The role of aquaporins in pH-Dependent germination of Rhizopus delemar spores

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rhizopus delemar and associated species attack a wide range of fruit and vegetables after harvest. Host nutrients and acidic pH are required for optimal germination of R. delemar, and we studied how this process is triggered. Glucose induced spore swelling in an acidic environment, expressed by an u...

In vitro measurement of nucleus pulposus swelling pressure: A new technique for studies of spinal adaptation to gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hargens, A. R.; Glover, M. G.; Mahmood, M. M.; Gott, S.; Garfin, S. R.; Ballard, R.; Murthy, G.; Brown, M. D.

1992-01-01

Swelling of the intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus is altered by posture and gravity. We have designed and tested a new osmometer for in vitro determination of nucleus pulposus swelling pressure. The functional principle of the osmometer involves compressing a sample of nucleus pulposus with nitrogen gas until saline pressure gradients across a 0.45 microns Millipore filter are eliminated. Swelling pressure of both pooled dog and pooled pig lumbar disc nucleus pulposus were measured on the new osmometer and compared to swelling pressures determined using the equilibrium dialysis technique. The osmometer measured swelling pressures comparable to those obtained by the dialysis technique. This osmometer provides a rapid, direct, and accurate measurement of swelling pressure of the nucleus pulposus.

Modeling of Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical Processes for Bentonite in a Clay-rock Repository for Heat-generating Nuclear Waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, H.; Rutqvist, J.; Zheng, L.; Birkholzer, J. T.

2016-12-01

Engineered Barrier Systems (EBS) that include a bentonite-based buffer are designed to isolate the high-level radioactive waste emplaced in tunnels in deep geological formations. The heat emanated from the waste can drive the moisture flow transport and induce strongly coupled Thermal (T), Hydrological (H), Mechanical (M) and Chemical (C) processes within the bentonite buffer and may also impact the evolution of the excavation disturbed zone and the sealing between the buffer and walls of an emplacement tunnel The flow and contaminant transport potential along the disturbed zone can be minimized by backfilling the tunnels with bentonite, if it provides enough swelling stress when hydrated by the host rock. The swelling capability of clay minerals within the bentonite is important for sealing gaps between bentonite block, and between the EBS and the surrounding host rock. However, a high temperature could result in chemical alteration of bentonite-based buffer and backfill materials through illitization, which may compromise the function of these EBS components by reducing their plasticity and capability to swell under wetting. Therefore, an adequate THMC coupling scheme is required to understand and to predict the changes of bentonite for identifying whether EBS bentonite can sustain higher temperatures. More comprehensive links between chemistry and mechanics, taking advantage of the framework provided by a dual-structure model, named Barcelona Expansive Model (BExM), was implemented in TOUGHREACT-FLAC3D and is used to simulate the response of EBS bentonite in in clay formation for a generic case. The current work is to evaluate the chemical changes in EBS bentonite and the effects on the bentonite swelling stress under high temperature. This work sheds light on the interaction between THMC processes, evaluates the potential deterioration of EBS bentonite and supports the decision making in the design of a nuclear waste repository in light of the maximum allowance temperature.

The influence of fluvial dynamics and North Atlantic swells on the beach habitat of leatherback turtles at Grande Riviere Trinidad.

PubMed

Darsan, Junior; Jehu, Adam; Asmath, Hamish; Singh, Asha; Wilson, Matthew

2016-09-15

Grande Riviere beach, located on the north coast of Trinidad, West Indies, is internationally recognised as a critical habitat/nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). Episodic extreme flooding of the Grande Riviere River led to the shifting of the river mouth and resulted in backshore beach erosion, with the most recent recorded event occurring in 2012. Following this event, the construction of a sand dam to arrest further erosion which threatened coastal infrastructure, precipitated a host of new problems ranging from beach instability to public health threats. In January 2013, high energy swell waves naturally in-filled the erosion channel, and the beach recovery continued over the successive months, thereby rendering the intervention in the previous year questionable. This paper presents a geomorphological analysis of beach dynamics for Grande Riviere, within the context of this erosion event. Data on beach profiles, sediment and coastal processes were collected using standard geomorphological techniques. Beach topographic analysis and water quality tests on impounded water in the erosion channel were conducted. Results indicate that the event created an erosion channel of 4843.42 m(3) over a contiguous area of 2794.25 m(2). While swell waves were able to naturally infill the channel, they also eroded 17,762 m(3) of sand overall across the beach. Water quality tests revealed that the impounded water was classified as a pollutant, and created challenges for remediation. Hydrologic and coastal geomorphologic interplay is responsible for the existence and sustainability of this coastal system. It is also evident that the beach system is able to recover naturally following extreme events. Our results demonstrate that effective and integrated management of such critical habitats remains dependent upon continuous monitoring data which should be used to inform policy and decision making. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exposure of natural rubber to personal lubricants--swelling and stress relaxation as potential indicators of reduced seal integrity of non-lubricated male condoms.

PubMed

Sarkar Das, Srilekha; Coburn, James C; Tack, Charles; Schwerin, Matthew R; Richardson, D Coleman

2014-07-01

Male condoms act as mechanical barriers to prevent passage of body fluids. For effective use of condoms the mechanical seal is also expected to remain intact under reasonable use conditions, including with personal lubricants. Absorption of low molecular weight lubricant components into the material of male condoms may initiate material changes leading to swelling and stress relaxation of the polymer network chains that could affect performance of the sealing function of the device. Swelling indicates both a rubber-solvent interaction and stress relaxation, the latter of which may indicate and/or result in a reduced seal pressure in the current context. Swelling and stress relaxation of natural rubber latex condoms were assessed in a laboratory model in the presence of silicone-, glycol-, and water-based lubricants. Within 15 minutes, significant swelling (≥6 %) and stress reduction (≥12 %) of condoms were observed with 2 out of 4 silicone-based lubricants tested, but neither was observed with glycol- or water-based lubricants tested. Under a given strain, reduction in stress was prominent during the swelling processes, but not after the process was complete. Lubricant induced swelling and stress relaxation may loosen the circumferential stress responsible for the mechanical seal. Swelling and stress relaxation behavior of latex condoms in the presence of personal lubricants may be useful tests to identify lubricant-rooted changes in condom-materials. For non-lubricated latex condoms, material characteristics--which are relevant to failure--may change in the presence of a few silicone-based personal lubricants. These changes may in turn induce a loss of condom seal during use, specifically at low strain conditions. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Validation and Parameter Sensitivity Tests for Reconstructing Swell Field Based on an Ensemble Kalman Filter

PubMed Central

Wang, Xuan; Tandeo, Pierre; Fablet, Ronan; Husson, Romain; Guan, Lei; Chen, Ge

2016-01-01

The swell propagation model built on geometric optics is known to work well when simulating radiated swells from a far located storm. Based on this simple approximation, satellites have acquired plenty of large samples on basin-traversing swells induced by fierce storms situated in mid-latitudes. How to routinely reconstruct swell fields with these irregularly sampled observations from space via known swell propagation principle requires more examination. In this study, we apply 3-h interval pseudo SAR observations in the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) to reconstruct a swell field in ocean basin, and compare it with buoy swell partitions and polynomial regression results. As validated against in situ measurements, EnKF works well in terms of spatial–temporal consistency in far-field swell propagation scenarios. Using this framework, we further address the influence of EnKF parameters, and perform a sensitivity analysis to evaluate estimations made under different sets of parameters. Such analysis is of key interest with respect to future multiple-source routinely recorded swell field data. Satellite-derived swell data can serve as a valuable complementary dataset to in situ or wave re-analysis datasets. PMID:27898005

Unrestrained swelling of uranium-nitride fuel irradiated at temperatures ranging from 1100 to 1400 K (1980 to 2520 R)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rohal, R. G.; Tambling, T. N.

1973-01-01

Six fuel pins were assembled, encapsulated, and irradiated in the Plum Brook Reactor. The fuel pins employed uranium mononitride (UN) in a stainless steel (type 304L) clad. The pins were irradiated for approximately 4000 hours to burnups of about 2.0 atom percent uranium. The average clad surface temperature during irradiation was about 1100 K (1980 deg R). Since stainless steel has a very low creep strength relative to that of UN at this temperature, these tests simulated unrestrained swelling of UN. The tests indicated that at 1 percent uranium atom burnup the unrestrained diametrical swelling of UN is about 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 percent at 1223, 1264, and 1306 K (2200, deg 2273 deg, and 2350 deg R), respectively. The tests also indicated that the irradiation induced swelling of unrestrained UN fuel pellets appears to be isotropic.

Detecting self-ion irradiation-induced void swelling in pure copper using transient grating spectroscopy

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

Dennett, C. A.; So, K. P.; Kushima, A.

Irradiation-induced void swelling remains a major challenge to nuclear reactor operation. Swelling may take years to initiate and often results in rapid material property degradation once started. Alloy development for advanced nuclear systems will require rapid characterization of the swelling breakaway dose in new alloys, yet this capability does not yet exist. In this paper, we demonstrate that transient grating spectroscopy (TGS) can detect void swelling in single crystal copper via changes in surface acoustic wave (SAW) velocity. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) links the TGS-observed changes with void swelling-induced microstructural evolution. Finally, these results are considered in the contextmore » of previous work to suggest that in situ TGS will be able to rapidly determine when new bulk materials begin void swelling, shortening alloy development and testing times.« less

Detecting self-ion irradiation-induced void swelling in pure copper using transient grating spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Dennett, C. A.; So, K. P.; Kushima, A.; ...

2017-12-20

Irradiation-induced void swelling remains a major challenge to nuclear reactor operation. Swelling may take years to initiate and often results in rapid material property degradation once started. Alloy development for advanced nuclear systems will require rapid characterization of the swelling breakaway dose in new alloys, yet this capability does not yet exist. In this paper, we demonstrate that transient grating spectroscopy (TGS) can detect void swelling in single crystal copper via changes in surface acoustic wave (SAW) velocity. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) links the TGS-observed changes with void swelling-induced microstructural evolution. Finally, these results are considered in the contextmore » of previous work to suggest that in situ TGS will be able to rapidly determine when new bulk materials begin void swelling, shortening alloy development and testing times.« less

Africa's Megafans and Their Tectonic Setting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkinson, M. J.; Burke, K.

2016-01-01

Megafans are a really extensive continental sediment bodies, fluvially derived, and fan-shaped in planform. Only those >80 km long were included in this study. Africa's megafans were mapped for purposes of both comprehensive geomorphic description and as a method of mapping by remote sensing large probable fluvial sediment bodies (we exclude sediment bodies deposited in well defined, modern floodplains and coastal deltas). Our criteria included a length dimension of >80 km and maximum width >40 km, partial cone morphology, and a radial drainage pattern. Visible and especially IR imagery were used to identify the features, combined with topographic SRTM data. We identified 99 megafans most of which are unstudied thus far. Their feeder rivers responsible for depositing megafan sediments rise on, and are consequent drainages oriented down the slopes of the swells that have dominated African landscapes since approximately 34 Ma (the high points in Africa's so-called basin-and-swell topography [1]). Most megafans (66%) have developed along these consequent rivers relatively near the swell cores, oriented radially away from the swells. The vast basins between the swells provide accommodation for megafan sediment wedges. Although clearly visible remotely, most megafans are inactive as a result of incision by the feeder river (which then no longer operates on the fan surface). Two tectonic settings control the location of Africa's megafans, 66% on swell flanks, and 33% related to rifts. (i) Swell flanks Most megafans are apexed relatively near the core of the parent swell, and are often clustered in groups: e.g., six on the west and north flanks of the Hoggar Swell (Algeria), seven on the north and south flanks of the Tibesti Swell (Libya-Chad borderlands), twelve on the west flank of the Ethiopian Swell, four on the east flank of the East African Swell (Kenya), Africa's largest, and eight around Angola's Bié Swell (western Zambia, northern Namibia). A cluster of possible fans lies on the western margin of the Congo Basin (Mayombe Swell), and on the coastal slopes of the Namibia Swell. Sheer size may have militated aginst the recognition of many megafans: the largest in the Sahara are the Teghahart (378 km, Hoggar Swell, Algeria), and the Wadi Albalata (340 km, Uweinat Swell, Egypt). In southern Africa the largest are the Cubango (320 km, Bié Swell, Angola/ Namibia), and the Limpopo (230 km, Mozambique). (ii) Rift zones (a) Steer's horns basins-wide depressions centered on rifts. The largest contiguous group (n=14) developed in a steer's-horns basin occupies the wide Muglad depression (200-350 km, South Sudan). Four rift-related megafans lie SE of Lake Chad (Chad). Nine megafans occupy the complex Anza Rift in Kenya/South Somalia. The Salamat megafan (Chad), is unusual because it oriented parallel with the linked Salamat, Doseo and Doba rift axes, and is consequently one of the longest in Africa (465 km). (b) Rift depressions sensu stricto. Most rifts are too narrow to provide a transverse dimension large enough to accommodate megafans. Although well-known, the Okavango Rift (NW Botswana, NE Namibia) is unique in Africa in hosting three megafans within identifiable faulted margins. The Nile megafan is Africa's largest (476 km) and comprises the vast Sudd wetland (South Sudan). An explanation for its remarkable size may be its location in a depression at the junction of two conducive tectonic zones, the East African Swell margin and the Muglad steer's-horns depression. Discharge of the River Nile, the largest in the region, has allowed the Nile megafan to outcompete neighboring megafans for space.

Multiple Irradiation Capsule Experiment (MICE)-3B Irradiation Test of Space Fuel Specimens in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) - Close Out Documentation for Naval Reactors (NR) Information

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

M. Chen; CM Regan; D. Noe

2006-01-09

Few data exist for UO{sub 2} or UN within the notional design space for the Prometheus-1 reactor (low fission rate, high temperature, long duration). As such, basic testing is required to validate predictions (and in some cases determine) performance aspects of these fuels. Therefore, the MICE-3B test of UO{sub 2} pellets was designed to provide data on gas release, unrestrained swelling, and restrained swelling at the upper range of fission rates expected for a space reactor. These data would be compared with model predictions and used to determine adequacy of a space reactor design basis relative to fission gas releasemore » and swelling of UO{sub 2} fuel and to assess potential pellet-clad interactions. A primary goal of an irradiation test for UN fuel was to assess performance issues currently associated with this fuel type such as gas release, swelling and transient performance. Information learned from this effort may have enabled use of UN fuel for future applications.« less

Inbreeding effects on immune response in free-living song sparrows (Melospiza melodia).

PubMed

Reid, Jane M; Arcese, Peter; Keller, Lukas F; Elliott, Kyle H; Sampson, Laura; Hasselquist, Dennis

2007-03-07

The consequences of inbreeding for host immunity to parasitic infection have broad implications for the evolutionary and dynamical impacts of parasites on populations where inbreeding occurs. To rigorously assess the magnitude and the prevalence of inbreeding effects on immunity, multiple components of host immune response should be related to inbreeding coefficient (f) in free-living individuals. We used a pedigreed, free-living population of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) to test whether individual responses to widely used experimental immune challenges varied consistently with f. The patagial swelling response to phytohaemagglutinin declined markedly with f in both females and males in both 2002 and 2003, although overall inbreeding depression was greater in males. The primary antibody response to tetanus toxoid declined with f in females but not in males in both 2004 and 2005. Primary antibody responses to diphtheria toxoid were low but tended to decline with f in 2004. Overall inbreeding depression did not solely reflect particularly strong immune responses in outbred offspring of immigrant-native pairings or weak responses in highly inbred individuals. These data indicate substantial and apparently sex-specific inbreeding effects on immune response, implying that inbred hosts may be relatively susceptible to parasitic infection to differing degrees in males and females.

A new type of quinoxalinone derivatives affects viability, invasion, and intracellular growth of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in vitro.

PubMed

Rivera Fernández, Norma; Mondragón Castelán, Mónica; González Pozos, Sirenia; Ramírez Flores, Carlos J; Mondragón González, Ricardo; Gómez de León, Carmen T; Castro Elizalde, Kitzia N; Marrero Ponce, Yovani; Arán, Vicente J; Martins Alho, Miriam A; Mondragón Flores, Ricardo

2016-05-01

Quinoxalinone derivatives, identified as VAM2 compounds (7-nitroquinoxalin-2-ones), were evaluated against Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites of the RH strain. The VAM2 compounds were previously synthesized based on the design obtained from an in silico prediction with the software TOMOCOMD-CARDD. From the ten VAM2 drugs tested, several showed a deleterious effect on tachyzoites. However, VAM2-2 showed the highest toxoplasmicidal activity generating a remarkable decrease in tachyzoite viability (in about 91 %) and a minimal alteration in the host cell. An evident inhibition of host cell invasion by tachyzoites previously treated with VAM2-2 was observed in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, remarkable alterations were observed in the pellicle parasite, such as swelling, roughness, and blebbing. Toxoplasma motility was inhibited, and subpellicular cytoskeleton integrity was altered, inducing a release of its components to the soluble fraction. VAM2-2 showed a clear and specific deleterious effect on tachyzoites viability, structural integrity, and invasive capabilities with limited effects in host cells morphology and viability. VAM2-2 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) was determined as 3.3 μM ± 1.8. Effects of quinoxalinone derivatives on T. gondii provide the basis for a future therapeutical alternative in the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

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

Vilarrasa, Víctor; Rutqvist, Jonny; Blanco Martin, Laura

Expansive soils are suitable as backfill and buffer materials in engineered barrier systems to isolate heat-generating nuclear waste in deep geological formations. The canisters containing nuclear waste would be placed in tunnels excavated at a depth of several hundred meters. The expansive soil should provide enough swelling capacity to support the tunnel walls, thereby reducing the impact of the excavation-damaged zone on the long-term mechanical and flow-barrier performance. In addition to their swelling capacity, expansive soils are characterized by accumulating irreversible strain on suction cycles and by effects of microstructural swelling on water permeability that for backfill or buffer materialsmore » can significantly delay the time it takes to reach full saturation. In order to simulate these characteristics of expansive soils, a dual-structure constitutive model that includes two porosity levels is necessary. The authors present the formulation of a dual-structure model and describe its implementation into a coupled fluid flow and geomechanical numerical simulator. The authors use the Barcelona Basic Model (BBM), which is an elastoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated soils, to model the macrostructure, and it is assumed that the strains of the microstructure, which are volumetric and elastic, induce plastic strain to the macrostructure. The authors tested and demonstrated the capabilities of the implemented dual-structure model by modeling and reproducing observed behavior in two laboratory tests of expansive clay. As observed in the experiments, the simulations yielded nonreversible strain accumulation with suction cycles and a decreasing swelling capacity with increasing confining stress. Finally, the authors modeled, for the first time using a dual-structure model, the long-term (100,000 years) performance of a generic heat-generating nuclear waste repository with waste emplacement in horizontal tunnels backfilled with expansive clay and hosted in a clay rock formation. The thermo-hydro-mechanical results of the dual-structure model were compared with those of the standard single-structure BBM. The main difference between the simulation results from the two models is that the dual-structure model predicted a time to fully saturate the expansive clay barrier on the order of thousands of years, whereas the standard single-structure BBM yielded a time on the order of tens of years. These examples show that a dual-structure model, such as the one presented here, is necessary to properly model the thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of expansive soils.« less

Differential resource allocation in deer mice exposed to sin nombre virus.

PubMed

Lehmer, Erin M; Clay, Christine A; Wilson, Eric; St Jeor, Stephen; Dearing, M Denise

2007-01-01

The resource allocation hypothesis predicts that reproductive activity suppresses immunocompetence; however, this has never been tested in an endemic disease system with free-ranging mammals. We tested the resource allocation hypothesis in wild deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) with natural exposure to Sin Nombre Virus (SNV). Immunocompetence was estimated from the extent of swelling elicited after deer mice were injected with phytohemagglutinin (PHA); swelling is positively correlated with immunocompetence. After livetrapping deer mice, we determined their reproductive state and SNV infection status. Males were more likely to be seropositive for SNV than females (37% vs. 25%) and exhibited 10% less swelling after PHA injection. The swelling response of females differed with both infection status and reproductive condition. There was also a significant infection status by reproductive condition interaction: non-reproductive, seropositive females experienced the least amount of swelling, whereas females in all other categories experienced significantly greater swelling. The swelling response of males differed with both SNV infection status and reproductive condition, but there was no significant infection status by reproductive condition interaction. Seronegative males elicited greater swelling than seropositive males regardless of reproductive status. In contrast to the resource allocation hypothesis, these results do not indicate that reproductive activity suppresses immunocompetence of deer mice but rather suggest that chronic SNV infection reduces immunocompetence. Sex-based differences in swelling indicate that SNV modulates the immune system of female deer mice differently than it does that of males, particularly during reproduction. We propose that differences in resource allocation between males and females could result from inherent sex-based differences in parental investment.

Coupled THMC models for bentonite in clay repository for nuclear waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, L.; Rutqvist, J.; Birkholzer, J. T.; Li, Y.; Anguiano, H. H.

2015-12-01

Illitization, the transformation of smectite to illite, could compromise some beneficiary features of an engineered barrier system (EBS) that is composed primarily of bentonite and clay host rock. It is a major determining factor to establish the maximum design temperature of the repositories because it is believed that illitization could be greatly enhanced at temperatures higher than 100 oC and thus significantly lower the sorption and swelling capacity of bentonite and clay rock. However, existing experimental and modeling studies on the occurrence of illitization and related performance impacts are not conclusive, in part because the relevant couplings between the thermal, hydrological, chemical, and mechanical (THMC) processes have not been fully represented in the models. Here we present fully coupled THMC simulations of a generic nuclear waste repository in a clay formation with bentonite-backfilled EBS. Two scenarios were simulated for comparison: a case in which the temperature in the bentonite near the waste canister can reach about 200 oC and a case in which the temperature in the bentonite near the waste canister peaks at about 100 oC. The model simulations demonstrate that illitization is in general more significant at higher temperatures. We also compared the chemical changes and the resulting swelling stress change for two types of bentonite: Kunigel-VI and FEBEX bentonite. Higher temperatures also lead to much higher stress in the near field, caused by thermal pressurization and vapor pressure buildup in the EBS bentonite and clay host rock. Chemical changes lead to a reduction in swelling stress, which is more pronounced for Kunigel-VI bentonite than for FEBEX bentonite.

Dissecting anode swelling in commercial lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ningxin; Tang, Huaqiong

2012-11-01

An innovative method is applied to investigate anode swelling during electrochemical processes in commercial lithium-ion batteries. Cathode surface is partially covered with a piece of paste to block the transportation of lithium ion from active material during charging/discharging, and the corresponding part on the anode film shows no formation of Li-graphite compounds during different electrochemical processes, which is confirmed by XRD analysis. The increases of anode thickness within and outside lithiated zone are measured, and defined as electrochemical swelling and physical swelling respectively. The microscopic lattice expansion of graphite due to lithiation process correlates to mesoscopic electrochemical swelling synchronically, while physical swelling tends to decrease steadily with time. The relationship among the microscopic stress due to lithium-ion intercalation, the mesoscopic stress resulting in anode swelling, and the macroscopic rippling of pouch cell after a large number of cycle test, is analyzed and correlated in terms of stress evolution across different scales, and suggestions for solving anode swelling are provided.

Swelling soils in the road structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pruška, Jan; Šedivý, Miroslav

2017-09-01

There are frequent problems with the soil swelling in the road construction in the past time. This phenomenon is known for decades. This situation is notably given by insufficient knowledge of this problem and difficulties with input parameters describing the swelling process. The paper in the first part proposed regression relations to predict swelling pressure, time of swelling and swelling strain for different initial water contents for soils and improvement soils. The relations were developed by using artificial neural network and QCExpert Professional software (on the data from site investigations by GeoTec-GS, a.s. and experimental data from CTU in Prague). The advantage of the relations is based on using the results of the basic soil tests (plasticity index, consistency index and colloidal activity) as input parameters. The authors inform the technical public with their current knowledge of the problems with the soil swelling on the motorway in the second part of the paper.

Linking natural microstructures with numerical modeling of pinch-and-swell structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, Max; Berger, Alfons; Herwegh, Marco; Regenauer-Lieb, Klaus

2016-04-01

For a variety of geological problems, the change from homogeneous to localized deformation and the establishment of steady-state conditions are equally important. Here, we show that pinch-and-swell structures are ideal candidates for the study of the switch in deformation style and mechanism during ductile creep. We present an interdisciplinary approach to the onset of pinch-and-swell structures and to the flow conditions during pre- to post-localization stages in ductile rocks. For this reason, naturally boudinaged calcite veins, embedded in a calc-mylonite, and their microfabrics were investigated quantitatively. Remnants of slightly deformed calcite hosts build up the swells, showing twinning and minor dislocation glide as crystal plastic deformation mechanisms which are accompanied by subgrain rotation recrystallization (SGR). Towards the pinches, we find a gradient of severe grain size reduction through progressive SGR, developing a characteristic dislocation creep crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO). Along this gradient, the finest recrystallized calcite grains appear randomly oriented, expressed by a "smearing-out" of the CPO and missing systematics of misorientation angles in the most extended areas. We interpret this microstructure as a switch from dislocation dominated creep to grain boundary sliding processes. Further, we show that the onset of boudinage is independent on both the original orientation and grain size of calcite hosts. We implemented these microstructural observations into a layered elasto-visco-plastic finite element framework, tracing variations in grain size (Peters et al., 2015). We base the microstructural evolution on thermo-mechanical-chemical principles and end-member flow laws (Herwegh et al., 2014). The simulated pinch-and-swell structures indicate that low strain rates in the swells favor dislocation creep, whereas accelerated rates provoke continuous grain size reduction allowing strain accommodation by diffusion creep dominated deformation at relatively high extensional strains in the pinches. The numerical simulations indicate that viscosity weakening due to dissipated heat from grain size reduction marks the onset of localization, resulting in continuous necking of the layer. Interestingly, there exist multiple steady states, i.e. a first homogeneous state out of which localization arises, steady states of the stable end-member structure, expressed by homogeneous conditions in both pinches and swells, and in the surrounding matrix, the latter obeying a linear rheology. Based on our microstructural and numerical results, we suggest that the onset of localization represents a fundamental material bifurcation. This implies that the studied structures can be described as ductile instabilities. Finally, we discuss the profound role of the energy theory of localization described here, which allows deriving the paleo-deformation conditions, as well as fundamental material properties in a self-consistent manner. REFERENCES Herwegh, M., Poulet, T., Karrech, A. and Regenauer-Lieb, K. (2014): Journal of Geophysical Research 119, doi:10.1002/2013JB010701 Peters, M., Veveakis, M., Poulet, T., Karrech, A., Herwegh, M. and Regenauer-Lieb, K. (2015): Journal of Structural Geology 78, doi:10.1016/j.jsg.2015.06.005

A new species of Neolasioptera (Diptera: Cecidomyiiidae) from Parkinsonia aculeata (Leguninosae) in Argentina for possible use in biological control in Australia

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Neolasioptera parkinsoniae Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is described as a new species from stem swellings on Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Leguminosae) in NW Argentina. The new species appears to be a good candidate for the biological control of its host in Australia, where the plant was accidentally i...

NMR imaging and cryoporometry of swelling clays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dvinskikh, Sergey V.; Szutkowski, Kosma; Petrov, Oleg V.; Furó, István.

2010-05-01

Compacted bentonite clay is currently attracting attention as a promising "self-sealing" buffer material to build in-ground barriers for the encapsulation of radioactive waste. It is expected to fill up the space between waste canister and surrounding ground by swelling and thus delay flow and migration from the host rock to the canister. In environmental sciences, evaluation and understanding of the swelling properties of pre-compacted clay are of uttermost importance for designing such buffers. Major goal of present study was to provide, in a non-invasive manner, a quantitative measure of bentonite distribution in extended samples during different physical processes in an aqueous environment such as swelling, dissolution, and sedimentation on the time scale from minutes to years. The propagation of the swelling front during clay expansion depending on the geometry of the confining space was also studied. Magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were adapted and used as main experimental techniques. With this approach, spatially resolved movement of the clay/water interface as well as clay particle distributions in gel phase can be monitored [1]. Bulk samples with swelling in a vertical tube and in a horizontal channel were investigated and clay content distribution profiles in the concentration range over five orders of magnitude and with sub-millimetre spatial resolution were obtained. Expansion rates for bulk swelling and swelling in narrow slits were compared. For sodium-exchanged montmorillonite in contact with de-ionised water, we observed a remarkable acceleration of expansion as compared to that obtained in the bulk. To characterize the porosity of the clay a cryoporometric study [2] has been performed. Our results have important implications to waste repository designs and for the assessment of its long-term performance. Further research exploring clay-water interaction over a wide variety of clay composition and water ionic strength as well as investigating the effect of the confining geometry and material surface properties seem to be worth to pursue. Acknowledgements: This work has been supported by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co (SKB) and the Swedish Research Council VR. References: [1] Dvinskikh S. V., Szutkowski K., Furó I. MRI profiles over a very wide concentration ranges: application to swelling of a bentonite clay. J. Magn. Reson. 198, 146 (2009). [2] Petrov O. V., Furó I. NMR cryoporometry: Principles, applications and potential. Prog. Nucl. Magn. Reson. Spec. 54, 97 (2009).

Micro-structure and Swelling Behaviour of Compacted Clayey Soils: A Quantitative Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferber, Valéry; Auriol, Jean-Claude; David, Jean-Pierre

In this paper, the clay aggregate volume and inter-aggregate volume in compacted clayey soils are quantified, on the basis of simple hypothesis, using only their water content and dry density. Swelling tests on a highly plastic clay are then interpreted by describing the influence of the inter-aggregate volume before swelling on the total volume of samples after swelling. This approach leads to a linear relation between these latter parameters. Based on these results, a description of the evolution of the microstructure due to imbibition can be proposed. Moreover, this approach enables a general quantification of the influence of initial water content and dry density on the swelling behaviour of compacted clayey soils.

A hemangioma on the floor of the mouth presenting as a ranula.

PubMed

Skoulakis, Charalampos E; Khaldi, Lubna; Serletis, Demetre; Semertzidis, Themistoklis

2008-11-01

A painless, bluish, submucosal swelling on one side of the floor of the mouth usually indicates the presence of a ranula. Rarely, such a swelling may be caused by an inflammatory disease process in a salivary gland, a neoplasm in the sublingual salivary gland, a lymphatic nodular swelling, or embryologic cysts. We report a patient with swelling in the floor of her mouth that was clinically diagnosed as a ranula. Suspicion arose during surgery that it was a vascular tumor and, on histologic testing, the swelling was confirmed to be a hemangioma. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of a hemangioma presenting as a ranula.

Self-Sealing Cementitious Materials by Using Water-Swelling Rubber Particles

PubMed Central

Lv, Leyang; Schlangen, Erik; Xing, Feng

2017-01-01

Water ingress into cracked concrete structures is a serious problem, as it can cause leakage and reinforcement corrosion and thus reduce functionality and safety of the structures. In this study, the application of water-swelling rubber particles for providing the cracked concrete a self-sealing function was developed. The feasibility of applying water-swelling rubber particles and the influence of incorporating water-swelling rubber particles on the mechanical properties of concrete was investigated. The self-sealing efficiency of water-swelling rubber particles with different content and particle size was quantified through a permeability test. The sealing effect of the water swelling rubber particles was monitored by X-ray computed tomography. The experimental results show that, by using 6% of these water swelling rubber particles as a replacement of aggregates in concrete, up to 64% and 61% decrease of water permeability was realized for 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm cracks. Furthermore, when the concrete cracks, the water swelling rubber particles can act as a crack bridging filler, preventing the crack from fully separating the specimens in two pieces. PMID:28829384

A new serotyping method for Klebsiella species: evaluation of the technique.

PubMed Central

Riser, E; Noone, P; Bonnet, M L

1976-01-01

A new indirect fluorescent typing method for Klebsiella species is compared with an established method, capsular swelling. The fluorescent antibody (FA) technique was tested with standards and unknowns, and the results were checked by capsular swelling. Several unknowns were sent away for confirmation of typing, by capsular swelling. The FA method was also tried by a technician in the routine department for blind identification of standards. Fluorescence typing gives close correlation with the established capsular swelling technique but has greater sensitivity; allows more econimical use of expensive antisera; possesses greater objectivity as it requires less operator skill in the reading of results; resolves most of the cross reactions observed with capsular swelling; and has a higher per cent success rate in identification. PMID:777043

Illitization within bentonite engineered barrier system in clay repositories for nuclear waste and its effect on the swelling stress: a coupled THMC modeling study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, L.; Rutqvist, J.; Birkholzer, J. T.; Liu, H. H.

2014-12-01

Geological repositories for disposal of high-level nuclear waste generally rely on a multi-barrier system to isolate radioactive waste from the biosphere. An engineered barrier system (EBS), which comprises in many design concepts a bentonite backfill, is widely used. Clay formations have been considered as a host rock throughout the world. Illitization, the transformation of smectite to illite, could compromise some beneficiary features of EBS bentonite and clay host rock such as sorption and swelling capacity. It is the major determining factor to establish the maximum design temperature of the repositories because it is believed that illitization could be greatly enhanced at temperatures higher than 100 oC. However, existing experimental and modeling studies on the occurrence of illitization and related performance impacts are not conclusive, in part because the relevant couplings between the thermal, hydrological, chemical, and mechanical (THMC) processes have not been fully represented in the models. Here we present a fully coupled THMC simulation study of a generic nuclear waste repository in a clay formation with a bentonite-backfilled EBS. Two scenarios were simulated for comparison: a case in which the temperature in the bentonite near the waste canister can reach about 200 oC and a case in which the temperature in the bentonite near the waste canister peaks at about 100 oC. The model simulations demonstrate that illitization is in general more significant under higher temperature. However, the quantity of illitization is affected by many chemical factors and therefore varies a great deal. The most important chemical factors are the concentration of K in the pore water as well as the abundance and dissolution rate of K-feldspar. For the particular case and bentonite properties studied, the reduction in swelling stress as a result of chemical changes vary from 2% up to 70% depending on chemical and temperature conditions, and key mechanical parameters. The modeling work is illustrative in light of the relative importance of different processes occurring in EBS bentonite and clay host rock at higher than 100 oC conditions, and could be of greater use when site specific data are available.

Characterization of acoustic and mechanical properties of common tropical woods used in classical guitars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sproßmann, Robert; Zauer, Mario; Wagenführ, André

There is a need of substitution woods for the use in musical instruments because of the limited availability of some commonly used tropical tonewoods. Before substitutions can be found, it is necessary to know about the required properties. Hence, in this paper acoustical, mechanical and physical properties of four common tropical hardwoods (Indian rosewood, ziricote, African blackwood and ebony) were determined because there are less literature values for some properties available, e.g. internal friction, hardness or swelling behaviour. The acoustic properties were determined by means of experimental modal analysis, the mechanical properties by means of static bending tests and tests of the Brinell hardness. For the swelling behaviour the volume swelling and also the differential swelling coefficients were determined. With the results it is possible to look for new 'tonewoods' or to specifically modified woods, e.g. thermally treated wood, to substitute tropical wood species.

An upscaling method and a numerical analysis of swelling/shrinking processes in a compacted bentonite/sand mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, M.; Agus, S. S.; Schanz, T.; Kolditz, O.

2004-12-01

This paper presents an upscaling concept of swelling/shrinking processes of a compacted bentonite/sand mixture, which also applies to swelling of porous media in general. A constitutive approach for highly compacted bentonite/sand mixture is developed accordingly. The concept is based on the diffuse double layer theory and connects microstructural properties of the bentonite as well as chemical properties of the pore fluid with swelling potential. Main factors influencing the swelling potential of bentonite, i.e. variation of water content, dry density, chemical composition of pore fluid, as well as the microstructures and the amount of swelling minerals are taken into account. According to the proposed model, porosity is divided into interparticle and interlayer porosity. Swelling is the potential of interlayer porosity increase, which reveals itself as volume change in the case of free expansion, or turns to be swelling pressure in the case of constrained swelling. The constitutive equations for swelling/shrinking are implemented in the software GeoSys/RockFlow as a new chemo-hydro-mechanical model, which is able to simulate isothermal multiphase flow in bentonite. Details of the mathematical and numerical multiphase flow formulations, as well as the code implementation are described. The proposed model is verified using experimental data of tests on a highly compacted bentonite/sand mixture. Comparison of the 1D modelling results with the experimental data evidences the capability of the proposed model to satisfactorily predict free swelling of the material under investigation. Copyright

Selection for protection in an ant–plant mutualism: host sanctions, host modularity, and the principal–agent game

PubMed Central

Edwards, David P; Hassall, Mark; Sutherland, William J; Yu, Douglas W

2005-01-01

Retaliation against cheaters can prevent the breakdown of cooperation. Here we ask whether the ant–plant Cordia nodosa is able to apply retaliatory sanctions against its ant symbiont Allomerus octoarticulatus, which patrols new shoots to prevent herbivory. We test the hypothesis that the modular design of C. nodosa physiologically ties the growth of housing (stem swellings known as domatia) to the successful development of the attached leaves. We experimentally simulated herbivory by cutting leaves from patrolled shoots and found that the domatia on such ‘cheated’ shoots suffered higher mortality and lower growth than did controls, evidence for a host sanction. On the other hand, patrolling is costly to the ant, and experiment shows that non-patrollers run a low risk of being sanctioned because most leaves (and the attached domatia) escape heavy herbivory even when patrollers are absent. This suggests that cheaters might enjoy a higher fitness than do mutualists, despite sanctions, but we find that patrolling provides a net fecundity benefit when the colony and plant exceed a minimum size, which requires sustained ant investment in patrolling. These results map directly onto the principal–agent (P–A) game from economics, which we suggest can be used as a framework for studying stability in mutualisms, where high sampling costs and cheating do not allow market effects to select for mutual benefits. PMID:16537131

Selection for protection in an ant-plant mutualism: host sanctions, host modularity, and the principal-agent game.

PubMed

Edwards, David P; Hassall, Mark; Sutherland, William J; Yu, Douglas W

2006-03-07

Retaliation against cheaters can prevent the breakdown of cooperation. Here we ask whether the ant-plant Cordia nodosa is able to apply retaliatory sanctions against its ant symbiont Allomerus octoarticulatus, which patrols new shoots to prevent herbivory. We test the hypothesis that the modular design of C. nodosa physiologically ties the growth of housing (stem swellings known as domatia) to the successful development of the attached leaves. We experimentally simulated herbivory by cutting leaves from patrolled shoots and found that the domatia on such 'cheated' shoots suffered higher mortality and lower growth than did controls, evidence for a host sanction. On the other hand, patrolling is costly to the ant, and experiment shows that non-patrollers run a low risk of being sanctioned because most leaves (and the attached domatia) escape heavy herbivory even when patrollers are absent. This suggests that cheaters might enjoy a higher fitness than do mutualists, despite sanctions, but we find that patrolling provides a net fecundity benefit when the colony and plant exceed a minimum size, which requires sustained ant investment in patrolling. These results map directly onto the principal-agent (P-A) game from economics, which we suggest can be used as a framework for studying stability in mutualisms, where high sampling costs and cheating do not allow market effects to select for mutual benefits.

Evaluation on expansive performance of the expansive soil using electrical responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Ya; Liu, Songyu; Bate, Bate; Xu, Lei

2018-01-01

Light structures, such as highways and railroads, built on expansive soils are prone to damages from the swelling of their underlain soil layers. Considerable amount of research has been conducted to characterize the swelling properties of expansive soils. Current swell characterization models, however, are limited by lack of standardized tests. Electrical methods are non-destructive, and are faster and less expensive than the traditional geotechnical methods. Therefore, geo-electrical methods are attractive for defining soil characteristics, including the swelling behavior. In this study, comprehensive laboratory experiments were undertaken to measure the free swelling and electrical resistivity of the mixtures of commercial kaolinite and bentonite. The electrical conductivity of kaolinite-bentonite mixtures was measured by a self-developed four-electrode soil resistivity box. Increasing the free swelling rate of the kaolinite-bentonite mixtures (0.72 to 1 of porosity of soils samples) led to a reduction in the electrical resistivity and an increase in conductivity. A unique relationship between free swelling rate and normalized surface conductivity was constructed for expensive soils by eliminating influences of porosity and m exponent. Therefore, electrical response measurement can be used to characterize the free swelling rate of expensive soils.

Sperm DNA fragmentation in boars is delayed or abolished by using sperm extenders.

PubMed

Pérez-Llano, Begoña; Enciso, María; García-Casado, Pedro; Sala, Rubén; Gosálvez, Jaime

2006-12-01

The semen quality of seven young adult boars was assessed for percentages of sperm motility, normal acrosomes, abnormal sperm, cells positive to sHOST (short Hipoosmotic Swelling Test), HPNA cells (sHOST Positive with Normal Acrosome cells) and the percentage of sperm heads, which exhibited DNA fragmentation using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test (SCD). These parameters were analysed in sperm samples both undiluted and diluted using a commercial extender and stored at 15 degrees C for 21 days. Results showed that semen quality decreases faster in the undiluted semen samples from day 0 to day 7 compared to diluted semen samples that remained with a high quality up to day 11. The undiluted semen exhibited a low DNA fragmentation index (DFI) during the first days and then a significant increase from day 7 up to day 21. This increase in the DFI coincided with the lowest levels of the other semen quality parameters. On the contrary, the samples diluted in the commercial extender showed very low levels of DNA fragmentation in all boars during the preservation period. When the evolution of DNA fragmentation was analysed in the undiluted samples, differences were found among boars. These differences were not shown in the samples diluted in the extender where the basal DFI remained stable during the 21 days. The main conclusion of this study was that some sperm extenders delay or partially prevent sperm DNA fragmentation.

Swelling of Superabsorbent Poly(Sodium-Acrylate Acrylamide) Hydrogels and Influence of Chemical Structure on Internally Cured Mortar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krafcik, Matthew J.; Erk, Kendra A.

Superabsorbent hydrogel particles show promise as internal curing agents for high performance concrete (HPC). These gels can absorb and release large volumes of water and offer a solution to the problem of self-dessication in HPC. However, the gels are sensitive to ions naturally present in concrete. This research connects swelling behavior with gel-ion interactions to optimize hydrogel performance for internal curing, reducing the chance of early-age cracking and increasing the durability of HPC. Four different hydrogels of poly(sodium-acrylate acrylamide) are synthesized and characterized with swelling tests in different salt solutions. Depending on solution pH, ionic character, and gel composition, diffrerent swelling behaviors are observed. As weight percent of acrylic acid increases, gels demonstrate higher swelling ratios in reverse osmosis water, but showed substantially decreased swelling when aqueous cations are present. Additionally, in multivalent cation solutions, overshoot peaks are present, whereby the gels have a peak swelling ratio but then deswell. Multivalent cations interact with deprotonated carboxylic acid groups, constricting the gel and expelling water. Mortar containing hydrogels showed reduced autogenous shrinkage and increased relative humidity.

Use of a Dual-Structure Constitutive Model for Predicting the Long-Term Behavior of an Expansive Clay Buffer in a Nuclear Waste Repository

DOE PAGES

Vilarrasa, Víctor; Rutqvist, Jonny; Blanco Martin, Laura; ...

2015-12-31

Expansive soils are suitable as backfill and buffer materials in engineered barrier systems to isolate heat-generating nuclear waste in deep geological formations. The canisters containing nuclear waste would be placed in tunnels excavated at a depth of several hundred meters. The expansive soil should provide enough swelling capacity to support the tunnel walls, thereby reducing the impact of the excavation-damaged zone on the long-term mechanical and flow-barrier performance. In addition to their swelling capacity, expansive soils are characterized by accumulating irreversible strain on suction cycles and by effects of microstructural swelling on water permeability that for backfill or buffer materialsmore » can significantly delay the time it takes to reach full saturation. In order to simulate these characteristics of expansive soils, a dual-structure constitutive model that includes two porosity levels is necessary. The authors present the formulation of a dual-structure model and describe its implementation into a coupled fluid flow and geomechanical numerical simulator. The authors use the Barcelona Basic Model (BBM), which is an elastoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated soils, to model the macrostructure, and it is assumed that the strains of the microstructure, which are volumetric and elastic, induce plastic strain to the macrostructure. The authors tested and demonstrated the capabilities of the implemented dual-structure model by modeling and reproducing observed behavior in two laboratory tests of expansive clay. As observed in the experiments, the simulations yielded nonreversible strain accumulation with suction cycles and a decreasing swelling capacity with increasing confining stress. Finally, the authors modeled, for the first time using a dual-structure model, the long-term (100,000 years) performance of a generic heat-generating nuclear waste repository with waste emplacement in horizontal tunnels backfilled with expansive clay and hosted in a clay rock formation. The thermo-hydro-mechanical results of the dual-structure model were compared with those of the standard single-structure BBM. The main difference between the simulation results from the two models is that the dual-structure model predicted a time to fully saturate the expansive clay barrier on the order of thousands of years, whereas the standard single-structure BBM yielded a time on the order of tens of years. These examples show that a dual-structure model, such as the one presented here, is necessary to properly model the thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of expansive soils.« less

Interactions of Entamoeba Histolytica with Host Cells in the Gut Mucosa,

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-01-01

amebae were observed close to the cecal epithelium, the apposing epithelial cell was found to have protruded in the lumen and making contact with the... amebae . Such cells often had become detached from their basal lamina and intercellular tight junctions, affording spaces through which amebae invaded the...mucosa. Other epithelial cells in close proximity to amebae showed degenerative changes characterized by swelling of mitochondria and endoplasmic

A randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of submucosal aprotinin injection and intravenous dexamethasone in reducing pain and swelling after third molar surgery: a prospective study.

PubMed

Arakeri, Gururaj; Rai, Kirthi Kumar; Shivakumar, H R; Jayade, Bhushan

2013-03-01

The purpose of this study was to compare two different groups of drugs, aprotinin and dexamethasone for its efficacy in reducing post operative swelling and pain after third molar surgery. Fifty consecutive patients requiring surgical removal of single mandibular third molar (class II position B) under local anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups, each group consisting of 25 patients. One group was administered 8 mg dexamethasone through intravenous route pre-operatively. The other group received 1 ml of Aprotinin through submucosal route in operating area after the onset of local anesthesia. Swelling was assessed by measuring facial contours at baseline and at 1st, 3rd and 7th post-operative days. Pain was measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th post-operative days using visual analog scale. Based on statistical analysis (paired t test and Wilcoxon's signed ranking test), the results showed statistically significant difference in post operative swelling and pain on 3rd postoperative day in dexamethasone group as compared to aprotinin group. The results of present study showed a similar reduction in the severity of pain and swelling at the aprotinin and dexamethasone sites on 1st and 7th postoperative day. It was also noticed that the aprotinin promoted a greater reduction of swelling and pain on 3rd postoperative day. It appeared that, benefits of aprotinin against the risks of dexamethasone and its efficacy in controlling pain and swelling after third molar surgery makes aprotinin to be a valuable alternative to dexamethasone.

Comparative Evaluation of Immediate Post-Operative Sequelae after Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar with or without Tube Drain - Split-Mouth Study.

PubMed

Kumar, Barun; Bhate, Kalyani; Dolas, R S; Kumar, Sn Santhosh; Waknis, Pushkar

2016-12-01

Third molar surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in general dentistry. Post-operative variables such as pain, swelling and trismus are major concerns after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Use of passive tube drain is supposed to help reduce these immediate post-operative sequelae. The current study was designed to compare the effect of tube drain on immediate post-operative sequelae following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. To compare the post-operative sequelae after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar surgery with or without tube drain. Thirty patients with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were divided into two groups: Test (with tube drain) and control (without tube drain) group. In the test group, a tube drain was inserted through the releasing incision, and kept in place for three days. The control group was left without a tube drain. The post-operative variables like, pain, swelling, and trismus were calculated after 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, and 15 days in both the groups and analyzed statistically using chi-square and t-test analysis. The test group showed lesser swelling as compared to control group, with the swelling variable showing statistically significant difference at post-operative day 3 and 7 (p≤ 0.05) in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in pain and trismus variables in both the groups. The use of tube drain helps to control swelling following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. However, it does not have much effect on pain or trismus.

Preparation and mechanical characterization of a PNIPA hydrogel composite.

PubMed

Liu, Kaifeng; Ovaert, Timothy C; Mason, James J

2008-04-01

A poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) hydrogel was synthesized by free radical polymerization and reinforced with a polyurethane foam to make a hydrogel composite. The temperature dependence of the elastic modulus of the PNIPA hydrogel and the composite due to volume phase transition was found using a uniaxial compression test, and the swelling property was investigated using an equilibrium swelling ratio experiment. The gel composite preserves the ability to undergo the volume phase transition and its elastic modulus has strong temperature dependence. The temperature dependence of the elastic modulus and swelling ratio of the gel composite were compared to the PNIPA hydrogel. Not surprisingly, the modulus and swelling ratio of the composite were less dramatic than in the gel.

Chemical crosslinking of acrylic acid to form biocompatible pH sensitive hydrogel reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)

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

Lim, Lim Sze; Ahmad, Ishak; Lazim, Mohd Azwani Shah Mat

2014-09-03

The purpose of this study is to produce a novel pH and temperature sensitive hydrogel, composed of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). CNC was extracted from kenaf fiber through a series of alkali and bleaching treatments followed by acid hydrolysis. The PAA was then subjected to chemical cross-linking using the cross-linking agent (N,N-methylenebisacrylamide) with CNC entrapped in PAA matrix. The mixture was casted onto petri dish to obtain disc shape hydrogel. The effects of reaction conditions such as the ratio of PAA and CNC on the swelling behavior of the hydrogel obtained towards pH and temperature were studied.more » The obtained hydrogel was further subjected to different tests such swelling test for swelling behaviour at different pH and temperature along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology analysis. The hydrogel obtained showed excellent pH sensitivity and obtained maximum swelling at pH 7. Besides that, hydrogel obtained showed significant increase in swelling ratio when temperature of swelling medium was increased from 25°C to 37°C. SEM micrograph showed that the pore size of the hydrogel decreases with increase of CNC content proving that the hydrogel structure became more rigid with addition of CNC. The PAA/CNC hydrogel with such excellent sensitivity towards pH and temperature can be developed further as drug carrier.« less

A case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

PubMed

Rubel, Barry S

2007-01-01

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a serious, generalized infection that is spread to humans through the bite of infected ticks. It can be lethal but it is curable. The disease gets its name from the Rocky Mountain region where it was first identified in 1896. The fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is maintained in nature in a complex life cycle involving ticks and mammals. Humans are considered to be accidental hosts and are not involved in the natural transmission cycle of this pathogen. The author examined a 47-year-old woman during a periodic recall appointment. The patient had no dental problems other than the need for routine prophylaxis but mentioned a recent problem with swelling of her extremities with an accompanying rash and general malaise and soreness in her neck region. Tests were conducted and a diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever was made.

NONBACTERIAL MYOSITIS

PubMed Central

Crum-Cianflone, Nancy F.

2010-01-01

Infectious myositis is defined as an infection of a skeletal muscle. Infectious myositis is most commonly caused by bacteria; however, a variety of viral, parasitic, and fungal agents may also cause myositis. The pathogenesis of nonbacterial infectious myositis is via direct infection of the musculature or immune mechanisms. Symptoms typically include muscular pain, tenderness, swelling, and/or weakness. The diagnosis of the specific microbe is often suggested by the presence of concordant clinical signs and symptoms, a detailed medical/travel history, and laboratory data. For example, immunocompromised hosts have a heightened risk of fungal myositis, whereas the presence of a travel history to an endemic location and/or eosinophilia may suggest a parasitic cause. Definitive diagnosis requires detecting the organism by specific laboratory testing including serologies, histopathology, and/or cultures. Treatment entails antimicrobial agents against the pathogen, with consideration for surgical drainage for focal purulent collections within the musculature. PMID:21308520

Application of laboratory reflectance spectroscopy to target and map expansive soils: example of the western Loiret, France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hohmann, Audrey; Dufréchou, Grégory; Grandjean, Gilles; Bourguignon, Anne

2014-05-01

Swelling soils contain clay minerals that change volume with water content and cause extensive and expensive damage on infrastructures. Based on spatial distribution of infrastructure damages and existing geological maps, the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM, i.e. the French Geological Survey) published in 2010 a 1:50 000 swelling hazard map of France, indexing the territory to low, moderate, or high swelling risk. This study aims to use SWIR (1100-2500 nm) reflectance spectra of soils acquired under laboratory controlled conditions to estimate the swelling potential of soils and improve the swelling risk map of France. 332 samples were collected at the W of Orléans (France) in various geological formations and swelling risk areas. Comparisons of swelling potential of soil samples and swelling risk areas of the map show several inconsistent associations that confirm the necessity to redraw the actual swelling risk map of France. New swelling risk maps of the sampling area were produce from soil samples using three interpolation methods. Maps produce using kriging and Natural neighbour interpolation methods did not permit to show discrete lithological units, introduced unsupported swelling risk zones, and did not appear useful to refine swelling risk map of France. Voronoi polygon was also used to produce map where swelling potential estimated from each samples were extrapolated to a polygon and all polygons were thus supported by field information. From methods tested here, Voronoi polygon appears thus the most adapted method to produce expansive soils maps. However, size of polygon is highly dependent of the samples spacing and samples may not be representative of the entire polygon. More samples are thus needed to provide reliable map at the scale of the sampling area. Soils were also sampled along two sections with a sampling interval of ca. 260 m and ca. 50 m. Sample interval of 50 m appears more adapted for mapping of smallest lithological units. The presence of several samples close to themselves indicating the same swelling potential is a good indication of the presence of a zone with constant swelling potential. Combination of Voronoi method and sampling interval of ca. 50 m appear adapted to produce local swelling potential maps in areas where doubt remain or where infrastructure damages attributed to expansive soils are knew.

Trident Warrior Buoy Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

the data to track swell events, accurately model swell refraction, and use the data to drive surf -forecasting and other nearshore models (e.g...Temperature (SST). • Addition of a 8GB Micro-SD card for on board time series storage (can be unpopulated or disabled ). • A complete rewrite of the

Comparative Evaluation of Immediate Post-Operative Sequelae after Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar with or without Tube Drain - Split-Mouth Study

PubMed Central

Bhate, Kalyani; Dolas, RS; Kumar, SN Santhosh; Waknis, Pushkar

2016-01-01

Introduction Third molar surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in general dentistry. Post-operative variables such as pain, swelling and trismus are major concerns after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Use of passive tube drain is supposed to help reduce these immediate post-operative sequelae. The current study was designed to compare the effect of tube drain on immediate post-operative sequelae following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Aim To compare the post-operative sequelae after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar surgery with or without tube drain. Materials and Methods Thirty patients with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were divided into two groups: Test (with tube drain) and control (without tube drain) group. In the test group, a tube drain was inserted through the releasing incision, and kept in place for three days. The control group was left without a tube drain. The post-operative variables like, pain, swelling, and trismus were calculated after 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, and 15 days in both the groups and analyzed statistically using chi-square and t-test analysis. Results The test group showed lesser swelling as compared to control group, with the swelling variable showing statistically significant difference at post-operative day 3 and 7 (p≤ 0.05) in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in pain and trismus variables in both the groups. Conclusion The use of tube drain helps to control swelling following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. However, it does not have much effect on pain or trismus. PMID:28209003

Modeling of the capillary wicking of flax fibers by considering the effects of fiber swelling and liquid absorption.

PubMed

Testoni, Guilherme Apolinario; Kim, Sihwan; Pisupati, Anurag; Park, Chung Hae

2018-09-01

We propose a new model for the capillary rise of liquid in flax fibers whose diameter is changed by liquid absorption. Liquid absorption into the flax fibers is taken into account in a new modified Washburn equation by considering the mass of the liquid absorbed inside the fibers as well as that imbibed between the fibers. The change of permeability and hydraulic radius of pores in a fibrous medium due to the fiber swelling is modeled by a statistical approach considering a non-uniform distribution of flax fiber diameter. By comparisons between capillary rise test results and modeling results, we prove the validity of the proposed modified Washburn model to take into account the effects from fiber swelling and liquid absorption on the decrease of capillary rise velocity. The experimental observation of long-term capillary rise tests show that the swelling behavior of the fibers highly packed in a closed volume and its influence on the capillary wicking are different from those of an individual single fiber in a free space. The current approach was useful to characterize the swelling of fibers highly packed in a closed volume and its influence of the long-term behavior of capillary wicking. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Episodic swell growth inferred from variable uplift of the Cape Verde hotspot islands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ramalho, R.; Helffrich, G.; Cosca, M.; Vance, D.; Hoffmann, D.; Schmidt, D.N.

2010-01-01

On the Beagle voyage, Charles Darwin first noted the creation and subsidence of ocean islands, establishing in geology's infancy that island freeboard changes with time. Hotspot ocean islands have an obvious mechanism for freeboard change through the growth of the bathymetric anomaly, or swell, on which the islands rest. Models for swell development indicate that flexural, thermal or dynamic pressure contributions, as well as spreading of melt residue from the hotspot, can all contribute to island uplift. Here we test various models for swell development using the uplift histories for the islands of the Cape Verde hotspot, derived from isotopic dating of marine terraces and subaerial to submarine lava-flow morphologies. The island uplift histories, in conjunction with inter-island spacing, uplift rate and timing differences, rule out flexural, thermal or dynamic pressure contributions. We also find that uplift cannot be reconciled with models that advocate the spreading of melt residue in swell development unless swell growth is episodic. Instead, we infer from the uplift histories that two processes have acted to raise the islands during the past 6 Myr. During an initial phase, mantle processes acted to build the swell. Subsequently, magmatic intrusions at the island edifice caused 350 m of local uplift at the scale of individual islands. Finally, swell-wide uplift contributed a further 100 m of surface rise.

Episodic swell growth inferred from variable uplift of the Cape Verde hotspot islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramalho, R.; Helffrich, G.; Cosca, M.; Vance, D.; Hoffmann, D.; Schmidt, D. N.

2010-11-01

On the Beagle voyage, Charles Darwin first noted the creation and subsidence of ocean islands, establishing in geology's infancy that island freeboard changes with time. Hotspot ocean islands have an obvious mechanism for freeboard change through the growth of the bathymetric anomaly, or swell, on which the islands rest. Models for swell development indicate that flexural, thermal or dynamic pressure contributions, as well as spreading of melt residue from the hotspot, can all contribute to island uplift. Here we test various models for swell development using the uplift histories for the islands of the Cape Verde hotspot, derived from isotopic dating of marine terraces and subaerial to submarine lava-flow morphologies. The island uplift histories, in conjunction with inter-island spacing, uplift rate and timing differences, rule out flexural, thermal or dynamic pressure contributions. We also find that uplift cannot be reconciled with models that advocate the spreading of melt residue in swell development unless swell growth is episodic. Instead, we infer from the uplift histories that two processes have acted to raise the islands during the past 6Myr. During an initial phase, mantle processes acted to build the swell. Subsequently, magmatic intrusions at the island edifice caused 350m of local uplift at the scale of individual islands. Finally, swell-wide uplift contributed a further 100m of surface rise.

Preparation and swelling inhibition of cation glucoside to montmorillonite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Shaofu; Liu, Jurong; Guo, Gang; Huang, Lei; Qu, Chentun; Li, Bianqin; Chen, Gang

2017-06-01

In this work, a cation glucoside (CG) was synthesized with glucose and glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTA) and used as montmorillonite (MMT) swelling inhibiter. The inhibition of CG was investigated by MMT linear expansion test and mud ball immersing test. The results showed that the CG has a good inhibition to the hydration swelling and dispersion of MMT. Under the same condition, the linear expansion rate of MMT in CG solution is much lower that of methylglucoside and the hydration expansion degree of the mud ball in the CG solution was significantly inhibited. The characterizations of physic-chemical properties of particle, analysized by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy, revealed that CG play great role to prevent water from absorb and keep MMT in large particle size.

The effect of colloid osmotic pressure in human spermatozoa exposed to hypoosmotic conditions.

PubMed

Correa-Pérez, J R; Fernández-Pelegrina, R; Zarmakoupis-Zavos, P N; Zavos, P M

2003-04-01

The use of a protein source such as serum and albumin had been extensively employed as supplements of culture media for handling and culture of gametes and embryos. Protein molecules behave as colloids in solution and contribute to the osmotic pressure of fluids. The interaction of proteins in solution and spermatozoa needs to be assessed in order to determine their possible role in osmoregulation. The aim of this study was to assess possible osmoregulatory mechanisms of protein supplementation against exposure to hypoosmotic conditions by assessing the sperm's response to those environments. A stock hypoosmotic solution (HOS) was prepared by using a mixture of fructose and sodium citrate and adjusted to an osmotic pressure of 150 mOsm l-1. Another stock solution was prepared by diluting a preparation of synthetic serum supplement [SSS; 6% (v/v) total protein] with distilled water to obtain an osmotic pressure of 150 mOsm l-1 (hypoosmotic SSS or H-SSS). Three additional solutions were prepared by mixing the stock HOS and H-SSS solutions in the following proportions (v/v): (i) 75% H-SSS/25% HOS, (ii) 50% H-SSS/50% HOS and (iii) 25% H-SSS/75% HOS. Aliquots of washed spermatozoa from 18 men were diluted 1 : 10 (v/v) with each of the testing solutions and incubated for 60 min. Specimens were assessed on wet mounts for total and specific swelling patterns. Swelling patterns were classified as maximal (>50% tail length swollen) and minimal (<50% tail length swollen) swelling with or without associated sperm motility. The major finding of this study was that increasing the concentration of protein supplementation resulted in a decrease in the proportion of maximal sperm tail swelling patterns and an increase in the proportion of minimal tail swelling patterns. A proportion of spermatozoa which exhibited minimal swelling patterns were still motile in all solutions tested, and the percentage of those spermatozoa increased as the protein supplementation was also increased in the testing solutions. Incorporation of protein supplementation as described in this study delays the effect of sperm swelling in hypoosmotic conditions.

Bioinspired Programmable Polymer Gel Controlled by Swellable Guest Medium.

PubMed

Deng, Heng; Dong, Yuan; Su, Jheng-Wun; Zhang, Cheng; Xie, Yunchao; Zhang, Chi; Maschmann, Matthew R; Lin, Yuyi; Lin, Jian

2017-09-13

Responsive materials with functions of forming three-dimensional (3D) origami and/or kirigami structures have a broad range of applications in bioelectronics, metamaterials, microrobotics, and microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems. To realize such functions, building blocks of actuating components usually possess localized inhomogeneity so that they respond differently to external stimuli. Previous fabrication strategies lie in localizing nonswellable or less-swellable guest components in their swellable host polymers to reduce swelling ability. Herein, inspired by ice plant seed capsules, we report an opposite strategy of implanting swellable guest medium inside nonswellable host polymers to locally enhance the swelling inhomogeneity. Specifically, we adopted a skinning effect induced surface polymerization combined with direct laser writing to control gradient of swellable cyclopentanone (CP) in both vertical and lateral directions of the nonswellable SU-8. For the first time, the laser direct writing was used as a novel strategy for patterning programmable polymer gel films. Upon stimulation of organic solvents, the dual-gradient gel films designed by origami or kirigami principles exhibit reversible 3D shape transformation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation illustrates that CP greatly enhances diffusion rates of stimulus solvent molecules in the SU-8 matrix, which offers the driving force for the programmable response. Furthermore, this bioinspired strategy offers unique capabilities in fabricating responsive devices such as a soft gripper and a locomotive robot, paving new routes to many other responsive polymers.

Blockade of the swelling-induced chloride current attenuates the mouse neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in vivo.

PubMed

Wong, Raymond; Abussaud, Ahmed; Leung, Joseph Wh; Xu, Bao-Feng; Li, Fei-Ya; Huang, Sammen; Chen, Nai-Hong; Wang, Guan-Lei; Feng, Zhong-Ping; Sun, Hong-Shuo

2018-05-01

Activation of swelling-induced Cl - current (I Cl,swell ) during neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) may induce brain damage. Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury causes chronic neurological morbidity in neonates as well as acute mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of I Cl,swell in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury using a selective blocker, 4-(2-butyl-6,7-dichloro-2-cyclopentylindan-1-on-5-yl) oxybutyric acid (DCPIB). In primary cultured cortical neurons perfusion of a 30% hypotonic solution activated I Cl,swell , which was completely blocked by the application of DCPIB (10 μmol/L). The role of I Cl,swell in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in vivo was evaluated in a modified neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury model. Before receiving the ischemic insult, the mouse pups were injected with DCPIB (10 mg/kg, ip). We found that pretreatment with DCPIB significantly reduced the brain damage assessed using TTC staining, Nissl staining and whole brain imaging, and improved the sensorimotor and vestibular recovery outcomes evaluated in neurobehavioural tests (i.e. geotaxis reflex, and cliff avoidance reflex). These results show that DCPIB has neuroprotective effects on neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, and that the I Cl,swell may serve as a therapeutic target for treatment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Input Correlations for Irradiation Creep of FeCrAl and SiC Based on In-Pile Halden Test Results

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

Terrani, K. A.; Karlsen, T. M.; Yamamoto, Yukinori

2016-05-01

Swelling and creep behavior of wrought FeCrAl alloys and CVD-SiC, two candidate accident tolerant fuel cladding materials, are being examined using in-pile tests at the Halden reactor. The outcome of these tests are material property correlations that are inputs into fuel performance analysis tools. The results are discussed and compared with what is available in literature from irradiation experiments in other reactors or out-of-pile tests. Specific recommendation on what correlations should be used for swelling, thermal, and irradiation creep for each material are provided in this document.

Birth of healthy twins after intracytoplasmic sperm injection using ejaculated immotile spermatozoa from a patient with Kartagener's syndrome.

PubMed

Geber, S; Lemgruber, M; Taitson, P F; Valle, M; Sampaio, M

2012-05-01

This case report demonstrates a successful pregnancy after ICSI combined with hypo-osmotic swelling test in a couple with Kartagener's syndrome with complete immotile ejaculated spermatozoa. Our result suggests that even for complete immotile spermatozoa, the use of hypo-osmotic swelling test is a good alternative to identify viable spermatozoa. When associated with ICSI, it can be a valuable tool to get fertilisation and pregnancy. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Ion irradiation studies on the void swelling behavior of a titanium modified D9 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaji, S.; Mohan, Sruthi; Amirthapandian, S.; Chinnathambi, S.; David, C.; Panigrahi, B. K.

2015-12-01

The sensitivity of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) for probing vacancy defects and their environment is well known. Its applicability in determination of swelling and the peak swelling temperature was put to test in our earlier work on ion irradiated D9 alloys [1]. Upon comparison with the peak swelling temperature determined by conventional step height measurements it was found that the peak swelling temperature determined using PAS was 50 K higher. It was conjectured that the positrons trapping in the irradiation induced TiC precipitation could have caused the shift. In the present work, D9 alloys have been implanted with 100 appm helium ions and subsequently implanted with 2.5 MeV Ni ions up to peak damage of 100 dpa. The nickel implantations have been carried out through a range of temperatures between 450 °C and 650 °C. The evolution of cavities and TiC precipitates at various temperatures has been followed by TEM and this report provides an experimental verification of the conjecture.

Evaluation about wettability, water absorption or swelling of excipients through various methods and the correlation between these parameters and tablet disintegration.

PubMed

Yang, Baixue; Wei, Chen; Yang, Yang; Wang, Qifang; Li, Sanming

2018-04-06

To evaluate parameters about wettability, water absorption or swelling of excipients in forms of powders or dosage through various methods systematically and explore its correlation with tablet disintegration. The water penetration and swelling of powders with different proportions of excipients including microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), mannitol, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC), crospolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP), carboxymethyl starch sodium (CMS-Na), croscarmellose sodium (CCMC-Na) and magnesium stearate (MgSt) were determined by Washburn capillary rise. Both contact angle of water on the excipient compacts and surface swelling volume were measured by sessile drop technique. Moreover, the test about water absorption and swelling of compacts was fulfilled by a modified method. Eventually, the disintegration of tablets with or without loratadine was performed according to the method described in USP. These parameters were successfully identified by the methods above, which proved that excipient wettability or swelling properties varied with the structure of excipients. For example, MgSt could improve the water uptake, while impeded tablet swelling. Furthermore, in the present study it is verified that tablet disintegration was closely related to these parameters, especially wetting rate and initial water absorption rate. The higher wetting rate of water on tablet or initial water absorption rate, the faster swelling it be, resulting in the shorter tablet disintegration time. The methods utilized in the present study were feasible and effective. The disintegration of tablets did relate to these parameters, especially wetting rate and initial water absorption rate.

Fertility of frozen-thawed stallion semen cannot be predicted by the currently used laboratory methods

PubMed Central

Kuisma, P; Andersson, M; Koskinen, E; Katila, T

2006-01-01

The aim of the project was to use current simple and practical laboratory tests and compare results with the foaling rates of mares inseminated with commercially produced frozen semen. In Exp. 1, semen was tested from 27 and in Exp. 2 from 23 stallions; 19 stallions participated in both experiments. The mean number of mares per stallion in both experiments was 37 (min. 7, max. 121). Sperm morphology was assessed and bacterial culture performed once per stallion. In Exp. 1, progressive motility after 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h of incubation using light microscopy, motility characteristics measured with an automatic sperm analyzer, plasma membrane integrity using carboxyfluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide (CFDA/PI) staining and light microscopy, plasma membrane integrity using PI staining and a fluorometer, plasma membrane integrity using a resazurin reduction test, and sperm concentration were evaluated. In Exp. 2, the same tests as in Exp. 1 and a hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) using both light microscopy and a fluorometer were performed immediately after thawing and after a 3-h incubation. Statistical analysis was done separately to all stallions and to those having ≥ 20 mares; in addition, stallions with foaling rates < 60 or ≥ 60% were compared. In Exp. 1, progressive motility for all stallions after a 2 – 4-h incubation correlated with the foaling rate (correlation coefficients 0.39 – 0.51), (p < 0.05). In stallions with > 20 mares, the artificial insemination dose showed a correlation coefficient of -0.58 (p < 0.05). In Exp. 2, the HOST immediately after thawing showed a negative correlation with foaling rate (p < 0.05). No single test was consistently reliable for predicting the fertilizing capacity of semen, since the 2 experiments yielded conflicting results, although the same stallions sometimes participated in both. This shows the difficulty of frozen semen quality control in commercially produced stallion semen, and on the other hand, the difficulty of conducting fertility trials in horses. PMID:16987393

Muzzle size, paranasal swelling size and body mass in Mandrillus leucophaeus.

PubMed

Elton, Sarah; Morgan, Bethan J

2006-04-01

The drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus), a forest-living Old World monkey, is highly sexually dimorphic, with males exhibiting extreme secondary sexual characteristics, including growth of paranasal swellings on the muzzle. In this study, the size of the secondary bone that forms the paranasal swellings on the muzzles of drills was assessed in relation to body mass proxies. The relationship between the overall size of the muzzle and surrogate measures of body mass was also examined. In female drills, muzzle breadth was positively correlated with two proxies of overall body mass, greatest skull length and upper M1 area. However, there was no such correlation in males. Paranasal swellings in males also appeared to have no significant relationship to body mass proxies. This suggests that secondary bone growth on the muzzles of male drills is independent of overall body size. Furthermore, this secondary bone appears to be vermiculate, probably developing rapidly and in an irregular manner, with no correlation in the sizes of paranasal swelling height and breadth. However, various paranasal swelling dimensions were related to the size of the muzzle. It is suggested that the growth of the paranasal swellings and possibly the muzzle could be influenced by androgen production and reflect testes size and sperm motility. The size and appearance of the paranasal swellings may thus be an indicator of reproductive quality both to potential mates and male competitors. Further work is required to investigate the importance of the paranasal swellings as secondary sexual characteristics in Mandrillus and the relationship between body size and secondary sexual characteristics. Attention should also be paid to the mechanisms and trajectories of facial growth in Mandrillus.

Results of the freeze resistance test, swelling index and coefficient of permeability of finegrained mining waste reinforced with cements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morman, Justyna

2018-04-01

The article presents the result of laboratory tests for mining waste with grain size of 0 to 2 mm stabilized with cement. Used for stabilization of cement CEM I 42.5 R and blast furnace cement CEM III / A 42.5N - LH / HSR / NA and a plasticizer sealant. Cement was added to the mining waste test in the proportions of 5 - 8% in relation to the skeleton's weight. For the cemented samples, the freeze resistance test, swelling index, coefficient of permeability and pH of water leachate were tested. The addition of a cement binder resulted in diminishing the water permeability of mining waste and limiting the leaching of fine particles from the material.

Observations on the Feeding and Symptomatology of Xiphinema and Longidorus on Selected Host Roots

PubMed Central

Cohn, E.

1970-01-01

In vitro feeding of Xiphinema brevicolle, X. index and Longidorus africanus on roots of host seedlings is described. Both Xiphinema spp. fed mainly along roots rather than at tips and up to several days at a single site. Feeding of L. africanus was confined to root tips and lasted up to 15 min. No visible short term reaction of roots parasitized by the Xiphinema spp. could be discerned, but both swelling and cessation of growth of root tips were observed within 20 hr after feeding by L. africanus. Long-term (12-month) symptoms on roots of several host plants caused by cultured populations of X. brevicolle, X. index, X. italiae, L. africanus and L. brevicaudatus are described. All the Xiphinema spp. caused a thinning and distinct darkening of root systems and, at some sites, a breakdown of the cortex. Both species of Longidorus caused stubby and swollen root tips. Root symptom severity was in proportion to nematode population levels. PMID:19322291

Characterization of superabsorbent hydrogel based on epichlorohydrin crosslink and carboxymethyl functionalization of cassava starch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muharam, S.; Yuningsih, L. M.; Sumitra, M. R.

2017-07-01

Superabsorbent hydrogel was prepared by epichlorohydrin crosslink of cassava starch. Their swelling improved with added carboxymethyl group on the starch-epichlorohydrin structure. The structure and properties of starch-epichlorohydrin-carboxymethyl hydrogel were measured by SEM, FTIR, water and physiological solution absorption test and water retention test. The result showed that hydrogel displayed macroporous with heterogenous distribution and irregular surface was formed by epichlorohydrin and carboxymethyl bond in the structure of hydrogel. It was confirmed also by the FTIR spectra. The swelling ratio of starch-epichlorohydrin hydrogel to the water is 518 % and increased to 1,028.5 % with carboxymethyl addition on the structure. The best influence of the physiological solution to the swelling ratio of starch-epichlorohydrin-carboxymethyl hydrogel is urea solution. The water retention of starch-epichlorohydrin-carboxymethyl hydrogel in NaCl solution is better than in CaCl2 solution.

Strength and Permeability Evolution of Compressed Bentonite in Response to Salinity and Temperature Changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winnard, B. R.; Mitchell, T. M.; Browning, J.; Cuss, R. J.; Norris, S.; Meredith, P. G.

