Remedial Investigation/Baseline Risk Assessment for the Ravines and Beach Area Study areas of the Surplus Operable Unit, Fort Sheridan, Illinois, Volume 3 - BRA Text and BRA Appendices A-L

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-04-13

and Sydnor, 1968). The lymphoid system can also be affected resulting in lymphopenia. Toxic effects have been observed in the rapidly dividing cells ...polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have demonstrated the toxic effects of these compounds on rapidly proliferating cells . An intraperitoneal injection...b); however, higher doses are reported to result in testicular effects and decreased hemoglobin and packed cell volume (Kluwe et al, 1982; Gray et

Lightweight Solar Photovoltaic Blankets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ceragioli, R.; Himmler, R.; Nath, P.; Vogeli, C.; Guha, S.

1995-01-01

Lightweight, flexible sheets containing arrays of stacked solar photovoltaic cells developed to supply electric power aboard spacecraft. Solar batteries satisfying stringent requirements for operation in outer space also adaptable to terrestrial environment. Attractive for use as long-lived, portable photovoltaic power sources. Cells based on amorphous silicon which offers potential for order-of-magnitude increases in power per unit weight, power per unit volume, and endurance in presence of ionizing radiation.

Towards the development of micromechanics equations for ceramic matrix composites via fiber substructuring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, P. L. N.; Chamis, C. C.

1992-01-01

A generic unit cell model which includes a unique fiber substructuring concept is proposed for the development of micromechanics equations for continuous fiber reinforcement ceramic composites. The unit cell consists of three constituents: fiber, matrix, and an interphase. In the present approach, the unit cell is further subdivided into several slices and the equations of micromechanics are derived for each slice. These are subsequently integrated to obtain ply level properties. A stand alone computer code containing the micromechanics model as a module is currently being developed specifically for the analysis of ceramic matrix composites. Towards this development, equivalent ply property results for a SiC/Ti-15-3 composite with 0.5 fiber volume ratio are presented and compared with those obtained from customary micromechanics models to illustrate the concept. Also, comparisons with limited experimental data for the ceramic matrix composite, SiC/RBSN (Reaction Bonded Silicon Nitride) with a 0.3 fiber volume ratio are given to validate the concepts.

Solar Photovoltaic Cell/Module Shipments Report

EIA Publications

2017-01-01

Summary data for the photovoltaic industry in the United States. Data includes manufacturing, imports, and exports of modules in the United States and its territories. Summary data include volumes in peak kilowatts and average prices. Where possible, imports and exports are listed by country, and shipments to the United States are listed by state.

Competition between magnetism and superconductivity in Eu-based intermetallic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stavinoha, Macy; Green, Lance; Chan, Julia; Morosan, Emilia

Eu-based intermetallic compounds present a path to discover new correlated electronic behavior in quantum materials. Reports of superconductivity, intermediate valence behavior, and heavy fermions indicate that Eu-based compounds are promising routes to study the relationship between crystallography and electronic properties. The present work is focused on EuGa4, an antiferromagnet with TN = 16 K isostructural with the tetragonal RT2M2 (R = rare earth, T = transition metal, M = metal or metalloid) family that exhibits heavy fermion behavior and unconventional superconductivity. Single crystals of the doped series (Eu1-xLax)Ga4, (Eu1-xCax)Ga4, and Eu(Ga1-xAlx)4 have been grown using the self-flux method and tested for change in unit cell volume and magnetic susceptibility. Results show that doping with Ca (isoelectronic doping) and La (hole doping) reduce TN to 12.4 K and 2.3 K, respectively, for Ca doping up to x = 0.11 and La doping up to x = 0.74 without an associated change in unit cell volume. The series Eu(Ga1-xAlx)4 has shown incommensurate-to-commensurate magnetic transitions. Future studies will aim to further decrease TN and the unit cell volume using physical pressure and chemical pressure through doping. ICAM, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

21 CFR 606.122 - Instruction circular.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...: (1) Instructions to administer a suitable plasma volume expander if Red Blood Cells are substituted... approximate volume of plasma from which a sample unit of Platelets is prepared. (2) Instructions to begin administration as soon as possible, but not more than 4 hours after entering the container. (m) For Plasma, the...

A numerical approximation to the elastic properties of sphere-reinforced composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segurado, J.; Llorca, J.

2002-10-01

Three-dimensional cubic unit cells containing 30 non-overlapping identical spheres randomly distributed were generated using a new, modified random sequential adsortion algorithm suitable for particle volume fractions of up to 50%. The elastic constants of the ensemble of spheres embedded in a continuous and isotropic elastic matrix were computed through the finite element analysis of the three-dimensional periodic unit cells, whose size was chosen as a compromise between the minimum size required to obtain accurate results in the statistical sense and the maximum one imposed by the computational cost. Three types of materials were studied: rigid spheres and spherical voids in an elastic matrix and a typical composite made up of glass spheres in an epoxy resin. The moduli obtained for different unit cells showed very little scatter, and the average values obtained from the analysis of four unit cells could be considered very close to the "exact" solution to the problem, in agreement with the results of Drugan and Willis (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 44 (1996) 497) referring to the size of the representative volume element for elastic composites. They were used to assess the accuracy of three classical analytical models: the Mori-Tanaka mean-field analysis, the generalized self-consistent method, and Torquato's third-order approximation.

Development of a high power density 2.5 kW class solid oxide fuel cell stack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoo, M.; Mizuki, K.; Watanabe, K.; Hayashi, K.

2011-10-01

We have developed a 2.5 kW class solid oxide fuel cell stack. It is constructed by combining 70 power generation units, each of which is composed of an anode-supported planar cell and separators. The power generation unit for the 2.5 kW class stack were designed so that the height of the unit were scaled down by 2/3 of that for our conventional 1.5 kW class stack. The power generation unit for the 2.5 kW class stack provided the same output as the unit used for the conventional 1.5 kW class stack, which means that power density per unit volume of the 2.5 kW class stack was 50% greater than that of the conventional 1.5 kW class stack.

A review of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel-cell (HT-PEMFC)-based auxiliary power units for diesel-powered road vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yongfeng; Lehnert, Werner; Janßen, Holger; Samsun, Remzi Can; Stolten, Detlef

2016-04-01

This paper presents an extensive review of research on the development of auxiliary power units with enhanced reformate tolerance for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Developments in diesel reforming for fuel cells as auxiliary power units (APUs), single fuel cells and stacks and systems are outlined in detail and key findings are presented. Summaries of HT-PEMFC APU applications and start-up times for HT-PEMFC systems are then given. A summary of cooling HT-PEMFC stacks using a classic schematic diagram of a 24-cell HT-PEMFC stack, with a cooling plate for every third cell, is also presented as part of a stack analysis. Finally, a summary of CO tolerances for fuel cells is given, along with the effects of different CO volume fractions on polarization curves, the fraction of CO coverage, hydrogen coverage, anode overpotential and cell potential.

Cord blood banking activities at a university hospital in northeast Mexico: an 8-year experience.

PubMed

Jaime-Perez, Jose C; Monreal-Robles, Roberto; Colunga-Pedraza, Julia; Mancías-Guerra, Consuelo; Rodríguez-Romo, Laura; Gómez-Almaguer, David

2012-12-01

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents an alternative source of stem cells for transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and genetic disorders. There is scarce information detailing cord blood bank (CBB) collection and transplantation activities from developing countries. We documented our experience at a public university hospital in northeast Mexico. We carried out a retrospective and descriptive analysis of our CBB activity during an 8-year period from May 2002 to September 2010. Collection, processing, and cryopreservation of CB were carried out following standard operating procedures. The minimum volume and total nucleated cell (TNC) content for cryopreservation were 80 mL and 8.0 × 10(8) , respectively. A total of 1256 UCB units were collected; 428 (34%) were banked and 828 (66%) were discarded. The main reason for exclusion was biologic: low volume and/or low number of TNC accounted for 84% of the total discarded units. Cryopreserved cord blood units (CBUs) had a median volume of 113.8 mL (range, 80-213.2 mL) and 13.0 × 10(8) (range, 8 × 10(8) -36.6 × 10(8) ) TNCs. Cell viability was 99.3% (88-100%). The median CD34+ cell content was 4.0 × 10(6) (0.46 × 10(6) -19.38 × 10(6) ). Sixteen units have been released for transplantation, leading to a utilization rate of 3.7%. CBB demands considerable human and financial resources; it is then essential for centers at developing countries to share their experience, results, and databases to increase the probability of finding matching units for their patients. Efforts to create and maintain CBBs allow to offer this therapeutic option at an affordable cost. © 2012 American Association of Blood Banks.

