (CCS) up to depth of 3,000 meters. We here have been developing the compact in situ CO2 and pH sensor (Hybrid CO2-pH sensor: HCS) for the AUVs to obtain vertical and horizontal distributions of CO2 and pH. The HCS consists of an aluminum pressure housing (diameter 84 mm, length 570 mm, weight 4 kg) and an acrylic silicon-oil filled, pressure-compensated vessel (diameter 90 mm, length 355 mm, weight 2 kg) containing valves and pump unit. The HCS is also useful for the observation by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The measured data were transmitted to the AUVs or ROVs by serial communications. We can monitor the data of in situ pCO2, pH and so on in real time on board. The measurement principle for the CO2 sensor is based on spectrophotometry. The pCO2 is calculated from the optical absorbance of the pH indicator solution equilibrated with CO2 in seawater through a gas permeable membrane. On the other hand, we adopt potentiometric analysis using original glass and reference electrodes as a pH sensor because of the most commonly used technique for sea water pH measurements and high-speed response (within 20 seconds). From simultaneously measured data of in situ pCO2 and pH, we can also calculate dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) as other carbonate species in the ocean. The resolutions of HCS are 1 μatm for pCO2 and 0.001 pH. In the laboratory experiment, the HCS obtained precisions within 3 μatm and within 0.01 pH, respectively. Our first in situ observational test of the HSC with cruising AUV was made in the coast of the Japan Sea last August. And also first in situ test of the HCS with ROV was performed at Okinawa Trough last September. The data obtained from each tests are consistent with predictions based on past studies.

Evidence for long term deep CO2 confinement below thick Jurassic shales at Montmiral site (SE Basin of France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubert, Y.; Ramboz, C.; Le Nindre, Y. M.; Lerouge, C.; Lescanne, M.

2009-04-01

Studies of natural CO2 analogues bring key information on the factors governing the long term (>1My) stability/instability of future anthropogenic CO2 storages. The main objective of this work is to trace the deep-origin CO2 migrations in fractures in the Montmiral CO2 deep natural occurrence (Valence Basin, SE France). The final objective is to document the reservoir feeding and the possible leakages through overlying series. The CO2 reservoir is hosted within a horst controlled by a N-S fault network. From the Triassic to Eocene, the Montmiral area was part of the South-East Basin of France. This period is marked by the Tethysian extension phase (Triassic-Cretaceous) followed by the closure of the basin which culminated during the Pyrenean compressive phase (Eocene). Then, from the late Eocene, the Valence Basin was individualised in particular during the Oligocene E-W rifting affecting the West of Europe. Finally the eastern border of the Basin was overthrusted by Mesozoic formations during the Alpine orogenesis (Miocene). The Montmiral CO2 reservoir is intersected by the currently productive V.Mo.2 well, drilled through Miocene to Triassic sedimentary formations, and reaching the Palaeozoic substratum at a depth of 2771 meters. The CO2 is trapped below a depth of 2340 meters, at the base of sandy, evaporitic and calcareous formations (2340-2771m), Triassic to Sinemurian in age. These units are overlain by a 575 m-thick Domerian to Oxfordian marly sequence which seals the CO2 reservoir. Above these marls, calcareous strata (1792-1095 m), Oxfordian to Cretaceous in age, and sandy clayey formations (1095-0 m), Oligocene and Miocene in age, are deposited. The various stratigraphic levels from the Miocene to the basement were cored over a total length of ~100m. From bottom to top, three lithological units, which exhibit well characterised contrasted diagenetic evolution, record various stages and effects of the CO2 migration: - Lower unit: Palaeozoic metamorphic basement; - Middle unit: Triassic-Liassic reservoir; - Upper unit: late Jurassic to Cretaceous. The middle unit (reservoir) and the upper unit are separated by the thick, tight seal, Domerian to Oxfordian in age. The definition of these lithological units was made using combined petrographic techniques (cathodoluminescence CL, fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, crushing tests), geochemical techniques (C and O isotopes) and microthermometry. Lower unit: Paleozoïc basement - In the metamorphic basement, aquo-carbonic and CO2-dominant fluids are trapped as primary fluid inclusions in hydrothermal barite and fluoroapatite, and as secondary fluid inclusions in extensionnal microcracks crosscutting metamorphic quartz. All these fluids, trapped in the two-phase stability field, indicate firstly a limited phase separation at 300°C and 400-500 bars evolving toward wider CO2-H2O unmixing at 200°C and 200 bars. Basinal saline brines (10 and 15-25 wt % eq. NaCl and 70

The Isolation and Characterization of Human Prostate Cancer Stem Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-01

2Departmentof Pathologyand LaboratoryMedicine,DavidGeffen SchoolofMedicine, Universityof Californiaat Los Angeles, Los Angeles,California...Invitrogen, ant-pm-1) and incubated at 378C in humidified air containing 5% CO2. Due to technical issues with cultivating and maintaining rodent uro

Sensitivities of Earth's core and mantle compositions to accretion and differentiation processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, Rebecca A.; Campbell, Andrew J.; Ciesla, Fred J.

2017-01-01

The Earth and other terrestrial planets formed through the accretion of smaller bodies, with their core and mantle compositions primarily set by metal-silicate interactions during accretion. The conditions of these interactions are poorly understood, but could provide insight into the mechanisms of planetary core formation and the composition of Earth's core. Here we present modeling of Earth's core formation, combining results of 100 N-body accretion simulations with high pressure-temperature metal-silicate partitioning experiments. We explored how various aspects of accretion and core formation influence the resulting core and mantle chemistry: depth of equilibration, amounts of metal and silicate that equilibrate, initial distribution of oxidation states in the disk, temperature distribution in the planet, and target:impactor ratio of equilibrating silicate. Virtually all sets of model parameters that are able to reproduce the Earth's mantle composition result in at least several weight percent of both silicon and oxygen in the core, with more silicon than oxygen. This implies that the core's light element budget may be dominated by these elements, and is consistent with ≤1-2 wt% of other light elements. Reproducing geochemical and geophysical constraints requires that Earth formed from reduced materials that equilibrated at temperatures near or slightly above the mantle liquidus during accretion. The results indicate a strong tradeoff between the compositional effects of the depth of equilibration and the amounts of metal and silicate that equilibrate, so these aspects should be targeted in future studies aiming to better understand core formation conditions. Over the range of allowed parameter space, core and mantle compositions are most sensitive to these factors as well as stochastic variations in what the planet accreted as a function of time, so tighter constraints on these parameters will lead to an improved understanding of Earth's core composition.

Revisiting the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in a tourism development context.

PubMed

de Vita, Glauco; Katircioglu, Salih; Altinay, Levent; Fethi, Sami; Mercan, Mehmet

2015-11-01

This study investigates empirically an extended version of the Environmental Kuznets Curve model that controls for tourism development. We find that international tourist arrivals into Turkey alongside income, squared income and energy consumption, cointegrate with CO2 emissions. Tourist arrivals, growth, and energy consumption exert a positive and significant impact on CO2 emissions in the long-run. Our results provide empirical support to EKC hypothesis showing that at exponential levels of growth, CO2 emissions decline. The findings suggest that despite the environmental degradation stemming from tourism development, policies aimed at environmental protection should not be pursued at the expense of tourism-led growth.

Proliferative capacity and osteogenic potential of novel dura mater stem cells on poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid.

PubMed

Petrie, Caren; Tholpady, Sunil; Ogle, Roy; Botchwey, Edward

2008-04-01

The rational design of biomimetic structures for the regeneration of damaged or missing tissue is a fundamental principle of tissue engineering. Multiple variables must be optimized, ranging from the scaffold type to the selection and properties of implanted cell(s). In this study, the osteogenic potential of a novel stem cell was analyzed on biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) biomaterials as a step toward creating new cell-materials constructs for bony regeneration. Dura mater stem cells (DSCs), isolated from rat dura mater, were evaluated and compared to bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) for proliferative and differentiative properties in vitro. Experiments were carried out on both tissue culture plastic (TCP) and 2D planar films of PLGA. Proliferation of DSCs on both TCP and PLGA films increased over 21 days. Positive fold inductions in all five bone marker genes were observed at days 7, 14, 21 in all experimental samples compared with day 0 controls. DSCs demonstrated greater cell coverage and enhanced matrix staining on 2D PLGA films when compared with BMSCs. These cells can be isolated and expanded in culture and can subsequently attach, proliferate, and differentiate on both TCP and PLGA films to a greater extent than BMSCs. This suggests that DSCs are promising for cell-based bone tissue engineering therapies, particularly those applications involving regeneration of cranial bones. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Epimorphin Regulates the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche via Effects on the Stromal Microenvironment.

PubMed

Vishy, Courtney E; Swietlicki, Elzbieta A; Gazit, Vered; Amara, Suneetha; Heslop, Gabriela; Lu, Jianyun; Levin, Marc S; Rubin, Deborah C

2018-04-06

Stem cell therapy is a potential therapeutic approach for disorders characterized by intestinal injury or loss of functional surface area. Stem cell function and proliferation are mediated by the stem cell niche. Stromal cells such as intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMFs) are important but poorly studied components of the stem cell niche. To examine the role of ISEMFs, we have previously generated mice with deletion of epimorphin (Epim), an ISEMF protein and member of the syntaxin family of intracellular vesicle docking proteins that regulate cell secretion. Herein we explore the mechanisms for previous observations that Epim deletion increases gut crypt cell proliferation, crypt fission and small bowel length in vivo. Stem cell derived crypt culture techniques were used to explore the interaction between enteroids and myofibroblasts from Epim -/- and WT mice. Enteroids co-cultured with ISEMFS had increased growth and crypt-like budding compared to enteroids cultured without stromal support. Epim deletion in ISEMFs resulted in increased enteroid budding and surface area compared to co-cultures with WT ISEMFs. In primary crypt cultures, Epim -/- enteroids had significantly increased surface area and budding compared WTs. However stem cell assays comparing the number of Epim -/- vs WT colony forming units after first passage showed no differences in the absence of ISEMF support. Epim -/- vs. WT ISEMFs had increased Wnt4 expression and addition of Wnt4 to WT co-cultures enhanced budding. We conclude that ISEMFs play an important role in the stem cell niche. Epim regulates stem cell proliferation and differentiation via stromal contributions to the niche microenvironment.

Growth history of Kilauea inferred from volatile concentrations in submarine-collected basalts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coombs, Michelle L.; Sisson, Thomas W.; Lipman, Peter W.

2006-03-01

Major-element and volatile (H 2O, CO 2, S) compositions of glasses from the submarine flanks of Kilauea Volcano record its growth from pre-shield into tholeiite shield-stage. Pillow lavas of mildly alkalic basalt at 2600-1900 mbsl on the upper slope of the south flank are an intermediate link between deeper alkalic volcaniclastics and the modern tholeiite shield. Lava clast glasses from the west flank of Papau Seamount are subaerial Mauna Loa-like tholeiite and mark the contact between the two volcanoes. H 2O and CO 2 in sandstone and breccia glasses from the Hilina bench, and in alkalic to tholeiitic pillow glasses above and to the east, were measured by FTIR. Volatile saturation pressures equal sampling depths (10 MPa = 1000 m water) for south flank and Puna Ridge pillow lavas, suggesting recovery near eruption depths and/or vapor re-equilibration during down-slope flow. South flank glasses are divisible into low-pressure (CO 2 < 40 ppm, H 2O < 0.5 wt.%, S < 500 ppm), moderate-pressure (CO 2 < 40 ppm, H 2O > 0.5 wt.%, S 1000-1700 ppm), and high-pressure groups (CO 2 > 40 ppm, S > ˜1000 ppm), corresponding to eruption ≥ sea level, at moderate water depths (300-1000 m) or shallower but in disequilibrium, and in deep water (> 1000 m). Saturation pressures range widely in early alkalic to strongly alkalic breccia clast and sandstone glasses, establishing that early Kīlauea's vents spanned much of Mauna Loa's submarine flank, with some vents exceeding sea level. Later south flank alkalic pillow lavas expose a sizeable submarine edifice that grew concurrent with nearby subaerial alkalic eruptions. The onset of the tholeiitic shield stage is marked by extension of eruptions eastward and into deeper water (to 5500 m) during growth of the Puna Ridge. Subaerial and shallow water eruptions from earliest Kilauea show that it is underlain shallowly by Mauna Loa, implying that Mauna Loa is larger, and Kilauea smaller, than previously recognized.