2017-12-01

Deep geological repositories are the preferred solution to dispose of radioactive waste; design concepts for these disposal facilities include compacted, saturated bentonite as a buffer between waste canister and host rock. Bentonite is favoured for its high swelling capacity, low permeability, and radionuclide retention properties. However, its thermo-hydro-mechanical tolerances must be thoroughly tested to ensure adequate long term performance. Climate variations are likely to induce periods of permafrost, and consequently, changes in groundwater salinity at depth. We performed laboratory experiments investigating effects of temperature and salinity change on uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and permeability of compacted MX-80 bentonite cylinders. These specimens (moisture content = 22.9±0.1%, dry density = 1.66±0.02 g.cm-3) were compacted with deionised water, and a range of wt% NaCl, CaCl2, or KCl, to compare the effects of compaction fluid. Samples of compressed bentonite were cooled to -20 °C, and heated to 90 ºC, a possible temperature forecast for a repository dependent on factors such as geographical location, waste type, and facility design. Tests were all performed at room temperature, however in situ temperature tests are planned. The UCS of samples that experienced freeze thaw, and 40 ºC treatment failed at 6.5 MPa, with 4% strain, maintaining the same values as untreated bentonite compacted with deionised water. Samples compacted with saline solutions also yielded similar strengths, of 7 MPa, and failed at 4%. However, the 90 ºC, regardless of compaction fluid, failed at 15-18 MPa, at just 2% strain. In all experiments, the spread of strain accommodated varied inconsistently, however, peak stress was uniform. Further experiments into heterogeneity are needed to understand the responsible mechanisms. To obtain permeability, we utilised the pore pressure oscillation (PPO) technique with argon as the pore fluid. We also tested water as the pore fluid to assess the contribution of montmorillonite swelling and compare argon and water permeability. There is potential for salinity to markedly affect permeability, as electrolytes can initiate cation-exchange reactions. Permeability and strength are both key parameters to assess the long term safety of a geological disposal facility.

Bilateral isolated submandibular gland mumps.

PubMed

Cheung, Linnea; Henderson, Arthur Harry; Banfield, Graham; Carswell, Andrew

2017-06-05

Isolated submandibular swellings pose a diagnostic challenge to the practising otolaryngologist. We report an unusual case of mumps isolated to bilateral submandibular glands. We discuss the case and the literature surrounding this condition and remind clinicians that mumps should be considered as a diagnosis in the presence of submandibular gland swelling in the absence of typical parotid swelling associated with mumps. Early consideration of this differential diagnosis, serological testing and a multidisciplinary approach may help to clinch the diagnosis earlier and prevent spread of the virus. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Generalized Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis in a chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

PubMed

Basso, Walter; Rütten, Maja; Deplazes, Peter; Grimm, Felix

2014-01-17

Taenia crassiceps is a cestode parasite that uses carnivores as definitive hosts and rodents and rabbits as main intermediate hosts, but other animal species and humans may also get infected. One adult male chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) from an animal shelter in Switzerland presented widespread subcutaneous fluctuant swellings extended over the forehead, nose, face and thoracic regions with a progressive growth over 3 months. The thoracic swelling was surgically resected, and it consisted of numerous 3-4mm small transparent vesicles, mainly confined to the subcutaneous tissue, which were morphologically identified as cysticerci of T. crassiceps. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR and DNA sequence analysis of fragments of the mitochondrial small subunit rRNA and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 genes. After 1.5 months, due to enlargement of the swollen areas and deterioration of the general health condition, the chinchilla was euthanized and a necropsy was performed. Thousands of small cysticerci were observed widespread in the subcutis, involving underlying musculature of the whole body, in the thoracic cavity, larynx, pharynx and in the retropharyngeal region. Additionally, three larger metacestodes were detected in the liver and morphologically and molecularly identified as Taenia taeniaeformis strobilocerci. The present case represents an indicator of the environmental contamination with Taenia eggs, highlighting the risk of infection for susceptible animals and humans. Besides the clinical relevance for pets, T. crassiceps is a zoonotic parasite and can be also cause of severe cysticercosis in humans. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Wind and wave dataset for Matara, Sri Lanka

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Yao; Wang, Dongxiao; Priyadarshana Gamage, Tilak; Zhou, Fenghua; Madusanka Widanage, Charith; Liu, Taiwei

2018-01-01

We present a continuous in situ hydro-meteorology observational dataset from a set of instruments first deployed in December 2012 in the south of Sri Lanka, facing toward the north Indian Ocean. In these waters, simultaneous records of wind and wave data are sparse due to difficulties in deploying measurement instruments, although the area hosts one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. This study describes the survey, deployment, and measurements of wind and waves, with the aim of offering future users of the dataset the most comprehensive and as much information as possible. This dataset advances our understanding of the nearshore hydrodynamic processes and wave climate, including sea waves and swells, in the north Indian Ocean. Moreover, it is a valuable resource for ocean model parameterization and validation. The archived dataset (Table 1) is examined in detail, including wave data at two locations with water depths of 20 and 10 m comprising synchronous time series of wind, ocean astronomical tide, air pressure, etc. In addition, we use these wave observations to evaluate the ERA-Interim reanalysis product. Based on Buoy 2 data, the swells are the main component of waves year-round, although monsoons can markedly alter the proportion between swell and wind sea. The dataset (Luo et al., 2017) is publicly available from Science Data Bank (https://doi.org/10.11922/sciencedb.447).

Small bite, large impact-saliva and salivary molecules in the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hildebrandt, Jan-Peter; Lemke, Sarah

2011-12-01

Blood-sucking leeches have been used for medical purposes in humans for hundreds of years. Accordingly, one of the most prominent species has been named Hirudo medicinalis by Carl Linne in 1758. Feeding on vertebrate blood poses some serious problems to blood-sucking ectoparasites, as they have to penetrate the body surface of the host and to suppress the normal reactions of the host to such injuries (swelling, pain, inflammation) to remain undetected during the feeding period. Furthermore, the parasites have to take measures to inhibit the normal reactions in host tissues to blood vessel damage, namely hemostasis and blood coagulation (platelet aggregation and activation, activation of thrombin and formation of fibrin clots). During evolution, leeches have acquired the ability to control these processes in their hosts by transferring various bioactive substances to the host. These substances are supposedly produced in unicellular salivary gland cells and injected into the wound at the feeding site through tiny salivary ductule openings in the jaws that the leech uses to slice open the host body surface and to cut blood vessels in the depth of the wound. This review summarizes current knowledge about the salivary gland cells and the biological effects of individual saliva components as well as hints to the potential usefulness of some of these compounds for medical purposes.

Erythrocyte swelling and membrane hole formation in hypotonic media as studied by conductometry.

PubMed

Pribush, A; Meyerstein, D; Hatskelzon, L; Kozlov, V; Levi, I; Meyerstein, N

2013-02-01

Hypoosmotic swelling of erythrocytes and the formation of membrane holes were studied by measuring the dc conductance (G). In accordance with the theoretical predictions, these processes are manifested by a decrease in G followed by its increase. Thus, unlike the conventional osmotic fragility test, the proposed methodological approach allows investigations of both the kinetics of swelling and the erythrocyte fragility. It is shown that the initial rate of swelling and the equilibrium size of the cells are affected by the tonicity of a hypotonic solution and the membrane rheological properties. Because the rupture of biological membranes is a stochastic process, a time-dependent increase in the conductance follows an integral distribution function of the membrane lifetime. The main conclusion which stems from reported results is that information about rheological properties of red blood cell (RBC) membranes and the resistivity of RBCs to a certain osmotic shock may be extracted from conductance signals.

Study of the Effect of Swelling on Irradiation Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking

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

Teysseyre, Sebastien Paul

2016-09-01

This report describes the methodology used to study the effect of swelling on the crack growth rate of an irradiation-assisted stress corrosion crack that is propagating in highly irradiated stainless steel 304 material irradiated to 33 dpa in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II. The material selection, specimens design, experimental apparatus and processes are described. The results of the current test are presented.

A contact-free volumetric measurement of facial volume after third molar osteotomy: proof of concept.

PubMed

Brüllmann, Dan; Jürchott, Lena Marie; John, Christoph; Trempler, Christina; Schwanecke, Ulrich; Schulze, Ralf K W

2014-01-01

The present study tested the reliability of an optical scanning device for the objective assessment of postoperative facial swelling. Twenty control subjects bearing a defined volume of water (10-30 mL) in an intraorally carried balloon were tested to assess the measurement accuracy of the device. As a proof of concept, facial volumes of 59 surgical cases were recorded before osteotomy and 1 and 7 days after intervention with the use of a structured light scanner. The median difference between the applied and the measured volumes was 0.67 mL for the control test with the artificial swelling simulated using water balloons. For subjects having third molar osteotomy, extraoral volume increased to 5.29 cm(3) 1 day after surgery (95% CI 5.22-8.52) and decreased to 0.00 mL (95% CI 0.85-2.55) after 7 days. Contact-free visible-light 3-dimensional scanning is reliable for the objective assessment of postoperative facial swelling. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Differential Diagnosis of Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth, and Parotidomegaly: A Comprehensive Review.

PubMed

Cornec, Divi; Saraux, Alain; Jousse-Joulin, Sandrine; Pers, Jacques-Olivier; Boisramé-Gastrin, Sylvie; Renaudineau, Yves; Gauvin, Yves; Roguedas-Contios, Anne-Marie; Genestet, Steeve; Chastaing, Myriam; Cochener, Béatrice; Devauchelle-Pensec, Valérie

2015-12-01

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a frequent autoimmune systemic disease, clinically characterized by eyes and mouth dryness in all patients, salivary gland swelling or extraglandular systemic manifestations in half of the patients, and development of lymphoma in 5 to 10 % of the patients. However, patients presenting with sicca symptoms or salivary gland swelling may have a variety of conditions that may require very different investigations, treatments, or follow-up. Eye and/or mouth dryness is a frequent complaint in clinical setting, and its frequency increases with age. When evaluating a patient with suspected pSS, the first step is to rule out its differential diagnoses, before looking for positive arguments for the disease. Knowledge of normal and abnormal lachrymal and salivary gland physiology allows the clinician to prescribe the most adapted procedures for evaluating their function and structure. New tests have been developed in recent years for evaluating these patients, notably new ocular surface staining scores or salivary gland ultrasonography. We describe the different diagnoses performed in our monocentric cohort of 240 patients with suspected pSS. The most frequent diagnoses are pSS, other systemic autoimmune diseases, idiopathic sicca syndrome and drug-induced sicca syndrome. However, other diseases are important to rule out due to their specific management, such as sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangeitis, IgG4-related disease, chronic hepatitis C virus or human immunodeficiency virus infections, graft-versus-host disease, and head and neck radiation therapy. At the light of these data, we propose a core of minimal investigations to be performed when evaluating a patient with suspected pSS.

Hydrate-CASM for modeling Methane Hydrate-Bearing Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De La Fuente Ruiz, M.; Vaunat, J.; Marin Moreno, H.

2017-12-01

A clear understanding of the geomechanical behavior of methane hydrate-bearing sediments (MHBS) is crucial to assess the stability of the seafloor and submarine infrastructures to human and natural loading changes. Here we present the Hydrate-CASM, a new elastoplastic constitutive model to predict the geomechanical behavior of MHBS. Our model employs the critical state model CASM (Clay and Sand Model) because of its flexibility in describing the shape of the yield surface and its proven ability to predict the mechanical behavior of sands, the most commercially viable hydrate reservoirs. The model considers MHBS as a deformable elastoplastic continuum, and hydrate-related changes in the stress-strain behavior are predicted by a densification mechanism. The densification attributes the mechanical contribution of hydrate to; a reduction of the available void ratio; a decrease of the swelling line slope; and an increase of the volumetric yield stress. It is described by experimentally derived physical parameters except from the swelling slope coefficient that requires empirical calibration. The Hydrate-CASM is validated against published triaxial laboratory tests performed at different confinement stresses, hydrate saturations, and hydrate morphologies. During the validation, we focused on capturing the mechanical behavior of the host sediment and consider perturbations of the sediment's mechanical properties that could result from the sample preparation. Our model successfully captures the experimentally observed influence of hydrate saturation in the magnitude and trend of the stiffness, shear strength, and dilatancy of MHBS. Hence, we propose that hydrate-related densification changes might be a major factor controlling the geomechanical response of MHBS.

Eyelid drooping

MedlinePlus

... around or behind the eye Diabetes Horner syndrome Myasthenia gravis Stroke Swelling in the eyelid, such as with ... performed include: Slit-lamp examination Tension test for myasthenia gravis Visual field testing

Cinnamon polyphenols attenuate cell swelling and mitochondrial dysfunction following oxygen-glucose deprivation in glial cells.

PubMed

Panickar, Kiran S; Polansky, Marilyn M; Anderson, Richard A

2009-04-01

Astrocyte swelling is an integral component of cytotoxic brain edema in ischemic injury. While mechanisms underlying astrocyte swelling are likely multifactorial, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are hypothesized to contribute to such swelling. We investigated the protective effects of cinnamon polyphenol extract (CPE) that has anti-oxidant and insulin-potentiating effects on cell swelling and depolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) in ischemic injury. C6 glial cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and cell volume determined using the 3-O-methyl-[3H]-glucose method at 90 min after the end of OGD. When compared with controls, OGD increased cell volume by 34%. This increase was blocked by CPE or insulin but not by blockers of oxidative/nitrosative stress including vitamin E, resveratrol, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or uric acid. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a key component of ischemic injury, contributes to cell swelling. Changes in DeltaPsi(m) were assessed at the end of OGD with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), a potentiometric dye. OGD induced a 39% decline in DeltaPsi(m) and this decline was blocked by CPE as well as insulin. To test the involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), we used Cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunosuppressant and a blocker of the mPT pore. CsA blocked cell swelling and the decline in DeltaPsi(m) but FK506, an immunosuppressant that does not block the mPT, did not. Our results show that CPE reduces OGD-induced cell swelling as well as the decline in DeltaPsi(m) in cultures and some of its protective effects may be through inhibiting the mPT.

Necroptotic debris including damaged mitochondria elicits sepsis-like syndrome during late-phase tularemia.

PubMed

Singh, Anju; Periasamy, Sivakumar; Malik, Meenakshi; Bakshi, Chandra Shekhar; Stephen, Laurie; Ault, Jeffrey G; Mannella, Carmen A; Sellati, Timothy J

2017-01-01

Infection with Francisella tularensis ssp. tularensis ( Ft ) strain SchuS4 causes an often lethal disease known as tularemia in rodents, non-human primates, and humans. Ft subverts host cell death programs to facilitate their exponential replication within macrophages and other cell types during early respiratory infection (⩽72 h). The mechanism(s) by which cell death is triggered remains incompletely defined, as does the impact of Ft on mitochondria, the host cell's organellar 'canary in a coal mine'. Herein, we reveal that Ft infection of host cells, particularly macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, drives necroptosis via a receptor-interacting protein kinase 1/3-mediated mechanism. During necroptosis mitochondria and other organelles become damaged. Ft -induced mitochondrial damage is characterized by: (i) a decrease in membrane potential and consequent mitochondrial oncosis or swelling, (ii) increased generation of superoxide radicals, and (iii) release of intact or damaged mitochondria into the lung parenchyma. Host cell recognition of and response to released mitochondria and other damage-associated molecular patterns engenders a sepsis-like syndrome typified by production of TNF, IL-1 β , IL-6, IL-12p70, and IFN- γ during late-phase tularemia (⩾72 h), but are absent early during infection.

Ear swelling test by using laser speckle imaging with a long exposure time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalchenko, Vyacheslav; Kuznetsov, Yuri; Preise, Dina; Meglinski, Igor; Harmelin, Alon

2014-06-01

Laser speckle imaging with long exposure time has been applied noninvasively to visualize the immediate reaction of cutaneous vessels in mice in response to a known primary irritant and potential allergen-methyl salicylate. The compound has been used topically on the surface of the pinna and the reaction of the vascular network was examined. We demonstrate that irritant-induced acute vascular reaction can be effectively and accurately detected by laser speckle imaging technique. The current approach holds a great promise for application in routine screening of the cutaneous vascular response induced by contact agents, screenings of mouse ear swelling test, and testing the allergenic potential of new synthetic materials and healthcare pharmaceutical products.

Thermochemical and Physical Properties of Fluids, Lubricants and Related Materials. Delivery Order 0001 : Improved Methods Development for Determining Thermophysical and Thermochemical Properties of Fluids, Lubricants and Related Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

PRF-5606H, ...................76 FTM 791C, method 36003) 168 hrs. @ 70ºC using NBR -L (AMS3217/2B Rubber specimens. 42. MLO-06...0275: Rubber Swell Test (MIL-PRF-5606H, .................77 FTM 791C, method 3603) 168 hrs. @ 70ºC using NBR -L...NUMBER MLO-05-421 Rubber Swell Test (MIL-PRF-5606H, FTM 791C, method 36003) 168 Hours @ 70°C (158°F) using NBR -L(AMS 3217/2B) rubber specimens

Understanding the drug release mechanism from a montmorillonite matrix and its binary mixture with a hydrophilic polymer using a compartmental modelling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choiri, S.; Ainurofiq, A.

2018-03-01

Drug release from a montmorillonite (MMT) matrix is a complex mechanism controlled by swelling mechanism of MMT and an interaction of drug and MMT. The aim of this research was to explain a suitable model of the drug release mechanism from MMT and its binary mixture with a hydrophilic polymer in the controlled release formulation based on a compartmental modelling approach. Theophylline was used as a drug model and incorporated into MMT and a binary mixture with hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) as a hydrophilic polymer, by a kneading method. The dissolution test was performed and the modelling of drug release was assisted by a WinSAAM software. A 2 model was purposed based on the swelling capability and basal spacing of MMT compartments. The model evaluation was carried out to goodness of fit and statistical parameters and models were validated by a cross-validation technique. The drug release from MMT matrix regulated by a burst release mechanism of unloaded drug, swelling ability, basal spacing of MMT compartment, and equilibrium between basal spacing and swelling compartments. Furthermore, the addition of HPMC in MMT system altered the presence of swelling compartment and equilibrium between swelling and basal spacing compartment systems. In addition, a hydrophilic polymer reduced the burst release mechanism of unloaded drug.

D-dimer test

MedlinePlus

... vein thrombosis - D-dimer; Pulmonary embolism - D-dimer; Blood clot to the lungs - D-dimer ... dimer test if you are showing symptoms of blood clots, such as: Swelling, pain, warmth, and changes in ...

Effect of synthetic detergents on the swelling and the ATPase of mitochondria isolated from rat liver.

PubMed

WITTER, R F; MINK, W

1958-01-25

A study was made of the effects of various types of detergents on the swelling of isolated mitochondria and on mitochondrial ATPases which are activated by Mg or DNP respectively. The rate of swelling was measured in the Beckman spectrophotometer by following the decrease in turbidity of dilute suspensions of these organelles. It was found that non-ionic detergents containing a nonyl phenoxy side chain or anionic detergents caused swelling of the mitochondria and activation of Mg-ATPase. On the other hand, cationic detergents promoted the clumping of mitochondria and did not activate Mg-ATPase. DNP-ATPase was inhibited by all of the detergents tested. It would appear from these observations that the inhibition of DNP-ATPase is not related to a gross change in the morphology of the organelles; in contrast, the activation of Mg-ATPase definitely is correlated with swelling of the isolated mitochondria. These data also suggest that the ionic detergents combine with charged sites on the protein moiety of the lipoprotein in the mitochondrial surface, whereas the non-ionic detergents form inclusion compounds with the lipide moiety, thereby altering the mitochondrial structure and permeability.

Effects of kinesiotaping versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy for treatment of pes anserinus tendino-bursitis: A randomized comparative clinical trial.

PubMed

Homayouni, Kaynoosh; Foruzi, Shima; Kalhori, Fereshte

2016-09-01

Pes anserinus tendino-bursitis is a condition caused by repetitive friction over the bursa or direct trauma to knee joint and it presents with proximal medial tibial pain and swelling. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of kinesiotaping in comparison with naproxen and physical therapy in treatment of pes anserinus tendino-bursitis. In a randomized comparative clinical trial 56 patients with clinical diagnosis of pes anserinus tendino-bursitis were randomly assigned to kinesiotaping and naproxen/physical therapy (28 patients in each group). Kinesiotaping on the tender area in the form of space-correction (lifting) technique was used and repeated for three times with a one-week interval. Another group received naproxen (250mg TID for 10 days) and ten sessions of daily physical therapy. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for evaluation of pain. The depth of swelling of the area was measured with sonography before and after treatment. Wilcoxon signed ranks test has been used for determining the influence of interventions on pain (VAS) and swelling scores in each group. The ANCOVA (Analysis of covariance) test was applied for comparing the influence of interventions on VAS and swelling scores after adjustment for co-variables. At end of the study, 27 patients remained in the kinesiotaping group and 19 patients in naproxen/physical therapy group. Treatment with kinesiotaping significantly decreased the pain (P=0.0001) and swelling scores (P=0.0001) in comparison with naproxen/physical therapy after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Kinesiotaping was safe without any complications except for a mild local skin irritation in one patient. Kinesiotaping is more effective than naproxen plus physical therapy in reduction of pain and swelling in patients with pes anserinus tendino-bursitis. www.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT01680263.

Release profiles of phenytoin from new oral dosage form for the elderly.

PubMed

Watanabe, A; Hanawa, T; Sugihara, M; Yamamoto, K

1994-08-01

Utilization of the solid mass containing phenytoin, sodium caseinate and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a new dosage form for the elderly was studied. The solid mass was prepared by treatment of the powder mixture with high pressure steam at 115 degrees C for 10 min. The stability of phenytoin in the solid mass was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography. The extent of swelling of the solid mass containing phenytoin was investigated by water absorption test and gel strength test, and the swelling property was almost independent of the presence of phenytoin. The release profile of phenytoin from the solid mass was determined under various conditions, and was found to be influenced by the extent of swelling and the swollen state. It was observed that the protein adsorption to the phenytoin crystal surface and the addition of digestive enzyme also affected the release profile. In water, the solid mass prepared from a ground mixture of phenytoin and MCC showed remarkable improvement of release profile of phenytoin.

Compatibility Study for Plastic, Elastomeric, and Metallic Fueling Infrastructure Materials Exposed to Aggressive Formulations of Ethanol-blended Gasoline

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

Kass, Michael D; Pawel, Steven J; Theiss, Timothy J

In 2008 Oak Ridge National Laboratory began a series of experiments to evaluate the compatibility of fueling infrastructure materials with intermediate levels of ethanol-blended gasoline. Initially, the focus was elastomers, metals, and sealants, and the test fuels were Fuel C, CE10a, CE17a and CE25a. The results of these studies were published in 2010. Follow-on studies were performed with an emphasis on plastic (thermoplastic and thermoset) materials used in underground storage and dispenser systems. These materials were exposed to test fuels of Fuel C and CE25a. Upon completion of this effort, it was felt that additional compatibility data with higher ethanolmore » blends was needed and another round of experimentation was performed on elastomers, metals, and plastics with CE50a and CE85a test fuels. Compatibility of polymers typically relates to the solubility of the solid polymer with a solvent. It can also mean susceptibility to chemical attack, but the polymers and test fuels evaluated in this study are not considered to be chemically reactive with each other. Solubility in polymers is typically assessed by measuring the volume swell of the polymer exposed to the solvent of interest. Elastomers are a class of polymers that are predominantly used as seals, and most o-ring and seal manufacturers provide compatibility tables of their products with various solvents including ethanol, toluene, and isooctane, which are components of aggressive oxygenated gasoline as described by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1681. These tables include a ranking based on the level of volume swell in the elastomer associated with exposure to a particular solvent. Swell is usually accompanied by a decrease in hardness (softening) that also affects performance. For seal applications, shrinkage of the elastomer upon drying is also a critical parameter since a contraction of volume can conceivably enable leakage to occur. Shrinkage is also indicative of the removal of one or more components of the elastomers (by the solvent). This extraction of additives can negatively change the properties of the elastomer, leading to reduced performance and durability. For a seal application, some level of volume swell is acceptable, since the expansion will serve to maintain a seal. However, the acceptable level of swell is dependent on the particular application of the elastomer product. It is known that excessive swell can lead to unacceptable extrusion of the elastomer beyond the sealed interface, where it becomes susceptible to damage. Also, since high swell is indicative of high solubility, there is a heightened potential for fluid to seep through the seal and into the environment. Plastics, on the other hand, are used primarily in structural applications, such as solid components, including piping and fluid containment. Volume change, especially in a rigid system, will create internal stresses that may negatively affect performance. In order to better understand and predict the compatibility for a given polymer type and fuel composition, an analysis based on Hansen solubility theory was performed for each plastic and elastomer material. From this study, the solubility distance was calculated for each polymer material and test fuel combination. Using the calculated solubility distance, the ethanol concentration associated with peak swell and overall extent of swell can be predicted for each polymer. The bulk of the material discussion centers on the plastic materials, and their compatibility with Fuel C, CE25a, CE50a, and CE85a. The next section of this paper focuses on the elastomer compatibility with the higher ethanol concentrations with comparison to results obtained previously for the lower ethanol levels. The elastomers were identical to those used in the earlier study. Hansen solubility theory is also applied to the elastomers to provide added interpretation of the results. The final section summarizes the performance of the metal coupons.« less

Effect of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) seminal plasma on the post-thaw quality of ram semen cryopreserved in a soybean lecithin-based or egg yolk-based extender.

PubMed

Ustuner, Burcu; Alcay, Selim; Toker, M Berk; Nur, Zekariya; Gokce, Elif; Sonat, Fusun Ak; Gul, Zulfiye; Duman, Muhammed; Ceniz, Cafer; Uslu, Aydın; Sagirkaya, Hakan; Soylu, M Kemal

2016-01-01

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of rainbow trout seminal plasma (RTSP) (0.1%, 1% and 10%) in extenders containing either egg yolk or lecithin for use in Awassi ram semen cryopreservation. Pooled sperm were diluted in a two-step dilution method to a final concentration of 1/5 (semen/extender) in egg yolk or lecithin extender containing no RTSP, 0.1%, 1% or 10% RTSP (v/v). Semen samples were assessed for sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity [hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) and Hoechst 33258] and defective acrosomes [FITC-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA-FITC)] at the following five time points: after dilution with extender A; after equilibration; and post-thaw at 0h, 3h and 5h. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was examined only after thawing. Freezing and thawing procedures (dilution, equilibration and post-thaw incubation at 0h, 3h and 5h) negatively affected the motility (P<0.001) and acrosome integrity (P<0.001). Additionally, freezing and thawing negatively affected the plasma membrane integrity, as determined by the HOST and Hoechst 33258 (P<0.001). The extender group affected the motility (P<0.001) and the HOST results (P<0.001). Levels of MDA in the egg yolk extender with 1% RTSP group were significantly lower than in the lecithin control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the egg yolk extender groups that were supplemented with 10% and 1% RTSP provided greater cryoprotective effects for semen survivability during 5h incubation than the other extender groups. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does natural honey act as an alternative to antibiotics in the semen extender for cryopreservation of crossbred ram semen?

PubMed Central

Banday, M. N.; Lone, F. A.; Rasool, F.; Rather, H. A.; Rather, M. A.

2017-01-01

Antibiotics are added to semen extenders to take care of heavy microbial load, however, their continuous use poses a constant threat of developing antibiotic resistance by the common microbes present in the semen. Our hypothesis was that natural honey, having antibacterial activity and rich in fructose could replace the use of antibiotics and fructose in the semen extender. Twenty-four ejaculates from six crossbred rams were obtained and extended with tris-based extender without (control) and with honey at 2.5% (T1), 5% (T2) and 7% (T3). Sperm quality was measured in terms of percentage sperm motility, live sperm count, intact acrosome and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) reacted spermatozoa. The semen samples at post-thaw were also evaluated for total viable count (colony forming units/ml). At post-thaw, control exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher sperm motility in comparison to T2 and T3. The percent of live sperm count, intact acrosome and HOST reacted spermatozoa were significantly higher (P<0.05) for control than all other treatment groups at post-thaw. Among treatment groups, T1 maintained significantly higher (P<0.05) percentage of live sperm count, intact acrosome and HOST reacted spermatozoa than T2 and T3. The total viable count at post-thaw was significantly lower (P<0.05) for control than all the treatment groups. In conclusion, honey cannot be used as an alternative to antibiotics to take care of heavy microbial load in semen, however, levels up to 2.5% may be supplemented to semen as an energy source. PMID:29387098

A coupled THC model of the FEBEX in situ test with bentonite swelling and chemical and thermal osmosis.

PubMed

Zheng, Liange; Samper, Javier; Montenegro, Luis

2011-09-25

The performance assessment of a geological repository for radioactive waste requires quantifying the geochemical evolution of the bentonite engineered barrier. This barrier will be exposed to coupled thermal (T), hydrodynamic (H), mechanical (M) and chemical (C) processes. This paper presents a coupled THC model of the FEBEX (Full-scale Engineered Barrier EXperiment) in situ test which accounts for bentonite swelling and chemical and thermal osmosis. Model results attest the relevance of thermal osmosis and bentonite swelling for the geochemical evolution of the bentonite barrier while chemical osmosis is found to be almost irrelevant. The model has been tested with data collected after the dismantling of heater 1 of the in situ test. The model reproduces reasonably well the measured temperature, relative humidity, water content and inferred geochemical data. However, it fails to mimic the solute concentrations at the heater-bentonite and bentonite-granite interfaces because the model does not account for the volume change of bentonite, the CO(2)(g) degassing and the transport of vapor from the bentonite into the granite. The inferred HCO(3)(-) and pH data cannot be explained solely by solute transport, calcite dissolution and protonation/deprotonation by surface complexation, suggesting that such data may be affected also by other reactions. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Creep and Sliding in Clay Slopes: Mutual Effects of Interlayer Swelling and Ice Jacking.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-24

calcite and feldspar constituents. Therefore a swelling clay with low diagenetic lithification (matrix forming) e fects. Therefore, the clay shows...were determined quantitatively (Tab. 2). The CEC depends mainly on the montmorillonite content and shows values up to 86 meq/lOOg, which Indicates...high montmorillonite clays. First freezing tests have been performed within a freezer. After freezing, three typical zones within the samples can be

Development and Implementation of the National Test Facility (NaTeF) for Fuels and Propulsion

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

permanent indentation. This equipment is used in the Materials Laboratory to determine hardness in polymers, elastomers, and rubbers , characteristics...impacted by exposure to synthetic fuels was the nitrile rubber , one of the materials selected for this research. Further research found a relationship...Similarly, as the molecular weight decreased, the volume swell increased. Therefore, it is indicated that the greatest swell in nitrile rubber will be

Diagnostic accuracy of the gravity stress test and clinical signs in cases of isolated supination-external rotation-type lateral malleolar fractures.

PubMed

Nortunen, S; Flinkkilä, T; Lantto, I; Kortekangas, T; Niinimäki, J; Ohtonen, P; Pakarinen, H

2015-08-01

We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the gravity stress test and clinical findings to evaluate the stability of the ankle mortise in patients with supination-external rotation-type fractures of the lateral malleolus without widening of the medial clear space. The cohort included 79 patients with a mean age of 44 years (16 to 82). Two surgeons assessed medial tenderness, swelling and ecchymosis and performed the external rotation (ER) stress test (a reference standard). A diagnostic radiographer performed the gravity stress test. For the gravity stress test, the positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 5.80 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.75 to 12.27, and the negative LR was 0.15 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.35), suggesting a moderate change from the pre-test probability. Medial tenderness, both alone and in combination with swelling and/or ecchymosis, indicated a small change (positive LR, 2.74 to 3.25; negative LR, 0.38 to 0.47), whereas swelling and ecchymosis indicated only minimal changes (positive LR, 1.41 to 1.65; negative LR, 0.38 to 0.47). In conclusion, when gravity stress test results are in agreement with clinical findings, the result is likely to predict stability of the ankle mortise with an accuracy equivalent to ER stress test results. When clinical examination suggests a medial-side injury, however, the gravity stress test may give a false negative result. ©2015 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

Fossil Crustaceans as Parasites and Hosts.

PubMed

Klompmaker, Adiël A; Boxshall, Geoff A

2015-01-01

Numerous crustacean lineages have independently moved into parasitism as a mode of life. In modern marine ecosystems, parasitic crustaceans use representatives from many metazoan phyla as hosts. Crustaceans also serve as hosts to a rich diversity of parasites, including other crustaceans. Here, we show that the fossil record of such parasitic interactions is sparse, with only 11 examples, one dating back to the Cambrian. This may be due to the limited preservation potential and small size of parasites, as well as to problems with ascribing traces to parasitism with certainty, and to a lack of targeted research. Although the confirmed stratigraphic ranges are limited for nearly every example, evidence of parasitism related to crustaceans has become increasingly more complete for isopod-induced swellings in decapods so that quantitative analyses can be carried out. Little attention has yet been paid to the origin of parasitism in deep time, but insight can be generated by integrating data on fossils with molecular studies on modern parasites. In addition, there are other traces left by parasites that could fossilize, but have not yet been recognized in the fossil record. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of alkanolamide loading on swelling, rheometric and tensile properties of chloroprene rubber compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surya, I.; Ismail, H.

2018-02-01

The effects of Alkanolamide (ALK) addition on swelling, rheometric and tensile properties of unfilled chloroprene rubber (CR) compounds were investigated. The ALK was prepared from Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Stearin and diethanolamine and -together with magnesium and zinc oxides- incorporated into the CR compounds. The ALK loadings were 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 phr. It was found that ALK enhanced the cure rate and torque difference of the CR compounds. ALK also enhanced the tensile modulus and tensile strength; especially up to a 1.5 phr loading. The swelling test proved that the 1.5 phr of ALK exhibited the highest degree of crosslink density which caused the highest in tensile modulus and tensile strength.

Unilateral eyelid angioedema with congestion of the right bulbar conjunctiva due to loxoprofen sodium.

PubMed

Tsuruta, Daisuke; Oshimo, Tomoko; Sowa, Junko; Ishii, Masamitsu; Kobayashi, Hiromi

2011-01-01

Angioedema is a variant of urticaria that causes deep dermal and subcutaneous swelling. It frequently is a unilateral reaction and usually lasts for several hours but may persist for several days. We report 2 cases of angioedema that involved the right upper and lower eyelids and was associated with congestion of the right bulbar conjunctiva; the symptoms started approximately 1 to 2 hours after taking loxoprofen sodium. All of the symptoms subsided after oral corticosteroid therapy. In both cases, an oral challenge test with 60 mg of loxoprofen sodium (contained in a tablet) caused swelling of the right upper eyelid within several hours, followed by swelling of the right bulbar conjunctiva. We believe the drug reaction in both patients is angioedema.

Evaluation of rate of swelling and erosion of verapamil (VRP) sustained-release matrix tablets.

PubMed

Khamanga, Sandile M; Walker, Roderick B

2006-01-01

Tablets manufactured in-house were compared to a marketed sustained-release product of verapamil to investigate the rate of hydration, erosion, and drug-release mechanism by measuring the wet and subsequent dry weights of the products. Swelling and erosion rates depended on the polymer and granulating fluid used, which ultimately pointed to their permeability characteristics. Erosion rate of the marketed product was highest, which suggests that the gel layer that formed around these tablets was weak as opposed to the robust and resistant layers of test products. Anomalous and near zero-order transport mechanisms were dominant in tests and commercial product, respectively.

Immunogenic cancer cell death selectively induced by near infrared photoimmunotherapy initiates host tumor immunity.

PubMed

Ogawa, Mikako; Tomita, Yusuke; Nakamura, Yuko; Lee, Min-Jung; Lee, Sunmin; Tomita, Saori; Nagaya, Tadanobu; Sato, Kazuhide; Yamauchi, Toyohiko; Iwai, Hidenao; Kumar, Abhishek; Haystead, Timothy; Shroff, Hari; Choyke, Peter L; Trepel, Jane B; Kobayashi, Hisataka

2017-02-07

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a form of cell death that activates an adaptive immune response against dead-cell-associated antigens. Cancer cells killed via ICD can elicit antitumor immunity. ICD is efficiently induced by near-infrared photo-immunotherapy (NIR-PIT) that selectively kills target-cells on which antibody-photoabsorber conjugates bind and are activated by NIR light exposure. Advanced live cell microscopies showed that NIR-PIT caused rapid and irreversible damage to the cell membrane function leading to swelling and bursting, releasing intracellular components due to the influx of water into the cell. The process also induces relocation of ICD bio markers including calreticulin, Hsp70 and Hsp90 to the cell surface and the rapid release of immunogenic signals including ATP and HMGB1 followed by maturation of immature dendritic cells. Thus, NIR-PIT is a therapy that kills tumor cells by ICD, eliciting a host immune response against tumor.

Hydrogel based sensor arrays (2 × 2) with perforated piezoresistive diaphragms for metabolic monitoring (in vitro)

PubMed Central

Orthner, M.P.; Lin, G.; Avula, M.; Buetefisch, S.; Magda, J.; Rieth, L.W.; Solzbacher, F.

2010-01-01

This report details the first experimental results from novel hydrogel sensor array (2 × 2) which incorporates analyte diffusion pores into a piezoresistive diaphragm for the detection of hydrogel swelling pressures and hence chemical concentrations. The sensor assembly was comprised of three components, the active four sensors, HPMA/DMA/TEGDMA (hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) and crosslinker tetra-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)) hydrogel, and backing plate. Each of the individual sensors of the array can be used with various hydrogels used to measure the presence of a number of stimuli including pH, ionic strength, and glucose concentrations. Ideally, in the future, these sensors will be used for continuous metabolic monitoring applications and implanted subcutaneously. In this paper and to properly characterize the sensor assembly, hydrogels sensitive to changes ionic strength were synthesized using hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) and crosslinker tetra-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and inserted into the sensor assembly. This hydrogel quickly and reversibly swells when placed environments of physiological buffer solutions (PBS) with ionic strengths ranging from 0.025 to 0.15 M, making it ideal for proof-of-concept testing and initial characterization. The assembly was wire bonded to a printed circuit board and coated with 3 ± 0.5 μm of Parylene-C using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to protect the sensor and electrical connections during ionic strength wet testing. Two versions of sensors were fabricated for comparison, the first incorporated diffusion pores into the diaphragm, and the second used a solid diaphragm with perforated backing plate. This new design (perforated diaphragm) was shown to have slightly higher sensitivity than solid diaphragm sensors with separate diffuse backing plates when coupled with the hydrogel. The sensitivities for the 1 mm × 1 mm, 1.25 mm × 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm perforated diaphragm sensors were 53.3 ± 6.5, 171.7 ± 8.8, and 271.47 ± 27.53 mV/V-M, respectively. These results show that perforations in the diaphragm can be used not only to allow the diffusion of analyte into the cavity but to increase mechanical stress in the piezoresistive diaphragm, thereby increasing sensor output signal. The time constants for swelling (τswelling) and contracting (τcontracting) were calculated by fitting the sensor output half cycles to an exponential growth function. We found that the sensors' response was initially retarded during the preliminary hydrogel conditioning period then improved after 3–5 cycles with values of approximately 9 and 7 min for τswelling and τcontracting. For all sensors tested τswelling > τcontracting. This may be due to the increased loading on the hydrogel from the diaphragm during the swelling process. During contraction the diaphragm aids the hydrogel by reversibly applying mechanical pressure and therefore reducing τcontracting. Long term stability testing showed the sensors remained functional for upwards of 2 weeks in the test phosphate buffer solution (PBS). PMID:23750073

Hydrogel based sensor arrays (2 × 2) with perforated piezoresistive diaphragms for metabolic monitoring (in vitro).

PubMed

Orthner, M P; Lin, G; Avula, M; Buetefisch, S; Magda, J; Rieth, L W; Solzbacher, F

2010-03-19

This report details the first experimental results from novel hydrogel sensor array (2 × 2) which incorporates analyte diffusion pores into a piezoresistive diaphragm for the detection of hydrogel swelling pressures and hence chemical concentrations. The sensor assembly was comprised of three components, the active four sensors, HPMA/DMA/TEGDMA (hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) and crosslinker tetra-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)) hydrogel, and backing plate. Each of the individual sensors of the array can be used with various hydrogels used to measure the presence of a number of stimuli including pH, ionic strength, and glucose concentrations. Ideally, in the future, these sensors will be used for continuous metabolic monitoring applications and implanted subcutaneously. In this paper and to properly characterize the sensor assembly, hydrogels sensitive to changes ionic strength were synthesized using hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) and crosslinker tetra-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and inserted into the sensor assembly. This hydrogel quickly and reversibly swells when placed environments of physiological buffer solutions (PBS) with ionic strengths ranging from 0.025 to 0.15 M, making it ideal for proof-of-concept testing and initial characterization. The assembly was wire bonded to a printed circuit board and coated with 3 ± 0.5 μm of Parylene-C using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to protect the sensor and electrical connections during ionic strength wet testing. Two versions of sensors were fabricated for comparison, the first incorporated diffusion pores into the diaphragm, and the second used a solid diaphragm with perforated backing plate. This new design (perforated diaphragm) was shown to have slightly higher sensitivity than solid diaphragm sensors with separate diffuse backing plates when coupled with the hydrogel. The sensitivities for the 1 mm × 1 mm, 1.25 mm × 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm perforated diaphragm sensors were 53.3 ± 6.5, 171.7 ± 8.8, and 271.47 ± 27.53 mV/V-M, respectively. These results show that perforations in the diaphragm can be used not only to allow the diffusion of analyte into the cavity but to increase mechanical stress in the piezoresistive diaphragm, thereby increasing sensor output signal. The time constants for swelling ( τ swelling ) and contracting ( τ contracting ) were calculated by fitting the sensor output half cycles to an exponential growth function. We found that the sensors' response was initially retarded during the preliminary hydrogel conditioning period then improved after 3-5 cycles with values of approximately 9 and 7 min for τ swelling and τ contracting . For all sensors tested τ swelling > τ contracting . This may be due to the increased loading on the hydrogel from the diaphragm during the swelling process. During contraction the diaphragm aids the hydrogel by reversibly applying mechanical pressure and therefore reducing τ contracting . Long term stability testing showed the sensors remained functional for upwards of 2 weeks in the test phosphate buffer solution (PBS).

Are we missing mumps epididymo-orchitis?

PubMed

Emerson, C; Dinsmore, W W; Quah, S P

2007-05-01

Mumps epididymo-orchitis has not been recorded as a cause of testicular symptoms without systemic features (including parotitis). The aim of the present study was to assess if we were missing cases in the genitourinary clinic during a previous outbreak of mumps in the community. During a prospective pilot study from November 2005 to February 2006, all patients presenting with symptoms or signs of epididymo-orchitis were studied. These patients were assessed for previous exposure to mumps virus or vaccine, and any current evidence of systemic illness. All patients included had a full sexual health screen (loop test, chlamydia polymerase chain reaction [PCR], gonorrhoea culture, HIV and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [test]/Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay), urinary tract infection excluded by urinalysis and mid-stream specimen of urine (MSSU) and mumps serology (Immunoglobulin M [IgM] and Immunoglobulin G [IgG]) performed. Twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Their ages ranged from 16 to 50 years, average 30.8 years. All had symptoms of these, 18 had testicular pain, eight swelling, (four had both pain and swelling) and three also had dysuria. On examination, 12 had tenderness, seven swelling, (two both tenderness and swelling) and six had no signs. Seventeen denied history of mumps, one patient had a record of vaccination and five described fever. None had parotid swelling. Three patients were chlamydia PCR positive, two had candida cultured, three had non-specific urethritis (>10 polymorphonuclear leucocyte/high powered field) and 13 had negative sexually transmitted infection screen (one known HIV-positive). Three had positive IgM mumps serology and two were IgG-positive. It is important to include mumps in the differential of epididymo-orchitis and to be aware of outbreaks in the community that may present with genital symptoms, as the management and partner notification will be different.

Laboratory correlation of soil swell potential : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-03-01

The objective of the study was to determine if a correlation exists between the Potential Volume Change Test and the Potential Vertical Rise Test as compared to the Third Cycle Expansion Pressure Test. In order to accomplish this objective, samples o...

What can asymmetry tell us? Investigation of asymmetric versus symmetric pinch and swell structures in nature and simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardner, Robyn; Piazolo, Sandra; Daczko, Nathan

2015-04-01

Pinch and swell structures occur from microscopic to landscape scales where a more competent layer in a weaker matrix is deformed by pure shear, often in rifting environments. The Anita Shear Zone (ASZ) in Fiordland, New Zealand has an example of landscape scale (1 km width) asymmetric pinch and swell structures developed in ultramafic rocks. Field work suggests that the asymmetry is a result of variations in the surrounding 'matrix' flow properties as the ultramafic band is surrounded to the east by an orthogneiss (Milford Orthogneiss) and to the west by a paragneiss (Thurso Paragneiss). In addition, there is a narrow and a much wider shear zone between the ultramafics and the orthogneiss and paragneiss, respectively. Detailed EBSD analysis of samples from a traverse across the pinch and swell structure indicate the ultramafics in the shear zone on the orthogneiss side have larger grain size than the ultramafics in the shear zone on the paragneiss side. Ultramafic samples from the highly strained paragneiss and orthogneiss shear zones show dislocation creep behaviour, and, on the paragneiss side, also significant deformation by grain boundary sliding. To test if asymmetry of pinch and swell structures can be used to derive the rheological properties of not only the pinch and swell lithologies, but also of the matrix, numerical simulations were performed. Numerical modelling of pure shear (extension) was undertaken with (I) initially three layers and then (II) five layers by adding soft high strain zones on both sides of the rheological hard layer. The matrix was given first symmetric, then asymmetric viscosity. Matrix viscosity was found to impact the formation of pinch and swell structures with the weaker layer causing increased tortuosity of the competent layer edge due to increased local differential stress. Results highlight that local, rheologically soft layers and the relative viscosity of matrix both impact significantly the shape and symmetry of developing pinch and swell structures.

Radiation-induced swelling of stainless steel.

PubMed

Shewmon, P G

1971-09-10

Significant swelling (1 to 10 percent due to small voids have been found in stainless steel when it is exposed to fast neutron doses less than expected in commercial fast breeder reactors. The main features of this new effect are: (i) the voids are formed by the precipitation of a small fraction of the radiation-produced vacancies; (ii) the voids form primarily in the temperature range 400 degrees to 600 degrees C (750 degrees to 1100 degrees F); and (iii) the volume increases with dose (fluence) at a rate between linear and parabolic. The limited temperature range of void formation can be explained, but the effects of fluence, microstructure, and composition are determined by a competition between several kinetic processes that are not well understood. This swelling does not affect the feasibility or safety of the breeder reactor,but will have a significant impact on the core design and economics of the breeder.Preliminary results indicate that one cannot eliminate the effect,but cold-working,heat treatment, or small changes in composition can reduce the swelling by a factor of 2 or more. Testing is hampered by the fact that several years in EBR-II are required to accumulate the fluence expected in demonstration plants. Heavyion accelerators,which allow damage rates corresponding to much higher fluxes than those found in EBR-II,hold great promise for short-term tests that will indicate the relative effect of the important variables.

Enhanced cell volume regulation: a key protective mechanism of ischemic preconditioning in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Diaz, Roberto J; Armstrong, Stephen C; Batthish, Michelle; Backx, Peter H; Ganote, Charles E; Wilson, Gregory J

2003-01-01

Accumulation of osmotically active metabolites, which create an osmotic gradient estimated at ~60 mOsM, and cell swelling are prominent features of ischemic myocardial cell death. This study tests the hypothesis that reduction of ischemic swelling by enhanced cell volume regulation is a key mechanism in the delay of ischemic myocardial cell death by ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Experimental protocols address whether: (i) IPC triggers a cell volume regulation mechanism that reduces cardiomyocyte swelling during subsequent index ischemia; (ii) this reduction in ischemic cell swelling is sufficient in magnitude to account for the IPC protection; (iii) the molecular mechanism that mediates IPC also mediates cell volume regulation. Two experimental models with rabbit ventricular myocytes were studied: freshly isolated pelleted myocytes and 48-h cultured myocytes. Myocytes were preconditioned either by distinct short simulated ischemia (SI)/simulated reperfusion protocols (IPC), or by subjecting myocytes to a pharmacological preconditioning (PPC) protocol (1 microM calyculin A, or 1 microM N(6)-2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine (APNEA), prior to subjecting them to either different durations of long SI or 30 min hypo-osmotic stress. Cell death (percent blue square myocytes) was monitored by trypan blue staining. Cell swelling was determined by either the bromododecane cell flotation assay (qualitative) or video/confocal microscopy (quantitative). Simulated ischemia induced myocyte swelling in both the models. In pelleted myocytes, IPC or PPC with either calyculin A or APNEA produced a marked reduction of ischemic cell swelling as determined by the cell floatation assay. In cultured myocytes, IPC substantially reduced ischemic cell swelling (P < 0.001). This IPC effect on ischemic cell swelling was related to an IPC and PPC (with APNEA) mediated triggering of cell volume regulatory decrease (RVD). IPC and APNEA also significantly (P < 0.001) reduced hypo-osmotic cell swelling. This IPC and APNEA effect was blocked by either adenosine receptor, PKC or Cl(-) channel inhibition. The osmolar equivalent for IPC protection approximated 50-60 mOsM, an osmotic gradient similar to the estimated ischemic osmotic load for preconditioned and non-preconditioned myocytes. The results suggest that cell volume regulation is a key mechanism that accounts for most of the IPC protection in cardiomyocytes.

Swelling and tribological properties of melt-mixed fluoroelastomer/nitrile rubber blends under crude oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tagelsir, Yasin; Li, San-Xi; Lv, Xiaoren; Wang, Shijie; Wang, Song; Osman, Zeinab

2018-01-01

The melt-mixed fluoroelastomer (FKM)/ nitrile rubber (NBR) blends of (90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50) ratios with same hardness were prepared, and their swelling and tribological properties under crude oil were investigated for the purpose of developing high performance cost-effective elastomers meeting requirement of oil extraction progressive cavity pump stator. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed compatible blend system for all blends. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed co-continuous morphology of 200-400 nm phase size for all blends, expect FKM/NBR (90/10) which exhibited partially continuous phase morphology of 100-250 nm phase size. The results of swelling and linear wear tests under crude oil indicated that swelling percentage, coefficient of friction and specific wear rate of FKM/NBR blends were much better than NBR, with FKM/NBR (90/10 and 80/20) showing swelling percentage and specific wear rate very close to FKM. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy disclosed that fracture of macromolecular chains was the main mechanochemical effect of unswollen and swollen worn surfaces, in addition to oxygenated degradation detected with increasing NBR ratio in the blends. The fracture of macromolecular chains resulted in slight fatigue wear mechanism, which was also confirmed by FE-SEM of the worn surfaces.

Comparison of two intracanal irrigants' effect on flare-up in necrotic teeth.

PubMed

Zarei, Mina; Bidar, Maryam

2006-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two irrigants on decreasing the pain and swelling at different times after treatment of necrotic pulp. Fifty patients with single canal tooth and necrotic pulp were selected and divided into two groups, twenty-five in each. Rotary files were used for preparing the canals and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite were used for irrigation of canals. Then canals were filled by lateral condensation technique. A questionnaire was given to patients asking for the level of their pain and swelling. The patients were followed for 48h. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for determination of pain degree. The scale with 4 levels was used for measurement of the intensity of swelling. The data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Witney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The research showed no significant difference between irrigant solutions in decreasing the amount of pain and swelling after endodontic treatments. No significant relationship was detected between the incidence of pain with swelling, age, and sex. Flare-up in maxilla was more than mandible. According to results of this in vivo study it was concluded that efficacies of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 2.5% NaOCl are the same.

Comparison of Two Intracanal Irrigants’ Effect on Flare-Up in Necrotic Teeth

PubMed Central

Zarei, Mina; Bidar, Maryam

2006-01-01

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two irrigants on decreasing the pain and swelling at different times after treatment of necrotic pulp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with single canal tooth and necrotic pulp were selected and divided into two groups, twenty-five in each. Rotary files were used for preparing the canals and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite were used for irrigation of canals. Then canals were filled by lateral condensation technique. A questionnaire was given to patients asking for the level of their pain and swelling. The patients were followed for 48h. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for determination of pain degree. The scale with 4 levels was used for measurement of the intensity of swelling. The data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Witney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: The research showed no significant difference between irrigant solutions in decreasing the amount of pain and swelling after endodontic treatments. No significant relationship was detected between the incidence of pain with swelling, age, and sex. Flare-up in maxilla was more than mandible. CONCLUSION: According to results of this in vivo study it was concluded that efficacies of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 2.5% NaOCl are the same. PMID:24379878

Optic neuritis

MedlinePlus

... optic neuritis is unknown. The optic nerve carries visual information from your eye to the brain. The nerve can swell when it becomes suddenly ... may include: Color vision testing MRI of the brain , including special images of the optic nerve Visual acuity testing Visual field testing Examination of the ...

[Nocardiosis in immunocompromised host presenting as cellulitis].

PubMed

Asgeirsson, Hilmar; Sigurdardottir, Bryndis

2010-06-01

Nocardia is a rare pathogen of mainly immunocomprised patients. Only two cases of nocardiosis have previously been identified in Iceland. A 92-year-old male on glucocorticoid therapy with metastatic bladder cancer presented with two weeks history of progressive swelling and erythema of the hand and deteriorating cognitive functioning. A brain lesion and pulmonary nodules were identified and Nocardia farcinia was cultured from a hand abscess. The patient was initially treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole but because of rapid deterioration and old age an end-of-life decision was made. This case of nocardiosis illustrates the importance of uncommon opportunistic infections in immunocompromised Icelandic patients.

Case of cheilitis granulomatosa associated with apical periodontitis.

PubMed

Kawakami, Tomoko; Fukai, Kazuyoshi; Sowa, Junko; Ishii, Masamitsu; Teramae, Hiroyuki; Kanazawa, Koutetsu

2008-02-01

The etiology of cheilitis granulomatosa is unknown. In some cases, rapid improvement and/or complete elimination of swelling of the lips after dental treatment has been reported. Here, we describe another case of improvement following dental treatment. A 57-year-old woman had developed asymptomatic swelling of the lower lip 2 months previously. Histological examination revealed non-caseous giant cell granulomas. Neither facial nerve palsy nor fissuring of the tongue was present. Patch testing for metal allergy revealed only mild irritation to zinc ion. Although topical corticosteroid ointment and oral tranilast for 4 months were ineffective, rapid and remarkable improvement of the swelling was noted soon after treatment of two lesions of apical periodontitis. Thorough examination for foci of infection is necessary when treating a patient with cheilitis granulomatosa.

Structural elucidation, molecular representation and solvent interactions of vitrinite-rich and inertinite-rich South African coals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Niekerk, Daniel

The structural differences and similarities of two Permian-aged South African coals, vitrinite-rich Waterberg and inertinite-rich Highveld coals (similar rank, carbon content and Permian age), were evaluated. With South African coals the opportunity presented itself to study not only Permian-aged Gondwana vitrinite but also inertinite. It was expected that these coals would differ from Northern hemisphere Carboniferous coals. It was concluded from various structural data that both coals, although different in maceral composition and depositional basins, are similar in their base structural composition. The main differences were that the inertinite-rich Highveld coal was more ordered, more aromatic, and had less hydrogen than the vitrinite-rich Waterberg coal. Analytical data were used to construct large-scale advanced molecular representations for vitrinite-rich Waterberg and inertinite-rich Highveld coals. The three-dimensional models were structurally diverse with a molecular weight range of 78 to 1900 amu. The vitrinite-rich coal model consisted of 18,572 atoms and 191 individual molecules and the inertinite-rich coal model consisted of 14,242 atoms and 158 individual molecules. This largescale modeling effort was enabled by the development of various PERL scripts to automate various visualization and analytical aspects. Coal swelling studies were conducted using the traditional pack-bed swelling method and a new novel single-particle stop-motion videography swelling method with NMP and CS2/NMP solvents. The pack-bed swelling showed that vitrinite-rich coal had a greater swelling extent and that swelling extent for both coals was greater in CS2/NMP binary solvent than for NMP. Single-particle swelling experiments showed that both coals, for both solvents, exhibit overshoot-type and climbing-type swelling behaviors. Inertinite-coal had a faster swelling rate, in both solvents, than the vitrinite-rich coal. The single-particle swelling data was used to calculate the kinetic parameters and it was found that the swelling was governed by relaxation of the coal structure (super-Case II swelling). X-ray computed tomography was conducted confirming anisotropic swelling. The petrographic transitions (maceral-group composition and reflectance) with solvent swelling and extraction were quantified. No changes in the maceral compositions were found, but changes in some coal particles were observed. Random reflectance analysis showed that, for both vitrinite and inertinite, there is a decrease in reflectance values with solvent treatment. Vitrinite reflectograms showed a shift from the dominant reflecting V-types to lower V-types. The inertinite reflectograms exhibited an increase in number of I-types (broadening of reflectrograms). Molecular simulation and visualization approaches to solvent swelling and extraction were performed on the proposed molecular models of vitrinite-rich and inertinite-rich coals. A theoretical extraction yield was determined using solubility parameters and showed agreement with experimental extraction yield trends. Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (SAFT) modeling was explored to test whether this method could predict swelling extent. The predicted swelling trends of SAFT were comparable to that of the experimental swelling results. SAFT was found to be a promising tool for solvent-coal interaction predictions. Partially solvent swollen structures were constructed by the addition of solvent molecules to the original coal molecules using a amorphous building approach. This method showed that coal-coal non-bonding interaction changed with the introduction of solvent. A disruption in the van der Waals interaction energies and a change in hydrogen bond distributions were observed in the swollen coal models and quantified. It was concluded that small changes in coal structure translates to significant changes in solvent interaction behavior. These changes were successfully visualized and simulated using atomistic molecular representations.

A coupled THC model of the FEBEX in situ test with bentonite swelling and chemical and thermal osmosis

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

Zheng, L.; Samper, J.; Montenegro, L.

The performance assessment of a geological repository for radioactive waste requires quantifying the geochemical evolution of the bentonite engineered barrier. This barrier will be exposed to coupled thermal (T), hydrodynamic (H), mechanical (M) and chemical (C) processes. This paper presents a coupled THC model of the FEBEX (Full-scale Engineered Barrier EXperiment) in situ test which accounts for bentonite swelling and chemical and thermal osmosis. Model results attest the relevance of thermal osmosis and bentonite swelling for the geochemical evolution of the bentonite barrier while chemical osmosis is found to be almost irrelevant. The model has been tested with data collectedmore » after the dismantling of heater 1 of the in situ test. The model reproduces reasonably well the measured temperature, relative humidity, water content and inferred geochemical data. However, it fails to mimic the solute concentrations at the heater-bentonite and bentonite-granite interfaces because the model does not account for the volume change of bentonite, the CO{sub 2}(g) degassing and the transport of vapor from the bentonite into the granite. The inferred HCO{sub 3}{sup -} and pH data cannot be explained solely by solute transport, calcite dissolution and protonation/deprotonation by surface complexation, suggesting that such data may be affected also by other reactions.« less

Gelatin- and hydroxyapatite-based cryogels for bone tissue engineering: synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.

PubMed

Kemençe, Nevsal; Bölgen, Nimet

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was the synthesis and characterization of gelatin- and hydroxyapatite (osteoconductive component of bone)-based cryogels for tissue-engineering applications. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility tests were conducted. Gelatin- and hydroxyapatite-based cryogels of varying concentrations were synthesized using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. Chemical structure, pore morphology, pore size distribution, mechanical properties, swelling characteristics and degradation profiles of the synthesized cryogels were demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury porosimetry, a mechanical test device, swelling ratio tests and weight loss measurements, respectively. In vitro cell viability and in vivo biocompatility tests were performed in order to show the performance of the cryogels in the biological environment. Changing the concentrations of gelatin, hydroxyapatite and crosslinker changed the chemical structure, pore size and pore size distribution of the cryogels, which in turn resulted in the ultimate behaviour (mechanical properties, swelling ratio, degradation profile). In vitro cell culture tests showed the viability of the cells. The cryogels did not show any cytotoxic effects on the cells. Clinical outcomes and the gross pathological results demonstrated that there was no necrosis noted in the abdominal and thoracic regions at the end of implantation and the implanted cryogel was found to be non-irritant and non-toxic at 12 weeks of implantation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mechanical strength of an ITER coil insulation system under static and dynamic load after reactor irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bittner-Rohrhofer, K.; Humer, K.; Weber, H. W.; Hamada, K.; Sugimoto, M.; Okuno, K.

2002-12-01

The insulation system proposed by the Japanese Home Team for the ITER Toroidal Field coil (TF coil) is a T-glass-fiber/Kapton reinforced epoxy prepreg system. In order to assess the material performance under the actual operating conditions of the coils, the insulation system was irradiated in the TRIGA reactor (Vienna) to a fast neutron fluence of 2×10 22 m -2 ( E>0.1 MeV). After measurements of swelling, all mechanical tests were carried out at 77 K. Tensile and short-beam-shear (SBS) tests were performed under static loading conditions. In addition, tension-tension fatigue experiments up to about 10 6 cycles were made. The laminate swells in the through-thickness direction by 0.86% at the highest dose level. The fatigue tests as well as the static tests do not show significant influences of the irradiation on the mechanical behavior of this composite.

Getting ready for host invasion: elevated expression and action of xyloglucan endotransglucosylases/hydrolases in developing haustoria of the holoparasitic angiosperm Cuscuta

PubMed Central

Olsen, Stian; Striberny, Bernd; Hollmann, Julien; Schwacke, Rainer; Popper, Zoë; Krause, Kirsten

2016-01-01

Changes in cell walls have been previously observed in the mature infection organ, or haustorium, of the parasitic angiosperm Cuscuta, but are not equally well charted in young haustoria. In this study, we focused on the molecular processes in the early stages of developing haustoria; that is, before the parasite engages in a physiological contact with its host. We describe first the identification of differentially expressed genes in young haustoria whose development was induced by far-red light and tactile stimuli in the absence of a host plant by suppression subtractive hybridization. To improve sequence information and to aid in the identification of the obtained candidates, reference transcriptomes derived from two species of Cuscuta, C. gronovii and C. reflexa, were generated. Subsequent quantitative gene expression analysis with different tissues of C. reflexa revealed that among the genes that were up-regulated in young haustoria, two xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes were highly expressed almost exclusively at the onset of haustorium development. The same expression pattern was also found for the closest XTH homologues from C. gronovii. In situ assays for XTH-specific action suggested that xyloglucan endotransglucosylation was most pronounced in the cell walls of the swelling area of the haustorium facing the host plant, but was also detectable in later stages of haustoriogenesis. We propose that xyloglucan remodelling by Cuscuta XTHs prepares the parasite for host infection and possibly aids the invasive growth of the haustorium. PMID:26561437

Cryopreservation of epididymal stallion sperm.

PubMed

Olaciregui, M; Gil, L; Montón, A; Luño, V; Jerez, R A; Martí, J I

2014-02-01

Any event that makes semen collection or mating impossible, such as death, castration, or injury, may terminate a stallion's breeding career. Fortunately, stallion sperm which are capable of fertilization can be harvested from the epididymis, and frozen for future use. However, the fertility of frozen-thawed epididymal sperm has been found to be lower than that of ejaculated sperm. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the fertility of frozen epididymal stallion sperm by investigating the effects of different cryoprotectants and freezing protocols on sperm quality. Dimethylformamide was tested alone or combination with pasteurized egg yolk as substitute of fresh egg yolk. In addition, the effect of the pre-freeze stabilization on sperm quality was analyzed. Heterospermic samples obtained from stallion epididymis were collected and cryopreserved in lactose-egg-yolk extender or in the same extender with varying content of cryoprotectant and content of egg yolk, stabilized and no-stabilized. Sperm motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) and acrosome integrity were evaluated post-thawing. No improvement was observed on the replacement of fresh yolk by pasteurized egg yolk, whereas the results suggest that dimethylformamide is a cryoprotectant suitable for cryopreservation of equine epididymal semen, even better than glycerol. In addition, we found that the stabilization before freezing on epididymal stallion sperm, can improve sperm quality parameters. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Restriction Endonucleases from Invasive Neisseria gonorrhoeae Cause Double-Strand Breaks and Distort Mitosis in Epithelial Cells during Infection

PubMed Central

Weyler, Linda; Engelbrecht, Mattias; Mata Forsberg, Manuel; Brehwens, Karl; Vare, Daniel; Vielfort, Katarina; Wojcik, Andrzej; Aro, Helena

2014-01-01

The host epithelium is both a barrier against, and the target for microbial infections. Maintaining regulated cell growth ensures an intact protective layer towards microbial-induced cellular damage. Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections disrupt host cell cycle regulation machinery and the infection causes DNA double strand breaks that delay progression through the G2/M phase. We show that intracellular gonococci upregulate and release restriction endonucleases that enter the nucleus and damage human chromosomal DNA. Bacterial lysates containing restriction endonucleases were able to fragment genomic DNA as detected by PFGE. Lysates were also microinjected into the cytoplasm of cells in interphase and after 20 h, DNA double strand breaks were identified by 53BP1 staining. In addition, by using live-cell microscopy and NHS-ester stained live gonococci we visualized the subcellular location of the bacteria upon mitosis. Infected cells show dysregulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint proteins MAD1 and MAD2, impaired and prolonged M-phase, nuclear swelling, micronuclei formation and chromosomal instability. These data highlight basic molecular functions of how gonococcal infections affect host cell cycle regulation, cause DNA double strand breaks and predispose cellular malignancies. PMID:25460012

Restriction endonucleases from invasive Neisseria gonorrhoeae cause double-strand breaks and distort mitosis in epithelial cells during infection.

PubMed

Weyler, Linda; Engelbrecht, Mattias; Mata Forsberg, Manuel; Brehwens, Karl; Vare, Daniel; Vielfort, Katarina; Wojcik, Andrzej; Aro, Helena

2014-01-01

The host epithelium is both a barrier against, and the target for microbial infections. Maintaining regulated cell growth ensures an intact protective layer towards microbial-induced cellular damage. Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections disrupt host cell cycle regulation machinery and the infection causes DNA double strand breaks that delay progression through the G2/M phase. We show that intracellular gonococci upregulate and release restriction endonucleases that enter the nucleus and damage human chromosomal DNA. Bacterial lysates containing restriction endonucleases were able to fragment genomic DNA as detected by PFGE. Lysates were also microinjected into the cytoplasm of cells in interphase and after 20 h, DNA double strand breaks were identified by 53BP1 staining. In addition, by using live-cell microscopy and NHS-ester stained live gonococci we visualized the subcellular location of the bacteria upon mitosis. Infected cells show dysregulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint proteins MAD1 and MAD2, impaired and prolonged M-phase, nuclear swelling, micronuclei formation and chromosomal instability. These data highlight basic molecular functions of how gonococcal infections affect host cell cycle regulation, cause DNA double strand breaks and predispose cellular malignancies.

Studying Nearshore Ocean Waves Using X-Band Radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laughlin, B.; Bland, R. W.

2014-12-01

In January of 2010, ocean waves generated by an unusually large storm caused major erosion damage to the San Francisco coastline, with an erosion "hot spot" partially collapsing a four-lane throughway and threatening important infrastructure. Every winter, swells from the northwest approach San Francisco's Ocean Beach by passing over the southern limb of the San Francisco Bar, an ebb-tidal delta seaward of the Golden Gate Bridge. Refraction of approaching wave-fronts causes focusing of wave energy at the southern end of Ocean Beach where the S.F. Bar meets the coast, possibly explaining the location of the 2010 hot spot. In 2011 an x-band radar system was installed on a site near the erosion hot spot, at an elevation of 13 m above low tide, about 40 m back from the high-tide line. The radar system collects images of wave crests out to 3 km from the scanner. Study of these images when offshore buoys report a single NW swell shows two swell patterns arriving at Ocean Beach, separated in direction by about 30 degrees, and producing a quilted interference pattern, as seen in the accompanying figure. We interpret these swells as following two different paths around the Bar. Preliminary ray-tracing studies tend to confirm this interpretation. To enhance these images we have employed two techniques. The first technique, which is concerned with identification and visualization of swells in the region of interest, involves iteration over possible swell periods: scans taken at integral multiples of a given period are added together, with the sharpest image determining the swell period (see figure) and providing an enhanced image for further analysis. The second technique involves displacement of images in time by phase incrementation in k-space, with subsequent addition of images. We will present results concerning the stability of the relative phase of the two swells, and the applicability to models for propagation of waves. Establishment of a tested propagation model would permit prediction of erosion hazards for hypothetical enhanced storms and rising sea level due to global climate change.

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

Althouse, L.P.; Hammon, H.G.

A ninety-day aging study was performed on Halthane 73-18A to determine the thermal aging effects due to the presence of DABCO, a catalyst. Samples were taken after 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days of exposure to air at 90/sup 0/C. Tests used to evaluate aging effects were: ring tensile, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic dielectric spectroscopy, and solvent swell. Results of tensile tests indicated an increase in tensile properties that peaked at 30 days and decayed to 70 percent loss of peak strength in 90 days. DSC, DDS, and solvent swell data all followed the same trend. Comparativemore » analysis of all data support the hypothesis that the presence of DABCO increases the oxidative cleavage of the polyether chain segment.« less

Significance of clinical evaluation of the metacarpophalangeal joint in relation to synovial/bone pathology in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis detected by magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Stone, Millicent A; White, Lawrence M; Gladman, Dafna D; Inman, Robert D; Chaya, Sam; Lax, Matthew; Salonen, David; Weber, Deborah A; Guthrie, Judy A; Pomeroy, Emma; Podbielski, Dominik; Keystone, Edward C

2009-12-01

Rheumatologists base many clinical decisions regarding the management of inflammatory joint diseases on joint counts performed at clinic. We investigated the reliability and accuracy of physically examining the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints to detect inflammatory synovitis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard. MCP joints 2 to 5 in both hands of 5 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 5 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were assessed by 5 independent examiners for joint-line swelling (visually and by palpation); joint-line tenderness by palpation (tender joint count, TJC) and stress pain; and by MRI (1.5 Tesla superconducting magnet). Interrater reliability was assessed using kappa statistics, and agreement between examination and corresponding MRI assessment was assessed by Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05 considered statistically significant). Interrater agreement was highest for visual assessment of swelling (kappa = 0.55-0.63), slight-fair for assessment of swelling by palpation (kappa = 0.19-0.41), and moderate (kappa = 0.41-0.58) for assessment of joint tenderness. In patients with RA, TJC, stress pain, and visual swelling assessment were strongly associated with MRI evaluation of synovitis. Visual swelling assessment demonstrated high specificity (> 0.8) and positive predictive value (= 0.8). For PsA, significant associations exist between TJC and MRI synovitis scores (p < 0.01) and stress pain and MRI edema scores (p < 0.04). Assessment of swelling by palpation was not significantly associated with synovitis or edema as determined by MRI in RA or PsA (p = 0.54-1.0). In inflammatory arthritis, disease activity in MCP joints can be reliably assessed at the bedside by examining for joint-line tenderness (TJC) and visual inspection for swelling. Clinical assessment may have to be complemented by other methods for evaluating disease activity in the joint, such as MRI, particularly in patients with PsA.

Swelling/Floating Capability and Drug Release Characterizations of Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System Based on a Combination of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose and Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

PubMed Central

Chen, Ying-Chen; Ho, Hsiu-O; Liu, Der-Zen; Siow, Wen-Shian; Sheu, Ming-Thau

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the swelling and floating behaviors of gastroretentive drug delivery system (GRDDS) composed of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and to optimize HEC/NaCMC GRDDS to incorporate three model drugs with different solubilities (metformin, ciprofloxacin, and esomeprazole). Various ratios of NaCMC to HEC were formulated, and their swelling and floating behaviors were characterized. Influences of media containing various NaCl concentrations on the swelling and floating behaviors and drug solubility were also characterized. Finally, release profiles of the three model drugs from GRDDS formulation (F1-4) and formulation (F1-1) were examined. Results demonstrated when the GRDDS tablets were tested in simulated gastric solution, the degree of swelling at 6 h was decreased for each formulation that contained NaCMC in comparison to those in de-ionized water (DIW). Of note, floating duration was enhanced when in simulated gastric solution compared to DIW. Further, the hydration of tablets was found to be retarded as the NaCl concentration in the medium increased resulting in smaller gel layers and swelling sizes. Dissolution profiles of the three model drugs in media containing various concentrations of NaCl showed that the addition of NaCl to the media affected the solubility of the drugs, and also their gelling behaviors, resulting in different mechanisms for controlling a drug’s release. The release mechanism of the freely water-soluble drug, metformin, was mainly diffusion-controlled, while those of the water-soluble drug, ciprofloxacin, and the slightly water-soluble drug, esomeprazole, were mainly anomalous diffusion. Overall results showed that the developed GRDDS composed of HEC 250HHX and NaCMC of 450 cps possessed proper swelling extents and desired floating periods with sustained-release characteristics. PMID:25617891

Method for hygromechanical characterization of graphite/epoxy composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yaniv, Gershon; Peimanidis, Gus; Daniel, Isaac M.

1987-01-01

An experimental method is described for measuring hygroscopic swelling strains and mechanical strains of moisture-conditioned composite specimens. The method consists of embedding encapsulated strain gages in the midplane of the composite laminate; thus it does not interfere with normal moisture diffusion. It is particularly suited for measuring moisture swelling coefficients and for mechanical testing of moisture-conditioned specimens at high strain rates. Results obtained by the embedded gage method were shown to be more reliable and reproducible than those obtained by surface gages, dial gages, or extensometers.

The Study of the Interaction between Silica Filler and Silicone Rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiesheng; Gong, Xiaoqiang; Zhang, Rongtang

2018-01-01

The interaction between silica filler and silicone rubber was studied by swelling ratio, Kraus curve and crosslinking density test. The results showed that lower values of Vro/Vrf and swelling ratio in modified filler system suggests good filler-matrix interactions. The composites with silane coupling agents show higher crosslink-density compared that of untreated ones. In the light of the above statement, it can be concluded that modification of filler is the crucial factor in creating a good interaction between the filler and silicone rubber.

Atypical Post Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis with “Muzzle Area” Swelling

PubMed Central

Arora, Sandeep; Bal, Arvinder Singh; Baveja, Sukriti; Sood, Aradhana; Rathi, Khushi Ram; Patil, Pradeep

2015-01-01

A 50-year-old male presented with recurrent swelling of the muzzle area of the face with history of low-grade intermittent fever of 3 year duration managed variously with antibiotics, systemic steroids, and antituberculous therapy. Skin biopsy revealed a granulomatous infiltration negative for acid-fast bacilli and leishmania donovan bodies. Immunochromatography test for rK 39 antigen and polymerase chain reaction for leishmania was positive. He was diagnosed as a case of post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis, managed with injection sodium stibogluconate and followed-up thereafter. PMID:25657406

Atypical post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis with "muzzle area" swelling.