High temperature ferroic phase transitions and evidence of paraelectric cubic phase in the multiferroic 0.8BiFeO3-0.2BaTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Anar; Patel, Jay Prakash; Pandey, Dhananjai

2009-10-01

We present here results of a powder x-ray diffraction study on the multiferroic 0.8BiFeO3-0.2BaTiO3 in the temperature range of 300-925 K. Our results provide unambiguous evidence for paraelectric cubic phase. We do not find any evidence for intermediate β-phase in our studies. The rhombohedral to cubic phase transition is shown to be of first order as revealed by the coexistence of cubic and rhombohedral phases over 100 K range and a discontinuous change in the unit cell volume. An anomaly in the unit cell volume at the magnetic transition temperature indicative of the magnetoelastic coupling is also reported.

Time related variations in stem cell harvesting of umbilical cord blood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzoccoli, Gianluigi; Miscio, Giuseppe; Fontana, Andrea; Copetti, Massimiliano; Francavilla, Massimo; Bosi, Alberto; Perfetto, Federico; Valoriani, Alice; de Cata, Angelo; Santodirocco, Michele; Totaro, Angela; Rubino, Rosa; di Mauro, Lazzaro; Tarquini, Roberto

2016-02-01

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent mesenchymal cells useful for treatment in malignant/nonmalignant hematologic-immunologic diseases and regenerative medicine. Transplantation outcome is correlated with cord blood volume (CBV), number of total nucleated cells (TNC), CD34+ progenitor cells and colony forming units in UCB donations. Several studies have addressed the role of maternal/neonatal factors associated with the hematopoietic reconstruction potential of UCB, including: gestational age, maternal parity, newborn sex and birth weight, placental weight, labor duration and mode of delivery. Few data exist regarding as to how time influences UCB collection and banking patterns. We retrospectively analyzed 17.936 cord blood donations collected from 1999 to 2011 from Tuscany and Apulia Cord Blood Banks. Results from generalized multivariable linear mixed models showed that CBV, TNC and CD34+ cell were associated with known obstetric and neonatal parameters and showed rhythmic patterns in different time domains and frequency ranges. The present findings confirm that volume, total nucleated cells and stem cells of the UCB donations are hallmarked by rhythmic patterns in different time domains and frequency ranges and suggest that temporal rhythms in addition to known obstetric and neonatal parameters influence CBV, TNC and CD34+ cell content in UBC units.

Changes in blood product utilization in a seven-hospital system after the implementation of a patient blood management program: A 9-year follow-up.

PubMed

Verdecchia, Nicole M; Wisniewski, Mary Kay; Waters, Jonathan H; Triulzi, Darrell J; Alarcon, Louis H; Yazer, Mark H

2016-09-01

To analyze changes in red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT), and plasma transfusion volumes 9 years after the implementation of a multifaceted patient blood management (PBM) program across multiple hospitals. Between fiscal years 2007 and 2015, the annual transfusion volumes for seven hospitals in a regional healthcare system were analyzed by hospital, and between 2014 and 2015, by four service lines including emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), medical/surgical ward, and operating room at each hospital. The number of units of RBCs administered to transfused recipients on the wards and in ICUs was also enumerated. For these seven hospitals combined, there was a 29.9% reduction in the number of RBCs transfused between 2007 and 2015, a 24.8% reduction in plasma units, and a 25.7% reduction in PLT units. The two largest hospitals saw some of the largest reductions in RBC transfusions (40.1, 25.1%), and plasma transfusions (26.1, 33.8%), and one of those hospitals had a 49.5% reduction in PLT transfusions. Smaller-sized hospitals also had reductions in transfusion volumes, while some volumes increased at hospitals when new or expanded clinical services were introduced. The number of RBC units per transfused recipient was generally between 1.5 and 2 units on the wards and slightly higher in the ICUs. Although the overall volume of transfusions has generally decreased at each hospital site over time, the appropriateness of the administered transfusions cannot be evaluated by these data. The system-wide implementation of a PBM program has reduced transfusion volumes.

A Unit-Cell Model for Predicting the Elastic Constants of 3D Four Directional Cylindrical Braided Composite Shafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Wenfeng; Liu, Ye; Huang, Xinrong; Liu, Yinghua; Zhu, Jianguo

2018-06-01

In this work, the elastic constants of 3D four directional cylindrical braided composite shafts were predicted using analytical and numerical methods. First, the motion rule of yarn carrier of 3D four directional cylindrical braided composite shafts was analyzed, and the horizontal projection of yarn motion trajectory was obtained. Then, the geometry models of unit-cells with different braiding angles and fiber volume contents were built up, and the meso-scale models of 3D cylindrical braided composite shafts were obtained. Finally, the effects of braiding angles and fiber volume contents on the elastic constants of 3D braided composite shafts were analyzed theoretically and numerically. These results play a crucial role in investigating the mechanical properties of 3D 4-directional braided composites shafts.

Development of Thin Solar Cells for Space Applications at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickman, John E.; Hepp, Aloysius; Banger, Kulbinder K.; Harris, Jerry D.; Jin, Michael H.

2003-01-01

NASA GRC Thin Film Solar Cell program is developing solar cell technologies for space applications which address two critical metrics: higher specific power (power per unit mass) and lower launch stowed volume. To be considered for space applications, an array using thin film solar cells must offer significantly higher specific power while reducing stowed volume compared to the present technologies being flown on space missions, namely crystalline solar cells. The NASA GRC program is developing single-source precursors and the requisite deposition hardware to grow high-efficiency, thin-film solar cells on polymer substrates at low deposition temperatures. Using low deposition temperatures enables the thin film solar cells to be grown on a variety of polymer substrates, many of which would not survive the high temperature processing currently used to fabricate thin film solar cells. The talk will present the latest results of this research program.

The TMI regenerable solid oxide fuel cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cable, Thomas L.

1995-01-01

Energy storage and production in space requires rugged, reliable hardware which minimizes weight, volume, and maintenance while maximizing power output and usable energy storage. These systems generally consist of photovoltaic solar arrays which operate during sunlight cycles to provide system power and regenerate fuel (hydrogen) via water electrolysis; during dark cycles, hydrogen is converted by the fuel cell into system. The currently preferred configuration uses two separate systems (fuel cell and electrolyzer) in conjunction with photovoltaic cells. Fuel cell/electrolyzer system simplicity, reliability, and power-to-weight and power-to-volume ratios could be greatly improved if both power production (fuel cell) and power storage (electrolysis) functions can be integrated into a single unit. The Technology Management, Inc. (TMI), solid oxide fuel cell-based system offers the opportunity to both integrate fuel cell and electrolyzer functions into one unit and potentially simplify system requirements. Based an the TMI solid oxide fuel cell (SOPC) technology, the TMI integrated fuel cell/electrolyzer utilizes innovative gas storage and operational concepts and operates like a rechargeable 'hydrogen-oxygen battery'. Preliminary research has been completed on improved H2/H2O electrode (SOFC anode/electrolyzer cathode) materials for solid oxide, regenerative fuel cells. Improved H2/H2O electrode materials showed improved cell performance in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes in reversible cell tests. ln reversible fuel cell/electrolyzer mode, regenerative fuel cell efficiencies (ratio of power out (fuel cell mode) to power in (electrolyzer model)) improved from 50 percent (using conventional electrode materials) to over 80 percent. The new materials will allow the TMI SOFC system to operate as both the electrolyzer and fuel cell in a single unit. Preliminary system designs have also been developed which indicate the technical feasibility of using the TMI SOFC technology for space applications with high energy storage efficiencies and high specific energy. Development of small space systems would also have potential dual-use, terrestrial applications.

The TMI regenerable solid oxide fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cable, Thomas L.