Triplet Excitation Transfer between Carotenoids in the LH2 Complex from Photosynthetic Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris.

PubMed

Feng, Juan; Wang, Qian; Wu, Yi-Shi; Ai, Xi-Cheng; Zhang, Xu-Jia; Huang, You-Guo; Zhang, Xing-Kang; Zhang, Jian-Ping

2004-01-01

We have studied, by means of sub-microsecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy, the triplet-excited state dynamics of carotenoids (Cars) in the intermediate-light adapted LH2 complex (ML-LH2) from Rhodopseudomonas palustris containing Cars with different numbers of conjugated double bonds. Following pulsed photo-excitation at 590 nm at room temperature, rapid spectral equilibration was observed either as a red shift of the isosbestic wavelength on a time scale of 0.6-1.0 mus, or as a fast decay in the shorter-wavelength side of the T(n)<--T(1) absorption of Cars with a time constant of 0.5-0.8 mus. Two major spectral components assignable to Cars with 11 and 12 conjugated double bonds were identified. The equilibration was not observed in the ML-LH2 at 77 K, or in the LH2 complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides G1C containing a single type of Car. The unique spectral equilibration was ascribed to temperature-dependent triplet excitation transfer among different Car compositions. The results suggest that Cars of 11 and 12 conjugated bonds, both in close proximity of BChls, may coexist in an alpha,beta-subunit of the ML-LH2 complex.

Importance of equilibration time in the partitioning and toxicity of zinc in spiked sediment bioassays

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, J.-S.; Lee, B.-G.; Luoma, S.N.; Yoo, H.

2004-01-01

The influences of spiked Zn concentrations (1-40 ??mol/g) and equilibration time (???95 d) on the partitioning of Zn between pore water (PW) and sediment were evaluated with estuarine sediments containing two levels (5 and 15 ??mol/g) of acid volatile sulfides (AVS). Their influence on Zn bioavailability was also evaluated by a parallel, 10-d amphipod (Leptocheirus plumulosus) mortality test at 5, 20, and 85 d of equilibration. During the equilibration, AVS increased (up to twofold) with spiked Zn concentration ([Zn]), whereas Zn-simultaneously extracted metals ([SEM]; Zn with AVS) remained relatively constant. Concentrations of Zn in PW decreased most rapidly during the initial 30 d and by 11- to 23-fold during the whole 95-d equilibration period. The apparent partitioning coefficient (Kpw, ratio of [Zn] in SEM to PW) increased by 10- to 20-fold with time and decreased with spiked [Zn] in sediments. The decrease of PW [Zn] could be explained by a combination of changes in AVS and redistribution of Zn into more insoluble phases as the sediment aged. Amphipod mortality decreased significantly with the equilibration time, consistent with decrease in dissolved [Zn]. The median lethal concentration (LC50) value (33 ??M) in the second bioassay, conducted after 20 d of equilibration, was twofold the LC50 in the initial bioassay at 5 d of equilibration, probably because of the change of dissolved Zn speciation. Sediment bioassay protocols employing a short equilibration time and high spiked metal concentrations could accentuate partitioning of metals to the dissolved phase and shift the pathway for metal exposure toward the dissolved phase.

Data of continuous harvest of stem cells via partial detachment from thermoresponsive nanobrush surfaces

PubMed Central

Yeh, Chin-Chen; Muduli, Saradaprasan; Peng, I-Chia; Lu, Yi-Tung; Ling, Qing-Dong; Alarfaj, Abdullah A.; Munusamy, Murugan A.; Kumar, S. Suresh; Murugan, Kadarkarai; Chen, Da-Chung; Lee, Hsin-chung; Chang, Yung; Higuchi, Akon

2016-01-01

This data article contains two figures and one table supporting the research article entitled: “Continuous harvest of stem cells via partial detachment from thermoresponsive nanobrush surface” [1]. The table shows coating conditions of three copolymers, poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) grafted with oligovitronectin, poly(styrene-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(styrene-co-polyethylene glycol methacrylate) to prepare thermoresponsive surface. XPS spectra show the nitrogen peak of the polystyrene surface coated with poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) grafted with oligovitronectin. The surface coating density analyzed from sorption of poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) grafted with oligovitronectin by UV–vis spectroscopy is also presented. PMID:26909373

Chitosan derived co-spheroids of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells for neural regeneration.

PubMed

Han, Hao-Wei; Hsu, Shan-Hui

2017-10-01

Chitosan has been considered as candidate biomaterials for neural applications. The effective treatment of neurodegeneration or injury to the central nervous system (CNS) is still in lack nowadays. Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) represents a promising cell source to treat the CNS diseases but they are limited in number. Here, we developed the core-shell spheroids of NSCs (shell) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, core) by co-culturing cells on the chitosan surface. The NSCs in chitosan derived co-spheroids displayed a higher survival rate than those in NSC homo-spheroids. The direct interaction of NSCs with MSCs in the co-spheroids increased the Notch activity and differentiation tendency of NSCs. Meanwhile, the differentiation potential of MSCs in chitosan derived co-spheroids was significantly enhanced toward neural lineages. Furthermore, NSC homo-spheroids and NSC/MSC co-spheroids derived on chitosan were evaluated for their in vivo efficacy by the embryonic and adult zebrafish brain injury models. The locomotion activity of zebrafish receiving chitosan derived NSC homo-spheroids or NSC/MSC co-spheroids was partially rescued in both models. Meanwhile, the higher survival rate was observed in the group of adult zebrafish implanted with chitosan derived NSC/MSC co-spheroids as compared to NSC homo-spheroids. These evidences indicate that chitosan may provide an extracellular matrix-like environment to drive the interaction and the morphological assembly between NSCs and MSCs and promote their neural differentiation capacities, which can be used for neural regeneration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spatial and temporal patterns of xylem sap pH derived from stems and twigs of Populus deltoides L.

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

Aubrey, Doug P.; Boyles, Justin G.; Krysinsky, Laura S.

2011-02-12

Xylem sap pH (pHX) is critical in determining the quantity of inorganic carbon dissolved in xylem solution from gaseous [CO2] measurements. Studies of internal carbon transport have generally assumed that pHX derived from stems and twigs is similar and that pHX remains constant through time; however, no empirical studies have investigated these assumptions. If any of these assumptions are violated, potentially large errors can be introduced into calculations of dissolved CO 2 in xylem and resulting estimates of internal carbon transport.Wetested the validity of assumptions related to pHX in Populus deltoides L. with a series of non-manipulative experiments. The pHXmore » derived from stems and twigs was generally similar and remained relatively constant through a diel period. The only exception was that pHX derived from lower stem sections at night was higher than that derived from twigs. The pHX derived from stems was similar on clear days when solar radiation and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were similar, but higher on an overcast day when solar radiation and VPD were lower. Similarly, cloudy conditions immediately before an afternoon thunderstorm increased pHX derived from twigs. The pHX derived from twigs remained similar when measured on sunny afternoons between July and October. Our results suggest that common assumptions of pHX used in studies of internal carbon transport appear valid for P. deltoides and further suggest pHX is influenced by environmental factors, such as solar radiation and VPD that affect transpiration rates.« less

Uncertainty and variability in laboratory derived sorption parameters of sediments from a uranium in situ recovery site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dangelmayr, Martin A.; Reimus, Paul W.; Johnson, Raymond H.; Clay, James T.; Stone, James J.

2018-06-01

This research assesses the ability of a GC SCM to simulate uranium transport under variable geochemical conditions typically encountered at uranium in-situ recovery (ISR) sites. Sediment was taken from a monitoring well at the SRH site at depths 192 and 193 m below ground and characterized by XRD, XRF, TOC, and BET. Duplicate column studies on the different sediment depths, were flushed with synthesized restoration waters at two different alkalinities (160 mg/l CaCO3 and 360 mg/l CaCO3) to study the effect of alkalinity on uranium mobility. Uranium breakthrough occurred 25% - 30% earlier in columns with 360 mg/l CaCO3 over columns fed with 160 mg/l CaCO3 influent water. A parameter estimation program (PEST) was coupled to PHREEQC to derive site densities from experimental data. Significant parameter fittings were produced for all models, demonstrating that the GC SCM approach can model the impact of carbonate on uranium in flow systems. Derived site densities for the two sediment depths were between 141 and 178 μmol-sites/kg-soil, demonstrating similar sorption capacities despite heterogeneity in sediment mineralogy. Model sensitivity to alkalinity and pH was shown to be moderate compared to fitted site densities, when calcite saturation was allowed to equilibrate. Calcite kinetics emerged as a potential source of error when fitting parameters in flow conditions. Fitted results were compared to data from previous batch and column studies completed on sediments from the Smith-Ranch Highland (SRH) site, to assess variability in derived parameters. Parameters from batch experiments were lower by a factor of 1.1 to 3.4 compared to column studies completed on the same sediments. The difference was attributed to errors in solid-solution ratios and the impact of calcite dissolution in batch experiments. Column studies conducted at two different laboratories showed almost an order of magnitude difference in fitted site densities suggesting that experimental methodology may play a bigger role in column sorption behavior than actual sediment heterogeneity. Our results demonstrate the necessity for ISR sites to remove residual pCO2 and equilibrate restoration water with background geochemistry to reduce uranium mobility. In addition, the observed variability between fitted parameters on the same sediments highlights the need to provide standardized guidelines and methodology for regulators and industry when the GC SCM approach is used for ISR risk assessments.

Uncertainty and variability in laboratory derived sorption parameters of sediments from a uranium in situ recovery site.

PubMed

Dangelmayr, Martin A; Reimus, Paul W; Johnson, Raymond H; Clay, James T; Stone, James J

2018-06-01

This research assesses the ability of a GC SCM to simulate uranium transport under variable geochemical conditions typically encountered at uranium in-situ recovery (ISR) sites. Sediment was taken from a monitoring well at the SRH site at depths 192 and 193 m below ground and characterized by XRD, XRF, TOC, and BET. Duplicate column studies on the different sediment depths, were flushed with synthesized restoration waters at two different alkalinities (160 mg/l CaCO 3 and 360 mg/l CaCO 3 ) to study the effect of alkalinity on uranium mobility. Uranium breakthrough occurred 25% - 30% earlier in columns with 360 mg/l CaCO 3 over columns fed with 160 mg/l CaCO 3 influent water. A parameter estimation program (PEST) was coupled to PHREEQC to derive site densities from experimental data. Significant parameter fittings were produced for all models, demonstrating that the GC SCM approach can model the impact of carbonate on uranium in flow systems. Derived site densities for the two sediment depths were between 141 and 178 μmol-sites/kg-soil, demonstrating similar sorption capacities despite heterogeneity in sediment mineralogy. Model sensitivity to alkalinity and pH was shown to be moderate compared to fitted site densities, when calcite saturation was allowed to equilibrate. Calcite kinetics emerged as a potential source of error when fitting parameters in flow conditions. Fitted results were compared to data from previous batch and column studies completed on sediments from the Smith-Ranch Highland (SRH) site, to assess variability in derived parameters. Parameters from batch experiments were lower by a factor of 1.1 to 3.4 compared to column studies completed on the same sediments. The difference was attributed to errors in solid-solution ratios and the impact of calcite dissolution in batch experiments. Column studies conducted at two different laboratories showed almost an order of magnitude difference in fitted site densities suggesting that experimental methodology may play a bigger role in column sorption behavior than actual sediment heterogeneity. Our results demonstrate the necessity for ISR sites to remove residual pCO2 and equilibrate restoration water with background geochemistry to reduce uranium mobility. In addition, the observed variability between fitted parameters on the same sediments highlights the need to provide standardized guidelines and methodology for regulators and industry when the GC SCM approach is used for ISR risk assessments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of abundant ethane and methane, along with carbon monoxide and water, in comet C/1996 B2 Hyakutake: evidence for interstellar origin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mumma, M. J.; DiSanti, M. A.; Dello Russo, N.; Fomenkova, M.; Magee-Sauer, K.; Kaminski, C. D.; Xie, D. X.