PubMed

Arora, Sandeep; Bal, Arvinder Singh; Baveja, Sukriti; Sood, Aradhana; Rathi, Khushi Ram; Patil, Pradeep

2015-01-01

A 50-year-old male presented with recurrent swelling of the muzzle area of the face with history of low-grade intermittent fever of 3 year duration managed variously with antibiotics, systemic steroids, and antituberculous therapy. Skin biopsy revealed a granulomatous infiltration negative for acid-fast bacilli and leishmania donovan bodies. Immunochromatography test for rK 39 antigen and polymerase chain reaction for leishmania was positive. He was diagnosed as a case of post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis, managed with injection sodium stibogluconate and followed-up thereafter.

Getting the Facts on Food Allergy Testing

MedlinePlus

Getting the Facts on Food Allergy Testing This article has been reviewed by Thanai Pongdee, MD, FAAAAI If you have ever experienced red, itchy skin, swell- ... food, you may wonder if you have a food allergy. While diagnosing food allergies can be tricky, an ...

Impact of the use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on the quality of life of patients treated with endodontic surgery when a perforation of sinus membrane occurred. A comparative study.

PubMed

Taschieri, S; Corbella, S; Tsesis, I; Del Fabbro, M

2014-03-01

The aim of this retrospective investigation was to evaluate the postoperative quality of life after endodontic surgery in maxillary molars when a sinus membrane perforation occurred and platelet concentrates were used. Included patients were treated by microsurgical endodontic treatment in molar and premolar maxillary regions between 2007 and 2010. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were screened. Data from the quality of life questionnaire were analyzed. The use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) (test group) was compared with a control group when a Schneiderian membrane perforation occurred during endodontic surgery performed with a modern technique in maxillary molars and premolars. A total of 20 patients (12 in the control group and eight in the test group) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No differences were evaluated at baseline for clinical parameters. Significantly improved patients' quality of life was observed in the test group considering symptoms as swelling, bad breath or taste, and pain. Functional activities were less impaired in the test group and swelling was significantly higher in the control group. In the test group, pain was significantly lower than the control group during the first 6 days after surgery and also, the consumption of painkillers was lower for patients belonging to the test group even if it was not statistically significant. In general, a small sinus membrane perforation (less than 6 mm) during endodontic surgery did not cause severe complications. The use of platelet concentrates could be effective in reducing the impact on patients' quality of life, decreasing pain and surgery side effects as well as swelling.

Self-healing mortar with pH-sensitive superabsorbent polymers: testing of the sealing efficiency by water flow tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruyaert, Elke; Debbaut, Brenda; Snoeck, Didier; Díaz, Pilar; Arizo, Alejandro; Tziviloglou, Eirini; Schlangen, Erik; De Belie, Nele

2016-08-01

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have potential to be used as healing agent in self-healing concrete due to their property to attract moisture from the environment and their capacity to promote autogenous healing. A possible drawback, however, is their uptake of mixing water during concrete manufacturing, resulting in an increased volume of macro-pores in the hardened concrete. To limit this drawback, newly developed SAPs with a high swelling and pH-sensitiveness were developed and tested within the FP7 project HEALCON. Evaluation of their self-sealing performance occurred through a water permeability test via water flow, a test method also developed within HEALCON. Three different sizes of the newly developed SAP were compared with a commercial SAP. Swelling tests in cement filtrate solution indicated that the commercial and in-house synthesized SAPs performed quite similar, but the difference between the swelling capacity at pH 9 and pH 13 is more pronounced for the self-synthesized SAPs. Moreover, in comparison to the commercial SAPs, less macro-pores are formed in the cement matrix of mixes with self-synthesized SAPs and the effect on the mechanical properties is lower, but not negligible, when using high amounts of SAPs. Although the immediate sealing effect of cracks in mortar was the highest for the commercial SAPs, the in-house made SAPs with a particle size between 400 and 600 μm performed the best with regard to crack closure (mainly CaCO3 precipitation) and self-sealing efficiency, after exposing the specimens to 28 wet-dry cycles. Some specimens could even withstand a water pressure of 2 bar.

A simplified model for equilibrium and transient swelling of thermo-responsive gels.

PubMed

Drozdov, A D; deClaville Christiansen, J

2017-11-01

A simplified model is developed for the elastic response of thermo-responsive gels subjected to swelling under an arbitrary deformation with finite strains. The constitutive equations involve five adjustable parameters that are determined by fitting observations in equilibrium water uptake tests and T-jump transient tests on thin gel disks. Two scenarios for water release under heating are revealed by means of numerical simulation. When the final temperature in a T-jump test is below the volume-phase transition temperature, deswelling is characterized by smooth distribution of water molecules and small tensile stresses. When the final temperature exceeds the critical temperature, a gel disk is split into three regions (central part with a high concentration of water molecules and two domains near the boundaries with low water content) separated by sharp interfaces, whose propagation is accompanied by development of large (comparable with the elastic modulus) tensile stresses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anisotropic swelling and microcracking of neutron irradiated Ti 3AlC 2-Ti 5Al 2C 3 materials

DOE PAGES

Ang, Caen K.; Silva, Chinthaka M.; Shih, Chunghao Phillip; ...

2015-12-17

M n + 1AX n (MAX) phase materials based on Ti–Al–C have been irradiated at 400 °C (673 K) with fission neutrons to a fluence of 2 × 10 25 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV), corresponding to ~ 2 displacements per atom (dpa). We report preliminary results of microcracking in the Al-containing MAX phase, which contained the phases Ti 3AlC 2 and Ti 5Al 2C 3. Equibiaxial ring-on-ring tests of irradiated coupons showed that samples retained 10% of pre-irradiated strength. Volumetric swelling of up to 4% was observed. Phase analysis and microscopy suggest that anisotropic lattice parameter swelling causedmore » microcracking. Lastly, variants of titanium aluminum carbide may be unsuitable materials for irradiation at light water reactor-relevant temperatures.« less

Chronic optic disc swelling overlooked in a diabetic patient with a devastating outcome

PubMed Central

Braithwaite, Tasanee; Plant, Gordon T

2010-01-01

We present a case of asymmetrical but bilateral, progressive, painless visual deterioration over 5 years to no perception of light, in a 61-year-old male diabetic patient referred for a second opinion. The patient had a chronic history of bilateral diabetic maculopathy and unexplained swelling of the optic discs. He was diagnosed with optic atrophy secondary to pseudotumour cerebri (termed idiopathic intracranial hypertension when underlying causes have been excluded), which was associated with obstructive sleep apnoea. The case highlights the critical importance of identifying and investigating chronic papilloedema for reversible causes; the sometimes subtle presentation of pseudotumour cerebri; and the vital role of visual field testing and diagnostic lumbar puncture for timely diagnosis. It also reminds us that chronic bilateral optic disc swelling is not a normal feature of diabetic eye disease, and that alarm bells should sound if reduced visual acuity seems disproportionate to the degree of maculopathy. PMID:22442651

The DART dispersion analysis research tool: A mechanistic model for predicting fission-product-induced swelling of aluminum dispersion fuels. User`s guide for mainframe, workstation, and personal computer applications

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

Rest, J.

1995-08-01

This report describes the primary physical models that form the basis of the DART mechanistic computer model for calculating fission-product-induced swelling of aluminum dispersion fuels; the calculated results are compared with test data. In addition, DART calculates irradiation-induced changes in the thermal conductivity of the dispersion fuel, as well as fuel restructuring due to aluminum fuel reaction, amorphization, and recrystallization. Input instructions for execution on mainframe, workstation, and personal computers are provided, as is a description of DART output. The theory of fission gas behavior and its effect on fuel swelling is discussed. The behavior of these fission products inmore » both crystalline and amorphous fuel and in the presence of irradiation-induced recrystallization and crystalline-to-amorphous-phase change phenomena is presented, as are models for these irradiation-induced processes.« less

Synthesis and characterisation of mucoadhesive thiolated polyallylamine.

PubMed

Duggan, Sarah; Hughes, Helen; Owens, Eleanor; Duggan, Elaine; Cummins, Wayne; O' Donovan, Orla

2016-02-29

The thiolation of polyallylamine (PAAm) for use in mucoadhesive drug delivery has been achieved. PAAm was reacted with different ratios of Traut's reagent, yielding products with thiol contents ranging from 134-487μmol/g. Full mucoadhesive characterisation of the thiolated PAAm samples was conducted using swelling studies, mucoadhesive testing on porcine intestinal tissue and rheology. Both swelling and cohesive properties of the thiolated PAAm products were vastly improved in comparison to an unmodified PAAm control. The swelling abilities of the thiolated samples were high and the degree of thiolation of the products affected the initial rate of swelling. High levels of mucoadhesion were demonstrated by the thiolated PAAm samples, with adhesion times of greater than 24h measured for all three samples and, thus, thiol content did not appear to influence mucoadhesion. Rheological studies of the thiolated PAAm samples showed an increase in G' and G″ values upon the addition of a mucin solution which was not observed in the unmodified control, again highlighting the mucoadhesive interactions between these thiolated polymers and mucin. The synthesis of thiolated PAAm by reaction with Traut's reagent and resulting mucoadhesive properties demonstrates its potential for use a mucoadhesive drug delivery device. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of low-level laser therapy on trismus and facial swelling following surgical extraction of a lower third molar.

PubMed

Aras, Mutan Hamdi; Güngörmüş, Metin

2009-02-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on postoperative trismus and edema after the removal of mandibular third molars. Thirty-two patients who were to undergo surgical removal of lower third molars were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups, LLLT and placebo. Patients in the LLLT group received 12 J (4 J/cm(2)) low-level laser irradiation to the operative side intraorally 1 cm from the target tissue, and to the masseter muscle extraorally immediately after surgery. In the placebo group the handpiece was inserted into the operative side intraorally and was applied to the masseter muscle extraorally each for 1 min, but laser power was not activated. Inter-incisal opening and facial swelling were evaluated on postoperative days 2 and 7. Student's t-test used to analyze the data. It was determined that the trismus and the swelling in LLLT group were significantly less than in the placebo group on postoperative days 2 and 7. Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that LLLT can be beneficial for the reduction of postoperative trismus and swelling after third molar surgery.

Understanding the THMC evolution of bentonite barrier — modeling an in situ test for bentonite backfilled engineered barrier system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, L.; Xu, H.; Rutqvist, J.; Birkholzer, J. T.

2016-12-01

The most common buffer material for engineered barrier system (EBS) is compacted bentonite, which features low permeability and high retardation of radionuclide transport. The safety functions of EBS bentonite include limiting transport in the near field; damping the shear movement of the host rock; preventing the sinking of canisters, limiting pressure on the canister and rock, and reducing microbial activity. To assess whether EBS bentonite can maintain these favorable features when undergoing heating from the waste package and hydration from the host rock, we need a thorough understanding of the thermal, hydrological, mechanical, and chemical evolution of bentonite under disposal conditions. The FEBEX (Full-scale Engineered Barrier EXperiment) in situ test was dismantled after 18 years' heating and hydration. The comprehensive THMC data obtained in the test provide a unique opportunity to validate coupled THMC models and deepen our understanding of the THMC evolution in bentonite. In this presentation, coupled THMC models were developed for the in situ test. Water content data obtained after dismantling and relative humidity data measured real time showed that the hydration of bentonite is slower than predicted by the typical Darcy flow model. Including Non-Darcian flow into the model however leads a significant underestimation of the relative humidity data. The reason could be that the calibration of relative permeability (and retention curve) already encompasses the nonlinear relationship between gradient and flux for bentonite, which would obviate the consideration of Non-Darcian flow in the model. THMC models that take into account the porosity and permeability changes due to mechanical processes match reasonably well all the THM data. However, they did not provide a desirable fit of the measured Cl concentration profile, further calibration of porosity/permeability changes over the course of hydration and swelling and considering thermal osmosis eventually lead to a model that sufficiently explain all the THMC data. Model results also showed that transport processes, i.e. advection and diffusion, control the concentration profile of conservative species (Cl for example) and play a major role in shaping the profile of most reactive species except pH and bicarbonate.

Post DSAEK Optical Changes: A Comprehensive Prospective Analysis on the Role of Ocular Wavefront Aberrations, Haze, and Corneal Thickness

PubMed Central

Hindman, Holly B.; Huxlin, Krystel R.; Pantanelli, Seth M.; Callan, Christine L.; Sabesan, Ramkumar; Ching, Steven S.T.; Miller, Brooke E.; Martin, Tim; Yoon, Geunyoung

2014-01-01

Purpose To assess the visual impact of ocular wavefront aberrations, corneal thickness, and corneal light scatter prospectively after Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) in humans. Methods Data were obtained prospectively from 20 eyes pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post- DSAEK. At each visit, best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and visual acuity with glare (Brightness Acuity Testing - BAT) were recorded and ocular wavefront measurements and corneal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) performed. Magnitude and sign of individual Zernike terms (higher order aberrations HOA) were determined. Epithelial, host stromal, donor stromal, and total corneal thickness were quantified. Brightness, intensity profiles of OCT images were generated to quantify light scatter in the whole cornea, subepithelial region, anterior and posterior host stroma, interface, and donor stroma. Results Mean BSCVA and glare disability at low light levels improved from 1 to 12 months post-DSAEK. All corneal thicknesses and ocular lower- and HOAs were stable from 1 through 12 months, whereas total corneal, host stromal, and interface brightness intensities decreased significantly over the same period. A repeated measures ANOVA across the follow up period found that the change in scatter, but not the change in higher order aberrations, could account for the variability occurring in acuity from 1 to 12 months post-DSAEK. Conclusions While ocular HOAs and scatter are both elevated over normal post-DSAEK, our results demonstrate that improvements in visual performance occurring over the first year post-DSAEK are associated with decreasing light scatter. In contrast, there were no significant changes in ocular HOAs during this time. Because corneal light scatter decreased between 1 and 12 months despite stable corneal thicknesses over the same period, we conclude that factors that induced light scatter, other than tissue thickness or swelling (corneal edema), significantly impacted the visual improvements that occurred over time post-DSAEK. A better understanding of the cellular and extracellular matrix changes of the subepithelial region and interface, incurred by the surgical creation of a lamellar host -graft interface, and the subsequent healing of these tissues, is warranted. PMID:24162748

Differential Response of Neural Cells to Trauma-Induced Swelling In Vitro.

PubMed

Jayakumar, A R; Taherian, M; Panickar, K S; Shamaladevi, N; Rodriguez, M E; Price, B G; Norenberg, M D

2018-02-01

Brain edema and the associated increase in intracranial pressure are major consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that accounts for most early deaths after TBI. We recently showed that acute severe trauma to cultured astrocytes results in cell swelling. We further examined whether trauma induces cell swelling in neurons and microglia. We found that severe trauma also caused cell swelling in cultured neurons, whereas no swelling was observed in microglia. While severe trauma caused cell swelling in both astrocytes and neurons, mild trauma to astrocytes, neurons, and microglia failed to cell swelling. Since extracellular levels of glutamate are increased in brain post-TBI and microglia are known to release cytokine, and direct exposure of astrocytes to these molecules are known to stimulate cell swelling, we examined whether glutamate or cytokines have any additive effect on trauma-induced cell swelling. Exposure of cultured astrocytes to trauma caused cell swelling, and such swelling was potentiated by the exposure of traumatized astrocytes to glutamate and cytokines. Conditioned medium (CM) from traumatized astrocytes had no effect on neuronal swelling post-trauma, while CM from traumatized neurons and microglia potentiated the effect of trauma on astrocyte swelling. Further, trauma significantly increased the Na-K-Cl co-transporter (NKCC) activity in neurons, and that inhibition of NKCC activity diminished the trauma-induced neuronal swelling. Our results indicate that a differential sensitivity to trauma-induced cell swelling exists in neural cells and that neurons and microglia are likely to be involved in the potentiation of the astrocyte swelling post-trauma.

Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (GN)

MedlinePlus

... following: Decreased urine output Rust-colored urine Swelling (edema), general swelling, swelling of the abdomen, swelling of ... A physical examination shows swelling (edema), especially in the face. ... to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Blood pressure ...

Hydrogels for engineering: normalization of swelling due to arbitrary stimulus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehrenhofer, Adrian; Wallmersperger, Thomas

2017-04-01

In engineering, materials are chosen from databases: Engineers orient on specific parameters such as Young's modulus, yield stress or thermal expansion coefficients for a desired application. For hydrogels, the choice of materials is rather tedious since no generalized material parameters are currently available to quantify the swelling behavior. The normalization of swelling, which we present in the current work, allows an easy comparison of different hydrogel materials. Thus, for a specific application like a sensor or an actuator, an adequate material can be chosen. In the current work, we present the process of normalization and provide a course of action for the data analysis. Special challenges for hydrogels like hysteresis, conditional multi-sensitivity and anisotropic swelling are addressed. Then, the Temperature Expansion Model is shortly described and applied. Using the derived normalized swelling curves, a nonlinear expansion coefficient ß(F) is derived. The derived material behavior is used in an analytical model to predict the bending behavior of a beam made of thermo-responsive hydrogel material under an anisotropic temperature load. A bending behavior of the beam can be observed and the impact of other geometry and material parameters can be investigated. To overcome the limitations of the one-dimensional beam theory, the material behavior and geometry can be implemented in Finite Element analysis tools. Thus, novel applications for hydrogels in various fields can be envisioned, designed and tested. This can lead to a wider use of smart materials in sensor or actuator devices even by engineers without chemical background.

Getting ready for host invasion: elevated expression and action of xyloglucan endotransglucosylases/hydrolases in developing haustoria of the holoparasitic angiosperm Cuscuta.

PubMed

Olsen, Stian; Striberny, Bernd; Hollmann, Julien; Schwacke, Rainer; Popper, Zoë; Krause, Kirsten

2016-02-01

Changes in cell walls have been previously observed in the mature infection organ, or haustorium, of the parasitic angiosperm Cuscuta, but are not equally well charted in young haustoria. In this study, we focused on the molecular processes in the early stages of developing haustoria; that is, before the parasite engages in a physiological contact with its host. We describe first the identification of differentially expressed genes in young haustoria whose development was induced by far-red light and tactile stimuli in the absence of a host plant by suppression subtractive hybridization. To improve sequence information and to aid in the identification of the obtained candidates, reference transcriptomes derived from two species of Cuscuta, C. gronovii and C. reflexa, were generated. Subsequent quantitative gene expression analysis with different tissues of C. reflexa revealed that among the genes that were up-regulated in young haustoria, two xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes were highly expressed almost exclusively at the onset of haustorium development. The same expression pattern was also found for the closest XTH homologues from C. gronovii. In situ assays for XTH-specific action suggested that xyloglucan endotransglucosylation was most pronounced in the cell walls of the swelling area of the haustorium facing the host plant, but was also detectable in later stages of haustoriogenesis. We propose that xyloglucan remodelling by Cuscuta XTHs prepares the parasite for host infection and possibly aids the invasive growth of the haustorium. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Alaria mesocercariae in the tails of red-sided garter snakes: evidence for parasite-mediated caudectomy.

PubMed

Uhrig, Emily J; Spagnoli, Sean T; Tkach, Vasyl V; Kent, Michael L; Mason, Robert T

2015-12-01

Trematodes of the genus Alaria develop into an arrested stage, known as mesocercariae, within their amphibian second intermediate host. The mesocercariae are frequently transmitted to a non-obligate paratenic host before reaching a definitive host where further development and reproduction can occur. Snakes are common paratenic hosts for Alaria spp. with the mesocercariae often aggregating in the host's tail. In the current study, we used morphological examination and molecular analyses based on partial sequences of nuclear large ribosomal subunit gene and mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene to identify larvae in the tails of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) as mesocercariae of Alaria marcianae, Alaria mustelae, and Alaria sp. as well as metacercariae of Diplostomidae sp. of unknown generic affiliation. We assessed infection prevalence, absolute and relative intensity, and associated pathological changes in these snakes. Infection prevalence was 100 % for both male and female snakes. Infection intensity ranged from 11 to more than 2000 mesocercariae per snake tail but did not differ between the sexes. Gross pathological changes included tail swelling while histopathological changes included mild inflammation and the presence of mucus-filled pseudocysts surrounding mesocercariae, as well as the compression and degeneration of muscle fibers. Our results indicate that mesocercariae can lead to extensive muscle damage and loss in both sexes which likely increases the fragility of the tail making it more prone to breakage. As tail loss in garter snakes can affect both survival and reproduction, infection by Alaria mesocercariae clearly has serious fitness implications for these snakes.

Enrichment and Broad Representation of Plant Biomass-Degrading Enzymes in the Specialized Hyphal Swellings of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, the Fungal Symbiont of Leaf-Cutter Ants.

PubMed

Aylward, Frank O; Khadempour, Lily; Tremmel, Daniel M; McDonald, Bradon R; Nicora, Carrie D; Wu, Si; Moore, Ronald J; Orton, Daniel J; Monroe, Matthew E; Piehowski, Paul D; Purvine, Samuel O; Smith, Richard D; Lipton, Mary S; Burnum-Johnson, Kristin E; Currie, Cameron R

2015-01-01

Leaf-cutter ants are prolific and conspicuous constituents of Neotropical ecosystems that derive energy from specialized fungus gardens they cultivate using prodigious amounts of foliar biomass. The basidiomycetous cultivar of the ants, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, produces specialized hyphal swellings called gongylidia that serve as the primary food source of ant colonies. Gongylidia also contain plant biomass-degrading enzymes that become concentrated in ant digestive tracts and are deposited within fecal droplets onto fresh foliar material as ants incorporate it into the fungus garden. Although the enzymes concentrated by L. gongylophorus within gongylidia are thought to be critical to the initial degradation of plant biomass, only a few enzymes present in these hyphal swellings have been identified. Here we use proteomic methods to identify proteins present in the gongylidia of three Atta cephalotes colonies. Our results demonstrate that a diverse but consistent set of enzymes is present in gongylidia, including numerous plant biomass-degrading enzymes likely involved in the degradation of polysaccharides, plant toxins, and proteins. Overall, gongylidia contained over three quarters of all biomass-degrading enzymes identified in the L. gongylophorus genome, demonstrating that the majority of the enzymes produced by this fungus for biomass breakdown are ingested by the ants. We also identify a set of 40 of these enzymes enriched in gongylidia compared to whole fungus garden samples, suggesting that certain enzymes may be particularly important in the initial degradation of foliar material. Our work sheds light on the complex interplay between leaf-cutter ants and their fungal symbiont that allows for the host insects to occupy an herbivorous niche by indirectly deriving energy from plant biomass.

A coupled theory for chemically active and deformable solids with mass diffusion and heat conduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaolong; Zhong, Zheng

2017-10-01

To analyse the frequently encountered thermo-chemo-mechanical problems in chemically active material applications, we develop a thermodynamically-consistent continuum theory of coupled deformation, mass diffusion, heat conduction and chemical reaction. Basic balance equations of force, mass and energy are presented at first, and then fully coupled constitutive laws interpreting multi-field interactions and evolving equations governing irreversible fluxes are constructed according to the energy dissipation inequality and the chemical kinetics. To consider the essential distinction between mass diffusion and chemical reactions in affecting free energy and dissipations of a highly coupled system, we regard both the concentrations of diffusive species and the extent of reaction as independent state variables. This new formulation then distinguishes between the energy contribution from the diffusive species entering the solid and that from the subsequent chemical reactions occurring among these species and the host solid, which not only interact with stresses or strains in different manners and on different time scales, but also induce different variations of solid microstructures and material properties. Taking advantage of this new description, we further establish a specialized isothermal model to predict precisely the transient chemo-mechanical response of a swelling solid with a proposed volumetric constraint that accounts for material incompressibility. Coupled kinetics is incorporated to capture the volumetric swelling of the solid caused by imbibition of external species and the simultaneous dilation arised from chemical reactions between the diffusing species and the solid. The model is then exemplified with two numerical examples of transient swelling accompanied by chemical reaction. Various ratios of characteristic times of diffusion and chemical reaction are taken into account to shed light on the dependency on kinetic time scales of evolution patterns for a diffusion-reaction controlled deformable solid.

Enrichment and broad representation of plant biomass-degrading enzymes in the specialized hyphal swellings of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, the fungal symbiont of leaf-cutter ants

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

Aylward, Frank O.; Khadempour, Lily; Tremmel, Daniel M.

Leaf-cutter ants are prolific and conspicuous constituents of Neotropical ecosystems that derive energy from specialized fungus gardens they cultivate using prodigious amounts of foliar biomass. The basidiomycetous cultivar of the ants, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, produces specialized hyphal swellings called gongylidia that serve as the primary food source of ant colonies. Gongylidia also contain plant biomass-degrading enzymes that become concentrated in ant digestive tracts and are deposited within fecal droplets onto fresh foliar material as ants incorporate it into the fungus garden. Although the enzymes concentrated by L. gongylophorus within gongylidia are thought to be critical to the initial degradation of plantmore » biomass, only a few enzymes present in these hyphal swellings have been identified. Here we use proteomic methods to identify proteins present in the gongylidia of three Atta cephalotes colonies. Our results demonstrate that a diverse but consistent set of enzymes is present in gongylidia, including numerous plant biomass-degrading enzymes likely involved in the degradation of polysaccharides, plant toxins, and proteins. Overall, gongylidia contained over three quarters of all biomass-degrading enzymes identified in the L. gongylophorus genome, demonstrating that the majority of the enzymes produced by this fungus for biomass breakdown are ingested by the ants. We also identify a set of 40 of these enzymes enriched in gongylidia compared to whole fungus garden samples, suggesting that certain enzymes may be particularly important in the initial degradation of foliar material. Our work sheds light on the complex interplay between leaf-cutter ants and their fungal symbiont that allows for the host insects to occupy an herbivorous niche by indirectly deriving energy from plant biomass.« less

Enrichment and Broad Representation of Plant Biomass-Degrading Enzymes in the Specialized Hyphal Swellings of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, the Fungal Symbiont of Leaf-Cutter Ants

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

Aylward, Frank O.; Khadempour, Lily; Tremmel, Daniel

Leaf-cutter ants are prolific and conspicuous Neotropical herbivores that derive energy from specialized fungus gardens they cultivate using foliar biomass. The basidiomycetous cultivar of the ants, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, produces specialized hyphal swellings called gongylidia that serve as the primary food source of ant colonies. Gongylidia also contain lignocellulases that become concentrated in ant digestive tracts and are deposited within fecal droplets onto fresh foliar material as it is foraged by the ants. Although the enzymes concentrated by L. gongylophorus within gongylidia are thought to be critical to the initial degradation of plant biomass, only a few enzymes present in thesemore » hyphal swellings have been identified. Here we use proteomic methods to identify proteins present in the gongylidia of three Atta cephalotes colonies. Our results demonstrate that a diverse but consistent set of enzymes is present in gongylidia, including numerous lignocellulases likely involved in the degradation of polysaccharides, plant toxins, and proteins. Overall, gongylidia contained over three-quarters of all lignocellulases identified in the L. gongylophorus genome, demonstrating that the majority of the enzymes produced by this fungus for biomass breakdown are ingested by the ants. We also identify a set of 23 lignocellulases enriched in gongylidia compared to whole fungus garden samples, suggesting that certain enzymes may be particularly important in the initial degradation of foliar material. Our work sheds light on the complex interplay between leaf-cutter ants and their fungal symbiont that allows for the host insects to occupy an herbivorous niche by indirectly deriving energy from plant biomass.« less

Enrichment and broad representation of plant biomass-degrading enzymes in the specialized hyphal swellings of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, the fungal symbiont of leaf-cutter ants

DOE PAGES

Aylward, Frank O.; Khadempour, Lily; Tremmel, Daniel M.; ...

2015-08-28

Leaf-cutter ants are prolific and conspicuous constituents of Neotropical ecosystems that derive energy from specialized fungus gardens they cultivate using prodigious amounts of foliar biomass. The basidiomycetous cultivar of the ants, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, produces specialized hyphal swellings called gongylidia that serve as the primary food source of ant colonies. Gongylidia also contain plant biomass-degrading enzymes that become concentrated in ant digestive tracts and are deposited within fecal droplets onto fresh foliar material as ants incorporate it into the fungus garden. Although the enzymes concentrated by L. gongylophorus within gongylidia are thought to be critical to the initial degradation of plantmore » biomass, only a few enzymes present in these hyphal swellings have been identified. Here we use proteomic methods to identify proteins present in the gongylidia of three Atta cephalotes colonies. Our results demonstrate that a diverse but consistent set of enzymes is present in gongylidia, including numerous plant biomass-degrading enzymes likely involved in the degradation of polysaccharides, plant toxins, and proteins. Overall, gongylidia contained over three quarters of all biomass-degrading enzymes identified in the L. gongylophorus genome, demonstrating that the majority of the enzymes produced by this fungus for biomass breakdown are ingested by the ants. We also identify a set of 40 of these enzymes enriched in gongylidia compared to whole fungus garden samples, suggesting that certain enzymes may be particularly important in the initial degradation of foliar material. Our work sheds light on the complex interplay between leaf-cutter ants and their fungal symbiont that allows for the host insects to occupy an herbivorous niche by indirectly deriving energy from plant biomass.« less

Enrichment and Broad Representation of Plant Biomass-Degrading Enzymes in the Specialized Hyphal Swellings of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, the Fungal Symbiont of Leaf-Cutter Ants

PubMed Central

Aylward, Frank O.; Khadempour, Lily; Tremmel, Daniel M.; McDonald, Bradon R.; Nicora, Carrie D.; Wu, Si; Moore, Ronald J.; Orton, Daniel J.; Monroe, Matthew E.; Piehowski, Paul D.; Purvine, Samuel O.; Smith, Richard D.; Lipton, Mary S.; Burnum-Johnson, Kristin E.; Currie, Cameron R.

2015-01-01

Leaf-cutter ants are prolific and conspicuous constituents of Neotropical ecosystems that derive energy from specialized fungus gardens they cultivate using prodigious amounts of foliar biomass. The basidiomycetous cultivar of the ants, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, produces specialized hyphal swellings called gongylidia that serve as the primary food source of ant colonies. Gongylidia also contain plant biomass-degrading enzymes that become concentrated in ant digestive tracts and are deposited within fecal droplets onto fresh foliar material as ants incorporate it into the fungus garden. Although the enzymes concentrated by L. gongylophorus within gongylidia are thought to be critical to the initial degradation of plant biomass, only a few enzymes present in these hyphal swellings have been identified. Here we use proteomic methods to identify proteins present in the gongylidia of three Atta cephalotes colonies. Our results demonstrate that a diverse but consistent set of enzymes is present in gongylidia, including numerous plant biomass-degrading enzymes likely involved in the degradation of polysaccharides, plant toxins, and proteins. Overall, gongylidia contained over three quarters of all biomass-degrading enzymes identified in the L. gongylophorus genome, demonstrating that the majority of the enzymes produced by this fungus for biomass breakdown are ingested by the ants. We also identify a set of 40 of these enzymes enriched in gongylidia compared to whole fungus garden samples, suggesting that certain enzymes may be particularly important in the initial degradation of foliar material. Our work sheds light on the complex interplay between leaf-cutter ants and their fungal symbiont that allows for the host insects to occupy an herbivorous niche by indirectly deriving energy from plant biomass. PMID:26317212

C1 esterase inhibitor

MedlinePlus

... important in testing for autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus . Low levels of C1-INH can lead to a condition called angioedema . Angioedema results in sudden swelling of the tissues of the ...

Comparing topical hydrocortisone cream with Hai's Perianal Support in managing symptomatic hemorrhoids in pregnancy: a preliminary trial.

PubMed

Lim, Soo Soo; Yu, Chye Wah; Aw, Lin Da

2015-02-01

The prevalence of hemorrhoids among pregnant women is high in late pregnancy. This study was to evaluate the efficacy between drug treatment with Procort (topical hydrocortisone cream 1%) and mechanical treatment with a Hai's Perianal Support (HPS) toilet seat device in managing symptomatic hemorrhoids during the third trimester of pregnancy. A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 23 pregnant women with gestation above the 28th week and presented with symptomatic hemorrhoids. Pre- and post-interventional assessment was carried out to obtain data on symptoms of pain, itching, swelling, discomfort and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. The control group was treated with topical hydrocortisone cream 1% and the test group was provided and taught to use a HPS, a posterior perineal support toilet seat device (Colorec). The results showed improvement in symptoms of pain, swelling, bleeding, itching and discomfort in both the test and control groups. However, statistically significant differences were found on symptoms of pain, swelling and discomfort between the test and control groups. There was also a statistically significant difference in well-being and overall improvement between the test and control groups. HPS has to a certain extent significantly reduced the symptoms of hemorrhoids in pregnancy and improved the well-being of pregnant women in comparison with topical treatment with hydrocortisone cream. However, more clinical trials need to be carried out to recomfirm the role of HPS in hemorrhoids in pregnancy. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pre-emptive effect of dexamethasone injection and consumption on post-operative swelling, pain, and trismus after third molar surgery. A prospective, double blind and randomized study.

PubMed

Chaudhary, Pradeep D; Rastogi, Sanjay; Gupta, Prashant; Niranjanaprasad Indra, B; Thomas, Roy; Choudhury, Rupshikha

2015-01-01

To evaluate the preventative effect of intravenous 4 mg of dexamethasone and 8 mg oral dexamethasone on post-operative pain, swelling and trismus after the surgical extraction of mandibular third molars. A randomized clinical trial comprised of 200 patients (control group I intravenous and experimental group II orally) with impacted lower third molars, average age 20.8 years with no local or systemic problems, with bilateral impacted lower third molars, were operated under local anesthesia. Group I was given 4 mg IV and group II was given 8 mg orally of dexamethasone 1 h before procedure. The choice of which side to operate first and the amount of concentration of medication to use was made randomly and double-blindly. Post-operative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the degree of swelling was evaluated through facial reference points' variation. The presence of trismus was analyzed through measurement of the interincisal distance (IID). These assessments were obtained before the operation and 24 h, 48 h and 7th POD. No significant difference was found in facial swelling and trismus between IV 4 mg injection and oral 8 mg consumption after lower third molar surgery (student t test P > 0.05). The visual analogue scale scores for pain assessment showed no significant difference between IV injection and oral route of dexamethasone (student t test P > 0.05). Patients can be administered 8 mg oral dexamethasone is as effective as 4 mg intra venous route without much difference in final outcome at any given point of time.

The metabolic cost of mounting an immune response in male brown anoles (Anolis sagrei).

PubMed

Cox, Christian L; Peaden, Robert T; Cox, Robert M

2015-09-09

The tradeoff between reproduction and survival is central to life-history theory and is thought to reflect underlying energetic tradeoffs between reproduction and self-maintenance. Immune responses to parasites and pathogens are important components of self-maintenance in many species, but whether these defenses impose significant energetic costs has only been tested in a handful of organisms. We tested for a metabolic cost of mounting an immune response in the male brown anole (Anolis sagrei), a lizard in which we have previously shown that reproduction causes a marked reduction in immune response to the novel antigen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). We treated captive male anoles with a subcutaneous injection of either PHA, which induces an immune response that manifests as localized swelling, or saline vehicle as a control. Prior to injection and at 24, 48, and 72 hr post-injection, we measured swelling at the site of injection and whole-animal resting metabolic rate (RMR) using stop-flow respirometry. Although we detected a robust swelling response to PHA at 24, 48, and 72 hr post-injection, mean RMR did not differ between treatments at any of these time points. However, within the PHA treatment group, RMR increased with the extent of swelling, suggesting a variable metabolic cost that scales with the magnitude of the induced immune response. Although individual anoles varied considerably in the extent to which they responded to PHA challenge, our results suggest that an immune response can impose a substantial metabolic cost (potentially as much as 63% above baseline RMR) for individuals that do respond maximally. J. Exp. Zool. 9999A:XX-XX, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Investigation of the degradation-retarding effect caused by the low swelling capacity of a novel hyaluronic Acid filler developed by solid-phase crosslinking technology.

PubMed

Park, Sunyoung; Park, Kui Young; Yeo, In Kwon; Cho, Sung Yeon; Ah, Young Chang; Koh, Hyun Ju; Park, Won Seok; Kim, Beom Joon

2014-06-01

A variety of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers demonstrate unique physical characteristics, which affect the quality of the HA filler products. The critical factors that affect the degradation of HA gels have not yet been determined. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of HA gels that affect their resistance to the degradation caused by radicals and enzymes. Three types of HA fillers for repairing deep wrinkles, Juvederm Ultra Plus (J-U), Restylane Perlane (Perlane), and Cleviel, were tested in this study. The resistance of these HA fillers to enzymatic degradation was measured by carbazole and displacement assays using hyaluronidase as the enzyme. The resistance of these fillers to radical degradation was measured by the displacement assay using H2O2. Different tests for evaluating the degradation resistance of HA gels can yield different results. The filler most susceptible to enzymatic degradation was J-U, followed by Perlane and Cleviel. The HA filler showing the highest degree of degradation caused by H2O2 treatment was Perlane, followed by J-U, and then Cleviel. Cleviel showed higher enzymatic and radical resistances than J-U and Perlane did. Furthermore, it exhibited the highest resistance to heat and the lowest swelling ratio among all the fillers that were examined. The main factor determining the degradation of HA particles is the gel swelling ratio, which is related to the particle structure of the gel. Our in vitro assays suggest that the decrease in the swelling ratio will lead to a retarding effect on the degradation of HA fillers.

Highly charged swelling mica reduces Cu bioavailability in Cu-contaminated soils.

PubMed

Stuckey, Jason W; Neaman, Alexander; Ravella, Ramesh; Komarneni, Sridhar; Martínez, Carmen Enid

2009-01-01

This is the first test of a highly charged swelling mica's (Na-2-mica) ability to reduce the plant-absorbed Cu in Cu-contaminated soils from Chile. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was grown in two acid soils (Sector 2: pH 4.2, total Cu = 172 mg Cu kg(-1) and Sector 3: pH 4.2, total Cu = 112 mg Cu kg(-1)) amended with 0.5% and 1% (w/w) mica, and 1% (w/w) montmorillonite. At 10 weeks of growth, both mica treatments decreased the shoot Cu of ryegrass grown in Sector 2 producing shoot Cu concentrations above 21-22 mg Cu kg(-1) (the phytotoxicity threshold for that species), yet the mica treatments did not reduce shoot Cu concentrations when grown in Sector 3, which were at a typical level. The mica treatments improved shoot growth in Sector 3 by reducing free and extractable Cu to low enough levels where other nutrients could compete for plant absorption and translocation. In addition, the mica treatments improved root growth in both soils, and the 1% mica treatment reduced root Cu in both soils. This swelling mica warrants further testing of its ability to assist re-vegetation and reduce Cu bioavailability in Cu-contaminated surface soils.

Sjogren's syndrome presenting as remitting seronegative symmetric synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE).

PubMed Central

Choi, Young Mi; Sheen, Dong Hyuk; Lee, Yun Jong; Lee, Eun Bong; Song, Yeong Wook

2003-01-01

Remitting seronegative symmetric synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is characterized by symmetrical and acute synovitis, pitting edema, the absence of rheumatoid factor, increased acute phase reactants, lack of bony erosions on radiography, and benign and short clinical course. Half of all patients with Sjogren's syndrome experience arthritis during the disease course. We here describe the first case of Sjogren's syndrome presenting as RS3PE. She had swelling in knees, ankles, and wrists. After then the swelling spread to her lower legs, feet, face, and both hands. She was admitted to another hospital and was suspected of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Three months later, she had dry mouth and had lower lip biopsy. She was admitted to this hospital due to development of swelling in face and lower legs for 3 days. On physical examination, she had pitting edema in both hands and feet dorsum. Laboratory test showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positivity of rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibody, and anti-Ro antibody. There was no erosion in the hands radiography. Schirmer's test and lip biopsy was compatible with Sjogren's syndrome. She was diagnosed RS3PE and Sjogren's syndrome. She was begun with prednisolone and her symptoms improved gradually. PMID:12923344

Sjogren's syndrome presenting as remitting seronegative symmetric synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE).

PubMed

Choi, Young Mi; Sheen, Dong Hyuk; Lee, Yun Jong; Lee, Eun Bong; Song, Yeong Wook

2003-08-01

Remitting seronegative symmetric synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is characterized by symmetrical and acute synovitis, pitting edema, the absence of rheumatoid factor, increased acute phase reactants, lack of bony erosions on radiography, and benign and short clinical course. Half of all patients with Sjogren's syndrome experience arthritis during the disease course. We here describe the first case of Sjogren's syndrome presenting as RS3PE. She had swelling in knees, ankles, and wrists. After then the swelling spread to her lower legs, feet, face, and both hands. She was admitted to another hospital and was suspected of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Three months later, she had dry mouth and had lower lip biopsy. She was admitted to this hospital due to development of swelling in face and lower legs for 3 days. On physical examination, she had pitting edema in both hands and feet dorsum. Laboratory test showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positivity of rheumatoid factor, anti-nuclear antibody, and anti-Ro antibody. There was no erosion in the hands radiography. Schirmer's test and lip biopsy was compatible with Sjogren's syndrome. She was diagnosed RS3PE and Sjogren's syndrome. She was begun with prednisolone and her symptoms improved gradually.

Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma after Third Molar Surgery

PubMed Central

Gandevivala, Adil; Sangle, Amit; Shah, Dinesh; Tejnani, Avneesh; Sayyed, Aatif; Khutwad, Gaurav; Patel, Arpit Arunbhai

2017-01-01

Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the third molar impactions, with respect to: pain, swelling, healing, and periodontal status distal to the second molar in patients who need surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients of both sexes aged between 16 and 60 years who required bilateral surgical removal of their impacted third molars and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. After surgical extraction of the third molar, primary closure was performed in the control group, whereas PRP was placed in the socket followed by primary closure in the case group. The outcome variables were pain, swelling, wound healing, and periodontal probe depth that were follow-up period of 2 months. Quantitative data are presented as mean. Statistical significance was checked by t-test. Results: There was a difference in the pain (0.071) and facial swelling (0.184), reduction between test and control on day 3, but it was not found to be significant. Periodontal pocket depth (0.001) and wound healing (0.001) less in case group compared with the control group was found to be significant. Conclusion: The use of PRP lessens the severity of immediate postoperative sequelae and decreases preoperative pocket depth. PMID:29264293

Encapsulation of the antioxidant ascorbyl palmitate in V-type granular cold-water swelling starch affects the properties of both.

PubMed

Dries, D M; Knaepen, L; Goderis, B; Delcour, J A

2017-06-01

This study reports on the functionality of V-type crystalline granular cold-water swelling starch (GCWSS) in complex with lipid (functionalized) molecules. Maize and potato GCWSS contain (empty) single helical amylose (AM) crystals which can serve as lipid complexing matrices. Different concentrations of ascorbyl palmitate (AscP) were inserted in the hydrophobic cavities of the GCWSS AM helices by a low temperature infusion method. Volumetric particle size distributions of the ensuing products in water were determined using laser light scattering. Upon contact with water, the parent maize GCWSS formed lumps more than did the parent potato GCWSS. It is hypothesized that variations in the spatial distribution of cold-water soluble V-type crystals are at the origin of this difference. In contrast, GCWSS-AscP inclusion complexes formed homogenous dispersions in water. Furthermore, the impact of inclusion complex formation on cold-water swelling properties was investigated. The close packing concentration increased and the swelling power and carbohydrate leaching decreased when the level of encapsulated AscP increased. Finally, in a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity test, encapsulated AscP still had up to 70% of the antioxidant capacity of free AscP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Breed differences of bull frozen-thawed semen.

PubMed

Ntemka, A; Tsousis, G; Brozos, C; Kiossis, E; Boscos, C M; Tsakmakidis, I A

2016-12-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of frozen-thawed semen from different bull breeds. Commercial frozen-thawed bull semen samples (26 per breed, 130 totally) of five breeds (Holstein [Η], Brown Swiss [BS], Limousin [L], Belgian Blue [BB], Blonde d' Aquitaine [BA]) were used. After thawing, each semen sample was subjected to thermal resistance test (TR) for 0.5 and 1 hr at 38°C and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) for 1 hr at 150 mOsm at 37°C. Additionally, all samples were evaluated at times 0 hr (thawing), 0.5 hr (TR), 1 hr (TR) for kinetics by CASA [progressive, immotile, rapid, medium, slow moving spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), beat cross-frequency (BCF), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), wobble (WOB)]. Moreover, directly after thawing, all semen samples were evaluated for morphometry, morphology, viability and DNA fragmentation. Statistical analysis was conducted using a mixed model for repeated measures. The results showed (a) higher VCL after thawing in H, L breeds compared to BB and BA, (b) higher VAP after thawing in L compared to BB, BA, (c) higher values of progressive spermatozoa after TR in H, BS compared to BB, BA, (d) higher values of rapid spermatozoa after thawing and 0.5 hr of TR in H, BS, L compared to BB, BA, (e) lower viability in BA after thawing compared to H, BS, BB, (f) lower morphological abnormalities in H compared to L, BB, (g) higher head length in Η compared to BB. No significant differences were observed in the results from HOST and DNA fragmentation between breeds. In conclusion, quality characteristics of frozen-thawed bull semen are dependent on the breed. Frozen semen from BB and BA breeds should be handled more carefully after thawing, as it is more sensitive to stress. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Uncommon but devastating event: total fertilisation failure following intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

PubMed

Goksan Pabuccu, E; Sinem Caglar, G; Dogus Demirkiran, O; Pabuccu, R

2016-03-01

Fertilisation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a consequence of complex molecular interactions between spermatozoon and oocyte. Disruption of the process obviously prompts a frustrating event called total fertilisation failure (TFF). Up to 3% of ICSI cycles may result in TFF, and brief counselling for subsequent cycle management is indispensable. Within this perspective, ICSI cycles of a centre over a 10-year period were analysed to document TFF cases. Initial TFF after ICSI and subsequent ICSI cycle of the same cases were documented to clarify predictive factors of successful outcomes after initial TFF. In subsequent cycles, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) with calcium ionophore and Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST)/pentoxifilline for sperm selection was used. In the current analysis, successful fertilisation was achieved in 85% of the cases with previous TFF. The significant contributing factors for successful fertilisation in the latter cycle were: improved oocyte quantity and better sperm morphology. In conclusion, sporadic TFF event in the first and only cycle is usually a technically modifiable condition, but repeated TFF could indicate possible gamete defects, which might not be overcomed in the next modified ICSI cycle. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Foot, leg, and ankle swelling

MedlinePlus

... feet - legs; Ankle swelling; Foot swelling; Leg swelling; Edema - peripheral; Peripheral edema ... 31. Trayes KP, Studdiford JS, Pickle S, Tully AS. Edema: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician . 2013;88( ...

Processes and controls in swelling anhydritic clay rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutschler, Thomas; Blum, Philipp; Butscher, Christoph

2015-04-01

Referring to the swelling of anhydritic clay rocks in tunneling, Leopold Müller-Salzburg noted in the third volume on tunneling of his fundamental text book on rock engineering that "a truly coherent explanation of these phenomena is still owing" (Müller-Salzburg 1978, p. 306). This valuation is still true after more than three decades of research in the field of swelling anhydritic clay rocks. One of the reasons is our limited knowledge of the processes involved in the swelling of such rocks, and of the geological, mineralogical, hydraulic, chemical and mechanical controls of the swelling. In this contribution, a review of processes in swelling anhydritic clay rocks and of associated controls is presented. Also numerical models that aim at simulating the swelling processes and controls are included in this review, and some of the remaining open questions are pointed out. By focusing on process-oriented work in this review, the presentation intends to stimulate further research across disciplines in the field of swelling anhydritic clay rocks to finally get a step further in managing the swelling problem in geotechnical engineering projects. Keywords: swelling; anhydritic clay rocks; review

Comparison of Piezosurgery and Conventional Rotary Instruments for Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized Controlled Clinical and Radiographic Trial

PubMed Central

Shokry, Mohamed; Aboelsaad, Nayer

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars using piezosurgery versus the conventional surgical technique on postoperative sequelae and bone healing. Material and Methods. This study was carried out as a randomized controlled clinical trial: split mouth design. Twenty patients with bilateral mandibular third molar mesioangular impaction class II position B indicated for surgical extraction were treated randomly using either the piezosurgery or the conventional bur technique on each site. Duration of the procedure, postoperative edema, trismus, pain, healing, and bone density and quantity were evaluated up to 6 months postoperatively. Results. Test and control sites were compared using paired t-test. There was statistical significance in reduction of pain and swelling in test sites, where the time of the procedure was statistically increased in test site. For bone quantity and quality, statistical difference was found where test site showed better results. Conclusion. Piezosurgery technique improves quality of patient's life in form of decrease of postoperative pain, trismus, and swelling. Furthermore, it enhances bone quality within the extraction socket and bone quantity along the distal aspect of the mandibular second molar. PMID:27597866

Evaluation of the swelling behaviour of iota-carrageenan in monolithic matrix tablets.

PubMed

Kelemen, András; Buchholcz, Gyula; Sovány, Tamás; Pintye-Hódi, Klára

2015-08-10

The swelling properties of monolithic matrix tablets containing iota-carrageenan were studied at different pH values, with measurements of the swelling force and characterization of the profile of the swelling curve. The swelling force meter was linked to a PC by an RS232 cable and the measured data were evaluated with self-developed software. The monitor displayed the swelling force vs. time curve with the important parameters, which could be fitted with an Analysis menu. In the case of iota-carrageenan matrix tablets, it was concluded that the pH and the pressure did not influence the swelling process, and the first section of the swelling curve could be fitted by the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Efficacy of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser with Cutting Diathermy in Surgical Excision of Early Carcinoma Tongue.

PubMed

Rashid, Muhammad; Hashmi, Muhammad Ali; Maqbool, Shahzad; Dastigir, Majid

2015-10-01

To compare the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser with cutting diathermy as a cutting device in surgical excision of early carcinoma tongue. Experimental study. Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi and CMH, Lahore, from July 2008 to July 2011. Twenty two biopsy proven cases of T(1) and early T(2) squamous cell carcinoma of tongue were divided in two equal groups of 11 each labeled as A and B. Tumor was excised by CO(2) laser in group A while cutting diathermy was done in group B. For both groups tumor excision time, per-operative blood loss, postoperative oral swelling and pain was recorded. Excision time of tumor was assessed in minutes and amount of blood loss in milliliters till complete hemostasis after removal of primary tumor. Postoperatively patients were assessed on 12 hourly basis for 48 hours for pain. Pain was analyzed on visual analogue score 1 - 10. Oral swelling was assessed once after 24 hours and labeled as mild, moderate and severe. Independent sample t-test was applied for analysis of excision time, postoperative pain and per-operative blood loss for both groups. Postoperative swelling was analyzed using Fisher's exact test. P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age at diagnosis in group A was 49.36 ± 5.27 years, while in group B patients had mean age of 50.73 ± 8.13 years. In group A, 4/11 (36.3%) patients were having tumor stage T(1) while 7/11 (63.6%) had T(2) stage tumor. In group B, 5/11 (45.4%) were having T1 and 6/11 (54.5%) were having stage T(2) tumor. Excision time was significantly shorter for group B (p=0.003), but group A had less postoperative pain (p=0.001), less per-operative blood loss (p=0.001) and less postoperative oral swelling (p=0.021). Early carcinoma tongue is better removed by laser than electrocautery in terms of postoperative morbidity, per-operative blood loss, postoperative pain and oral swelling.

Highly water-absorbing silk yarn with interpenetrating network via in situ polymerization.

PubMed

Lee, Ka I; Wang, Xiaowen; Guo, Xia; Yung, Ka-Fu; Fei, Bin

2017-02-01

Silk was modified via in situ polymerization of two monomers acrylamide and sodium acrylate by swelling in an effective LiBr dissolution system. Swelling of natural silks in LiBr solutions of low concentration was clearly observed under optical microscope, and their conformational changes were revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Dissolution tests and FTIR spectra of these modified silks suggested the presence of interpenetrating network of polyacrylamide and poly(sodium acrylate) in the silk yarns. These modified silks exhibited superior water absorption to that of raw silk and greatly improved mechanical properties in both dry and wet states. These novel modified silks also showed low cytotoxicity towards skin keratinocytes, having potential applications in biomedical textiles. This modification method by in situ polymerization after swelling in LiBr provides a new route to highly enhance the properties and performance of silk for various applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Smart responsive microcapsules capable of recognizing heavy metal ions.

PubMed

Pi, Shuo-Wei; Ju, Xiao-Jie; Wu, Han-Guang; Xie, Rui; Chu, Liang-Yin

2010-09-15

Smart responsive microcapsules capable of recognizing heavy metal ions are successfully prepared with oil-in-water-in-oil double emulsions as templates for polymerization in this study. The microcapsules are featured with thin poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-benzo-18-crown-6-acrylamide) (P(NIPAM-co-BCAm)) membranes, and they can selectively recognize special heavy metal ions such as barium(II) or lead(II) ions very well due to the "host-guest" complexation between the BCAm receptors and barium(II) or lead(II) ions. The stable BCAm/Ba(2+) or BCAm/Pb(2+) complexes in the P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) membrane cause a positive shift of the volume phase transition temperature of the crosslinked P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) hydrogel to a higher temperature, and the repulsion among the charged BCAm/Ba(2+) or BCAm/Pb(2+) complexes and the osmotic pressure within the P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) membranes result in the swelling of microcapsules. Induced by recognizing barium(II) or lead(II) ions, the prepared microcapsules with P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) membranes exhibit isothermal and significant swelling not only in outer and inner diameters but also in the membrane thickness. The proposed microcapsules in this study are highly attractive for developing smart sensors and/or carriers for detection and/or elimination of heavy metal ions. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of adjunctive effect of low-level laser Therapy on pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted lower third molar: A double blind randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Farhadi, Farrokh; Eslami, Hosein; Majidi, Alireza; Fakhrzadeh, Vahid; Ghanizadeh, Milad; KhademNeghad, Sahar

2017-09-30

Wisdom teeth remains impacted in the jaw due to several reasons and surgery of impacted wisdom teeth is one of the most common surgeries in dental clinics. Pain, swelling and trismus are the common complications after this surgery which affect quality of life. In articles, various methods are introduced to control immediate inflammatory-response associated with third-molar surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adjunctive effect of low-level laser Therapy on pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted lower third molar. This double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on two groups of 24 patients (age range of 18-35) that had referred to surgical ward of Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences for surgery of their mandibular third molar(2015-16). All the subjects were systemically healthy and had at least one impacted mandibular third molar. After surgery, in experimental group, the laser was applied intraorally (inside the tooth socket) and extraorally (at the insertion point of the masseter muscle) immediately after surgery in contact with the target area for 25 seconds each. The laser energy was 2.5 J per area with an energy density of 5 J/ cm 2 at the surface of the probe (spot size= 0.5 cm 2 ). In the other group, as the control group, it was pretended to radiate. Trismus, pain, and swelling were evaluated on the first and seventh days after surgery. The obtained data were evaluated using SPSS 16 software and independent samples T-test. In the group where LLLT had been used, P> 0.05 was calculated for pain, swelling, and trismus on days 1 and 7 after surgery that was not statistically significant. Under limitations of this study, using low-power laser with mentioned parameters, clinically reduces pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted mandibular wisdom, but not statistically significant.

Comparison of the efficacy of treating sperm with low hypoosmotic swelling test scores with chymotrypsin followed by intrauterine insemination vs in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

PubMed

Bollendorf, A; Check, D; Check, J H; Hourani, W; McMonagle, K

2011-01-01

To compare the efficacy of two treatments for sperm with low hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test scores - intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm pretreated with the protein digestive enzyme chymotrypsin versus in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The choice of patient therapy was optional. The pregnancy rates following two IUI cycles vs one IVF cycle with ICSI were then compared. The data were further stratified and compared according to the severity of the HOS score defect. The more severe the HOS test defect the less likely for chymotrypsin therapy to work whereas the severity did not affect IVF with ICSI success. The use of IVF with ICSI was much more effective than IUI with chymotrypsin treatment. Though IVF with ICSI is much more effective, IUI is much less expensive. Couples should be presented with these data and be allowed to make their own choice considering risks and expense versus efficacy and speed of success.

Common symptoms during pregnancy

MedlinePlus

... keep your gums healthy Swelling, Varicose Veins, and Hemorrhoids Swelling in your legs is common. You may ... In your rectum, veins that swell are called hemorrhoids. To reduce swelling: Raise your legs and rest ...

78 FR 68076 - Request for Information on Alternative Skin Sensitization Test Methods and Testing Strategies and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-13

... INFORMATION: Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a skin reaction characterized by localized redness, swelling, blistering, or itching after direct contact with a skin allergen, is an important public health.... Web site: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/niceatm . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Warren S. Casey...

Lupus nephritis

MedlinePlus

... time, kidney failure can result. Symptoms Symptoms of lupus nephritis include: Blood in the urine Foamy appearance to urine Swelling (edema) of any area of the body High blood pressure Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical ...

Getting the Facts on Food Allergy Testing

MedlinePlus

... ing, vomiting or trouble breathing after eating or coming into contact with a certain food, you may ... swelling, vomiting or trouble breathing after eating or coming into contact with certain foods, it’s important to ...

Enhancing the engineering properties of expansive soil using bagasse ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silmi Surjandari, Niken; Djarwanti, Noegroho; Umri Ukoi, Nafisah

2017-11-01

This paper deals with stabilization of expansive soil on a laboratory experimental basis. The aim of the research was to evaluate the enhancement of the engineering properties of expansive soil using bagasse ash. The soil is treated with bagasse ash by weight (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) based on dry mass. The performance of bagasse ash stabilized soil was evaluated using physical and strength performance tests, namely the plasticity index, standard Proctor compaction, and percentage swelling. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) test was conducted to evaluate the clay mineral, whereas an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was to the chemical composition of bagasse ash. From the results, it was observed that the basic tests carried out proved some soil properties after the addition of bagasse ash. Furthermore, the plasticity index decreased from 53.18 to 47.70%. The maximum dry density of the specimen increased from 1.13 to 1.24 gr/cm3. The percentage swelling decreased from 5.48 to 3.29%. The outcomes of these tests demonstrate that stabilization of expansive soils using bagasse ash can improve the strength.

[Clinical studies on Frubienzyme in a controlled double-blind trial].

PubMed

Raus, I

1976-10-07

In a controlled clinical trial Frubienzym (throat lozenges with 5 mg lysozyme, 2 mg papaine and 200 I.U. bacitracin) or placebo have been given to 100 patients with pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis for 4 days. Under treatment with Frubienzym reddening, swelling, matter and mucus in the throat, coughing, swelling and pain of lymphatic ganglions and pain of swallowing vanished more quickly than under placebo. The differences were significant (p less than 0,05, p less than 0,001 or even p less than 0,001; U-test of Wilcoxon, Man and Whitney). There were no side effects which could be attributed to Frubienzym.

Survey of gastrointestinal reactions to foods in adults in relation to atopy, presence of mucus in the stools, swelling of joints and arthralgia in patients with gastrointestinal reactions to foods.

PubMed

Bengtsson, U; Hanson, L A; Ahlstedt, S

1996-12-01

Food intolerance in adults is mostly associated with vague symptoms and not clearly related to atopy and food allergy. A combination of different pathogenetic mechanisms may be responsible for the symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe patients with a history of food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in relation to the presence of mucus in the stools, joint swelling and arthralgia and to determine whether or not there is an association between the presence of these parameters, atopic disease and the presence of immune complexes in serum. Fifty-eight patients consecutively referred to our clinic with food-related gastrointestinal symptoms were investigated. Thirty-five patients (60%) had mucus in their stools, 24 patients (41%) complained about joint swelling and 41 patients (71%) had arthralgia. There were no correlations between these parameters and atopy according to Phadiatope test or skin prick test (SPT). No correlations were found between the occurrence of mucus in the stools, arthralgia and joint swelling. There were significantly higher levels of circulating immune complexes in patients with a history of arthralgia compared with patients with no such history (P < 0.03) and the number of individuals with the presence of such immune complexes was higher among the patients with arthralgia than among the patients without. In general the patients did not relate the exposure to certain foods to symptoms like joint swelling, arthralgia and presence of mucus in the stools. However, there were significant positive correlations between food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in the following instances: chocolate-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.006), vegetable-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.002) and meat-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.003). In a group of individuals without food-related symptoms investigated separately, a very low frequency of mucus in the stools, joint swelling and arthralgia was seen (none, two and three individuals of the 20 subjects, respectively). Of 41 patients with immediate onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, 20 were atopic according to Phadiatope and SPT. Of 11 patients with late onset of symptoms 10 were negative in Phadiatope and SPT (P < 0.05). The most frequently involved foods were fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and meat. The results suggest the involvement of different inflammatogenic mechanisms in food-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

The noninvasive mouse ear swelling assay. I. Refinements for detecting weak contact sensitizers.

PubMed

Thorne, P S; Hawk, C; Kaliszewski, S D; Guiney, P D

1991-11-01

The noninvasive mouse ear swelling assay (MESA) is a model for delayed-type hypersensitivity that holds promise as a testing protocol for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The MESA employs only topical sensitization on the abdomen and does not use injections, adjuvants, anesthesia, occlusion, or disruption of the stratum corneum. Five days after induction, the ears are challenged topically and ear swelling measurements taken at 24, 48, and 72 hr indicate the extent of ACD. In this study, refinements of the assay were explored in BALB/cBy mice using dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). A complete dose-response curve was developed for DNFB and the dose which sensitized half the mice in a group (SD50, 0.001%, w/v) was used to test noninvasive enhancement protocols. Several triple-dose protocols tested produced no increase in responsiveness and daily dosing showed a trend toward tolerance induction yielding 20% positive responses. Dietary vitamin A supplementation produced a dramatic enhancement of the responses: ear thickness increase was doubled and the SD50 sensitized 94 to 100% of the mice in the vitamin A groups. We conclude that the MESA allowed identification of ACD potency for known sensitizers at very low concentrations which do not produce ACD with other techniques. The importance of dose-response studies for avoiding the high-dose reduced-response region was also shown. Based on the observation that the vitamin A-augmented MESA was considerably more sensitive than with regular feed, a companion study (P.S. Thorne. C. Hawk, S.D. Kaliszewski, P.D. Guiney, Fundam. Appl. Tox. 17, 807-820, 1991) presents tests of the enhancements to the MESA developed in this work, using weak sensitizers and complex mixtures.

Constraints on the Geometries and Compositions of Subvolcanic Conduits from Intrusions of the San Rafael Swell, Utah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wetmore, P. H.; Connor, C.; Wilson, J.

2010-12-01

Conduit models incorporate varying degrees of complexity (or parsimony) and account for the transport properties of magmas, steady-state or transient behavior, and conduit geometry (e.g., 1- to 1.5 D, variable width and erodable conduit walls). Improvement of these models is important if we are to work toward deployment of eruption models at active volcanoes, link these models to geophysical observations (seismic, deformation, gravity) and eventually forecast eruption magnitude. One conclusion of a recent comparison of many conduit models (Sahagian, 2005 JVGR) is that next generation models need to better account for interaction of the erupting mixture with surrounding wall rocks (accounting for melting, solidification, and erosion) and better account for the effects of conduit shape on flows. In an effort to address these issues our research group has completed mapping of a suite of subvolcanic intrusions (dikes, sills, and conduits) from the west-central San Rafael Swell of central Utah. The results of this study demonstrate that vertical flow of melt through crust in this system of intrusion was dominated by dikes. Conduits form, in nearly all cases, as a result of localized flow along dikes. The conduits are commonly comprised of three distinct lithologic units: brecciated host rock (without any intrusive material), brecciated host rock mixed with brecciated and mechanically contaminated intrusive, and relatively clean (i.e. containing less than ~10% accidental material) intrusive. Contacts between all three of these units are typically discreet and traceable for several tens of meters. In some examples clasts within the unmixed breccia unit exhibit a strong alignment of clasts dipping into the core of the conduit. These observations suggests an evolutionary history that involves an early phase of brecciation and mixing, followed by confined flow with a fluidized mixed unit and an essentially uninvolved outer zone (i.e. the breccia). The final phase likely involves the inward collapse as fluid pressures reduce.

Histological damage and inflammatory response elicited by Monobothrium wageneri (Cestoda) in the intestine of Tinca tinca (Cyprinidae)

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Among the European cyprinids, tench, Tinca tinca (L.), and the pathological effects their cestodes may effect, have received very little or no attention. Most literature relating to Monobothrium wageneri Nybelin, 1922, a common intestinal cestode of tench, for example, has focused on aspects of its morphology rather than on aspects of the host-parasite interaction. Results Immunopathological and ultrastructural studies were conducted on the intestines of 28 tench, collected from Lake Piediluco, of which 16 specimens harboured tight clusters of numerous M. wageneri attached to the intestinal wall. The infection was associated with the degeneration of the mucosal layer and the formation of raised inflammatory swelling surrounding the worms. At the site of infection, the number of granulocytes in the intestine of T. tinca was significantly higher than the number determined 1 cm away from the site of infection or the number found in uninfected fish. Using transmission electron microscopy, mast cells and neutrophils were frequently observed in close proximity to, and inside, the intestinal capillaries; often these cells were in contact with the cestode tegument. At the host-parasite interface, no secretion from the parasite's tegument was observed. Intense degranulation of the mast cells was seen within the submucosa and lamina muscularis, most noticeably at sites close to the tegument of the scolex. In some instances, rodlet cells were encountered in the submucosa. In histological sections, hyperplasia of the mucous cells, notably those giving an alcian blue positive reaction, were evident in the intestinal tissues close to the swelling surrounding the worms. Enhanced mucus secretion was recorded in the intestines of infected tench. Conclusions The pathological changes and the inflammatory cellular response induced by the caryophyllidean monozoic tapeworm M. wageneri within the intestinal tract of an Italian population of wild tench is reported for the first time. PMID:22152408

Temporal and Spatial Scales of Sub-Continental Mantle Convection: Comparison of Modern and Geological Observations of Dynamic Support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, S. M.; Lovell, B.; Crosby, A. G.

2011-12-01

The topographies of Africa and Antarctica form patterns of interlocking swells. The admittance between swell topography and free-air gravity indicates that these swells are dynamically supported by mantle convection, with swell diameters of 1850±450 km and full heights between 800 and 1800 m. The implication is that mantle convection not only supports swells surrounding hotspots but also influences topography across the entire surface areas of Africa and Antarctica. Topographic swells and associated gravity anomalies with diameters over 1000 km are observed on other continents and throughout the oceans. Numerical models support the idea that dynamically supported swell topography is a worldwide phenomenon. We investigate whether dynamically supported swells are also observed throughout the geological record, focussing on intensively studied Mesozoic- Cenozoic sedimentary rocks around Britain and Ireland. Since 200 Ma, this region was affected by three dynamically supported swells that peaked during the Middle Jurassic, Early Cretaceous and Eocene (c. 175, 146 and 56 Ma), each several thousand kilometres in diameter, and the region now lies on the edge of the modern swell centred on Iceland. The diameters and maximum heights of the Mesozoic British swells and the modern African and Antarctic swells are similar. The ancient British swells grew in 5--10 Myr and decayed over 20--30 Myr, suggesting vertical motion rates comparable to those estimated from geomorphological studies of Africa. Igneous production rate and swell height are not correlated in the modern and the geological records. Vertical motions of Britain and Ireland, a typical piece of continental lithosphere far from a destructive plate boundary, have been demonstrably affected by convective support for over half of the past 200 Ma period. Mantle convection should be considered as a common control on regional sea-level at time periods from 10s down to 1 Myr or less, and with vertical motion rates in the order 10s to 100s m/Myr.

Appraisal of jaw swellings in a Nigerian tertiary healthcare facility.

PubMed

Lasisi, Taye J; Adisa, Akinyele O; Olusanya, Adeola A

2013-02-01

The mandible and maxilla can be the site of myriads of lesions that may be categorized as neoplastic, cystic, reactive and infective or inflammatory. Literature reviewing jaw swellings in an amalgamated fashion are uncommon, probably because aetiologies for these swellings are varied. However, to appreciate their relative relationship, it is essential to evaluate the clinico-pathologic profile of jaw swellings. The aim of this appraisal is to describe the array of jaw swellings seen at our hospital from 1990 to 2011, to serve as a reference database. Biopsy records of all histologically diagnosed cases of jaw swellings seen at the department of Oral Pathology, University College Hospital between January 1990 and December 2011 were retrieved, coded and inputted into SPSS version 20. Data on prevalence, age, sex, site and histological diagnosis were analysed descriptively for each category of jaw swellings. All patients below 16 years were regarded as children. A total of 638 jaw swellings were recorded in the 22-year study period. The Non Odontogenic Tumours (NOT) were the commonest, accounting for 46.2% of all jaw swellings. Odontogenic Tumours (OT) formed 45% of all adult jaw swelling while it formed 25.2% in children and adolescents. Ameloblastoma was the commonest while the most common NOT was ossifying fibroma (OF). Chronic osteomyelitis of the jaws was about 6 times commoner in adult females than males and mostly involved the mandible. The most common malignant jaw swelling was Burkitts' lymphoma (BL) that was about 7 times more in children than adults. Osteogenic sarcoma was the most common malignancy in adults. Jaw swellings are extensively varied in types and pattern of occurrence. This study has categorized jaw swellings in a simple but comprehensive fashion to allow for easy referencing in local and international data acquisition and epidemiological comparison. Key words:Jaw swellings, odontogenic, Nigeria.

Site-Specific Pre-Swelling-Directed Morphing Structures of Patterned Hydrogels.

PubMed

Wang, Zhi Jian; Hong, Wei; Wu, Zi Liang; Zheng, Qiang

2017-12-11

Morphing materials have promising applications in various fields, yet how to program the self-shaping process for specific configurations remains a challenge. Herein we show a versatile approach to control the buckling of individual domains and thus the outcome configurations of planar-patterned hydrogels. By photolithography, high-swelling disc gels were positioned in a non-swelling gel sheet; the swelling mismatch resulted in out-of-plain buckling of the disc gels. To locally control the buckling direction, masks with holes were used to guide site-specific swelling of the high-swelling gel under the holes, which built a transient through-thickness gradient and thus directed the buckling during the subsequent unmasked swelling process. Therefore, various configurations of an identical patterned hydrogel can be programmed by the pre-swelling step with different masks to encode the buckling directions of separate domains. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Structure and function of Frankia vesicles in denitrogen fixation by actinorhizal plants: Annual technical progress report for period January 1, 1987-November 15, 1987

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

Torrey, J.G.

1987-11-20

Frankia is a filamentous soil bacterium of the Actinomycetales that is capable of fixation of atmospheric dinitrogen both in the free-living state and within root modules of a number of woody dicotyledonous plants in a symbiotic process. The bacterium is of special interest because of its genetic capacity to differentiate terminal swellings of the hyphal filaments called vesicles. Vesicles form in the free-living organism when deprived of combined nitrogen substrates under aerobic conditions. A multilaminate envelope surrounds the vesicle providing a barrier to direct exposure of the oxygen-labile nitrogenase enzyme that forms within the vesicle. In root nodules, vesicles maymore » or may not form, depending upon the structural configuration of the host plant cells, the ambient oxygen concentration surrounding the root nodule and the expression of host-microbial interactions under the control of the two genomes. Under varying stresses of nutrient availability and the changing gaseous environment, remarkable adaptations may occur in either or both partners of the symbiosis to optimize dinitrogen fixation. 9 refs.« less

One-step grafting of temperature-and pH-sensitive (N-vinylcaprolactam-co-4-vinylpyridine) onto silicone rubber for drug delivery

PubMed Central

Pino-Ramos, Victor H.; Alvarez-Lorenzo, Carmen; Concheiro, Angel; Bucio, Emilio

2017-01-01

Abstract A one-step method was implemented to graft N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) and 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) onto silicone rubber (SR) films using gamma radiation in order to endow the silicone surface with temperature- and pH-responsiveness, and give it the ability to host and release diclofenac in a controlled manner and thus prevent bacterial adhesion. The effects of radiation conditions (e.g., dose and monomers concentration) on the grafting percentage were evaluated, and the modified films were characterized by means of FTIR-ATR, Raman spectroscopy, calorimetry techniques (DSC and TGA) and contact angle measurements. The films responsiveness to stimuli was evaluated by recording the swelling degree of pristine and modified SR in buffer solutions (critical pH point) and as a function of changes in temperature (Upper Critical Solution Temperature, UCST). The graft copolymers of SR-g-(NVCL-co-4VP) showed good cytocompatibility against fibroblast cells for prolonged times, could host diclofenac and release it in a sustained manner for up to 24 h, and exhibited bacteriostatic activity when challenged against Escherichia coli. PMID:29491777

Irradiation of three T-111 clad uranium nitride fuel pins for 8070 hours at 990 C (1815 F)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slaby, J. G.; Siegel, B. L.; Gedeon, L.; Galbo, R. J.

1973-01-01

The design and successful operation of three tantalum alloy (Ta-8W-2Hf) clad uranium mononitride (UN) fuel pins irradiated for 8070 hr at 990 C (1815 F) is described. Two pin diameters having measured burnups of 0.47 and 0.90 uranium atom percent were tested. No clad failures or swelling was detected; however, postirradiation clad samples tested failed with 1 percent strain. The fuel density decrease was 2 percent, and the fission gas release was less than 0.05 percent. Isotropic fuel swelling, which averaged about 0.5 percent, was less than fuel pin assembly clearances. Thus the clad was not strained. Thermocouples with a modified hot zone operated at average temperatures to 1100 C (2012 F) without failure. Factors that influence the ability to maintain uniform clad temperature as well as the results of the heat transfer calculations are discussed.

[Comparison of piezosurgery and chisel osteotomy in the extraction of mandibular impacted third molars].

PubMed

Gao, Yongbo; Jiang, Ai; Li, Boyou; Yang, Liming

2011-08-01

To study the effect of piezosurgery in the extraction of mandibular impacted third molars. 228 mandibular impacted third molars with relative difficulty for extraction according to the scheme of degree of difficulty for extraction were included in the study, and were divided into two groups (114 teeth each group): Test group (treated by piezosurgery), control group (treated by traditional chisel osteotomy). The surgery time and pain, restriction of mouth opening and facial swelling after surgery, were evaluated in both groups. The average surgery time was (16 +/- 5.2) min in test group and (30 +/- 8.7) min in control group. The surgery time, pain, facial swelling rate, and restriction of mouth opening were lower than control group (P<0.05). Compared with traditional chisel osteotomy, the average surgery time with piezosurgery was significantly shorter and the complications are obviously reduced.

Roles of basolateral solute uptake via NKCC1 and of myosin II in vasopressin-induced cell swelling in inner medullary collecting duct.