1995-04-01

Energy storage and production in space requires rugged, reliable hardware which minimizes weight, volume, and maintenance while maximizing power output and usable energy storage. These systems generally consist of photovoltaic solar arrays which operate during sunlight cycles to provide system power and regenerate fuel (hydrogen) via water electrolysis; during dark cycles, hydrogen is converted by the fuel cell into system. The currently preferred configuration uses two separate systems (fuel cell and electrolyzer) in conjunction with photovoltaic cells. Fuel cell/electrolyzer system simplicity, reliability, and power-to-weight and power-to-volume ratios could be greatly improved if both power production (fuel cell) and power storage (electrolysis) functions can be integrated into a single unit. The Technology Management, Inc. (TMI), solid oxide fuel cell-based system offers the opportunity to both integrate fuel cell and electrolyzer functions into one unit and potentially simplify system requirements. Based an the TMI solid oxide fuel cell (SOPC) technology, the TMI integrated fuel cell/electrolyzer utilizes innovative gas storage and operational concepts and operates like a rechargeable 'hydrogen-oxygen battery'. Preliminary research has been completed on improved H2/H2O electrode (SOFC anode/electrolyzer cathode) materials for solid oxide, regenerative fuel cells. Improved H2/H2O electrode materials showed improved cell performance in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes in reversible cell tests. ln reversible fuel cell/electrolyzer mode, regenerative fuel cell efficiencies (ratio of power out (fuel cell mode) to power in (electrolyzer model)) improved from 50 percent (using conventional electrode materials) to over 80 percent. The new materials will allow the TMI SOFC system to operate as both the electrolyzer and fuel cell in a single unit. Preliminary system designs have also been developed which indicate the technical feasibility of using the TMI SOFC technology for space applications with high energy storage efficiencies and high specific energy. Development of small space systems would also have potential dual-use, terrestrial applications.

Cord blood units collected at a remote site: a collaborative endeavor to collect umbilical cord blood through the Hawaii Cord Blood Bank and store the units at the Puget Sound Blood Center.

PubMed

Wada, Randal K; Bradford, Andrea; Moogk, Margery; Yim, Robyn; Strong, D Michael; Drachman, Jonathan; Reems, Jo Anna

2004-01-01

Umbilical cord blood is a useful source of hematopoietic stem cells, especially because compared to equivalent HLA-matched stem cells from unrelated adult donors. A network of community collection sites targeted at particular ethnic groups and serviced by a central processing and storage facility can maximize the genetic diversity of banked cord blood units (CBUs) in a cost-effective fashion. The present study compared CBUs collected near the Puget Sound Blood Center in Seattle, WA, with those collected in Honolulu, HI, and processed in Seattle. Evaluated variables include collection volume, total nucleated cell count, cellular viability, CD34+ cell count, clonogenic activity, and donor race for a total of 1646 CBUs received from July 1998 through November 2002. CBUs from the two sites did not differ with regard to volume or total nucleated cells. Those from Hawaii had significantly longer transit times (p < 0.001) and lower whole cord blood cell viability. However, the numbers of CFU and viable CD34+ cells were not affected by remote collection. CBUs screened from Seattle were largely from Caucasian donors, whereas over 85 percent of those from Honolulu were from donors of Asian-Pacific Islander or mixed ethnicity. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of long-distance umbilical cord blood banking. Arrangements such as those described here could be used to help target cost-effective collection from minority populations and increase the HLA and ethnic diversity for CBUs.

Investigation of Effective Material Properties of Stony Meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agrawal, Parul; Carlozzi, Alex; Bryson, Kathryn

2016-01-01

To assess the threat posed by an asteroid entering Earth's atmosphere, one must predict if, when, and how it fragments during entry. A comprehensive understanding of the Asteroid material properties is needed to achieve this objective. At present, the meteorite material found on Earth are the only objects from an entering asteroid that can be used as representative material and be tested inside a laboratory setting. Therefore, unit cell models are developed to determine the effective material properties of stony meteorites and in turn deduce the properties of asteroids. The unit cell is representative volume that accounts for diverse minerals, porosity, and matrix composition inside a meteorite. The various classes under investigation includes H-class, L-class, and LL-class chondrites. The effective mechanical properties such as Young's Modulus and Poisson's Ratio of the unit cell are calculated by performing several hundreds of Monte-Carlo simulations. Terrestrial analogs such as Basalt and Gabbro are being used to validate the unit cell methodology.

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

PubMed

Joseph, Gladwin; Kelsey, Rick G

2004-05-01

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

Characteristics and quality of intra-operative cell salvage in paediatric scoliosis surgery.

PubMed

Perez-Ferrer, A; Gredilla-Díaz, E; de Vicente-Sánchez, J; Navarro-Suay, R; Gilsanz-Rodríguez, F

2016-02-01

To determine the haematological and microbiological characteristics of blood recovered by using a cell saver with a rigid centrifuge bowl (100ml) in paediatric scoliosis surgery and to determine whether it conforms to the standard expected in adult patients. A cross-sectional, descriptive cohort study was performed on 24 consecutive red blood cell (RBC) units recovered from the surgical field and processed by a Haemolite® 2+ (Haemonetics Corp., Braintree, MA, EE. UU.) cell saver. Data were collected regarding age, weight, surgical approach (anterior or posterior), processed shed volume and volume of autologous RBC recovered, full blood count, and blood culture obtained from the RBC concentrate, and incidence of fever after reinfusion. The processed shed volume was very low (939±569ml) with high variability (coefficient of variation=0.6), unlike the recovered volume 129±50ml (coefficient of variation=0.38). A statistically significant correlation between the processed shed volume and recovered RBC concentrate haematocrit was found (Pearson, r=.659, P=.001). Haematological parameters in the recovered concentrate were: Hb 11±5.3g dl(-1); haematocrit: 32.1±15.4% (lower than expected); white cells 5.34±4.22×103 ul(-)1; platelets 37.88±23.5×103 ul(-1) (mean±SD). Blood culture was positive in the RBC concentrate recovered in 13 cases (54.2%) in which Staphylococcus coagulase (-) was isolated. Cell salvage machines with rigid centrifuge bowls (including paediatric small volume) do not obtain the expected haematocrit if low volumes are processed, and therefore they are not the best choice in paediatric surgery. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Study of five cell salvage machines in coronary artery surgery.

PubMed

Burman, J F; Westlake, A S; Davidson, S J; Rutherford, L C; Rayner, A S; Wright, A M; Morgan, C J; Pepper, J R

2002-06-01

We evaluated the effectiveness, ease of use and safety of five machines for blood salvage during coronary artery surgery. All were equally effective in concentrating red cells. We measured haemoglobin, packed cell volume, free haemoglobin, white cells, neutrophil elastase, platelets, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), prothrombin activation peptide F1.2, fibrin degradation product (d-dimers), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and heparin in wound blood, in washed cell suspensions and in a unit of bank blood prepared for each patient. All machines were equally safe and easy to use and were equally effective in removing heparin and the physiological components measured. There were no adverse effects on patients. Clotting factors are severely depleted both in salvaged blood, even before washing, and in bank blood. Cell savers are a valuable adjunct to coronary artery surgery, but careful monitoring of coagulation is required when the volumes of either bank blood or salvaged blood are large.

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

Ongari, Daniele; Boyd, Peter G.; Barthel, Senja

Pore volume is one of the main properties for the characterization of microporous crystals. It is experimentally measurable, and it can also be obtained from the refined unit cell by a number of computational techniques. In this work, we assess the accuracy and the discrepancies between the different computational methods which are commonly used for this purpose, i.e, geometric, helium, and probe center pore volumes, by studying a database of more than 5000 frameworks. We developed a new technique to fully characterize the internal void of a microporous material and to compute the probe-accessible and -occupiable pore volume. Lasty, wemore » show that, unlike the other definitions of pore volume, the occupiable pore volume can be directly related to the experimentally measured pore volumes from nitrogen isotherms.« less

Preparation of red blood cell concentrates and plasma units from whole blood held overnight using a hollow-fibre separation system.