1996-01-01

The saturated hydrocarbons ethane (C2H6) and methane (CH4) along with carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H2O) were detected in comet C/1996 B2 Hyakutake with the use of high-resolution infrared spectroscopy at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The inferred production rates of molecular gases from the icy, cometary nucleus (in molecules per second) are 6.4 X 10(26) for C2H6, 1.2 X 10(27) for CH4, 9.8 X 10(27) for CO, and 1.7 X 10(29) for H2O. An abundance of C2H6 comparable to that of CH4 implies that ices in C/1996 B2 Hyakutake did not originate in a thermochemically equilibrated region of the solar nebula. The abundances are consistent with a kinetically controlled production process, but production of C2H6 by gas-phase ion molecule reactions in the natal cloud core is energetically forbidden. The high C2H6/CH4 ratio is consistent with production of C2H6 in icy grain mantles in the natal cloud, either by photolysis of CH4-rich ice or by hydrogen-addition reactions to acetylene condensed from the gas phase.

The consequences of crystal relaxation on CO2 partitioning in plagioclase-hosted melt inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drignon, M. J.; Nielsen, R.; Moore, L.; Bodnar, R. J.; Tepley, F. J., III; Kotash, A.

2017-12-01

Melt inclusions (MI) are samples of magmas representing the early stages of the development of the system, both spatially and compositionally. However, little work has been done to test and understand whether MI in plagioclase faithfully sample and maintain a record of the magmatic history. Here, we examine the effects of post entrapment processes such as sidewall crystallization (PEC) and crystal relaxation that may occur during transport and eruption and, thus alter the composition of MI. To better understand the effects of PEC and crystal relaxation, time-series experiments were conducted on plagioclase-hosted MI from plagioclase ultraphyric basalts to evaluate the extent of crystal relaxation. Run times ranged from 30 min to 4 days. To evaluate the magnitude of the effect, we analyzed the CO2 content in the vapor bubbles using Raman spectroscopy. CO2 in the MI glass was determined by SIMS. The working assumption was that relaxation would lead to a pressure drop within the MI leading to an increase in CO2 in the vapor bubbles as CO2 moved from the melt to the bubble. In addition, a drop in pressure was expected to affect the major element composition of the MI. Our results demonstrated that Na2O, CaO and Al2O3 in the MI decreased, and SiO2 and MgO increased as a function of run time. However, the magnitude of the changes cannot be explained by plagioclase melting alone. In addition, our preliminary data show more CO2 in the vapor bubbles after the 4 day runs than after 30 min runs. Using our SIMS data, and applying the total CO2 reconstruction methodology described in Moore et al. (2015), we estimate that 61% of the total CO2 in the MI is contained within the vapor bubbles after the 4 day runs and 37 % of the CO2 is in the vapor bubbles after 30 min. We hypothesize that after 4 days the CO2 exsolved from the melt into the vapor bubble and is not re-dissolved into the melt due to crystal relaxation and the concomitant pressure decrease in the MI. This suggests that plagioclase-hosted MI hold their volatiles after long runs. The total CO2 reconstruction indicates that the MI were trapped between 3000 and 6000 bars which correspond to 9-18 km. These pressures represent the pressures of last equilibration and suggest that plagioclase megacrysts crystallized in the upper mantle, and are not related to processes within or above the magma lens.

Atmospheric CO2 enrichment alters energy assimilation, investment and allocation in Xanthium strumarium.

PubMed

Nagel, Jennifer M; Wang, Xianzhong; Lewis, James D; Fung, Howard A; Tissue, David T; Griffin, Kevin L

2005-05-01

Energy-use efficiency and energy assimilation, investment and allocation patterns are likely to influence plant growth responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]). Here, we describe the influence of elevated [CO2] on energetic properties as a mechanism of growth responses in Xanthium strumarium. Individuals of X. strumarium were grown at ambient or elevated [CO2] and harvested. Total biomass and energetic construction costs (CC) of leaves, stems, roots and fruits and percentage of total biomass and energy allocated to these components were determined. Photosynthetic energy-use efficiency (PEUE) was calculated as the ratio of total energy gained via photosynthetic activity (Atotal) to leaf CC. Elevated [CO2] increased leaf Atotal, but decreased CC per unit mass of leaves and roots. Consequently, X. strumarium individuals produced more leaf and root biomass at elevated [CO2] without increasing total energy investment in these structures (CCtotal). Whole-plant biomass was associated positively with PEUE. Whole-plant construction required 16.1% less energy than modeled whole-plant energy investment had CC not responded to increased [CO2]. As a physiological mechanism affecting growth, altered energetic properties could positively influence productivity of X. strumarium, and potentially other species, at elevated [CO2].

Equilibration in finite Bose systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolschin, Georg

2018-06-01

The equilibration of a finite Bose system is modeled using a gradient expansion of the collision integral that leads to a nonlinear transport equation. For constant transport coefficients, it is solved in closed form through a nonlinear transformation. Using schematic initial conditions, the exact solution and the equilibration time are derived and compared to the corresponding case for fermions. Applications to the fast equilibration of the gluon system created initially in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, and to cold quantum gases are envisaged.

Characterization of A Three-Dimensional Organotypic Co-Culture Skin Model for Epidermal Differentiation of Rat Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

PubMed

Ghanavati, Zeinab; Orazizadeh, Mahmoud; Bayati, Vahid; Abbaspour, Mohammad Reza; Khorsandi, Layasadat; Mansouri, Esrafil; Neisi, Niloofar

2016-01-01

The organotypic co-culture is a well-known technique to examine cellular interactions and their roles in stem cell proliferation and differentiation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dermal fibroblasts (DFs) on epidermal differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) using a three-dimensional (3D) organotypic co- culture technique. In this experimental research study, rat DFs and ASCs were isolated and cultured separately on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices. The PCL matrices seeded by ASCs were superimposed on to the matrices seeded by DFs in order to create a 3D organotypic co-culture. In the control groups, PCL matrices seeded by ASCs were placed on matrices devoid of DFs. After 10 days, we assessed the expressions of keratinocyte-related genes by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and expression of pan-cytokeratin protein by immunofluorescence in the differentiated keratinocyte-like cells from co- culture and control groups. Keratinocyte-like cell morphologies were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The early, intermediate, and terminal differentiation keratinocyte markers-Cytokeratin14, Filaggrin, and Involucrin significantly expressed in the co-culture groups com- pared to the control ones (P<0.05). We observed pan-cytokeratin in keratinocyte-like cells of both groups by immunofluorescence. SEM observation of the co-culture groups showed that the differentiated keratinocyte-like cells developed a polygonal cobblestone shape, considered characteristic of keratinocytes. The 3D organotypic co-culture bilayered construct that consisted of DFs and ASCs was an effective technique for epidermal differentiation of ASCs. This co-culture might be useful for epidermal differentiation of stem cells for future applications in skin regeneration.

Characterization of A Three-Dimensional Organotypic Co-Culture Skin Model for Epidermal Differentiation of Rat Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Ghanavati, Zeinab; Orazizadeh, Mahmoud; Bayati, Vahid; Abbaspour, Mohammad Reza; Khorsandi, Layasadat; Mansouri, Esrafil; Neisi, Niloofar

2016-01-01

Objective The organotypic co-culture is a well-known technique to examine cellular interactions and their roles in stem cell proliferation and differentiation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dermal fibroblasts (DFs) on epidermal differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) using a three-dimensional (3D) organotypic co- culture technique. Materials and Methods In this experimental research study, rat DFs and ASCs were isolated and cultured separately on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices. The PCL matrices seeded by ASCs were superimposed on to the matrices seeded by DFs in order to create a 3D organotypic co-culture. In the control groups, PCL matrices seeded by ASCs were placed on matrices devoid of DFs. After 10 days, we assessed the expressions of keratinocyte-related genes by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and expression of pan-cytokeratin protein by immunofluorescence in the differentiated keratinocyte-like cells from co- culture and control groups. Keratinocyte-like cell morphologies were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results The early, intermediate, and terminal differentiation keratinocyte markers-Cytokeratin14, Filaggrin, and Involucrin significantly expressed in the co-culture groups com- pared to the control ones (P<0.05). We observed pan-cytokeratin in keratinocyte-like cells of both groups by immunofluorescence. SEM observation of the co-culture groups showed that the differentiated keratinocyte-like cells developed a polygonal cobblestone shape, considered characteristic of keratinocytes. Conclusion The 3D organotypic co-culture bilayered construct that consisted of DFs and ASCs was an effective technique for epidermal differentiation of ASCs. This co-culture might be useful for epidermal differentiation of stem cells for future applications in skin regeneration. PMID:27602310

Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells partially rescue mitomycin C treated ARPE19 cells from death in co-culture condition.

PubMed

Singh, Amar K; Srivastava, Girish K; García-Gutiérrez, María T; Pastor, J Carlos

2013-12-01

Age-related macular degeneration is a retinal disease with important damage at the RPE layer. This layer is considered a target for therapeutical approaches. Stem cell transplantation is a promising option for retinal diseases. Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells secret growth factors which might play a significant role in RPE maintenance. This study aimed to evaluate human AD-MSCs ability to rescue mitomycin C treated dying ARPE19 cells in co-culture condition. ARPE19 cells were treated with MMC (50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml) for 2 hours to induce cell death. These treated cells were co-cultured with hAD-MSCs in indirect co-culture system for 3 days and 3 weeks. Then the viability, growth and proliferation of these ARPE19 cells were evaluated by a cell viability/cytotoxicity assay kit and Alamar Blue (AB) assay. Untreated ARPE19 cells and human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were used as controls. MMC blocked ARPE19 cell proliferation significantly in 3 days and cells were almost completely dead after 3 weeks. Cell toxicity of MMC increased significantly with concentration. When these cells were co-cultured with hAD-MSCs, a significant growth difference was observed in treated cells compared to untreated cells. hAD-MSCs rescue capacity was also significantly higher than HSF for treated ARPE19 cells. This study showed that hAD-MSCs rescued MMC treated ARPE19 cells from death. It probably occurred due to undefined growth factors secreted by hAD-MSCs in the medium, shared by treated ARPE19 cells in co-culture conditions. This study supports further evaluation of the effect of hAD-MSCs subretinal transplantation over the RPE degeneration process in AMD patients.

Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 microspheres constructed by hierarchically arranged nanoparticles as lithium battery cathode with enhanced electrochemical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remith, P.; Kalaiselvi, N.