PubMed

Chou, Chung-Lin; Yu, Ming-Jiun; Kassai, Eliza M; Morris, Ryan G; Hoffert, Jason D; Wall, Susan M; Knepper, Mark A

2008-07-01

Collecting duct cells swell when exposed to arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the presence of a transepithelial osmolality gradient. We investigated the mechanisms of AVP-induced cell swelling in isolated, perfused rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs) using quantitative video microscopy and fluorescence-based measurements of transepithelial water transport. We tested the roles of transepithelial water flow, basolateral solute entry, and the cytoskeleton (actomyosin). When a transepithelial osmolality gradient was imposed by addition of NaCl to the bath, AVP significantly increased both water flux and cell height. When the osmolality gradient was imposed by addition of mannitol, AVP increased water flux but not cell height, suggesting that AVP-induced cell swelling requires a NaCl gradient and is not merely dependent on the associated water flux. Bumetanide (Na-K-2Cl cotransporter inhibitor) added to the bath markedly diminished the AVP-induced cell height increase. AVP-induced cell swelling was absent in IMCDs from NKCC1-knockout mice. In rat IMCDs, replacement of Na, K, or Cl in the peritubular bath caused significant cell shrinkage, consistent with a basolateral solute transport pathway dependent on all three ions. Immunocytochemistry using an antibody to NKCC1 confirmed basolateral expression in IMCD cells. The conventional nonmuscle myosin II inhibitor blebbistatin also diminished the AVP-induced cell height increase and cell shape change, consistent with a role for the actin cytoskeleton and myosin II. We conclude that the AVP-induced cell height increase is dependent on basolateral solute uptake via NKCC1 and changes in actin organization via myosin II, but is not dependent specifically on increased apical water entry.

Influence of layer charge and charge distribution of smectites on the flow behaviour and swelling of bentonites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Christidis, G.E.; Blum, A.E.; Eberl, D.D.

2006-01-01

The influence of layer charge and charge distribution of dioctahedral smectites on the rheological and swelling properties of bentonites is examined. Layer charge and charge distribution were determined by XRD using the LayerCharge program [Christidis, G.E., Eberl, D.D., 2003. Determination of layer charge characteristics of smectites. Clays Clay Miner. 51, 644-655.]. The rheological properties were determined, after sodium exchange using the optimum amount of Na2CO3, from free swelling tests. Rheological properties were determined using 6.42% suspensions according to industrial practice. In smectites with layer charges of - 0.425 to - 0.470 per half formula unit (phfu), layer charge is inversely correlated with free swelling, viscosity, gel strength, yield strength and thixotropic behaviour. In these smectites, the rheological properties are directly associated with the proportion of low charge layers. By contrast, in low charge and high charge smectites there is no systematic relation between layer charge or the proportion of low charge layers and rheological properties. However, low charge smectites yield more viscous suspensions and swell more than high charge smectites. The rheological properties of bentonites also are affected by the proportion of tetrahedral charge (i.e. beidellitic charge), by the existence of fine-grained minerals having clay size, such as opal-CT and to a lesser degree by the ionic strength and the pH of the suspension. A new method for classification of smectites according to the layer charge based on the XRD characteristics of smecites is proposed, that also is consistent with variations in rheological properties. In this classification scheme the term smectites with intermediate layer charge is proposed. ?? 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Release and diffusional modeling of metronidazole lipid matrices.

PubMed

Ozyazici, Mine; Gökçe, Evren H; Ertan, Gökhan

2006-07-01

In this study, the first aim was to investigate the swelling and relaxation properties of lipid matrix on diffusional exponent (n). The second aim was to determine the desired release profile of metronidazole lipid matrix tablets. We prepared metronidazole lipid matrix granules using Carnauba wax, Beeswax, Stearic acid, Cutina HR, Precirol ATO 5, and Compritol ATO 888 by hot fusion method and pressed the tablets of these granules. In vitro release test was performed using a standard USP dissolution apparatus I (basket method) with a stirring rate of 100 rpm at 37 degrees C in 900 ml of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, adjusted to pH 1.2, as medium for the formulations' screening. Hardness, diameter-height ratio, friability, and swelling ratio were determined. Target release profile of metronidazole was also drawn. Stearic acid showed the highest and Carnauba wax showed the lowest release rates in all formulations used. Swelling ratios were calculated after the dissolution of tablets as 9.24%, 6.03%, 1.74%, and 1.07% for Cutina HR, Beeswax, Precirol ATO 5, and Compritol ATO 888, respectively. There was erosion in Stearic acid, but neither erosion nor swelling in Carnauba wax, was detected. According to the power law analysis, the diffusion mechanism was expressed as pure Fickian for Stearic acid and Carnauba wax and the coupling of Fickian and relaxation contributions for other Cutina HR, Beeswax, Compritol ATO 888, and Precirol ATO 5 tablets. It was found that Beeswax (kd=2.13) has a very close drug release rate with the target profile (kt=1.95). Our results suggested that swelling and relaxation properties of lipid matrices should be examined together for a correct evaluation on drug diffusion mechanism of insoluble matrices.

Mutant alleles of Arabidopsis RADIALLY SWOLLEN 4 and 7 reduce growth anisotropy without altering the transverse orientation of cortical microtubules or cellulose microfibrils.

PubMed

Wiedemeier, Allison M D; Judy-March, Jan E; Hocart, Charles H; Wasteneys, Geoffrey O; Williamson, Richard E; Baskin, Tobias I

2002-10-01

The anisotropic growth of plant cells depends on cell walls having anisotropic mechanical properties, which are hypothesized to arise from aligned cellulose microfibrils. To test this hypothesis and to identify genes involved in controlling plant shape, we isolated mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana in which the degree of anisotropic expansion of the root is reduced. We report here the characterization of mutants at two new loci, RADIALLY SWOLLEN 4 (RSW4) and RSW7. The radial swelling phenotype is temperature sensitive, being moderate (rsw7) or negligible (rsw4) at the permissive temperature, 19 degrees C, and pronounced at the restrictive temperature, 30 degrees C. After transfer to 30 degrees C, the primary root's elongation rate decreases and diameter increases, with all tissues swelling radially. Swelling is accompanied by ectopic cell production but swelling is not reduced when the extra cell production is eliminated chemically. A double mutant was generated, whose roots swell constitutively and more than either parent. Based on analytical determination of acid-insoluble glucose, the amount of cellulose was normal in rsw4 and slightly elevated in rsw7. The orientation of cortical microtubules was examined with immunofluorescence in whole mounts and in semi-thin plastic sections, and the orientation of microfibrils was examined with field-emission scanning electron microscopy and quantitative polarized-light microscopy. In the swollen regions of both mutants, cortical microtubules and cellulose microfibrils are neither depleted nor disoriented. Thus, oriented microtubules and microfibrils themselves are insufficient to limit radial expansion; to build a wall with high mechanical anisotropy, additional factors are required, supplied in part by RSW4 and RSW7.

Advanced liquefaction using coal swelling and catalyst dispersion techniques. Quarterly progress report, July--September 1993

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

Curtis, C.W.; Gutterman, C.; Chander, S.

The overall objective of this project is to develop a new approach for the direct liquefaction of coal to produce an all-distillate product slate at a sizable cost reduction over current technology. The approach integrates coal selection, pretreatment, coal swelling with catalyst impregnation, liquefaction, product recovery with characterization, alternate bottoms processing, and carrying out a technical assessment including an economic evaluation. The primary coal of this program, Black Thunder subbituminous coal, can be effectively beneficiated to about 3.5 wt % ash using aqueous sulfurous acid pretreatment. This treated coal can be further beneficiated to about 2 wt % ash usingmore » commercially available procedures. All three coals used in this study (Black Thunder, Burning Star bituminous, and Martin Lake lignite) are effectively swelled by a number of solvents. The most effective solvents are those having hetero-functionality. laboratory- and bench-scale liquefaction experimentation is underway using swelled and catalyst impregnated coal samples. Higher coal conversions were observed for the SO{sub 2}-treated subbituminous coal than the raw coal, regardless of catalyst type. Conversions of swelled coal were highest when Molyvan L, molybdenum naphthenate, and nickel octoate, respectively, were added to the liquefaction solvent. The study of bottoms processing consists of combining the ASCOT process which consists of coupling solvent deasphalting with delayed coking to maximize the production of coal-derived liquids while rejecting solids within the coke drum. The asphalt production phase has been completed; representative product has been evaluated. The solvent system for the deasphalting process has been established. Two ASCOT tests produced overall liquid yields (63.3 wt % and 61.5 wt %) that exceeded the combined liquid yields from the vacuum tower and ROSE process.« less

Tracking the attenuation and nonbreaking dissipation of swells using altimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Haoyu; Stopa, Justin E.; Wang, He; Husson, Romain; Mouche, Alexis; Chapron, Bertrand; Chen, Ge

2016-02-01

A method for systematically tracking swells across oceanic basins is developed by taking advantage of high-quality data from space-borne altimeters and wave model output. The evolution of swells is observed over large distances based on 202 swell events with periods ranging from 12 to 18 s. An empirical attenuation rate of swell energy of about 4 × 10-7 m-1 is estimated using these observations, and the nonbreaking energy dissipation rates of swells far away from their generating areas are also estimated using a point source model. The resulting acceptance range of nonbreaking dissipation rates is -2.5 to 5.0 × 10-7 m-1, which corresponds to a dissipation e-folding scales of at least 2000 km for steep swells, to almost infinite for small-amplitude swells. These resulting rates are consistent with previous studies using in-situ and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observations. The frequency dispersion and angular spreading effects during swell propagation are discussed by comparing the results with other studies, demonstrating that they are the two dominant processes for swell height attenuation, especially in the near field. The resulting dissipation rates from these observations can be used as a reference for ocean engineering and wave modeling, and for related studies such as air-sea and wind-wave-turbulence interactions.

Lutein, Trolox, ascorbic acid and combination of Trolox with ascorbic acid can improve boar semen quality during cryopreservation.

PubMed

Varo-Ghiuru, Florin; Miclea, Ileana; Hettig, Andrea; Ladoşi, Ioan; Miclea, Vasile; Egerszegi, István; Zăhan, Marius

2015-01-01

Due to pour quality of cryopreserved boar semen, artificial innsemination with frozen-thawed semen is quite limited. Developing protocols of boar semen cryopreservation represents a priority but also a challange. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of lutein, Trolox, ascorbic acid, and certain combinations of Trolox with ascorbic acid on boar semen cryopreservation procedure. Antioxidants were added to lactose-egg yolk extender, containing a final concentration of 3% glycerol and 0.5% Equex-STM. Semen of six boars was cryopreserved using straw-freezing procedure. After cryopreservation semen was thawed and evaluated for motility, normal apical ridge (NAR), hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The results showed better motility after thawing at the concentration of 10 μM lutein, 200 μM Trolox, 200 μM ascorbic acid and 400-200 μM Trolox and ascorbic acid. The supplementation on boar freezing extender with 10 μM lutein increased post-thawed motility, NAR and HOST values (P < 0.01), and decrease DFI (P < 0.05) in comparison with control group. Similar results were obtained using 400-200 μM Trolox and ascorbic acid, with better results in the case of DFI (P < 0.01). In comparison with the control group, a concentration of 200 μM Trolox and 200 μM ascorbic acid provided significant differences (P < 0.01) of motility and NAR. The analysis of sperm characteristics showed that lutein and the mix between Trolox and ascorbic acid used in boar semen cryopreservation can improve the quality of spermatozoa.

Rapid Stabilization/Polymerization of Wet Clay Soils; Literature Review

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-15

known as lime, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) were found to increase shear strength, and decrease expansive properties of Diablo clay. The lime...Publication Date: 1991 Purpose of Stabilizer: Control High Swell Potential Stabilizers Tested: Lime, potassium phosphate, potassium chloride...Date: 1988 Purpose of Stabilizer: Stabilizer Stabilizers Tested: Hydroxy-aluminum, hydroxy-aluminum and potassium chloride, hydroxy-aluminum

Geologic report on the San Rafael Swell Drilling Project, San Rafael Swell, Utah

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

Bluhm, C.T.; Rundle, J.G.

1981-08-01

Twenty-two holes totaling 34,874 feet (10,629.6 meters) were rotary and core drilled on the northern and western flanks of the San Rafael Swell to test fluvial-lacustrine sequences of the Morrison Formation and the lower part of the Chinle Formation. The objective of the project was to obtain subsurface data so that improved uranium resource estimates could be determined for the area. Although the Brushy Basin and the Salt Wash Members of the Morrison Formation are not considered favorable in this area for the occurrence of significant uranium deposits, uranium minerals were encountered in several of the holes. Some spotty ormore » very low-grade mineralization was also encountered in the White Star Trunk area. The lower part of the Chinle Formation is considered to be favorable for potentially significant uranium deposits along the west flank of the San Rafael Swell. One hole (SR-202) east of Ferron, Utah, intersected uranium, silver, molybdenum, and copper mineralization. More exploratory drilling in the vicinity of this hole is recommended. As a result of the study of many geochemical analyses and a careful determination of the lithology shown by drilling, a sabkha environment is suggested for the concentration of uranium, zinc, iron, lead, copper, silver, and perhaps other elements in parts of the Moody Canyon Member of the Moenkopi Formation.« less

Disassembly of actin structures by nanosecond pulsed electric field is a downstream effect of cell swelling.

PubMed

Pakhomov, Andrei G; Xiao, Shu; Pakhomova, Olga N; Semenov, Iurii; Kuipers, Marjorie A; Ibey, Bennett L

2014-12-01

Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton structures was reported as one of the characteristic effects of nanosecond-duration pulsed electric field (nsPEF) in both mammalian and plant cells. We utilized CHO cells that expressed the monomeric fluorescent protein (mApple) tagged to actin to test if nsPEF modifies the cell actin directly or as a consequence of cell membrane permeabilization. A train of four 600-ns pulses at 19.2 kV/cm (2 Hz) caused immediate cell membrane poration manifested by YO-PRO-1 dye uptake, gradual cell rounding and swelling. Concurrently, bright actin features were replaced by dimmer and uniform fluorescence of diffuse actin. To block the nsPEF-induced swelling, the bath buffer was isoosmotically supplemented with an electropore-impermeable solute (sucrose). A similar addition of a smaller, electropore-permeable solute (adonitol) served as a control. We demonstrated that sucrose efficiently blocked disassembly of actin features by nsPEF, whereas adonitol did not. Sucrose also attenuated bleaching of mApple-tagged actin in nsPEF-treated cells (as integrated over the cell volume), although did not fully prevent it. We conclude that disintegration of the actin cytoskeleton was a result of cell swelling, which, in turn, was caused by cell permeabilization by nsPEF and transmembrane diffusion of solutes which led to the osmotic imbalance. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modification of chitosan by swelling and crosslinking using epichlorohydrin as heavy metal Cr (VI) adsorbent in batik industry wastes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hastuti, B.; Masykur, A.; Hadi, S.

2016-02-01

Study on chitosan modification by swelling and crosslinking and its application as a selective adsorbent for heavy metals Cr (VI) in batik industry wastes was done. Swelling is intended to improve chitosan porosity, whereas crosslinking is to increase the resistance of chitosan against acid. Natural samples are generally acidic, thus limiting chitosan application as an adsorbent. Modification of chitosan by combining swelling and crosslinking is expected to increase its adsorption capacity in binding heavy metal ions in water. The modified chitosan was later contacted with Cr (VI) to test its adsorption capacity with a variation of pH and contact time. Finally, application of modified chitosan was done in batik industry waste containing Cr (IV). Based on the results, chitosan-ECH 25% (v/v) was the optimum concentration of crosslinker to adsorb Cr (VI) ions. Modified chitosan has a solubility resistance to acids, even though a strong acid. Modification of chitosan also improved its adsorption capacity to Cr (VI) from 74% (pure chitosan) to 89% with contact time 30 min at pH 3. On the application to the batik wastes, the modified chitosan were able to adsorb Cr (IV) up to the level of 5 ppm. Thus, the modified chitosan has a potential to be applied to as an adsorbent of Cr (VI) in batik industry wastes.

Modeling the effects of pH and ionic strength on swelling of anionic polyelectrolyte gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drozdov, A. D.; deClaville Christiansen, J.

2015-07-01

A constitutive model is developed for the elastic response of an anionic polyelectrolyte gel under swelling in water with an arbitrary pH and an arbitrary molar fraction of dissolved monovalent salt. A gel is treated as a three-phase medium consisting of a solid phase (polymer network), solvent (water), and solute (mobile ions). Transport of solvent and solute is thought of as their diffusion through the polymer network accelerated by an electric field formed by mobile and fixed ions and accompanied by chemical reactions (dissociation of functional groups attached to polymer chains and formation of ion pairs between bound charges and mobile counter-ions). Constitutive equations are derived by means of the free energy imbalance inequality for an arbitrary three-dimensional deformation with finite strains. These relations are applied to analyze equilibrium swelling diagrams on poly(acrylic acid) gel, poly(methacrylic acid) gel, and three composite hydrogels under water uptake in a bath (i) with a fixed molar fraction of salt and varied pH, and (ii) with a fixed pH and varied molar fraction of salt. To validate the ability of the model to predict observations quantitatively, material constants are found by matching swelling curves under one type of experimental conditions and results of simulation are compared with experimental data in the other type of tests.

Effect of low-level laser therapy after extraction of impacted lower third molars.

PubMed

Ferrante, Maurizio; Petrini, Morena; Trentini, Paolo; Perfetti, Giorgio; Spoto, Giuseppe

2013-05-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the control of pain, swelling, and trismus associated with surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. Thirty patients were randomized into two treatment groups, each with 15 patients-group test (LLLT) and a group control (no-LLLT)-and were told to avoid any analgesics 12 h before the procedure. In group test, the 980-nm diode-laser (G-Laser 25 Galbiati, Italy) was applied, using a 600-μm handpiece, intraorally (lingual and vestibular) at 1 cm from the involved area and extraoral at the insertion point of the masseter muscle immediately after surgery and at 24 h. The group control received only routine management. Parameters used for LLLT were: continuous mode, at 300 mW (0.3 W) for a total of 180 s (60 s × 3) (0.3 W × 180 s=54 J). Group test showed improvement in the interincisal opening and remarkable reduction of trismus, swelling and intensity of pain on the first and the seventh postoperative days. Although LLLT has been reported to prevent swelling and trismus following the removal of impacted third molars, some of these studies reported a positive laser effect while others did not. All references to the use of laser therapy in the postoperative management of third molar surgery employ different methodologies and, in some, explanations as to selection of their respective radiation parameters are not given. This study has demonstrated that LLLT, with these parameters, is useful for the reduction of postoperative discomfort after third-molar surgery.

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Submucosal Injection of Dexamethasone Versus Methylprednisolone in Reducing Postoperative Sequelae After Third Molar Surgery.

PubMed

Lim, Daniel; Ngeow, Wei Cheong

2017-11-01

To compare the efficacy of preoperative submucosal injection of 4 mg of dexamethasone versus 40 mg of methylprednisolone in reducing postoperative sequelae after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. This prospective, randomized, double-blind study included 65 patients who required surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars with Class II or position B impaction (Pell and Gregory classification). Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or placebo (control). Surgery was performed with patients under local anesthesia. Baseline measurements were obtained preoperatively, and subsequent assessments were made on postoperative day 1, 2, 5, and 7 to measure postoperative facial swelling by use of 2 linear measurements: interincisal mouth opening width and visual analog scale score for pain. The amount of analgesics consumed was recorded. Wound healing also was assessed on postoperative day 7. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were computed, and significance was set at P < .05. Both methylprednisolone and dexamethasone significantly reduced swelling and trismus (P < .05, Kruskal-Wallis test), whereas the methylprednisolone group had significantly less pain (P < .05, Kruskal-Wallis test) and consumed a lower amount of analgesics (P < .05, χ 2 test) during the early postoperative days. The study findings suggest that a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone versus methylprednisolone was equally effective in reducing postoperative swelling and trismus. Pain control by these corticosteroids, however, was variable. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Artificial phototropism based on a photo-thermo-responsive hydrogel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gopalakrishna, Hamsini

Solar energy is leading in renewable energy sources and the aspects surrounding the efforts to harvest light are gaining importance. One such aspect is increasing the light absorption, where heliotropism comes into play. Heliotropism, the ability to track the sun across the sky, can be integrated with solar cells for more efficient photon collection and other optoelectronic systems. Inspired by plants, which optimize incident sunlight in nature, several researchers have made artificial heliotropic and phototropic systems. This project aims to design, synthesize and characterize a material system and evaluate its application in a phototropic system. A gold nanoparticle (Au NP) incorporated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel was synthesized as a photo-thermo-responsive material in our phototropic system. The Au NPs generate heat from the incident via plasmonic resonance to induce a volume phase change of the thermo-responsive hydrogel PNIPAAm. PNIPAAm shrinks or swells at temperature above or below 32°C. Upon irradiation, the Au NP-PNIPAAm micropillar actuates, specifically bending toward the incident light and precisely following the varying incident angle. Swelling ratio tests, bending angle tests with a static incident light and bending tests with varying angles were carried out on hydrogel samples with varying Au NP concentrations. Swelling ratios ranging from 1.45 to 2.9 were recorded for pure hydrogel samples and samples with very low Au NP concentrations. Swelling ratios of 2.41 and 3.37 were calculated for samples with low and high concentrations of Au NPs, respectively. A bending of up to 88° was observed in Au NP-hydrogel pillars with a low Au NP concentration with a 90° incident angle. The light tracking performance was assessed by the slope of the pillar Bending angle (response angle) vs. Incident light angle plot. A slope of 1 indicates ideal tracking with top of the pillar being normal to the incident light, maximizing the photon absorption. Slopes of 0.82 and 0.56 were observed for the low and high Au NP concentration samples. The rapid and precise incident light tracking of our system has shown the promise in phototropic applications.

Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells leads to reduced inflammation and cartilage damage in murine antigen-induced arthritis.

PubMed

Kehoe, Oksana; Cartwright, Alison; Askari, Ayman; El Haj, Alicia J; Middleton, Jim

2014-06-03

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating and painful disease leading to increased morbidity and mortality and novel therapeutic approaches are needed. The purpose of this study was to elucidate if mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injected in the joints of mice with arthritis are therapeutic, reducing joint swelling and cartilage destruction. Murine mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) were isolated from bone marrow of C57Bl/6 mice and expanded in culture. Cells were tested for immunophenotype and their ability to form colonies and to differentiate into chondrocytes, osteocytes and adipocytes. Antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was induced by intra-articular injection of methylated bovine serum albumin into the knee joints of preimmunized C57Bl/6 mice. After one day, when peak swelling occurs, 500,000 mMSCs labelled with red fluorescent cell tracker CM-DiI were injected intra-articularly in the right knee joint. Left knee joints were treated as controls by receiving PBS injections. Differences between groups were calculated by Mann Whitney U test or unpaired t tests using GraphPad Prism software version 5. Knee joint diameter (swelling) was measured as a clinical indication of joint inflammation and this parameter was significantly less in MSC-treated mice compared to control-treated animals 48 hours after arthritis induction. This difference continued for ~7 days. CM-DiI-labelled MSCs were clearly visualised in the lining and sublining layers of synovium, in the region of the patella and femoral and tibial surfaces. By day 3, parameters indicative of disease severity, including cartilage depletion, inflammatory exudate and arthritic index were shown to be significantly reduced in MSC-treated animals. This difference continued for 7 days and was further confirmed by histological analysis. The serum concentration of tumour necrosis factor α was significantly decreased following MSC administration. Our results reveal that MSCs injected in the joints of mice with AIA are therapeutic, reducing inflammation, joint swelling and cartilage destruction. These cells also integrate into the synovium in AIA.

Interaction between clay-based sealing components and crystalline host rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priyanto, D. G.; Dixon, D. A.; Man, A. G.

The results of hydraulic-mechanical (H-M) numerical simulation of a shaft seal installed at a fracture zone (FZ) in a crystalline host rock using the finite element method are presented. The primary function of a shaft seal is to limit short-circuiting of the groundwater flow regime via the shaft in a deep geological repository. Two different stages of system evolution were considered in this numerical modelling. Stage 1 simulates the groundwater flow into an open shaft, prior to seal installation. Stage 2 simulates the groundwater flow into the shaft seal after seal installation. Four different cases were completed to: (i) evaluate H-M response due to the interaction between clay-based sealing material and crystalline host rock in the shaft seal structure; (ii) quantify the effect of the different times between the completion of the shaft excavation and the completion of shaft seal installation on the H-M response; and (iii) define the potential effects of different sealing material configurations. Shaft sealing materials include the bentonite-sand mixture (BSM), dense backfill (DBF), and concrete plug (CP). The BSM has greater swelling capacity and lower hydraulic conductivity ( K) than the DBF. The results of these analyses show that the decrease of the pore water pressure is concentrated along the fracture zone (FZ), which has the greatest K. As the time increases, the greatest decrease in pore water pressure is found around the FZ. Following FZ isolation and the subsequent filling of the shaft with water as it floods, the pore water pressure profile tends to recover back to the initial conditions prior to shaft excavation. The majority of the fluids that ultimately saturate the centre of the shaft seal flow radially inwards from the FZ. The time between the completion of the shaft excavation and the completion of shaft seal installation has a significant effect on the saturation time. A shorter time can reduce the saturation time. Since most of the inflow comes from the FZ, application of the BSM for extended distances above and below the FZ does not significantly affect the saturation time of the volume adjacent to the FZ. The application of BSM near the FZ rather than a low swelling capacity, more permeable filling material is very significant. This study assumed a perfect contact between seal materials and host rock. Limited to the assumptions used in this study, use of BSM near the FZ was found to increase the time before the centre of the shaft seal became fully saturated from between 4 and 30 years (when the DBF is used) to between 90 and 100 years (when the BSM is used).

Hydrops fetalis

MedlinePlus

... in skin color (pallor) More severe forms may cause: Breathing problems Bruising or purplish bruise-like spots on the skin Heart failure Severe anemia Severe jaundice Total body swelling Exams and Tests An ultrasound done during pregnancy may show: High levels of amniotic fluid Abnormally ...

MOELCULAR SIZE EXCLUSION BY SOIL ORGANIC MATERIALS ESTIMATED FROM THEIR SWELLING IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS

EPA Science Inventory

A published method previously developed to measure the swelling characteristics of pow dered coal samples has been adapted for swelling measurements on various peat, pollen, chain, and cellulose samples The swelling of these macromolecular materials is the volumetric manifestatio...

MOLECULAR SIZE EXCLUSION BY SOIL ORGANIC MATERIALS ESTIMATED FROM THEIR SWELLING IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS

EPA Science Inventory

A published method previously developed to measure the swelling characteristics of powdered coal samples has been adapted for swelling measurements on various peat, pollen, chitin, and cellulose samples. he swelling of these macromolecular materials is the volumetric manifestatio...

Effect of synthesis parameters on polymethacrylic acid xerogel structures and equilibrium swelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panić, V.; Jovanović, J.; Adnadjević, B.; Velicković, S.

2009-09-01

Hydrogels based on crosslinked polymethacrylic acid were synthesized via free-radical polymerization in aqueous solution, using N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent and 2,2'-azobis-[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] dihydrochloride as an initiator. The influence of the reaction parameters (the neutralization degree of methacrylic acid and the initial monomer concentration) on the equilibrium swelling degree, the swelling kinetic parameters and the basic structural properties of xerogels was investigated. The change of synthesis parameters leads to the change of the basic structural parameters of xerogel, as well as the equilibrium swelling degree and the initial swelling rate of the hydrogels. It is found that there are power form relationships between the equilibrium swelling degree, the initial swelling rate and the structural xerogel’s properties and the change of the neutralization degree of monomer, i.e. the monomer concentration. The examined correlations proved that the crosslinking density is the crucial parameter which determines all the other investigated structural and swelling parameters.

Dimensional stability and anisotropy of SiC and SiC-based composites in transition swelling regime

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

Katoh, Yutai; Koyanagi, Takaaki; McDuffee, Joel L.

Swelling, or volumetric expansion, is an inevitable consequence of the atomic displacement damage in crystalline silicon carbide (SiC) caused by energetic neutron irradiation. Because of its steep temperature and dose dependence, understanding swelling is essential for designing SiC-based components for nuclear applications. Here in this study, swelling behaviors of monolithic CVD SiC and nuclear grade SiC fiber – SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites were accurately determined, supported by the irradiation temperature determination for individual samples, following neutron irradiation within the lower transition swelling temperature regime. Slightly anisotropic swelling behaviors were found for the SiC/SiC samples and attributed primarily to the combinedmore » effects of the pre-existing microcracking, fiber architecture, and specimen dimension. A semi-empirical model of SiC swelling was calibrated and presented. Finally, implications of the refined model to selected swelling-related issues for SiC-based nuclar reactor components are discussed.« less

Dimensional stability and anisotropy of SiC and SiC-based composites in transition swelling regime

DOE PAGES

Katoh, Yutai; Koyanagi, Takaaki; McDuffee, Joel L.; ...

2017-12-08

Swelling, or volumetric expansion, is an inevitable consequence of the atomic displacement damage in crystalline silicon carbide (SiC) caused by energetic neutron irradiation. Because of its steep temperature and dose dependence, understanding swelling is essential for designing SiC-based components for nuclear applications. Here in this study, swelling behaviors of monolithic CVD SiC and nuclear grade SiC fiber – SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites were accurately determined, supported by the irradiation temperature determination for individual samples, following neutron irradiation within the lower transition swelling temperature regime. Slightly anisotropic swelling behaviors were found for the SiC/SiC samples and attributed primarily to the combinedmore » effects of the pre-existing microcracking, fiber architecture, and specimen dimension. A semi-empirical model of SiC swelling was calibrated and presented. Finally, implications of the refined model to selected swelling-related issues for SiC-based nuclar reactor components are discussed.« less

Alaria mesocercariae in the tails of red-sided garter snakes: Evidence for parasite-mediated caudectomy

PubMed Central

Uhrig, Emily J.; Spagnoli, Sean T.; Tkach, Vasyl V.; Kent, Michael L.; Mason, Robert T.

2015-01-01

Trematodes of the genus Alaria develop into an arrested stage, known as mesocercariae, within their amphibian second intermediate host. The mesocercariae are frequently transmitted to a non-obligate paratenic host before reaching a definitive host where further development and reproduction can occur. Snakes are common paratenic hosts for Alaria spp. with the mesocercariae often aggregating in the host’s tail. In the current study, we used morphological examination and molecular analyses based on partial sequences of nuclear large ribosomal subunit gene and mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene to identify larvae in the tails of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) as mesocercariae of Alaria marcianae, Alaria mustelae, and Alaria sp. as well as metacercariae of Diplostomidae sp. of unknown generic affiliation. We assessed infection prevalence, absolute and relative intensity, and associated pathological changes in these snakes. Infection prevalence was 100% for both male and female snakes. Infection intensity ranged from 11 to more than 2,000 mesocercariae per snake tail, but did not differ between the sexes. Gross pathological changes included tail swelling while histopathological changes included mild inflammation and the presence of mucus-filled pseudocysts surrounding mesocercariae, as well as the compression and degeneration of muscle fibers. Our results indicate that mesocercariae can lead to extensive muscle damage and loss in both sexes which likely increases the fragility of the tail making it more prone to breakage. As tail loss in garter snakes can affect both survival and reproduction, infection by Alaria mesocercariae clearly has serious fitness implications for these snakes. PMID:26337267

Protein kinase C enhances the swelling-induced chloride current in human atrial myocytes.

PubMed

Li, Ye-Tao; Du, Xin-Ling

2016-06-01

Swelling-activated chloride currents (ICl.swell) are thought to play a role in several physiologic and pathophysiologic processes and thus represent a target for therapeutic approaches. However, the mechanism of ICl.swell regulation remains unclear. In this study, we used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to examine the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the regulation of ICl.swell in human atrial myocytes. Atrial myocytes were isolated from the right atrial appendages of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass and enzymatically dissociated. ICl.swell was evoked in hypotonic solution and recorded using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The PKC agonist phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) enhanced ICl.swell in a concentration-dependent manner, which was reversed in isotonic solution and by a chloride current inhibitor, 9-anthracenecarboxylicacid. Furthermore, the PKC inhibitor bis-indolylmaleimide attenuated the effect and 4α-PDBu, an inactive PDBu analog, had no effect on ICl.swell. These results, obtained using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, demonstrate the ability of PKC to activate ICl,swell in human atrial myocytes. This observation was consistent with a previous study using a single-channel patch-clamp technique, but differed from some findings in other species.

Brain anti-cytoxic edema agents.

PubMed

Kimelberg, H K; Barron, K D; Bourke, R S; Nelson, L R; Cragoe, E J

1990-01-01

The work described in this chapter has indicated that improved outcome from an experimental head injury model can be achieved by drugs which are non-diuretic derivatives of loop diuretics, namely indanyl and fluorenyl compounds which are derivatives of ethacrynic acid. These drugs were originally identified by us on the basis of their efficacy in inhibiting [K+]-stimulated, HCO3(-)-dependent swelling of brain cerebrocortical slices. Swelling of glial cells (astrocytes) has long been known to be associated with such slice swelling and astrocyte swelling is a major locus of cytotoxic or cellular brain edema. Qualitative and quantitative electron microscope studies have shown that L644,711, a particularly effective member of the fluorenyl class of drugs, inhibits astrocytic swelling associated with an experimental animal head injury model. We have suggested that astrocytic swelling in pathological states may be partly due to activation of Cl-/HCO3- and Na+/H+ exchange systems driven by increased astrocytic intracellular hydration of CO2, and recent work has indeed shown that the ability of the indanyl and fluorenyl drugs to inhibit brain slice swelling and protect against head injury correlates closely with their ability to inhibit Cl-/HCO3- exchange. All these data suggest that astrocytic swelling, which seems to precede neuronal degeneration and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, is deleterious and that prevention of such swelling can lead to effective therapy. We have used primary astrocytic cultures to explore reasons why astrocytic swelling could be harmful. Exposing such astrocytes to hypotonic medium causes rapid swelling with a slower return to normal volume in the continued presence of hypotonic medium, a process known as regulatory volume decrease or RVD. Such RVD is associated with marked release of several amino acids, including L-glutamate. L644,711 and other Cl-/HCO3- transport inhibitors such as SITS and furosemide, but not the selective Na+ + K+ + 2Cl- co-transport inhibitor bumetanide, inhibit such swelling-induced release of L-glutamate. Thus, L644,711 and other drugs may be effective in promoting recovery from head injury and other pathological states in which astrocytic swelling occurs either by initially preventing the swelling or inhibiting the release of excitotoxic excitatory amino acids if swelling does occur, perhaps depending at what time the drug is given.

Effect of in-situ disturbance within the soil mass on the stress-strain behaviour of silty soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noor, Sarah T.; Rabika Rahman, SS; Nahar, Sabiqun

2018-04-01

To date, different techniques have been evolved to collect soil in undisturbed condition so that the in-situ soil behaviour can be determined by carrying out laboratory tests. For the same reason, the execution of undisturbed soil sampling in practice is given a lot of efforts. However, this study brings the fact into consideration that the in-situ soil condition may not remain constant, rather it might vary time to time, because of different internal or external reasons. For example, the internal stress state of soil layers, existing below or above the swelling soil layer, become modified during shrinking and swelling resulting from drying and wetting of swelling clay, respectively. Further, foundations of building may transfer cyclic loads (generated by vibration installed in the building) to the soil below the foundation. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of stress-strain behaviour due to the disturbances on the shear strength of the soil with respect to that of undisturbed specimens. The shear strength of disturbed soil shows deviation from that of undisturbed specimen depending on the different parameters defining the severity of disturbance.

The Time Course of Knee Swelling Post Total Knee Arthroplasty and Its Associations with Quadriceps Strength and Gait Speed.

PubMed

Pua, Yong-Hao

2015-07-01

This study examines the time course of knee swelling post total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and its associations with quadriceps strength and gait speed. Eighty-five patients with unilateral TKA participated. Preoperatively and on post-operative days (PODs) 1, 4, 14, and 90, knee swelling was measured using bioimpedance spectrometry. Preoperatively and on PODs 14 and 90, quadriceps strength was measured using isokinetic dynamometry while fast gait speed was measured using the timed 10-meter walk. On POD1, knee swelling increased ~35% from preoperative levels after which, knee swelling reduced but remained at ~11% above preoperative levels on POD90. In longitudinal, multivariable analyses, knee swelling was associated with quadriceps weakness (P<0.01) and slower gait speed (P=0.03). Interventions to reduce post-TKA knee swelling may be indicated to improve quadriceps strength and gait speed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The noninvasive mouse ear swelling assay. II. Testing the contact sensitizing potency of fragrances.

PubMed

Thorne, P S; Hawk, C; Kaliszewski, S D; Guiney, P D

1991-11-01

The noninvasive mouse ear swelling assay (MESA) for contact allergy testing was evaluated using fragrance components and complex fragrance mixtures. The test materials represented weak sensitizers and nonsensitizers. Two versions of the MESA were investigated. Both were noninvasive and utilized only topical abdominal dosing and ear challenge with single applications in BALB/cBy mice. The vit A MESA differed from the regular MESA only in that mice were maintained on a diet with 17-fold higher levels of vitamin A (vit A) acetate beginning 3 weeks prior to induction. Sensitization reactions were determined by measuring the mean increase in ear swelling over baseline at 24, 48 and 72 hr postexposure. Irritation dose-response curves facilitated choosing a high nonirritating challenge dose. Sensitization dose-response curves were developed for cinnamaldehyde (CINN) and a complex fragrance mixture, F-16. From these curves, the SD50 was determined. This value represents the dose which sensitized half the animals and serves to rank the potency of compounds for allergic contact dermatitis and to compare values among different assays. The SD50 for CINN was 21.6% while the SD50vit A for F-16 was 26.6%. The other fragrance, isoeugenol (ISOE), and fragrance mixtures, F-07 and F-22, were also found to be weak sensitizers in the MESA and vit A MESA. The results in the MESA for CINN and ISOE were in the range observed with guinea pig test protocols but showed that the MESA was more sensitive than human test protocols. Two of the fragrance mixtures tested in the MESA gave comparable results in the Buehler guinea pig assay. However, the third (F-22) was negative in the Buehler assay and the MESA, but positive in the vit A MESA. The results of this work with weak sensitizers and the companion study (Thorne et al., 1991) with potent sensitizers at low doses illustrate that the noninvasive MESA is as sensitive as many standard guinea pig assays. In addition, it is easier and much less expensive to perform. The vit A MESA has the sensitivity and predictive power needed to test compounds and mixtures for contact sensitizing potency.

Molecular Dynamics Study of Crystalline Swelling of Montmorillonite as Affected by Interlayer Cation Hydration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongliang; Song, Shaoxian; Dong, Xianshu; Min, Fanfei; Zhao, Yunliang; Peng, Chenliang; Nahmad, Yuri

2018-04-01

Swelling of montmorillonite (Mt) is an important factor for many industrial applications. In this study, crystalline swelling of alkali-metal- and alkaline-earth-metal-Mt has been studied through energy optimization and molecular dynamics simulations using the clay force field by Materials Studio 8.0. The delamination and exfoliation of Mt are primarily realized by crystalline swelling caused by the enhanced interlayer cation hydration. The initial position of the interlayer cations and water molecules is the dominated factor for the accuracy of the Mt simulations. Crystalline swelling can be carried out in alkali-metal-Mt and Mg-Mt but with difficulty in Ca-Mt, Sr-Mt and Ba-Mt. The crystalline swelling capacity values are in the order Na-Mt > K-Mt > Cs-Mt > Mg-Mt. This order of crystalline swelling of Mt in the same group can be attributed to the differences between the interlayer cation hydration strengths. In addition, the differences in the crystalline swelling between the alkali-metal-Mt and alkaline-earth-metal-Mt can be primarily attributed to the valence of the interlayer cations.

Propagation Route and Speed of Swell in the Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, C. W.; Li, C. Y.; Pan, J.

2018-01-01

The characteristics of swell propagation play an important role in the forecasting of ocean waves as well as on research on global climate change, wave energy development, and disaster prevention and reduction. To reveal the propagation routes, terminal targets and speeds of swells that originate from the southern Indian Ocean westerly (SIOW), an intraseasonal swell index (SI) was defined based on the 45 year (September 1957 to August 2002) ERA-40 wave reanalysis data product from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The results show that the main body of the SIOW-related swells typically spread to the waters off Sri Lanka and Christmas Island, while the branches spread to the Arabian Sea and other waters. The propagation speeds of swells originated in the SIOW were fastest in May and August, followed by November, and were slowest in February. Swells usually required 4-6 days to propagate from the western part of the SIOW to the waters off Sri Lanka and Christmas Island, whereas swells usually required 2-4 days to propagate from the eastern part of the SIOW to the waters off Christmas Island.

Influence of injected interstitials on the void swelling in two structural variants of 304L stainless steel induced by self-ion irradiation at 500 °C

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

Sun, C.; Garner, F. A.; Shao, L.

The two variants of AISI 304L stainless steel (SS) with different grain size distributions were ion irradiated at 500 °C to a peak dose of ~60 dpa. In the coarse-grained annealed variant, a peak swelling of ~12% was observed closer to the specimen surface rather than at the depth of peak displacement damage. The forward shift in depth between peak swelling and peak dose is proposed to be a consequence of suppression of void nucleation by injected interstitials. The swelling behavior in the front portion of the ion range mirrors that of neutron-induced swelling in this steel, exhibiting significant curvaturemore » with increasing dose as the swelling rate approaches the terminal swelling rate of 1%/dpa. Furthermore, an ultrafine grain variant of this steel produced by severely plastic deformation exhibits a similar suppression of void nucleation in the injected interstitial region, but also shows a significantly extended transient regime, not reaching the terminal swelling rate by 60 dpa.« less

Influence of injected interstitials on the void swelling in two structural variants of 304L stainless steel induced by self-ion irradiation at 500 °C

DOE PAGES

Sun, C.; Garner, F. A.; Shao, L.; ...

2017-03-28

The two variants of AISI 304L stainless steel (SS) with different grain size distributions were ion irradiated at 500 °C to a peak dose of ~60 dpa. In the coarse-grained annealed variant, a peak swelling of ~12% was observed closer to the specimen surface rather than at the depth of peak displacement damage. The forward shift in depth between peak swelling and peak dose is proposed to be a consequence of suppression of void nucleation by injected interstitials. The swelling behavior in the front portion of the ion range mirrors that of neutron-induced swelling in this steel, exhibiting significant curvaturemore » with increasing dose as the swelling rate approaches the terminal swelling rate of 1%/dpa. Furthermore, an ultrafine grain variant of this steel produced by severely plastic deformation exhibits a similar suppression of void nucleation in the injected interstitial region, but also shows a significantly extended transient regime, not reaching the terminal swelling rate by 60 dpa.« less

Inhibition of VEGF Signaling Reduces Diabetes-Exacerbated Brain Swelling, but Not Infarct Size, in Large Cerebral Infarction in Mice.

PubMed

Kim, Eunhee; Yang, Jiwon; Park, Keun Woo; Cho, Sunghee

2017-12-30

In light of repeated translational failures with preclinical neuroprotection-based strategies, this preclinical study reevaluates brain swelling as an important pathological event in diabetic stroke and investigates underlying mechanism of the comorbidity-enhanced brain edema formation. Type 2 (mild), type 1 (moderate), and mixed type 1/2 (severe) diabetic mice were subjected to transient focal ischemia. Infarct volume, brain swelling, and IgG extravasation were assessed at 3 days post-stroke. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, endothelial-specific molecule-1 (Esm1), and the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was determined in the ischemic brain. Additionally, SU5416, a VEGFR2 inhibitor, was treated in the type 1/2 diabetic mice, and stroke outcomes were determined. All diabetic groups displayed bigger infarct volume and brain swelling compared to nondiabetic mice, and the increased swelling was disproportionately larger relative to infarct enlargement. Diabetic conditions significantly increased VEGF-A, Esm1, and VEGFR2 expressions in the ischemic brain compared to nondiabetic mice. Notably, in diabetic mice, VEGFR2 mRNA levels were positively correlated with brain swelling, but not with infarct volume. Treatment with SU5416 in diabetic mice significantly reduced brain swelling. The study shows that brain swelling is a predominant pathological event in diabetic stroke and that an underlying event for diabetes-enhanced brain swelling includes the activation of VEGF signaling. This study suggests consideration of stroke therapies aiming at primarily reducing brain swelling for subjects with diabetes.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibition of a swelling-activated cation channel in osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, R. L.; Kizer, N.; Barry, E. L.; Friedman, P. A.; Hruska, K. A.

1996-01-01

By patch-clamp analysis, we have shown that chronic, intermittent mechanical strain (CMS) increases the activity of stretch-activated cation channels of osteoblast-like UMR-106.01 cells. CMS also produces a swelling-activated whole-cell conductance (Gm) regulated by varying strain levels. We questioned whether the swelling-activated conductance was produced by stretch-activated cation channel activity. We have identified a gene involved in the increase in conductance by using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) derived from the alpha 1-subunit genes of calcium channels found in UMR-106.01 cells (alpha1S, alpha1C, and alpha1D). We demonstrate that alpha 1C antisense ODNs abolish the increase in Gm in response to hypotonic swelling following CMS. Antisense ODNs to alpha1S and alpha1D, sense ODNs to alpha1C, and sham permeabilization had no effect on the conductance increase. In addition, during cell-attached patch-clamp studies, antisense ODNs to alpha1c completely blocked the swelling-activated and stretch-activated nonselective cation channel response to strain. Antisense ODNs to alpha1S treatment produced no effect on either swelling-activated or stretch-activated cation channel activity. There were differences in the stretch-activated and swelling-activated cation channel activity, but whether they represent different channels could not be determined from our data. Our data indicate that the alpha1C gene product is involved in the Gm and the activation of the swelling-activated cation channels induced by CMS. The possibility that swelling-activated cation channel genes are members of the calcium channel superfamily exists, but if alpha1c is not the swelling-activated cation channel itself, then its expression is required for induction of swelling-activated cation channel activity by CMS.

Monitoring austral and cyclonic swells in the "Iles Eparses" (Mozambique channel) from microseismic noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barruol, Guilhem; Davy, Céline; Fontaine, Fabrice R.; Schlindwein, V.; Sigloch, K.

2016-04-01

We deployed five broadband three-components seismic stations in the Iles Eparses in the south-west Indian Ocean and on Mayotte Island, between April 2011 and January 2014. These small and remote oceanic islands suffer the effects of strong ocean swells that affect their coastal environments but most islands are not instrumented by wave gauges to characterize the swells. However, wave action on the coast causes high levels of ground vibrations in the solid earth, so-called microseismic noise. We use this link between the solid earth and ocean wave activity to quantify the swells locally. Spectral analyses of the continuous seismic data show clear peaks in the 0.05-0.10 Hz frequency band (periods between 10 and 20 s), corresponding to the ocean wave periods of the local swells. We analyze an example of austral swell occurring in August 2013 and a cyclonic event (Felleng) that developed in January 2013, and quantify the ground motion at each station induced by these events. In both cases, we find a linear polarization in the horizontal plane with microseismic amplitude directly correlated to the swell height (as predicted by the global swell model WaveWatchIII), and a direction of polarization close to the predicted swell propagation direction. Although this analysis has not been performed in real time, it demonstrates that terrestrial seismic stations can be efficiently used as wave gauges, and are particularly well suited for quantifying extreme swell events. This approach may therefore provide useful and cheaper alternatives to wave buoys for monitoring swells and the related environmental processes such as beach erosion or coral reef damages.

Toxicological assessment of Diplazium esculentum on the reproductive functions of male Swiss albino mouse.

PubMed

Roy, Subhrajyoti; Chaudhuri, Tapas Kumar

2017-04-01

Diplazium esculentum, a commonly consumed seasonal vegetable, has been reported to have some pathological effects in some animals. But, its effect on the male reproductive function has not yet been studied. To investigate the effects of boiled D. esculentum (BDE), the form which human consumes, on male reproductive functions of Swiss albino mice. Male (120 in no.) and female (80 in no.) Swiss albino mice (6-8 weeks of age) were fed orally with 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg bw of BDE within a span of 180 d. After the treatment, body weight, absolute- and relative-testis weight, relative-weight of other organs, their biochemical parameters, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) of spermatozoa, testis histology and fertility and fecundity tests were performed to justify the toxic effects of D. esculentum on male reproductive functions. Significant dose- and time-dependent decreases were observed in body weight, absolute- and relative-testis weight, relative-weights of other organs and their biochemical parameters, percentage of live spermatozoa and percentage of fertility and fecundity in BDE fed mice. Significant decreases were observed in diameter, perimeter and area of the seminiferous tubules of mice treated for 180 d. The percentage of empty seminiferous tubules was increased significantly in BDE treated mice when compared to the controls. These results suggest that the intake of D. esculentum, even after cooking, may induce infertility by altering the male reproductive function, and therefore, should be evaluated further as a potential antifertility agent.

Microstructural characterization and density change of 304 stainless steel reflector blocks after long-term irradiation in EBR-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Y.; Wiezorek, J. M. K.; Garner, F. A.; Freyer, P. D.; Okita, T.; Sagisaka, M.; Isobe, Y.; Allen, T. R.

2015-10-01

While thin reactor structural components such as cladding and ducts do not experience significant gradients in dpa rate, gamma heating rate, temperature or stress, thick components can develop strong local variations in void swelling and irradiation creep in response to gradients in these variables. In this study we conducted microstructural investigations by transmission electron microscopy of two 52 mm thick 304-type stainless steel hex-blocks irradiated for 12 years in the EBR-II reactor with accumulated doses ranging from ∼0.4 to 33 dpa. Spatial variations in the populations of voids, precipitates, Frank loops and dislocation lines have been determined for 304 stainless steel sections exposed to different temperatures, different dpa levels and at different dpa rates, demonstrating the existence of spatial gradients in the resulting void swelling. The microstructural measurements compare very well with complementary density change measurements regarding void swelling gradients in the 304 stainless steel hex-block components. The TEM studies revealed that the original cold-worked-state microstructure of the unirradiated blocks was completely erased by irradiation, replaced by high densities of interstitial Frank loops, voids and carbide precipitates at both the lowest and highest doses. At large dose levels the amount of volumetric void swelling correlated directly with the gamma heating gradient-related temperature increase (e.g. for 28 dpa, ∼2% swelling at 418 °C and ∼2.9% swelling at 448 °C). Under approximately iso-thermal local conditions, volumetric void swelling was found to increase with dose level (e.g. ∼0.2% swelling at 0.4 dpa, ∼0.5% swelling at 4 dpa and ∼2% swelling at 28 dpa). Carbide precipitate formation levels were found to be relatively independent of both dpa level and temperature and induced a measurable densification. Void swelling was dominant at the higher dose levels and caused measurable decreases in density. Void swelling at the lowest doses was larger than might be expected based on the dpa level, an observation in agreement with earlier studies showing that the onset of void swelling is accelerated by decreasing dpa rates.

The Darfur Swell, Africa: Gravity constraints on its isostatic compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crough, S. Thomas

The free-air gravity anomaly observed over the Darfur Swell is explainable by local isostatic balance with a root approximately 50 km deep on average. This root depth is similar to that inferred beneath other African domes and beneath oceanic midplate swells, suggesting that the Darfur Swell is a hotspot uplift created by lithospheric reheating.

Process for treating biomass

DOEpatents

Campbell, Timothy J; Teymouri, Farzaneh

2015-11-04

This invention is directed to a process for treating biomass. The biomass is treated with a biomass swelling agent within the vessel to swell or rupture at least a portion of the biomass. A portion of the swelling agent is removed from a first end of the vessel following the treatment. Then steam is introduced into a second end of the vessel different from the first end to further remove swelling agent from the vessel in such a manner that the swelling agent exits the vessel at a relatively low water content.

Process for treating biomass

DOEpatents

Campbell, Timothy J.; Teymouri, Farzaneh

2015-08-11

This invention is directed to a process for treating biomass. The biomass is treated with a biomass swelling agent within the vessel to swell or rupture at least a portion of the biomass. A portion of the swelling agent is removed from a first end of the vessel following the treatment. Then steam is introduced into a second end of the vessel different from the first end to further remove swelling agent from the vessel in such a manner that the swelling agent exits the vessel at a relatively low water content.

Process for treating biomass

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

Campbell, Timothy J.; Teymouri, Farzaneh

This invention is directed to a process for treating biomass. The biomass is treated with a biomass swelling agent within the vessel to swell or rupture at least a portion of the biomass. A portion of the swelling agent is removed from a first end of the vessel following the treatment. Then steam is introduced into a second end of the vessel different from the first end to further remove swelling agent from the vessel in such a manner that the swelling agent exits the vessel at a relatively low water content.

Periapical Microsurgery: The Effects of Locally Injected Dexamethasone on Pain, Swelling, Bruising, and Wound Healing.

PubMed

Kan, Elena; Coelho, Marcelo Santos; Reside, Jonathan; Card, Steven J; Tawil, Peter Z

2016-11-01

The purpose of this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the postoperative healing of endodontic periapical microsurgery after local administration of dexamethasone. Sixty patients were divided into 2 groups. The dexamethasone group received a single local submucosal injection of 4 mg dexamethasone, and the placebo group received a submucosal injection of saline solution at the conclusion of standardized periapical microsurgery. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone/acetaminophen were prescribed for pain relief. A Likert-like 6-point scale was used for self-evaluation of pain, bruising, swelling, and wound healing at 24, 48, 72, 96 hours and at 1 week. The number of tablets taken was registered. Data were analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher exact tests at a significance level of P < .05. No improvements in pain, bruising, and wound healing were registered at any time interval. No difference was found in the number of tablets taken for pain relief. Subjects who received the dexamethasone injection reported less swelling 24 hours after periapical microsurgery (P < .05) but showed no significant benefit for the longer follow-up periods. This study shows that a 4-mg dose of dexamethasone administered through a local submucosal injection after periapical microsurgery has minimal impact on pain, bruising, and apparent wound healing at any time over a 7-day interval, and the impact on swelling seems limited. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers for strychnine by precipitation polymerization and multistep swelling and polymerization and their application for the selective extraction of strychnine from nux-vomica extract powder.

PubMed

Nakamura, Yukari; Matsunaga, Hisami; Haginaka, Jun

2016-04-01

Monodisperse molecularly imprinted polymers for strychnine were prepared by precipitation polymerization and multistep swelling and polymerization, respectively. In precipitation polymerization, methacrylic acid and divinylbenzene were used as a functional monomer and crosslinker, respectively, while in multistep swelling and polymerization, methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were used as a functional monomer and crosslinker, respectively. The retention and molecular recognition properties of the molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by both methods for strychnine were evaluated using a mixture of sodium phosphate buffer and acetonitrile as a mobile phase by liquid chromatography. In addition to shape recognition, ionic and hydrophobic interactions could affect the retention of strychnine in low acetonitrile content. Furthermore, molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by both methods could selectively recognize strychnine among solutes tested. The retention factors and imprinting factors of strychnine on the molecularly imprinted polymer prepared by precipitation polymerization were 220 and 58, respectively, using 20 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.0)/acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) as a mobile phase, and those on the molecularly imprinted polymer prepared by multistep swelling and polymerization were 73 and 4.5. These results indicate that precipitation polymerization is suitable for the preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer for strychnine. Furthermore, the molecularly imprinted polymer could be successfully applied for selective extraction of strychnine in nux-vomica extract powder. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of hydrophilic polymers on functional properties and wound healing efficacy of hydrocolloid based wound dressings.

PubMed

Jin, Sung Giu; Yousaf, Abid Mehmood; Kim, Kyeong Soo; Kim, Dong Wuk; Kim, Dong Shik; Kim, Jin Ki; Yong, Chul Soon; Youn, Yu Seok; Kim, Jong Oh; Choi, Han-Gon

2016-03-30

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different hydrophilic polymers on the swelling, bioadhesion and mechanical strength of hydrocolloid wound dressings (HCDs) in order to provide an appropriate composition for a hydrocolloid wound dressing system. In this study, the HCDs were prepared with styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer (SIS) and polyisobutylene (PIB) as the base using a hot melting method. Additionally, numerous SIS/PIB-based HCDs were prepared with six hydrophilic polymers, and their wound dressing properties were assessed. Finally, the wound healing efficacy of the selected formulations was compared to a commercial wound dressing. The swelling ratio, bioadhesive force and mechanical strengths of HCDs were increased in the order of sodium alginate>sodium CMC=poloxamer=HPMC>PVA=PVP, sodium alginate>sodium CMC=poloxamer>PVA>HPMC=PVP and sodium alginate≥PVA>PVP=HPMC=sodium CMC>poloxamer, respectively. Among the hydrophilic polymers tested, sodium alginate most enhanced the swelling capacity, bioadhesive force and mechanical strengths. Thus, the hydrophilic polymers played great role in the swelling, bioadhesion and mechanical strength of SIS/PIB-based HCDs. The HCD formulation composed of PIB, SIS, liquid paraffin and sodium alginate at the weight ratio of 20/25/12/43 gave better wound dressing properties and more excellent wound healing efficacy than the commercial wound dressing. Therefore, the novel HCD formulation could be a promising hydrocolloid system for wound dressings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Compatibility Assessment of Fuel System Infrastructure Plastics with Bio-oil and Diesel Fuel

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

Kass, Michael D.; Janke, Christopher James; Connatser, Raynella M.

We report that bio-oil derived via fast pyrolysis is being developed as a renewable fuel option for petroleum distillates. The compatibility of neat bio-oil with 18 plastic types was evaluated using neat diesel fuel as the baseline. The plastic materials included polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyoxymethylene (POM), POM copolymer, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polythiourea (PTU), four nylon grades, and four thermosetting resins. Specimens of each material were immersed in the test fuels for a period of 16 weeks to achieve full saturation. Except formore » PP and HDPE, the plastic materials underwent higher volume expansion in bio-oil than in the baseline diesel (which was negligible in most cases). This volume increase corresponds to the higher polarity of the bio-oil. PPS, PET, and PTFE were unaffected by bio-oil exposure, but modest swelling (between 2 and 5%) occurred for the two acetals (POM and POM copolymer), Nylon-12, PBT, PETG, and the four resin grades. More moderate swelling (8–15%) was noted for Nylon-6, Nylon-6/6, and Nylon-11, and excessive swell (>40%) occurred for PTU. The nonpolar nature of PP and HDPE matches that of diesel, leading to higher solubility (swell) in this fuel type. Finally, the relatively low volume expansion following exposure indicates that many of the existing infrastructure plastics (excluding PTU) should be suitable for use with bio-oil.« less

Analysis and prediction of ocean swell using instrumented buoys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mettlach, Theodore; Wang, David; Wittmann, Paul

1994-01-01

During the period 20-23 September 1990, the remnants of Supertyphoon Flo moved into the central North Pacific Ocean with sustained wind speeds of 28 m/s. The strong wind and large fetch area associated with this storm generated long-period swell that propagated to the west coast of North America. National Data Buoy Center moored-buoy stations, located in a network that ranged from the Gulf of Alaska to the California Bight, provided wave spectral estimates of the swell from this storm. The greatest dominant wave periods measured were approximately 20-25 s, and significant wave heights measured ranged from 3 to 8 m. Wave spectra from an array of three nondirectional buoys are used to find the source of the long-period swell. Directional wave spectra from a heave-pitch-roll buoy are also used to make an independent estimate of the source of the swell. The ridge-line method, using time-frequency contour plots of wave spectral energy density, is used to determine the time of swell generation, which is used with the appropriate surface pressure analysis to infer the swell generation area. The diagnosed sources of the swell are also compared with nowcasts from the Global Spectral Ocean Wave Model of the Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center. A simple method of predicting the propagation of ocean swell, by applying a simple kinematic model of wave propagation to the estimated point and time source, is demonstrated.

Flakeboard thickness swelling. Part II, Fundamental response of board properties to steam injection pressing

Treesearch

Robert L. Geimer; Jin Heon Kwon

1999-01-01

The results of this study showed that the same relative reductions in thickness swelling (TS) previously obtained with steam-injection-pressed (SIP) resinless mats are also obtained in boards bonded with 3% isocyanate resin. Reductions in thickness swelling were proportional to steam time and pressure. Thickness swelling of 40% measured in conventionally pressed boards...

Effect of Guci powder on toe swelling induced by egg white in rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Guoqi; Hao, Shaojun; Shen, Huiling; Ma, Zhenzhen; Zhang, Xuehui; Zhang, Zhengchen

2018-04-01

To observe the effect of Guci Powder on foot swelling induced by egg white in rats. 50 male rats were randomly divided into normal saline group (n=10), white vinegar group (n=10) and Guning lotion group (n=10). There were 10 rats in the high-dose group and 10 in the low-dose group. The rats in each group were treated with the drug on the left and right feet of the rats. 0.5 hours after the last administration, the rats in each group were inflamed. The left hindsole plantar volume was measured respectively, so that the difference of the posterior toe volume before inflammation was taken as the swelling degree, and the swelling degree of each group was calculated. Compared with physiological saline group, the rats' egg white toe swelling (P<0.01) was significantly inhibited at 0.5˜6h after administration. The swelling of egg white toe in rats was inhibited at 0.5˜2h (P<0.05). Bone spur powder has a good intervention effect on the model of toe swelling induced by egg white in rats, and the external application of bone spur powder has anti-inflammatory and swelling effect.

Deformation mechanisms in a coal mine roadway in extremely swelling soft rock.

PubMed

Li, Qinghai; Shi, Weiping; Yang, Renshu

2016-01-01

The problem of roadway support in swelling soft rock was one of the challenging problems during mining. For most geological conditions, combinations of two or more supporting approaches could meet the requirements of most roadways; however, in extremely swelling soft rock, combined approaches even could not control large deformations. The purpose of this work was to probe the roadway deformation mechanisms in extremely swelling soft rock. Based on the main return air-way in a coal mine, deformation monitoring and geomechanical analysis were conducted, as well as plastic zone mechanical model was analysed. Results indicated that this soft rock was potentially very swelling. When the ground stress acted alone, the support strength needed in situ was not too large and combined supporting approaches could meet this requirement; however, when this potential released, the roadway would undergo permanent deformation. When the loose zone reached 3 m within surrounding rock, remote stress p ∞ and supporting stress P presented a linear relationship. Namely, the greater the swelling stress, the more difficult it would be in roadway supporting. So in this extremely swelling soft rock, a better way to control roadway deformation was to control the releasing of surrounding rock's swelling potential.

Swelling kinetics and electrical charge transport in PEDOT:PSS thin films exposed to water vapor.

PubMed

Sarkar, Biporjoy; Jaiswal, Manu; Satapathy, Dillip K

2018-06-06

We report the swelling kinetics and evolution of the electrical charge transport in poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) thin films subjected to water vapor. Polymer films swell by the diffusion of water vapor and are found to undergo structural relaxations. Upon exposure to water vapor, primarily the hygroscopic PSS shell, which surrounds the conducting PEDOT-rich cores, takes up water vapor and subsequently swells. We found that the degree of swelling largely depends on the PEDOT to PSS ratio. Swelling driven microscopic rearrangement of the conducting PEDOT-rich cores in the PSS matrix strongly influences the electrical charge transport of the polymer film. Swelling induced increase as well as decrease of electrical resistance are observed in polymer films having different PEDOT to PSS ratio. This anomalous charge transport behavior in PEDOT:PSS films is reconciled by taking into account the contrasting swelling behavior of the PSS and the conducting PEDOT-rich cores leading to spatial segregation of PSS in films with PSS as a minority phase and by a net increase in mean separation between conducting PEDOT-rich cores for films having abundance of PSS.

The wind sea and swell waves climate in the Nordic seas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semedo, Alvaro; Vettor, Roberto; Breivik, Øyvind; Sterl, Andreas; Reistad, Magnar; Soares, Carlos Guedes; Lima, Daniela

2015-02-01

A detailed climatology of wind sea and swell waves in the Nordic Seas (North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea), based on the high-resolution reanalysis NORA10, developed by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, is presented. The higher resolution of the wind forcing fields, and the wave model (10 km in both cases), along with the inclusion of the bottom effect, allowed a better description of the wind sea and swell features, compared to previous global studies. The spatial patterns of the swell-dominated regional wave fields are shown to be different from the open ocean, due to coastal geometry, fetch dimensions, and island sheltering. Nevertheless, swell waves are still more prevalent and carry more energy in the Nordic Seas, with the exception of the North Sea. The influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the winter regional wind sea and swell patterns is also presented. The analysis of the decadal trends of wind sea and swell heights during the NORA10 period (1958-2001) shows that the long-term trends of the total significant wave height (SWH) in the Nordic Seas are mostly due to swell and to the wave propagation effect.

Swelling kinetics and electrical charge transport in PEDOT:PSS thin films exposed to water vapor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Biporjoy; Jaiswal, Manu; Satapathy, Dillip K.

2018-06-01

We report the swelling kinetics and evolution of the electrical charge transport in poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) thin films subjected to water vapor. Polymer films swell by the diffusion of water vapor and are found to undergo structural relaxations. Upon exposure to water vapor, primarily the hygroscopic PSS shell, which surrounds the conducting PEDOT-rich cores, takes up water vapor and subsequently swells. We found that the degree of swelling largely depends on the PEDOT to PSS ratio. Swelling driven microscopic rearrangement of the conducting PEDOT-rich cores in the PSS matrix strongly influences the electrical charge transport of the polymer film. Swelling induced increase as well as decrease of electrical resistance are observed in polymer films having different PEDOT to PSS ratio. This anomalous charge transport behavior in PEDOT:PSS films is reconciled by taking into account the contrasting swelling behavior of the PSS and the conducting PEDOT-rich cores leading to spatial segregation of PSS in films with PSS as a minority phase and by a net increase in mean separation between conducting PEDOT-rich cores for films having abundance of PSS.

Hyaluronan–Itaconic Acid–Glutaraldehyde Films for Biomedical Applications: Preliminary Studies

PubMed Central

Calles, Javier Adrián; Ressia, Jorge Aníbal; Llabot, Juan Manuel; Vallés, Enrique Marcelo; Palma, Santiago Daniel

2016-01-01

New hyaluronic acid–itaconic acid films were synthesized as potential materials with biomedical applications. In this work, we explored the homogeneous cross-linking reactions of hyaluronic acid using glutaraldehyde in the presence of itaconic acid and triacetin as plasticizers. Biomechanical properties were assessed in terms of stability by measuring swelling in aqueous environments, investigating wettability using contact angle tests, and evaluating bioadhesive performance. The ductility of the materials was evaluated through stress-strain measurements and the morphology was explored by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the incorporation of itaconic acid improved most of the desirable properties, increasing adhesiveness and reducing wettability and swelling. The use of triacetin enhanced the strength, bioadhesiveness, and ductility of the material. PMID:27110498

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-IgG-positive Recurrent Bilateral Optic Papillitis with Serous Retinal Detachment: A Case Report.

PubMed

Kon, Tomoya; Hikichi, Hiroki; Ueno, Tatsuya; Suzuki, Chieko; Nunomura, Jinichi; Kaneko, Kimihiko; Takahashi, Toshiyuki; Nakashima, Ichiro; Tomiyama, Masahiko

2018-05-18

Autoantibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG) have been detected in inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system diseases. A 30-year-old woman had blurred vision, marked optic nerve disc swelling, serous retinal detachment at the macular on optic coherence tomography, and MOG-IgG seropositivity. The patient was thought to have optic papillitis associated with MOG-IgG. Her symptoms rapidly improved after high-dose methylprednisolone therapy. We hypothesize that serous retinal detachment was secondary, arising from optic papillitis. This is the first report of the concurrence of optic papillitis with MOG-IgG and serous retinal detachment. MOG-IgG should be tested in patients with marked optic disc swelling.

How Much Do Ultrathin Polymers with Intrinsic Microporosity Swell in Liquids?

PubMed

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Ghanem, Bader; Ma, Xiaohua; Pinnau, Ingo; Wessling, Matthias

2016-10-06

As synthetic membrane materials, polymers with intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) have demonstrated unprecedented permeation and molecular-separation properties. Here, we report the swelling characteristics of submicron-thick supported films of spirobisindane-based PIMs, PIM-1 and PIM-6FDA-OH, for six organic solvents and water using in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. Surprisingly, PIMs swell significantly in most organic solvents, with swelling factors (SF = h swollen /h dry ) as high as 2.5. This leads to the loss of the ultrarigid character of the polymer and produces equilibrated liquid-like swollen films. Filling of the excess frozen-in fractional free volume with liquid was discovered next to swelling-induced polymer matrix dilation. Water hardly swells the polymer matrix, but it penetrates into the intrinsic microporous structure. This study is the first to provide fundamental swelling data for PIMs, leading to better comprehension of their permeation properties. Such an understanding is indispensable for applications such as solvent filtration, natural-gas separation, and ion retention in flow batteries.

The numerical simulation on swelling factor and extraction rate of a tight crude oil and SC-CO2 system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Hongjun; Gong, Houjian; Li, Yajun; Dong, Mingzhe

2018-03-01

A method was established to study swelling and extraction between CO2 and crude oil, and the influences of pressure, temperature and molecular weight were investigated. Firstly, laboratory analysis was conducted to determine the pseudo-component and other parameters of the crude oil. Then swelling and extraction of the crude oil and SC-CO2 system were calculated by computer simulation. The results show that the pressure and temperature have little influence on the swelling and extraction between CO2 and crude oil when the mole fraction of CO2 is lower. A higher pressure and temperature is more beneficial to the interaction of CO2 and crude oil, while the swelling and extraction will not be obvious when the system is miscible. And the smaller the molecular weight of the oil is, the larger the maximum value of the swelling factor of CO2 and crude oil changes. The study of swelling and extraction plays an important role in the oilfield stimulation.

Concurrent changes in aggregation and swelling of coal particles in solvents

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

Nishioka, M.

1995-12-31

A new method of coal swelling has been developed tinder the condition of low coal concentrations with continuous mixing of coal and solvent. The change in particle size distributions by a laser scattering procedure was used for the evaluation of coal swelling. Particle size distributions in good and poor solvents were nearly equal, but reversibly changed in good solvents from time to time. The effects of solubles and coal concentrations on the distributions were small. It was concluded that aggregate d coal particles disaggregate in good solvents, and that an increase in the particle size distribution due to swelling inmore » good solvents are compensated by a decrease in the particle size due to disaggregation. Therefore, the behavior of coal particles in solvents is controlled by aggregation in addition to coal swelling. This implies that an increase in the particle size due to coal swelling in actual processes is not so large as expected by the results obtained from the conventional coal swelling methods.« less

Pain and discomfort following immediate and delayed loading by overdentures in the single mandibular implant study (SMIS).

PubMed

Mundt, T; Passia, N; Att, W; Heydecke, G; Freitag-Wolf, S; Luthardt, R G; Kappel, S; Konstantinidis, I K; Stiesch, M; Wolfart, S; Kern, M

2017-03-01

This randomized clinical trial compares immediate and delayed loading of single implants to support mandibular overdentures. The aim of this preliminary analysis is to test the hypothesis whether patients with immediate loading will experience less pain and discomfort through the intervention than patients with delayed loading. Edentulous patients in nine German dental schools received a midline implant with a length of 11 mm. Implants with a minimum insertion torque of 30 Ncm and an implant stability quotient of ≥60 were randomly allocated to group A for immediate loading using ball attachments or to group B for delayed loading after 3 months. Patients completed questionnaires with 100-mm visual analogue scales about the items pain, pain during chewing, swelling, bleeding, and perception of the intervention at the day of surgery and 1, 2, 3, and 7 days, thereafter. Groups were compared by Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests (P ≤ 0.05). The questionnaires of 81 patients in group A and 74 patients in group B were completed. The medians for pain and discomfort were moderate (<30). Participants of group A felt significantly more pain from the first day and more swelling from the third day after implantation than participants of group B. The individual perception of interventions showed no significant differences between groups. Immediate loading evoked more postoperative pain and swelling than the two stages of delayed loading. Immediate loading of a single mandibular midline implant supporting overdentures should be carefully considered.

Vulval Elephantiasis: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Mohan, Harsh; Bisht, Bhumika; Goel, Poonam; Garg, Geeta

2012-01-01

Introduction. Elephantiasis is a chronic manifestation of filariasis; it commonly affects limbs, scrotum, and trunk. Females have lower incidence of filarial infection. Vulval elephantiasis due to filariasis is still rarer. It is difficult to make the diagnosis on histopathology alone, more so in view of the fact that the parasite is usually not identified in tissue sections. Identification of microfilariae in night samples of peripheral blood or seropositivity for filarial antigen is requisite for the correct diagnosis. Case Presentation. A young female presented with progressively increasing vulval swelling over a period of two years. The swelling was soft and measured 5 × 6 cm. Other possible differential diagnoses were excluded, and ancillary tests were performed to reach a conclusive diagnosis of vulval elephantiasis on histopathology. Conclusion. Vulval elephantiasis due to filariasis is rare. Its diagnosis on histopathology is more often by exclusion. High index of suspicion on microscopic findings and corelation with relevant diagnostic tests are required to reach the correct diagnosis. PMID:23198192

Synthesis and Swelling Behavior of pH-Sensitive Semi-IPN Superabsorbent Hydrogels Based on Poly(acrylic acid) Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals

PubMed Central

Lim, Lim Sze; Rosli, Noor Afizah; Ahmad, Ishak; Mat Lazim, Azwan; Mohd Amin, Mohd Cairul Iqbal

2017-01-01

pH-sensitive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) was prepared. Acrylic acid (AA) was subjected to chemical cross-linking using the cross-linking agent MBA (N,N-methylenebisacrylamide) with CNC entrapped in the PAA matrix. The quantity of CNC was varied between 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt %. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed an increase in crystallinity with the addition of CNC, while rheology tests demonstrated a significant increase in the storage modulus of the hydrogel with an increase in CNC content. It was found that the hydrogel reached maximum swelling at pH 7. The potential of the resulting hydrogels to act as drug carriers was then evaluated by means of the drug encapsulation efficiency test using theophylline as a model drug. It was observed that 15% CNC/PAA hydrogel showed the potential to be used as drug carrier system. PMID:29156613

Magnetic hydrogels from alkyne/cobalt carbonyl-functionalized ABA triblock copolymers

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Bingyin; Hom, Wendy L.; Chen, Xianyin; ...

2016-03-09

A series of alkyne-functionalized poly(4-(phenylethynyl)styrene)- block-poly(ethylene oxide)- block-poly(4-(phenylethynyl)styrene) (PPES-b-PEO-b-PPES) ABA triblock copolymers was synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. PES n[Co 2(CO) 6] x-EO 800-PES n[Co 2(CO) 6] x ABA triblock copolymer/cobalt adducts (10–67 wt % PEO) were subsequently prepared by reaction of the alkyne-functionalized PPES block with Co 2(CO) 8 and their phase behavior was studied by TEM. Heating triblock copolymer/cobalt carbonyl adducts at 120 °C led to cross-linking of the PPES/Co domains and the formation of magnetic cobalt nanoparticles within the PPES/Co domains. Magnetic hydrogels could be prepared by swelling the PEO domains of the cross-linkedmore » materials with water. Furthermore, swelling tests, rheological studies and actuation tests demonstrated that the water capacity and modulus of the hydrogels were dependent upon the composition of the block copolymer precursors.« less

DART model for irradiation-induced swelling of dispersion fuel elements including aluminum-fuel interaction

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

Rest, J.; Hofman, G.L.