PubMed

Johnson, L; Kwok, M; Marks, D C

2015-02-01

The ErySep system represents an alternative to centrifuge-based whole blood (WB) separation, using gravity and filtration through hollow-fibres (0·2 µm pore size) to produce red blood cell (RBC) and plasma components. The aim of this study was to characterise the quality of ErySep RBC and plasma units compared with standard products from WB held overnight. Two ABO-compatible WB units (n = 24) were pooled and split to produce matched products. One of the WB units was separated into components using the ErySep system (ErySep; n = 12), whereas the other units were separated by centrifugation (control; n = 12). RBC units were stored at 2-6 °C and assessed for in vitro quality over 42 days of storage. Plasma was frozen at -30 °C and tested upon thawing. Processing WB with the ErySep system took longer than controls. The ErySep RBC units were of an appropriate volume (307 ± 17 mL) and contained sufficient Hb (50 ± 2 g unit(-1) ). ErySep RBC components contained more microparticles relative to controls at expiry. The plasma volume, total protein, coagulation factor activity (fibrinogen, FV, FVIII) and number of microparticles was lower in the ErySep units compared with controls. Following overnight hold of WB, the ErySep system was capable of producing RBC components that met specifications. However, the ErySep plasma components did not meet quality specifications. © 2015 British Blood Transfusion Society.

Accurate Characterization of the Pore Volume in Microporous Crystalline Materials

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Pore volume is one of the main properties for the characterization of microporous crystals. It is experimentally measurable, and it can also be obtained from the refined unit cell by a number of computational techniques. In this work, we assess the accuracy and the discrepancies between the different computational methods which are commonly used for this purpose, i.e, geometric, helium, and probe center pore volumes, by studying a database of more than 5000 frameworks. We developed a new technique to fully characterize the internal void of a microporous material and to compute the probe-accessible and -occupiable pore volume. We show that, unlike the other definitions of pore volume, the occupiable pore volume can be directly related to the experimentally measured pore volumes from nitrogen isotherms. PMID:28636815

Accurate Characterization of the Pore Volume in Microporous Crystalline Materials

DOE PAGES

Ongari, Daniele; Boyd, Peter G.; Barthel, Senja; ...

2017-06-21

Pore volume is one of the main properties for the characterization of microporous crystals. It is experimentally measurable, and it can also be obtained from the refined unit cell by a number of computational techniques. In this work, we assess the accuracy and the discrepancies between the different computational methods which are commonly used for this purpose, i.e, geometric, helium, and probe center pore volumes, by studying a database of more than 5000 frameworks. We developed a new technique to fully characterize the internal void of a microporous material and to compute the probe-accessible and -occupiable pore volume. Lasty, wemore » show that, unlike the other definitions of pore volume, the occupiable pore volume can be directly related to the experimentally measured pore volumes from nitrogen isotherms.« less

Emergency department blood transfusion: the first two units are free.

PubMed

Ley, Eric J; Liou, Douglas Z; Singer, Matthew B; Mirocha, James; Melo, Nicolas; Chung, Rex; Bukur, Marko; Salim, Ali

2013-09-01

Studies on blood product transfusions after trauma recommend targeting specific ratios to reduce mortality. Although crystalloid volumes as little as 1.5 L predict increased mortality after trauma, little data is available regarding the threshold of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume that predicts increased mortality. Data from a level I trauma center between January 2000 and December 2008 were reviewed. Trauma patients who received at least 100 mL RBC in the emergency department (ED) were included. Each unit of RBC was defined as 300 mL. Demographics, RBC transfusion volume, and mortality were analyzed in the nonelderly (<70 y) and elderly (≥70 y). Multivariate logistic regression was performed at various volume cutoffs to determine whether there was a threshold transfusion volume that independently predicted mortality. A total of 560 patients received ≥100 mL RBC in the ED. Overall mortality was 24.3%, with 22.5% (104 deaths) in the nonelderly and 32.7% (32 deaths) in the elderly. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that RBC transfusion of ≥900 mL was associated with increased mortality in both the nonelderly (adjusted odds ratio 2.06, P = 0.008) and elderly (adjusted odds ratio 5.08, P = 0.006). Although transfusion of greater than 2 units in the ED was an independent predictor of mortality, transfusion of 2 units or less was not. Interestingly, unlike crystalloid volume, stepwise increases in blood volume were not associated with stepwise increases in mortality. The underlying etiology for mortality discrepancies, such as transfusion ratios, hypothermia, or immunosuppression, needs to be better delineated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using Latex Balls and Acrylic Resin Plates to Investigate the Stacking Arrangement and Packing Efficiency of Metal Crystals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohashi, Atsushi

2015-01-01

A high-school third-year or undergraduate first-semester general chemistry laboratory experiment introducing simple-cubic, face-centered cubic, body-centered cubic, and hexagonal closest packing unit cells is presented. Latex balls and acrylic resin plates are employed to make each atomic arrangement. The volume of the vacant space in each cell is…

Research opportunities in loss of red blood cell mass in space flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Talbot, J. M.; Fisher, K. D.

1985-01-01

Decreases of red blood cell mass and plasma volume have been observed consistently following manned space flights. Losses of red cell mass by United States astronauts have averaged 10 to 15% (range: 2 to 21%). Based on postflight estimates of total hemoglobin, Soviet cosmonauts engaged in space missions lasting from 1 to 7 months have exhibited somewhat greater losses. Restoration of red cell mass requires from 4 to 6 weeks following return to Earth, regardless of the duration of space flight.

Comparative evaluation of the depletion-red cell exchange program with the Spectra Optia and the isovolemic hemodilution-red cell exchange method with the COBE Spectra in sickle cell disease patients.

PubMed

Poullin, Pascale; Sanderson, Frederick; Bernit, Emmanuelle; Brun, Marion; Berdah, Yael; Badens, Catherine

2016-10-01

This study aims to compare in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the technical performance and packed red blood cell unit consumption between the automated depletion/Red Blood Cell exchange (RBCx) program (Spectra Optia Apheresis System) with the isovolemic hemodilution (IHD)/RBCx procedure (COBE Spectra Apheresis System) in a routine clinical setting. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 23 patients treated between October 2010 and August 2013 who underwent repeated RBCx on both apheresis systems for preventive indications. Each patient was their own control and had undergone two procedures on each system, totaling 46 sessions per group. On Spectra Optia, we performed the automated depletion/RBCx program. For COBE Spectra, we used a modified IHD/RBCx protocol. All patients had an initial 250 mL depletion offset by a 5% albumin prior to the exchange procedure, for the respective device, with leucodepleted Rh/Kell compatible and cross-matched RBC packs. All procedures were well tolerated except three mild febrile nonhemolytic reactions. Postprocedure hemoglobin S (HbS), fraction of cells remaining (FCR), procedure duration and processed blood and anticoagulant volumes were comparable in the two groups. However, the RBCx volume was significantly higher for the Spectra Optia group (+71 mL, P = 0.01), with no significant difference in the number of RBC units used. Technical performance and packed RBC unit consumption were not compromised when switching from the COBE Spectra IHD/RBCx protocol to the depletion/RBCx protocol on the Spectra Optia. Tolerability was equal for both protocols. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:429-433, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Scale-up of Carbon/Carbon Bipolar Plates

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

David P. Haack

2009-04-08

This project was focused upon developing a unique material technology for use in PEM fuel cell bipolar plates. The carbon/carbon composite material developed in this program is uniquely suited for use in fuel cell systems, as it is lightweight, highly conductive and corrosion resistant. The project further focused upon developing the manufacturing methodology to cost-effectively produce this material for use in commercial fuel cell systems. United Technology Fuel Cells Corp., a leading fuel cell developer was a subcontractor to the project was interested in the performance and low-cost potential of the material. The accomplishments of the program included the developmentmore » and testing of a low-cost, fully molded, net-shape carbon-carbon bipolar plate. The process to cost-effectively manufacture these carbon-carbon bipolar plates was focused on extensively in this program. Key areas for cost-reduction that received attention in this program was net-shape molding of the detailed flow structures according to end-user design. Correlations between feature detail and process parameters were formed so that mold tooling could be accurately designed to meet a variety of flow field dimensions. A cost model was developed that predicted the cost of manufacture for the product in near-term volumes and long-term volumes (10+ million units per year). Because the roduct uses lowcost raw materials in quantities that are less than competitive tech, it was found that the cost of the product in high volume can be less than with other plate echnologies, and can meet the DOE goal of $4/kW for transportation applications. The excellent performance of the all-carbon plate in net shape was verified in fuel cell testing. Performance equivalent to much higher cost, fully machined graphite plates was found.« less