2014-11-01

Novel lithium-rich layered Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 microspheres containing hierarchically arranged and interconnected nanostructures have been synthesized by a combination of template-free co-precipitation and solid-state methods. The in situ formed γ-MnO2 spherical template upon co-precipitation gets sacrificed during the course of solid-state fusion of cobalt, nickel and lithium precursors to produce the title compound in the form of microspheres constructed by nanoparticles as building blocks. Porous and hollow microspheres of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 are formed out of the spontaneous aggregation of nanoparticles, obtained from the custom-designed synthesis protocol. The growth mechanism of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 spheres could be understood in terms of the Kirkendall effect and Ostwald ripening. The nanocrystalline Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 compound is obtained as a solid solution consisting of rhombohedral R3&cmb.macr;m and monoclinic C2/m group symmetries, as evidenced by XRD, Raman spectra and HRTEM equipped with FFT and STEM. The currently synthesized Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 cathode exhibits an appreciable discharge capacity of 242 mA h g-1 at a current density of 50 mA g-1, due to the synergistic effect of the capacity obtained from the rhombohedral and monoclinic phases.Novel lithium-rich layered Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 microspheres containing hierarchically arranged and interconnected nanostructures have been synthesized by a combination of template-free co-precipitation and solid-state methods. The in situ formed γ-MnO2 spherical template upon co-precipitation gets sacrificed during the course of solid-state fusion of cobalt, nickel and lithium precursors to produce the title compound in the form of microspheres constructed by nanoparticles as building blocks. Porous and hollow microspheres of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 are formed out of the spontaneous aggregation of nanoparticles, obtained from the custom-designed synthesis protocol. The growth mechanism of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 spheres could be understood in terms of the Kirkendall effect and Ostwald ripening. The nanocrystalline Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 compound is obtained as a solid solution consisting of rhombohedral R3&cmb.macr;m and monoclinic C2/m group symmetries, as evidenced by XRD, Raman spectra and HRTEM equipped with FFT and STEM. The currently synthesized Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 cathode exhibits an appreciable discharge capacity of 242 mA h g-1 at a current density of 50 mA g-1, due to the synergistic effect of the capacity obtained from the rhombohedral and monoclinic phases. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1 represents the STEM elemental mapping of pristine Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2. Fig. S2 is the EDX spectrum obtained from HRTEM and Fig. S3 is the SAED pattern. Fig. S4 shows the room temperature conductivity plot and Fig. S5 shows the comparison of the discharge capacity values of LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 and Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 cathodes and Table 1 shows the d spacing values corresponding to different space group symmetries, derived from XRD and TEM studies. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr04314f

Enhanced Ga2O3-photocatalyzed and photochemical degradation of the Fipronil insecticide by UVC irradiation in mixed aqueous/organic media under an inert atmosphere.

PubMed

Hidaka, Hisao; Tsukamoto, Tohru; Mitsutsuka, Yoshihiro; Oyama, Toshiyuki; Serpone, Nick

2015-05-01

Agrochemicals such as the insecticide Fipronil that bear fluoro groups are generally fat-soluble and nearly insoluble in water, so that their photodegradation in a heterogeneous aqueous gallium oxide dispersion presents some challenges. This article examined the photodegradation of this insecticide by solubilizing it through the addition of organic solvents (EtOH, MeOH, THF, 1,4-dioxane and ethylene glycol) to an aqueous medium and then subjecting the insecticide to 254 nm UVC radiation under photocatalytically inert (Ga2O3/N2) and air-equilibrated (Ga2O3/O2) conditions, as well as photochemically in the absence of Ga2O3 but also under inert and air-equilibrated conditions. Defluorination, dechlorination, desulfonation and denitridation of Fipronil were examined in mixed aqueous/organic media (10, 25 and 50 vol% in organic solvent). After 3 h of UVC irradiation (50 vol% mixed media) defluorination with Ga2O3/N2 was ∼65% greater than in aqueous media, and ca. 80% greater than the direct photolysis of Fipronil under inert (N2) conditions; under air-equilibrated conditions both Ga2O3-photocatalyzed and photochemical defluorination were significantly lower than in aqueous media. Dechlorination of Fipronil was ∼160% (Ga2O3/N2) and 140% (photochemically, N2) greater than in aqueous media; under air-equilibrated conditions, both photocatalyzed and photochemical formation of Cl(-) ions in mixed media fell rather short relative to aqueous media. The photocatalyzed (Ga2O3/N2) and photochemical (N2) conversion of the sulfur group in Fipronil to SO4(2(-)) ions was ca. 20% and 30% greater, respectively, in mixed media, while under air-equilibrated conditions photocatalyzed desulfonation was nearly twofold less than in the aqueous phase; direct photolysis showed little variations in mixed media. Denitridation of the nitrogens in Fipronil occurred mostly through the formation of ammonia (as NH4(+)) under all conditions with negligible quantities of NO3(-); again mixed media offered enhanced denitridation, particularly under inert N2 conditions. Time-of-flight electrospray (TOF-MS/ESI(-)) mass spectrometry revealed a fairly large number of intermediates formed in the degradation of Fipronil, particularly under photocatalytic conditions. Only a couple of intermediates were identified in the photodegradation and the presence of Ga2O3 enhanced the complexity of an already cumbersome problem owing to the involvement of organic solvents.

Maternal dietary tryptophan deficiency alters cardiorespiratory control in rat pups.

PubMed

Penatti, Eliana M; Barina, Alexis E; Raju, Sharat; Li, Aihua; Kinney, Hannah C; Commons, Kathryn G; Nattie, Eugene E

2011-02-01

Malnutrition during pregnancy adversely affects postnatal forebrain development; its effect upon brain stem development is less certain. To evaluate the role of tryptophan [critical for serotonin (5-HT) synthesis] on brain stem 5-HT and the development of cardiorespiratory function, we fed dams a diet ∼45% deficient in tryptophan during gestation and early postnatal life and studied cardiorespiratory variables in the developing pups. Deficient pups were of normal weight at postnatal day (P)5 but weighed less than control pups at P15 and P25 (P < 0.001) and had lower body temperatures at P15 (P < 0.001) and P25 (P < 0.05; females only). Oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) was unaffected. At P15, deficient pups had an altered breathing pattern and slower heart rates. At P25, they had significantly lower ventilation (Ve) and Ve-to-Vo(2) ratios in both air and 7% CO(2). The ventilatory response to CO(2) (% increase in Ve/Vo(2)) was significantly increased at P5 (males) and reduced at P15 and P25 (males and females). Deficient pups had 41-56% less medullary 5-HT (P < 0.01) compared with control pups, without a difference in 5-HT neuronal number. These data indicate important interactions between nutrition, brain stem physiology, and age that are potentially relevant to understanding 5-HT deficiency in the sudden infant death syndrome.

Chitosan-hyaluronan based 3D co-culture platform for studying the crosstalk of lung cancer cells and mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Han, Hao-Wei; Hsu, Shan-Hui

2016-09-15

The controversial roles of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in lung cancer development are not yet resolved because of the lack of an extracellular environment that mimics the tumor microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) culture system is an emerging research tool for biomedical applications such as drug screening. In this study, MSCs and human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells (A549) were co-cultured on a thin biomaterial-based substratum (hyaluronan-grafted chitosan, CS-HA; ∼2μm), and they were self-organized into the 3D tumor co-spheroids with core-shell structure. The gene expression levels of tumorigenicity markers in cancer cells associated with cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) property, and cell mobility were up-regulated for more than twofold in the MSC-tumor co-spheroids, through the promoted expression of certain tumor enhancers and the direct cell-cell interaction. To verify the different extents of tumorigenicity, A549 cells or those co-cultured with MSCs were transplanted into zebrafish embryos for evaluation in vivo. The tumorigenicity obtained from the zebrafish xenotransplantation model was consistent with that observed in vitro. These evidences suggest that the CS-HA substrate-based 3D co-culture platform for cancer cells and MSCs may be a convenient tool for studying the cell-cell interaction in a tumor-like microenvironment and potentially for cancer drug testing. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been found in several types of tumor tissues. However, the controversial roles of MSCs in cancer development are still unsolved. Chitosan and hyaluronan are commonly used materials in the biomedical field. In the current study, we co-cultured lung cancer cells and MSCs on the planar hyaluronan-grafted chitosan (CS-HA) hybrid substrates, and discovered that lung cancer cells and MSCs were rapidly self-assembled into 3D tumor spheroids with core-shell structure on the substrates after only two days in culture. Therefore, CS-HA based 3D co-culture platform can be applied to exploration of the relationship between cancer cells and MSCs and other cancer-related medical applications such as drug screening. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypothalamic stem cells control ageing speed partly through exosomal miRNAs.

PubMed

Zhang, Yalin; Kim, Min Soo; Jia, Baosen; Yan, Jingqi; Zuniga-Hertz, Juan Pablo; Han, Cheng; Cai, Dongsheng

2017-08-03

It has been proposed that the hypothalamus helps to control ageing, but the mechanisms responsible remain unclear. Here we develop several mouse models in which hypothalamic stem/progenitor cells that co-express Sox2 and Bmi1 are ablated, as we observed that ageing in mice started with a substantial loss of these hypothalamic cells. Each mouse model consistently displayed acceleration of ageing-like physiological changes or a shortened lifespan. Conversely, ageing retardation and lifespan extension were achieved in mid-aged mice that were locally implanted with healthy hypothalamic stem/progenitor cells that had been genetically engineered to survive in the ageing-related hypothalamic inflammatory microenvironment. Mechanistically, hypothalamic stem/progenitor cells contributed greatly to exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in the cerebrospinal fluid, and these exosomal miRNAs declined during ageing, whereas central treatment with healthy hypothalamic stem/progenitor cell-secreted exosomes led to the slowing of ageing. In conclusion, ageing speed is substantially controlled by hypothalamic stem cells, partially through the release of exosomal miRNAs.

Trapping Dynamics in Photosystem I-Light Harvesting Complex I of Higher Plants Is Governed by the Competition Between Excited State Diffusion from Low Energy States and Photochemical Charge Separation.

PubMed

Molotokaite, Egle; Remelli, William; Casazza, Anna Paola; Zucchelli, Giuseppe; Polli, Dario; Cerullo, Giulio; Santabarbara, Stefano

2017-10-26

The dynamics of excited state equilibration and primary photochemical trapping have been investigated in the photosystem I-light harvesting complex I isolated from spinach, by the complementary time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption approaches. The combined analysis of the experimental data indicates that the excited state decay is described by lifetimes in the ranges of 12-16 ps, 32-36 ps, and 64-77 ps, for both detection methods, whereas faster components, having lifetimes of 550-780 fs and 4.2-5.2 ps, are resolved only by transient absorption. A unified model capable of describing both the fluorescence and the absorption dynamics has been developed. From this model it appears that the majority of excited state equilibration between the bulk of the antenna pigments and the reaction center occurs in less than 2 ps, that the primary charge separated state is populated in ∼4 ps, and that the charge stabilization by electron transfer is completed in ∼70 ps. Energy equilibration dynamics associated with the long wavelength absorbing/emitting forms harbored by the PSI external antenna are also characterized by a time mean lifetime of ∼75 ps, thus overlapping with radical pair charge stabilization reactions. Even in the presence of a kinetic bottleneck for energy equilibration, the excited state dynamics are shown to be principally trap-limited. However, direct excitation of the low energy chlorophyll forms is predicted to lengthen significantly (∼2-folds) the average trapping time.

Increased spruce tree growth in Central Europe since 1960s.