1997-12-01

The Dispersion Analysis Research Tool (DART) contains models for fission-gas-induced fuel swelling, interaction of fuel with the matrix aluminum, for the resultant reaction-product swelling, and for the calculation of the stress gradient within the fuel particle. The effects of an aluminide shell on fuel particle swelling are evaluated. Validation of the model is demonstrated by a comparison of DART calculations of fuel swelling of U{sub 3}SiAl-Al and U{sub 3}Si{sub 2}-Al for various dispersion fuel element designs with the data.

DART model for irradiation-induced swelling of uranium silicide dispersion fuel elements

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

Rest, J.; Hofman, G.L.

1999-04-01

Models for the interaction of uranium silicide dispersion fuels with an aluminum matrix, for the resultant reaction product swelling, and for the calculation of the stress gradient within the fuel particles are described within the context of DART fission-gas-induced swelling models. The effects of an aluminide shell on fuel particle swelling are evaluated. Validation of the model is demonstrated by comparing DART calculations with irradiation data for the swelling of U{sub 3}SiAl-Al and U{sub 3}Si{sub 2}-Al in variously designed dispersion fuel elements.

Optical scatter imaging of cellular and mitochondrial swelling in brain tissue models of stroke

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Lee James

2001-08-01

The severity of brain edema resulting from a stroke can determine a patient's survival and the extent of their recovery. Cellular swelling is the microscopic source of a significant part of brain edema. Mitochondrial swelling also appears to be a determining event in the death or survival of the cells that are injured during a stroke. Therapies for reducing brain edema are not effective in many cases and current treatments of stroke do not address mitochondrial swelling at all. This dissertation is motivated by the lack of a complete understanding of cellular swelling resulting from stroke and the lack of a good method to begin to study mitochondrial swelling resulting from stroke in living brain tissue. In this dissertation, a novel method of detecting mitochondrial and cellular swelling in living hippocampal slices is developed and validated. The system is used to obtain spatial and temporal information about cellular and mitochondrial swelling resulting from various models of stroke. The effect of changes in water content on light scatter and absorption are examined in two models of brain edema. The results of this study demonstrate that optical techniques can be used to detect changes in water content. Mie scatter theory, the theoretical basis of the dual- angle scatter ratio imaging system, is presented. Computer simulations based on Mie scatter theory are used to determine the optimal angles for imaging. A detailed account of the early systems is presented to explain the motivations for the system design, especially polarization, wavelength and light path. Mitochondrial sized latex particles are used to determine the system response to changes in scattering particle size and concentration. The dual-angle scatter ratio imaging system is used to distinguish between osmotic and excitotoxic models of stroke injury. Such distinction cannot be achieved using the current techniques to study cellular swelling in hippocampal slices. The change in the scatter ratio is then shown to correlate to mitochondrial swelling, as observed with electron microscopy. The system is finally used to study mitochondrial and cellular swelling. Evidence of the susceptibility of certain hippocampal regions, CA1 and the dentate gyrus, to exhibit mitochondrial swelling as the result of oxygen and glucose deprivation is presented. In addition, for the first time, the time course of mitochondrial swelling is seen. Finally, experiments with scatter imaging and measurement of nitric oxide with carbon fiber electrodes demonstrate a clear link between nitric oxide and cellular swelling. A potential mechanism of the action of nitric oxide is evaluated. Nitric oxide appears to act to cause cellular swelling without the release of glutamate. The use of targeted nitric oxide inhibitors may be useful for the reduction of edema.

Mixed messages: wild female bonobos show high variability in the timing of ovulation in relation to sexual swelling patterns.

PubMed

Douglas, Pamela Heidi; Hohmann, Gottfried; Murtagh, Róisín; Thiessen-Bock, Robyn; Deschner, Tobias

2016-06-30

The evolution of primate sexual swellings and their influence on mating strategies have captivated the interest of biologists for over a century. Across the primate order, variability in the timing of ovulation with respect to females' sexual swelling patterns differs greatly. Since sexual swellings typically function as signals of female fecundity, the temporal relation between ovulation and sexual swellings can impact the ability of males to pinpoint ovulation and thereby affect male mating strategies. Here, we used endocrine parameters to detect ovulation and examined the temporal relation between the maximum swelling phase (MSP) and ovulation in wild female bonobos (Pan paniscus). Data were collected at the Luikotale field site, Democratic Republic of Congo, spanning 36 months. Observational data from 13 females were used to characterise female swelling cycles (N = 70). Furthermore, we measured urinary oestrone and pregnanediol using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and used pregnanediol to determine the timing of ovulation in 34 cycles (N = 9 females). We found that the duration of females' MSP was highly variable, ranging from 1 to 31 days. Timing of ovulation varied considerably in relation to the onset of the MSP, resulting in a very low day-specific probability of ovulation and fecundity across female cycles. Ovulation occurred during the MSP in only 52.9 % of the analysed swelling cycles, and females showed regular sexual swelling patterns in N = 8 swelling cycles where ovulation did not occur. These findings reveal that sexual swellings of bonobos are less reliable indicators of ovulation compared to other species of primates. Female bonobos show unusual variability in the duration of the MSP and in the timing of ovulation relative to the sexual swelling signal. These data are important for understanding the evolution of sexual signals, how they influence male and female mating strategies, and how decoupling visual signals of fecundity from the periovulatory period may affect intersexual conflict. By prolonging the period during which males would need to mate guard females to ascertain paternity, the temporal variability of this signal may constrain mate-guarding efforts by male bonobos.

RERTR-6 Irradiation Summary Report

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

D. M. Perez; M. A. Lillo; G. S. Chang

2011-12-01

The Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) experiment RERTR-6 was designed to evaluate several modified fuel designs that were proposed to address the possibility of breakaway swelling due to porosity within the (U. Mo) Al interaction product observed in the full-size plate tests performed in Russia and France1. The following report summarizes the life of the RERTR-6 experiment through end of irradiation, including as-run neutronic analyses, thermal analyses and hydraulic testing results.

Association and Host Selectivity in Multi-Host Pathogens

PubMed Central

Malpica, José M.; Sacristán, Soledad; Fraile, Aurora; García-Arenal, Fernando

2006-01-01

The distribution of multi-host pathogens over their host range conditions their population dynamics and structure. Also, host co-infection by different pathogens may have important consequences for the evolution of hosts and pathogens, and host-pathogen co-evolution. Hence it is of interest to know if the distribution of pathogens over their host range is random, or if there are associations between hosts and pathogens, or between pathogens sharing a host. To analyse these issues we propose indices for the observed patterns of host infection by pathogens, and for the observed patterns of co-infection, and tests to analyse if these patterns conform to randomness or reflect associations. Applying these tests to the prevalence of five plant viruses on 21 wild plant species evidenced host-virus associations: most hosts and viruses were selective for viruses and hosts, respectively. Interestingly, the more host-selective viruses were the more prevalent ones, suggesting that host specialisation is a successful strategy for multi-host pathogens. Analyses also showed that viruses tended to associate positively in co-infected hosts. The developed indices and tests provide the tools to analyse how strong and common are these associations among different groups of pathogens, which will help to understand and model the population biology of multi-host pathogens. PMID:17183670

Bowers Swell: Evidence for a zone of compressive deformation concentric with Bowers Ridge, Bering Sea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marlow, M. S.; Cooper, A. K.; Dadisman, S.V.; Geist, E.L.; Carlson, P.R.

1990-01-01

Bowers Swell is a newly discovered bathymetric feature which is up to 90 m high, between 12 and 20 km wide, and which extends arcuately about 400 km along the northern and eastern sides of Bowers Ridge. The swell was first revealed on GLORIA sonographs and subsequently mapped on seismic reflection and 3.5 kHz bathymetric profiles. These geophysical data show that the swell caps an arcuate anticlinal ridge, which is composed of deformed strata in an ancient trench on the northern and eastern sides of Bowers Ridge. The trench fill beneath the swell is actively deforming, as shown by faulting of the sea floor and by thinning of the strata across the crest of the swell. Thinning and faulting of the trench strata preclude an origin for the swell by simple sediment draping over an older basement high. We considered several models for the origin of Bowers Swell, including folding and uplift of the underlying trench sediment during the interaction between the Pacific plate beneath the Aleutian Ridge and a remnant oceanic slab beneath Bowers Ridge. However, such plate motions should generate extensive seismicity beneath Bowers Ridge, which is aseismic, and refraction data do not show any remnant slab beneath Bowers Ridge. Another origin considered for Bowers Swell invokes sediment deformation resulting from differential loading and diapirism in the trench fill. However, diapirism is not evident on seismic reflection profiles across the swell. We favour a model in which sediment deformation and swell formation resulted from a few tens of kilometers of low seismicity motion by intraplate crustal blocks beneath the Aleutian Basin. This motion may result from the translation of blocks in western Alaska to the south-west, forcing the movement of the Bering Sea margin west of Alaska into the abyssal Aleutian Basin. ?? 1990.

Hypotonic swelling promotes nitric oxide release in cardiac ventricular myocytes: impact on swelling-induced negative inotropic effect

PubMed Central

Gonano, Luis Alberto; Morell, Malena; Burgos, Juan Ignacio; Dulce, Raul Ariel; De Giusti, Verónica Celeste; Aiello, Ernesto Alejandro; Hare, Joshua Michael; Vila Petroff, Martin

2014-01-01

Aims Cardiomyocyte swelling occurs in multiple pathological situations and has been associated with contractile dysfunction, cell death, and enhanced propensity to arrhythmias. We investigate whether hypotonic swelling promotes nitric oxide (NO) release in cardiomyocytes, and whether it impacts on swelling-induced contractile dysfunction. Methods and results Superfusing rat cardiomyocytes with a hypotonic solution (HS; 217 mOsm), increased cell volume, reduced myocyte contraction and Ca2+ transient, and increased NO-sensitive 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM) fluorescence. When cells were exposed to HS + 2.5 mM of the NO synthase inhibitor l-NAME, cell swelling occurred in the absence of NO release. Swelling-induced NO release was also prevented by the nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) inhibitor, nitroguanidine, and significantly reduced in NOS1 knockout mice. Additionally, colchicine (inhibitor of microtubule polymerization) prevented the increase in DAF-FM fluorescence induced by HS, indicating that microtubule integrity is necessary for swelling-induced NO release. The swelling-induced negative inotropic effect was exacerbated in the presence of either l-NAME, nitroguandine, the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ, or the PKG inhibitor, KT5823, suggesting that NOS1-derived NO provides contractile support via a cGMP/PKG-dependent mechanism. Indeed, ODQ reduced Ca2+ wave velocity and both ODQ and KT5823 reduced the HS-induced increment in ryanodine receptor (RyR2, Ser2808) phosphorylation, suggesting that in this context, cGMP/PKG may contribute to preserve contractile function by enhancing sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. Conclusions Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for NO release in cardiomyocytes with putative pathophysiological relevance determined, at least in part, by its capability to reduce the extent of contractile dysfunction associated with hypotonic swelling. PMID:25344365

Impact of grain size evolution on necking and pinch-and-swell formation in calcite layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmalholz, Stefan Markus; Duretz, Thibault

2017-04-01

The formation of necking zones and the associated formation of pinch-and-swell structure is one form of strain localization in extending, competent layers. Natural pinch-and-swell structure in centimetre-thick calcite layers typically shows a reduction of grain size from swell towards pinch. However, the impact of grain size evolution on necking and pinch-and-swell formation is incompletely understood. We perform zero-dimensional (0D) and 2D thermo-mechanical numerical simulations to quantify the impact of grain size evolution on necking for extension rates between 10-12s^-1and10^-14 s-1 and temperatures around 350°C. For a combination of diffusion and dislocation creep we calculate grain size evolution according to the paleowattmeter (grain size is proportional to mechanical work rate) or the paleopiezometer (grain size is proportional to stress). Numerical results fit two observations: (i) grain size reduction from swells towards pinches, and (ii) dislocation creep dominated deformation in swells and significant contribution of diffusion creep in pinches. Modelled grain size in pinches (10 to 60 μm) and swells (70 to 800 μm) is close to observed grain size in pinches (15 to 27 μm) and in swells (250 to 1500 μm). Grain size evolution has only a minor impact on necking suggesting that grain size evolution is a consequence, and not the cause of necking. Viscous shear heating and grain size evolution had a negligible thermal impact in the simulations.

77 FR 60883 - Special Conditions: Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC225LP Helicopter, Installation of a Search...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-05

...; Sec. 29.923(a)(2), Rotor drive system and control mechanism tests. In addition to the applicable... State: Wave height of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), considering both short and long swells. (ii) Wind: 25 knots...

Acute scrotum caused by Henoch-Schönlein purpura, with immediate response to short-term steroid therapy.

PubMed

Ben-Chaim, J; Korat, E; Shenfeld, O; Shelhav, A; Jonas, P; Goldwasser, B

1995-10-01

The authors report a case of acute scrotum caused by Henoch-Schönlein purpura. It involved bilateral swelling of the epididymis and testes, which was documented by scrotal ultrasonography and which responded immediately to systemic steroid treatment.

Fractional cable equation for general geometry: A model of axons with swellings and anomalous diffusion.

PubMed

López-Sánchez, Erick J; Romero, Juan M; Yépez-Martínez, Huitzilin

2017-09-01

Different experimental studies have reported anomalous diffusion in brain tissues and notably this anomalous diffusion is expressed through fractional derivatives. Axons are important to understand neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Indeed, abnormal accumulation of proteins and organelles in axons is a hallmark of these diseases. The diffusion in the axons can become anomalous as a result of this abnormality. In this case the voltage propagation in axons is affected. Another hallmark of different neurodegenerative diseases is given by discrete swellings along the axon. In order to model the voltage propagation in axons with anomalous diffusion and swellings, in this paper we propose a fractional cable equation for a general geometry. This generalized equation depends on fractional parameters and geometric quantities such as the curvature and torsion of the cable. For a cable with a constant radius we show that the voltage decreases when the fractional effect increases. In cables with swellings we find that when the fractional effect or the swelling radius increases, the voltage decreases. Similar behavior is obtained when the number of swellings and the fractional effect increase. Moreover, we find that when the radius swelling (or the number of swellings) and the fractional effect increase at the same time, the voltage dramatically decreases.

Nanosize effect of clay mineral nanoparticles on the drug diffusion processes in polyurethane nanocomposite hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miotke, M.; Strankowska, J.; Kwela, J.; Strankowski, M.; Piszczyk, Ł.; Józefowicz, M.; Gazda, M.

2017-09-01

Studies of swelling and release of naproxen sodium (NAP) solution by polyurethane nanocomposite hydrogels containing Cloisite® 30B (organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT)) have been performed. Polyurethane nanocomposite hydrogels are hybrid, nontoxic biomaterials with unique swelling and release properties in comparison with unmodified hydrogels. These features enable to use nanocomposite hydrogels as a modern wound dressing. The presence of nanoparticles significantly improves the swelling. On the other hand, their presence hinders drug diffusion from polymer matrix and consequently causes delay of the drug release. The kinetics of swelling and release were carefully analyzed using the Korsmeyer-Peppas and the modified Hopfenberg models. The models were fitted to precise experimental data allowing accurate quantitative and qualitative analysis. We observed that 0.5% admixture of nanoparticles (Cloisite® 30B) is the best concentration for hydrogel swelling properties. The release process was studied using fluorescence excitation spectra of NAP. Furthermore, we studied swelling hysteresis; polymer chains have not been destroyed after the swelling and part of swelled solution with active substances which remained absorbed in the polymer matrix after the drying process. We have found that the amount of solution with NAP remained in the nanocomposite matrix is greater than in pure hydrogel, as a consequence of NAP-OMMT interactions (nanosize effect).

Osmotic swelling of polyacrylate hydrogels in physiological salt solutions.

PubMed

Horkay, F; Tasaki, I; Basser, P J

2000-01-01

The swelling behavior of fully neutralized sodium polyacrylate gels was investigated in aqueous solutions of alkali metal (LiCl, NaCl, KCl, CsCl) and alkaline earth metal salts (CaCl2, SrCl2, BaCl2). The total salt concentration and the ratio of monovalent to divalent cations were varied in the biologically significant range. It is found that the concentrations of both monovalent and divalent cations vary continuously and smoothly in the gel despite the abrupt change in the gel volume. The individual elastic, mixing, and ionic contributions to the free energy of the gel were separately determined as a function of the degree of network swelling to elucidate the thermodynamics of swelling. Shear modulus measurements performed at different Ca2+ concentrations suggest that Ca2+ does not form stable cross-links between the polymer chains. At low and moderate swelling ratios the concentration dependence of the shear modulus follows a power law behavior, G variation of phi n, with n = 0.34 +/- 0.03. At high swelling degrees, however, the shear modulus increases with increasing swelling. The value of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, chi, determined from osmotic swelling pressure and shear modulus measurements, strongly depends on the ionic composition of the equilibrium solution and increases with increasing Ca2+ concentration.

Fractional cable equation for general geometry: A model of axons with swellings and anomalous diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Sánchez, Erick J.; Romero, Juan M.; Yépez-Martínez, Huitzilin

2017-09-01

Different experimental studies have reported anomalous diffusion in brain tissues and notably this anomalous diffusion is expressed through fractional derivatives. Axons are important to understand neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Indeed, abnormal accumulation of proteins and organelles in axons is a hallmark of these diseases. The diffusion in the axons can become anomalous as a result of this abnormality. In this case the voltage propagation in axons is affected. Another hallmark of different neurodegenerative diseases is given by discrete swellings along the axon. In order to model the voltage propagation in axons with anomalous diffusion and swellings, in this paper we propose a fractional cable equation for a general geometry. This generalized equation depends on fractional parameters and geometric quantities such as the curvature and torsion of the cable. For a cable with a constant radius we show that the voltage decreases when the fractional effect increases. In cables with swellings we find that when the fractional effect or the swelling radius increases, the voltage decreases. Similar behavior is obtained when the number of swellings and the fractional effect increase. Moreover, we find that when the radius swelling (or the number of swellings) and the fractional effect increase at the same time, the voltage dramatically decreases.

Rheological behavior of rat mesangial cells during swelling in vitro.

PubMed

Craelius, W; Huang, C J; Guber, H; Palant, C E

1997-01-01

The response of cells to mechanical forces depends on the rheological properties of their membranes and cytoplasm. To characterize those properties, mechanical and electrical responses to swelling were measured in rat mesangial cells (MC) using electrophysiologic and video microscopic techniques. Ion transport rates during hyposmotic exposures were measured with whole-cell recording electrodes. Results showed that cell swelling varied nonlinearly with positive internal pressure, consistent with a viscoelastic cytoplasm. The extrapolated area expansivity modulus for small deformations was estimated to be 450 dyne/cm. Cell swelling, caused either by positive pipet pressure or hyposmotic exposure (40-60 mOsm Kg-1), rapidly induced an outwardly rectifying membrane conductance with an outward magnitude 4-5 times the baseline conductance of 0.9 +/- 0.5 nS (p < .01). Swelling-induced (SI) current was weakly selective for K+ over Na+, partially reversed upon return to isotonicity, and was antagonized by 0.5 mM GdCl3 (p < 0.02; n = 6). Isolated cells treated with GdCl3 rapidly lysed after hypotonic exposure, in contrast to untreated cells that exhibited regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Our results indicate that volume regulation by MC depends upon a large swelling-induced K+ efflux, and suggest that swelling in MC is a viscoelastic process, with a viscosity dependent on the degree of swelling.

Lithology, mineralogy and geochemical characterizations of sediment-hosted Sr-F deposits in the eastern Neo-Tethyan region - With special reference to evaporation and halokinesis in Tunisia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dill, H. G.; Nolte, N.; Hansen, B. T.

2014-04-01

The Neo-Tethyan basin is known for its sediment-hosted Sr deposits in Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Gulf Region. Sediment-hosted Sr-F deposits with base metals formed in the rim sinks and on top of salt domes resulting from halokinesis of Triassic evaporites near the southern edge of the Mediterranean Sea in Tunisia. These evaporites delivered part of the elements, created a basin-and-swell topography and provided the local and regional unconformities to which many of the mineral deposits are related. Five mineralizing processes, each with characteristic sedimentary ore textures, are related to this subsurface salt movement: (1 + 2) Early- and late-stage replacement ("zebra rocks"), (3) hydraulic fracturing ("fitting breccia" sensuDill and Weber, 2010b), (4) remobilization ("spinifex structures"), and (5) open-space filling ("caves and vein-like deposits"). Basinal brines from Mesozoic aquifers delivered Pb, Zn, Cd, REE, Y, Hg, and Se, while Sr, Cs, Be, Li, Cu and Co have been derived from Cenozoic salinas of the Neo-Tethyan basin. Mixing of Mesozoic and Cenozoic brines between 28 and 19 Ma provoked the emplacement of Sr-F mineralization at temperatures below 200 °C under strong alkaline conditions. Epigenetic polyphase Sr-F deposits bearing base-metals which are closely related to salt domes (Tunisian-Type) may be traced into epigenetic monophase Sr deposits within bioherms (Cyprus-Type) devoid of Pb, Zn and F. Moving eastward, syndiagenetic monophase Sr deposits in biostromes (Gulf-Type) herald the beginning of Sr concentration in Miocene sabkhas of the Neo-Tethys. The current results are based upon field-related sediment petrography and on mineralogical studies, which were supplemented by chemical studies. The present studies bridge the gap between epigenetic carbonate-hosted MVT and syndiagenetic evaporite deposits, both of which developed during the same time span (Neogene) and were hosted by the same environment (near-shore marine marginal facies of the Neo-Tethys basin).

A study on the swelling behavior of poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels obtained by electron beam crosslinking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikh, N.; Jalili, L.; Anvari, F.

2010-06-01

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogels were prepared by using electron beam (EB) crosslinking of PAA homopolymer from its aqueous solutions. The swelling behavior of the hydrogels was studied as a function of the concentration of PAA solution, radiation dose, pH of the swelling medium and swelling time. Also the environmental pH effect on the water diffusion mode into hydrogels was investigated. These hydrogels clearly showed pH-sensitive swelling behavior with Fickian type of diffusion in the stomach-like pH medium (pH 1.3) and non-Fickian type in the intestine-like pH medium (pH 6.8).

Engineering rhizosphere hydraulics: pathways to improve plant adaptation to drought

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Mutez; Zarebanadkouki, Mohsen; Ahmadi, Katayoun; Kroener, Eva; Kostka, Stanley; Carminati, Andrea

2017-04-01

Developing new technologies to optimize the use of water in irrigated croplands is of increasing importance. Recent studies have drawn attention to the role of mucilage in shaping rhizosphere hydraulic properties and regulating root water uptake. During drying mucilage keeps the rhizosphere wet and conductive, but upon drying it turns hydrophobic limiting root water uptake. Here we introduced the concept of rhizoligands, defined as additives that 1) rewet the rhizosphere and 2) reduce mucilage swelling hereby reducing the rhizosphere conductivity. We then tested its effect on rhizosphere water dynamics and transpiration. The following experiments were carried out to test if selected surfactants behave as a rhizoligand. We used neutron radiography to monitor water redistribution in the rhizosphere of lupine and maize irrigated with water and rhizoligand solution. In a parallel experiment, we tested the effect of rhizoligand on the transpiration rate of lupine and maize subjected to repeated drying and wetting cycles. We also measured the effect of rhizoligand on the maximum swelling of mucilage and the saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil mixed with various mucilage concentrations. The results were then simulated using a root water uptake model. Rhizoligand treatment quickly and uniformly rewetted the rhizosphere of maize and lupine. Interestingly, rhizoligand also reduced transpiration during drying/wetting cycles. Evaporation from the bare soil was of minor importance. Our hypothesis is that the reduction in transpiration was triggered by the interaction between rhizoligand and mucilage exuded by roots. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that rhizoligand reduced the maximum swelling of mucilage, increased its viscosity, and decreased the hydraulic conductivity of soil-mucilage mixtures. The reduced conductivity of the rhizosphere induced a moderate stress to the plants reducing transpiration. Simulation with a reduced hydraulic conductivity of the rhizosphere reproduced well the experimental observations. Rhizoligands increase the rhizosphere wetting kinetics and decrease the maximum swelling of mucilage. As a consequence, root rehydration upon irrigation is faster, a larger volume of water is available to the plant and this water is used more slowly. This slower water consumption would allow the plant to stay turgid over a prolonged dying period. We propose that by managing the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere, we can improve plants adaptation to drought.

Effect of thawing methods on frozen semen quality of yak (Poephagus grunniens L.) bulls

PubMed Central

Borah, Binod Kumar Dutta; Deka, Bharat Chandra; Biswas, Ranjan Kumar; Chakravarty, Prithiviraj; Deori, Sourabh; Sinha, Sudip; Ahmed, Kutubuddin

2015-01-01

Aim: To evaluate different thawing temperatures and duration on the post-thaw semen quality of Indian yaks bulls. Materials and Methods: Semen ejaculates from four different yak bulls were collected using artificial vagina method and extended with tris extender containing 6.4% glycerol at 35°C, cooled gradually from 35°C to 5°C at 1°C/3 min and equilibrated at 4-5°C for 4 h and frozen in French mini straws using a programmable bio-freezer and finally stored in liquid nitrogen. Thawing of frozen semen straws was carried out using three methods i.e., 35°C for 60 s (thawing method I), 37°C for 30 s (thawing method II) and 75°C for 9 s (thawing method III). The post-thaw semen quality parameters assessed were sperm motility, percent live sperm, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST)-reacted sperm, acrosomal changes, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in the extracellular media. Results: The percent sperm motility, total incidence of acrosomal changes, and extracellular release of AST varied significantly (p<0.01) between thawing methods but live sperm and HOST-reacted sperm did not vary significantly between thawing methods. The percent sperm motility of frozen yak semen for thawing method III was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that for thawing methods I and II, the difference between thawing methods I and II being non-significant. The critical difference test revealed that the total incidence of acrosomal changes and extracellular release of AST were significantly (p<0.05) lower when thawing was done using methods I and II than in method III. Conclusion: On the basis of the present experiment, we can conclude that barring the post-thaw sperm motility, thawing of frozen yak semen in water either at 35°C for 60 s or 37°C for 30 s gives better post-thaw semen quality than at 75°C for 09 s. PMID:27047161

Hygroscopic Swelling Determination of Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC) Films by Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Correlation.

PubMed

Shrestha, Shikha; Diaz, Jairo A; Ghanbari, Siavash; Youngblood, Jeffrey P

2017-05-08

The coefficient of hygroscopic swelling (CHS) of self-organized and shear-oriented cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films was determined by capturing hygroscopic strains produced as result of isothermal water vapor intake in equilibrium. Contrast enhanced microscopy digital image correlation enabled the characterization of dimensional changes induced by the hygroscopic swelling of the films. The distinct microstructure and birefringence of CNC films served in exploring the in-plane hygroscopic swelling at relative humidity values ranging from 0% to 97%. Water vapor intake in CNC films was measured using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) at constant temperature. The obtained experimental moisture sorption and kinetic profiles were analyzed by fitting with Guggenheim, Anderson, and deBoer (GAB) and Parallel Exponential Kinetics (PEK) models, respectively. Self-organized CNC films showed isotropic swelling, CHS ∼0.040 %strain/%C. By contrast, shear-oriented CNC films exhibited an anisotropic swelling, resulting in CHS ∼0.02 and ∼0.30 %strain/%C, parallel and perpendicular to CNC alignment, respectively. Finite element analysis (FEA) further predicted moisture diffusion as the predominant mechanism for swelling of CNC films.

Swelling-induced chloride current in glioblastoma proliferation, migration, and invasion.

PubMed

Wong, Raymond; Chen, Wenliang; Zhong, Xiao; Rutka, James T; Feng, Zhong-Ping; Sun, Hong-Shuo

2018-01-01

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains as the most common and aggressive brain tumor. The survival of GBM has been linked to the aberrant activation of swelling-induced chloride current I Cl,swell . In this study, we investigated the effects of I Cl,swell on cell viability, proliferation, and migration in the human GBM cell lines, U251 and U87, using a combination of patch clamp electrophysiology, MTT, colony formation, wound healing assays and Western immunoblotting. First, we showed that the specific inhibitor of I Cl,swell , DCPIB, potently reduced the I Cl,swell in U87 cells. Next, in both U87 and U251 cells, we found that DCPIB reduced GBM viability, proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. In addition, our Western immunoblot assay showed that DCPIB-treated U251 cells had a reduction in JAK2, STAT3, and Akt phosphorylation, thus, suggesting that DCPIB potentially suppresses GBM functions through inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Therefore, the I Cl,swell may be a potential drug target for GBM. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kinetics of electrically and chemically induced swelling in polyelectrolyte gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimshaw, P. E.; Nussbaum, J. H.; Grodzinsky, A. J.; Yarmush, M. L.

1990-09-01

Controlled swelling and shrinking of polyelectrolyte gels is useful for regulating the transport of solutes into, out of, and through these materials. A macroscopic continuum model is presented to predict the kinetics of swelling in polyelectrolyte gel membranes induced by augmentation of electrostatic swelling forces arising from membrane fixed charge groups. The model accounts for ionic transport within the membrane, electrodiffusion phenomena, dissociation of membrane charge groups, intramembrane fluid flow, and mechanical deformation of the membrane matrix. Model predictions are compared with measurements of chemically and electrically induced swelling and shrinking in crosslinked polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) membranes. Large, reversible changes in PMAA membrane hydration were observed after changing the bath pH or by applying an electric field to modify the intramembrane ionic environment and fixed charge density. A relatively slow swelling process and more rapid shrinking for both chemical and electrical modulation of the intramembrane pH are observed. The model indicates that retardation of membrane swelling is dominated by diffusion-limited reaction of H+ ions with membrane charge groups, and that the more rapid shrinking is limited primarily by mechanical processes.

Agar-based bridges as biocompatible candidates to provide guide cues in spinal cord injury repair.

PubMed

Martín-López, Eduardo; Darder, Margarita; Ruiz-Hitzky, Eduardo; Nieto Sampedro, Manuel

2013-01-01

Spinal bridge implants are strategic to provide growth surfaces for axonal regeneration after spinal cord injuries. The design of an appropriate substrate, one that is suitable for implantation, must involve careful testing of the biomaterial properties both in vitro and in vivo. The goal of this work was to test the structure, stability and biological response after spinal bridges implantation of several biopolymers, composed of mixtures of agar (AG), as structural matrix scaffold, with κ-carrageenan (Kc), gelatin (G), xanthan gum (Xn) and polysulfone (PS). Biopolymer structures were studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy, whereas the stability of gels was analyzed by in vitro degradation and swelling tests. The biocompatibility of these materials and their ability to promote cell growth and axonal regeneration were studied by implantation of spinal bridges containing empty linear channels in an acute rat spinal cord transection model at thoracic level (T8). All gel mixtures gave rise to porous structures and they were stables to degradation, excepting the AG+G mixture. Spinal bridges constructed from all mixtures were implanted during a month in adult rats. After this time a low host reaction occurred to all bridge materials as well as neurite and cell ingrowths through the empty channels. Neurites within the bridges were mostly peripheral sensory fibers such as those positive for CGRP, whereas there was a lack of regeneration of central axons crossing from the spinal tissue to bridges. Many of these neurites established closed contacts with non-myelin Schwann cells. The histological analysis revealed a high accumulation of collagen fibers within the channels. Unexpected was the apparent loss of channels linearity which affected the growth of neurites and cells, indicating the need for additional regeneration strategies and vertebrae bridge fixing.

Characterisation of Physicochemical Properties of Propionylated Corn Starch and Its Application as Stabiliser

PubMed Central

Hong, Lee-Fen; Cheng, Lai-Hoong; Lee, Chong Yew

2015-01-01

Summary A series of propionylated starches with different degrees of substitution (DS) was synthesised and their physicochemical properties and application as a stabiliser were investigated. Starch propionates with moderate DS were prepared by esterification of native corn starch with propionic anhydride. By varying the reaction times of the esterification process, twelve starch propionates with DS of 0.47 to 0.94 were prepared. FTIR and NMR confirmed the introduction of propionyl groups to the starch. X-ray diffraction pattern showed reduced crystallinity in the starch propionates. The contact angle was found to increase proportionately with the increase in DS. Swelling power results showed that starch propionates were able to swell more than native corn starch at low temperature (40 °C). Oil-in- -water (O/W) emulsions prepared using starch propionates (DS of 0.64 to 0.86) showed exceptional stability when challenged by centrifugation stress test. These stable O/W emulsions had viscosities in the range of 1236.7–3330.0 mPa·s. In conclusion, moderately substituted short-chain (propionylated) starches could be a promising cold swelling starch, thickener and O/W emulsion stabiliser in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. PMID:27904359

Flare-ups incidence and severity after using calcium hydroxide as intracanal dressing.

PubMed

Ghoddusi, Jamileh; Javidi, Maryam; Zarrabi, Mohammad Hasan; Bagheri, Hossein

2006-01-01

Acute pain and swelling following endodontic treatment are a challenge for both the patient and the dentist. According to previous studies, the incidence of flare-ups increases after endodontic treatment of teeth with necrotic pulps. Calcium hydroxide is currently used as a multi-purpose drug in root canal therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of flare-ups after treatment of pulpless teeth using calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing. Sixty patients with single-root necrotic teeth participated in this study. These patients were randomly divided into three groups of 20. The patients were treated in Group A in a single-visit approach, in group B with a two-visit approach without any intracanal dressing and group C with a two-visit approach using calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing for one week. All of the patients were followed for 72 hours after each treatment session. The information about the incidence and severity of pain and swelling was recorded in tables, using a modified Visual Analogue Scale for pain severity measurement and a scale with four degrees for measuring the severity of swelling. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and GENMODE procedure.

Detection of CFTR function and modulation in primary human nasal cell spheroids.

PubMed

Brewington, John J; Filbrandt, Erin T; LaRosa, F J; Ostmann, Alicia J; Strecker, Lauren M; Szczesniak, Rhonda D; Clancy, John P

2018-01-01

Expansion of CFTR modulators to patients with rare/undescribed mutations will be facilitated by patient-derived models quantifying CFTR function and restoration. We aimed to generate a personalized model system of CFTR function and modulation using non-surgically obtained nasal epithelial cells (NECs). NECs obtained by curettage from healthy volunteers and CF patients were expanded and grown in 3-dimensional culture as spheroids, characterized, and stimulated with cAMP-inducing agents to activate CFTR. Spheroid swelling was quantified as a proxy for CFTR function. NEC spheroids recapitulated characteristics of pseudostratified respiratory epithelia. When stimulated with forskolin/IBMX, spheroids swelled in the presence of functional CFTR, and shrank in its absence. Spheroid swelling quantified mutant CFTR restoration in F508del homozygous cells using clinically available CFTR modulators. NEC spheroids hold promise for understanding rare CFTR mutations and personalized modulator testing to drive evaluation for CF patients with common, rare or undescribed mutations. Portions of this data have previously been presented in abstract form at the 2016 meetings of the American Thoracic Society and the 2016 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference. Copyright © 2017 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chitin's Functionality as a Novel Disintegrant: Benchmarking Against Commonly Used Disintegrants in Different Physicochemical Environments.

PubMed

Chaheen, Mohammad; Soulairol, Ian; Bataille, Bernard; Yassine, Ahmad; Belamie, Emmanuel; Sharkawi, Tahmer

2017-07-01

Disintegrants are used as excipients to ensure rapid disintegration of pharmaceutical tablets and further ensure proper dissolution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. This study investigates disintegration mechanisms of chitin and common disintegrants. Swelling assessment (swelling force and swelling ratio) in different media, and compaction behavior (pure or mixed with other excipients) tabletability, deformation (Heckel modeling), and compact disintegration times were investigated on the tested disintegrants (alginic acid calcium salt, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, and chitin). Results show that the physicochemical properties of the disintegration medium such as pH and ionic strength, as well as other formulation ingredients, affect the disintegrant functionalities. Heckel analysis using the mean yield pressure "Py" shows that alginic acid calcium salt is the most brittle among the studied disintegrants, while crospovidone has the most plastic deformation mechanism, followed by chitin. Chitin showed good tabletability and disintegration properties that were not influenced by the physicochemical formulation environment. Chitin is largely available and easily modifiable and thus a promising material that could be used as a multifunctional excipient in tablet formulation. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interdiffusion in U 3Si-Al, U 3Si 2-Al, and USi-Al dispersion fuels during irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yeon Soo; Hofman, Gerard L.

2011-03-01

Uranium-silicide compound fuel dispersion in an Al matrix is used in research and test reactors worldwide. Interaction layer (IL) growth between fuel particles and the matrix is one of performance issues. The interaction layer growth data for U 3Si, U 3Si 2 and USi dispersions in Al were obtained from both out-of-pile and in-pile tests. The IL is dominantly U(AlSi) 3 from out-of-pile tests, but its (Al + Si)/U ratio from in-pile tests is higher than the out-of-pile data, because of amorphous behavior of the ILs. IL growth correlations were developed for U 3Si-Al and U 3Si 2-Al. The IL growth rates were dependent on the U/Si ratio of the fuel compounds. During irradiation, however, the IL growth rates did not decrease with the decreasing U/Si ratio by fission. It is reasoned that transition metal fission products in the IL compensate the loss of U atoms by providing chemical potential for Al diffusion and volume expansion by solid swelling and gas bubble swelling. The addition of Mo in U 3Si 2 reduces the IL growth rate, which is similar to that of UMo alloy dispersion in a silicon-added Al matrix.

Side Effects: Edema (Swelling)

Cancer.gov

Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in your body’s tissues. The swelling may be caused by chemotherapy, cancer, and conditions not related to cancer. Learn about signs of edema, including swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs.

Effect of grain morphology on gas bubble swelling in UMo fuels – A 3D microstructure dependent Booth model

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

Hu, Shenyang; Burkes, Douglas; Lavender, Curt A.

2016-11-01

A three dimensional microstructure dependent swelling model is developed for studying the fission gas swelling kinetics in irradiated nuclear fuels. The model is extended from the Booth model [1] in order to investigate the effect of heterogeneous microstructures on gas bubble swelling kinetics. As an application of the model, the effect of grain morphology, fission gas diffusivity, and spatial dependent fission rate on swelling kinetics are simulated in UMo fuels. It is found that the decrease of grain size, the increase of grain aspect ratio for the grain having the same volume, and the increase of fission gas diffusivity (fissionmore » rate) cause the increase of swelling kinetics. Other heterogeneities such as second phases and spatial dependent thermodynamic properties including diffusivity of fission gas, sink and source strength of defects could be naturally integrated into the model to enhance the model capability.« less

Comparison of osmotic swelling influences on meniscal fibrocartilage and articular cartilage tissue mechanics in compression and shear.

PubMed

Nguyen, An M; Levenston, Marc E

2012-01-01

Although the contribution of the circumferential collagen bundles to the anisotropic tensile stiffness of meniscal tissue has been well described, the implications of interactions between tissue components for other mechanical properties have not been as widely examined. This study compared the effects of the proteoglycan-associated osmotic swelling stress on meniscal fibrocartilage and articular cartilage (AC) mechanics by manipulating the osmotic environment and tissue compressive offset. Cylindrical samples were obtained from the menisci and AC of bovine stifles, equilibrated in phosphate-buffered saline solutions ranging from 0.1× to 10×, and tested in oscillatory torsional shear and unconfined compression. Biochemical analysis indicated that treatments and testing did not substantially alter tissue composition. Mechanical testing revealed tissue-specific responses to both increasing compressive offset and decreasing bath salinity. Most notably, reduced salinity dramatically increased the shear modulus of both axially and circumferentially oriented meniscal tissue explants to a much greater extent than for cartilage samples. Combined with previous studies, these findings suggest that meniscal proteoglycans have a distinct structural role, stabilizing, and stiffening the matrix surrounding the primary circumferential collagen bundles. Copyright © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society.

Arginase activity in pathogenic and non-pathogenic species of Leishmania parasites.

PubMed

Badirzadeh, Alireza; Taheri, Tahereh; Taslimi, Yasaman; Abdossamadi, Zahra; Heidari-Kharaji, Maryam; Gholami, Elham; Sedaghat, Baharehsadat; Niyyati, Maryam; Rafati, Sima

2017-07-01

Proliferation of Leishmania (L.) parasites depends on polyamine availability, which can be generated by the L-arginine catabolism and the enzymatic activity of arginase (ARG) of the parasites and of the mammalian hosts. In the present study, we characterized and compared the arginase (arg) genes from pathogenic L. major and L. tropica and from non-pathogenic L. tarentolae. We quantified the level of the ARG activity in promastigotes and macrophages infected with pathogenic L. major and L. tropica and non-pathogenic L. tarentolae amastigotes. The ARG's amino acid sequences of the pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leishmania demonstrated virtually 98.6% and 88% identities with the reference L. major Friedlin ARG. Higher ARG activity was observed in all pathogenic promastigotes as compared to non-pathogenic L. tarentolae. In vitro infection of human macrophage cell line (THP1) with pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leishmania spp. resulted in increased ARG activities in the infected macrophages. The ARG activities present in vivo were assessed in susceptible BALB/c and resistant C57BL/6 mice infected with L. major, L. tropica and L. tarentolae. We demonstrated that during the development of the infection, ARG is induced in both strains of mice infected with pathogenic Leishmania. However, in L. major infected BALB/c mice, the induction of ARG and parasite load increased simultaneously according to the time course of infection, whereas in C57BL/6 mice, the enzyme is upregulated solely during the period of footpad swelling. In L. tropica infected mice, the footpads' swellings were slow to develop and demonstrated minimal cutaneous pathology and ARG activity. In contrast, ARG activity was undetectable in mice inoculated with the non-pathogenic L. tarentolae. Our data suggest that infection by Leishmania parasites can increase ARG activity of the host and provides essential polyamines for parasite salvage and its replication. Moreover, the ARG of Leishmania is vital for parasite proliferation and required for infection in mice. ARG activity can be used as one of the main marker of the disease severity.

Arginase activity in pathogenic and non-pathogenic species of Leishmania parasites

PubMed Central

Badirzadeh, Alireza; Taheri, Tahereh; Taslimi, Yasaman; Abdossamadi, Zahra; Heidari-Kharaji, Maryam; Gholami, Elham; Sedaghat, Baharehsadat; Niyyati, Maryam

2017-01-01

Proliferation of Leishmania (L.) parasites depends on polyamine availability, which can be generated by the L-arginine catabolism and the enzymatic activity of arginase (ARG) of the parasites and of the mammalian hosts. In the present study, we characterized and compared the arginase (arg) genes from pathogenic L. major and L. tropica and from non-pathogenic L. tarentolae. We quantified the level of the ARG activity in promastigotes and macrophages infected with pathogenic L. major and L. tropica and non-pathogenic L. tarentolae amastigotes. The ARG's amino acid sequences of the pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leishmania demonstrated virtually 98.6% and 88% identities with the reference L. major Friedlin ARG. Higher ARG activity was observed in all pathogenic promastigotes as compared to non-pathogenic L. tarentolae. In vitro infection of human macrophage cell line (THP1) with pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leishmania spp. resulted in increased ARG activities in the infected macrophages. The ARG activities present in vivo were assessed in susceptible BALB/c and resistant C57BL/6 mice infected with L. major, L. tropica and L. tarentolae. We demonstrated that during the development of the infection, ARG is induced in both strains of mice infected with pathogenic Leishmania. However, in L. major infected BALB/c mice, the induction of ARG and parasite load increased simultaneously according to the time course of infection, whereas in C57BL/6 mice, the enzyme is upregulated solely during the period of footpad swelling. In L. tropica infected mice, the footpads' swellings were slow to develop and demonstrated minimal cutaneous pathology and ARG activity. In contrast, ARG activity was undetectable in mice inoculated with the non-pathogenic L. tarentolae. Our data suggest that infection by Leishmania parasites can increase ARG activity of the host and provides essential polyamines for parasite salvage and its replication. Moreover, the ARG of Leishmania is vital for parasite proliferation and required for infection in mice. ARG activity can be used as one of the main marker of the disease severity. PMID:28708893

Experimental investigation on IXV TPS interface effects in Plasmatron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceglia, Giuseppe; Trifoni, Eduardo; Gouriet, Jean-Baptiste; Chazot, Olivier; Mareschi, Vincenzo; Rufolo, Giuseppe; Tumino, Giorgio

2016-06-01

An experimental investigation related to the thermal protection system (TPS) interfaces of the intermediate experimental vehicle has been carried out in the Plasmatron facility at the von Karman Institute for fluid dynamics. The objective of this test campaign is to qualify the thermal behaviours of two different TPS interfaces under flight representative conditions in terms of heat flux and integral heat load ( 180 kW/m2 for 700 s). Three test samples are tested in off-stagnation configuration installed on an available flat plate holder under the same test conditions. The first junction is composed of an upstream ceramic matrix composite (CMC) plate and an ablative P50 cork composite block separated by a gap of 2 mm. The second one is made of an upstream P50 block and a downstream ablative SV2A silicon elastomer block with silicon-based filler in between. A sample composed of P50 material is tested in order to obtain reference results without TPS interface effect. The overheating at the CMC-P50 interface due to the jump of the catalytic properties of the materials, and the recession/swelling behaviour of the P50-SV2A interface are under investigation. All the test samples withstand relatively well the imposed heat flux for the test duration. As expected, both the ablative materials undergo a thermal degradation. The P50 exhibits the formation of a porous char layer and its recession; on the other hand, the SV2A swells and forms a fragile char layer.

Myricetin and quercetin attenuate ischemic injury in glial cultures by different mechanisms

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We have demonstrated that polyphenols from cinnamon and green tea reduce cell swelling and mitochondrial dysfunction in C6 glial cultures following ischemic injury. We tested the protective effects of the flavonoid polyphenols, myricetin and quercetin, on key features of ischemic injury. C6 cultures...

Identification of expansive soils using remote sensing and in-situ field measurements : phase I.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-10-01

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have conducted research on the suitability of using remote sensing techniques (radar and LIDAR) to monitor the shrink-swell behavior of an expansive clay material in a field test site as part of the Mack Blac...

DIETARY VITAMIN A ENHANCES SENSITIVITY OF THE LOCAL LYMPH NODE ASSAY

EPA Science Inventory

Murine assays such as the mouse ear swelling test (MEST) and the local lymph node assay (LLNA) are popular alternatives to guinea pig models for the identification of contact sensitizers, yet there has been concern over the effectiveness of these assays to detect weak and moderat...

Modeling multidomain hydraulic properties of shrink-swell soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Ryan D.; Abou Najm, Majdi R.; Rupp, David E.; Selker, John S.

2016-10-01

Shrink-swell soils crack and become compacted as they dry, changing properties such as bulk density and hydraulic conductivity. Multidomain models divide soil into independent realms that allow soil cracks to be incorporated into classical flow and transport models. Incongruously, most applications of multidomain models assume that the porosity distributions, bulk density, and effective saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil are constant. This study builds on a recently derived soil shrinkage model to develop a new multidomain, dual-permeability model that can accurately predict variations in soil hydraulic properties due to dynamic changes in crack size and connectivity. The model only requires estimates of soil gravimetric water content and a minimal set of parameters, all of which can be determined using laboratory and/or field measurements. We apply the model to eight clayey soils, and demonstrate its ability to quantify variations in volumetric water content (as can be determined during measurement of a soil water characteristic curve) and transient saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ks (as can be measured using infiltration tests). The proposed model is able to capture observed variations in Ks of one to more than two orders of magnitude. In contrast, other dual-permeability models assume that Ks is constant, resulting in the potential for large error when predicting water movement through shrink-swell soils. Overall, the multidomain model presented here successfully quantifies fluctuations in the hydraulic properties of shrink-swell soil matrices, and are suitable for use in physical flow and transport models based on Darcy's Law, the Richards Equation, and the advection-dispersion equation.

Ischemia-induced endothelial cell swelling and mitochondrial dysfunction are attenuated by cinnamtannin D1, green tea extract, and resveratrol in vitro.

PubMed

Panickar, Kiran S; Qin, Bolin; Anderson, Richard A

2015-10-01

Polyphenols possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cytotoxic brain edema in cerebral ischemia. In addition, OS and pro-inflammatory cytokines also damage the endothelial cells and the neurovascular unit. Endothelial cell swelling may contribute to a leaky blood-brain barrier which may result in vasogenic edema in the continued presence of the existing cytotoxic edema. We investigated the protective effects of polyphenols on cytotoxic cell swelling in bEND3 endothelial cultures subjected to 5 hours oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). A polyphenol trimer from cinnamon (cinnamtannin D1), a polyphenol-rich extract from green tea, and resveratrol prevented the OGD-induced rise in mitochondrial free radicals, cell swelling, and the dissipation of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (also called CCL2), a chemokine, but not tumor necrosis factor-α or interleukin-6, augmented the cell swelling. This effect of monochemoattractant protein 1-1 was attenuated by the polyphenols. Cyclosporin A, a blocker of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, did not attenuate cell swelling but BAPTA-AM, an intracellular calcium chelator did, indicating a role of [Ca(2+)]i but not the mPT in cell swelling. These results indicate that the polyphenols reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and subsequent cell swelling in endothelial cells following ischemic injury and thus may reduce brain edema and associated neural damage in ischemia. One possible mechanism by which the polyphenols may attenuate endothelial cell swelling is through the reduction in [Ca(2+)]i.

Bedrock aquifers in the northern San Rafael Swell area, Utah, with special emphasis on the Navajo Sandstone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hood, J.W.; Patterson, D.J.

1984-01-01

This report presents the results of a study of bedrock aquifers in the northern San Rafael Swell area, Utah (fig. 1), with special emphasis on the Navajo Sandstone of Triassic(?) and Jurassic age. The study was made by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights. Fieldwork was done mainly during March 1979-July 1980, with supplemental testing and observations during August-December 1980.The principal objectives of this study were to determine: (1) Well yields of the bedrock formations, (2) the capability of formations to yield, over the long term, water chemically suitable for presently (1980) known uses, and (3) effects of withdrawals from wells on the surface-water supply in the Colorado River Basin.

Chitosan coatings crosslinked with genipin for corrosion protection of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets.

PubMed

de Y Pozzo, Ludmila; da Conceição, Thiago F; Spinelli, Almir; Scharnagl, Nico; Pires, Alfredo T N

2018-02-01

In this study, coatings of chitosan crosslinked with genipin were prepared on sheets of AZ31 magnesium alloy and their corrosion protection properties were characterized by means of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The coatings were also characterized by means of FTIR and XPS. It was observed that the crosslinking process decreases the corrosion current and shifts the corrosion potential of the alloy to less negative values. The EIS analysis demonstrated that the crosslinking process increases the maximum impedance after short and long exposure times. The superior performance of the crosslinked coatings is related to a lower degree of swelling, as observed in the swelling tests carried out on free-standing films. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Swelling pavements : KY 499 Estill County.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-03-01

A field laboratory investigation was performed to determine why excessive swelling was occurring on a pavement section of KY Route 499 that was about four years old. Swelling occurred on a section of roadway that had been constructed with a hydrated ...

Consequences of the Thermal Transient on the Evolution of the Damaged Zone Around a Repository for Heat-Emitting High-Level Radioactive Waste in a Clay Formation: a Performance Assessment Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Li; Weetjens, Eef; Sillen, Xavier; Vietor, Tim; Li, Xiangling; Delage, Pierre; Labiouse, Vincent; Charlier, Robert

2014-01-01

A proper evaluation of the perturbations of the host rock induced by the excavation and the emplacement of exothermic wastes is essential for the assessment of the long-term safety of high-level radioactive waste disposals in clay formations. The impact of the thermal transient on the evolution of the damaged zone (DZ) has been explored in the European Commission project TIMODAZ (thermal impact on the damaged zone around a radioactive waste disposal in clay host rocks, 2006-2010). This paper integrates the scientific results of the TIMODAZ project from a performance assessment (PA) point of view, showing how these results support and justify key PA assumptions and the values of PA model parameters. This paper also contextualises the significance of the thermal impact on the DZ from a safety case perspective, highlighting how the project outcomes result into an improved understanding of the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of the clay host rocks. The results obtained in the TIMODAZ project strengthen the assessment basis of the safety evaluation of the current repository designs. There was no evidence throughout the TIMODAZ experimental observations of a temperature-induced additional opening of fractures nor of a significant permeability increase of the DZ. Instead, thermally induced plasticity, swelling and creep seem to be beneficial to the sealing of fractures and to the recovery of a very low permeability in the DZ, close to that of an undisturbed clay host rock. Results from the TIMODAZ project indicate that the favourable properties of the clay host rock, which guarantee the effectiveness of the safety functions of the repository system, are expected to be maintained after the heating-cooling cycle. Hence, the basic assumptions usually made in PA calculations so far are expected to remain valid, and the performance of the system should not be affected in a negative way by the thermal evolution of the DZ around a radioactive waste repository in clay host rock.

Theoretical analysis of swelling characteristics of cylindrical uranium dioxide fuel pins with a niobium - 1-percent-zirconium clad

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saltsman, J. F.

1973-01-01

The relations between clad creep strain and fuel volume swelling are shown for cylindrical UO2 fuel pins with a Nb-1Zr clad. These relations were obtained by using the computer code CYGRO-2. These clad-strain - fuel-volume-swelling relations may be used with any fuel-volume-swelling model, provided the fuel volume swelling is isotropic and independent of the clad restraints. The effects of clad temperature (over a range from 118 to 1642 K (2010 to 2960 R)), pin diameter, clad thickness and central hole size in the fuel have been investigated. In all calculations the irradiation time was 500 hours. The burnup rate was varied.

Study of swelling behavior in ArF resist during development by the QCM method (3): observations of swelling layer elastic modulus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekiguchi, Atsushi

2013-03-01

The QCM method allows measurements of impedance, an index of swelling layer viscosity in a photoresist during development. While impedance is sometimes used as a qualitative index of change in the viscosity of the swelling layer, it has to date not been used quantitatively, for data analysis. We explored a method for converting impedance values to elastic modulus (Pa), a coefficient expressing viscosity. Applying this method, we compared changes in the viscosity of the swelling layer in an ArF resist generated during development in a TMAH developing solution and in a TBAH developing solution. This paper reports the results of this comparative study.

Swelling kinetics of spray-dried chitosan acetate assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and their relation to drug release kinetics of chitosan matrix tablets.

PubMed

Huanbutta, Kampanart; Sriamornsak, Pornsak; Limmatvapirat, Sontaya; Luangtana-anan, Manee; Yoshihashi, Yasuo; Yonemochi, Etsuo; Terada, Katsuhide; Nunthanid, Jurairat

2011-02-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess in situ swelling behaviors of spray-dried chitosan acetate (CSA) in 0.1N HCl, pH 6.8 and pH 5.0 Tris-HCl buffers. The in vitro drug releases from CSA matrix tablets containing the model drugs, diclofenac sodium and theophylline were investigated in all media using USP-4 apparatus. The effect of chitosan molecular weight, especially in pH 6.8 Tris-HCl, was also studied. In 0.1N HCl, the drug release from the matrix tablets was the lowest in relation to the highest swelling of CSA. The swelling kinetics in Tris-HCl buffers are Fickian diffusion according to their best fit to Higuchi's model as well as the drug release kinetics in all the media. The high swelling rate (k(s)(')) was found to delay the drug release rate (k'). The linear relationship between the swelling and fractions of drug release in Tris-HCl buffers was observed, indicating an important role of the swelling on controlling the drug release mechanism. Additionally, CSA of 200 and 800 kDa chitosan did not swell in pH 6.8 Tris-HCl but disintegrated into fractions, and the drug release from the matrix tablets was the highest. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neck swelling due to skull base (pseudo)meningocele protruding through a congenital skull base bone defect: a case report.

PubMed

Sharma, Rajeev; Singh, Bhoopendra; Kedia, Shweta; Laythalling, Rajinder Kumar

2017-02-01

Meningocele is defined as a protrusion of the meninges through an opening in the skull or spinal column, forming a bulge or sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid. A pseudomeningocele is defined as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection formed due to escape of CSF through a dural defect with trapping of CSF into the surrounding soft tissues. We herby report rare occurrence of a large (pseudo)meningocele in a young patient with congenital skull base defect presenting as upper lateral neck swelling. We present the case of a 17-year-old boy who had painless progressive swelling right side of the upper neck without any history of meningitis or CSF leak. He had a history of undergoing cranioplasty using steel plates for nontraumatic boggy swelling right parieto-occipital region at the age of 5 years at another hospital. Clinical examination showed painless swelling right side of the upper neck, with positive cough impulse and transillumination. CT head with cisternography showed a large right skull base defect through which a large pseudomeningocele was herniating, thus producing upper neck swelling and compressing oral cavity. The neck swelling and intraoral bulge reduced in size after the coperitoneal shunt. Differential diagnosis of (pseudo)meningocele should be considered while evaluating a painless progressive upper neck swelling having cough impulse and transillumination in a young patient.

Dynamic Regulation of Cell Volume and Extracellular ATP of Human Erythrocytes

PubMed Central

Leal Denis, M. Florencia; Alvarez, H. Ariel; Lauri, Natalia; Alvarez, Cora L.; Chara, Osvaldo; Schwarzbaum, Pablo J.

2016-01-01

Introduction The peptide mastoparan 7 (MST7) triggered in human erythrocytes (rbcs) the release of ATP and swelling. Since swelling is a well-known inducer of ATP release, and extracellular (ATPe), interacting with P (purinergic) receptors, can affect cell volume (Vr), we explored the dynamic regulation between Vr and ATPe. Methods and Treatments We made a quantitative assessment of MST7-dependent kinetics of Vr and of [ATPe], both in the absence and presence of blockers of ATP efflux, swelling and P receptors. Results In rbcs 10 μM MST7 promoted acute, strongly correlated changes in [ATPe] and Vr. Whereas MST7 induced increases of 10% in Vr and 190 nM in [ATPe], blocking swelling in a hyperosmotic medium + MST7 reduced [ATPe] by 40%. Pre-incubation of rbcs with 10 μM of either carbenoxolone or probenecid, two inhibitors of the ATP conduit pannexin 1, reduced [ATPe] by 40–50% and swelling by 40–60%, while in the presence of 80 U/mL apyrase, an ATPe scavenger, cell swelling was prevented. While exposure to 10 μM NF110, a blocker of ATP-P2X receptors mediating sodium influx, reduced [ATPe] by 48%, and swelling by 80%, incubation of cells in sodium free medium reduced swelling by 92%. Analysis and Discussion Results were analyzed by means of a mathematical model where ATPe kinetics and Vr kinetics were mutually regulated. Model dependent fit to experimental data showed that, upon MST7 exposure, ATP efflux required a fast 1960-fold increase of ATP permeability, mediated by two kinetically different conduits, both of which were activated by swelling and inactivated by time. Both experimental and theoretical results suggest that, following MST7 exposure, ATP is released via two conduits, one of which is mediated by pannexin 1. The accumulated ATPe activates P2X receptors, followed by sodium influx, resulting in cell swelling, which in turn further activates ATP release. Thus swelling and P2X receptors constitute essential components of a positive feedback loop underlying ATP-induced ATP release of rbcs. PMID:27355484

Seasonal occurrence and impact of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in tree fruit.

PubMed

Nielsen, Anne L; Hamilton, George C

2009-06-01

Halyomorpha halys is an introduced stink bug species from Asia that is spreading throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States. It is native to South Korea, Japan, and eastern China, where it is an occasional pest of tree fruit, including apple and pear. Cage experiments with adults placed on apple and peach during critical plant growth stages demonstrate that it can cause damage to developing fruit during mid- and late season growth periods and that feeding occurs on all regions of the fruit. Feeding that occurred during pit hardening/mid-season and final swell periods were apparent as damage at harvest, whereas feeding at shuck split/petal fall in peaches and apples caused fruit abscission. Tree fruit at two commercial farms were sampled weekly in 2006-2007 to determine H. halys seasonality. Low densities of nymphs in apple suggest that it is an unsuitable developmental host. Both nymphs and adults were found on pear fruits with peak populations occurring in early July and mid-August, the time when pit hardening/mid-season and swell period damage occurs. At both farms, stink bug damage was greater than 25% damaged fruit per tree. We attribute this to H. halys because population densities were significantly higher than native pentatomids at both locations in both beat samples and blacklight trap captures. The data presented here documents the potential for H. halys to cause damage in orchards throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States and shows the need for development of appropriate control strategies.

Determining early referral criteria for patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis presenting to primary care physicians: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Almoallim, Hani; Janoudi, Nahid; Attar, Suzan M; Garout, Mohammed; Algohary, Shereen; Siddiqui, Muhammad Irfanullah; Alosaimi, Hanan; Ibrahim, Ashraf; Badokhon, Amira; Algasemi, Zaki

2017-01-01

Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment for inflammatory arthritis can greatly improve patient outcome. We aimed to provide standardized and validated criteria for use by primary care physicians (PCPs) in the identification of individuals requiring referral to a rheumatologist. We analyzed the predictive value of a wide variety of demographic variables, patient-reported complaints, physical examination results, and biomarkers in order to identify the most useful factors for indicating a requirement for referral. Patients for this cross-sectional study were enrolled from various centers of the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, if they were ≥18 years of age and presented to a PCP with small joint pain that had been present for more than 6 weeks. A total of 203 patients were enrolled, as indicated by the sample size calculation. Each patient underwent a standardized physical examination, which was subsequently compared to ultrasound findings. Biomarker analysis and a patient interview were also carried out. Results were then correlated with the final diagnosis made by a rheumatologist. A total of 9 variables were identified as having high specificity and good predictive value: loss of appetite, swelling of metacarpophalangeal joint 2 or 5, swelling of proximal inter-phalangeal joint 2 or 3, wrist swelling, wrist tenderness, a positive test for rheumatoid factor, and a positive test for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies. Nine variables should be the basis of early referral criteria. It should aid PCPs in making appropriate early referrals of patients with suspected inflammatory arthritis, accelerating diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Impact of High Concentration Solutions on Hydraulic Properties of Geosynthetic Clay Liner Materials

PubMed Central

Xue, Qiang; Zhang, Qian; Liu, Lei

2012-01-01

This study focuses on the impact of landfill high concentration solutions erosion on geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) materials permeability. The permeation tests on the GCL, submerged using different kinds of solutions with different concentrations, were carried out systematically by taking these chemical solutions as permeant liquids. Based on seasonal variations of ion concentrations in Chenjiachong landfill leachate (Wuhan Province), CaCl2, MgCl2, NaCl, and KCl were selected as chemical attack solutions to carry out experimental investigations under three concentrations (50 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM) and soak times (5, 10, and 20 days). The variation law of the GCL hydraulic conductivity under different operating conditions was analyzed. The relationship between GCL hydraulic conductivity, chemical solutions categories, concentrations, and soak times were further discussed. The GCL hydraulic conductivity, when soaked and permeated with high concentration chemical solutions, increases several times or exceeds two orders of magnitude, as compared with the permeation test under normal conditions that used water as the permeant liquid. This reveals that GCL is very susceptible to chemical attack. For four chemical solutions, the chemical attack effect on GCL hydraulic conductivity is CaCl2 > MgCl2 > KCl > NaCl. The impact of soak times on GCL hydraulic conductivity is the cooperative contribution of the liner chemical attack reaction and hydration swelling. A longer soak time results in a more advantageous hydration swelling effect. The chemical attack reaction restrains the hydration swelling of the GCL. Moreover, the GCL hydraulic conductivity exponentially decreases with the increased amplitude of thickness.

Experimental design and analysis for irradiation of SiC/SiC composite tubes under a prototypic high heat flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrie, Christian M.; Koyanagi, Takaaki; McDuffee, Joel L.; Deck, Christian P.; Katoh, Yutai; Terrani, Kurt A.

2017-08-01

The purpose of this work is to design an irradiation vehicle for testing silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composite cladding materials under conditions representative of a light water reactor in order to validate thermo-mechanical models of stress states in these materials due to irradiation swelling and differential thermal expansion. The design allows for a constant tube outer surface temperature in the range of 300-350 °C under a representative high heat flux (∼0.66 MW/m2) during one cycle of irradiation in an un-instrumented ;rabbit; capsule in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. An engineered aluminum foil was developed to absorb the expansion of the cladding tubes, due to irradiation swelling, without changing the thermal resistance of the gap between the cladding and irradiation capsule. Finite-element analyses of the capsule were performed, and the models used to calculate thermal contact resistance were validated by out-of-pile testing and post-irradiation examination of the foils and passive SiC thermometry. Six irradiated cladding tubes (both monoliths and composites) were irradiated and subsequently disassembled in a hot cell. The calculated temperatures of passive SiC thermometry inside the capsules showed good agreement with temperatures measured post-irradiation, with two calculated temperatures falling within 10 °C of experimental measurements. The success of this design could lead to new opportunities for irradiation applications with materials that suffer from irradiation swelling, creep, or other dimensional changes that can affect the specimen temperature during irradiation.

The engineering significance of shrinkage and swelling soils in blast damage investigations

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

Vitton, S.J.; Harris, W.W.

1996-12-01

In the US each year it has been estimated that expansive soils cause approximately $9.0 billion in damage to buildings, roads, airports, and other facilities. This figure alone exceeds the damage estimate for earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. Unfortunately, some cases of expansive soil damage (swelling) are blamed on rock blasting operations if the blasting operations are located within the immediate area. While simple tests, such as the Atterberg limits test, can characterize a soil as expansive, it does not necessarily answer the question whether the foundation soils are causing distresses to a structure. In particular, it appears thatmore » once a soil has been labeled as nonexpansive it is no longer considered as a problem soil, in which case blast vibrations become the prime suspect. It should be emphasized, however, that even non-plastic soils, those soils with low to nonexistent plastic indexes, can exhibit significant shrinkage characteristics that can result in significant damage to structures. While expansive soil is a function of the mineralogy of the soil particles, i.e., swelling clay minerals, shrinkage is caused by the loss of moisture from soil as capillary pressures exceed the cohesion or tensile strength and is therefore a function of the soils particle size and its pore size distribution. This is a significant problem for all fine grained soils regardless of the soil`s mineralogy. It`s particularly important for regions of the US that typically have a positive water balance but experience significant drought periods when soil moisture is lost.« less

Evaluation of poly (vinyl alcohol) based cryogel-zinc oxide nanocomposites for possible applications as wound dressing materials.

PubMed

Chaturvedi, Archana; Bajpai, Anil K; Bajpai, Jaya; K Singh, Sunil

2016-08-01

In this investigation cryogels composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by repeated freeze thaw method followed by in situ precipitation of zinc oxide nanoparticles within the cryogel networks. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the nanocomposites. The morphologies of native PVA cryogels and PVA cryogel-ZnO nanocomposites were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The SEM analysis suggested that cryogels show a well-defined porous morphology whereas TEM micrographs revealed the presence of nearly spherical and well separated zinc oxide nanoparticles with diameter<100nm. XRD results showed all relevant Bragg's reflections for crystal structure of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) was conducted to evaluate thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Mechanical properties of nanocomposites were determined in terms of tensile strength and percent elongation. Biocompatible nature was ascertained by anti-haemolytic activity, bovine serum albumin (blood protein) adsorption and in vitro cytotoxicity tests. The prepared nanocomposites were also investigated for swelling and deswelling behaviours. The results revealed that both the swelling and deswelling process depend on the chemical composition of the nanocomposites, number of freeze-thaw cycles, pH and temperature of the swelling medium. The developed biocompatible PVA cryogel-ZnO nanocomposites were also tested for antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental design and analysis for irradiation of SiC/SiC composite tubes under a prototypic high heat flux

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

Petrie, Christian M.; Koyanagi, Takaaki; McDuffee, Joel L.

The purpose of this work is to design an irradiation vehicle for testing silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composite cladding materials under conditions representative of a light water reactor in order to validate thermo-mechanical models of stress states in these materials due to irradiation swelling and differential thermal expansion. The design allows for a constant tube outer surface temperature in the range of 300–350 °C under a representative high heat flux (~0.66 MW/m 2) during one cycle of irradiation in an un-instrumented “rabbit” capsule in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. An engineered aluminum foil was developed to absorb themore » expansion of the cladding tubes, due to irradiation swelling, without changing the thermal resistance of the gap between the cladding and irradiation capsule. Finite-element analyses of the capsule were performed, and the models used to calculate thermal contact resistance were validated by out-of-pile testing and post-irradiation examination of the foils and passive SiC thermometry. Six irradiated cladding tubes (both monoliths and composites) were irradiated and subsequently disassembled in a hot cell. The calculated temperatures of passive SiC thermometry inside the capsules showed good agreement with temperatures measured post-irradiation, with two calculated temperatures falling within 10 °C of experimental measurements. Furthermore, the success of this design could lead to new opportunities for irradiation applications with materials that suffer from irradiation swelling, creep, or other dimensional changes that can affect the specimen temperature during irradiation.« less

Piezosurgery or conventional rotatory instruments for inferior third molar extractions?

PubMed

Piersanti, Luigi; Dilorenzo, Matteo; Monaco, Giuseppe; Marchetti, Claudio

2014-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the discomfort and surgical outcomes of a piezosurgery device with those of rotatory instruments in lower third molar extraction. A split-mouth, randomized, unblinded clinical study was designed; the 2 molars had to have the same extraction difficulty score. The test side was extracted using a piezosurgery technique and the control side was extracted using a conventional handpiece. The primary endpoint was patient discomfort evaluated with the Postoperative Symptom Severity (PoSSe) scale, which was administered to each patient; secondary endpoints were pain, trismus, swelling, and surgical time evaluation. Paired-samples t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to compare outcomes within patients. Ten consecutive patients (6 female, 4 male; mean age, 22.4 ± 2.3 yr) were recruited. The total score on the PoSSe scale was significantly lower for piezosurgery compared with the conventional rotating handpiece (24.7 ± 10.3 vs 36.0 ± 7.6; t = -4.27; P = .002). Moreover, postoperative swelling 1 week after surgery was significantly lower for piezosurgery than for the conventional rotating handpiece (2.75 ± 0.23 vs 3.1 ± 0.39 cm; t = -2.63; P = .027). Piezosurgery was associated with less postoperative discomfort and yielded better results for swelling. Piezosurgery seems to be a good technique in daily surgical practice, especially if applied in the critical steps in which safety and respect for soft tissue, bone, and nerves are necessary. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dart model for irradiation-induced swelling of dispersion fuel elements including aluminum-fuel interaction

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

Rest, J.; Hofman, G.L.

1997-06-01

The Dispersion Analysis Research Tool (DART) contains models for fission-gas induced fuel swelling, interaction of fuel with the matrix aluminum, resultant reaction-product swelling, and calculation of the stress gradient within the fuel particle. The effects of an aluminide shell on fuel particle swelling are evaluated. Validation of the model is demonstrated by a comparison of DART calculations of fuel swelling of U{sub 3}SiAl-Al and U{sub 3}Si{sub 2}-Al for various dispersion fuel element designs with the data. DART results are compared with data for fuel swelling Of U{sub 3}SiAl-Al in plate, tube, and rod configurations as a function of fission density.more » Plate and tube calculations were performed at a constant fuel temperature of 373 K and 518 K, respectively. An irradiation temperature of 518 K results in a calculated aluminide layer thickness for the Russian tube that is in the center of the measured range (16 {mu}m). Rod calculations were performed with a temperature gradient across the rod characterized by surface and central temperatures of 373 K and 423 K, respectively. The effective yield stress of irradiated Al matrix material and the aluminide was determined by comparing the results of DART calculations with postirradiation immersion volume measurement of U{sub 3}SiAl plates. The values for the effective yield stress were used in all subsequent simulations. The lower calculated fuel swelling in the rod-type element is due to an assumed biaxial stress state. Fuel swelling in plates results in plate thickness increase only. Likewise, in tubes, only the wall thickness increases. Irradiation experiments have shown that plate-type dispersion fuel elements can develop blisters or pillows at high U-235 burnup when fuel compounds exhibiting breakaway swelling are used at moderate to high fuel volume fractions. DART-calculated interaction layer thickness and fuel swelling follows the trends of the observations. 3 refs., 2 figs.« less

A three-dimensional transient mixed hybrid finite element model for superabsorbent polymers with strain-dependent permeability.

PubMed

Yu, Cong; Malakpoor, Kamyar; Huyghe, Jacques M

2018-05-16

A hydrogel is a cross-linked polymer network with water as solvent. Industrially widely used superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are partially neutralized sodium polyacrylate hydrogels. The extremely large degree of swelling is one of the most distinctive characteristics of such hydrogels, as the volume increase can be about 30 times its original volume when exposed to physiological solution. The large deformation resulting from the swelling demands careful numerical treatment. In this work, we present a biphasic continuum-level swelling model using the mixed hybrid finite element method (MHFEM) in three dimensions. The hydraulic permeability is highly dependent on the swelling ratio, resulting in values that are orders of magnitude apart from each other. The property of the local mass conservation of MHFEM contributes to a more accurate calculation of the deformation as the permeability across the swelling gel in a transient state is highly non-uniform. We show that the proposed model is able to simulate the free swelling of a random-shaped gel and the squeezing of fluid out of a swollen gel. Finally, we make use of the proposed numerical model to study the onset of surface instability in transient swelling.

Swelling and Softening of the Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus in Response to pH Shifts

PubMed Central

Wilts, Bodo D.; Schaap, Iwan A.T.; Schmidt, Christoph F.

2015-01-01

Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) forms highly elastic icosahedral protein capsids that undergo a characteristic swelling transition when the pH is raised from 5 to 7. Here, we performed nano-indentation experiments using an atomic force microscope to track capsid swelling and measure the shells’ Young’s modulus at the same time. When we chelated Ca2+ ions and raised the pH, we observed a gradual swelling of the RNA-filled capsids accompanied by a softening of the shell. Control experiments with empty wild-type virus and a salt-stable mutant revealed that the softening was not strictly coupled to the swelling of the protein shells. Our data suggest that a pH increase and Ca2+ chelation lead primarily to a loosening of contacts within the protein shell, resulting in a softening of the capsid. This appears to render the shell metastable and make swelling possible when repulsive forces among the capsid proteins become large enough, which is known to be followed by capsid disassembly at even higher pH. Thus, softening and swelling are likely to play a role during inoculation. PMID:25992732

Irradiation creep and swelling of AISI 316 to exposures of 130 dpa at 385?400$deg;C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garner, F. A.; Porter, D. L.

1988-07-01

The creep and swelling of AISI 316 stainless steel have been studied at 385 to 400°C in EBR-II to doses of 130 dpa. Most creep capsules were operated at constant stress and temperature but mid-life changes in these variables were also made. This paper concentrates on the behavior of the 20% cold-worked condition but five other conditions were also studied. Swelling at ⩽ 400° C was found to lose the sensitivity to stress exhibited at higher temperatures while the creep rate was found to retain linear dependencies on both stress and swelling rate. The creep coefficients extracted at 400°C agree with those found in other experiments conducted at higher temperatures. In the temperature range of ⩽ 400° C, swelling is in the recombinationdominated regime and the swelling rate falls strongly away from the ~1%/dpa rate observed at higher temperatures. These lower rates of creep and swelling, coupled with the attainment of high damage levels without failure, encourage the use of AISI 316 in the construction of water-cooled fusion first walls operating at temperatures below 400°C.