FURTHER STUDIES ON THE KINETICS OF OSMOSIS IN LIVING CELLS

PubMed Central

Lucké, Balduin; Hartline, H. Keffer; McCutcheon, Morton

1931-01-01

Using unfertilized eggs of Arbacia punctulata as natural osmometers an attempt has been made to account for the course of swelling and shrinking of these cells in anisotonic solutions by means of the laws governing osmosis and diffusion. The method employed has been to compute permeability of the cell to water, as measured by the rate of volume change per unit of cell surface per unit of osmotic pressure outstanding between the cell and its medium. Permeability to water as here defined and as somewhat differently defined by Northrop is approximately constant during swelling and shrinking, at least for the first several minutes of these processes. Permeability is found to be independent of the osmotic pressure of the solution in which cells are swelling. Water is found to leave cells more readily than it enters, that is, permeability is greater during exosmosis than during endosmosis. PMID:19872594

Effect of cell-size on the energy absorption features of closed-cell aluminium foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nammi, S. K.; Edwards, G.; Shirvani, H.

2016-11-01

The effect of cell-size on the compressive response and energy absorption features of closed-cell aluminium (Al) foam were investigated by finite element method. Micromechanical models were constructed with a repeating unit-cell (RUC) which was sectioned from tetrakaidecahedra structure. Using this RUC, three Al foam models with different cell-sizes (large, medium and small) and all of same density, were built. These three different cell-size pieces of foam occupy the same volume and their domains contained 8, 27 and 64 RUCs respectively. However, the smaller cell-size foam has larger surface area to volume ratio compared to other two. Mechanical behaviour was modelled under uniaxial loading. All three aggregates (3D arrays of RUCs) of different cell-sizes showed an elastic region at the initial stage, then followed by a plateau, and finally, a densification region. The smaller cell size foam exhibited a higher peak-stress and a greater densification strain comparing other two cell-sizes investigated. It was demonstrated that energy absorption capabilities of smaller cell-size foams was higher compared to the larger cell-sizes examined.

Hydrogen ion dynamics in human red blood cells

PubMed Central

Swietach, Pawel; Tiffert, Teresa; Mauritz, Jakob M A; Seear, Rachel; Esposito, Alessandro; Kaminski, Clemens F; Lew, Virgilio L; Vaughan-Jones, Richard D

2010-01-01

Our understanding of pH regulation within red blood cells (RBCs) has been inferred mainly from indirect experiments rather than from in situ measurements of intracellular pH (pHi). The present work shows that carboxy-SNARF-1, a pH fluorophore, when used with confocal imaging or flow cytometry, reliably reports pHi in individual, human RBCs, provided intracellular fluorescence is calibrated using a ‘null-point’ procedure. Mean pHi was 7.25 in CO2/HCO3−-buffered medium and 7.15 in Hepes-buffered medium, and varied linearly with extracellular pH (slope of 0.77). Intrinsic (non-CO2/HCO3−-dependent) buffering power, estimated in the intact cell (85 mmol (l cell)−1 (pH unit)−1 at resting pHi), was somewhat higher than previous estimates from cell lysates (50–70 mmol (l cell)−1 (pH unit)−1). Acute displacement of pHi (superfusion of weak acids/bases) triggered rapid pHi recovery. This was mediated via membrane Cl−/HCO3− exchange (the AE1 gene product), irrespective of whether recovery was from an intracellular acid or base load, and with no evident contribution from other transporters such as Na+/H+ exchange. H+-equivalent flux through AE1 was a linear function of [H+]i and reversed at resting pHi, indicating that its activity is not allosterically regulated by pHi, in contrast to other AE isoforms. By simultaneously monitoring pHi and markers of cell volume, a functional link between membrane ion transport, volume and pHi was demonstrated. RBC pHi is therefore tightly regulated via AE1 activity, but modulated during changes of cell volume. A comparable volume–pHi link may also be important in other cell types expressing anion exchangers. Direct measurement of pHi should be useful in future investigations of RBC physiology and pathology. PMID:20962000

Method and apparatus for adding electrolyte to a fuel cell stack

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

Congdon, J.V.; English, J.G.

1986-06-24

A process is described for adding electrolyte to a fuel cell stack, the stack comprising sheet-like elements defining a plurality of fuel cell units disposed one atop the other in abutting relationship, the units defining a substantially flat, vertically extending face, each unit including a cell comprising a pair of sheet-like spaced apart gas porous electrodes with a porous matrix layer sandwiched therebetween for retaining electrolyte during cell operation, each unit also including a sheet-like substantially non-porous separator, the separator being sandwiched between the cells of adjacent units. The improvement described here consists of: extending at least one of themore » sheet-like elements of each of a plurality of the fuel cell units outwardly from the stack face to define horizontal tabs disposed one above the other; depositing dilute electrolyte directly from electrolyte supply means upon substantially the full length, parallel to the stack face, of at least the uppermost tab, the tabs being constructed and arranged such that at least a portion of the deposited electrolyte cascades from tab to tab and down the face of the stack, the deposited electrolyte being absorbed by capillary action into the elements of the stack, the step of depositing continuing until all of the electrodes and matrix layers of the stack are fully saturated with the dilute electrolyte; and thereafter evaporating liquid from the saturated elements under controlled conditions of humidity and temperature until the stack has a desired electrolyte volume and electrolyte concentration therein.« less

Delayed clamping of the umbilical cord after delivery and implications for public cord blood banking.

PubMed

Allan, David S; Scrivens, Nicholas; Lawless, Tiffany; Mostert, Karen; Oppenheimer, Lawrence; Walker, Mark; Petraszko, Tanya; Elmoazzen, Heidi

2016-03-01

Public banking of umbilical cord blood units (CBUs) containing higher numbers of cells ensures timely engraftment after transplantation for increasing numbers of patients. Delayed clamping of the umbilical cord after birth may benefit some infants by preventing iron deficiency. Implications of delayed cord clamping for public cord blood banking remains unclear. CBUs collected by Canadian Blood Services at one collection site between November 1, 2014, and March 17, 2015, were analyzed. The delay in cord clamping after birth was timed and classified as "no delay," 20 to 60 seconds, more than 60 seconds, or more than 120 seconds. Of 367 collections, 100 reported no delay in clamping while clamping was delayed by 20 to 60 seconds (n = 69), more than 60 seconds (n = 98), or more than 120 seconds (n = 100) in the remaining cases. The mean volume and total nucleated cells (TNCs) in units with no delay in clamping were significantly greater than mean volumes for all categories of delayed clamping (Tukey's test, p < 0.05 for each comparison). The proportion of units with more than 1.5 × 10(9) TNCs was significantly reduced when clamping was delayed (p = 5.5 × 10(-8) ). The difference was most marked for cords that were clamped more than 120 seconds after delivery (6.2% compared with 39%). Delayed cord clamping greatly diminishes the volume and TNC count of units collected for a public cord blood bank. Creating an inventory of CBUs with high TNC content may take more time than expected. © 2015 AABB.

Development of Electrochemical Supercapacitors for EMA Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kosek, John A.; Dunning, Thomas; LaConti, Anthony B.

1996-01-01

A limitation of the typical electrochemical capacitor is the maximum available power and energy density, and an improvement in capacitance per unit weight and volume is needed. A solid-ionomer electrochemical capacitor having a unit cell capacitance greater than 2 F/sq cm and a repeating element thickness of 6 mils has been developed. This capacitor could provide high-current pulses for electromechanical actuation (EMA). Primary project objectives were to develop high-capacitance particulates, to increase capacitor gravimetric and volumetric energy densities above baseline and to fabricate a 10-V capacitor with a repeating element thickness of 6 mils or less. Specific EMA applications were identified and capacitor weight and volume projections made.