PubMed

Cienciala, Emil; Altman, Jan; Doležal, Jiří; Kopáček, Jiří; Štěpánek, Petr; Ståhl, Göran; Tumajer, Jan

2018-04-01

Tree growth response to recent environmental changes is of key interest for forest ecology. This study addressed the following questions with respect to Norway spruce (Picea abies, L. Karst.) in Central Europe: Has tree growth accelerated during the last five decades? What are the main environmental drivers of the observed tree radial stem growth and how much variability can be explained by them? Using a nationwide dendrochronological sampling of Norway spruce in the Czech Republic (1246 trees, 266 plots), novel regional tree-ring width chronologies for 40(±10)- and 60(±10)-year old trees were assembled, averaged across three elevation zones (break points at 500 and 700m). Correspondingly averaged drivers, including temperature, precipitation, nitrogen (N) deposition and ambient CO 2 concentration, were used in a general linear model (GLM) to analyze the contribution of these in explaining tree ring width variability for the period from 1961 to 2013. Spruce tree radial stem growth responded strongly to the changing environment in Central Europe during the period, with a mean tree ring width increase of 24 and 32% for the 40- and 60-year old trees, respectively. The indicative General Linear Model analysis identified CO 2 , precipitation during the vegetation season, spring air temperature (March-May) and N-deposition as the significant covariates of growth, with the latter including interactions with elevation zones. The regression models explained 57% and 55% of the variability in the two tree ring width chronologies, respectively. Growth response to N-deposition showed the highest variability along the elevation gradient with growth stimulation/limitation at sites below/above 700m. A strong sensitivity of stem growth to CO 2 was also indicated, suggesting that the effect of rising ambient CO 2 concentration (direct or indirect by increased water use efficiency) should be considered in analyses of long-term growth together with climatic factors and N-deposition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dissecting tumor metabolic heterogeneity: Telomerase and large cell size metabolically define a sub-population of stem-like, mitochondrial-rich, cancer cells

PubMed Central

Lamb, Rebecca; Ozsvari, Bela; Bonuccelli, Gloria; Smith, Duncan L.; Pestell, Richard G.; Martinez-Outschoorn, Ubaldo E.; Clarke, Robert B.; Sotgia, Federica; Lisanti, Michael P.

2015-01-01

Tumor cell metabolic heterogeneity is thought to contribute to tumor recurrence, distant metastasis and chemo-resistance in cancer patients, driving poor clinical outcome. To better understand tumor metabolic heterogeneity, here we used the MCF7 breast cancer line as a model system to metabolically fractionate a cancer cell population. First, MCF7 cells were stably transfected with an hTERT-promoter construct driving GFP expression, as a surrogate marker of telomerase transcriptional activity. To enrich for immortal stem-like cancer cells, MCF7 cells expressing the highest levels of GFP (top 5%) were then isolated by FACS analysis. Notably, hTERT-GFP(+) MCF7 cells were significantly more efficient at forming mammospheres (i.e., stem cell activity) and showed increased mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial functional activity, all relative to hTERT-GFP(−) cells. Unbiased proteomics analysis of hTERT-GFP(+) MCF7 cells directly demonstrated the over-expression of 33 key mitochondrial proteins, 17 glycolytic enzymes, 34 ribosome-related proteins and 17 EMT markers, consistent with an anabolic cancer stem-like phenotype. Interestingly, MT-CO2 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2; Complex IV) expression was increased by >20-fold. As MT-CO2 is encoded by mt-DNA, this finding is indicative of increased mitochondrial biogenesis in hTERT-GFP(+) MCF7 cells. Importantly, most of these candidate biomarkers were transcriptionally over-expressed in human breast cancer epithelial cells in vivo. Similar results were obtained using cell size (forward/side scatter) to fractionate MCF7 cells. Larger stem-like cells also showed increased hTERT-GFP levels, as well as increased mitochondrial mass and function. Thus, this simple and rapid approach for the enrichment of immortal anabolic stem-like cancer cells will allow us and others to develop new prognostic biomarkers and novel anti-cancer therapies, by specifically and selectively targeting this metabolic sub-population of aggressive cancer cells. Based on our proteomics and functional analysis, FDA-approved inhibitors of protein synthesis and/or mitochondrial biogenesis, may represent novel treatment options for targeting these anabolic stem-like cancer cells. PMID:26323205

Gelatin-based microcarriers as embryonic stem cell delivery system in bone tissue engineering: an in-vitro study.

PubMed

Tielens, S; Declercq, H; Gorski, T; Lippens, E; Schacht, E; Cornelissen, M

2007-03-01

Mouse embryonic stem cells were cultured on commercially available biodegradable macroporous microcarriers. A culture period of 1-2 weeks was needed to colonize the microcarriers. Embryonic stem cells retained their pluripotency for up to 14 days when cultured in medium supplemented with leukemia inhibitory factor. Replacing this medium by differentiation medium for 2 weeks initiated osteogenic differentiation. Encapsulation of the cell-loaded microcarriers in photopolymerizable polymers (methacrylate-endcapped poly-D,L-lactide-co-caprolactone), triacetin/hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) as solvent and with/without gelatin as porogen, resulted in a homogeneous distribution of the microcarriers in the polymer. As observed by transmission electron microscopy, viability of the cells was optimal when gelatin was omitted and when using triacetin instead of HEMA.

Preparation, fabrication and biocompatibility of novel injectable temperature-sensitive chitosan/glycerophosphate/collagen hydrogels.

PubMed

Song, Kedong; Qiao, Mo; Liu, Tianqing; Jiang, Bo; Macedo, Hugo M; Ma, Xuehu; Cui, Zhanfeng

2010-10-01

This paper introduces a novel type of injectable temperature-sensitive chitosan/glycerophosphate/collagen (C/GP/Co) hydrogel that possesses great biocompatibility for the culture of adipose tissue-derived stem cells. The C/GP/Co hydrogel is prepared by mixing 2.2% (v/v) chitosan with 50% (w/w) β-glycerophosphate at different proportions and afterwards adding 2 mg/ml of collagen. The gelation time of the prepared solution at 37°C was found to be of around 12 min. The inner structure of the hydrogel presented a porous spongy structure, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the osmolality of the medium in contact with the hydrogel was in the range of 310-330 mmol kg(-1). These analyses have shown that the C/GP/Co hydrogels are structurally feasible for cell culture, while their biocompatibility was further examined. Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were seeded into the developed C/GP and C/GP/Co hydrogels (The ratios of C/GP and C/GP/Co were 5:1 and 5:1:6, respectively), and the cellular growth was periodically observed under an inverted microscope. The proliferation of ADSCs was detected using cck-8 kits, while cell apoptosis was determined by a Live/Dead Viability/Cytotoxicity kit. After 7 days of culture, cells within the C/GP/Co hydrogels displayed a typical adherent cell morphology and good proliferation with very high cellular viability. It was thus demonstrated that the novel C/GP/Co hydrogel herein described possess excellent cellular compatibility, representing a new alternative as a scaffold for tissue engineering, with the added advantage of being a gel at the body's temperature that turns liquid at room temperature.

Stable carbon isotopes of HCO3- in oil-field waters-implications for the origin of CO2

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carothers, W.W.; Kharaka, Y.K.

1980-01-01

The ??13C values of dissolved HCO3- in 75 water samples from 15 oil and gas fields (San Joaquin Valley, Calif., and the Houston-Galveston and Corpus Christi areas of Texas) were determined to study the sources of CO2 of the dissolved species and carbonate cements that modify the porosity and permeability of many petroleum reservoir rocks. The reservoir rocks are sandstones which range in age from Eocene through Miocene. The ??13C values of total HCO3- indicate that the carbon in the dissolved carbonate species and carbonate cements is mainly of organic origin. The range of ??13C values for the HCO3- of these waters is -20-28 per mil relative to PDB. This wide range of ??13C values is explained by three mechanisms. Microbiological degradation of organic matter appears to be the dominant process controlling the extremely low and high ??13C values of HCO3- in the shallow production zones where the subsurface temperatures are less than 80??C. The extremely low ??13C values (< -10 per mil) are obtained in waters where concentrations of SO42- are more than 25 mg/l and probably result from the degradation of organic acid anions by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SO42- + CH3COO- ??? 2HCO3- + HS-). The high ??13C values probably result from the degradation of these anions by methanogenic bacteria (CH3COO- + H2O ai HCO3- + CH4). Thermal decarboxylation of short-chain aliphatic acid anions (principally acetate) to produce CO2 and CH4 is probably the major source of CO2 for production zones with subsurface temperatures greater than 80??C. The ??13C values of HCO3- for waters from zones with temperatures greater than 100??C result from isotopic equilibration between CO2 and CH4. At these high temperatures, ??13C values of HCO3- decrease with increasing temperatures and decreasing concentrations of these acid anions. ?? 1980.

Constraining pre-eruptive volatile contents and degassing histories in submarine lavas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, M.; Soule, S. A.; Liao, Y.; Le Roux, V.; Brodsky, H.; Kurz, M. D.

2017-12-01

Vesicle textures in submarine lavas have been used to calculate total (pre-eruption) volatile concentrations in mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), which provide constraints on upper mantle volatile contents and CO2 fluxes along the global MOR. In this study, we evaluate vesicle size distributions and volatile contents in a suite of 20 MORB samples, which span the range of typical vesicularities and bubble number densities observed in global MORB. We demonstrate that 2D imaging coupled with traditional stereological methods closely reproduces vesicle size distributions and vesicularities measured using 3D x-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). We further demonstrate that x-ray μ-CT provides additional information about bubble deformation and clustering that are linked to bubble nucleation and lava emplacement dynamics. The validation of vesicularity measurements allows us to evaluate the methods for calculating total CO2 concentrations in MORB using dissolved volatile content (SIMS), vesicularity, vesicle gas density, and equations of state. We model bubble and melt contraction during lava quenching and show that the melt viscosity prevents bubbles from reaching equilibrium at the glass transition temperature. Thus, we suggest that higher temperatures should be used to calculate exsolved volatile concentrations based on observed vesicularities. Our revised method reconciles discrepancies between exsolved volatile contents measured by gas manometry and calculated from vesicularity. In addition, our revised method suggests that some previous studies may have overestimated MORB volatile concentrations by up to a factor of two, with the greatest differences in samples with the highest vesicularities (e.g., `popping rock' 2πD43). These new results have important implications for CO2/Nb of `undegassed' MORB and global ridge CO2 fluxes. Lastly, our revised method yields constant total CO2 concentrations in sample suites from individual MOR eruptions that experienced syn-eruptive degassing. These results imply closed-system degassing during magma ascent and emplacement following equilibration at the depth of melt storage in the crust.

Progress Report on Coordinating Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Executive Office of the President, 2016

2016-01-01

As called for in the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM) released, in May of 2013, the Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education 5- Year Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). As required by the Act, this report includes…

Core formation in the shergottite parent body and comparison with the earth

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

Treiman, A.H.; Jones, J.H.; Drake, M.J.

1987-03-30

The mantle of the shergottite parent body (SPB) is depleted relative to the bulk SPB in siderophile and chalcophile elements; these elements are inferred to reside in the SPB's core. Our chemical model of these depletions rests on a physically plausible process of segregation of partially molten metal form partially molten silicates as the SPB grows and is heated above silicate and metallic solidi during accretion. Metallic and silicate phases equilibrate at low pressures as new material is accreted to the SPB surface. Later movement of the metallic phases to the planet's center is so rapid that high-pressure equilibration ismore » insignificant. Partitioning of siderophile and chalcophile elements among solid and liquid metal and silicate determines their abundances in the SPB mantle. Using partition coefficients and the SPB mantle composition determined in earlier studies, we model the abundances of Ag, Au, Co, Ga, Mo, Ni, P, Re, S, and W with free parameters being oxygen fugacity, proportion of solid metal formed, proportion of metallic liquid formed, and proportion of silicate that is molten.« less

Sources of Matter and Ore-Producing Fluid of the Tamunyer Gold-Sulfide Deposit (Northern Urals): Isotope Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamyatina, D. A.; Murzin, V. V.