Acute Hyperglycemia Does Not Affect Brain Swelling or Infarction Volume After Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats.

PubMed

McBride, Devin W; Matei, Nathanael; Câmara, Justin R; Louis, Jean-Sébastien; Oudin, Guillaume; Walker, Corentin; Adam, Loic; Liang, Xiping; Hu, Qin; Tang, Jiping; Zhang, John H

2016-01-01

Stroke disproportionally affects diabetic and hyperglycemic patients with increased incidence and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality due to brain swelling. In this study, the intraluminal suture middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used to examine the effects of blood glucose on brain swelling and infarct volume in acutely hyperglycemic rats and normo-glycemic controls. Fifty-four rats were distributed into normo-glycemic sham surgery, hyperglycemic sham surgery, normo-glycemic MCAO, and hyperglycemic MCAO. To induce hyperglycemia, 15 min before MCAO surgery, animals were injected with 50 % dextrose. Animals were subjected to 90 min of MCAO and sacrificed 24 h after reperfusion for hemispheric brain swelling and infarct volume calculations using standard equations. While normo-glycemic and hyperglycemic animals after MCAO presented with significantly higher brain swelling and larger infarcts than their respective controls, no statistical difference was observed for either brain swelling or infarct volume between normo-glycemic shams and hyperglycemic shams or normo-glycemic MCAO animals and hyperglycemic MCAO animals. The findings of this study suggest that blood glucose does not have any significant effect on hemispheric brain swelling or infarct volume after MCAO in rats.

Improving the Efficiency and Safety of Aspirin by Complexation with the Natural Polysaccharide Arabinogalactan.

PubMed

Khvostov, Mikhail V; Tolstikova, Tatjana G; Borisov, Sergey A; Zhukova, Natalja A; Dushkin, Alexander V; Chistyachenko, Yulia S; Polyakov, Nikolay E

2016-01-01

The main undesirable side effect of the aspirin is the damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to the formation of erosions, peptic ulcers, and as a result, bleeding. To overcome this problem "host-guest" complexation with natural polysaccharide arabinogalactan could be applied. The complex with a weight ratio of ASA:AG = 1:10 was prepared by solid phase method in a rotary mill. Complex was administered orally to mice or rats at doses of 250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg. The "acetic acid induced writhing" and "hot plate" tests were used as an in vivo pain models. The antiinflammatory activity was studied using "histamine swelling" test. Also, long-term (30 days) oral introduction of the complex to rats was performed and gastric mucosa damages were evaluated. In all experiments pure aspirin (ASA) was used as a control in appropriate doses. The minimal effective analgesic dose of the complex was 250 mg/kg, equivalent to 23 mg/kg of ASA, a dose in which aspirin itself was not active. The anti-inflammatory effect was found at relatively higher doses: 500 and 1000 mg/kg (46 and 92 mg/kg of ASA respectively) for the complex and only at 100 mg/kg for the ASA. Long-term introduction of the complex at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg was safe for gastric mucosa, while ASA at the dose of 50 mg/kg showed a strong gastric mucosal damage. The effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory doses of 1:10 aspirin complex with arabinogalactan are twice less compared to pure aspirin and safer for the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Equilibrium swelling properties of polyampholytic hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

English, Anthony E.; Mafé, Salvador; Manzanares, José A.; Yu, Xiahong; Grosberg, Alexander Yu.; Tanaka, Toyoichi

1996-06-01

The role of counter ions and ion dissociation in establishing the equilibrium swelling of balanced and unbalanced polyampholytic hydrogels has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. The swelling dependence on both the net charge offset and the external bath salt concentration has been examined using an acrylamide based polyampholytic hydrogels. By careful consideration of the swelling kinetics, we illustrate the effects of ion dissociation equilibria and counter ion shielding in polyampholytic hydrogels near their balance point where both polyelectrolyte and polyampholyte effects are present. The theory considers a Flory type swelling model where the Coulombic interactions between fixed ions in the hydrogel resemble those of an ionic solid with a Debye screening factor. Theoretical predictions from this model are in qualitative agreement with our experimental results.

Influence of smectite hydration and swelling on atrazine sorption behavior.

PubMed

Chappell, Mark A; Laird, David A; Thompson, Michael L; Li, Hui; Teppen, Brian J; Aggarwal, Vaneet; Johnston, Cliff T; Boyd, Stephen A

2005-05-01

Smectites, clay minerals commonly found in soils and sediments, vary widely in their ability to adsorb organic chemicals. Recent research has demonstrated the importance of surface charge density and properties of exchangeable cations in controlling the affinity of smectites for organic molecules. In this study, we induced hysteresis in the crystalline swelling of smectites to test the hypothesis that the extent of crystalline swelling (or interlayer hydration status) has a large influence on the ability of smectites to adsorb atrazine from aqueous systems. Air-dried K-saturated Panther Creek (PC) smectite swelled less (d(001) = 1.38 nm) than never-dried K-PC (d(001) = 1.7 nm) when rehydrated in 20 mM KCl. Correspondingly, the air-dried-rehydrated K-PC had an order of magnitude greater affinity for atrazine relative to the never-dried K-PC. Both air-dried-rehydrated and never-dried Ca-PC expanded to approximately 2.0 nm in 10 mM CaCl2 and both samples had similar affinities for atrazine that were slightly lower than that of never-dried K-PC. The importance of interlayer hydration status in controlling sorption affinity was confirmed by molecular modeling, which revealed much greater interaction between interlayer water molecules and atrazine in a three-layer hydrate relative to a one-layer hydrate. The entropy change on moving atrazine from a fully hydrated state in the bulk solution to a partially hydrated state in the smectite interlayers is believed to be a major factor influencing sorption affinity. In an application test, choice of background solution (20 mM KCl versus 10 mM CaCl2) and air-drying treatments significantly affected atrazine sorption affinities for three-smectitic soils; however, the trends were not consistent with those observed for the reference smectite. Further, extending the initial rehydration time from 24 to 240 h (prior to adding atrazine) significantly decreased the soil's sorption affinity for atrazine. We conclude that interlayer hydration status has a large influence on the affinity of smectites for atrazine and that air-drying treatments have the potential to modify the sorption affinity of smectitic soils for organic molecules such as atrazine.

Characterization and swelling-deswelling properties of wheat straw cellulose based semi-IPNs hydrogel.

PubMed

Liu, Jia; Li, Qian; Su, Yuan; Yue, Qinyan; Gao, Baoyu

2014-07-17

A novel wheat straw cellulose-g-poly(potassium acrylate)/polyvinyl alcohol (WSC-g-PKA/PVA) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) hydrogel was prepared by polymerizing wheat straw and an aqueous solution of acrylic acid (AA), and further semi-interpenetrating with PVA occurred during the chemosynthesis. The swelling and deswelling properties of WSC-g-PKA/PVA semi-IPNs hydrogel and WSC-g-PKA hydrogel were studied and compared in various pH solutions, salt solutions, temperatures, particle sizes and ionic strength. The results indicated that both hydrogels had the largest swelling capacity at pH=6, and the effect of ions on the swelling of hydrogels was in the order: Na(+)>K(+)>Mg(2+)>Ca(2+). The Schott's pseudo second order model can be effectively used to evaluate swelling kinetics of hydrogels. Moreover, the semi-IPNs hydrogel had improved swelling-deswelling properties compared with that of WSC-g-PKA hydrogel. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of salt form and molecular weight of chitosan on swelling and drug release from chitosan matrix tablets.

PubMed

Huanbutta, Kampanart; Cheewatanakornkool, Kamonrak; Terada, Katsuhide; Nunthanid, Jurairat; Sriamornsak, Pornsak

2013-08-14

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gravimetric techniques were used to assess swelling and erosion behaviors of hydrophilic matrix tablets made of chitosan. The impact of salt form, molecular weight (MW) and dissolution medium on swelling behavior and drug (theophylline) release was studied. The matrix tablets made of chitosan glycolate (CGY) showed the greatest swelling in both acid and neutral media, compared to chitosan aspartate, chitosan glutamate and chitosan lactate. MRI illustrated that swelling region of CGY in both media was not different in the first 100 min but glassy region (dry core) in 0.1N HCl was less than in pH 6.8 buffer. The tablets prepared from chitosan with high MW swelled greater than those of low MW. Moreover, CGY can delay drug release in the acid condition due to thick swollen gel and low erosion rate. Therefore, CGY may be suitably applied as sustained drug release polymer or enteric coating material. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Utility of ultrasonography for diagnosis of superficial swellings in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

PubMed Central

ABOUELNASR, Khaled; EL-SHAFAEY, El-Sayed; MOSBAH, Esam; EL-KHODERY, Sabry

2016-01-01

We studied 72 buffalo with superficial swellings in the head (n=4), neck (n=5), chest wall (n=4), abdominal wall (n=28), limbs (n=16), gluteal region (n=8), perineal region (n=6) and udder (n=1). Ultrasonographically, the swellings varied according to type, duration, content and location. The clinical use of ultrasound to assess these superficial swellings allowed diagnosis of abscesses (n=21), hematomas (n=11), hernias (n=17), bursitis (n=13), urethral diverticula (n=6) and tumors (n=4). Ultrasonography could precisely discriminate each lesion type (sensitivity, 71–100%; specificity, 75–100%; odds ratio, 1.0–8.4; Confidence Interval, 74.2–20; and P value 0.001). The specificity for ultrasonographic evaluation of superficial swellings was 100% for hernias, urethral diverticula and tumors, whilst the lowest specificity was recorded for hematomas (75%) and abscesses (92%). In conclusion, ultrasonography provides a precise, non-invasive and fast technique for the evaluation, classification and subsequent treatment of a variety of superficial swellings in buffalo. PMID:27181085

Thyroid swellings in the art of the Italian Renaissance.

PubMed

Sterpetti, Antonio V; De Toma, Giorgio; De Cesare, Alessandro

2015-09-01

Thyroid swellings in the art of the Italian Renaissance are sporadically reported in the medical literature. Six hundred paintings and sculptures from the Italian Renaissance, randomly selected, were analyzed to determine the prevalence of personages with thyroid swellings and its meaning. The prevalence of personages with thyroid swellings in the art of Italian Renaissance is much higher than previously thought. This phenomenon was probably secondary to iodine deficiency. The presence of personages with thyroid swelling was related to specific meanings the artists wanted to show in their works. Even if the function and the role of the thyroid were discovered only after thyroidectomy was started to be performed, at the beginning of the 19th century, artists of the Italian Renaissance had the intuition that thyroid swellings were related to specific psychological conditions. Artistic intuition and sensibility often comes before scientific demonstration, and it should be a guide for science development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highly Nitrogen-Doped Three-Dimensional Carbon Fibers Network with Superior Sodium Storage Capacity.

PubMed

Lei, Wen; Xiao, Weiping; Li, Jingde; Li, Gaoran; Wu, Zexing; Xuan, Cuijuan; Luo, Dan; Deng, Ya-Ping; Wang, Deli; Chen, Zhongwei

2017-08-30

Inspired by the excellent absorption capability of spongelike bacterial cellulose (BC), three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon fibers doped with an ultrahigh content of N (21.2 atom %) (i.e., nitrogen-doped carbon fibers, NDCFs) were synthesized by an adsorption-swelling strategy using BC as the carbonaceous material. When used as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, the NDCFs deliver a high reversible capacity of 86.2 mAh g -1 even after 2000 cycles at a high current density of 10.0 A g -1 . It is proposed that the excellent Na + storage performance is mainly due to the defective surface of the NDCFs created by the high content of N dopant. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the defect sites created by N doping can strongly "host" Na + and therefore contribute to the enhanced storage capacity.

The role of body size in host specificity: reciprocal transfer experiments with feather lice.

PubMed

Bush, Sarah E; Clayton, Dale H

2006-10-01

Although most parasites show at least some degree of host specificity, factors governing the evolution of specificity remain poorly understood. Many different groups of host-specific parasites show a striking correlation between parasite and host body size, suggesting that size reinforces specificity. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the relative fitness of host-specific feather lice transferred to pigeons and doves that differ in size by an order of magnitude. To test the general influence of size, we transferred unrelated groups of wing and body lice, which are specialized for different regions of the host. Lice were transferred in both directions, from a large native host species, the rock pigeon (Columba livia), to several progressively smaller hosts, and from a small native host species, the common ground dove (Columbina passerina), to several larger hosts. We measured the relative fitness (population size) of lice transferred to these novel host species after two louse generations. Neither wing lice nor body lice could survive on novel host species that were smaller in size than the native host. However, when host defense (preening behavior) was blocked, both groups survived and reproduced on all novel hosts tested. Thus, host defense interacted with host size to govern the ability of lice to establish on small hosts. Neither wing lice nor body lice could survive on larger hosts, even when preening was blocked. In summary, host size influenced the fitness of both types of feather lice, but through different mechanisms, depending on the direction of the transfer. Our results indicate that host switching is most likely between hosts of similar body size. This finding has important implications for studies of host-parasite coevolution at both the micro- and macroevolutionary scales.

Local CO2-induced swelling of shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pluymakers, Anne; Dysthe, Dag Kristian

2017-04-01

In heterogeneous shale rocks, CO2 adsorbs more strongly to organic matter than to the other components. CO2-induced swelling of organic matter has been shown in coal, which is pure carbon. The heterogeneity of the shale matrix makes an interesting case study. Can local swelling through adsorption of CO2 to organic matter induce strain in the surrounding shale matrix? Can fractures close due to CO2-induced swelling of clays and organic matter? We have developed a new generation of microfluidic high pressure cells (up to 100 bar), which can be used to study flow and adsorption phenomena at the microscale in natural geo-materials. The devices contain one transparent side and a shale sample on the other side. The shale used is the Pomeranian shale, extracted from 4 km depth in Poland. This formation is a potential target of a combined CO2-storage and gas extraction project. To answer the first question, we place the pressure cell under a Veeco NT1100 Interferometer, operated in Vertical Scanning Interferometry mode and equipped with a Through Transmissive Media objective. This allows for observation of local swelling or organic matter with nanometer vertical resolution and micrometer lateral resolution. We expose the sample to CO2 atmospheres at different pressures. Comparison of the interferometry data and using SEM-EDS maps plus optical microscopy delivers local swelling maps where we can distinguish swelling of different mineralogies. Preliminary results indicate minor local swelling of organic matter, where the total amount is both time- and pressure-dependent.

Do mothers really know best? Complexities in testing the preference-performance hypothesis in polyphagous frugivorous fruit flies.

PubMed

Birke, A; Aluja, M

2017-12-04

The preference-performance hypothesis (PPH) has widely been used to explain host exploitation patterns by phytophagous insects. However, this hypothesis often fails in the case of polyphagous species when compared with specialists. One explanation, validated by the information-processing hypothesis (IPH), considers that polyphagous insects are unable to process a large array of cues, which hinders females from distinguishing between high- and low- quality hosts. Here we analyzed Anastrepha ludens female host preference and offspring performance, and tested if neuronal limitations could possibly play a role in the incapacity of the polyphagous A. ludens to make 'accurate decisions' and therefore partially explain mismatches related to PPH. Results testing the PPH by correlating female preference to six naturally occurring hosts and its offspring outcomes show that A. ludens females oviposited greater proportions of eggs on fruit according to hierarchical preferences. Infestation level was low in white sapote, the preferential and seemingly putative ancestral host, likely due to sapote defence mechanisms. Pupal weight and adult size were lower when A. ludens larvae developed in guava (conditional host that was artificially infested) and peach, a lower ranked host compared with 'Marsh' grapefruit, white sapote, and 'Manila' mango (three preferred hosts). Larvae reared in 'Manzano' pepper, a low-ranked host, performed better than in peach and guava. Results testing the IPH, show that polyphagous A. ludens females were less accurate when discerning between a non natural host (guava) when compared with a preferred, natural host (grapefruit): error rate was significantly higher, number of oviposited fruit in a 6-h period was extremely low, time searching and ovipositing took longer, and pupae recovery was extremely low. Our findings indicate that both hypotheses tested are complementary and help better understand host use by A. ludens. However, we also discuss the complexity of polyphagy considering other factors such as plant resistance/defence mechanisms which are not fully addressed in both theories tested.

Climatology of Global Swell-Atmosphere Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semedo, Alvaro

2016-04-01

At the ocean surface wind sea and swell waves coexist. Wind sea waves are locally generated growing waves strongly linked to the overlaying wind field. Waves that propagate away from their generation area, throughout entire ocean basins, are called swell. Swell waves do not receive energy from local wind. Ocean wind waves can be seen as the "gearbox" between the atmosphere and the ocean, and are of critical importance to the coupled atmosphere-ocean system, since they modulate most of the air-sea interaction processes and exchanges, particularly the exchange of momentum. This modulation is most of the times sea-state dependent, i.e., it is a function of the prevalence of one type of waves over the other. The wave age parameter, defined as the relative speed between the peak wave and the wind (c_p⁄U_10), has been largely used in different aspects of the air-sea interaction theory and in practical modeling solutions of wave-atmosphere coupled model systems. The wave age can be used to assess the development of the sea state but also the prevalence (domination) of wind sea or swell waves at the ocean surface. The presence of fast-running waves (swell) during light winds (at high wave age regimes) induces an upward momentum flux, directed from the water surface to the atmosphere. This upward directed momentum has an impact in the lower marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL): on the one hand it changes the vertical wind speed profile by accelerating the flow at the first few meters (inducing the so called "wave-driven wind"), and on the other hand it changes the overall MABL turbulence structure by limiting the wind shear - in some observed and modeled situations the turbulence is said to have "collapse". The swell interaction with the lower MABL is a function of the wave age but also of the swell steepness, since steeper waves loose more energy into the atmosphere as their energy attenuates. This interaction can be seen as highest in areas where swells are steepest, but also where the wind speed is lowest and consequently the wave age is high. A detailed global climatology of the wave age and swell steepness parameters, based on the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) ERA-Interim reanalysis is presented. It will be shown, in line with previous studies, that the global climatological patterns of the wave age confirm the global dominance of the World Ocean by swell waves. The areas of the ocean where the highest interaction of swell waves and the lower atmosphere can be expected are also presented.

Catalase purification from rat liver with iron-chelated poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(l)-glutamic acid) cryogel discs.

PubMed

Göktürk, Ilgım; Perçin, Işık; Denizli, Adil

2016-08-17

In this study, iron-chelated poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(l)-glutamic acid) (PHEMAGA/Fe(3+)) cryogel discs were prepared. The PHEMAGA/Fe(3+) cryogel discs were characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, swelling tests, and surface area measurements. The PHEMAGA/Fe(3+) cryogel discs had large pores ranging from 10 to 100 µm with a swelling degree of 9.36 g H2O/g cryogel. Effects of pH, temperature, initial catalase concentration, and flow rate on adsorption capacity of the PHEMAGA/Fe(3+) cryogel discs were investigated. Maximum catalase adsorption capacity (62.6 mg/g) was obtained at pH 7.0, 25°C, and 3 mg/ml initial catalase concentration. The PHEMAGA/Fe(3+) cryogel discs were also tested for the purification of catalase from rat liver. After tissue homogenization, purification of catalase was performed using the PHEMAGA/Fe(3+) cryogel discs and catalase was obtained with a yield of 54.34 and 16.67 purification fold.

Simulation and evaluation of rupturable coated capsules by finite element method.

PubMed

Yang, Yan; Fang, Jie; Shen, Lian; Shan, Weiguang

2017-03-15

The objective of this study was to simulate and evaluate the burst behavior of rupturable coated capsules by finite element method (FEM). Film and coated capsules were prepared by dip-coating method and their dimensions were determined by stereomicroscope. Mechanical properties of the film were measured by tensile test and used as material properties of FEM models. Swelling pressure was determined by restrained expansion method and applied to the internal surface of FEM models. Water uptake of coated capsules was determined to study the formation of internal pressure. Burst test and in vitro dissolution was used to verify the FEM models, which were used to study and predict the coating burst behavior. Simulated results of coating burst behavior were well agreed with the experiment results. Swelling pressure, material properties and dimensions of coating had influence on the maximum stress. Burst pressure and critical L-HPC content were calculated for burst prediction and formulation optimization. FEM simulation was a feasible way to simulate and evaluate the burst behavior of coated capsules. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the Rheological and Swelling Properties of Synthetic Alkali Silicate Gels in Order to Predict Their Behavior in ASR Damaged Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vayghan, Asghar Gholizadeh

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a major concrete durability concern that is responsible for the deterioration of concrete infrastructure in the world. The resultant of the reaction between the cement alkali hydroxides and the metastable silicates in the aggregates is a hygroscopic and expansive alkali-silicate gel (referred to as ASR gel in this document). The swelling behavior of ASR gels determines the extent of damage to concrete structures and, as such, mitigation of ASR relies on understanding these gels and finding ways to prevent them either from formation, or from swelling after formation. This dissertation focuses on the synthesis and characterization of ASR gels with wide ranges of compositions similar to what has been reported for the filed ASR gels in the literature. The experimental work consisted of three phases as follow. Phase I: Investigation of rheology, chemistry and physics of ASR gels produced through sol-method. Inspired from the existing literature, two sol-gel methods have been developed for the synthesis of ASR gels. The rheological (primarily gelation time, yield stress, and equilibrium stress), chemical (pore solution pH, pore solution composition, osmotic pressure, solid phase composition, stoichiometry of gelation reactions) and physical (evaporable water, solid content, etc.) properties of synthetic ASR gels have been extensively investigated in this phase. Ca/Si, Na/Si and K/Si, and water content were considered as the main chemical composition variables. In order to investigate the suppressing effects of lithium on the swelling properties of ASR gels, the gels were added with lithium in a part of the experimental program. The results strongly suggested that Ca/Si has a positive effect on the yield stress of the gels and their rate of gelation. Na/Si was found to have a decreasing effect on the yield stress and gelation rate (especially at low Ca/Si levels). K/Si and Li/Si had second-order (i.e., polynomial) effects on the yield stress of the gels, causing a significant drop in this parameter followed by some increase as they approached their upper values. Na/Si and K/Si were both found contribute to the osmotic potential of the ASR gels, while increase in Ca/Si generally led to a drop in this parameter. The presence of all components (Ca, Na, and K) were found to contribute to the pH of the gels' pore solution, and Ca/Si and Na/Si showed a synergistic effect on this parameter. Lithium, on the other hand, was found to be able to drop the OH- concentration of the pore solution by a factor of five in the case of high-sodium gels, which could partially explain its ASR mitigating effect. Phase II: Investigation of the free and restrained swelling behavior, hydrophilic potential and viscoelastic properties of ASR gels produced through the "paste method". 20 gel compositions were selected (using the central composite design method) with Ca/Si, Na/Si and K/Si molar ratios varying in the ranges (0.05-0.5), (0.1-1.0) and (0.0-0.3), respectively. The gels were produced by batching appropriate amounts of certain precursors containing different chemical components. After curing, the gels were tested for the abovementioned parameters using some innovative test methods as explained in the relevant chapters. The results suggest that increasing the alkali content (Na/Si and K/Si) in ASR gels resulted in an increase in the gels' free swelling and water absorption, and a reduction in the equilibrium relative humidity (ERH). However, no significant effect was found for Ca/Si with respect to the ERH. Ca/Si was found to have a multi-episode effect on the swelling and water absorption properties of the gels. An increase in Ca/Si up to 0.18 led to a considerable reduction in the swelling strain, followed by a slight increasing effect as it approached 0.4. Further increase in Ca/Si resulted in complete elimination of swelling strain. While Na/Si and K/Si could constantly increase the free swelling strain, their excessive presence was found to have a softening effect on the gels' structure, leading to a drop in their swelling pressure. Finally, all gels were found to show viscoelastic behavior that could be best explained via Burger's model. The elastic and viscous components have been measured for each gel and related to their composition using regression. Phase III: An Extended Chemical Index Model to Predict the Fly Ash Dosage Necessary for Mitigating Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete . In order to have an applied and ready-to-implement contribution to the realm of alkali-silica reaction, a predictive statistical model was developed that determines the optimum fly ash dosage for ASR mitigation depending on the acceptable risk of ASR and structure's importance. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

THE SWELLING PROPERTIES OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER AND THEIR RELATION TO SORPTION OF NON-IONIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

EPA Science Inventory

A method has been developed to measure the swelling properties of Concentrated natural organic materials in various organic liquids, and has been applied to various eat, pollen, chitin and cellulose samples. The swelling of these macromolecular aterials is rhe volumetric manifest...

SWELLING PROPERTIES OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER AND THEIR RELATION TO SORPTION OF NON-IONIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

EPA Science Inventory

A method has been developed to measure the swelling properties of Concentrated natural organic materials in various organic liquids, and has been applied to various eat, pollen, chitin and cellulose samples. he swelling of these macromolecular aterials is rhe volumetric manifesta...

Numerical studies of temperature effect on the extrusion fracture and swell of plastic micro-pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhong; Huang, Xingyuan; Xiong, Zhihua

2018-03-01

Temperature is a key factor that impacts extrusion forming quality of plastic micro-pipe. In this study, the effect of temperature on extrusion fracture and swell of plastic micro-pipe was investigated by numerical method. Under a certain of the melt’s flow volume, the extrusion pattern, extrusion swelling ratio of melt are obtained under different temperatures. Results show that the extrusion swelling ratio of plastic micro-pipe decreases with increasing of temperature. In order to study the reason of temperature effect, the physical distributions of plastic micro-pipe are gotten. Numerical results show that the viscosity, pressure, stress value of melt are all decreased with the increasing of temperature, which leads to decrease the extrusion swell and fracture phenomenon for the plastic micro-pipe.

Comparison of pain and swelling after removal of oral leukoplakia with CO2 laser and cold knife: A randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

López-Jornet, Pía

2013-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare conventional surgery with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in patients with oral leukoplakia, and to evaluate the postoperative pain and swelling. Study design: A total of 48 patients (27 males and 21 females) with a mean age of 53.7 ± 11.7 years and diagnosed with oral leukoplakia were randomly assigned to receive treatment either with conventional surgery using a cold knife or with a CO2 laser technique. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score pain and swelling at different postoperative time points. Results: Pain and swelling reported by the patients was greater with the conventional cold knife than with the CO2 laser, statistically significant differences for pain and swelling were observed between the two techniques during the first three days after surgery. Followed by a gradual decrease over one week. In neither group was granuloma formation observed, and none of the patients showed malignant transformation during the period of follow-up. Conclusions: The CO2 laser causes only minimal pain and swelling, thus suggesting that it may be an alternative method to conventional surgery in treating patients with oral leukoplakia. Key words:Oral leukoplakia, treatment, laser surgery, cold knife, pain, swelling. PMID:23229239

Urinary steroid hormone analysis of ovarian cycles and pregnancy in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) indicate that menses, copulatory behavior, sexual swellings and reproductive condition are associated with changing estrone conjugates (E(1)C) and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG).

PubMed

Phillips, Rebecca Sellin; Wheaton, Catharine J

2008-07-01

The objective of this study was to determine if sexual swellings in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are a reflection of reproductive endocrine state. Urine samples were assayed using an enzyme immunoassay measuring pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) and estrone conjugates (E(1)C). Hormone patterns of ovarian cycles, pregnancy and lactation were characterized and compared with sexual swellings and copulations relative to menses and peak E(1)C. Cycle lengths averaging 28.7 days and pregnancy length of 181 days determined by hormonal and sexual swelling measures were similar to those reported in other Old World primate species. First day of copulation was observed during rising E(1)C concentrations and preceded observations of peak swelling by 1-2 days. Observations of peak sexual swellings occurred at or on the day after peak E(1)C and decreased following the ovulatory increase in PdG. Observations of menses and sexual swellings are a useful method to track mandrill ovarian cycles and can assist zoos in determining the reproductive state of females in their collections. Zoo Biol 27:320-330, 2008. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Mathematical modelling of liquid transport in swelling pharmaceutical immediate release tablets.

PubMed

Markl, Daniel; Yassin, Samy; Wilson, D Ian; Goodwin, Daniel J; Anderson, Andrew; Zeitler, J Axel

2017-06-30

Oral dosage forms are an integral part of modern health care and account for the majority of drug delivery systems. Traditionally the analysis of the dissolution behaviour of a dosage form is used as the key parameter to assess the performance of a drug product. However, understanding the mechanisms of disintegration is of critical importance to improve the quality of drug delivery systems. The disintegration performance is primarily impacted by the hydration and subsequent swelling of the powder compact. Here we compare liquid ingress and swelling data obtained using terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI) to a set of mathematical models. The interlink between hydration kinetics and swelling is described by a model based on Darcy's law and a modified swelling model based on that of Schott. Our new model includes the evolution of porosity, pore size and permeability as a function of hydration time. Results obtained from two sets of samples prepared from pure micro-crystalline cellulose (MCC) indicate a clear difference in hydration and swelling for samples of different porosities and particle sizes, which are captured by the model. Coupling a novel imaging technique, such as TPI, and mathematical models allows better understanding of hydration and swelling and eventually tablet disintegration. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oesophageal bioadhesion of sodium alginate suspensions: particle swelling and mucosal retention.

PubMed

Richardson, J Craig; Dettmar, Peter W; Hampson, Frank C; Melia, Colin D

2004-09-01

This paper describes a prospective bioadhesive liquid dosage form designed to specifically adhere to the oesophageal mucosa. It contains a swelling polymer, sodium alginate, suspended in a water-miscible vehicle and is activated by dilution with saliva to form an adherent layer of polymer on the mucosal surface. The swelling of alginate particles and the bioadhesion of 40% (w/w) sodium alginate suspensions were investigated in a range of vehicles: glycerol, propylene glycol, PEG 200 and PEG 400. Swelling of particles as a function of vehicle dilution with artificial saliva was quantified microscopically using 1,9-dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB) as a visualising agent. The minimum vehicle dilution to initiate swelling varied between vehicles: glycerol required 30% (w/w) dilution whereas PEG 400 required nearly 60% (w/w). Swelling commenced when the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the diluted vehicle was raised to 37 MPa(1/2). The bioadhesive properties of suspensions were examined by quantifying the amount of sodium alginate retained on oesophageal mucosa after washing in artificial saliva. Suspensions exhibited considerable mucoretention and strong correlations were obtained between mucosal retention, the minimum dilution to initiate swelling, and the vehicle Hildebrand solubility parameter. These relationships may allow predictive design of suspensions with specific mucoretentive properties, through judicious choice of vehicle characteristics.

Engineering report on drilling in the San Rafael Swell area, Utah

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

Jones, L.I.

1980-05-01

The San Rafael Swell drilling project was conducted by Bendix Field Engineering Corporation in support of the US Department of Energy National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. This project consisted of 27 drill holes ranging in depth from 120.0 ft (36.5 m) to 3,700.0 ft (1,127.7 m). A total of 41,716 ft (12,715 m) was drilled, of which 3,099.8 ft (944.8 m) were cored. Geophysical logging was supplied by Century Geophysical Corporation and Bendix Field Engineering Corporation. The objective of the project was to test the uranium potential of the Triassic and Jurassic sandstone units and to investigate areas wheremore » industry was unlikely to drill in the near future. Drilling commenced September 24, 1978, and was finished on December 17, 1979.« less

Formation Mechanism of Finished Surface in Ultrahigh-Speed Grinding with cubic Boron Nitride (cBN) Wheels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichida, Yoshio; Sato, Ryunosuke; Morimoto, Yoshitaka; Ohsawa, Yoshiteru; Fredj, Nabil Ben

In this paper, we describe the formation mechanism of a finished surface in ultrahigh-speed grinding under a peripheral wheel speed higher than 200m/s. Grinding experiments using a grinding machine tool equipped with an active magnetic bearing spindle have been conducted over a range of grinding speeds from 60 to 300m/s. Moreover, grinding tests for producing some individual grooves using a grinding tool with multiple cBN grit have been carried out to clarify the effects of grinding speed on the side swelling formed along both sides of the grinding grooves. From the results of these experiments, we have confirmed that the roughness of the ground surface decreases with an increase in grinding speed, and this decrease is mainly due to the reduction of the swelling ratio with increasing grinding speed.

Water saturation of hydrothermal smectite-rich clay might have promoted slope instability prior to the 1998 debris avalanche at Casita volcano, Nicaragua

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delmelle, P.; Opfergelt, S.; Boivin, P.; Delvaux, B.

2006-12-01

In October 1998, a relatively small collapse (1 600 000 cubic meters) of a pre-existing scarp occurred on the southern flank of the dormant Casita volcano, Nicaragua. It resulted in a debris avalanche, which quickly transformed into a disastrous debris flow that destroyed two towns and killed more than 2500 people. The failure was shown to be triggered by an excess pore water pressure within highly fractured rocks, following prolonged seasonal rains and precipitations from Hurricane Mitch. This pressure was linked to the water saturation of a hydrothermally-altered clay bedrock impeding in-depth infiltration. Yet, the nature and amounts of the clay material involved in the slope failure were still unknown. Here we report on physical, chemical and mineralogical investigations aimed at quantifying the clay content, and identifying the layer silicates of the hydrothermally-altered clays uncovered by the 1998 debris avalanche. The fine clay material was exceptionally rich in smectite (up to 50 wt. percent), which swells upon wetting and shrinks during dry conditions (Opfergelt et al., 2006, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33 (15), L15305). The smectite belonged to the beidellite-montmorillonite series. The pervasive presence of water-saturated smectitic clay strongly reduced the permeability in depth, and also altered the rheological and mechanical properties of both the pre-failure rock mass and flow materials. The shrink-swell behavior progressively decreased the rock's shear strength, and gradually destabilized the overlying rock mass in the decades and centuries before the landslide, thereby contributing to slope instability. Prolonged intense rainfall led to the formation of incipient weak failure surfaces in the superficial rock mass. As provoked by water saturation, this process was likely favored by the rapid change of the mechanical properties of smectite-rich clays deposited in fracture, joint and gouge interfaces. We suggest that hazard assessments associated with unstable volcanic slopes, especially on volcanoes hosting a long-lived hydrothermal system, should include the potential long and short-term impacts of swelling clays.

Snoring-Induced Vibratory Angioedema

PubMed Central

Kalathoor, Ipe

2015-01-01

Patient: Female, 70 Final Diagnosis: Snoring induced vibratory angioedema Symptoms: Swelling of tongue • roof of mouth and throat • multiple episodes at night Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Continuous positive airway pressure therapy Specialty: Allergology Objective: Rare disease Background: Vibratory angioedema (VA) is a rare physical urticaria, with symptoms of itching and swelling of the skin or mucosa when it is exposed to vibration. Avoidance of vibration is the best way to manage this condition. This case report will assist physicians to diagnose this rare condition. Here, a previously unpublished potential successful treatment modality is being presented, with good symptom control, along with some photographs taken during an acute attack. A literature review points towards potential undiagnosed cases. Case Report: A 70-year-old woman had multiple emergency department visits for tongue and throat swelling over 3 years. The episodes always happened at night. Detailed history elicited some episodes of itching and swelling of hands when driving as well as significant snoring while sleeping. Physical examination was unremarkable except for morbid obesity. Complement factor 4 and C1esterase inhibitor level were within normal limits. A tentative diagnosis of angioedema induced by oropharyngeal vibration from snoring was made. A sleep study confirmed sleep apnea with severe snoring. After CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment, she had successful symptom control. Conclusions: Snoring-induced VA is very likely an under-diagnosed condition in the community. The typical history is the key to the diagnosis. This condition could be confirmed by vibration test or by the resolution of symptoms with elimination of vibration. Effective symptom control is possible by avoidance of oropharyngeal vibration from snoring with the administration of CPAP therapy, making it a potential novel indication for this condition. PMID:26437464

Effect of fission rate on the microstructure of coated UMo dispersion fuel

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

Leenaers, A.; Parthoens, Y.; Cornelis, G.

Compared to previous irradiation experiments containing UMo/Al dispersion fuel plates, the SELENIUM irradiation experiment performed at the SCK.CEN BR2 reactor in 2012 showed an improved plate swelling behavior. However, in the high burn-up area of the plates a significant increase in meat thickness was still measured. The origin of this increase is currently not firmly established, but it is clear from the observed microstructure that the swelling rate still is too high for practical purposes and needs to be reduced. It was stipulated that the swelling occurred at the high burnup areas which are also the high power zones atmore » beginning of life. For that reason, an experiment was proposed to investigate the influence of fission rate (i.e. power) on some of the observed phenomena. For this purpose, a sibling plate to a high power (BOL>470 W/cm(2)) SELENIUM plate was irradiated during four BR2 cycles. The SELENIUM 1a fuel plate was submitted to a local maximum heat flux below 350 W/cm(2), throughout the full irradiation. At the end of the last cycle, the SELENIUM 1a fuel plate reached a maximum local burnup value of close to 75%U-235 compared to 70%U-235 for the SELENIUM high power plates. When comparing to the results on the SELENIUM plates, the non-destructive tests clearly show a continued linear swelling behavior of the low power irradiated fuel plate SELENIUM 1a in the high burn-up region. The influence of the fission rate is also evidenced in the microstructural examination of the fuel showing that there is no formation of interaction layer at the high burn-up region.« less

Effect of fission rate on the microstructure of coated UMo dispersion fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leenaers, A.; Parthoens, Y.; Cornelis, G.; Kuzminov, V.; Koonen, E.; Van den Berghe, S.; Ye, B.; Hofman, G. L.; Schulthess, Jason

2017-10-01

Compared to previous irradiation experiments containing UMo/Al dispersion fuel plates, the SELENIUM irradiation experiment performed at the SCK·CEN BR2 reactor in 2012 showed an improved plate swelling behavior. However, in the high burn-up area of the plates a significant increase in meat thickness was still measured. The origin of this increase is currently not firmly established, but it is clear from the observed microstructure that the swelling rate still is too high for practical purposes and needs to be reduced. It was stipulated that the swelling occurred at the high burnup areas which are also the high power zones at beginning of life. For that reason, an experiment was proposed to investigate the influence of fission rate (i.e. power) on some of the observed phenomena. For this purpose, a sibling plate to a high power (BOL>470 W/cm2) SELENIUM plate was irradiated during four BR2 cycles. The SELENIUM 1a fuel plate was submitted to a local maximum heat flux below 350 W/cm2, throughout the full irradiation. At the end of the last cycle, the SELENIUM 1a fuel plate reached a maximum local burnup value of close to 75%235U compared to 70%235U for the SELENIUM high power plates. When comparing to the results on the SELENIUM plates, the non-destructive tests clearly show a continued linear swelling behavior of the low power irradiated fuel plate SELENIUM 1a in the high burn-up region. The influence of the fission rate is also evidenced in the microstructural examination of the fuel showing that there is no formation of interaction layer at the high burn-up region.

Eddy current sensor for in-situ monitoring of swelling of Li-ion prismatic cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plotnikov, Yuri; Karp, Jason; Knobloch, Aaron; Kapusta, Chris; Lin, David

2015-03-01

In-situ monitoring an on-board rechargeable battery in hybrid cars can be used to ensure a long operating life of the battery and safe operation of the vehicle. Intercalations of ions in the electrode material during charge and discharge of a Lithium Ion battery cause periodic stress and strain of the electrode materials that can ultimately lead to fatigue resulting in capacity loss and potential battery failure. Currently this process is not monitored directly on the cells. This work is focused on development technologies that would quantify battery swelling and provide in-situ monitoring for onboard vehicle applications. Several rounds of tests have been performed to spatially characterize cell expansion of a 5 Ah cell with a nickel/manganese/cobalt-oxide cathode (Sanyo, Japan) used by Ford in their Fusion HEV battery pack. A collaborative team of researchers from GE and the University of Michigan has characterized the free expansion of these cells to be in the range of 100×125 microns (1% of total cell thickness) at the center point of the cell. GE proposed to use a thin eddy current (EC) coil to monitor these expansions on the cells while inside the package. The photolithography manufacturing process previously developed for EC arrays for detecting cracks in aircraft engine components was used to build test coils for gap monitoring. These sensors are thin enough to be placed safely between neighboring cells and capable of monitoring small variations in the gap between the cells. Preliminary investigations showed that these coils can be less than 100 micron thick and have sufficient sensitivity in a range from 0 to 2 mm. Laboratory tests revealed good correlation between EC and optical gap measurements in the desired range. Further technology development could lead to establishing a sensor network for a low cost solution for the in-situ monitoring of cell swelling during battery operation.

Equine sperm post-thaw evaluation after the addition of different cryoprotectants added to INRA 96® extender.

PubMed

Álvarez, C; Gil, L; González, N; Olaciregui, M; Luño, V

2014-08-01

The rise of assisted reproduction techniques in equine medicine has fostered investigations that seek to optimize methods to increase fertility rates. Since cryopreservation continues to give low values of viability in stallions, the handling and preservation of the sperm is of vital importance. This reduction of fertility makes it essential for farmers to find new options that ensure reliability in the use of these techniques. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of INRA 96® (manufactured commercial extender for cooling of Equine semen) as an extender for cryopreservation in combination with different cryoprotectants: Acetal (5%), Dimethylformamide (5%) and Glycerol (5%), alone and combined (2.5% each) on ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa. Ejaculates collected from mature stallion and epididymal sperm samples were cryopreserved in INRA® varying content of cryoprotectant and cryopreserved. Sperm motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) and acrosome integrity were evaluated post-thawing. We conclude that INRA 96® is suited as extender for freezing when it is used in combination with Dimethylformamide (5%) or Dimethylformamide (2.5%)+Glycerol (2.5%) for samples of ejaculate. The combination of Dimethylformamide (2.5%)+Glycerol (2.5%) showed the best results on epididymal spermatozoa. In conclusion, the combination of Dimethylformamide and Glycerol as cryoprotectants in INRA® medium enhanced equine epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa quality after cryopreservation. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Preparation, Characterization and Properties of Alginate/Poly(γ-glutamic acid) Composite Microparticles

PubMed Central

Tong, Zongrui; Chen, Yu; Liu, Yang; Tong, Li; Chu, Jiamian; Xiao, Kecen; Zhou, Zhiyu; Dong, Wenbo; Chu, Xingwu

2017-01-01

Alginate (Alg) is a renewable polymer with excellent hemostatic properties and biocapability and is widely used for hemostatic wound dressing. However, the swelling properties of alginate-based wound dressings need to be promoted to meet the requirements of wider application. Poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA) is a natural polymer with high hydrophility. In the current study, novel Alg/PGA composite microparticles with double network structure were prepared by the emulsification/internal gelation method. It was found from the structure characterization that a double network structure was formed in the composite microparticles due to the ion chelation interaction between Ca2+ and the carboxylate groups of Alg and PGA and the electrostatic interaction between the secondary amine group of PGA and the carboxylate groups of Alg and PGA. The swelling behavior of the composite microparticles was significantly improved due to the high hydrophility of PGA. Influences of the preparing conditions on the swelling behavior of the composites were investigated. The porous microparticles could be formed while compositing of PGA. Thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis method. Moreover, in vitro cytocompatibility test of microparticles exhibited good biocompatibility with L929 cells. All results indicated that such Alg/PGA composite microparticles are a promising candidate in the field of wound dressing for hemostasis or rapid removal of exudates. PMID:28398222

Detailed measurements of local thickness changes for U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates with Al-3.5Si matrix after irradiation at different powers in the RERTR-9B experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiser, Dennis D.; Williams, Walter; Robinson, Adam; Wachs, Dan; Moore, Glenn; Crawford, Doug

2017-10-01

The Materials Management and Minimization program is developing fuel designs to replace highly enriched fuel with fuels of low enrichment. Swelling is an important irradiation behavior that needs to be well understood. Data from high resolution thickness measurements performed on U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates with Al-Si alloy matrices that were irradiated at high power is sparse. This paper reports the results of detailed thickness measurements performed on two dispersion fuel plates that were irradiated at relatively high power to high fission densities in the Advanced Test Reactor in the same RERTR-9B experiment. Both plates were irradiated to similar fission densities, but one was irradiated at a higher power than the other. The goal of this work is to identify any differences in the swelling behavior when fuel plates are irradiated at different powers to the same fission densities. Based on the results of detailed thickness measurments, more swelling occurs when a U-7Mo dispersion fuel with Al-3.5Si matrix is irradiated to a high fission density at high power compared to one irradiated at a lower power to high fission density.

The influence of product brand-to-brand variability on superdisintegrant Performance. A case study with croscarmellose sodium.

PubMed

Zhao, Na; Augsburger, L L

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing croscarmellose sodium functionality with special emphasis on developing a discriminating model tablet formulation to evaluate product brand-to-brand variability. The particle size distribution, water uptake, and swelling properties of five brands of croscarmellose sodium in either neutral water or 0.1 N HCl were studied. Differences were observed in all properties between brands. Media with acidic pH had a negative impact, but to different extents, on both the water uptake and swelling of all croscarmellose sodium brands due to the presence of carboxymethyl sodium substituents. A tablet matrix composed of lactose (75% w/w) and dicalcium phosphate (25% wt/wt) was used to compare the functional equivalency of the five brands of croscarmellose sodium. The tablet disintegration times were inversely proportional to the swelling ability of superdisintegrant in the testing medium regardless of medium temperature and disintegrant concentration. In conclusion; the particle size, total degree of substitution, and the ratio of basic to acidic substituents are important factors that should be considered during product optimization. The tablet matrix composed of lactose and dicalcium phosphate at a weight ratio of 3:1 can be used as a model formulation for product lot-to-lot consistency and product brand-to-brand comparison purposes.

Preparation, Characterization and Properties of Alginate/Poly(γ-glutamic acid) Composite Microparticles.

PubMed

Tong, Zongrui; Chen, Yu; Liu, Yang; Tong, Li; Chu, Jiamian; Xiao, Kecen; Zhou, Zhiyu; Dong, Wenbo; Chu, Xingwu

2017-04-11

Alginate (Alg) is a renewable polymer with excellent hemostatic properties and biocapability and is widely used for hemostatic wound dressing. However, the swelling properties of alginate-based wound dressings need to be promoted to meet the requirements of wider application. Poly( γ -glutamic acid) (PGA) is a natural polymer with high hydrophility. In the current study, novel Alg/PGA composite microparticles with double network structure were prepared by the emulsification/internal gelation method. It was found from the structure characterization that a double network structure was formed in the composite microparticles due to the ion chelation interaction between Ca 2+ and the carboxylate groups of Alg and PGA and the electrostatic interaction between the secondary amine group of PGA and the carboxylate groups of Alg and PGA. The swelling behavior of the composite microparticles was significantly improved due to the high hydrophility of PGA. Influences of the preparing conditions on the swelling behavior of the composites were investigated. The porous microparticles could be formed while compositing of PGA. Thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis method. Moreover, in vitro cytocompatibility test of microparticles exhibited good biocompatibility with L929 cells. All results indicated that such Alg/PGA composite microparticles are a promising candidate in the field of wound dressing for hemostasis or rapid removal of exudates.

A new approach to enhance the selectivity of liberation and the efficiency of coal grinding

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

Wang, X.H.; Guo, Q.; Parekh, B.K.

1993-12-31

An innovative process has been developed at the University of Kentucky to enhance the liberation of mineral matter from coal and the efficiency of grinding energy utilization. Through treating coal with a swelling agent prior to grinding, the grindability of coals can be considerably improved. The Hardgrove Grindability tests show that the HGI of a KY. No. 9 coal increases from 41 for the untreated coal to 60-90 after swelling pretreatment for a short time. Batch stirred ball mill grinding results demonstrate that this new technique has a great potential in reducing the energy consumption of fine coal grinding. Dependingmore » on the pretreatment conditions, the specific energy consumption of producing less than 10 {mu}m product is reduced to 41-60% of that of the untreated coal feed. The production rate of -10 {mu}m particles increases considerably for the pretreated coal. The Energy-Dispersive-X-ray Analytical Scanning Electron Microscope (EDXA-SEM) studies clearly demonstrate that intensive cracking and fracturing were developed during the swelling pretreatment. Cracks and fractures were induced in the coal matrix, preferentially along the boundaries between the pyrite particles and coal matrix. These may be responsible for enhancement in both the efficiency of grinding energy consumption and the selectivity of liberation.« less

Applying terahertz technology for nondestructive detection of crack initiation in a film-coated layer on a swelling tablet

PubMed Central

Momose, Wataru; Yoshino, Hiroyuki; Katakawa, Yoshifumi; Yamashita, Kazunari; Imai, Keiji; Sako, Kazuhiro; Kato, Eiji; Irisawa, Akiyoshi; Yonemochi, Etsuo; Terada, Katsuhide

2012-01-01

Here, we describe a nondestructive approach using terahertz wave to detect crack initiation in a film-coated layer on a drug tablet. During scale-up and scale-down of the film coating process, differences in film density and gaps between the film-coated layer and the uncoated tablet were generated due to differences in film coating process parameters, such as the tablet-filling rate in the coating machine, spray pressure, and gas–liquid ratio etc. Tablets using the PEO/PEG formulation were employed as uncoated tablets. We found that heat and humidity caused tablets to swell, thereby breaking the film-coated layer. Using our novel approach with terahertz wave nondestructively detect film surface density (FSD) and interface density differences (IDDs) between the film-coated layer and an uncoated tablet. We also found that a reduced FSD and IDD between the film-coated layer and uncoated tablet increased the risk of crack initiation in the film-coated layer, thereby enabling us to nondestructively predict initiation of cracks in the film-coated layer. Using this method, crack initiation can be nondestructively assessed in swelling tablets after the film coating process without conducting accelerated stability tests, and film coating process parameters during scale-up and scale-down studies can be appropriately established. PMID:25755992

Randomized clinical study comparing piezosurgery and conventional rotatory surgery in mandibular cyst enucleation.

PubMed

Pappalardo, Sabrina; Guarnieri, Renzo

2014-07-01

The aim of the present study is to compare piezoelectric surgery to the conventional rotatory surgery in mandibular cyst enucleation, and to determine the 2 method's suitability and the postoperative outcomes. Eighty patients were included in the study. 35 male and 45 female, which showed cystic mandibular lesions, compared with the inferior alveolar nerve or the mental nerve. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the test group, cystectomy was performed using conventional rotatory instrumentation (rotatory-group), and in the other one piezoelectric surgery (piezo-group). The swelling was documented 24/48/72 h and 1 week post-surgery and the patients recorded their subjective postoperative pain daily for 7 days using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients treated with piezoelectric technique have presented a lower VAS, minor swelling and less recovery time compared to the rotatory-group. No lesions of the mandible nerve were detected with piezosurgery whereas surgery with rotary instruments resulted in 8% hypesthesia at least up to one week. The results of this study suggest that piezosurgery may be considered effective in cyst enucleation compared to traditional procedures with burs, since it grants the patients significantly less post-surgical pain and swelling. Copyright © 2013 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of antioxidants reduce lipid peroxidation and improve quality of crossbred ram sperm during its cryopreservation.

PubMed

Banday, Mohamad Naiem; Lone, Farooz Ahmad; Rasool, Fabiha; Rashid, Muzamil; Shikari, Arif

2017-02-01

Ram sperm are subjected to extreme oxidative stress during their preservation at -196 °C resulting in reduced quality at post thaw. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidants taurine, quercetin and reduced glutathione on the post thaw quality of crossbred ram sperm. A total of twenty four ejaculates from six crossbred rams were collected and extended with tris-based extender with no antioxidant (Control), with taurine (40 mM), quercetin (5 μg/ml) and reduced glutathione (5 mM). The post thaw sperm quality was determined by percent sperm motility, live sperm count, intact acrosome and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) reacted spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation was measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) level both in seminal plasma and sperm cell. At post thaw, percent sperm motility and live sperm count were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for taurine than control and reduced glutathione but did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from quercetin. The percent HOST reacted spermatozoa were significantly higher for taurine than control, quercetin and reduced glutathione. Seminal plasma MDA level was significantly (p < 0.05) lower for taurine than control and non-significantly lower than quercetin and reduced glutathione. However, spermatic MDA level did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the control and antioxidants. In conclusion, taurine at 40 mM reduced lipid peroxidation and improved post thaw sperm quality of cryopreserved crossbred ram semen. Further, transportation time of semen samples in an ice chest at 4-5 °C may be included as a part of equilibration period, when collection shed and frozen semen unit are located at a distance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Regional Wave Climates along Eastern Boundary Currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semedo, Alvaro; Soares, Pedro

2016-04-01

Two types of wind-generated gravity waves coexist at the ocean surface: wind sea and swell. Wind sea waves are waves under growing process. These young growing waves receive energy from the overlaying wind and are strongly coupled to the local wind field. Waves that propagate away from their generation area and no longer receive energy input from the local wind are called swell. Swell waves can travel long distances across entire ocean basins. A qualitative study of the ocean waves from a locally vs. remotely generation perspective is important, since the air sea interaction processes is strongly modulated by waves and vary accordingly to the prevalence of wind sea or swell waves in the area. A detailed climatology of wind sea and swell waves along eastern boundary currents (EBC; California Current, Canary Current, in the Northern Hemisphere, and Humboldt Current, Benguela Current, and Western Australia Current, in the Southern Hemisphere), based on the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) ERA-Interim reanalysis will be presented. The wind regime along EBC varies significantly from winter to summer. The high summer wind speeds along EBC generate higher locally generated wind sea waves, whereas lower winter wind speeds in these areas, along with stronger winter extratropical storms far away, lead to a predominance of swell waves there. In summer, the coast parallel winds also interact with coastal headlands, increasing the wind speed through a process called "expansion fan", which leads to an increase in the height of locally generated waves downwind of capes and points. Hence the spatial patterns of the wind sea or swell regional wave fields are shown to be different from the open ocean along EBC, due to coastal geometry and fetch dimensions. Swell waves will be shown to be considerably more prevalent and to carry more energy in winter along EBC, while in summer locally generated wind sea waves are either more comparable to swell waves or, particularly in the lee of headlands, or even more prevalent and more energized than swell. This study is part of the WRCP-JCOMM COWCLIP (Coordinated Ocean Wave Climate Project) effort.

Dasyatispora levantinae gen. et sp. nov., a new microsporidian parasite from the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca in the eastern Mediterranean.

PubMed

Diamant, Ariel; Goren, Menachem; Yokeş, M Baki; Galil, Bella S; Klopman, Yaelle; Huchon, Dorothée; Szitenberg, Amir; Karhan, S Unsal

2010-09-02

A new microsporidian infecting the Mediterranean common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) is described from Iskenderun Bay, Turkey. The parasite invades the disc muscles, producing slender, spindle-shaped subcutaneous swellings that develop into massive, elongated, tumor-like protuberances measuring up to 11 x 4 cm. Severity of the infection may vary from light (1 or 2 small lesions) to intense, with large parts of the dorsal surface covered with lumps and protrusions. These masses contained a yellowish-white caseous substance consisting of degraded host tissue and microsporidian sporophorous vesicles, which in turn contained developing sporonts, sporoblasts and spores. The ripe spore contained a uni-nucleate sporoplasm and large posterior vacuole, and measured 3.8-4.3 x 2.6-2.8 microm. Infection prevalence was 21% in a sample of 143 host individuals examined. All the infected stingray individuals were within the weight class of 300 to 800 g (200 to 305 mm disc width). Phylogenetic analyses of rDNA sequences indicate that this microsporidian belongs to the Pleistophoridae and clusters with species of the genera Ovipleistophora Pekkarinen, Lom & Nilsen, 2002 and Heterosporis Schubert, 1969. However, the morphology, development and host differ distinctly from all reported species, including those belonging to these 2 genera, and it is thus assigned to a newly erected genus and named Dasyatispora levantinae gen. et sp. nov. This is the first record of a microsporidian infection in a batoid. It is also the first microsporidian species to be formally described from an elasmobranch.

Histopathological and ultrastructural studies of the tapeworm Monobothrium wageneri (Caryophyllidea) in the intestinal tract of tench Tinca tinca.

PubMed

Williams, C F; Poddubnaya, L G; Scholz, T; Turnbull, J F; Ferguson, H W

2011-12-06

Monobothrium wageneri is a monozoic caryophyllidean tapeworm of tench Tinca tinca. The pathological changes caused by this parasite within the intestinal tract of wild tench are described for the first time. Parasites were found attached to the anterior third of the intestine in tight clusters comprising up to 109 tapeworms. Infection was associated with the formation of raised inflammatory swellings surrounding the parasites. This host response, combined with the deep penetration of the scolex into the gut wall, formed a very firm seat of parasite attachment. Histopathological changes were characterised by a pronounced fibrogranulomatous lesion that extended through all layers of the intestine. This was accompanied by haemorrhage, oedema, necrosis and degeneration of the muscularis. A marked eosinophilic interface layer between the scolex of the tapeworm and gut wall indicated intimate host-parasite contact. Ultrastructural examinations revealed coniform spinitriches covering the neck and lateral sides of the scolex and capilliform filitriches present on the apical end of the scolex. Numerous glandular cytons (tegumental glands) were recorded throughout the scolex tegument. Large numbers of secretory granules discharged from the glands through a network of processes onto the scolex surface were consistent with distancing the cellular responses of the host. Observations of severe inflammatory lesions, partial intestinal occlusion and the potential for intestinal perforation represent important pathological changes that are consistent with loss of normal gut function. The lesions associated with the attachment of M. wageneri are more severe than those recorded for any other tapeworm of British freshwater fish.

Mechanism of eliciting host immunity against cancer cells treated with silica-phthalocyanine-based near infrared photoimmunotherapy (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Hisataka

2016-03-01

Near infrared (NIR) photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is a new type of molecularly-targeted cancer photo-therapy based on conjugating a near infrared silica-phthalocyanine dye, IR700, to a monoclonal antibody (MAb) targeting cancer-specific cell-surface molecules. When exposed to NIR light, the conjugate induces a highly-selective necrotic/ immunogenic cell death (ICD) only in receptor-positive, MAb-IR700-bound cancer cells. This cell death occurs as early as 1 minute after exposure to NIR light. Meanwhile, immediately adjacent receptor-negative cells including immune cells are unharmed. Therefore, we hypothesized that NIR-PIT could efficiently elicit host immunity against treated cancer cells. Three-dimensional dynamic quantitative phase contrast microscopy and selective plane illumination microscopy of tumor cells undergoing PIT showed rapid swelling in treated cells immediately after light exposure suggesting rapid water influx into cells, followed by irreversible morphologic changes such as bleb formation, and rupture of vesicles. Furthermore, biological markers of ICD including relocation of HSP70/90 and calreticulin, and release of ATP and High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), were clearly detected immediately after NIR-PIT. When NIR-PIT was performed in a mixture of cancer cells and immature dendritic cells, maturation of immature dendritic cells was strongly induced rapidly after NIR-PIT. In summary, NIR-PIT can induce necrotic/ immunogenic cell death that promotes rapid maturation of immature dendritic cells adjacent to dying cancer cells. Therefore, NIR-PIT could efficiently initiate host immune response against NIR-PIT treated cancer cells growing in patients.

Ecological host-range of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of Dioscorea bulbifera L.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Open-field host-specificity testing assesses the host-range of a biological control agent in a setting that permits the agent to use its full complement of host-seeking behaviors. This form of testing, particularly when it includes a no-choice phase in which the target weed is killed, may provide th...

Comparison of the Effects of Daily Single-Dose Use of Flurbiprofen, Diclofenac Sodium, and Tenoxicam on Postoperative Pain, Swelling, and Trismus: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

PubMed

Kaplan, Volkan; Eroğlu, Cennet Neslihan

2016-10-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of daily single-dose use of flurbiprofen, diclofenac sodium, and tenoxicam on pain, swelling, and trismus that occur after surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth using local anesthesia. The present study included 3 groups with 30 patients in each group. Those volunteering to participate in this double-blind randomized study (n = 90) were selected from a patient population with an indication for extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. Group 1 patients received 200 mg flurbiprofen, group 2 patients received 100 mg diclofenac sodium, and group 3 patients received 20 mg tenoxicam. All doses were once a day, starting preoperatively. Pain was evaluated postoperatively at 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, and 24 hours and at 2 and 7 days using a visual analog scale (VAS). For comparison with the preoperative measurements, the patients were invited to postoperative follow-up visits 2 and 7 days after extraction to evaluate for swelling and trismus. The statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics in SAS, version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC), software. Statistical analysis of the pain, swelling, and trismus data was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U tests. The statistical level of significance was accepted at P = .05 and power of 0.80. Clinically, tenoxicam showed better analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy compared with diclofenac sodium and, in particular, flurbiprofen. Although the VAS scores in the evaluation of pain showed statistically significant differences at 2 days, no statistically significant difference was found for swelling and trismus. Our study evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects with a daily single dose of flurbiprofen, diclofenac sodium, and tenoxicam. Daily 20 mg tenoxicam can be accepted as an adequate and safe option for patients after a surgical procedure. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock: evaluation of different resuscitation strategies in a large animal model of combined insults.

PubMed

Jin, Guang; DeMoya, Marc A; Duggan, Michael; Knightly, Thomas; Mejaddam, Ali Y; Hwabejire, John; Lu, Jennifer; Smith, William Michael; Kasotakis, Georgios; Velmahos, George C; Socrate, Simona; Alam, Hasan B

2012-07-01

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhagic shock (HS) are the leading causes of trauma-related mortality and morbidity. Combination of TBI and HS (TBI + HS) is highly lethal, and the optimal resuscitation strategy for this combined insult remains unclear. A critical limitation is the lack of suitable large animal models to test different treatment strategies. We have developed a clinically relevant large animal model of TBI + HS, which was used to evaluate the impact of different treatments on brain lesion size and associated edema. Yorkshire swine (42-50 kg) were instrumented to measure hemodynamic parameters and intracranial pressure. A computer-controlled cortical impact device was used to create a TBI through a 20-mm craniotomy: 15-mm cylindrical tip impactor at 4 m/s velocity, 100-ms dwell time, and 12-mm penetration depth. Volume-controlled hemorrhage was started (40% blood volume) concurrent with the TBI. After 2 h of shock, animals were randomized to one of three resuscitation groups (n = 5/group): (a) normal saline (NS); (b) 6% hetastarch, Hextend (Hex); and (c) fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Volumes of Hex and FFP matched the shed blood, whereas NS was three times the volume. After 6 h of postresuscitation monitoring, brains were sectioned into 5-mm slices and stained with TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) to quantify the lesion size and brain swelling. Combination of 40% blood loss with cortical impact and a period of shock (2 h) resulted in a highly reproducible brain injury. Total fluid requirements were lower in the Hex and FFP groups. Lesion size and brain swelling in the FFP group (2,160 ± 202.63 mm and 22% ± 1.0%, respectively) were significantly smaller than those in the NS group (3,285 ± 130.8 mm3 and 37% ± 1.6%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Hex treatment decreased the swelling (29% ± 1.6%) without reducing the lesion size. Early administration of FFP reduces the size of brain lesion and associated swelling in a large animal model of TBI + HS. In contrast, artificial colloid (Hex) decreases swelling without reducing the actual size of the brain lesion.

Heterologous expression of the plant cysteine protease bromelain and its inhibitor in Pichia pastoris.

PubMed

Luniak, Nora; Meiser, Peter; Burkart, Sonja; Müller, Rolf

2017-01-01

Expression of proteases in heterologous hosts remains an ambitious challenge due to severe problems associated with digestion of host proteins. On the other hand, proteases are broadly used in industrial applications and resemble promising drug candidates. Bromelain is an herbal drug that is medicinally used for treatment of oedematous swellings and inflammatory conditions and consists in large part of proteolytic enzymes. Even though various experiments underline the requirement of active cysteine proteases for biological activity, so far no investigation succeeded to clearly clarify the pharmacological mode of action of bromelain. The potential role of proteases themselves and other molecules of this multi-component extract currently remain largely unknown or ill defined. Here, we set out to express several bromelain cysteine proteases as well as a bromelain inhibitor molecule in order to gain defined molecular entities for subsequent studies. After cloning the genes from its natural source Ananas comosus (pineapple plant) into Pichia pastoris and subsequent fermentation and purification, we obtained active protease and inhibitor molecules which were subsequently biochemically characterized. Employing purified bromelain fractions paves the way for further elucidation of pharmacological activities of this natural product. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:54-65, 2017. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Effects of swelling forces on the durability of wood adhesive bonds

Treesearch

Blake M. Hofferber; Edward Kolodka; Rishawn Brandon; Robert J. Moon; Charles R. Frihart

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of wood swelling on performance of wood-adhesive bonds (resorcinol formaldehyde, epoxy, emulsion polymerisocyanate), for untreated and acetylated wood. Effects of these treatments on measured strain anisotropy and swelling stress were measured and then related to compressive shear strength and percentage wood...

Observation and parametrization of wave attenuation through the MIZ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardhuin, F.; Stopa, J.; Dumont, D.; Sévigny, C.; Collard, F.; Boutin, G.

2016-02-01

Swell evolution from the open ocean into sea ice is poorly understood, in particular the amplitude attenuation expected from scattering and dissipation. New synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 wave mode reveal intriguing patterns of bright oscillating lines shaped like instant noodles. We investigate cases in which the oscillations are in the azimuth direction, around a straight line in the range direction. This observation is interpreted as the distortion by the SAR processing of crests from a first swell, due to the presence of a second swell. Since deviations from a straight line should be proportional to the orbital velocity towards the satellite, swell height can be estimated. The intensity of the backscatter modulation with a single swell can also be used to retrieve swell height as it is found that the constructive velocity bunching is very sensitive to wave height. Using a novel algorithm to invert the wave directional spectrum, we investigate several cases of attenuation in the Arctic and southern ocean. On this basis we have adjusted an empirical wave-ice dissipation source term in the WAVEWATCH III model.

Ecomorphology of parasite attachment: experiments with feather lice.

PubMed

Bush, Sarah E; Sohn, Edward; Clayton, Dale H

2006-02-01

The host specificity of some parasites can be reinforced by morphological specialization for attachment to mobile hosts. For example, ectoparasites with adaptations for attaching to hosts of a particular size might not be able to remain attached to larger or smaller hosts. This hypothesis is suggested by the positive correlation documented between the body sizes of many parasites and their hosts. We adopted an ecomorphological approach to test the attachment hypothesis. We tested the ability of host-specific feather lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) to attach to 6 novel species of pigeons and doves that vary in size by nearly 2 orders of magnitude. Surprisingly, Rock Pigeon lice (Columbicola columbae) remained attached equally well to all 6 novel host species. We tested the relative importance of 3 factors that could facilitate louse attachment: whole-body insertion, tarsal claw use, and mandible use. Insertion, per se, was not necessary for attachment. However, insertion on coarse feathers of large hosts allowed lice to access feather barbules with their mandibles. Mandible use was a key component of attachment regardless of feather size. Attachment constraints do not appear to reinforce host specificity in this system.

Development, Fabrication, and Characterization of Hydrogel Based Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors with Perforated Diaphragms

PubMed Central

Orthner, M.P.; Buetefisch, Sebastian; Magda, J.; Rieth, L.W.; Solzbacher, F.

2010-01-01

Hydrogels have been demonstrated to swell in response to a number of external stimuli including pH, CO2, glucose, and ionic strength making them useful for detection of metabolic analytes. To measure hydrogel swelling pressure, we have fabricated and tested novel perforated diaphragm piezoresistive pressure sensor arrays that couple the pressure sensing diaphragm with a perforated semi-permeable membrane. The 2×2 arrays measure approximately 3 × 5 mm2 and consist of four square sensing diaphragms with widths of 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5 mm used to measure full scale pressures of 50, 25, and 5 kPa, respectively. An optimized geometry of micro pores was etched in silicon diaphragm to allow analyte diffusion into the sensor cavity where the hydrogel material is located. The 14-step front side wafer process was carried out by a commercial foundry service (MSF, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany) and diaphragm pores were created using combination of potassium hydroxide (KOH) etching and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Sensor characterization was performed (without the use of hydrogels) using a custom bulge testing apparatus that simultaneously measured deflection, pressure, and electrical output. Test results are used to quantify the sensor sensitivity and demonstrate proof-of-concept. Simulations showed that the sensitivity was slightly improved for the perforated diaphragm designs while empirical electrical characterization showed that the perforated diaphragm sensors were slightly less sensitive than solid diaphragm sensors. This discrepancy is believed to be due to the influence of compressive stress found within passivation layers and poor etching uniformity. The new perforated diaphragm sensors were fully functional with sensitivities ranging from 23 to 252 μV/V-kPa (FSO= 5 to 80mV), and show a higher nonlinearity at elevated pressures than identical sensors with solid diaphragms. Sensors (1.5×1.5 mm2) with perforated diaphragms (pores=40 μm) have a nonlinearity of approximately 10% while for the identical solid diaphragm sensor it was roughly 3 % over the entire 200 kPa range. This is the first time piezoresistive pressure sensors with integrated diffusion pores for detection of hydrogel swelling pressure have been fabricated and tested. PMID:20657810

Hardness and swelling behaviour of epoxidized natural rubber/recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (ENR 50/NBRr) blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Hazwani Syaza; Ismail, Hanafi; Rashid, Azura A.

2017-07-01

This recent work is to investigate the hardness and swelling behaviour of epoxidized natural rubber/recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (ENR 50/NBRr) blends. ENR 50/NBRr blends were prepared by two-roll mills with five different loading of NBRr from 5 to 35 phr. Results indicated that the hardness of ENR 50/NBRr blends increased as recycled NBR increased due to the improvement in crosslink density of the blends. Increasing NBRr content gives ENR 50/NBRr blends better resistance towards swelling. Higher degree of crosslinking will increase the swelling resistance and reduce the penetration of toluene into the blends. The presence of polar group in ENR 50 and NBRr give better hardness properties and swelling behaviour of the ENR 50/NBRr blends compared to the NR/NBRr blends.

NMR imaging of high-amylose starch tablets. 2. Effect of tablet size.

PubMed

Malveau, Cédric; Baille, Wilms E; Zhu, Xiao Xia; Marchessault, Robert H

2002-01-01

Carbohydrate polymers are widely used for pharmaceutical applications such as the controlled release of drugs. The swelling and water mobility in high-amylose starch tablets are important parameters to be determined for these applications. They have been studied at different time intervals by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) after the immersion of the samples in water. These tablets have a hydrophilic matrix, which swells anisotropically and forms a hydrogel in water. NMRI shows clearly the anisotropy of the water penetration and the swelling along the radial and axial dimensions of the tablets. Empirical relationships are established to describe the kinetics of water penetration and swelling of the tablets. Results show that water uptake and tablet swelling strongly depend on the size of the tablets. Gravimetric measurements of water uptake were also performed in comparison with the NMRI results.

Complete Host Range Testing on Common Reed with Potential Biological Control Agents and Investigation into Biological Control for Flowering Rush

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

ER D C/ EL C R- 16 -5 Aquatic Plant Control Research Program Complete Host Range Testing on Common Reed with Potential Biological...client/default. Aquatic Plant Control Research Program ERDC/EL CR-16-5 July 2016 Complete Host Range Testing on Common Reed with Potential...and started with sequential no-choice oviposition tests. So far, no eggs were found on any of the 22 test plants offered. The authors also found the

Wicking Tests for Unidirectional Fabrics: Measurements of Capillary Parameters to Evaluate Capillary Pressure in Liquid Composite Molding Processes.

PubMed

Pucci, Monica Francesca; Liotier, Pierre-Jacques; Drapier, Sylvain

2017-01-27

During impregnation of a fibrous reinforcement in liquid composite molding (LCM) processes, capillary effects have to be understood in order to identify their influence on void formation in composite parts. Wicking in a fibrous medium described by the Washburn equation was considered equivalent to a flow under the effect of capillary pressure according to the Darcy law. Experimental tests for the characterization of wicking were conducted with both carbon and flax fiber reinforcement. Quasi-unidirectional fabrics were then tested by means of a tensiometer to determine the morphological and wetting parameters along the fiber direction. The procedure was shown to be promising when the morphology of the fabric is unchanged during capillary wicking. In the case of carbon fabrics, the capillary pressure can be calculated. Flax fibers are sensitive to moisture sorption and swell in water. This phenomenon has to be taken into account to assess the wetting parameters. In order to make fibers less sensitive to water sorption, a thermal treatment was carried out on flax reinforcements. This treatment enhances fiber morphological stability and prevents swelling in water. It was shown that treated fabrics have a linear wicking trend similar to those found in carbon fabrics, allowing for the determination of capillary pressure.

Ex-vivoand in-vitro assessment of mucoadhesive patches containing the gel-forming polysaccharide psyllium for buccal delivery of chlorhexidine base.

PubMed

Cavallari, Cristina; Brigidi, Patrizia; Fini, Adamo

2015-12-30

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gel-forming polysaccharide psyllium in the preparation of mucoadhesive patches for the controlled release of chlorhexidine (CHX) to treat pathologies in the oral cavity, using the casting-solvent evaporation technique. A number of different film-forming semi-synthetic polymers, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) were evaluated for comparison. The patch formulations were characterized in terms of drug content, morphology surface, swelling and mucoadhesive properties, microbiology inhibition assay and in vitro release tests. Three ex-vivo testswere carried out using porcine mucosa: an alternative dissolution test using artificial saliva that allows contemporary measurement of dissolution and mucoadhesion, a permeation test through the mucosa and the measurement of mucoadhesion using a Nouy tensile tester, as the maximum force required for the separation of the patch from the mucosa surface. The patches were also examined for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration in cultures of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. All the patches incorporating psyllium were found suitable in terms of external morphology, mucoadhesion and controlled release of the drug: in the presence of psyllium the drug displays prolonged zero-order release related to slower swelling rate of the system. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Signatures of Air-Wave Interactions Over a Large Lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qi; Bou-Zeid, Elie; Vercauteren, Nikki; Parlange, Marc

2018-06-01

The air-water exchange of momentum and scalars (temperature and water vapour) is investigated using the Lake-Atmosphere Turbulent EXchange (LATEX) dataset. The wind waves and swell are found to affect the coupling between the water surface and the air differently. The surface-stress vector aligns with the wind velocity in the presence of wind waves, but a wide range of stress-wind misalignment angles is observed during swell. The momentum transport efficiency decreases when significant stress-wind misalignment is present, suggesting a strong influence of surface wave properties on surface drag. Based on this improved understanding of the role of wave-wind misalignment, a new relative wind speed for surface-layer similarity formulations is proposed and tested using the data. The new expression yields a value of the von Kármán constant (κ ) of 0.38, compared to 0.36 when using the absolute wind speed, as well as reduced data fitting errors. Finally, the ratios of aerodynamic to scalar roughness lengths are computed and various existing models in the literature are tested using least-square fitting to the observed ratios. The tests are able to discriminate between the performance of various models; however, they also indicate that more investigations are required to understand the physics of scalar exchanges over waves.

The behavior of breached boiling water reactor fuel rods on long-term exposure to air and argon at 598 K

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

Kohli, R.; Gilbert, E.R.; Johnson, A.B.