Comparison of the mechanobiological performance of bone tissue scaffolds based on different unit cell geometries.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Montaño, Óscar L; Cortés-Rodríguez, Carlos Julio; Uva, Antonio E; Fiorentino, Michele; Gattullo, Michele; Monno, Giuseppe; Boccaccio, Antonio

2018-07-01

Enhancing the performance of scaffolds for bone regeneration requires a multidisciplinary approach involving competences in the fields of Biology, Medicine and Engineering. A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of scaffolds design parameters on their mechanical and biological response. The possibilities offered by the additive manufacturing techniques to fabricate sophisticated and very complex microgeometries that until few years ago were just a geometrical abstraction, led many researchers to design scaffolds made from different unit cell geometries. The aim of this work is to find, based on mechanobiological criteria and for different load regimes, the optimal geometrical parameters of scaffolds made from beam-based repeating unit cells, namely, truncated cuboctahedron, truncated cube, rhombic dodecahedron and diamond. The performance, -expressed in terms of percentage of the scaffold volume occupied by bone-, of the scaffolds based on these unit cells was compared with that of scaffolds based on other unit cell geometries such as: hexahedron and rhombicuboctahedron. A very intriguing behavior was predicted for the truncated cube unit cell that allows the formation of large amounts of bone for low load values and of very small amounts for the medium-high ones. For high values of load, scaffolds made from hexahedron unit cells were predicted to favor the formation of the largest amounts of bone. In a clinical context where medical solutions become more and more customized, this study offers a support to the surgeon in the choice of the best scaffold to be implanted in a patient-specific anatomic region. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A High Pressure Post-Perovskite Phase Transition in NaMgF3--a MgSiO3 Analog Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, C.; Liu, H.; Crichton, W.; Parise, J. B.

2005-12-01

Since Murakami et al. (2004) identified a perovskite (pv, Pbnm) to post-perovskite (ppv, Cmcm) structural phase transition in MgSiO3, the transition has been reported to occur in many oxides at ultra-high pressures (>60 GPa). The layered ppv structure is rapidly shaping a better understanding of seismic anisotropy in the controversial D" region of the lower mantle. While the ppv unit cell may be derived from indexing of the powder pattern, the structure adopted at high pressure is experimentally ill-constrained due to compromised powder diffraction statistics typically obtained from small sample volumes at extreme conditions in the diamond anvil cell. NaMgF3, a structural analog material to MgSiO3 pv, exhibits a large compressibility and presents the possibility of reducing the pv-ppv transition pressure, allowing for improved powder statistics from a larger sample volume. In accordance with our previous theoretical and experimental evidence (Liu et al., 2005; Parise et al., 2004), we have observed a phase transition in NaMgF3 during two recent independent high pressure trials utilizing monochromatic x-ray diffraction and in-situ laser heating in the diamond anvil cell at pressures as low as 30 GPa. From our analysis thus far, we have found the unit cell of the high pressure phase cannot be indexed according to pv (Pbnm) or close permutations of ppv (Cmcm) unit cells predicted for NaMgF3 or unit cells observed for ppv MgSiO3 and MgGeO3. In addition, we have precluded a breakdown to high pressure phases of NaF and MgF3 as an explanation for the observed data. Upon pressure release, we observe diffraction peaks from the high pressure phase in the absence of pv NaMgF3, suggesting the high pressure structure is quenchable to ambient conditions. The results of the work in progress will be presented at the meeting.

Anatomical, biochemical, and photosynthetic responses to recent allopolyploidy in Glycine dolichocarpa (Fabaceae).

PubMed

Coate, Jeremy E; Luciano, Amelia K; Seralathan, Vasu; Minchew, Kevin J; Owens, Tom G; Doyle, Jeff J

2012-01-01

Previous studies have shown that polyploidy has pronounced effects on photosynthesis. Most of these studies have focused on synthetic or recently formed autopolyploids, and comparatively little is known about the integrated effects of natural allopolyploidy, which involves hybridity and genome doubling and often incorporates multiple genotypes through recurrent origins and lineage recombination. Glycine dolichocarpa (designated T2) is a natural allotetraploid with multiple origins. We quantified 21 anatomical, biochemical, and physiological phenotypes relating to photosynthesis in T2 and its diploid progenitors, G. tomentella (D3) and G. syndetika (D4). To assess how direction of cross affects these phenotypes, we included three T2 accessions having D3-like plastids (T2(D3)) and two accessions having D4-like plastids (T2(D4)). T2 accessions were transgressive (more extreme than any diploid accession) for 17 of 21 phenotypes, and species means differed significantly in T2 vs. both progenitors for four of 21 phenotypes (higher for guard cell length, electron transport capacity [J(max)] per palisade cell, and J(max) per mesophyll cell; lower for palisade cells per unit leaf area). Within T2, four of 21 parameters differed significantly between T2(D3) and T2(D4) (palisade cell volume; chloroplast number and volume per unit leaf area; and J(max) per unit leaf area). T2 is characterized by transgressive photosynthesis-related phenotypes (including an ca. 2-fold increase in J(max) per cell), as well as by significant intraspecies variation correlating with plastid type. These data indicate prominent roles for both nucleotypic effects and cytoplasmic factors in photosynthetic responses to allopolyploidy.

Structural incorporation of MgCl2 into ice VII at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Mao; Komatsu, Kazuki; Noritake, Fumiya; Kagi, Hiroyuki

2017-05-01

Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained from 1:100 and 1:200 \\text{MgCl}2:\\text{H}2\\text{O} solutions (in molar ratio) at pressures up to 6 GPa using diamond anvil cells (DACs) and compared with those of pure water. The O-H stretching band from ice VII crystallized from the 1:200 solution was approximately 10 cm-1 higher than that of pure ice VII. The phase boundaries between ice VII and VIII crystallized from the MgCl2 solutions at 4 GPa were 2 K lower than those of pure ice VII and VIII. These observations indicate that ice VII incorporates MgCl2 into its structure. The unit cell volumes of ice VII crystallized from pure water and the two solutions coincided with each other within the experimental error, and salt incorporation was not detectable from the cell volume. Possible configurations of ion substitution and excess volume of ice VIII were simulated on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Geometric modeling of Plateau borders using the orthographic projection method for closed cell rigid polyurethane foam thermal conductivity prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jie; Wu, Tao; Peng, Chuang; Adegbite, Stephen

2017-09-01

The geometric Plateau border model for closed cell polyurethane foam was developed based on volume integrations of approximated 3D four-cusp hypocycloid structure. The tetrahedral structure of convex struts was orthogonally projected into 2D three-cusp deltoid with three central cylinders. The idealized single unit strut was modeled by superposition. The volume of each component was calculated by geometric analyses. The strut solid fraction f s and foam porosity coefficient δ were calculated based on representative elementary volume of Kelvin and Weaire-Phelan structures. The specific surface area Sv derived respectively from packing structures and deltoid approximation model were put into contrast against strut dimensional ratio ɛ. The characteristic foam parameters obtained from this semi-empirical model were further employed to predict foam thermal conductivity.

United States Air Force Graduate Student Summer Support Program 1986. Program Technical Report. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

Oxidant Damage Mediates Variant Red Cell Resistance to Malaria. Nature. 280 (1979) p. 245-47. 14. Geary, Timothy G. and James B. Jensen. Effects of...for research in the physical sciences, engineering, life sciences, business, and administrative sciences. The program has been effective in providing...Researcher Volume I 1 The Effects of Fourier Limited Targets Susan M. Abrams Upon Peripheral Perception 2 Studies of the Dimenslonality of William H

Principles determining the structure of high-pressure forms of metals: The structures of cesium(IV) and cesium(V)

PubMed Central

Pauling, Linus

1989-01-01

Consideration of the relation between bond length and bond number and the average atomic volume for different ways of packing atoms leads to the conclusion that the average ligancy of atoms in a metal should increase when a phase change occurs on increasing the pressure. Minimum volume for each value of the ligancy results from triangular coordination polyhedra (with triangular faces), such as the icosahedron and the Friauf polyhedron. Electron transfer may permit atoms of an element to assume different ligancies. Application of these principles to Cs(IV) and Cs(V), which were previously assigned structures with ligancy 8 and 6, respectively, has led to the assignment to Cs(IV) of a primitive cubic unit cell with a = 16.11 Å and with about 122 atoms in the cube and to Cs(V) of a primitive cubic unit cell resembling that of Mg32(Al,Zn)49, with a = 16.97 Å and with 162 atoms in the cube. PMID:16578839

Plasmonic metasurface cavity for simultaneous enhancement of optical electric and magnetic fields in deep subwavelength volume.