2018-02-01

The Tamunyer deposit is a typical example of gold-sulfide mineralization located in the lower lithologic-stratigraphic unit (S2-D1) of the Auerbach volcanic-plutonic belt. The latter comprises island-arc andesitic volcano-sediments, volcanics, and comagmatic intrusive formations. Carbonates have demonstrated intermediate values of δ13C between marine limestone and mantle. The quartz δ18O is in the range of 15.3-17.2‰. The δ34S of sulfides from the beresitized volcano-sedimentary rocks and ores varies widely from -7.5 to 12‰. The calculated isotope compositions of H2O, CO2, and H2S of the ore-bearing fluid imply two major sources of matter contributing to ore genesis: local rocks and foreign fluid. The ore-bearing fluid was formed by interaction and isotope equilibration between a deep magmatic fluid and marine carbonates (W/R 1), with the contribution of sulfur from the volcano-sedimentary rocks.

Effect of storage temperature and equilibration time on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement polymerization in joint replacement surgery.

PubMed

Koh, Bryan T H; Tan, J H; Ramruttun, Amit Kumarsing; Wang, Wilson

2015-11-17

In cemented joint arthroplasty, the handling characteristics (doughing, working, and setting times) of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is important as it determines the amount of time surgeons have to optimally position an implant. Storage conditions (temperature and humidity) and the time given for PMMA cement to equilibrate to ambient operating theater (OT) temperatures are often unregulated and may lead to inconsistencies in its handling characteristics. This has not been previously studied. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of storage temperatures on the handling characteristics of PMMA cement and the duration of equilibration time needed at each storage temperature to produce consistent and reproducible doughing, setting, and working times. SmartSet® HV cement was stored at three different controlled temperatures: 20 °C (control), 24 °C, and 28 °C for at least 24 h prior to mixing. The cement components were then brought into a room kept at 20 °C and 50 % humidity. Samples were allowed to equilibrate to ambient conditions for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. The cement components were mixed and the dough time, temperature-versus-time curve (Lutron TM-947SD, Lutron Electronics, Inc., Coopersburg, PA), and setting time were recorded. Analysis was performed using the two-way ANOVA test (IBM SPSS Statistics V.22). At 20 °C (control) storage temperature, the mean setting time was 534 ± 17 s. At 24 °C storage temperature, the mean setting time was 414 ± 6 s (p < 0.001*) with 15 min of equilibration, 446 ± 11 s (p < 0.001*) with 30 min of equilibration, 501 ± 12 s (p < 0.001*) with 45 min of equilibration, and 528 ± 15 (p > 0.05) with 60 min of equilibration. At 28 °C storage temperature, the mean setting time was 381 ± 8 s (p < 0.001*) with 15 min of equilibration, 432 ± 30 s (p < 0.001*) with 30 min of equilibration, 487 ± 9 (p < 0.001*) with 45 min of equilibration, and 520 ± 16 s (p > 0.05) with 60 min of equilibration. This study reflects the extent to which storage temperatures and equilibration times can potentially affect the handling characteristics of PMMA cement. We recommend institutions to have a well-regulated temperature and humidity-controlled facility for storage of bone cements and a protocol to standardize the equilibration time of cements prior to use in the OT to improve consistency and reproducibility of the handling characteristics of PMMA cement.

Photosynthetic, hydraulic and biomechanical responses of Juglans californica shoots to wildfire.

PubMed

Utsumi, Yasuhiro; Bobich, Edward G; Ewers, Frank W

2010-10-01

Leaf gas exchange and stem xylem hydraulic and mechanical properties were studied for unburned adults and resprouting burned Juglans californica (southern California black walnut) trees 1 year after a fire to explore possible trade-offs between mechanical and hydraulic properties of plants. The CO(2) uptake rates and stomatal conductance were 2-3 times greater for resprouting trees than for unburned adults. Both predawn and midday water potentials were more negative for unburned adult trees, indicating that the stems were experiencing greater water stress than the stems of resprouting trees. In addition, the xylem specific conductivity was similar in the two growth forms, even though the stems of resprouting trees were less vulnerable to water-stress-induced embolism than similar diameter, but older, stems of adult trees. The reduced vulnerability may have been due to less cavitation fatigue in stems of resprouts. The modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and xylem density were all greater for resprouts, indicating that resprouts have greater mechanical strength than do adult trees. The data suggest that there is no trade-off between stem mechanical strength and shoot hydraulic and photosynthetic efficiency in resprouts, which may have implications for the success of this species in the fire-prone plant communities of southern California.

Co-culture of chondrocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro enhances the expression of cartilaginous extracellular matrix components.

PubMed

Qing, Chang; Wei-ding, Cui; Wei-min, Fan

2011-04-01

Chondrocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are frequently used as seed cells in cartilage tissue engineering. In the present study, we determined if the co-culture of rabbit articular chondrocytes and BMSCs in vitro promotes the expression of cartilaginous extracellular matrix and, if so, what is the optimal ratio of the two cell types. Cultures of rabbit articular chondrocytes and BMSCs were expanded in vitro and then cultured individually or at a chondrocyte:BMSC ratio of 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 for 21 days and cultured in DMEM/F12. BMSCs were cultured in chondrogenic induction medium. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate gene expression. In the co-cultures, type II collagen and aggrecan expression increased on days 14 and 21. At the mRNA level, the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan on day 21 was much higher in the 4:1, 2:1, and 1:1 groups than in either the articular chondrocyte group or the induced BMSC group, and the best ratio of co-culture groups seems to be 2:1. Also on day 21, the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan proteins in the 2:1 group was much higher than in all other groups. The results demonstrate that the co-culture of rabbit chondrocytes and rabbit BMSCs at defined ratios can promote the expression of cartilaginous extracellular matrix. The optimal cell ratio appears to be 2:1 (chondrocytes:BMSCs). This approach has potential applications in cartilage tissue engineering since it provides a protocol for maintaining and promoting seed-cell differentiation and function.

Carotid body chemoreception: the importance of CO2-HCO3- and carbonic anhydrase. (review).

PubMed

Iturriaga, R

1993-01-01

The current hypotheses of carotid body (CB) chemoreception regard the glomus cells as the initial site of stimulus transduction. The consensus is that the transduction of chemical stimulus is coupled with the release of transmitter(s) from the glomus cells, which in turn generates action potentials in the afferent nerve terminals. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is present in the glomus cells of the CB. Inhibition of CA activity in the CB in situ reduces the carotid chemosensory responses to CO2 and to O2, suggesting a common mechanism of chemosensing for both stimuli. However, CA inhibitors also block the red blood cell enzyme. Thus, the CO2 hydration reaction does not come to completion within the transit time of the blood from the lung to the CB. A steady-state reaction is not reached until later and so the PCO2 and pH levels in arterial blood samples are not the same as those sensed by the CB. Experiments in vitro using cat CB perfused and superfused with cell-free solutions, which had been pre-equilibrated with respiratory gases, strongly support the proposition that the CA activity in CB cells is essential for the speed and amplitude of the initial response to CO2 and for its subsequent adaptation. The immediate response to hypoxia also is delayed, but the late steady-state was less dependent on CA activity. In the nominal absence of CO2-HCO3- from the perfusate, hypoxic chemoreception persisted and its magnitude is not affected by CA inhibition, except for a delay which may be due to the initial alkaline pH of the glomus cells. Recent experiments performed in isolated glomus cells and in the whole CB show that hypoxia does not modify significantly the intracellular pH. By its simple catalytic function, CA can speed up the approach of the CO2 hydration reaction to equilibrium. However, CA may also contribute in the steady-state to the regulation of pHi by providing a continuous supply of H+ and HCO3-. Furthermore, CA performs a facilitatory role in the physiological chemosensory responses to CO2 and O2 in the presence of extracellular CO2-HCO3-. This role is likely to be related to the ion exchanger function and then to pHi regulation in the chemoreceptor cells.

Investigating the Interactions, Beliefs, and Practices of Teacher-Coach Teams in a STEM After-School Setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson Hoyle, Kylie Jayne

After-school programs, such as a STEM Career Club, can promote student interest, engagement, and awareness of STEM majors and fields, as well as encourage teachers to become more knowledgeable and competent in STEM areas. In this dissertation study, two schools were selected from a larger NSF-funded project to participate in this study. Teacher- Coaches (T-Coaches) from two rural middle schools in the southeastern United States (U.S.) participated in teacher professional development (TPD) sessions and Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings to prepare them to lead an after-school STEM Club. The Community of Practice (CoP) framework and Social Cognitive Theory are employed to investigate underlying factors that contribute to teacher interactions and preparations, and differing STEM program outcomes. Data from the Dimensions of Success (DoS) observation tool, the teacher belief interview (TBI), T-Coach participation and attendance at TPD, attendance and audio recordings from PLC meetings, and T-Coach card sorts were analyzed over approximately 6 meetings for 5 months. Findings are presented in two chapters. In Chapter Four, a comparative case study of the interactions of the teachers at two participating middle schools is analyzed. Results indicate that for each case, the club's T-Coaches interacted positively to prepare for club meetings and have a well-functioning CoP within their PLC. The first case (Northern Middle School) interacted in ways that aligned with the CoP framework (enterprise and repertoire), which led them to achieve, on average, desirable ratings on 7 of the 12 DoS dimensions. However, the other case (Southern Middle School), the T-Coaches interacted in ways that demonstrated more equal levels of enterprise, mutuality, and repertoire; this PLC had higher DoS ratings during the STEM Clubs in all dimensions (11/12 met desirable ratings). These findings suggest that high levels of all of the social learning characteristics within PLCs can support more exemplary STEM Club implementation. In Chapter Five, results from the two schools of teachers' beliefs and practices indicate that for STEM program success, the whole of the team is better than the sum of its parts. Since individuals' values on each team aligned with different DoS dimensions, it was more likely that each dimension would be represented during STEM Clubs. Findings suggest that it was necessary for two T-Coaches who valued a certain dimension to ensure a DoS dimension would be met on the DoS rating. However, it was not sufficient that T-Coaches only valued a certain dimension. The dimension was not met if the T-Coaches did not have the training and preparation to meaningfully act on their beliefs. Informed by factors from Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, these T-Coaches carried out different behaviors at the STEM Clubs depending on their personal beliefs and values, and the environment. Five TPD participation scenarios, ranging from full to no TPD preparation, identified from the findings seemed to predict the quality of the STEM Club, based on DoS scores. The following conclusions can be drawn: 1) Professional learning community meetings aided in the development of T-Coaches' community of practice and preparation for STEM clubs; 2) A CoP with high levels of all of the social learning characteristics (enterprise, mutuality, and repertoire) led to more desirable club outcomes than a team with lower levels in any of these areas; 3) At least two people who have developed the content knowledge and relevant skills and who value club success were needed at club meetings to ensure STEM Club success; 4) Teacher-Coaches became more prepared to lead successful STEM Clubs through engaged attendance at TPD and PLC meetings; 5) Interdisciplinary teacher teams, including non-STEM teachers, can successfully lead STEM clubs if the individuals are able to learn the content/skills.