1985-05-01

Two irradiated boiling water reactor fuel rods with breached cladding were exposed to argon and to air at 598 K for 7.56 Ms (2100 h). These tests were conducted to determine fuel swelling and cladding crack propagation under conditions that promote UO/sub 2/ fuel oxidation and to observe the behavior of water-logged breached fuel in an inert gas environment. The two rods were selected for testing after extensive hot cell examination had shown the cladding of both rods to be breached with several centimetres of open cracks; the cracks were characterized in detail before the test. As part of themore » experiment, the amount of the readily removable water contained in the fuel rods was determined. To oxidize the fuel to a significant level ( about10%), the air in the annealine capsule was replenished approximately daily. The depletion of oxygen available in the air capsule due to fuel oxidation occurred in about0.036 Ms (10 h). At the end of the test period, about6% of the fuel is estimated to have oxidized. Posttest examination of the rods showed that cladding degradation resulted from swelling due to oxidation of the fuel in the air environment. The cladding degradation was localized and fuel oxidation did not measurably extend beyond the cladding breach. No cladding degradation was measurable in the breached fuel rod tested in argon.« less

Safety and Long-Term Performance of Lithium-ion Pouch Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeevarajan, Judith

2012-01-01

Lithium-ion batteries have the highest energy density of the batteries available in the commercial market today. Although most lithium-ion cell designs use a metal can design, this has changed significantly in recent years. Cell designs are offered in the pouch format as they offer better volumetric and gravimetric energy densities and in some cases, higher tolerance to abuse or off-nominal conditions. In the past decade, several state-of-the-art lithium-ion pouch cell designs have been tested. The pouch cell designs have become more robust in the past two years but there are still a few issues that need to be looked into for optimization. The pouch cells seem to have a tendency to swell when left in storage under ambient conditions. The cells also swell under overvoltage and undervoltage conditions. A significant issue that has been observed is the swelling of the cells under a vacuum condition which could lead to deformation of the cell pouch after this exposure. This last factor would be very critical in the use of these cell designs for space applications as vacuum exposure is used to check for cell and battery leaks before it is flown into space. In rare cases, corrosion of the aluminum layer of the pouches has been observed in stored cells. Pouch material analysis has been carried out in an effort to understand the strength of the pouches and determine if this is a factor in the corrosion as well as unsafe condition of the cells as deformation of the inner layers of the pouch could occur when the cells swell under the various conditions described above. Pouch materials are typically aluminized plastic, made up of a layer of Al sandwiched between one or more layers of polymeric material. Deformations or cell manufacturing processes could lead to a compromise of the inner polymeric layer/s of the pouch leading to the corrosion of the Al layer in the aluminized pouch material. The safety of the pouch cell designs has been determined for cells from various manufacturers. The results are varied and in some cases, unexpected. This paper presents a summary of the tests carried out on a few li-ion pouch cell designs from various cell manufacturers. The data will include performance under different conditions specifically cycling under vacuum conditions with and without restraints as well as safety test data. The presentation will also include detailed analysis of the pouch material for the cells studied.

Swelling behaviour of Early Jurassic shales when exposed to water vapour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houben, Maartje; Barnhoorn, Auke; Peach, Colin; Drury, Martyn

2017-04-01

The presence of water in mudrocks has a largely negative impact on production of gas, due to the fact that water causes swelling of the rock. Removing the water from the mudrock on the other hand could potentially shrink the rock and increase the matrix permeability. Investigation of the swelling/shrinkage behaviour of the rock during exposure to water vapour is of key importance in designing and optimizing unconventional production strategies. We have used outcrop samples of the Whitby Mudstone and the Posidonia shale [1], potential unconventional sources for gas in North-western Europe, to measure the swelling and shrinkage behaviour. Subsamples, 1 mm cubes, were prepared by the Glass Workshop at Utrecht University using a high precision digitally controlled diamond wafering saw cooled by air. The mm cubes were then exposed to atmospheres with different relative humidities either in an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) or in a 3D dilatometer. So that the sample responses to exposure of water vapour could be measured. Parallel to the bedding we found a swelling strain between 0.5 and 1.5 %, perpendicular to the bedding though swelling strain varied between 1 and 3.5%. Volumetric swelling strain varied between 1 and 2% at a maximum relative humidity of 95%. Volumetric swelling strains measured in the Early Toarcian Shales are similar to the ones found in coal [2], where the results suggest that it might be possible to increase permeability in the reservoir by decreasing the in-situ water activity due to shrinkage of the matrix. [1] M.E. Houben, A. Barnhoorn, L. Wasch, J. Trabucho-Alexandre, C. J. Peach, M.R. Drury (2016). Microstructures of Early Jurassic (Toarcian) shales of Northern Europe, International Journal of Coal Geology, 165, 76-89. [2] Jinfeng Liu, Colin J. Peach, Christopher J. Spiers (2016). Anisotropic swelling behaviour of coal matrix cubes exposed to water vapour: Effects of relative humidity and sample size, International Journal of Coal Geology, 167, 119-135.

Na-K-Cl Cotransporter-1 in the Mechanism of Ammonia-induced Astrocyte Swelling*

PubMed Central

Jayakumar, Arumugam R.; Liu, Mingli; Moriyama, Mitsuaki; Ramakrishnan, Ramugounder; Forbush, Bliss; Reddy, Pichili V. B.; Norenberg, Michael D.

2008-01-01

Brain edema and the consequent increase in intracranial pressure and brain herniation are major complications of acute liver failure (fulminant hepatic failure) and a major cause of death in this condition. Ammonia has been strongly implicated as an important factor, and astrocyte swelling appears to be primarily responsible for the edema. Ammonia is known to cause cell swelling in cultured astrocytes, although the means by which this occurs has not been fully elucidated. A disturbance in one or more of these systems may result in loss of ion homeostasis and cell swelling. In particular, activation of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) has been shown to be involved in cell swelling in several neurological disorders. We therefore examined the effect of ammonia on NKCC activity and its potential role in the swelling of astrocytes. Cultured astrocytes were exposed to ammonia (NH4Cl; 5 mm), and NKCC activity was measured. Ammonia increased NKCC activity at 24 h. Inhibition of this activity by bumetanide diminished ammonia-induced astrocyte swelling. Ammonia also increased total as well as phosphorylated NKCC1. Treatment with cyclohexamide, a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis, diminished NKCC1 protein expression and NKCC activity. Since ammonia is known to induce oxidative/nitrosative stress, and antioxidants and nitric-oxide synthase inhibition diminish astrocyte swelling, we also examined whether ammonia caused oxidation and/or nitration of NKCC1. Cultures exposed to ammonia increased the state of oxidation and nitration of NKCC1, whereas the antioxidants N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and uric acid all significantly diminished NKCC activity. These agents also reduced phosphorylated NKCC1 expression. These results suggest that activation of NKCC1 is an important factor in the mediation of astrocyte swelling by ammonia and that such activation appears to be mediated by NKCC1 abundance as well as by its oxidation/nitration and phosphorylation. PMID:18849345

Effects of Kinesio taping compared to arterio-venous Impulse System™ on limb swelling and skin temperature after total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Windisch, Christoph; Brodt, Steffen; Röhner, Eric; Matziolis, Georg

2017-02-01

It is an established fact that post-operative (p.o.) soft-tissue swelling and lymphoedema after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have a major influence on the p.o. early functional outcome. Kinesio taping has a proven clinical effect in increasing lymph drainage. Despite the decades of experience gained and the assumed positive effects, hardly any investigations have been conducted to date on the influence of Kinesio taping on the p.o. healing process after TKA. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that Kinesio taping used as a lymph application leads to a reduction of p.o. soft-tissue swelling. As a secondary objective, it was to be tested whether there is an effect on skin temperature as a surrogate parameter for dermal micro-circulation. In this prospective study with a historical control (A-V Impulse System™ group), 42 subjects were included and treated with Kinesio taping after implantation of a TKA. The patients of the study group were treated immediately p.o. with Kinesio® Tex Gold™ fan cut tape as a lymph application with a common base. A thermographic temperature determination of the knee joint operated on was performed on each patient in the supine position every day from the first to the seventh p.o. day. The leg circumference was documented daily at eight specified measuring points on both lower limbs. As a statistical analytical approach, the so-called principal component analysis was used. An analysis of variance was performed. The significance level was set at p < 0.001. The course of soft-tissue swelling of the study group did not differ from that of the control group at any point in time. For the temperature course of the medial wound aspect, no difference was seen between the Kinesio taping study group and the A-V Impulse System™ group. In contrast, the temperature course of the lateral wound aspect showed a reproducibly higher temperature in the Kinesio tape group than in the control group (0.6 °C (0.5-0.8), p < 0.001). The hypothesis of the study that Kinesio taping as a lymph application induces a reduction of soft-tissue swelling after TKA must be rejected on the basis of the present data. Solely the temperature of the lateral wound aspect was higher in the Kinesio taping group than in the control group, so that an increased blood circulation can be assumed here. Considering that the actively working A-V Impulse System™ used in the control group also increases local blood circulation, the effect of the passive Kinesio tape is surprising. However, this was not reflected in a quicker wound healing, as the day of last wound secretion was the same in both groups. Kinesio taping as a lymph application represents an equivalent alternative to the A-V Impulse System™ for therapy after total knee arthroplasty with regard to soft-tissue swelling and wound healing.

High density dispersion fuel

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

Hofman, G.L.

1996-09-01

A fuel development campaign that results in an aluminum plate-type fuel of unlimited LEU burnup capability with an uranium loading of 9 grams per cm{sup 3} of meat should be considered an unqualified success. The current worldwide approved and accepted highest loading is 4.8 g cm{sup {minus}3} with U{sub 3}Si{sub 2} as fuel. High-density uranium compounds offer no real density advantage over U{sub 3}Si{sub 2} and have less desirable fabrication and performance characteristics as well. Of the higher-density compounds, U{sub 3}Si has approximately a 30% higher uranium density but the density of the U{sub 6}X compounds would yield the factormore » 1.5 needed to achieve 9 g cm{sup {minus}3} uranium loading. Unfortunately, irradiation tests proved these peritectic compounds have poor swelling behavior. It is for this reason that the authors are turning to uranium alloys. The reason pure uranium was not seriously considered as a dispersion fuel is mainly due to its high rate of growth and swelling at low temperatures. This problem was solved at least for relatively low burnup application in non-dispersion fuel elements with small additions of Si, Fe, and Al. This so called adjusted uranium has nearly the same density as pure {alpha}-uranium and it seems prudent to reconsider this alloy as a dispersant. Further modifications of uranium metal to achieve higher burnup swelling stability involve stabilization of the cubic {gamma} phase at low temperatures where normally {alpha} phase exists. Several low neutron capture cross section elements such as Zr, Nb, Ti and Mo accomplish this in various degrees. The challenge is to produce a suitable form of fuel powder and develop a plate fabrication procedure, as well as obtain high burnup capability through irradiation testing.« less

Papain wound dressings obtained from poly(vinyl alcohol)/calcium alginate blends as new pharmaceutical dosage form: Preparation and preliminary evaluation.

PubMed

Dutra, J A P; Carvalho, S G; Zampirolli, A C D; Daltoé, R D; Teixeira, R M; Careta, F P; Cotrim, M A P; Oréfice, R L; Villanova, J C O

2017-04-01

Transparent, soft, flexible, mechanically resistant films, which are ideal for use as wound dressings were prepared in the presence of 2% papain, a proteolytic enzyme that can play a role in the chemical debridement of the skin and can accelerate the healing process. The films, based on poly(vinyl alcohol):calcium alginate blends with increasing concentrations of polysaccharide (10, 20, and 30% v/v), were obtained by casting method. FTIR and DSC analyses were performed to assess the composition and miscibility of blends. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elasticity modulus, and elongation at breakpoint were evaluated. The influence of different concentrations of calcium alginate on physical attributes of films like wettability, swelling capacity and mechanical properties was determined. The stability of papain in the films was assessed indirectly by hemolytic activity assay employing direct contact method and confirmed by technique based on blood agar diffusion. Preliminary cytotoxicity was evaluated with the XTT method. The results showed that at the polymer concentrations tested, the blends were miscible. The increase in the content of the calcium alginate increased the wettability and swelling capacity of the films, which is desirable in wound dressings. On the other hand, mechanical resistance decreased without causing breakage of the films during the swelling tests. The hemolytic activity of the films was maintained during the studied period, suggesting the stability of papain in the proposed formulations. Cellular viability indicated that the films were non-toxic. The analysis of the results showed that it is possible to prepare interactive and bioactive wound dressing containing papain from blends of PVA and calcium alginate polymers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Comparative Study between the Effect of Combined Local Anesthetic and Low-dose Ketamine with Local Anesthetic on Postoperative Complications after Impacted Third Molar Surgery.

PubMed

Kumar, Anuj; Kale, Tejraj Pundalik

2015-12-01

Postoperative pain, swelling and trismus are the most common outcome after third molar surgery. Many methods have been tried to improve postoperative comfort after surgery. Ketamine is a phencyclidine derivative that induces a state of dissociative anesthesia. It is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and has a distinct suppression effect on central nervous system (CNS) sensitization. Ketamine in a subanesthetic dose is set to produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Sixty patients, between the age group of 18 and 38 years, undergoing the extraction of impacted mandibular third molar, reporting to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery were included in the study. Patients were divided randomly into two groups: local anesthetic alone (LAA) and local anesthetic and ketamine (LAK). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U/unpaired--t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. There was a significant difference in mouth opening in the LAA and LAK group in the immediate postoperative period. There was a significant difference between the two groups after 1 hour (LAA: 2.37; LAK: 1.40), and 4 hours (LAA: 2.37; LAK: 1.40). There was a significant difference in terms of facial swelling in the immediate postoperative period and day 1 between the LAA and LAK group. Use of subanesthetic dose of ketamine is not only safe but also valuable in reducing patient morbidity after third molar surgery. Combination of a local anesthetic and subanesthetic dose of ketamine during surgical extraction of third molars provides good postoperative analgesia with less swelling and significantly less trismus.

Neoandracantha peruensis n. gen. n. sp. (Acanthocephala, Polymorphidae) described from cystacanths infecting the ghost crab Ocypode gaudichaudii on the Peruvian coast

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The cystacanths of Neoandracantha peruensis n. gen. n. sp. are described from the ghost crab Ocypode gaudichaudii collected from the Pacific coast of Peru. While it is uncommon to describe acanthocephalan taxa from immature stages, the presence of clear-cut distinguishing features separating the present material from its nearest congeneric taxa, and the absence of adults, justifies the erection N. peruensis. The new genus is distinguished by having three separate fields of trunk spines. Specimens of N. peruensis have a slender trunk with two anterior swellings, 3 separate fields of spines on the foretrunk swelling, and no genital spines on the hindtrunk. The proboscis of the new species is heavily armored with 21–22 longitudinal rows of 22 hooks each. Hook no. 14 is more robust ventrally than dorsally. Cystacanths of N. peruensis also have a long tubular hindtrunk and the males have diagonal testes in the midtrunk swelling. Specimens of the closely related Andracantha Schmidt, 1975 have anteriorly enlarged pear-shaped Corynosoma-like trunks, only two fields of anterior trunk spines with occasional genital spines, and bilateral or tandem testes. Proboscides of species of Andracantha have considerably fewer hooks that gradually decrease in size posteriorly. The taxonomic component of this work is amplified by metal analysis of hooks and spines that shows a marked amount of magnesium (Mg) in hooks but not in spines. The highest level of sulfur (S) was found in the outer layer of hooks and anterior spines. The metal footprint of hooks and spines varies in different species of acanthocephalans and has an interspecific diagnostic value. PMID:29072573

A potential bioactive wound dressing based on carboxymethyl cellulose/ZnO impregnated MCM-41 nanocomposite hydrogel.

PubMed

Rakhshaei, Rasul; Namazi, Hassan

2017-04-01

Lack of antibacterial activity, deficient water vapor and oxygen permeability, and insufficient mechanical properties are disadvantages of existing wound dressings. Hydrogels could absorb wound exudates due to their strong swelling ratio and give a cooling sensation and a wet environment. To overcome these shortcomings, flexible nanocomposite hydrogel films was prepared through combination of zinc oxide impregnated mesoporous silica (ZnO-MCM-41) as a nano drug carrier with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel. Citric acid was used as cross linker to avoid the cytotoxicity of conventional cross linkers. The prepared nanocomposite hydrogel was characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential and UV-vis spectroscopy. Results of swelling and erosion tests showed CMC/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogel disintegrated during the first hours of the test. Using MCM-41 as a substrate for ZnO nanoparticles solved this problem and the CMC/ZnO-MCM-41 showed a great improvement in tensile strength (12%), swelling (100%), erosion (53%) and gas permeability (500%) properties. Drug delivery and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel films studied using tetracycline (TC) as a broad spectrum antibiotic and showed a sustained TC release. This could efficiently decrease bandage exchange. Cytocompatibility of the nanocomposite hydrogel films has been analyzed in adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and results showed cytocompatibility of CMC/ZnO-MCM-41. Based on these results the prepared CMC nanocomposite hydrogel containing ZnO impregnated MCM-41, could serve as a kind of promising wound dressing with sustained drug delivery properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temperature dependence of helium-implantation-induced lattice swelling in polycrystalline tungsten: X-ray micro-diffraction and Eigenstrain modelling

DOE PAGES

de Broglie, I.; Beck, C. E.; Liu, W.; ...

2015-05-30

Using synchrotron X-ray micro-diffraction and Eigenstrain analysis the distribution of lattice swelling near grain boundaries in helium-implanted polycrystalline tungsten is quantified. Samples heat-treated at up to 1473 K after implantation show less uniform lattice swelling that varies significantly from grain to grain compared to as-implanted samples. An increase in lattice swelling is found in the vicinity of some grain boundaries, even at depths beyond the implanted layer. As a result, these findings are discussed in terms of the evolution of helium-ion-implantation-induced defects.

Temperature dependence of helium-implantation-induced lattice swelling in polycrystalline tungsten: X-ray micro-diffraction and Eigenstrain modelling

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

de Broglie, I.; Beck, C. E.; Liu, W.

Using synchrotron X-ray micro-diffraction and Eigenstrain analysis the distribution of lattice swelling near grain boundaries in helium-implanted polycrystalline tungsten is quantified. Samples heat-treated at up to 1473 K after implantation show less uniform lattice swelling that varies significantly from grain to grain compared to as-implanted samples. An increase in lattice swelling is found in the vicinity of some grain boundaries, even at depths beyond the implanted layer. As a result, these findings are discussed in terms of the evolution of helium-ion-implantation-induced defects.

Effects of compositional complexity on the ion-irradiation induced swelling and hardening in Ni-containing equiatomic alloys

DOE PAGES

Jin, K.; Lu, C.; Wang, L. M.; ...

2016-04-14

The impact of compositional complexity on the ion-irradiation induced swelling and hardening is studied in Ni and six Ni-containing equiatomic alloys with face-centered cubic structure. The irradiation resistance at the temperature of 500 °C is improved by controlling the number and, especially, the type of alloying elements. Alloying with Fe and Mn has a stronger influence on swelling reduction than does alloying with Co and Cr. Lastly, the quinary alloy NiCoFeCrMn, with known excellent mechanical properties, has shown 40 times higher swelling tolerance than nickel.

Irradiation creep due to SIPA under cascade damage conditions

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

Woo, C.H.; Garner, F.A.; Holt, R.A.

1992-12-31

This paper derives the relationships between void swelling and irradiation creep due to Stress-Induced Preferred Absorption (SIPA) and SIPA-Induced Growth (SIG) under cascade damage conditions in an irradiated pressurized tube. It is found that at low swelling rates irradiation creep is a major contribution to the total diametral strain rate of the tube, whereas at high swelling rates the creep becomes a minor contribution. The anisotropy of the corresponding dislocation structure is also predicted to decline as the swelling rate increases. The theoretical predictions are found to agree very well with experimental results.

Drainage and Landscape Evolution in the Bighorn Basin Accompanying Advection of the Yellowstone Hotspot Swell Through North America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrero, E. F.; Meigs, A.

2012-12-01

Mantle plumes have been recognized to express themselves on the surface as long wavelength and low amplitude topographic swells. These swells are measured as positive geoid anomalies and include shorter wavelength topographic features such as volcanic edifices and pre-exisitng topography. Advection of the topographic swell is expected as the lithosphere passes over the plume uplift source. The hot spot swell occurs in the landscape as transient signal that is expressed with waxing and waning topography. Waxing topography occurs at the leading edge of the swell and is expressed as an increase in rock uplift that is preserved by rivers and landscapes. Advection of topography predicts a shift in a basin from deposition to incision, an increase in convexity of a transverse river's long profile and a lateral river migration in the direction of advection. The Yellowstone region has a strong positive geoid anomaly and the volcanic signal, which have been interpreted as the longer and shorter wavelength topographic expressions of the hot spot. These expressions of the hot spot developed in a part of North America with a compounded deformation and topographic history. Previous studies of the Yellowstone topographic swell have concentrated on the waning or trailing signal preserved in the Snake River Plain. Our project revisits the classic geomorphology study area in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana, which is in leading edge of the swell. Present models identify the swell as having a 400 km in diameter and that it is centered on the Yellowstone caldera. If we assume advection to occur in concert with the caldera eruptive track, the Yellowstone swell has migrated to the northeast at a rate of 3 cm yr-1 and began acting on the Bighorn Basin's landscape between 3 and 2 Ma. The Bighorn Basin has an established history of a basin-wide switch from deposition to incision during the late Pliocene, yet the age control on the erosional evolution of the region is relative. This basin is an ideal location to quantify long wavelength dynamic topography due to its low relief. Long river profiles streams that are transverse to the topographic swell in the basin suggest a transient advective signal preserved as profile knickpoints. Abandoned strath terraces, stream piracy, drainage reorganization, and lateral channel migration within the Bighorn Basin are all consistent indicators of the advection of a topographic swell. However, the lack of a high-resolution absolute age chronology precludes us from attributing the primary landscape and drainage forcing to climate change or dynamic topography. Our future work will focus on the timing of geomorphic and river profile evolution to disentangle competing effects of topographic advection, climate, and other factors.

Marked potentiation of cell swelling by cytokines in ammonia-sensitized cultured astrocytes

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Brain edema leading to high intracranial pressure is a lethal complication of acute liver failure (ALF), which is believed to be cytotoxic due to swelling of astrocytes. In addition to the traditional view that elevated levels of blood and brain ammonia are involved in the mechanism of brain edema in ALF, emerging evidence suggests that inflammatory cytokines also contribute to this process. We earlier reported that treatment of astrocyte cultures with a pathophysiological concentration of ammonia (5 mM NH4Cl) resulted in the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and that inhibition of such activation diminished astrocyte swelling, suggesting a key role of NF-κB in the mechanism of ammonia-induced astrocyte swelling. Since cytokines are also well-known to activate NF-κB, this study examined for additive/synergistic effects of ammonia and cytokines in the activation of NF-κB and their role in astrocyte swelling. Methods Primary cultures of astrocytes were treated with ammonia and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IFN-γ, each at 10 ng/ml), individually or in combination, and cell volume was determined by the [3H]-O-methylglucose equilibration method. The effect of ammonia and cytokines on the activation of NF-κB was determined by immunoblots. Results Cell swelling was increased by ammonia (43%) and by cytokines (37%) at 24 h. Simultaneous co-treatment with cytokines and ammonia showed no additional swelling. By contrast, cultures pretreated with ammonia for 24 h and then exposed to cytokines for an additional 24 h, showed a marked increase in astrocyte swelling (129%). Treatment of cultures with ammonia or cytokines alone also activated NF-κB (80-130%), while co-treatment had no additive effect. However, in cultures pre-treated with ammonia for 24 h, cytokines induced a marked activation of NF-κB (428%). BAY 11-7082, an inhibitor of NF-κB, completely blocked the astrocyte swelling in cultures pre-treated with ammonia and followed by the addition of a mixture of cytokines. Conclusion Our results indicate that ammonia and a mixture of cytokines each cause astrocyte swelling but when these agents are added simultaneously, no additive effects were found. On the other hand, when cells were initially treated with ammonia and 24 h later given a mixture of cytokines, a marked potentiation in cell swelling and NF-κB activation occurred. These data suggest that the potentiation in cell swelling is a consequence of the initial activation of NF-κB by ammonia. These findings provide a likely mechanism for the exacerbation of brain edema in patients with ALF in the setting of sepsis/inflammation. PMID:20942959

Disease prevalence and snail predation associated with swell-generated damage on the threatened coral, Acropora palmata (Lamarck)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bright, Allan J.; Rogers, Caroline S.; Brandt, Marilyn E.; Muller, Erinn; Smith, Tyler B.

2016-01-01

Disturbances such as tropical storms cause coral mortality and reduce coral cover as a direct result of physical damage. Storms can be one of the most important disturbances in coral reef ecosystems, and it is crucial to understand their long-term impacts on coral populations. The primary objective of this study was to determine trends in disease prevalence and snail predation on damaged and undamaged colonies of the threatened coral species, Acropora palmata, following an episode of heavy ocean swells in the US Virgin Islands (USVI). At three sites on St. Thomas and St. John, colonies of A. palmata were surveyed monthly over 1 year following a series of large swells in March 2008 that fragmented 30–93% of colonies on monitored reefs. Post-disturbance surveys conducted from April 2008 through March 2009 showed that swell-generated damage to A. palmata caused negative indirect effects that compounded the initial direct effects of physical disturbance. During the 12 months after the swell event, white pox disease prevalence was 41% higher for colonies that sustained damage from the swells than for undamaged colonies (df = 207, p = 0.01) with greatest differences in disease prevalence occurring during warm water months. In addition, the corallivorous snail, Coralliophila abbreviata, was 46% more abundant on damaged corals than undamaged corals during the 12 months after the swell event (df = 207, p = 0.006).

Release of mitochondrial glutathione and calcium by a cyclosporin A-sensitive mechanism occurs without large amplitude swelling.

PubMed

Savage, M K; Reed, D J

1994-11-15

Treatment of isolated mitochondria with calcium and inorganic phosphate induces inner membrane permeability that is thought to be mediated through a non-selective, calcium-dependent pore. The inner membrane permeability results in the rapid efflux of small matrix solutes such as glutathione and calcium, loss of coupled functions, and large amplitude swelling. We have identified conditions of permeability transition without large amplitude swelling, a parameter often used to assess inner membrane permeability. The addition of either oligomycin, antimycin, or sulfide to incubation buffer containing calcium and inorganic phosphate abolished large-amplitude swelling of mitochondria but did not prevent inner membrane permeability as demonstrated by the release of mitochondrial glutathione and calcium. The release of both glutathione and calcium was inhibited by the addition of cyclosporin A, a potent inhibitor of permeability transition. Transmission electron microscopy analysis, combined with the glutathione and calcium release data, indicate that permeability transition can be observed in the absence of large-amplitude swelling. Permeability transition occurring both with and without large-amplitude swelling was accompanied by a collapse of the membrane potential. We conclude that cyclosporin A-sensitive permeability transition can occur without obvious morphological changes such as large-amplitude swelling. Monitoring the cyclosporin A-sensitive release of concentrated endogenous matrix solutes, such as GSH, may be a sensitive and useful indicator of permeability transition.

Observation-Based Dissipation and Input Terms for Spectral Wave Models, with End-User Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

swell dissipation across the ocean. Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L06607, 4p Ardhuin, F., E. Rogers, A. Babanin, J.-F. Filipot, R. Magne, A. Roland, A. van... definitions , calibration and validations. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 40, 1917-1941 Babanin, A.V., K.N. Tsagareli, I.R Young, and D.J. Walker, 2010: Numerical

Protein Modifiers Generally Provide Limited Improvement in Wood Bond Strength of Soy Flour Adhesives

Treesearch

Charles R. Frihart; Linda Lorenz

2013-01-01

Soy flour adhesives using a polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) polymeric coreactant are used increasingly as wood adhesives for interior products. Although these adhesives give good performance, higher bond strength under wet conditions is desirable. Wet strength is important for accelerated tests involving the internal forces generated by the swelling of wood and...

Review of thickness swell in hardboard siding : effect of processing variables

Treesearch

Charles G. Carll

1997-01-01

Medium-density hardboard is used extensively as siding on residential structures. One hardboard behavior that can be measured in the laboratory is thickness swell after exposure to water. This report reviews the literature on processing variables that are known to or likely to influence thickness swell. Where the literature on hardboard is sparse, research on other...

NF-κB in The Mechanism of Brain Edema in Acute Liver Failure: Studies in Transgenic Mice

PubMed Central

Jayakumar, A.R.; Bethea, J.R.; Tong, X.Y.; Gomez, J.; Norenberg, M.D.

2014-01-01

Astrocyte swelling and brain edema are major complications of the acute form of hepatic encephalopathy (acute liver failure, ALF). While elevated brain ammonia level is a well-known etiological factor in ALF, the mechanism by which ammonia brings about astrocyte swelling is not well understood. We recently found that astrocyte cultures exposed to ammonia activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), and that pharmacological inhibition of such activation led to a reduction in astrocyte swelling. Although these findings suggest the involvement of NF-κB in astrocyte swelling in vitro, it is not known whether NF-κB contributes to the development of brain edema in ALF in vivo. Furthermore, pharmacological agents used to inhibit NF-κB may have non-specific effects. Accordingly, we used transgenic (Tg) mice that have a functional inactivation of astrocytic NF-κB and examined whether these mice are resistant to ALF-associated brain edema. ALF was induced in mice by treatment with the hepatotoxin thioacetamide (TAA). Wild type (WT) mice treated with TAA showed a significant increase in brain water content (1.65%) along with prominent astrocyte swelling and spongiosis of the neuropil, consistent with the presence of cytotoxic edema. These changes were not observed in Tg mice treated with TAA. Additionally, WT mice with ALF showed an increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactivity in astrocytes from WT mice treated with TAA (iNOS is known to be activated by NF-κB and to contribute to cell swelling). By contrast, Tg mice treated with TAA did not exhibit brain edema, histological changes nor an increase in iNOS immunoreactivity. We also examined astrocytes cultures derived from Tg mice to determine whether these cells exhibit a lesser degree of swelling and cytopathological changes following exposure to ammonia. Astrocyte cultures derived from Tg mice showed no cell swelling nor morphological abnormalities when exposed to ammonia for 24 h. By contrast, ammonia significantly increased cell swelling (31.7%) in cultured astrocytes from WT mice and displayed cytological abnormalities. Moreover, we observed a lesser increment in inducible nitric oxide synthase and NADPH oxidase activity (both are also known to be activated by NF-κB and to contribute to astrocyte swelling) in astrocyte cultures from Tg mice treated with ammonia, as compared to ammonia-treated WT mice astrocytes. These findings strongly suggest that activation of NF-κB is a critical factor in the development of astrocyte swelling/brain edema in ALF. PMID:21087666

Modeling the controllable pH-responsive swelling and pore size of networked alginate based biomaterials.

PubMed

Chan, Ariel W; Neufeld, Ronald J

2009-10-01

Semisynthetic network alginate polymer (SNAP), synthesized by acetalization of linear alginate with di-aldehyde, is a pH-responsive tetrafunctionally linked 3D gel network, and has potential application in oral delivery of protein therapeutics and active biologicals, and as tissue bioscaffold for regenerative medicine. A constitutive polyelectrolyte gel model based on non-Gaussian polymer elasticity, Flory-Huggins liquid lattice theory, and non-ideal Donnan membrane equilibria was derived, to describe SNAP gel swelling in dilute and ionic solutions containing uni-univalent, uni-bivalent, bi-univalent or bi-bi-valent electrolyte solutions. Flory-Huggins interaction parameters as a function of ionic strength and characteristic ratio of alginates of various molecular weights were determined experimentally to numerically predict SNAP hydrogel swelling. SNAP hydrogel swells pronouncedly to 1000 times in dilute solution, compared to its compact polymer volume, while behaving as a neutral polymer with limited swelling in high ionic strength or low pH solutions. The derived model accurately describes the pH-responsive swelling of SNAP hydrogel in acid and alkaline solutions of wide range of ionic strength. The pore sizes of the synthesized SNAP hydrogels of various crosslink densities were estimated from the derived model to be in the range of 30-450 nm which were comparable to that measured by thermoporometry, and diffusion of bovine serum albumin. The derived equilibrium swelling model can characterize hydrogel structure such as molecular weight between crosslinks and crosslinking density, or can be used as predictive model for swelling, pore size and mechanical properties if gel structural information is known, and can potentially be applied to other point-link network polyelectrolytes such as hyaluronic acid gel.

Extreme embrittlement of austenitic stainless steel irradiated to 75-81 dpa at 335-360{degrees}C

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

Porollo, S.I.; Vorobjev, A.N.; Konobeev, Yu.V.

1997-04-01

It is generally accepted that void swelling of austenitic steels ceases below some temperature in the range 340-360{degrees}C, and exhibits relatively low swelling rates up to {approximately}400{degrees}C. This perception may not be correct at all irradiation conditions, however, since it was largely developed from data obtained at relatively high displacement rates in fast reactors whose inlet temperatures were in the range 360-370{degrees}C. There is an expectation, however, that the swelling regime can shift to lower temperatures at low displacement rates via the well-known {open_quotes}temperature shift{close_quotes} phenomenon. It is also known that the swelling rates at the lower end of themore » swelling regime increase continuously at a sluggish rate, never approaching the terminal 1%/dpa level within the duration of previous experiments. This paper presents the results of an experiment conducted in the BN-350 fast reactor in Kazakhstan that involved the irradiation of argon-pressurized thin-walled tubes (0-200 MPa hoop stress) constructed from Fe-16Cr-15Ni-3Mo-Nb stabilized steel in contact with the sodium coolant, which enters the reactor at {approx}270{degrees}C. Tubes in the annealed condition reached 75 dpa at 335{degrees}C, and another set in the 20% cold-worked condition reached 81 dpa at 360{degrees}C. Upon disassembly all tubes, except those in the stress-free condition, were found to have failed in an extremely brittle fashion. The stress-free tubes exhibited diameter changes that imply swelling levels ranging from 9 to 16%. It is expected that stress-enhancement of swelling induced even larger swelling levels in the stressed tubes.« less

Female sexual behavior and sexual swelling size as potential cues for males to discern the female fertile phase in free-ranging Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) of Gibraltar.

PubMed

Brauch, Katrin; Pfefferle, Dana; Hodges, Keith; Möhle, Ulrike; Fischer, Julia; Heistermann, Michael

2007-09-01

Although female catarrhine primates show cyclic changes in sexual behavior and sexual swellings, the value of these sexual signals in providing information to males about timing of the fertile phase is largely unclear. Recently, we have shown that in Barbary macaques, males receive information from females which enables them to discern the fertile phase and to focus their reproductive effort accordingly. Here, we investigate the nature of the cues being used by examining female sexual behavior and the size of sexual swelling as potential indicators of the fertile phase. We collected behavioral data and quantified swelling size using digital images of 11 females of the Gibraltar Barbary macaque population and related the data to the time of ovulation and the fertile phase as determined from fecal hormone analysis. We found that rates of female sexual behaviors were not correlated with female estrogen levels and did not significantly differ between the fertile and non-fertile phases of the cycle. In contrast, swelling size was significantly correlated with female estrogen levels and increased predictably towards ovulation with size being maximal during the fertile phase. Moreover, frequencies of male ejaculatory copulations showed a strong positive correlation with swelling size and highest rates were found during maximum swelling. Our data provide strong evidence that female Barbary macaques honestly signal the probability of fertility through sexual swelling and that males apparently use this information to time their mating activities. Honest advertising of the fertile phase might be part of a female strategy to manipulate male mating behavior for their own advantage, such as ensure fertilization with high quality sperm or influence paternity outcome.

Higher Dose of Dexamethasone Does Not Further Reduce Facial Swelling After Orthognathic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using 3-Dimensional Photogrammetry.

PubMed

Lin, Hsiu Hsia; Kim, Sun-Goo; Kim, Hye-Young; Niu, Lien-Shin; Lo, Lun-Jou

2017-03-01

The objective of this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to compare the effect of 2 dexamethasone dosages on reducing facial swelling after orthognathic surgery through 3-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry. Patients were classified into group 1 (control group) and group 2 (study group), depending on the administered dexamethasone dosage (5 and 15 mg, respectively). Three-dimensional images were recorded at 5 time points: preoperative (T0) and postoperative at 48 ± 6 hours (T1), 1 week (T2), 1 month (T3), and 6 months (T4). A preliminary study was performed on 5 patients, in whom 3D images were captured at 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours postoperatively to record serial changes in facial swelling. Facial swelling at T1, T2, and T3 and the reduction in swelling at T2 and T3 compared with that at the baseline (T4) were calculated. Possible complications, namely, adrenal suppression, wound dehiscence, wound infection, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were evaluated. In total, 68 patients were enrolled, of whom 25 patients in group 1 and 31 patients in group 2 were eligible for final evaluation. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups at any period. On average, the swelling subsided by 86% at 1 month after the orthognathic surgery. Facial swelling peaked approximately 48 hours after the surgery. The incidence of nausea and vomiting did not differ significantly between the groups. The effect of 5 and 15 mg of dexamethasone on facial swelling reduction as well as on nausea and vomiting after orthognathic surgery was not significantly different.

Overnight corneal swelling with high and low powered silicone hydrogel lenses.

PubMed

Moezzi, Amir M; Fonn, Desmond; Varikooty, Jalaiah; Simpson, Trefford L

2015-01-01

To compare central corneal swelling after eight hours of sleep in eyes wearing four different silicone hydrogel lenses with three different powers. Twenty-nine neophyte subjects wore lotrafilcon A (Dk, 140), balafilcon A (Dk, 91), galyfilcon A (Dk, 60) and senofilcon A (Dk, 103) lenses in powers -3.00, -10.00 and +6.00 D on separate nights, in random order, and on one eye only. The contra-lateral eye (no lens) served as the control. Central corneal thickness was measured using a digital optical pachometer before lens insertion and immediately after lens removal on waking. For the +6.00 D and -10.00 D, lotrafilcon A induced the least swelling and galyfilcon A the most. The +6.00 D power, averaged across lens materials, induced significantly greater central swelling than the -10.00 and -3.00 D (Re-ANOVA, p<0.001), (7.7±2.9% vs. 6.8±2.8% and 6.5±2.5% respectively) but there was no difference between -10.00 and -3.00 D. Averaged for power, lotrafilcon A induced the least (6.2±2.8%) and galyfilcon A the most (7.6±3.0%) swelling at the center (Re-ANOVA, p<0.001). Central corneal swelling with +6.00 D was significantly greater than -10.00 D lens power despite similar levels of average lens transmissibility of these two lens powers. The differences in corneal swelling of the lens wearing eyes are consistent with the differences in oxygen transmission of the silicone hydrogel lenses. In silicone hydrogel lenses central corneal swelling is mainly driven by central lens oxygen transmissibility. Copyright © 2013 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Genistein inhibited ammonia induced astrocyte swelling by inhibiting NF-κB activation-mediated nitric oxide formation.

PubMed

Dai, Hongliang; Jia, Guizhi; Wang, Wei; Liang, Chunguang; Han, Siyu; Chu, Minghui; Mei, Xifan

2017-06-01

Our previous study has indicated the involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation in ammonia-induced astrocyte swelling, which represents a major pathogenesis of brain edema in hepatic encephalopathy. In this study, we examined the effect of genistein, a naturally occurred broad-spectrum protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor, on ammonia-induced cell swelling. We found that genistein pretreatment significantly prevented ammonia-induced astrocyte swelling. Mechanistically, ammonia triggered EGFR/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) association and subsequent ERK phosphorylation were alleviated by genistein pretreatment. Moreover, ammonia-induced NF-κB nuclear location, iNOS expression, and consequent NO production were all prevented by AG1478 and genistein pretreatment. This study suggested that genistein could alleviate ammonia-induced astrocyte swelling, which may be, at least partly, related to its PTK-inhibiting activity and repression of NF-κB mediated iNOS-derived NO accumulation.

The effects of monobromobimane on calcium and phenylarsineoxide-induced mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome C release in isolated brain mitochondria.

PubMed

Abe, Tsutomu; Takagi, Norio; Nakano, Midori; Tanonaka, Kouichi; Takeo, Satoshi

2004-04-01

A possible involvement of inhibitory effects of monobromobimane (MBM), a thiol reagent, on the swelling and the release of cytochrome c in the isolated brain mitochondria was examined. MBM dose-dependently inhibited the calcium and phenylarsineoxide-induced mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release. Significant relationships between mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release were detected. Furthermore, effects of in vivo treatment with MBM on neuronal cell damage after transient (15 min) global ischemia in rats were examined. Infusion of MBM (1 or 3 microg/animal) to cerebral ventricles attenuated an increased number of TUNEL-positive cells and neuronal cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region at 72 h of reperfusion. These results suggest that MBM may have an ability to inhibit mitochondria-associated apoptotic pathways through attenuation of the mitochondrial swelling and the release of cytochrome c.

Estimates of ocean wave heights and attenuation in sea ice using the SAR wave mode on Sentinel-1A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardhuin, Fabrice; Collard, Fabrice; Chapron, Bertrand; Girard-Ardhuin, Fanny; Guitton, Gilles; Mouche, Alexis; Stopa, Justin E.

2015-04-01

Swell evolution from the open ocean into sea ice is poorly understood, in particular the amplitude attenuation expected from scattering and dissipation. New synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1A wave mode reveal intriguing patterns of bright oscillating lines shaped like instant noodles. We investigate cases in which the oscillations are in the azimuth direction, around a straight line in the range direction. This observation is interpreted as the distortion by the SAR processing of crests from a first swell, due to the presence of a second swell. Since deviations from a straight line should be proportional to the orbital velocity toward the satellite, swell height can be estimated, from 1.5 to 5 m in the present case. The evolution of this 13 s period swell across the ice pack is consistent with an exponential attenuation on a length scale of 200 km.

Estimates of ocean wave heights and attenuation in sea ice using the SAR wave mode on Sentinel-1A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardhuin, Fabrice; Collard, Fabrice; Chapron, Bertrand; Girard-Ardhuin, Fanny; Guitton, Gilles; Mouche, Alexis; Stopa, Justin

2015-04-01

Swell evolution from the open ocean into sea ice is poorly understood, in particular the amplitude attenuation expected from scattering and dissipation. New synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 wave mode reveal intriguing patterns of bright oscillating lines shaped like instant noodles. We investigate cases in which the oscillations are in the azimuth direction, around a straight line in the range direction. This observation is interpreted as the distortion by the SAR processing of crests from a first swell, due to the presence of a second swell. As deviations from a straight line should be proportional to the orbital velocity towards the satellite, swell height can be estimated, from 1.5 to 5 m in the present case. This evolution of this 13 s period swell across the ice pack is consistent with an exponential attenuation on a length scale of 200 km.

Swelling-induced and controlled curving in layered gel beams

PubMed Central

Lucantonio, A.; Nardinocchi, P.; Pezzulla, M.

2014-01-01

We describe swelling-driven curving in originally straight and non-homogeneous beams. We present and verify a structural model of swollen beams, based on a new point of view adopted to describe swelling-induced deformation processes in bilayered gel beams, that is based on the split of the swelling-induced deformation of the beam at equilibrium into two components, both depending on the elastic properties of the gel. The method allows us to: (i) determine beam stretching and curving, once assigned the characteristics of the solvent bath and of the non-homogeneous beam, and (ii) estimate the characteristics of non-homogeneous flat gel beams in such a way as to obtain, under free-swelling conditions, three-dimensional shapes. The study was pursued by means of analytical, semi-analytical and numerical tools; excellent agreement of the outcomes of the different techniques was found, thus confirming the strength of the method. PMID:25383031

The extrudate swell of HDPE: Rheological effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konaganti, Vinod Kumar; Ansari, Mahmoud; Mitsoulis, Evan; Hatzikiriakos, Savvas G.

2017-05-01

The extrudate swell of an industrial grade high molecular weight high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in capillary dies is studied experimentally and numerically using the integral K-BKZ constitutive model. The non-linear viscoelastic flow properties of the polymer resin are studied for a broad range of large step shear strains and high shear rates using the cone partitioned plate (CPP) geometry of the stress/strain controlled rotational rheometer. This allowed the determination of the rheological parameters accurately, in particular the damping function, which is proven to be the most important in simulating transient flows such as extrudate swell. A series of simulations performed using the integral K-BKZ Wagner model with different values of the Wagner exponent n, ranging from n=0.15 to 0.5, demonstrates that the extrudate swell predictions are extremely sensitive to the Wagner damping function exponent. Using the correct n-value resulted in extrudate swell predictions that are in excellent agreement with experimental measurements.

A rare cause of lateral facial swelling.

PubMed

Mohanty, Sujata; Gulati, Ujjwal; Vandana; Singh, Sapna

2014-01-01

A case of chronic, recurrent and asymptomatic facial swelling in a young male is presented. Swelling extended from lower midface to upper lateral neck and right commissure to anterior massetric border. History, clinical signs and symptoms and examination pointed towards the benign nature of the swelling. Fine-needle aspiration cytology tapered the diagnostic possibilities to a salivary cyst or pseudocyst. Ultrasonography identified the lesion to contain echogenic fluid with irregular borders. "Tail sign" was absent on contrast magnetic resonance imaging, excluding the involvement of the sublingual gland. Surgical excision of the lesion was done along with submandibular gland as both were in continuity via a bottle-neck tract. Final histopathological diagnosis was that of the submandibular gland extravasation phenomenon. As per the best of our knowledge, it is the first case report of a submandibular gland extravasation causing swelling in a retrograde direction onto the face.

A rare cause of lateral facial swelling

PubMed Central

Mohanty, Sujata; Gulati, Ujjwal; Vandana; Singh, Sapna

2014-01-01

A case of chronic, recurrent and asymptomatic facial swelling in a young male is presented. Swelling extended from lower midface to upper lateral neck and right commissure to anterior massetric border. History, clinical signs and symptoms and examination pointed towards the benign nature of the swelling. Fine-needle aspiration cytology tapered the diagnostic possibilities to a salivary cyst or pseudocyst. Ultrasonography identified the lesion to contain echogenic fluid with irregular borders. “Tail sign” was absent on contrast magnetic resonance imaging, excluding the involvement of the sublingual gland. Surgical excision of the lesion was done along with submandibular gland as both were in continuity via a bottle-neck tract. Final histopathological diagnosis was that of the submandibular gland extravasation phenomenon. As per the best of our knowledge, it is the first case report of a submandibular gland extravasation causing swelling in a retrograde direction onto the face. PMID:25593883

Effects of granule swelling on starch saccharification by granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme.

PubMed

Li, Zhaofeng; Cai, Liming; Gu, Zhengbiao; Shi, Yong-Cheng

2014-08-13

The effects of granule swelling on enzymatic saccharification of normal corn starch by granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme were investigated. After swelling, Km values for the saccharification of granular starch decreased compared with native granular starch, indicating that granule swelling caused granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme to have higher affinity for starch granules. The partial swelling of starch granules enhanced starch saccharification. Furthermore, the enhancement at an earlier stage of enzymatic reaction was much more significant than that at later stages. For granular starch pretreated at 67.5 °C for 30 min, conversions to glucose after incubation with the enzyme at 32 °C for 4 and 24 h were approximately 3-fold and 26% higher than for native granular starch, respectively. As a result, proper heat pretreatment of granular starch before simultaneous saccharification and fermentation has great potential to facilitate industrial production of ethanol by use of granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme.

Pathogens and parasites: strategies and challenges

PubMed Central

2000-01-01

The threat of emerging infections grows with the swelling tide of the human population and the continued disregard for the health of the environment. One of our most urgent challenges in public health is to understand the evolution and natural history of pathogens and parasites and how a sudden shift in virulence or in targeted host population may occur without warning. Viruses call for especially close watching. They are mostly genes and have mastered the art of manipulating other genes. Some are planktonic in the world's oceans, numbering 10 billion per liter of seawater; some are planktonic in our blood; some lie low inside cells; some take over a cell's replication machinery and explode the cell with new copies of themselves; and some splice their genes seamlessly into our chromosomes. The twin themes of genetic diversity and natural selection are explored in this review, with their relevance to viruses, the vertebrate immune system, virulence, and communicable disease epidemiology. PMID:16389321

Direct Synthesis of Polymer Nanotubes by Aqueous Dispersion Polymerization of a Cyclodextrin/Styrene Complex.

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Liu, Lei; Huo, Meng; Zeng, Min; Peng, Liao; Feng, Anchao; Wang, Xiaosong; Yuan, Jinying

2017-12-22

A one-step synthesis of nanotubes by RAFT dispersion polymerization of cyclodextrin/styrene (CD/St) complexes directly in water is presented. The resulted amphiphilic PEG-b-PS diblock copolymers self-assemble in situ into nanoparticles with various morphologies. Spheres, worms, lamellae, and nanotubes were controllably obtained. Because of the complexation, the swelling degree of polystyrene (PS) blocks by free St is limited, resulting in limited mobility of PS chains. Consequently, kinetically trapped lamellae and nanotubes were obtained instead of spherical vesicles. During the formation of nanotubes, small vesicles first formed at the ends of the tape-like lamellae, then grew and fused into nanotubes with a limited chain rearrangement. The introduction of a host-guest interaction based on CDs enables the aqueous dispersion polymerization of water-immiscible monomers, and produces kinetically trapped nanostructures, which could be a powerful technique for nanomaterials synthesis. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis and characterization of stimuli-responsive polypropylene containing N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylimidazole obtained by ionizing radiation.

PubMed

Zavala-Lagunes, Edgar; Ruiz, Juan-Carlos; Varca, Gustavo H C; Bucio, Emilio

2016-10-01

Polypropylene films were grafted with thermo-responsive N-vinylcaprolactam and pH-responsive N-vinylimidazole polymers by means of gamma radiation using pre-irradiation and direct methods, in order to functionalize the films with thermo- and/or pH-responsiveness. The dependence of grafting yield on parameters such as co-monomer concentration, pre-irradiation dose, temperature, and reaction time was evaluated. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, swelling studies in different solvents, and water contact angle. The grafted copolymers presented thermo- and pH-sensitiveness, highlighting their potential as advanced biomaterials, capable of providing adequate environment for hosting and sustained release of antimicrobial drugs bearing cationic moieties, such as groups of diclofenac, while still exhibiting good cytocompatibility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analytical modeling of intumescent coating thermal protection system in a JP-5 fuel fire environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, K. J.; Shimizu, A. B.; Suchsland, K. E.; Moyer, C. B.

1974-01-01

The thermochemical response of Coating 313 when exposed to a fuel fire environment was studied to provide a tool for predicting the reaction time. The existing Aerotherm Charring Material Thermal Response and Ablation (CMA) computer program was modified to treat swelling materials. The modified code is now designated Aerotherm Transient Response of Intumescing Materials (TRIM) code. In addition, thermophysical property data for Coating 313 were analyzed and reduced for use in the TRIM code. An input data sensitivity study was performed, and performance tests of Coating 313/steel substrate models were carried out. The end product is a reliable computational model, the TRIM code, which was thoroughly validated for Coating 313. The tasks reported include: generation of input data, development of swell model and implementation in TRIM code, sensitivity study, acquisition of experimental data, comparisons of predictions with data, and predictions with intermediate insulation.

Thermal modeling of carbon-epoxy laminates in fire environments.

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

McGurn, Matthew T.; DesJardin, Paul Edward; Dodd, Amanda B.

2010-10-01

A thermal model is developed for the response of carbon-epoxy composite laminates in fire environments. The model is based on a porous media description that includes the effects of gas transport within the laminate along with swelling. Model comparisons are conducted against the data from Quintere et al. Simulations are conducted for both coupon level and intermediate scale one-sided heating tests. Comparisons of the heat release rate (HRR) as well as the final products (mass fractions, volume percentages, porosity, etc.) are conducted. Overall, the agreement between available the data and model is excellent considering the simplified approximations to account formore » flame heat flux. A sensitivity study using a newly developed swelling model shows the importance of accounting for laminate expansion for the prediction of burnout. Excellent agreement is observed between the model and data of the final product composition that includes porosity, mass fractions and volume expansion ratio.« less

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Associated with Graves’ Disease Presenting As Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis with Bilateral Lower Limb DVT

PubMed Central

Jain, Ankur

2014-01-01

We report a case of a 60-year-old lady who presented with bilateral lower limb swelling and a thyroid swelling with clinical features consistent with thyrotoxicosis. Investigations revealed the presence of a thrombus in bilateral external, internal iliac veins, and inferior vena cava extending up to its infrahepatic part. Hormone profile and radioiodine uptake scan confirmed the diagnosis of Graves’ disease. Further workup revealed the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (confirmed after a repeat test at 12 weeks). The patient was treated with antithyroid drugs and anticoagulants. The patient improved with normalization of thyroid function and partial recanalization of the infrahepatic part of inferior vena cava. Hyperthyroidism has been implicated as a potential hypercoagulable state; however, the association of Graves’ disease with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is limited to isolated case reports. This case highlights a new mechanism underlying hypercoagulability associated with Graves’ disease. PMID:24812529

Viscoelastic Properties and Morphology of Mumio-based Medicated Hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zandraa, Oyunchimeg; Jelínková, Lenka; Roy, Niladri; Sáha, Tomáš; Kitano, Takeshi; Saha, Nabanita

2011-07-01

Novel medicated hydrogels were prepared (by moist heat treatment) with PVA, agar, mumio, mare's milk (MM), seabuckthorn oil (SB oil) and salicylic acid (SA) for wound dressing/healing application. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) show highly porous structure of these hydrogels. The swelling behaviour of the hydrogels in physiological solution displays remarkable liquid absorption property. The knowledge obtained from rheological investigations of these-systems may be highly useful for the characterization of the newly developed topical formulations. In the present study, an oscillation frequency sweep test was used for the evaluation of storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″), and complex viscosity (η*) of five different formulations, over an angular frequency range from 0.1 to 100 rad.s-1. The influence of healing agents and swelling effect on the rheological properties of mumio-based medicated hydrogels was investigated to judge its application on uneven surface of body.

Thermal - Hydraulic Behavior of Unsaturated Bentonite and Sand-Bentonite Material as Seal for Nuclear Waste Repository: Numerical Simulation of Column Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballarini, E.; Graupner, B.; Bauer, S.

2015-12-01

For deep geological repositories of high-level radioactive waste (HLRW), bentonite and sand bentonite mixtures are investigated as buffer materials to form a a sealing layer. This sealing layer surrounds the canisters and experiences an initial drying due to the heat produced by HLRW and a successive re-saturation with fluid from the host rock. These complex thermal, hydraulic and mechanical processes interact and were investigated in laboratory column experiments using MX-80 clay pellets as well as a mixture of 35% sand and 65% bentonite. The aim of this study is to both understand the individual processes taking place in the buffer materials and to identify the key physical parameters that determine the material behavior under heating and hydrating conditions. For this end, detailed and process-oriented numerical modelling was applied to the experiments, simulating heat transport, multiphase flow and mechanical effects from swelling. For both columns, the same set of parameters was assigned to the experimental set-up (i.e. insulation, heater and hydration system), while the parameters of the buffer material were adapted during model calibration. A good fit between model results and data was achieved for temperature, relative humidity, water intake and swelling pressure, thus explaining the material behavior. The key variables identified by the model are the permeability and relative permeability, the water retention curve and the thermal conductivity of the buffer material. The different hydraulic and thermal behavior of the two buffer materials observed in the laboratory observations was well reproduced by the numerical model.

Parasites in the Fossil Record: A Cretaceous Fauna with Isopod-Infested Decapod Crustaceans, Infestation Patterns through Time, and a New Ichnotaxon

PubMed Central

Klompmaker, Adiël A.; Artal, Pedro; van Bakel, Barry W. M.; Fraaije, René H. B.; Jagt, John W. M.

2014-01-01

Parasites are common in modern ecosystems and are also known from the fossil record. One of the best preserved and easily recognisable examples of parasitism in the fossil record concerns isopod-induced swellings in the branchial chamber of marine decapod crustaceans. However, very limited quantitative data on the variability of infestation percentages at the species, genus, and family levels are available. Here we provide this type of data for a mid-Cretaceous (upper Lower Cretaceous, upper Albian) reef setting at Koskobilo, northern Spain, on the basis of 874 specimens of anomurans and brachyurans. Thirty-seven specimens (4.2%), arranged in ten species, are infested. Anomurans are more heavily infested than brachyurans, variability can be high within genera, and a relationship may exist between the number of specimens and infestation percentage per taxon, possibly suggesting host-specificity. We have also investigated quantitative patterns of infestation through geological time based on 88 infested species (25 anomurans, 55 brachyurans, seven lobsters, and one shrimp), to show that the highest number of infested species can be found in the Late Jurassic, also when corrected for the unequal duration of epochs. The same Late Jurassic peak is observed for the percentage of infested decapod species per epoch. This acme is caused entirely by infested anomurans and brachyurans. Biases (taphonomic and otherwise) and causes of variability with regard to the Koskobilo assemblage and infestation patterns through time are discussed. Finally, a new ichnogenus and -species, Kanthyloma crusta, are erected to accommodate such swellings or embedment structures (bioclaustrations). PMID:24667587

Tubercular thyroid abscess

PubMed Central

Kumar, Awanish; Pahwa, Harvinder Singh; Srivastava, Rohit; Khan, Khursheed Alam

2013-01-01

We encountered a patient who presented with neck swelling, difficulty in swallowing, voice change along with systemic features such as evening rise of temperature, chronic cough and weight loss. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland revealed two cystic swellings. An ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of tubercular abscess. The patient responded well to antigravity aspiration of the swellings and antitubercular treatment. PMID:23814203

Influence of network topology on the swelling of polyelectrolyte nanogels.

PubMed

Rizzi, L G; Levin, Y

2016-03-21

It is well-known that the swelling behavior of ionic nanogels depends on their cross-link density; however, it is unclear how different topologies should affect the response of the polyelectrolyte network. Here we perform Monte Carlo simulations to obtain the equilibrium properties of ionic nanogels as a function of salt concentration Cs and the fraction f of ionizable groups in a polyelectrolyte network formed by cross-links of functionality z. Our results indicate that the network with cross-links of low connectivity result in nanogel particles with higher swelling ratios. We also confirm a de-swelling effect of salt on nanogel particles.

A novel multiphysic model for simulation of swelling equilibrium of ionized thermal-stimulus responsive hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hua; Wang, Xiaogui; Yan, Guoping; Lam, K. Y.; Cheng, Sixue; Zou, Tao; Zhuo, Renxi

2005-03-01

In this paper, a novel multiphysic mathematical model is developed for simulation of swelling equilibrium of ionized temperature sensitive hydrogels with the volume phase transition, and it is termed the multi-effect-coupling thermal-stimulus (MECtherm) model. This model consists of the steady-state Nernst-Planck equation, Poisson equation and swelling equilibrium governing equation based on the Flory's mean field theory, in which two types of polymer-solvent interaction parameters, as the functions of temperature and polymer-network volume fraction, are specified with or without consideration of the hydrogen bond interaction. In order to examine the MECtherm model consisting of nonlinear partial differential equations, a meshless Hermite-Cloud method is used for numerical solution of one-dimensional swelling equilibrium of thermal-stimulus responsive hydrogels immersed in a bathing solution. The computed results are in very good agreements with experimental data for the variation of volume swelling ratio with temperature. The influences of the salt concentration and initial fixed-charge density are discussed in detail on the variations of volume swelling ratio of hydrogels, mobile ion concentrations and electric potential of both interior hydrogels and exterior bathing solution.

Molecular accessibility in solvent swelled coal

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

Kispert, L.D.

1991-08-01

Research continued on the determination of pore size and number distribution changes after swelling the coal samples with various solvents. A paper has just been submitted to the journal Fuel on the Low temperature Swelling of Argonne Premium Coal samples using solvents of varying polarity. The variation in the shape of the pore was followed as a function of temperature and swelling solvent polarity. This change in pore structure was attributed to break-up of the hydrogen bonding network in coal by polar solvents. The modification in pore shape from spherical to cylindrical was attributed to anisotropy in hydrogen bond densities.more » A copy of this paper has been attached to this report. Wojciech Sady has determine the structural changes in the pores that occur when APCS coal is dehydrated prior to swelling with polar solvents. These changes are different from those that occur in the absence of prior dehydration. He has also completed a study on the variation in the hydrogen bonding character of the pore wall as the coals are swelled with various polar solvents. A statistical analysis of the data is currently underway to determine important trends in his data. 9 refs.« less

An investigation on "nano-swelling" phenomenon during resist dissolution using in situ high-speed atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santillan, Julius Joseph; Itani, Toshiro

2017-03-01

This work focuses on the application of a high-speed atomic force microscope (HS-AFM) for the in situ observation / quantification of the resist dissolution process. Specifically, this paper discusses on the existence of what the authors refer to as "nano-swelling" which occurs in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) exposed areas of a positive-tone chemically amplified resist, just before it dissolves into the aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) developer solution. In earlier experiments using typical EUVL resist materials (e.g. polyhydroxystyrene (PHS) polymer and hybrid PHS-methacryl polymer model resists), it was understood that nano-swelling is mainly material type-dependent. As shown in the investigations/results in this paper, nano-swelling has variations in the timing of occurrence and amount/size depending on the size of the dissolvable areas (i.e. larger dissolvable areas dissolve faster, swell more compared to smaller ones). Lastly, a comparison of surface analyses results of a resist pattern before, during, and after the occurrence of nano-swelling suggests the significant impact of these kinds of non-uniformities in the formation of line edge/line width roughness (LER/LWR).

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

Liang, Linyun; Mei, Zhi-Gang; Yacout, Abdellatif M.

We have developed a mesoscale phase-field model for studying the effect of recrystallization on the gas-bubble-driven swelling in irradiated U-Mo alloy fuel. The model can simulate the microstructural evolution of the intergranular gas bubbles on the grain boundaries as well as the recrystallization process. Our simulation results show that the intergranular gas-bubble-induced fuel swelling exhibits two stages: slow swelling kinetics before recrystallization and rapid swelling kinetics with recrystallization. We observe that the recrystallization can significantly expedite the formation and growth of gas bubbles at high fission densities. The reason is that the recrystallization process increases the nucleation probability of gasmore » bubbles and reduces the diffusion time of fission gases from grain interior to grain boundaries by increasing the grain boundary area and decreasing the diffusion distance. The simulated gas bubble shape, size distribution, and density on the grain boundaries are consistent with experimental measurements. We investigate the effect of the recrystallization on the gas-bubble-driven fuel swelling in UMo through varying the initial grain size and grain aspect ratio. We conclude that the initial microstructure of fuel, such as grain size and grain aspect ratio, can be used to effectively control the recrystallization and therefore reduce the swelling in U-Mo fuel.« less

In vitro eye corrosion study of agrochemicals on isolated chicken eye.

PubMed

Buda, I; Budai, P; Szabó, R; Lehel, J

2013-01-01

Agrochemicals must undergo numberless toxicological tests before marketing. The eye irritation test is part of this test packet. Nowadays, OECD 405 can be used to classify the irritation potential of substances, the base of the OECD 405 guideline is the Draize test, which is one of the most criticized in vivo methods because of the injuries of the test animals and subjective nature of the test in recording the results. Therefore, several in vitro tests have been developed to replace totally or partly the in vivo eye irritation testing. The isolated chicken eye test method (OECD 438), which was used, is one of these alternative methods. Five different agrochemicals were examined in the following way: All test compounds were applied in a single dose onto the cornea of isolated chicken eyes in order to potentially classify the test compounds as ocular corrosive and/or severe irritant. The damages caused by the test substances were assessed by the determination of corneal swelling, opacity, fluorescein retention and morphological effects. These parameters were evaluated pre-treatment and starting at approximately 30, 75, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after the post-treatment rinse. The endpoints evaluated were corneal opacity, swelling, fluorescein retention and morphological effects. All of the endpoints, with the exception of fluorescein retention (which was determined only at pre-treatment and 30 minutes after test substance exposure) were determined at each of the above time points. Positive and negative controls were used and they showed the expected results in each study. In these in vitro eye corrosives and severe irritants studies, using the Isolated Chicken Eye model with five different products, no ocular corrosion or severe irritation potential were observed. These results correspond to the available information about the tested agrochemicals, so these studies with isolated chicken eye are considered to be successful.

Computer-Based Internet-Hosted Assessment of L2 Literacy: Computerizing and Administering of the Oxford Quick Placement Test in ExamView and Moodle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meurant, Robert C.

Sorting of Korean English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) university students by Second Language (L2) aptitude allocates students to classes of compatible ability level, and was here used to screen candidates for interview. Paper-and-pen versions of the Oxford Quick Placement Test were adapted to computer-based testing via online hosting using FSCreations ExamView. Problems with their online hosting site led to conversion to the popular computer-based learning management system Moodle, hosted on www.ninehub.com. 317 sophomores were tested online to encourage L2 digital literacy. Strategies for effective hybrid implementation of Learning Management Systems in L2 tertiary education include computer-based Internet-hosted L2 aptitude tests. These potentially provide a convenient measure of student progress in developing L2 fluency, and offer a more objective and relevant means of teacher- and course-assessment than student evaluations, which tend to confuse entertainment value and teacher popularity with academic credibility and pedagogical effectiveness.

A structural model for the in vivo human cornea including collagen-swelling interaction

PubMed Central

Cheng, Xi; Petsche, Steven J.; Pinsky, Peter M.

2015-01-01

A structural model of the in vivo cornea, which accounts for tissue swelling behaviour, for the three-dimensional organization of stromal fibres and for collagen-swelling interaction, is proposed. Modelled as a binary electrolyte gel in thermodynamic equilibrium, the stromal electrostatic free energy is based on the mean-field approximation. To account for active endothelial ionic transport in the in vivo cornea, which modulates osmotic pressure and hydration, stromal mobile ions are shown to satisfy a modified Boltzmann distribution. The elasticity of the stromal collagen network is modelled based on three-dimensional collagen orientation probability distributions for every point in the stroma obtained by synthesizing X-ray diffraction data for azimuthal angle distributions and second harmonic-generated image processing for inclination angle distributions. The model is implemented in a finite-element framework and employed to predict free and confined swelling of stroma in an ionic bath. For the in vivo cornea, the model is used to predict corneal swelling due to increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) and is adapted to model swelling in Fuchs' corneal dystrophy. The biomechanical response of the in vivo cornea to a typical LASIK surgery for myopia is analysed, including tissue fluid pressure and swelling responses. The model provides a new interpretation of the corneal active hydration control (pump-leak) mechanism based on osmotic pressure modulation. The results also illustrate the structural necessity of fibre inclination in stabilizing the corneal refractive surface with respect to changes in tissue hydration and IOP. PMID:26156299

The comparison of manual lymph drainage and ultrasound therapy on the leg swelling caused by wearing high heels.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Yeop; Han, Ji-Su; Jang, Eun-Ji; Seo, Dong-Kwon; Hong, Ji-Heon; Lee, Sang-Sook; Lee, Dong-Geol; Yu Lee, Jae-Ho

2014-01-01

One of the major symptoms when women are wearing high heels for a long time is leg swelling. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of manual lymph drainage with ultrasound therapy. The forty-five healthy women of twenties were participated in this study and divided randomly into three groups; manual lymph drainage group (n=15), ultrasound therapy group (n=15) and control group (n=15). Swelling was measured before wearing the high heels (10 cm-height), after one-hour of wearing the high heels, wearing the high heels of one-hour after the intervention of 15 minutes. Also swelling was calculated by using a tape measure, volumeter and body composition analyzer. Statistical analysis of the comparison between the three groups was performed by one-way ANOVA. Also comparison to the mean value in swelling according to the time was performed by repeated measure ANOVA. As the result of this study, a significant changes have emerged within each of manual lymph drainage, ultrasound therapy and control group (p< 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between each group (p> 0.05). But the mean value of manual lymph drainage group showed the tendency of fast recovering before causing swelling. Therefore, we consider that the clinical treatment of manual lymph drainage and ongoing studies will be made since manual lymph drainage is very effective in releasing the leg swelling caused by wearing high heels and standing for a long time at work.

Soft mechanical metamaterials with unusual swelling behavior and tunable stress-strain curves

PubMed Central

Guo, Xiaogang; Wu, Jun

2018-01-01

Soft adaptable materials that change their shapes, volumes, and properties in response to changes under ambient conditions have important applications in tissue engineering, soft robotics, biosensing, and flexible displays. Upon water absorption, most existing soft materials, such as hydrogels, show a positive volume change, corresponding to a positive swelling. By contrast, the negative swelling represents a relatively unusual phenomenon that does not exist in most natural materials. The development of material systems capable of large or anisotropic negative swelling remains a challenge. We combine analytic modeling, finite element analyses, and experiments to design a type of soft mechanical metamaterials that can achieve large effective negative swelling ratios and tunable stress-strain curves, with desired isotropic/anisotropic features. This material system exploits horseshoe-shaped composite microstructures of hydrogel and passive materials as the building blocks, which extend into a periodic network, following the lattice constructions. The building block structure leverages a sandwiched configuration to convert the hydraulic swelling deformations of hydrogel into bending deformations, thereby resulting in an effective shrinkage (up to around −47% linear strain) of the entire network. By introducing spatially heterogeneous designs, we demonstrated a range of unusual, anisotropic swelling responses, including those with expansion in one direction and, simultaneously, shrinkage along the perpendicular direction. The design approach, as validated by experiments, allows the determination of tailored microstructure geometries to yield desired length/area changes. These design concepts expand the capabilities of existing soft materials and hold promising potential for applications in a diverse range of areas.

Clinical assessment of effusion in knee osteoarthritis—A systematic review

PubMed Central

Maricar, Nasimah; Callaghan, Michael J.; Parkes, Matthew J.; Felson, David T.; O׳Neill, Terence W.

2016-01-01

Objective The aim of this systematic review was to determine the validity and inter- and intra-observer reliability of the assessment of knee joint effusion in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, EMBASE, and AMED were searched from their inception to February 2015. Articles were included according to a priori defined criteria: samples containing participants with knee OA; prospective evaluation of clinical tests and assessments of knee effusion that included reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of these tests. Results A total of 10 publications were reviewed. Eight of these considered reliability and four on validity of clinical assessments against ultrasound effusion. It was not possible to undertake a meta-analysis of reliability or validity because of differences in study designs and the clinical tests. Intra-observer kappa agreement for visible swelling ranged from 0.37 (suprapatellar) to 1.0 (prepatellar); for bulge sign 0.47 and balloon sign 0.37. Inter-observer kappa agreement for visible swelling ranged from −0.02 (prepatellar) to 0.65 (infrapatellar), the balloon sign −0.11 to 0.82, patellar tap −0.02 to 0.75 and bulge sign kappa −0.04 to 0.14 or reliability coefficient 0.97. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy tended to be better in experienced observers. Very few data looked at performance of individual clinical tests with sensitivity ranging 18.2–85.7% and specificity 35.3–93.3%, both higher with larger effusions. Conclusion The majority of unstandardized clinical tests to assess joint effusion in knee OA had relatively low intra- and inter-observer reliability. There is some evidence experience improved reliability and diagnostic accuracy of tests. Currently there is insufficient evidence to recommend any particular test in clinical practice. PMID:26581486

Clinical assessment of effusion in knee osteoarthritis-A systematic review.

PubMed

Maricar, Nasimah; Callaghan, Michael J; Parkes, Matthew J; Felson, David T; O'Neill, Terence W

2016-04-01

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the validity and inter- and intra-observer reliability of the assessment of knee joint effusion in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, EMBASE, and AMED were searched from their inception to February 2015. Articles were included according to a priori defined criteria: samples containing participants with knee OA; prospective evaluation of clinical tests and assessments of knee effusion that included reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of these tests. A total of 10 publications were reviewed. Eight of these considered reliability and four on validity of clinical assessments against ultrasound effusion. It was not possible to undertake a meta-analysis of reliability or validity because of differences in study designs and the clinical tests. Intra-observer kappa agreement for visible swelling ranged from 0.37 (suprapatellar) to 1.0 (prepatellar); for bulge sign 0.47 and balloon sign 0.37. Inter-observer kappa agreement for visible swelling ranged from -0.02 (prepatellar) to 0.65 (infrapatellar), the balloon sign -0.11 to 0.82, patellar tap -0.02 to 0.75 and bulge sign kappa -0.04 to 0.14 or reliability coefficient 0.97. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy tended to be better in experienced observers. Very few data looked at performance of individual clinical tests with sensitivity ranging 18.2-85.7% and specificity 35.3-93.3%, both higher with larger effusions. The majority of unstandardized clinical tests to assess joint effusion in knee OA had relatively low intra- and inter-observer reliability. There is some evidence experience improved reliability and diagnostic accuracy of tests. Currently there is insufficient evidence to recommend any particular test in clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A procyanidin type A trimer from cinnamon extract attenuates glial cell swelling and the reduction in glutamate uptake following ischemia-like injury in vitro.

PubMed

Panickar, K S; Polansky, M M; Graves, D J; Urban, J F; Anderson, R A

2012-01-27

Dietary polyphenols exert neuroprotective effects in ischemic injury. The protective effects of a procyanidin type A trimer (trimer 1) isolated from a water soluble cinnamon extract (CE) were investigated on key features of ischemic injury, including cell swelling, increased free radical production, increased intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)), mitochondrial dysfunction, and the reduction in glutamate uptake. Astrocyte (glial) swelling is a major component of cytotoxic brain edema in ischemia and, along with vasogenic edema, may contribute to increased intracranial pressure, brain herniation, and additional ischemic injuries. C6 glial cultures were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 5 h, and cell swelling was determined at 90 min after the end of OGD. OGD-induced increases in glial swelling were significantly blocked by trimer 1, but not by the major nonpolyphenol fractions of CE including cinnamaldehyde and coumarin. Increased free radical production, a contributing factor in cell swelling following ischemic injury, was also significantly reduced by trimer 1. Mitochondrial dysfunction, another key feature of ischemic injury, is hypothesized to contribute to glial swelling. Depolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) was assessed using a fluorescent dye (tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester [TMRE]), and was significantly attenuated by trimer 1 as was OGD-induced increased [Ca(2+)](i). Taken together with our previous observation that blockers of [Ca(2+)](i) reduce cell swelling, our results indicate that trimer 1 may attenuate cell swelling by regulating [Ca(2+)](i). Trimer 1 also significantly attenuated the OGD-induced decrease in glutamate uptake. In addition, cyclosporin A, a blocker of the mitochondrial permeability pore (mPT), but not FK506 (that does not block the mPT), reduced the OGD-induced decline in glutamate uptake indicating a role of the mPT in such effects. Thus, the effects of trimer 1 in attenuating the reduction in glutamate uptake are likely mediated through their action on the mitochondria. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO.

Fuels irradiation testing for the SP-100 program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Makenas, Bruce J.; Hales, Janell W.; Ward, Alva L.