PubMed

Hong, Jongwoo; Kim, Sun-Je; Kim, Inki; Yun, Hansik; Mun, Sang-Eun; Rho, Junsuk; Lee, Byoungho

2018-05-14

It has been hard to achieve simultaneous plasmonic enhancement of nanoscale light-matter interactions in terms of both electric and magnetic manners with easily reproducible fabrication method and systematic theoretical design rule. In this paper, a novel concept of a flat nanofocusing device is proposed for simultaneously squeezing both electric and magnetic fields in deep-subwavelength volume (~λ 3 /538) in a large area. Based on the funneled unit cell structures and surface plasmon-assisted coherent interactions between them, the array of rectangular nanocavity connected to a tapered nanoantenna, plasmonic metasurface cavity, is constructed by periodic arrangement of the unit cell. The average enhancement factors of electric and magnetic field intensities reach about 60 and 22 in nanocavities, respectively. The proposed outstanding performance of the device is verified numerically and experimentally. We expect that this work would expand methodologies involving optical near-field manipulations in large areas and related potential applications including nanophotonic sensors, nonlinear responses, and quantum interactions.

Successful short-term cryopreservation of volume-reduced cord blood units in a cryogenic mechanical freezer: effects on cell recovery, viability, and clonogenic potential.

PubMed

Anagnostakis, Ioannis; Papassavas, Andreas C; Michalopoulos, Efstathios; Chatzistamatiou, Theofanis; Andriopoulou, Sofia; Tsakris, Athanassios; Stavropoulos-Giokas, Catherine

2014-01-01

Cord blood (CB) units are stored from weeks to years in liquid- or vapor-phase nitrogen until they are used for transplantation. We examined the effects of cryostorage in a mechanical freezer at -150°C on critical quality control variables of CB collections to investigate the possible use of mechanical freezers at -150°C as an alternative to storage in liquid- (or vapor-) phase nitrogen. A total of 105 CB units were thawed and washed at different time intervals (6, 12, 24, and 36 months). For every thawed CB unit, samples were removed and cell enumeration (total nucleated cells [TNCs], mononuclear cells [MNCs], CD34+, CD133+) was performed. In addition, viability was obtained with the use of flow cytometry, and recoveries were calculated. Also, total absolute colony-forming unit counts were performed and progenitor cell recoveries were studied by clonogenic assays. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in certain variables (TNCs, MNC numbers, viability) when they were examined in relation with time intervals, while others (CD34+, CD133+) were relatively insensitive (p = NS) to the duration of time interval the CB units were kept in cryostorage condition. The data presented suggest that cryopreservation of CB units in a mechanical freezer at -150°C may represent an alternative cryostorage condition for CB cryopreservation. © 2013 American Association of Blood Banks.

Utility of Thin-Film Solar Cells on Flexible Substrates for Space Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickman, J. E.; Hepp, A. F.; Morel, D. L.; Ferekides, C. S.; Tuttle, J. R.; Hoffman, D. J.; Dhere, N. G.

2004-01-01

The thin-film solar cell program at NASA GRC is developing solar cell technologies for space applications which address two critical metrics: specific power (power per unit mass) and launch stowed volume. To be competitive for many space applications, an array using thin film solar cells must significantly increase specific power while reducing stowed volume when compared to the present baseline technology utilizing crystalline solar cells. The NASA GRC program is developing two approaches. Since the vast majority of the mass of a thin film solar cell is in the substrate, a thin film solar cell on a very lightweight flexible substrate (polymer or metal films) is being developed as the first approach. The second approach is the development of multijunction thin film solar cells. Total cell efficiency can be increased by stacking multiple cells having bandgaps tuned to convert the spectrum passing through the upper cells to the lower cells. Once developed, the two approaches will be merged to yield a multijunction, thin film solar cell on a very lightweight, flexible substrate. The ultimate utility of such solar cells in space require the development of monolithic interconnections, lightweight array structures, and ultra-lightweight support and deployment techniques.

Influence of yield surface curvature on the macroscopic yielding and ductile failure of isotropic porous plastic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dæhli, Lars Edvard Bryhni; Morin, David; Børvik, Tore; Hopperstad, Odd Sture

2017-10-01

Numerical unit cell models of an approximative representative volume element for a porous ductile solid are utilized to investigate differences in the mechanical response between a quadratic and a non-quadratic matrix yield surface. A Hershey equivalent stress measure with two distinct values of the yield surface exponent is employed as the matrix description. Results from the unit cell calculations are further used to calibrate a heuristic extension of the Gurson model which incorporates effects of the third deviatoric stress invariant. An assessment of the porous plasticity model reveals its ability to describe the unit cell response to some extent, however underestimating the effect of the Lode parameter for the lower triaxiality ratios imposed in this study when compared to unit cell simulations. Ductile failure predictions by means of finite element simulations using a unit cell model that resembles an imperfection band are then conducted to examine how the non-quadratic matrix yield surface influences the failure strain as compared to the quadratic matrix yield surface. Further, strain localization predictions based on bifurcation analyses and imperfection band analyses are undertaken using the calibrated porous plasticity model. These simulations are then compared to the unit cell calculations in order to elucidate the differences between the various modelling strategies. The current study reveals that strain localization analyses using an imperfection band model and a spatially discretized unit cell are in reasonable agreement, while the bifurcation analyses predict higher strain levels at localization. Imperfection band analyses are finally used to calculate failure loci for the quadratic and the non-quadratic matrix yield surface under a wide range of loading conditions. The underlying matrix yield surface is demonstrated to have a pronounced influence on the onset of strain localization.

Family cord blood banking for sickle cell disease: a twenty-year experience in two dedicated public cord blood banks

PubMed Central

Rafii, Hanadi; Bernaudin, Françoise; Rouard, Helene; Vanneaux, Valérie; Ruggeri, Annalisa; Cavazzana, Marina; Gauthereau, Valerie; Stanislas, Aurélie; Benkerrou, Malika; De Montalembert, Mariane; Ferry, Christele; Girot, Robert; Arnaud, Cecile; Kamdem, Annie; Gour, Joelle; Touboul, Claudine; Cras, Audrey; Kuentz, Mathieu; Rieux, Claire; Volt, Fernanda; Cappelli, Barbara; Maio, Karina T.; Paviglianiti, Annalisa; Kenzey, Chantal; Larghero, Jerome; Gluckman, Eliane

2017-01-01

Efforts to implement family cord blood banking have been developed in the past decades for siblings requiring stem cell transplantation for conditions such as sickle cell disease. However, public banks are faced with challenging decisions about the units to be stored, discarded, or used for other endeavors. We report here 20 years of experience in family cord blood banking for sickle cell disease in two dedicated public banks. Participants were pregnant women who had a previous child diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell disease. Participation was voluntary and free of charge. All mothers underwent mandatory serological screening. Cord blood units were collected in different hospitals, but processed and stored in two public banks. A total of 338 units were stored for 302 families. Median recipient age was six years (11 months-15 years). Median collected volume and total nucleated cell count were 91 mL (range 23–230) and 8.6×108 (range 0.7–75×108), respectively. Microbial contamination was observed in 3.5% (n=12), positive hepatitis B serology in 25% (n=84), and homozygous sickle cell disease in 11% (n=37) of the collections. Forty-four units were HLA-identical to the intended recipient, and 28 units were released for transplantation either alone (n=23) or in combination with the bone marrow from the same donor (n=5), reflecting a utilization rate of 8%. Engraftment rate was 96% with 100% survival. Family cord blood banking yields good quality units for sibling transplantation. More comprehensive banking based on close collaboration among banks, clinical and transplant teams is recommended to optimize the use of these units. PMID:28302713

Family cord blood banking for sickle cell disease: a twenty-year experience in two dedicated public cord blood banks.