CO2-ECBM related coupled physical and mechanical transport processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gensterblum, Yves; Satorius, Michael; Busch, Andreas; Krooß, Bernhard

2013-04-01

The interrelation of cleat transport processes and mechanical properties was investigated by permeability tests at different stress levels (60% to 130% of in-situ stress) with sorbing (CH4, CO2) and inert gases (N2, Ar, He) on a sub bituminous A coal from the Surat Basin, Queensland Australia. From the flow tests under controlled triaxial stress conditions the Klinkenberg-corrected "true" permeability coefficients and the Klinkenberg slip factors were derived. The "true"-, absolute or Klinkenberg corrected permeability shows a gas type dependence. Following the approach of Seidle et al. (1992) the cleat volume compressibility (cf) was calculated from observed changes in apparent permeability upon variation of external stress (at equal mean gas pressures). The observed effects also show a clear dependence on gas type. Due to pore or cleat compressibility the cleat aperture decreases with increasing effective stress. Vice versa we observe with increasing mean pressure at lower confining pressure an increase in permeability which we attribute to a cleat aperture widening. The cleat volume compressibility (cf) also shows a dependence on the mean pore pressure. Non-sorbing gases like helium and argon show higher apparent permeabilities than sorbing gases like methane. Permeability coefficients measured with successively increasing mean gas pressures were consistently lower than those determined at decreasing mean gas pressures. This permeability hysteresis is in accordance with results reported by Harpalani and McPherson (1985). The kinetics of matrix transport processes were studied by sorption tests on different particle sizes at various moisture contents and temperatures (cf. Busch et al., 2006). Methane uptake rates were determined from the pressure decline curves recorded for each particle-size fraction, and "diffusion coefficients" were calculated using several unipore and bidisperse diffusion models. While the CH4 sorption capacity of moisture-equilibrated coals was significantly lower (by 50%) than of dry coals, no hysteresis was observed between sorption and desorption on dry and moisture-equilibrated samples and the sorption isotherms recorded for different particle sizes were essentially identical. The CH4 uptake rates were lower by a factor of two for moist coals than for dry coals. Busch, A., Gensterblum, Y., Krooss, B.M. and Siemons, N., 2006. Investigation of high-pressure selective adsorption/desorption behaviour of CO2 and CH4 on coals: An experimental study. International Journal of Coal Geology, 66(1-2): 53-68. Harpalani, S. and McPherson, M.J., 1985. Effect of stress on permeability of coal. Quarterly Review of methane from coal seams technology, 3(2): 23-29. Seidle, J.P., Jeansonne, M.W. and Erickson, D.J., 1992. Application of Matchstick Geometry to Stress-Dependent Permeability in Coals, SPE Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting, Casper, Wyoming.

CO2-ECBM related coupled physical and mechanical transport processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gensterblum, Y.; Sartorius, M.; Busch, A.; Cumming, D.; Krooss, B. M.

2012-04-01

The interrelation of cleat transport processes and mechanical properties was investigated by permeability tests at different stress levels (60% to 130% of in-situ stress) with sorbing (CH4, CO2) and inert gases (N2, Ar, He) on a sub bituminous A coal from the Surat Basin, Queensland Australia. From the flow tests under controlled triaxial stress conditions the Klinkenberg-corrected "true" permeability coefficients and the Klinkenberg slip factors were derived. The "true"-, absolute or Klinkenberg corrected permeability shows a gas type dependence. Following the approach of Seidle et al. (1992) the cleat volume compressibility (cf) was calculated from observed changes in apparent permeability upon variation of external stress (at equal mean gas pressures). The observed effects also show a clear dependence on gas type. Due to pore or cleat compressibility the cleat aperture decreases with increasing effective stress. Vice versa we observe with increasing mean pressure at lower confining pressure an increase in permeability which we attribute to a cleat aperture widening. The cleat volume compressibility (cf) also shows a dependence on the mean pore pressure. Non-sorbing gases like helium and argon show higher apparent permeabilities than sorbing gases like methane. Permeability coefficients measured with successively increasing mean gas pressures were consistently lower than those determined at decreasing mean gas pressures. This permeability hysteresis is in accordance with results reported by Harpalani and McPherson (1985). The kinetics of matrix transport processes were studied by sorption tests on different particle sizes at various moisture contents and temperatures (cf. Busch et al., 2006). Methane uptake rates were determined from the pressure decline curves recorded for each particle-size fraction, and "diffusion coefficients" were calculated using several unipore and bidisperse diffusion models. While the CH4 sorption capacity of moisture-equilibrated coals was significantly lower (by 50%) than of dry coals, no hysteresis was observed between sorption and desorption on dry and moisture-equilibrated samples and the sorption isotherms recorded for different particle sizes were essentially identical. The CH4 uptake rates were lower by a factor of two for moist coals than for dry coals. Busch, A., Gensterblum, Y., Krooss, B.M. and Siemons, N., 2006. Investigation of high-pressure selective adsorption/desorption behaviour of CO2 and CH4 on coals: An experimental study. International Journal of Coal Geology, 66(1-2): 53-68. Harpalani, S. and McPherson, M.J., 1985. Effect of stress on permeability of coal. Quarterly Review of methane from coal seams technology, 3(2): 23-29. Seidle, J.P., Jeansonne, M.W. and Erickson, D.J., 1992. Application of Matchstick Geometry to Stress-Dependent Permeability in Coals, SPE Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting, Casper, Wyoming.

Hydrothermal response to a volcano-tectonic earthquake swarm, Lassen, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ingebritsen, Steven E.; Shelly, David R.; Hsieh, Paul A.; Clor, Laura; P.H. Seward,; Evans, William C.

2015-01-01

The increasing capability of seismic, geodetic, and hydrothermal observation networks allows recognition of volcanic unrest that could previously have gone undetected, creating an imperative to diagnose and interpret unrest episodes. A November 2014 earthquake swarm near Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, which included the largest earthquake in the area in more than 60 years, was accompanied by a rarely observed outburst of hydrothermal fluids. Although the earthquake swarm likely reflects upward migration of endogenous H2O-CO2 fluids in the source region, there is no evidence that such fluids emerged at the surface. Instead, shaking from the modest sized (moment magnitude 3.85) but proximal earthquake caused near-vent permeability increases that triggered increased outflow of hydrothermal fluids already present and equilibrated in a local hydrothermal aquifer. Long-term, multiparametric monitoring at Lassen and other well-instrumented volcanoes enhances interpretation of unrest and can provide a basis for detailed physical modeling.

Photoinduced intercomponent excited-state decays in a molecular dyad made of a dinuclear rhenium(I) chromophore and a fullerene electron acceptor unit.

PubMed

Nastasi, Francesco; Puntoriero, Fausto; Natali, Mirco; Mba, Miriam; Maggini, Michele; Mussini, Patrizia; Panigati, Monica; Campagna, Sebastiano

2015-05-01

A novel molecular dyad, 1, made of a dinuclear {[Re2(μ-X)2(CO)6(μ-pyridazine)]} component covalently-linked to a fullerene unit by a carbocyclic molecular bridge has been prepared and its redox, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties - including pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy in the visible and near-infrared region - have been investigated, along with those of its model species. Photoinduced, intercomponent electron transfer occurs in 1 from the thermally-equilibrated, triplet metal/ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer ((3)MLLCT) state of the dinuclear rhenium(I) subunit to the fullerene acceptor, with a time constant of about 100 ps. The so-formed triplet charge-separated state recombines in a few nanoseconds by a spin-selective process yielding, rather than the ground state, the locally-excited, triplet fullerene state, which finally decays to the ground state by intersystem crossing in about 290 ns.

Evaluation of alternative filter media for particulate matter emission testing of residential wood heating devices

DOE PAGES

Allen, George; Rector, Lisa; Butcher, Thomas; ...

2017-07-31

The performance of Teflon-coated glass fiber filter media (Pallflex Emfab TX40) is evaluated for particulate matter (PM) sampling of residential wood heating devices in a dilution tunnel. Thirty samples of varying duration and PM loading and concentration were collected from an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 28 dilution tunnel using dual Method 5G sample trains with untreated glass fiber and Emfab filters. Filters were weighed soon after the end of sampling and again the next day after equilibration at 35% relative humidity (RH). PM concentrations from both types of filters agreed very well with 1-day equilibration, demonstrating that Emfabmore » filters are appropriate for use in measuring PM from residential wood burning appliances in a dilution tunnel and have performance equal to or better than the glass fiber filter media. Agreement between filter media without equilibration was erratic, with PM from glass fiber filter samples varying from slightly less than the Emfab samples to as much as 2.8 times higher. Some of the glass fiber filters lost substantial mass with equilibration, with the highest percent loss at lower filter mass loadings. Mass loss for Emfab samples was a small percentage of the mass and very consistent across the range of mass loadings. Taken together, these results may indicate water uptake on the glass fiber media that is readily removed with 1-day equilibration at moderate RH conditions. Implications: EPA regulations now allow the use of either glass fiber or Teflon filter media for wood appliance PM emission testing. Teflon filter media minimizes the potential for acid-gas PM artifacts on glass fiber filters; this is important as EPA moves toward the use of locally sourced cordwood for testing that may have higher sulfur content. This work demonstrates that the use of Teflon-coated glass fiber filters can give similar PM measurement results to glass fiber filters after 1 day of equilibration. With no equilibration, measured PM from glass fiber filters was usually higher than from Teflon-coated glass fiber filters.« less

Evaluation of alternative filter media for particulate matter emission testing of residential wood heating devices

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

Allen, George; Rector, Lisa; Butcher, Thomas

The performance of Teflon-coated glass fiber filter media (Pallflex Emfab TX40) is evaluated for particulate matter (PM) sampling of residential wood heating devices in a dilution tunnel. Thirty samples of varying duration and PM loading and concentration were collected from an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 28 dilution tunnel using dual Method 5G sample trains with untreated glass fiber and Emfab filters. Filters were weighed soon after the end of sampling and again the next day after equilibration at 35% relative humidity (RH). PM concentrations from both types of filters agreed very well with 1-day equilibration, demonstrating that Emfabmore » filters are appropriate for use in measuring PM from residential wood burning appliances in a dilution tunnel and have performance equal to or better than the glass fiber filter media. Agreement between filter media without equilibration was erratic, with PM from glass fiber filter samples varying from slightly less than the Emfab samples to as much as 2.8 times higher. Some of the glass fiber filters lost substantial mass with equilibration, with the highest percent loss at lower filter mass loadings. Mass loss for Emfab samples was a small percentage of the mass and very consistent across the range of mass loadings. Taken together, these results may indicate water uptake on the glass fiber media that is readily removed with 1-day equilibration at moderate RH conditions. Implications: EPA regulations now allow the use of either glass fiber or Teflon filter media for wood appliance PM emission testing. Teflon filter media minimizes the potential for acid-gas PM artifacts on glass fiber filters; this is important as EPA moves toward the use of locally sourced cordwood for testing that may have higher sulfur content. This work demonstrates that the use of Teflon-coated glass fiber filters can give similar PM measurement results to glass fiber filters after 1 day of equilibration. With no equilibration, measured PM from glass fiber filters was usually higher than from Teflon-coated glass fiber filters.« less

Stem Cells and Calcium Phosphate Cement Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

PubMed Central

Wang, P.; Zhao, L.; Chen, W.; Liu, X.; Weir, M.D.; Xu, H.H.K.

2014-01-01

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) have excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity for dental, craniofacial, and orthopedic applications. This article reviews recent developments in stem cell delivery via CPC for bone regeneration. This includes: (1) biofunctionalization of the CPC scaffold, (2) co-culturing of osteoblasts/endothelial cells and prevascularization of CPC, (3) seeding of CPC with different stem cell species, (4) human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUCMSC) and bone marrow MSC (hBMSC) seeding on CPC for bone regeneration, and (5) human embryonic stem cell (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) seeding with CPC for bone regeneration. Cells exhibited good attachment/proliferation in CPC scaffolds. Stem-cell-CPC constructs generated more new bone and blood vessels in vivo than did the CPC control without cells. hUCMSCs, hESC-MSCs, and hiPSC-MSCs in CPC generated new bone and blood vessels similar to those of hBMSCs; hence, they were viable cell sources for bone engineering. CPC with hESC-MSCs and hiPSC-MSCs generated new bone two- to three-fold that of the CPC control. Therefore, this article demonstrates that: (1) CPC scaffolds are suitable for delivering cells; (2) hUCMSCs, hESCs, and hiPSCs are promising alternatives to hBMSCs, which require invasive procedures to harvest with limited cell quantity; and (3) stem-cell-CPC constructs are highly promising for bone regeneration in dental, craniofacial, and orthopedic applications. PMID:24799422

How long does it take to equilibrate the unfolded state of a protein?