1991-01-01

An SP-100 fuel pin irradiation testing program is well on the way to providing data for performance correlations and demonstrating the lifetime and safety of the fuel system of the compact lithium-cooled reactor. Key SP-100 fuel performance issues addressed are the need for low fuel swelling and low fission gas release to minimize cladding strain, and the need for barrier integrity to prevent fuel/cladding chemical interaction. This paper provides a description of the irradiation test program that addresses these key issues and summarizes recent results of posttest examinations including data obtained at 6 atom percent goal burnup.

Positioning Techniques to Reduce the Occurrence of DeQuervain's Tendonitis in Nursing Mothers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Virzi, Alison

2010-01-01

DeQuervain's tendonitis is an inflammation of two tendons: the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus as they cross in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Symptoms include pain, swelling along the radial aspect of the wrist, and a decrease in thumb motion. A positive Finkelstein's test at examination is seen. Frequently…

Design, Development, and Testing of Advanced Bridge Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-23

experiment used a reduced EEW resin (215) with Hycar CTBN 1872 being added with the curing agent, rather than the resin . The result was a very... resins are mainly phenolics , carbon monoxide and water. Thermal decomposition products should therefore be treated as potentially hazardous substances...26 2.3.5 Chemical Surface Modification ............................................. 26 2.3.5.1 Resin Impregnation of a Swelled

Observation-Based Dissipation and Input Terms for Spectral Wave Models, with End-User Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

scale influence of the Great barrier reef matrix on wave attenuation, Coral Reefs [published, refereed] Ghantous, M., and A.V. Babanin, 2014: One...Observation-Based Dissipation and Input Terms for Spectral Wave Models...functions, based on advanced understanding of physics of air-sea interactions, wave breaking and swell attenuation, in wave - forecast models. OBJECTIVES The

Antimicrobial Wound Dressing. Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-11

12 a. Antimicrobial Sensitivity Tests 12 b. Anin.il Model 13 5. Preparatiua of Microcapsules 14 B. Results 15 1. AIn Vit Diffusion 15 a. PVA... Microcapsules 35 Table 5 Tetracycline Hydrochloride Cellulose 36 Triacetate Microcapsules Table 6 Polyethylene Oxide Hydrogels 37 Table 7 Swelling of...Water and Crosslinking Effect Figure 24 In Vi trq Chlorhexidine Release 70 Polyacrylamide Hydrogel - Microcapsules Figure 25 In _Vitro Tetracycline

Analysis of intergranular fission-gas bubble-size distributions in irradiated uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rest, J.; Hofman, G. L.; Kim, Yeon Soo

2009-04-01

An analytical model for the nucleation and growth of intra and intergranular fission-gas bubbles is used to characterize fission-gas bubble development in low-enriched U-Mo alloy fuel irradiated in the advanced test reactor in Idaho as part of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program. Fuel burnup was limited to less than ˜7.8 at.% U in order to capture the fuel-swelling stage prior to irradiation-induced recrystallization. The model couples the calculation of the time evolution of the average intergranular bubble radius and number density to the calculation of the intergranular bubble-size distribution based on differential growth rate and sputtering coalescence processes. Recent results on TEM analysis of intragranular bubbles in U-Mo were used to set the irradiation-induced diffusivity and re-solution rate in the bubble-swelling model. Using these values, good agreement was obtained for intergranular bubble distribution compared against measured post-irradiation examination (PIE) data using grain-boundary diffusion enhancement factors of 15-125, depending on the Mo concentration. This range of enhancement factors is consistent with values obtained in the literature.

Follicular adenoma in ectopic thyroid. A case-report.

PubMed

Consalvo, Vincenzo; Barbieri, Gerarda; Rossetti, Amalia Rosaria Rita; Romano, Mafalda; Contieri, Rosaria; Tramontano, Salvatore; Rescigno, Carmela; Infranzi, Massimo; Lombardi, Domenico

2017-01-01

The term ectopic thyroid refers to the presence of thyroid tissue located far from its usual anatomic placement and with no vascular connection to the main gland. The presence of swelling in atypical locations is diagnostically differentiated from other pathologies like pleomorphic adenoma or carcinoma, inflammatory lesions like sialadenitis, neurogenic tumors, paraganglioma, fibrolipoma and lymphadenopaties of diverse etiologies. Here we present the case of a submandibular ectopic thyroid in a 67year old woman. She came to our attention for a left submandibular swelling. The anamnesis did not show related pathologies, as well as blood tests. Diagnostic image studies and a FNAC were performed. The mass was surgically removed and histopatology showed a follicular adenoma in the contest of the capsulated lesion. It is important to not underestimate these types of lesions and procede with hematochemical, instrumental tests and above all surgery that can eliminate any diagnostic uncertainty and on the whole be therapeutic. It should not be forgotten that ectopic thyroid tissue can be a site for adenoma or papillary carcinoma and thus any watch and wait strategy should be avoided. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on the post-surgical inflammatory process after third molar removal: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Oliveira Sierra, Simone; Melo Deana, Alessandro; Mesquita Ferrari, Raquel Agnelli; Maia Albarello, Priscilla; Bussadori, Sandra Kalil; Santos Fernandes, Kristianne Porta

2013-11-06

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to modulate the inflammatory process without adverse effects , by reducing pain and swelling and promoting the repair of damaged tissues. Because pain, swelling and muscle spasm are complications found in virtually all patients following oral surgery for the removal of impacted teeth, this model has been widely used to evaluate the effects of LLLT on the inflammatory process involving bone and, connective tissue and the muscles involved in mastication. After meeting the eligibility criteria, 60 patients treated at a Specialty Dental Center for the removal of impacted lower third molars will be randomly divided into five groups according to the type of laser therapy used at the end of surgery (intraoral irradiation with 660 nm laser; extraoral irradiation with 660 nm laser; intraoral irradiation with 808 nm laser; extraoral irradiation with 808 nm laser and no irradiation). To ensure that patients are blinded to the type of treatment they are receiving, the hand piece of the laser apparatus will be applied both intraorally and extraorally to all participants, but the device will be turned on only at the appropriate time, as determined by the randomization process. At 2 and 7 days after surgery, the patients will be evaluated by three blinded evaluators who will measure of swelling, mouth opening (muscle spasm evaluation) and pain (using two different pain scales). The 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) will be used to assess QOL. All data will be analyzed with respect to the normality of distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Statistically significant differences between the experimental groups will be determined using analysis of variance, followed by a suitable post hoc test, when necessary. The significance level will be set at α = 0.05. The lack of standardization in studies with regard to the samples, methods and LLLT parameters complicates the determination of the actual effect of laser therapy on this model. The present study aims to provide a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial to compare four different LLLT parameters in relation to the outcomes of pain, swelling and muscle spasm following surgery for the extraction of impacted third molars and evaluate the effects os surgery on patients' quality os life (QOL). Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - Rebec (RBR-6XSB5H).

* Constrained Cage Culture Improves Engineered Cartilage Functional Properties by Enhancing Collagen Network Stability.

PubMed

Nims, Robert J; Cigan, Alexander D; Durney, Krista M; Jones, Brian K; O'Neill, John D; Law, Wing-Sum A; Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana; Hung, Clark T; Ateshian, Gerard A

2017-08-01

When cultured with sufficient nutrient supply, engineered cartilage synthesizes proteoglycans rapidly, producing an osmotic swelling pressure that destabilizes immature collagen and prevents the development of a robust collagen framework, a hallmark of native cartilage. We hypothesized that mechanically constraining the proteoglycan-induced tissue swelling would enhance construct functional properties through the development of a more stable collagen framework. To test this hypothesis, we developed a novel "cage" growth system to mechanically prevent tissue constructs from swelling while ensuring adequate nutrient supply to the growing construct. The effectiveness of constrained culture was examined by testing constructs embedded within two different scaffolds: agarose and cartilage-derived matrix hydrogel (CDMH). Constructs were seeded with immature bovine chondrocytes and cultured under free swelling (FS) conditions for 14 days with transforming growth factor-β before being placed into a constraining cage for the remainder of culture. Controls were cultured under FS conditions throughout. Agarose constructs cultured in cages did not expand after the day 14 caging while FS constructs expanded to 8 × their day 0 weight after 112 days of culture. In addition to the physical differences in growth, by day 56, caged constructs had higher equilibrium (agarose: 639 ± 179 kPa and CDMH: 608 ± 257 kPa) and dynamic compressive moduli (agarose: 3.4 ± 1.0 MPa and CDMH 2.8 ± 1.0 MPa) than FS constructs (agarose: 193 ± 74 kPa and 1.1 ± 0.5 MPa and CDMH: 317 ± 93 kPa and 1.8 ± 1.0 MPa for equilibrium and dynamic properties, respectively). Interestingly, when normalized to final day wet weight, cage and FS constructs did not exhibit differences in proteoglycan or collagen content. However, caged culture enhanced collagen maturation through the increased formation of pyridinoline crosslinks and improved collagen matrix stability as measured by α-chymotrypsin solubility. These findings demonstrate that physically constrained culture of engineered cartilage constructs improves functional properties through improved collagen network maturity and stability. We anticipate that constrained culture may benefit other reported engineered cartilage systems that exhibit a mismatch in proteoglycan and collagen synthesis.

Development of self-anchoring bone implants. I. Processing and material characterization.

PubMed

Abusafieh, A; Siegler, S; Kalidindi, S R

1997-01-01

We recently designed and produced a family of new swelling-type materials that are potentially capable of self-fixation in bone. These materials are designed to absorb body fluids and swell by small amounts, which will allow the implants made from these materials to achieve self-fixation by an expansion-fit mechanism. The developed material system is essentially a crosslinked random copolymer based on poly (methyl methacrylate-acrylic acid). For potential structural (load-bearing) bioimplant applications, we reinforced this copolymer with AS-4 carbon and Kevlar 49 fibers. The details of processing these materials and the steps involved in optimizing their microstructures are presented in this article. A set of mechanical tests were performed on these materials in both dry and swollen conditions to measure their moduli and yield strengths. In the dry state, the copolymers were found to exhibit Young's moduli in the range of 3 to 4 GPa and yield strengths in the range of 70 to 85 MPa. The reinforced composites exhibited moduli in the range of 15 to 65 GPa and yield strengths in the range of 125 to 500 MPa. Upon controlling the volumetric swelling in these materials to be less than about 10%, the loss in mechanical properties was found to be less than about 30%. These hygromechanical properties are well suited for self-anchoring bone implant applications.

Diffusion and Swelling Measurements in Pharmaceutical Powder Compacts Using Terahertz Pulsed Imaging

PubMed Central

Yassin, Samy; Su, Ke; Lin, Hungyen; Gladden, Lynn F; Zeitler, J Axel

2015-01-01

Tablet dissolution is strongly affected by swelling and solvent penetration into its matrix. A terahertz-pulsed imaging (TPI) technique, in reflection mode, is introduced as a new tool to measure one-dimensional swelling and solvent ingress in flat-faced pharmaceutical compacts exposed to dissolution medium from one face of the tablet. The technique was demonstrated on three tableting excipients: hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), Eudragit RSPO, and lactose. Upon contact with water, HPMC initially shrinks to up to 13% of its original thickness before undergoing expansion. HPMC and lactose were shown to expand to up to 20% and 47% of their original size in 24 h and 13 min, respectively, whereas Eudragit does not undergo dimensional change. The TPI technique was used to measure the ingress of water into HPMC tablets over a period of 24 h and it was observed that water penetrates into the tablet by anomalous diffusion. X-ray microtomography was used to measure tablet porosity alongside helium pycnometry and was linked to the results obtained by TPI. Our results highlight a new application area of TPI in the pharmaceutical sciences that could be of interest in the development and quality testing of advanced drug delivery systems as well as immediate release formulations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 104:1658–1667, 2015 PMID:25645509

Dexamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space in lower third molar surgery.

PubMed

Boonsiriseth, K; Latt, M M; Kiattavorncharoen, S; Pairuchvej, V; Wongsirichat, N

2017-07-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8mg dexamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space on the postoperative sequelae of lower third molar surgery. A prospective, randomized, controlled, split-mouth study was designed involving 62 lower third molar extractions (31 patients). Prior to surgery, the study group received 2ml of 4mg/ml (8mg) dexamethasone injection through the pterygomandibular space following local anaesthesia; the control group received 2ml normal saline injection. Facial swelling, mouth opening, pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the number of analgesics consumed were assessed. Descriptive statistics and the independent-samples t-test were used to compare the two groups at P<0.05. There was a significant reduction in swelling on day 2 postoperative in the dexamethasone group. Mouth opening was also significantly greater on day 2 in the dexamethasone group. The VAS pain score was significantly lower on the day of the operation and first postoperative day in the dexamethasone group, but did not differ significantly between the groups on the other postoperative days. The injection of 8mg dexamethasone into the pterygomandibular space was effective in reducing postoperative swelling, limited mouth opening, and pain following impacted lower third molar extraction. Copyright © 2017 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Temperature- and pH-Sensitive Nanohydrogels of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) for Food Packaging Applications: Modelling the Swelling-Collapse Behaviour

PubMed Central

Fuciños, Clara; Fuciños, Pablo; Míguez, Martín; Katime, Issa; Pastrana, Lorenzo M.; Rúa, María L.

2014-01-01

Temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) nanohydrogels were synthesized by nanoemulsion polymerization in water-in-oil systems. Several cross-linking degrees and the incorporation of acrylic acid as comonomer at different concentrations were tested to produce nanohydrogels with a wide range of properties. The physicochemical properties of PNIPA nanohydrogels, and their relationship with the swelling-collapse behaviour, were studied to evaluate the suitability of PNIPA nanoparticles as smart delivery systems (for active packaging). The swelling-collapse transition was analyzed by the change in the optical properties of PNIPA nanohydrogels using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The thermodynamic parameters associated with the nanohydrogels collapse were calculated using a mathematical approach based on the van't Hoff analysis, assuming a two-state equilibrium (swollen to collapsed). A mathematical model is proposed to predict both the thermally induced collapse, and the collapse induced by the simultaneous action of two factors (temperature and pH, or temperature and organic solvent concentration). Finally, van't Hoff analysis was compared with differential scanning calorimetry. The results obtained allow us to solve the problem of determining the molecular weight of the structural repeating unit in cross-linked NIPA polymers, which, as we show, can be estimated from the ratio of the molar heat capacity (obtained from the van't Hoff analysis) to the specific heat capacity (obtained from calorimetric measurements). PMID:24520326

Temperature- and pH-sensitive nanohydrogels of poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) for food packaging applications: modelling the swelling-collapse behaviour.

PubMed

Fuciños, Clara; Fuciños, Pablo; Míguez, Martín; Katime, Issa; Pastrana, Lorenzo M; Rúa, María L

2014-01-01

Temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) nanohydrogels were synthesized by nanoemulsion polymerization in water-in-oil systems. Several cross-linking degrees and the incorporation of acrylic acid as comonomer at different concentrations were tested to produce nanohydrogels with a wide range of properties. The physicochemical properties of PNIPA nanohydrogels, and their relationship with the swelling-collapse behaviour, were studied to evaluate the suitability of PNIPA nanoparticles as smart delivery systems (for active packaging). The swelling-collapse transition was analyzed by the change in the optical properties of PNIPA nanohydrogels using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The thermodynamic parameters associated with the nanohydrogels collapse were calculated using a mathematical approach based on the van't Hoff analysis, assuming a two-state equilibrium (swollen to collapsed). A mathematical model is proposed to predict both the thermally induced collapse, and the collapse induced by the simultaneous action of two factors (temperature and pH, or temperature and organic solvent concentration). Finally, van't Hoff analysis was compared with differential scanning calorimetry. The results obtained allow us to solve the problem of determining the molecular weight of the structural repeating unit in cross-linked NIPA polymers, which, as we show, can be estimated from the ratio of the molar heat capacity (obtained from the van't Hoff analysis) to the specific heat capacity (obtained from calorimetric measurements).

Male dominance rank, mating and reproductive success in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus).

PubMed

Marvan, R; Stevens, J M G; Roeder, A D; Mazura, I; Bruford, M W; de Ruiter, J R

2006-01-01

In the recent past, application of DNA genotyping techniques has enabled researchers to more accurately test relationships between dominance rank (DR), mating success (MS) and reproductive success (RS). Paternity studies often reveal that reproductive outcome does not always correlate with male DR and/or MS and thus open room for discussion and interpretation of alternative reproductive tactics of both sexes. In this study, we analysed male DR, MS and RS in a group of bonobos at Twycross Zoo (UK). Genetic relationships were determined using 8 tetrameric microsatellite loci. Despite clear and asymmetric dominance relationships, analysed using normalised David's scores based on a dyadic index of dominance among the group's 3 mature males, we found that the most dominant male did not sire the most offspring. In fact, both infants conceived during the observation period were found to be sired by the lower-ranking males. Although the alpha male had almost exclusive mating access to one of the females during the time she was showing a maximal anogenital swelling, her infant was sired by the lowest-ranking male who mostly mated with her when outside the maximal swelling period. This result suggests that either sperm competition operates and/or ovulation is decoupled from the phase of maximal anogenital swelling which could allow greater female choice. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles for local colon delivery of 5-FU: development and in vitro characterization.

PubMed

Glavas Dodov, M; Calis, S; Crcarevska, M S; Geskovski, N; Petrovska, V; Goracinova, K

2009-11-03

The aim of this work was to prepare lectin-conjugated chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles (MPs) loaded with acid-resistant particles of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for efficient local treatment of colon cancer. MPs were prepared by a novel one-step spray-drying technique and after wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) conjugation, they were characterized for size, swelling behavior, surface charge, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. Prepared particles were spherical, with 6.73 microg/mg of WGA conjugated onto their surface. The size and zeta potential increased after conjugation, from 6.6 to 14.7 microm and from 9.6 to 15.3 mV, while drug encapsulation was 75.6 and 72.8%, respectively after conjugation. The swelling behavior of beads was mainly determined by properties of the cross-linked chitosan-alginate network. In vitro drug release studies carried out in simulated in vivo conditions with respect to pH, confirmed the potential of the particles to release the drug in a controlled manner. Also, the drug release was not significantly affected by WGA conjugation. The retention of biorecognitive activity of WGA after covalent coupling to MPs was confirmed by haemagglutination test. Functionalized MPs showed excessive mucoadhesiveness in vitro, due to the positive surface charge, pH-dependent swelling of the matrix and lectin-sugar recognition.

Textureless Macula Swelling Detection with Multiple Retinal Fundus Images

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

Giancardo, Luca; Meriaudeau, Fabrice; Karnowski, Thomas Paul

2010-01-01

Retinal fundus images acquired with non-mydriatic digital fundus cameras are a versatile tool for the diagnosis of various retinal diseases. Because of the ease of use of newer camera models and their relatively low cost, these cameras can be employed by operators with limited training for telemedicine or Point-of-Care applications. We propose a novel technique that uses uncalibrated multiple-view fundus images to analyse the swelling of the macula. This innovation enables the detection and quantitative measurement of swollen areas by remote ophthalmologists. This capability is not available with a single image and prone to error with stereo fundus cameras. Wemore » also present automatic algorithms to measure features from the reconstructed image which are useful in Point-of-Care automated diagnosis of early macular edema, e.g., before the appearance of exudation. The technique presented is divided into three parts: first, a preprocessing technique simultaneously enhances the dark microstructures of the macula and equalises the image; second, all available views are registered using non-morphological sparse features; finally, a dense pyramidal optical flow is calculated for all the images and statistically combined to build a naiveheight- map of the macula. Results are presented on three sets of synthetic images and two sets of real world images. These preliminary tests show the ability to infer a minimum swelling of 300 microns and to correlate the reconstruction with the swollen location.« less

Diffusion and swelling measurements in pharmaceutical powder compacts using terahertz pulsed imaging.

PubMed

Yassin, Samy; Su, Ke; Lin, Hungyen; Gladden, Lynn F; Zeitler, J Axel

2015-05-01

Tablet dissolution is strongly affected by swelling and solvent penetration into its matrix. A terahertz-pulsed imaging (TPI) technique, in reflection mode, is introduced as a new tool to measure one-dimensional swelling and solvent ingress in flat-faced pharmaceutical compacts exposed to dissolution medium from one face of the tablet. The technique was demonstrated on three tableting excipients: hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), Eudragit RSPO, and lactose. Upon contact with water, HPMC initially shrinks to up to 13% of its original thickness before undergoing expansion. HPMC and lactose were shown to expand to up to 20% and 47% of their original size in 24 h and 13 min, respectively, whereas Eudragit does not undergo dimensional change. The TPI technique was used to measure the ingress of water into HPMC tablets over a period of 24 h and it was observed that water penetrates into the tablet by anomalous diffusion. X-ray microtomography was used to measure tablet porosity alongside helium pycnometry and was linked to the results obtained by TPI. Our results highlight a new application area of TPI in the pharmaceutical sciences that could be of interest in the development and quality testing of advanced drug delivery systems as well as immediate release formulations. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Prognostic value of a pre-freeze hypo-osmotic swelling test on the post-thaw quality of dog semen.

PubMed

Karger, S; Geiser, B; Grau, M; Burfeind, O; Heuwieser, W; Arlt, S P

2016-03-01

Throughout cryopreservation, sperm are exposed to major osmotic challenges. Only intact membranes of sperm cells are able to regulate these volumetric changes, which can be determined by the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS test). Correlations between the HOS test and conventional semen variables are inconsistent. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to examine relationships between HOS test results and standard semen variables before freezing and after thawing and (2) to evaluate the prognostic value of the HOS assessments on post-thaw quality of dog semen. Semen of 35 dogs was collected and analyzed before freezing and after thawing following a 7-day freeze-thaw interval. Conventional semen variables such as sperm cell motility, membrane integrity morphology were evaluated and the HOS test was conducted with results from this test being recorded. In fresh semen the HOS test was positively correlated with progressive motility of sperm cells: r=0.52, sperm cell membrane integrity: r=0.50 and normal sperm cell morphology: r=0.46 (P<0.05). In frozen-thawed semen, the data obtained with the HOS test were positively correlated with progressive sperm cell motility: r=0.67 and membrane integrity: r=0.86 (P<0.05). The data obtained with the HOS test in fresh semen were positively correlated with sperm cell membrane integrity: r=0.50 normal sperm cell morphology: r=0.55 and data from the HOS test (r=0.43; P<0.05) with frozen-thawed semen. For the prediction of individual cryopreservation capacity, results from assessment of the fresh semen variables of good and poor semen quality were statistically compared. Based on these results, it is not possible to predict the quality of frozen-thawed dog semen using the HOS test. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of the swelling velocity of different wood species and tissues depending on the cutting direction on microtome section level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuckenberg, Peter; Wenderdel, Christoph; Zauer, Mario

2018-06-01

Swelling velocity in dependence on the anatomical cutting direction of yew [Taxus baccata L.] and boxwood [Buxus sempervirens L.] was determined at temperature of 20 °C and at relative humidity of 10% and 100%. The investigations, conducted on a microtome section level, showed a similar behaviour for specimens of both wood species. It was possible to determine that the swelling velocity for yew and boxwood increases in its anatomical cutting directions. The longitudinal direction showed the lowest value, the tangential direction, by distinction, the highest value. Furthermore, a significant influence of early wood and late wood content on the swelling velocity for yew was detected.

Dramatic reduction of void swelling by helium in ion-irradiated high purity α-iron

DOE PAGES

Bhattacharya, Arunodaya; Meslin, Estelle; Henry, Jean; ...

2018-04-11

Effect of helium on void swelling was studied in high-purity α-iron, irradiated using energetic self-ions to 157 displacements per atom (dpa) at 773 K, with and without helium co-implantation up to 17 atomic parts-per-million (appm) He/dpa. Helium is known to enhance cavity formation in metals in irradiation environments, leading to early void swelling onset. In this study, microstructure characterization by transmission electron microscopy revealed compelling evidence of dramatic swelling reduction by helium co-implantation, achieved primarily by cavity size reduction. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of helium induced cavity microstructure development is discussed using sink strength ratios of dislocations and cavities.

Growth regulation in tip-growing cells that develop on the epidermis.

PubMed

Honkanen, Suvi; Dolan, Liam

2016-12-01

Plants develop tip-growing extensions-root hairs and rhizoids-that initiate as swellings on the outer surface of individual epidermal cells. A conserved genetic mechanism controls the earliest stages in the initiation of these swellings. The same mechanism controls the formation of multicellular structures that develop from swellings on epidermal cells in early diverging land plants. Details of the molecular events that regulate the positioning of the swellings involve sterols and phosphatidylinositol phosphates. The final length of root hairs is determined by the intensity of a pulse of transcription factor synthesis. Genes encoding similar transcription factors control root hair development in cereals and are potential targets for crop improvement. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The usefulness of three-dimensional imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of clinically ambiguous gingival swelling.

PubMed

Kabashima, Hiroaki; Mizobe, Kunitaka; Nakamuta, Hiroyoshi; Fujiwara, Hiroaki; Okamura, Kazutoshi; Unemori, Masako; Akamine, Akifumi; Yoshiura, Kazunori; Maeda, Katsumasa

2011-06-01

We evaluated and treated a 54-year-old woman with gingival swelling. Conventional intraoral and panoramic radiography did not provide sufficient information for either determining the cause of gingival swelling or planning treatment of clinical symptoms. The 3D Accuitomo XYZ Slice View Tomograph (3DX) is a compact dental computed tomography device that allowed for accurate identification and optimal treatment of the causes of gingival swelling. At four years after treatment, 3DX radiographs showed no abnormalities in treated teeth or healing of surrounding structures. We conclude that high-resolution 3D images obtained with 3DX promise to be very effective for diagnosing oral diseases and determining effective treatment.

Polymer mobilization and drug release during tablet swelling. A 1H NMR and NMR microimaging study.

PubMed

Dahlberg, Carina; Fureby, Anna; Schuleit, Michael; Dvinskikh, Sergey V; Furó, István

2007-09-26

The objective of this study was to investigate the swelling characteristics of a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix incorporating the hydrophilic drug antipyrine. We have used this matrix to introduce a novel analytical method, which allows us to obtain within one experimental setup information about the molecular processes of the polymer carrier and its impact on drug release. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging revealed in situ the swelling behavior of tablets when exposed to water. By using deuterated water, the spatial distribution and molecular dynamics of HPMC and their kinetics during swelling could be observed selectively. In parallel, NMR spectroscopy provided the concentration of the drug released into the aqueous phase. We find that both swelling and release are diffusion controlled. The ability of monitoring those two processes using the same experimental setup enables mapping their interconnection, which points on the importance and potential of this analytical technique for further application in other drug delivery forms.

Synthesis and characterization of psyllium-NVP based drug delivery system through radiation crosslinking polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Baljit; Kumar, S.

2008-08-01

In order to develop the hydrogels meant for the drug delivery, we have prepared psyllium- N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) based hydrogels by radiation induced crosslinking. Polymers were characterized with SEMs, FTIR and swelling studies. Swelling of the hydrogels was studied as a function of monomer concentration, total radiation dose, temperature, pH and [NaCl] of the swelling medium. The swelling kinetics of the hydrogels and release dynamics of anticancer model drug (5-fluorouracil) from the hydrogels have been carried out for the evaluation of swelling and drug release mechanism. It has been observed that diffusion exponent ' n' have 0.8, 0.9, 0.8 and gel characteristics constant ' k' have 9.22 × 10 -3, 2.06 × 10 -3, 11.72 × 10 -3 values for the release of drug from the drug loaded hydrogels in distilled water, pH 2.2 buffer and pH 7.4 buffer, respectively. The present study shows that the release of drug from the hydrogels occurred through Non-Fickian diffusion mechanism.

[Effects of mercazolyl and L-thyroxine on the antiedematous activity of immunotropic preparations during development of toxic brain edema and swelling].

PubMed

Platonov, I A; Anashchenkova, T A; Andreeva, T A

2008-01-01

Dysfunction of thyroid gland plays an important role in the pathogenesis of brain edema and swelling. Toxic brain edema and swelling was modeled under condition of hypo- and hyperfunction of thyroid gland. Mercazolyl and L-thyroxine ambiguously influence the development of toxic brain edema and swelling in rats. L-thyroxin (35.7 microg/kg) favors increase in the water content in brain tissue, which can be considered as synergism with the edematous factor and the formation of brain tissue susceptibility to the development of brain edema and swelling. The administration of mercazolyl (5 mg/kg) and L-thyroxin (35.7 microg/kg) with thymogen (10 microg/kg), thymalin (1.2 mg/kg), cycloferon (0.5 mg/kg) results in decreasing brain tissue density as compared to intact animals. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland leads to changes in pharmacodynamics of immune preparations, which results in a decrease of their antiedematous activity.

The Effects of Iron Oxidation State on Clay Swelling,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-07

swelling, montmorillonite , nontronite, smectite, water, DLVO theory, surface charge, dissolution, methods, aluminum, silicon, inert atmosphere. 2G...that many physical properties of bulk water are changed when it is adsorbed between layers of Na4- montmorillonite (e.g., Oster and Low, 1964; Kolaian...Na+- montmorillonite accounted for about 13% of the total water content in the free-swelling state. We can therefore express the total water content

Multicomponent, Multiphase Thermodynamics of Swelling Porous Media With Electroquasistatics. 1. Macroscale Field Equations

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-08-08

entropy inequality with independent variables consistent with several natural systems and apply the resulting constitutive theory near equi- librium...1973. [3] L. S. Bennethum and J. H. Cushman. Multiscale , hybrid mixture theory for swelling systems - I: Balance laws. International Journal of...Engineering Science, 34(2):125–145, 1996. [4] L. S. Bennethum and J. H. Cushman. Multiscale , hybrid mixture theory for swelling systems - II: Constitutive

Mechanisms underlying the protective effects of myricetin and quercetin following oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced cell swelling and the reduction in glutamate uptake in glial cells

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

C6 glial cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in cell culture for 5 hr and cell swelling was determined 90 min after the end of OGD. The OGD-induced increase in swelling was significantly blocked by the two flavonoids studied, quercetin and myricetin. The OGD-induced increase in ...

NMR imaging of chitosan and carboxymethyl starch tablets: swelling and hydration of the polyelectrolyte complex.

PubMed

Wang, Y J; Assaad, E; Ispas-Szabo, P; Mateescu, M A; Zhu, X X

2011-10-31

The hydration and swelling properties of the tablets made of chitosan, carboxymethyl starch, and a polyelectrolyte complex of these two polysaccharides have been studied by NMR imaging. We studied the effect of pH and ionic strength on the swelling of the tablets and on the diffusion of fluid into the tablets in water and simulated physiological fluids. The pH value of the fluids exerts a more significant effect than their ionic strengths on the swelling of the tablets. The tablets are compared also with those made of cross-linked high amylose starch. The formation of complex helps to keep the integrity of the tablets in various media and render a slow and restricted swelling similar to that of the tablets of the cross-linked high amylase starch, which is significantly lower than the swelling of chitosan and of carboxymethyl starch. The capacities to modulate the release rate of drugs in different media are discussed by comparing the matrices and evaluating the preparation process of the complex. A sustained release of less soluble drugs such as aspirin in gastrointestinal fluids can be provided by the complex, due to the ionic interaction and hydrogen bonding between the drug and the biopolymer complex. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Myosin light chain kinase and Src control membrane dynamics in volume recovery from cell swelling

PubMed Central

Barfod, Elisabeth T.; Moore, Ann L.; Van de Graaf, Benjamin G.; Lidofsky, Steven D.

2011-01-01

 The expansion of the plasma membrane, which occurs during osmotic swelling of epithelia, must be retrieved for volume recovery, but the mechanisms are unknown. Here we have identified myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) as a regulator of membrane internalization in response to osmotic swelling in a model liver cell line. On hypotonic exposure, we found that there was time-dependent phosphorylation of the MLCK substrate myosin II regulatory light chain. At the sides of the cell, MLCK and myosin II localized to swelling-induced membrane blebs with actin just before retraction, and MLCK inhibition led to persistent blebbing and attenuated cell volume recovery. At the base of the cell, MLCK also localized to dynamic actin-coated rings and patches upon swelling, which were associated with uptake of the membrane marker FM4-64X, consistent with sites of membrane internalization. Hypotonic exposure evoked increased biochemical association of the cell volume regulator Src with MLCK and with the endocytosis regulators cortactin and dynamin, which colocalized within these structures. Inhibition of either Src or MLCK led to altered patch and ring lifetimes, consistent with the concept that Src and MLCK form a swelling-induced protein complex that regulates volume recovery through membrane turnover and compensatory endocytosis under osmotic stress. PMID:21209319

Impact of swelling characteristics on the permselective ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The removal of water from organic solvents and biofuels, including lower alcohols (i.e., methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol), is necessary for the production, blending, and reuse of those organic compounds. Water forms an azeotrope with many hydrophilic solvents, complicating the separation of water/solvent mixtures. The use of water-selective membranes in a pervaporation or vapor permeation process enables the removal of water from the solvents, even when an azeotrope is present. Common hydrophilic polymer membranes often swell in water, resulting in permeabilities and selectivities that are dependent on the water content of the feed mixture. Recent work has shown the benefit of overcoating a hydrophilic water-permselective membrane with a non-swelling perfluoropolymer film [1,2]. The perfluoropolymer layer reduces the activity of water the hydrophilic polymer layer experiences, thereby reducing swelling in that layer and increasing the water selectivity of the multi-layer membrane relative to the selectivity of the base hydrophilic polymer, usually at the expense of permeability. In this work, the effect of overcoating the hydrophilic layer with polymer films of various swelling characteristics was modelled. Top layers that swell in the solvent offer some advantages, particularly with regard to the water permeance of the multi-layer composite. 1. Huang, Y.; Baker, R. W.; Wijmans, J. G. Perfluoro-coated hydrophilic membranes with improved selectivity. In

Advanced liquefaction using coal swelling and catalyst dispersion techniques. Volume 2, appendices. Final technical report, October 1, 1991--September 30, 1994

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

Curtis, C.W.; Chander, S.; Gutterman, C.

Liquefaction experiments were undertaken using subbituminous Black Thunder mine coal to observe the effects of aqueous SO{sub 2} coal beneficiation and the introduction of various coal swelling solvents and catalyst precursors. Aqueous SO{sub 2} beneficiation of Black Thunder coal removed alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, increased the sulfur content and increased the catalytic liquefaction conversion to THF solubles compared to untreated Black Thunder coal. The liquefaction solvent had varying effects on coal conversion, depending upon the type of solvent added. The hydrogen donor solvent, dihydroanthracene, was most effective, while a coal-derived Wilsonville solvent promoted more coal conversion than didmore » relatively inert 1-methylnaphthalene. Swelling of coal with hydrogen bonding solvents tetrahydrofuran (THF), isopropanol, and methanol, prior to reaction resulted in increased noncatalytic conversion of both untreated and SO{sub 2} treated Black Thunder coals, while dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), which was absorbed more into the coal than any other swelling solvent, was detrimental to coal conversion. Swelling of SO{sub 2} treated coal before liquefaction resulted in the highest coal conversions; however, the untreated coal showed the most improvements in catalytic reactions when swelled in either THF, isopropanol, or methanol prior to liquefaction. The aprotic solvent DMSO was detrimental to coal conversion.« less

Dermal Collagen and Lipid Deposition Correlate with Tissue Swelling and Hydraulic Conductivity in Murine Primary Lymphedema

PubMed Central

Rutkowski, Joseph M.; Markhus, Carl Erik; Gyenge, Christina C.; Alitalo, Kari; Wiig, Helge; Swartz, Melody A.

2010-01-01

Primary lymphedema is a congenital pathology of dysfunctional lymphatic drainage characterized by swelling of the limbs, thickening of the dermis, and fluid and lipid accumulation in the underlying tissue. Two mouse models of primary lymphedema, the Chy mouse and the K14-VEGFR-3-Ig mouse, both lack dermal lymphatic capillaries and exhibit a lymphedematous phenotype attributable to disrupted VEGFR-3 signaling. Here we show that the differences in edematous tissue composition between these two models correlated with drastic differences in hydraulic conductivity. The skin of Chy mice possessed significantly higher levels of collagen and fat, whereas K14-VEGFR-3-Ig mouse skin composition was relatively normal, as compared with their respective wild-type controls. Functionally, this resulted in a greatly increased dermal hydraulic conductivity in K14-VEGFR3-Ig, but not Chy, mice. Our data suggest that lymphedema associated with increased collagen and lipid accumulation counteracts an increased hydraulic conductivity associated with dermal swelling, which in turn further limits interstitial transport and swelling. Without lipid and collagen accumulation, hydraulic conductivity is increased and overall swelling is minimized. These opposing tissue responses to primary lymphedema imply that tissue remodeling—predominantly collagen and fat deposition—may dictate tissue swelling and govern interstitial transport in lymphedema. PMID:20110415

Dermal collagen and lipid deposition correlate with tissue swelling and hydraulic conductivity in murine primary lymphedema.

PubMed

Rutkowski, Joseph M; Markhus, Carl Erik; Gyenge, Christina C; Alitalo, Kari; Wiig, Helge; Swartz, Melody A

2010-03-01

Primary lymphedema is a congenital pathology of dysfunctional lymphatic drainage characterized by swelling of the limbs, thickening of the dermis, and fluid and lipid accumulation in the underlying tissue. Two mouse models of primary lymphedema, the Chy mouse and the K14-VEGFR-3-Ig mouse, both lack dermal lymphatic capillaries and exhibit a lymphedematous phenotype attributable to disrupted VEGFR-3 signaling. Here we show that the differences in edematous tissue composition between these two models correlated with drastic differences in hydraulic conductivity. The skin of Chy mice possessed significantly higher levels of collagen and fat, whereas K14-VEGFR-3-Ig mouse skin composition was relatively normal, as compared with their respective wild-type controls. Functionally, this resulted in a greatly increased dermal hydraulic conductivity in K14-VEGFR3-Ig, but not Chy, mice. Our data suggest that lymphedema associated with increased collagen and lipid accumulation counteracts an increased hydraulic conductivity associated with dermal swelling, which in turn further limits interstitial transport and swelling. Without lipid and collagen accumulation, hydraulic conductivity is increased and overall swelling is minimized. These opposing tissue responses to primary lymphedema imply that tissue remodeling--predominantly collagen and fat deposition--may dictate tissue swelling and govern interstitial transport in lymphedema.

Familial Schwannomatosis: A Diagnostic Challenge

PubMed Central

Butala, Rajendra Prasad R.; Shetty, Sunil H; Khedekar, Ravindra G

2017-01-01

Schwannomatosis is a disease characterized by the development of multiple benign tumours originating from Schwann cells. Schwannomatosis is a member of the family of diseases known as Neurofibromatosis (NF). Patients with Schwannomatosis develop multiple Schwannomas on cranial, spinal and peripheral nerves. We report a rare case of a 60-year-old female who presented with a painful swelling on the ulnar aspect of her distal forearm. She underwent an excisional biopsy for it; which was suggestive of a Schwannoma. Following ulnar swelling surgery, she developed acute low back pain, which was burning in nature with radiation along both lower limbs without any neurovascular deficit. She was treated conservatively, failing which an MRI was performed which suggested abnormal lesions in the intradural extra medullary compartment of the spinal canal. She had multiple swellings over the entire body with a positive family history of similar swellings in her sister and nephew. The painful lumbar swellings were excised which on histopathological examination revealed to be Schwannomas. No neurological deficit was observed postoperatively. There were no neurocutaneous markers, axillary freckling, visual or auditory disturbances seen in the patient or her relatives. Any patient with multiple painful progressive swellings in the body without the characteristic features of NF-1 and NF-2 should raise the suspicion of Schwannomatosis. PMID:28384950

Familial Schwannomatosis: A Diagnostic Challenge.

PubMed

Mansukhani, Sameer Ajit; Butala, Rajendra Prasad R; Shetty, Sunil H; Khedekar, Ravindra G

2017-02-01

Schwannomatosis is a disease characterized by the development of multiple benign tumours originating from Schwann cells. Schwannomatosis is a member of the family of diseases known as Neurofibromatosis (NF). Patients with Schwannomatosis develop multiple Schwannomas on cranial, spinal and peripheral nerves. We report a rare case of a 60-year-old female who presented with a painful swelling on the ulnar aspect of her distal forearm. She underwent an excisional biopsy for it; which was suggestive of a Schwannoma. Following ulnar swelling surgery, she developed acute low back pain, which was burning in nature with radiation along both lower limbs without any neurovascular deficit. She was treated conservatively, failing which an MRI was performed which suggested abnormal lesions in the intradural extra medullary compartment of the spinal canal. She had multiple swellings over the entire body with a positive family history of similar swellings in her sister and nephew. The painful lumbar swellings were excised which on histopathological examination revealed to be Schwannomas. No neurological deficit was observed postoperatively. There were no neurocutaneous markers, axillary freckling, visual or auditory disturbances seen in the patient or her relatives. Any patient with multiple painful progressive swellings in the body without the characteristic features of NF-1 and NF-2 should raise the suspicion of Schwannomatosis.

Swelling and Contraction of Corn Mitochondria 1

PubMed Central

Stoner, C. D.; Hanson, J. B.

1966-01-01

A survey has been made of the properties of corn mitochondria in swelling and contraction. The mitochondria swell spontaneously in KCl but not in sucrose. Aged mitochondria will swell rapidly in sucrose if treated with citrate or EDTA. Swelling does not impair oxidative phosphorylation if bovine serum albumin is present. Contraction can be maintained or initiated with ATP + Mg or an oxidizable substrate, contraction being more rapid with the substrate. Magnesium is not required for substrate powered contraction. Contraction powered by ATP is accompanied by the release of phosphate. Oligomycin inhibits both ATP-powered contraction and the release of phosphate. However, it does not affect substrate-powered contraction. Substrate powered contraction is inhibited by electron-transport inhibitors. The uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, accelerates swelling and inhibits both ATP-and substrate-powered contraction. However, the concentrations required are well in excess of those required to produce uncoupling and to accelerate adenosine triphosphatase; the concentrations required inhibit respiration in a phosphorylating medium. Phosphate is a very effective inhibitor of succinate-powered contraction. Neither oligomycin nor Mg affects the phosphate inhibition. Phosphate is less inhibitory with the ATP-powered contraction. The results are discussed in terms of a hypothesis that contraction is associated with a nonphosphorylated high energy intermediate of oxidative phosphorylation. Images PMID:16656248

Determination of Oriented Strandboard properties from a three-dimensional density distribution using the finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tackie, Alan Derek Nii

Computer modeling of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) properties has gained widespread attention with numerous models created to better understand OBS behavior. Recent models allow researchers to observe multiple variables such as changes in moisture content, density and resin effects on panel performance. Thickness-swell variation influences panel durability and often has adverse effects on a structural panel's bending stiffness. The prediction of out-of-plane swell under changing moisture conditions was, therefore, the essence for developing a model in this research. The finite element model accounted for both vertical and horizontal density variations, the three-dimensional (3D) density variation of the board. The density variation, resulting from manufacturing processes, affects the uniformity of thickness-swell in OSB and is often exacerbated by continuous sorption of moisture that leads to potentially damaging internal stresses in the panel. The overall thickness-swell (the cumulative swell from non-uniform horizontal density profile, panel swell from free water, and spring-back from panel compression) was addressed through the finite element model in this research. The pursued goals in this study were, first and foremost, the development of a robust and comprehensive finite element model which integrated several component studies to investigate the effects of moisture variation on the out-of-plane thickness-swell of OSB panels, and second, the extension of the developed model to predict panel stiffness. It is hoped that this paper will encourage researchers to adopt the 3D density distribution approach as a viable approach to analyzing the physical and mechanical properties of OSB.

Autofeedback from ultrasound images provides rapid improvement in palpation skills for identifying joint swelling in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Ogasawara, Michihiro; Murayama, Go; Yamada, Yusuke; Nemoto, Takuya; Kageyama, Michiaki; Toyama, Shoko; Kusaoi, Makio; Onuma, Shin; Kon, Takayuki; Sekiya, Fumio; Sugimoto, Kaoru; Matsudaira, Ran; Matsushita, Masakazu; Tada, Kurisu; Kempe, Kazuo; Yamaji, Ken; Tamura, Naoto; Takasaki, Yoshinari

2012-06-01

Joint swelling, an important factor in the classification criteria and disease activity assessment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), renders joint palpation a necessary skill for physicians. Ultrasound (US) examination that visualizes soft tissue abnormalities is now used to assess musculoskeletal disease. We assessed the usefulness of US assessments in enhancing physical joint examination skills. We examined 1944 joints (bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, metacarpophalangeal joints 1-5, and knee joints) in 108 patients with RA during April-July 2011. We first physically examined and confirmed joint swelling; subsequently, the same rheumatologist conducted US examinations and multiple assessors graded the joint swelling. When the 2 results differed, we received autofeedback from the US results to improve the physical examination skills. The sensitivities and specificities of physical examination for US-detected swollen joint, the correlation coefficient (CC) of the swollen joint counts, and the concordance rate in each patient for joint swelling sites and power Doppler (PD)-positive sites with the κ coefficients between the physical and US examinations were compared over time. We found that the sensitivity of physical examination increased by 42 percentage points (pp), while the specificity decreased by 18 pp. The average CC in June-July was greater than that in April-May. The percentage of κ coefficients > 0.8 increased from 8.8% to 17% for joint swelling and from 8.3% to 14% for PD-positive sites. Our results suggest that autofeedback from US assessment provides quick improvement in palpation skills for identifying joint swelling in patients with RA.

Progression of asymptomatic optic disc swelling to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.

PubMed

Subramanian, Prem S; Gordon, Lynn K; Bonelli, Laura; Arnold, Anthony C

2017-05-01

The time of onset of optic disc swelling in non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is not known, and it is commonly assumed to arise simultaneously with vision loss. Our goal is to report the presence and persistence of optic disc swelling without initial vision loss and its subsequent evolution to typical, symptomatic NAION. Clinical case series of patients with optic disc swelling and normal visual acuity and visual fields at initial presentation who progressed to have vision loss typical of NAION. All subjects underwent automated perimetry, disc photography and optic coherence tomography and/or fluorescein angiography to evaluate optic nerve function and perfusion. Four patients were found to have sectoral or diffuse optic disc swelling without visual acuity or visual field loss; the fellow eye of all four had either current or prior NAION or a 'disc at risk' configuration. Over several weeks of clinical surveillance, each patient experienced sudden onset of visual field and/or visual acuity loss typical for NAION. Current treatment options for NAION once vision loss occurs are limited and may not alter the natural history of the disorder. Subjects with NAION may have disc swelling for 2-10 weeks prior to the occurrence of visual loss, and with the development of new therapeutic agents, treatment at the time of observed disc swelling could prevent vision loss from NAION. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Mechanisms of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling under high extracellular K(+) concentrations.

PubMed

Murakami, Shingo; Kurachi, Yoshihisa

2016-03-01

In response to the elevation of extracellular K(+) concentration ([K(+)]out), astrocytes clear excessive K(+) to maintain conditions necessary for neural activity. K(+) clearance in astrocytes occurs via two processes: K(+) uptake and K(+) spatial buffering. High [K(+)]out also induces swelling in astrocytes, leading to edema and cell death in the brain. Despite the importance of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report results from a simulation analysis of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling. Astrocyte models were constructed by incorporating various mechanisms such as intra/extracellular ion concentrations of Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-), cell volume, and models of Na,K-ATPase, Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC), K-Cl cotransporter, inwardly-rectifying K(+) (KIR) channel, passive Cl(-) current, and aquaporin channel. The simulated response of astrocyte models under the uniform distribution of high [K(+)]out revealed significant contributions of NKCC and Na,K-ATPase to increases of intracellular K(+) and Cl(-) concentrations, and swelling. Moreover, we found that, under the non-uniform distribution of high [K(+)]out, KIR channels localized at synaptic clefts absorbed excess K(+) by depolarizing the equivalent potential of K(+) (E K) above membrane potential, while K(+) released through perivascular KIR channels was enhanced by hyperpolarizing E K and depolarizing membrane potential. Further analysis of simulated drug effects revealed that astrocyte swelling was modulated by blocking each of the ion channels and transporters. Our simulation analysis revealed controversial mechanisms of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling resulting from complex interactions among ion channels and transporters.

Effect of fungal decay on the hygroscopic thickness swelling rate of lignocellulosic filler-polyolefin biocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kord, B.; Hosseinihashemi, S. Kh.

2014-01-01

The influence of fungal decay on the hygroscopic thickness swelling rate of lignocellulosic filler-polyolefin biocomposites has been investigated. Composites based on polypropylene (PP), bagasse fiber (BF), and a coupling agent (PP-g-MA) were made by melt compounding and injection molding. The weigt ratio of BF to PP was controlled at 60/40 for all blends. The amount of coupling agent was fixed at 2% for all formulations. The samples obtained were exposed to the action of brown-rot (Coniophora puteana) and white-rot (Trametes versicolor) fungi for 8, 12, and 16 weeks according to the Kolle-flask method. The thickness swelling of the samples was evaluated by immersing them in water at room temperature for several weeks. The morphology of the composites was characterized using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the fungal decay had an adverse affect on the dimensional stability of BF/PP composites due to an increase in the thickness swelling rate. The thickness swelling of white-rotted samples was higher than that of brown-rotted ones and control samples. Also, the thickness swelling of BF/PP composites increased with increasing time of fungal decay. In addition, after 16 weeks of exposure to white-rot fungi, the composites exhibited a higher parameter of swelling rate K SR than control samples. The K SR of the composites was influenced both by the type of rooting and the exposure time. Furthermore, the SEM micrographs showed that the extent of degradation increased with growing exposure time to fungi.

Leg Swelling

MedlinePlus

... painful swelling. Sterns RH. Pathophysiology and etiology of edema in adults. www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 29, 2016. Edema. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/ ...

Fuel swelling and interaction layer formation in the SELENIUM Si and ZrN coated U(Mo) dispersion fuel plates irradiated at high power in BR2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leenaers, A.; Van den Berghe, S.; Koonen, E.; Kuzminov, V.; Detavernier, C.

2015-03-01

In the framework of the SELENIUM project two full size flat fuel plates were produced with respectively Si and ZrN coated U(Mo) particles and irradiated in the BR2 reactor at SCK•CEN. Non-destructive analysis of the plates showed that the fuel swelling profiles of both SELENIUM plates were very similar to each other and none of the plates showed signs of pillowing or excessive swelling at the end of irradiation at the highest power position (local maximum 70% 235U). The microstructural analysis showed that the Si coated fuel has less interaction phase formation at low burn-up but at the highest burn-ups, defects start to develop on the IL-matrix interface. The ZrN coated fuel, shows a virtual absence of reaction between the U(Mo) and the Al, up to high fission densities after which the interaction layer formation starts and defects develop in the matrix near the U(Mo) particles. It was found and is confirmed by the SELENIUM (Surface Engineering of Low ENrIched Uranium-Molybdenum) experiment that there are two phenomena at play that need to be controlled: the formation of an interaction layer and swelling of the fuel. As the interaction layer formation occurs at the U(Mo)-matrix interface, applying a diffusion barrier (coating) at that interface should prevent the interaction between U(Mo) and the matrix. The U(Mo) swelling, observed to proceed at an accelerating rate with respect to fission density accumulation, is governed by linear solid state swelling and fission gas bubble swelling due to recrystallization of the fuel. The examination of the SELENIUM fuel plates clearly show that for the U(Mo) dispersion fuel to be qualified, the swelling rate at high burn-up needs to be reduced.

Swelling induced by alpha decay in monazite and zirconolite ceramics: A XRD and TEM comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deschanels, X.; Seydoux-Guillaume, A. M.; Magnin, V.; Mesbah, A.; Tribet, M.; Moloney, M. P.; Serruys, Y.; Peuget, S.

2014-05-01

Zirconolite and monazite matrices are potential ceramics for the containment of actinides (Np, Cm, Am, Pu) which are produced over the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Actinides decay mainly through the emission of alpha particles, which in turn causes most ceramics to undergo structural and textural changes (amorphization and/or swelling). In order to study the effects of alpha decays on the above mentioned ceramics two parallel approaches were set up. The first involved the use of an external irradiation source, Au, which allowed the deposited recoil energy to be simulated. The second was based on short-lived actinide doping with 238Pu, (i.e. an internal source), via the incorporation of plutonium oxide into both the monazite and zirconolite structures during synthesis. In both types of irradiation experiments, the zirconolite samples became amorphous at room temperature with damage close to 0.3 dpa; corresponding to a critical dose of 4 × 1018 α g-1 (i.e. ∼1.3 × 1021 keV cm-3). Both zirconolite samples also showed the same degree of macroscopic swelling at saturation (∼6%), with ballistic processes being the predominant damaging effect. In the case of the monazite however, the macroscopic swelling and amorphization were dependent on the nature of the irradiation. Externally, (Au), irradiated samples became amorphous while also demonstrating a saturation swelling of up to 8%. In contrast to this, the swelling of the 238Pu doped samples was much smaller at ∼1%. Also, unlike the externally (Au) irradiated monazite these 238Pu doped samples remained crystalline up to 7.5 × 1018 α g-1 (0.8 dpa). XRD, TEM and swelling measurements were used to fully characterize and interpret this behavior. The low swelling and the conservation of the crystalline state of 238Pu doped monazite samples indicates that alpha annealing took place within this material.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the dry matter of culture broth of Termitomyces albuminosus and its extracts.

PubMed

Lu, Yi-Yu; Ao, Zong-Hua; Lu, Zhen-Ming; Xu, Hong-Yu; Zhang, Xiao-Mei; Dou, Wen-Fang; Xu, Zheng-Hong

2008-12-08

The objectives of this study were to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the dry matter of culture broth (DMCB) of Termitomyces albuminosus in submerged culture and its crude saponin extract (CSE) and crude polysaccharide extract (CPE). The analgesic effects of DMCB, CSE and CPE were evaluated with models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test in mouse. The anti-inflammatory effects of DMCB, CSE and CPE were evaluated by using models of xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and carrageen-induced mouse paw edema. The DMCB, CSE and CPE significantly decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the licking time on the late phase in the formalin test. Treatment of DMCB (1000mg/kg), CSE (200mg/kg) or CPE (200mg/kg) inhibited the mouse ear swelling by 61.8%, 79.0% and 81.6%, respectively. In the carrageen-induced mouse paw edema test, the group treated with indomethacin showed the strongest inhibition of edema formation by 77.8% in the third hour after carrageenan administration, while DMCB (1000mg/kg), CSE (200mg/kg) and CPE (200mg/kg) showed 48.4%, 55.6% and 40.5%, respectively. The results suggested that DMCB of Termitomyces albuminosus possessed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Saponins and polysaccharides were proposed to be the major active constituents of Termitomyces albuminosus in submerged culture.

Parasitological, serological and clinical evidence for high prevalence of podoconiosis (non-filarial elephantiasis) in Midakegn district, central Ethiopia.

PubMed

Geshere Oli, Geleta; Tekola Ayele, Fasil; Petros, Beyene

2012-06-01

To determine whether the elephantiasis in Midakegn district, central Ethiopia, is filarial or non-filarial (podoconiosis) using serological, parasitological and clinical examinations, and to estimate its prevalence. At house-to-house visits in 330 randomly selected households, all household members who had elephantiasis were interviewed and clinically examined at the nearby health centre to confirm the presence of elephantiasis, check the presence of scrotal swelling and rule out the other causes of lymphoedema. A midnight blood sample was obtained from each participant with elephantiasis for microscopic examination of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria. A daytime blood sample was obtained from half of the participants for serological confirmation using the immuno-chromatographic test card. Consistent with the features of podoconiosis, none of the elephantiasis cases had consistently worn shoes since childhood; 94.3% had bilateral swelling limited below the level of the knees; no individual had thigh or scrotal elephantiasis; parasitological test for microfilariae and serological tests for W. bancrofti antigen were negative in all samples. The prevalence of the disease was 7.4% and it peaked in the third decade of life, the most economically active age. Midakegn District has a high prevalence of podoconiosis and no filarial elephantiasis. Prevention, treatment and control of podoconiosis must be among the top priorities of public health programmes. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Modification of cassava starch using combination process lactic acid hydrolysis and micro wave heating to increase coated peanut expansion quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumardiono, Siswo; Pudjihastuti, Isti; Jos, Bakti; Taufani, Muhammad; Yahya, Faad

2017-05-01

Modified cassava starch is very prospective products in the food industry. The main consideration of this study is the increasing volume of imported wheat and the demand for modified cassava starch industry. The purpose of this study is the assessing of lactic acid hydrolysis and microwave heating impact to the physicochemical and rheological properties of modified cassava starch, and test applications of modified cassava starch to coated peanut expansion quality. Experimental variables include the concentration of lactic acid (0.5% w/w, 1% w/w; 2% w/w), a time of hydrolysis (15, 30, 45 minutes), a time of microwave heating (1, 2, 3 hours). The research step is by dissolving lactic acid using aquadest in the stirred tank reactor, then added cassava starch. Hydrolysed cassava starch was then heated by microwave. Physicochemical properties and rheology of the modified cassava starch is determined by the solubility, swelling power, and test congestion. The optimum obtained results indicate that solubility, swelling power, congestion test, respectively for 19.75%; 24.25% and 826.10% in the hydrolysis treatment for 15 minutes, 1% w lactic acid and microwave heating 3 hours. The physicochemical and rheological properties of modified cassava starch have changed significantly when compared to the native cassava starch. Furthermore, these modified cassava starch are expected to be used for the substitution of food products.

Release of Water Soluble Drugs from Dynamically Swelling POLY(2-HYDROXYETHYL Methacrylate - CO - Methacrylic Acid) Hydrogels.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Jim Hwai-Cher

In this study, ionizable copolymers of HEMA and methacrylic acid (MA) are investigated for their potential use in developing pH dependent oral delivery systems. Because of the MA units, these gels swell extensively at high pH. Since solute diffusion in the hydrophilic polymers depends highly on the water content of the matrix, it is anticipated that the release rate will be modulated by this pH induced swelling. From a practical point of view, the advantage of the present system is that one can minimize drug loss in the stomach and achieve a programmed release in intestine. This approach is expected to improve delivery of acid labile drugs or drugs that cause severe gastrointestinal side effects. This work mainly focuses on the basic understanding of the mechanism involved in drug release from the poly(HEMA -co- MA) gels, especially under dynamic swelling conditions. Equilibrium swelling is first characterized since water content is the major determinant of transport properties in these gels. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is chosen as the model drug for the release study and its diffusion characteristics in the gel matrix determined. The data obtained show that the PPA diffusivity follows the free volume theory of Yasuda, which explains the accelerating effect of swelling on drug release. A mathematical model based on a diffusion mechanism has been developed to describe PPA release from the swelling gels. Based on this model, several significant conclusions can be drawn. First, the release rate can be modulated by the aspect ratio of the cylindrical geometry, and this has a practical implication in dosage form design. Second, the release rate can be lowered quite considerably if the dimensional increase due to swelling is significant. Consequently, it is the balance between the drug diffusivity increase and the gel dimensional growth that determines the release rate from the swelling matrix. Third, quasi-steady release kinetics, which are characteristic of swelling release systems, can also be predicted by this model. PPA release from initially dry poly(HEMA -co- MA) gels has also been studied. The data show that the release rate is mainly controlled by the PPA loading level and quite insensitive to the methacrylic acid composition of the gels. These phenomena can be adequately explained by analyzing the transport resistances in the gels. The overall time scale of release from these gels were shown to be in the range which was suitable for oral controlled release applications. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).

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

Szlufarska, Izabela; Voyles, Paul; Sridharan, Kumar

Silicon carbide is a promising cladding material because of its high strength and relatively good corrosion resistance. However, SiC is brittle and therefore SiC-based components need to be carefully designed to avoid cracking and failure by fracture. In design of SiC-based composites for nuclear reactor applications it is essential to take into account how mechanical properties are affected by radiation and temperature, or in other words, what strains and stresses develop in this material due to environmental conditions. While thermal strains in SiC can be predicted using classical theories, radiation-induced strains are much less understood. In particular, it is criticalmore » to correctly account for radiation swelling and radiation creep, which contribute significantly to dimensional instability of SiC under radiation. Swelling typically increases logarithmically with radiation dose and saturates at relatively low doses (damage levels of a few dpa). Consequently, swelling-induced stresses are likely to develop within a few months of operation of a reactor. Radiation-induced volume swelling in SiC can be as high as 2%, which is significantly higher than the cracking strain of 0.1% in SiC. Swelling-induced strains will lead to enormous stresses and fracture, unless these stresses can be relaxed via some other mechanism. An effective way to achieve stress relaxation is via radiation creep. Although it has been hypothesized that both radiation swelling and radiation creep are driven by formation of defect clusters, existing models for swelling and creep in SiC are limited by the lack of understanding of specific defects that form due to radiation in the range of temperatures relevant to fuel cladding in light water reactors (LWRs) (<1000°C). For example, defects that can be detected with traditional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques account only for 10-45% of the swelling measured in irradiated SiC. Here, we have undertaken an integrated experimental and modeling effort to discover the previously invisible defects in irradiated SiC and to determine the contributions of these defects to radiation swelling. Knowledge of the most stable defect structures and the rate controlling processes during defect evolution is essential for development of predictive models for swelling and creep as a function of temperature and radiation dose. This research has been enabled by state-of-the-art imaging techniques, such as the aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) (FEI TITAN) closely coupled with multi-scale models of stable defect clusters and their evolution.« less

TRPV4 and AQP4 Channels Synergistically Regulate Cell Volume and Calcium Homeostasis in Retinal Müller Glia

PubMed Central

Jo, Andrew O.; Phuong, Tam T.T.; Verkman, Alan S.; Yarishkin, Oleg; MacAulay, Nanna

2015-01-01

Brain edema formation occurs after dysfunctional control of extracellular volume partly through impaired astrocytic ion and water transport. Here, we show that such processes might involve synergistic cooperation between the glial water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and the transient receptor potential isoform 4 (TRPV4), a polymodal swelling-sensitive cation channel. In mouse retinas, TRPV4 colocalized with AQP4 in the end feet and radial processes of Müller astroglia. Genetic ablation of TRPV4 did not affect the distribution of AQP4 and vice versa. However, retinas from Trpv4−/− and Aqp4−/− mice exhibited suppressed transcription of genes encoding Trpv4, Aqp4, and the Kir4.1 subunit of inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Swelling and [Ca2+]i elevations evoked in Müller cells by hypotonic stimulation were antagonized by the selective TRPV4 antagonist HC-067047 (2-methyl-1-[3-(4-morpholinyl)propyl]-5-phenyl-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide) or Trpv4 ablation. Elimination of Aqp4 suppressed swelling-induced [Ca2+]i elevations but only modestly attenuated the amplitude of Ca2+ signals evoked by the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A [(N-((1S)-1-{[4-((2S)-2-{[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-1-piperazinyl]carbonyl}-3-methylbutyl)-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxamide]. Glial cells lacking TRPV4 but not AQP4 showed deficits in hypotonic swelling and regulatory volume decrease. Functional synergy between TRPV4 and AQP4 during cell swelling was confirmed in the heterologously expressing Xenopus oocyte model. Importantly, when the swelling rate was osmotically matched for AQP4-positive and AQP4-negative oocytes, TRPV4 activation became independent of AQP4. We conclude that AQP4-mediated water fluxes promote the activation of the swelling sensor, whereas Ca2+ entry through TRPV4 channels reciprocally modulates volume regulation, swelling, and Aqp4 gene expression. Therefore, TRPV4–AQP4 interactions constitute a molecular system that fine-tunes astroglial volume regulation by integrating osmosensing, calcium signaling, and water transport and, when overactivated, triggers pathological swelling. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We characterize the physiological features of interactions between the astroglial swelling sensor transient receptor potential isoform 4 (TRPV4) and the aquaporin 4 (AQP4) water channel in retinal Müller cells. Our data reveal an elegant and complex set of mechanisms involving reciprocal interactions at the level of glial gene expression, calcium homeostasis, swelling, and volume regulation. Specifically, water influx through AQP4 drives calcium influx via TRPV4 in the glial end foot, which regulates expression of Aqp4 and Kir4.1 genes and facilitates the time course and amplitude of hypotonicity-induced swelling and regulatory volume decrease. We confirm the crucial facets of the signaling mechanism in heterologously expressing oocytes. These results identify the molecular mechanism that contributes to dynamic regulation of glial volume but also provide new insights into the pathophysiology of glial reactivity and edema formation. PMID:26424896

Complex interactions among host pines and fungi vectored by an invasive bark beetle

Treesearch

Min Lu; Michael J. Wingfield; Nancy E. Gillette; Sylvia R. Mori; Jian-Hua Sun

2010-01-01

Recent studies have investigated the relationships between pairs or groups of exotic species to illustrate invasive mechanisms, but most have focused on interactions at a single trophic level.Here, we conducted pathogenicity tests, analyses of host volatiles and fungal growth tests to elucidate an intricate network of interactions between the host...

Patterns of host specificity among the helminth parasite fauna of freshwater siluriforms: testing the biogeographical core parasite fauna hypothesis.

PubMed

Rosas-Valdez, Rogelio; de León, Gerardo Pérez-Ponce

2011-04-01

Host specificity plays an essential role in shaping the evolutionary history of host-parasite associations. In this study, an index of host specificity recently proposed was used to test, quantitatively, the hypothesis that some groups of parasites are characteristics of some host fish families along their distribution range. A database with all published records on the helminth parasites of freshwater siluriforms of Mexico was used. The host specificity index was used considering its advantage to measure the taxonomic heterogeneity of the host assemblages and its appropriateness for unequal sampling data. The helminth parasite fauna of freshwater siluriforms in Mexico seems to be specific for different host taxonomic categories. However, a relatively high number of species (47% of the total helminth fauna) is specific to their respective host family. This result provides further corroboration for the biogeographic hypothesis of the core helminth fauna proposed previously. The statistical values for host specificity obtained herein seem to be independent of host range. However, the accurate taxonomic identification of the parasites is fundamental for the evaluation of host specificity and the accurate evolutionary interpretation of this phenomenon.

Penis swelling due to foreign body reaction after injection of silicone.

PubMed

Plaza, Tobias; Lautenschlager, Stephan

2010-09-01

A 19-year-old man presented with phimosis and painful swelling of the penis four weeks after augmentation with silicone in Thailand. Histology revealed a foreign body reaction to silicone. Infectious causes were ruled out. Granulomatous foreign body reactions to silicone are common, but there are few case reports on reactions following silicone injection for penis enlargement. Foreign body reactions should be included in the differential diagnosis of penis swelling.

Preparation, Electromechanical, and Structural Study of Carbon Nanotube/Gelatin Nanocomposites

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-15

surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The swelling behavior and the bending mechanism of the composite and pure gelatin films were studied in order...vacuum-dried gels samples into a 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solution at room temperature. The incorporation of MWNT gradually decreased the swelling of the...ultrasonication in an aqueous medium with anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The swelling behavior and the bending mechanism of the

NMR imaging of high-amylose starch tablets. 1. Swelling and water uptake.

PubMed

Baille, Wilms E; Malveau, Cédric; Zhu, Xiao Xia; Marchessault, Robert H

2002-01-01

Pharmaceutical tablets made of modified high-amylose starch have a hydrophilic polymer matrix into which water can penetrate with time to form a hydrogel. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging was used to study the water penetration and the swelling of the matrix of these tablets. The tablets immersed in water were imaged at different time intervals on a 300 MHz NMR spectrometer. Radial images show clearly the swelling of the tablets and the water concentration profile. The rate constants for water diffusion and the tablet swelling were extracted from the experimental data. The water diffusion process was found to follow case II kinetics at 25 degrees C. NMR imaging also provided spin density profiles of the water penetrating inside the tablets.

Anomalous partitioning of water in coexisting liquid phases of lipid multilayers near 100% relative humidity

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

Ma, Yicong; Ghosh, Sajal K.; Bera, Sambhunath

2015-11-30

X-ray diffraction is used to determine the hydration dependence of a ternary mixture lipid multilayer structure which has phase separated into liquid-ordered (Lo) and liquid-disordered (Ld) phases. An anomaly is observed in the swelling behavior of the Ld phase at a relative humidity (RH) close to 100%, which is different from the anomalous swelling happens close to the main lipid gel-fluid transition. The lamellar repeat distance of the Ld phase swells by an extra 4 Å, well beyond the equilibrium spacing predicted by the inter-bilayer forces. This anomalous swelling is caused by the hydrophobic mismatch energy at the domain boundaries,more » which produces surprisingly long range effect.« less

ELASTICITY, DOUBLE REFRACTION AND SWELLING OF ISOELECTRIC GELATIN

PubMed Central

Kunitz, M.

1930-01-01

Quincke's researches (1904) have demonstrated that when a 20 per cent gelatin gel is allowed to swell in water it gives rise to positive double refraction, as if the gel were under tensile stresses. If, on the other hand, the gel shrinks on being placed in alcohol it becomes negatively double refractive, as if it were compressed. But the double refraction as found by Quincke lasts only during the process of swelling or shrinking, and disappears as soon as the gel reaches a state of equilibrium. This phenomenon was investigated here and it was found that the reason for the disappearance of the double refraction is due to the fact that at equilibrium the percentage change in the size of a gel is equal in all three dimensions and the strain is therefore uniform. Double refraction persists as long as there is a difference in the elastic strain in the three dimensions of the strained material. It was found that when gels are cast on glass slides or in glass frames, so as to prevent swelling in certain directions, the double refraction produced by swelling at 6°C. persists permanently in the gel as long as it is swollen, and is proportional to the percentage change in the linear dimensions of the gel. Gels made up of various concentrations of isoelectric gelatin of less than 10 per cent when placed in dilute buffer of the same pH as that of the isoelectric point of the gelatin shrink and give rise to negative double refraction, while gels of concentrations of more than 10 per cent swell and give rise to positive double refraction. The double refraction produced in either case when divided by the percentage change in the dimensions of the gel and by its changed concentration gives a constant value both for swelling and shrinking. This constant which stands for the double refraction produced in a gel of unit concentration per unit strain is termed here the optical modulus of elasticity since it is proportional to the internal elastic stress in the swollen gelatin. It was found that the optical modulus of elasticity is the same both for gels cast on slides and in frames, although the mode of swelling is different in the two forms of gels. Gels removed from their glass supports after apparent swelling equilibrium, when placed in dilute buffer, begin to swell gradually in all three dimensions and the double refraction decreases slowly, though it persists for a long time. But the double refraction per unit change in dimension and per unit concentration still remains the same as before, thus proving that the internal elastic stress as indicated by the double refraction is brought about by the resistance of the gel itself to deformation. A study was also made on the effect of salts, acid and base on the double refraction of a 10 per cent gel during swelling. The experiments show that below M/8 salts affect very slightly the optical modulus of elasticity of the gel. At higher concentrations of salts the elasticity of the gel is reduced by some salts and increased by others, while such salts as sodium acetate and sodium and ammonium sulfates do not change the elasticity of the gels at all during swelling. The investigated salts may thus be arranged in this respect in the following approximate series: CaCl2, NaI, NaSCN, NaBr, AlCl3, NaCl, Na acetate, Na2SO4, (NH4)2SO4, Al2SO4 and MgSO4. The first five in the series decrease the elasticity while the last two in the series increase the elasticity of the gels during swelling. Acids and bases in higher concentrations exert a powerful influence on the reduction of the elasticity of the gel but in the range of pH between 2.0 and 10.0 the elasticity remains unaffected. The general conclusions to be drawn from these studies are as follows: 1. Swelling or shrinking produces elastic stresses in gels of gelatin, tensile in the first case and compressive in the second case, both being proportional to the percentage change in the dimensions of the gel. 2. Unsupported gels when immersed in aqueous solutions swell or shrink in such a manner that at equilibrium the percentage change in size is equal in all three dimensions, and the stresses become equalized throughout the gel. 3. Gels cast on glass slides or in frames when immersed in aqueous solutions swell or shrink mostly in one direction, and give rise to unidirectional stresses that can be determined accurately by measuring the double refraction produced. 4. The modulus of elasticity of swelling gelatin gels, as calculated from the double refraction measurements, is the same both for compression and for tension and is proportional to the concentration of gelatin in the gel. 5. The modulus of elasticity of gels during swelling is affected only slightly or not at all by salts at concentrations of less than M/8 and is independent of the pH in the range approximately between 2.0 and 10.0. 6. Higher concentrations of salts affect the modulus of elasticity of gelatin gels and the salts in their effectiveness may be arranged in a series similar to the known Hoffmeister series. 7. Acid and alkali have a strong reducing influence on the elastic modulus of swelling gels. 8. The swelling produced in isoelectric gelatin by salts is due primarily to a change brought about by the salts in the osmotic forces in the gel, but in high concentrations of some salts the swelling is increased by the influence of the salt on the elasticity of the gel. This agrees completely with the theory of swelling of isoelectric gelatin as developed by Northrop and the writer in former publications. 9. The studies of Loeb and the writer on the effect of salts on swelling of gelatin in acid and alkali have been in the range of concentrations of salts where the modulus of elasticity of the gelatin is practically constant, and the specific effect of the various salts has been negligible as compared with the effect of the valency of the ions. In concentrations of salts below M/4 or M/8 the Hoffmeister series plays no rôle. PMID:19872548

Evaluation of a novel delayed-type hypersensitivity assay to Candida albicans in adult and neonatal rats.

PubMed

Thorn, Mitchell; Hudson, Adam W; Kreeger, John; Kawabe, Thomas T; Bowman, Christopher J; Collinge, Mark

2015-01-01

Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is a T-cell-mediated immune response that may be used for immunotoxicity testing in non-clinical species. However, in some cases DTH assays using T-dependent antigens may be confounded by the production of antibodies to the antigen. The authors have previously modified a DTH assay, initially validated in the mouse, for use in juvenile rats to assess the effect of immunosuppressive drugs on the developing rat immune system. The assay measures footpad swelling induced by subcutaneous footpad injection of Candida albicans (C. albicans) derived-chitosan in rats previously sensitized with C. albicans. Antibodies to chitosan are not produced in this model. However, considerable inter-animal variability inherent in the footpad swelling assay can make it difficult to precisely quantify the magnitude of the immune response and inhibition by immunosuppressants, particularly if complete suppression is not observed. This report describes the development of an ex vivo assay to assess DTH in rats using interferon (IFN)-γ production by splenocytes, obtained from rats sensitized with C. albicans, as the quantifiable measure of the DTH response. Adult and neonatal rats administered dexamethasone (DEX), a known immunosuppressant, exhibited immunosuppression as evidenced by a reduction in ex vivo IFNγ production from splenocytes challenged with C. albicans-derived chitosan. Current data indicate that the ex vivo based DTH assay is more sensitive than the conventional footpad swelling assay due to a lower background response and the ability to detect a response as early as post-natal day (PND) 12. The ex vivo based rat DTH assay offers a highly sensitive and quantitative alternative to the footpad swelling assay for the assessment of the immunotoxic potential of drugs. The increased sensitivity of the ex vivo DTH assay may be useful for identifying smaller changes in response to immunotoxic drugs, as well as detecting responses earlier in animal development.