PubMed Central

Levy, Ronald M; Dai, Wei; Deng, Nan-Jie; Makarov, Dmitrii E

2013-01-01

How long does it take to equilibrate the unfolded state of a protein? The answer to this question has important implications for our understanding of why many small proteins fold with two state kinetics. When the equilibration within the unfolded state U is much faster than the folding, the folding kinetics will be two state even if there are many folding pathways with different barriers. Yet the mean first passage times (MFPTs) between different regions of the unfolded state can be much longer than the folding time. This seems to imply that the equilibration within U is much slower than the folding. In this communication we resolve this paradox. We present a formula for estimating the time to equilibrate the unfolded state of a protein. We also present a formula for the MFPT to any state within U, which is proportional to the average lifetime of that state divided by the state population. This relation is valid when the equilibration within U is very fast as compared with folding as it often is for small proteins. To illustrate the concepts, we apply the formulas to estimate the time to equilibrate the unfolded state of Trp-cage and MFPTs within the unfolded state based on a Markov State Model using an ultra-long 208 microsecond trajectory of the miniprotein to parameterize the model. The time to equilibrate the unfolded state of Trp-cage is ∼100 ns while the typical MFPTs within U are tens of microseconds or longer. PMID:23963761

RUNX1 and RUNX3 protect against YAP-mediated EMT, stem-ness and shorter survival outcomes in breast cancer

PubMed Central

Kulkarni, Madhura; Tan, Tuan Zea; Syed Sulaiman, Nurfarhanah Bte; Lamar, John M.; Bansal, Prashali; Cui, Jianzhou; Qiao, Yiting; Ito, Yoshiaki

2018-01-01

Hippo pathway target, YAP has emerged as an important player in solid tumor progression. Here, we identify RUNX1 and RUNX3 as novel negative regulators of oncogenic function of YAP in the context of breast cancer. RUNX proteins are one of the first transcription factors identified to interact with YAP. RUNX1 or RUNX3 expression abrogates YAP-mediated pro-tumorigenic properties of mammary epithelial cell lines in an interaction dependent manner. RUNX1 and RUNX3 inhibit YAP-mediated migration and stem-ness properties of mammary epithelial cell lines by co-regulating YAP-mediated gene expression. Analysis of whole genome expression profiles of breast cancer samples revealed significant co-relation between YAP–RUNX1/RUNX3 expression levels and survival outcomes of breast cancer patients. High RUNX1/RUNX3 expression proved protective towards YAP-dependent patient survival outcomes. High YAP in breast cancer patients’ expression profiles co-related with EMT and stem-ness gene signature enrichment. High RUNX1/RUNX3 expression along with high YAP reflected lower enrichment of EMT and stem-ness signatures. This antagonistic activity of RUNX1 and RUNX3 towards oncogenic function of YAP identified in mammary epithelial cells as well as in breast cancer expression profiles gives a novel mechanistic insight into oncogene–tumor suppressor interplay in the context of breast cancer progression. The novel interplay between YAP, RUNX1 and RUNX3 and its significance in breast cancer progression can serve as a prognostic tool to predict cancer recurrence. PMID:29581836

Real-time monitoring of methane oxidation in a simulated landfill cover soil and MiSeq pyrosequencing analysis of the related bacterial community structure.

PubMed

Xing, Zhilin; Zhao, Tiantao; Gao, Yanhui; He, Zhi; Zhang, Lijie; Peng, Xuya; Song, Liyan

2017-10-01

Real-time CH 4 oxidation in a landfill cover soil was studied using automated gas sampling that determined biogas (CH 4 and CO 2 ) and O 2 concentrations at various depths in a simulated landfill cover soil (SLCS) column reactor. The real-time monitoring system obtained more than 10,000 biogas (CH 4 and CO 2 ) and O 2 data points covering 32 steady states of CH 4 oxidation with 32 different CH 4 fluxes (0.2-125mol·m -2 ·d -1 ). The kinetics of CH 4 oxidation at different depths (0-20cm, 20-40cm, and 40-60cm) of SLCS were well fit by a CH 4 -O 2 dual-substrate model based on 32 values (averaged, n=5-15) of equilibrated CH 4 concentrations. The quality of the fit (R 2 ranged from 0.90 to 0.96) was higher than those reported in previous studies, which suggests that real time monitoring is beneficial for CH 4 oxidation simulations. MiSeq pyrosequencing indicated that CH 4 flux events changed the bacterial community structure (e.g., increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Methanotrophs) and resulted in a relative increase in the amount of type I methanotrophs (Methylobacter and Methylococcales) and a decrease in the amount of type II methanotrophs (Methylocystis). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Human amnion mesenchymal stem cells promote proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Wang, Yuli; Yin, Ying; Jiang, Fei; Chen, Ning

2015-02-01

Human amnion mesenchymal stem cells (HAMSCs) can be obtained from human amniotic membrane, a highly abundant and readily available tissue. HAMSC sources present fewer ethical issues, have low immunogenicity, anti-inflammatory properties, considerable advantageous characteristics, and are considered an attractive potential treatment material in the field of regenerative medicine. We used a co-culture system to determine whether HAMSCs could promote osteogenesis in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs). We isolated HAMSCs from discarded amnion samples and collected them using pancreatin/collagenase digestion. We cultured HAMSCs and HBMSCSs in basal medium. Activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an early osteogenesis marker, was increased in the co-culture system compared to the control single cultures, which we also confirmed by ALP staining. We used immunofluorescence testing to investigate the effects of co-culturing with HAMSCs on HBMSC proliferation, which revealed that the co-culturing enhanced EdU expression in HBMSCs. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR indicated that co-culturing promoted osteogenesis in HBMSCs. Furthermore, Alizarin red S staining revealed that extracellular matrix calcium levels in mineralized nodule formation produced by the co-cultures were higher than that in the controls. Using the same co-culture system, we further observed the effects of HAMSCs on osteogenic differentiation in primary osteoblasts by Western blotting, which better addressed the mechanism for HAMSCs in bone regeneration. The results showed HAMSCs are osteogenic and not only play a role in promoting HBMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation but also in osteoblasts, laying the foundation for new regenerative medicine methods.

Technical Note: A minimally invasive experimental system for pCO2 manipulation in plankton cultures using passive gas exchange (atmospheric carbon control simulator)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Love, Brooke A.; Olson, M. Brady; Wuori, Tristen

2017-05-01

As research into the biotic effects of ocean acidification has increased, the methods for simulating these environmental changes in the laboratory have multiplied. Here we describe the atmospheric carbon control simulator (ACCS) for the maintenance of plankton under controlled pCO2 conditions, designed for species sensitive to the physical disturbance introduced by the bubbling of cultures and for studies involving trophic interaction. The system consists of gas mixing and equilibration components coupled with large-volume atmospheric simulation chambers. These chambers allow gas exchange to counteract the changes in carbonate chemistry induced by the metabolic activity of the organisms. The system is relatively low cost, very flexible, and when used in conjunction with semi-continuous culture methods, it increases the density of organisms kept under realistic conditions, increases the allowable time interval between dilutions, and/or decreases the metabolically driven change in carbonate chemistry during these intervals. It accommodates a large number of culture vessels, which facilitate multi-trophic level studies and allow the tracking of variable responses within and across plankton populations to ocean acidification. It also includes components that increase the reliability of gas mixing systems using mass flow controllers.

Primary production sensitivity to phytoplankton light attenuation parameter increases with transient forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kvale, Karin F.; Meissner, Katrin J.

2017-10-01

Treatment of the underwater light field in ocean biogeochemical models has been attracting increasing interest, with some models moving towards more complex parameterisations. We conduct a simple sensitivity study of a typical, highly simplified parameterisation. In our study, we vary the phytoplankton light attenuation parameter over a range constrained by data during both pre-industrial equilibrated and future climate scenario RCP8.5. In equilibrium, lower light attenuation parameters (weaker self-shading) shift net primary production (NPP) towards the high latitudes, while higher values of light attenuation (stronger shelf-shading) shift NPP towards the low latitudes. Climate forcing magnifies this relationship through changes in the distribution of nutrients both within and between ocean regions. Where and how NPP responds to climate forcing can determine the magnitude and sign of global NPP trends in this high CO2 future scenario. Ocean oxygen is particularly sensitive to parameter choice. Under higher CO2 concentrations, two simulations establish a strong biogeochemical feedback between the Southern Ocean and low-latitude Pacific that highlights the potential for regional teleconnection. Our simulations serve as a reminder that shifts in fundamental properties (e.g. light attenuation by phytoplankton) over deep time have the potential to alter global biogeochemistry.

What can the Hf–W System tell Us About the Mechanism and Timing of Earth's Core Formation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, R. A.; Nimmo, F.; O'Brien, D. P.

2018-05-01

Strong tradeoff between effects of depth and extent of metal-silicate equilibration and formation timescale on the Hf-W system. Whole mantle equilibration requires k = 0.4. Later formation times require less equilibration to match Earth's anomaly.

Co-combustion characteristics and blending optimization of tobacco stem and high-sulfur bituminous coal based on thermogravimetric and mass spectrometry analyses.

PubMed

Zhang, Kaihua; Zhang, Kai; Cao, Yan; Pan, Wei-ping

2013-03-01

Despite much research on co-combustion of tobacco stem and high-sulfur coal, their blending optimization has not been effectively found. This study investigated the combustion profiles of tobacco stem, high-sulfur bituminous coal and their blends by thermogravimetric analysis. Ignition and burnout performances, heat release performances, and gaseous pollutant emissions were also studied by thermogravimetric and mass spectrometry analyses. The results indicated that combustion of tobacco stem was more complicated than that of high-sulfur bituminous coal, mainly shown as fixed carbon in it was divided into two portions with one early burning and the other delay burning. Ignition and burnout performances, heat release performances, and gaseous pollutant emissions of the blends present variable trends with the increase of tobacco stem content. Taking into account the above three factors, a blending ratio of 0–20% tobacco stem content is conservatively proposed as optimum amount for blending. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Laser Photoacoustic Analysis of Residual CO2 and H2O in Larch Stems

PubMed Central

Ageev, Boris; Ponomarev, Yurii; Sapozhnikova, Valeria; Savchuk, Dmitry

2014-01-01

Every so often, the results obtained from investigations into the effects of varying environmental conditions on the tree growth rate at the same sites and on the change in the carbon balance in plants, using traditional methods, are found to differ widely. We believe that the reason for the ambiguity of the data has to do with failure to account for the role of the residual CO2 (and H2O) in the tree wood exhibiting a climate response. In our earlier work, the results of a laser photoacoustic gas analysis of CO2 and H2O vacuum-desorbed from disc tree rings of evergreen conifer trees were presented. In this paper, laser photoacoustic measurements of tree ring gases in deciduous conifer trees and CO2 carbon isotope composition determined by means of a mass spectrometer are given. Conclusions are made regarding the response of annual larch CO2 disc tree ring distributions to climatic parameters (temperatures and precipitation). The data about the CO2 disc content for different sites are compared. PMID:25808838