PubMed

Rafii, Hanadi; Bernaudin, Françoise; Rouard, Helene; Vanneaux, Valérie; Ruggeri, Annalisa; Cavazzana, Marina; Gauthereau, Valerie; Stanislas, Aurélie; Benkerrou, Malika; De Montalembert, Mariane; Ferry, Christele; Girot, Robert; Arnaud, Cecile; Kamdem, Annie; Gour, Joelle; Touboul, Claudine; Cras, Audrey; Kuentz, Mathieu; Rieux, Claire; Volt, Fernanda; Cappelli, Barbara; Maio, Karina T; Paviglianiti, Annalisa; Kenzey, Chantal; Larghero, Jerome; Gluckman, Eliane

2017-06-01

Efforts to implement family cord blood banking have been developed in the past decades for siblings requiring stem cell transplantation for conditions such as sickle cell disease. However, public banks are faced with challenging decisions about the units to be stored, discarded, or used for other endeavors. We report here 20 years of experience in family cord blood banking for sickle cell disease in two dedicated public banks. Participants were pregnant women who had a previous child diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell disease. Participation was voluntary and free of charge. All mothers underwent mandatory serological screening. Cord blood units were collected in different hospitals, but processed and stored in two public banks. A total of 338 units were stored for 302 families. Median recipient age was six years (11 months-15 years). Median collected volume and total nucleated cell count were 91 mL (range 23-230) and 8.6×10 8 (range 0.7-75×10 8 ), respectively. Microbial contamination was observed in 3.5% (n=12), positive hepatitis B serology in 25% (n=84), and homozygous sickle cell disease in 11% (n=37) of the collections. Forty-four units were HLA-identical to the intended recipient, and 28 units were released for transplantation either alone (n=23) or in combination with the bone marrow from the same donor (n=5), reflecting a utilization rate of 8%. Engraftment rate was 96% with 100% survival. Family cord blood banking yields good quality units for sibling transplantation. More comprehensive banking based on close collaboration among banks, clinical and transplant teams is recommended to optimize the use of these units. Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

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

Mielke, Charles H.

The alkali-doped fullerides provide the first example of a transition from a three-dimensional Mott insulator to a superconductor, enabling the effects of both dimensionality and electron correlations on superconductivity to be explored. Chemically, the alkali species tunes the superconductivity in the vicinity of the Mott transition by varying the unit cell volume.

The links between hypertrophy, reproductive potential and longevity in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast.

PubMed

Molon, Mateusz; Zadrag-Tecza, Renata

2016-01-01

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has long been used as a model organism for studying the basic mechanisms of aging. However, the main problem with the use of this unicellular fungus is the unit of "longevity". For all organisms, lifespan is expressed in units of time, while in the case of yeast it is defined by the number of daughter cells produced. Additionally, in yeast the phenotypic effects of mutations often show a clear dependence on the genetic background, suggesting the need for an analysis of strains representing different genetic backgrounds. Our results confirm the data presented in earlier papers that the reproductive potential is strongly associated with an increase in cell volume per generation. An excessive cell volume results in the loss of reproductive capacity. These data clearly support the hypertrophy hypothesis. The time of life of all analysed mutants, with the exception of sch9D, is the same as in the case of the wild-type strain. Interestingly, the 121% increase of the fob1D mutant's reproductive potential compared to the sfp1D mutant does not result in prolongation of the mutant's time of life (total lifespan).

Recombinant factor VIIa as an adjunctive therapy for patients requiring large volume transfusion: a pharmacoeconomic evaluation.

PubMed

Loudon, B; Smith, M P

2005-08-01

Acute haemorrhage requiring large volume transfusion presents a costly and unpredictable risk to transfusion services. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaard, Denmark) may provide an important adjunctive haemostatic strategy for the management of patients requiring large volume blood transfusions. To review blood transfusion over a 12-month period and assess the major costs associated with haemorrhage management. A pharmoeconomic evaluation of rFVIIa intervention for large volume transfusion was conducted to identify the most cost-effective strategy for using this haemostatic product. Audit and analysis of all patients admitted to Christchurch Public Hospital requiring > 5 units of red blood cells (RBC) during a single transfusion episode. Patients were stratified into groups dependent on RBC units received and further stratified with regard to ward category. Cumulative costs were derived to compare standard treatment with an hypothesized rFVIIa intervention for each transfusion group. Sensitivity analyses were performed by varying parameters and comparing to original outcomes. Comparison of costs between the standard and hypothetical model indicated no statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses indicate that intervention with rFVIIa after transfusion of 14 RBC units may be cost-effective due to conservation of blood components and reduction in duration of intensive area stay. Intervention with rFVIIa for haemorrhage control is most cost-effective relatively early in the RBC transfusion period. Our hypothetical model indicates the optimal time point is when 14 RBC units have been transfused.

Experimental prestorage filtration removes antibodies and decreases lipids in RBC supernatants mitigating TRALI in vivo

PubMed Central

Kelher, Marguerite R.; Khan, Samina Y.; LaSarre, Monica; West, F. Bernadette; Land, Kevin J.; Mish, Barbara; Ceriano, Linda; Sowemimo-Coker, Samuel

2014-01-01

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) remains a significant cause of transfusion-related mortality with red cell transfusion. We hypothesize that prestorage filtration may reduce proinflammatory activity in the red blood cell (RBC) supernatant and prevent TRALI. Filters were manufactured for both small volumes and RBC units. Plasma containing antibodies to human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 or human neutrophil antigen (HNA)-3a was filtered, and immunoglobulins and specific HNA-3a and HLA-2a neutrophil (PMN) priming activity were measured. Antibodies to OX27 were added to plasma, and filtration was evaluated in a 2-event animal model of TRALI. RBC units from 31 donors known to have antibodies against HLA antigens and from 16 antibody-negative controls were filtered. Furthermore, 4 RBC units were drawn and underwent standard leukoreduction. Immunoglobulins, HLA antibodies, PMN priming activity, and the ability to induce TRALI in an animal model were measured. Small-volume filtration of plasma removed >96% of IgG, antibodies to HLA-A2 and HNA-3a, and their respective priming activity, as well as mitigating antibody-mediated in vivo TRALI. In RBC units, experimental filtration removed antibodies to HLA antigens and inhibited the accumulation of lipid priming activity and lipid-mediated TRALI. We conclude that filtration removes proinflammatory activity and the ability to induce TRALI from RBCs and may represent a TRALI mitigation step. PMID:24747436

Micromorphology of trichomes of Thymus malyi (Lamiaceae).

PubMed

Marin, M; Koko, V; Duletić-Lausević, S; Marin, P D

2008-12-01

Micromorphological, ultrastructural and morphometric investigations of the trichomes of Thymus malyi were carried out using a light microscope, a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Unbranched non-glandular trichomes, peltate and capitate glandular trichomes were described. The leaves of Thymus malyi bear non-glandular and glandular trichomes on both sides. Estimates of the volume density (i.e. their volume fraction per unit volume) of non-glandular trichomes were higher as compared to volume density of peltate and capitate glandular trichomes. Estimates of the number of these trichomes per area on sections showed that the capitate trichomes were the most abundant. Ultrastructural analyses of cell inner structure have shown numerous mitochondria, big nuclei and plastids with lipid globules and starch grains.

Kondo Effect of U Impurities in Dilute (YU)2Zn17

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Shigeru; Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Anzai, Kousuke

2001-10-01

Extending previous work on single-site properties of U ions in (LaU)2Zn17, we have investigated, from ρ(T), χ(T) and Cp(T) on single crystals, (Y1-xUx)2Zn17 with x=0.025 and 0.050, which has almost the same unit-cell volume as an antiferromagnetic heavy-electron compound U2Zn17. Remarkable features in the dilute-impurity limit have been clarified, which include Kondo behavior of ρ(T), large and almost isotropic χimp(T), and strongly enhanced Cimp(T)/T with gigantic γimp=2.02 2.05 J/K2·mole-U as T→0 due to a low characteristic energy-scale of the system. It is shown that gross features of the data are explained in terms of the conventional Kondo effect in the presence of the crystal field with the U3+ \\varGamma6 doublet ground state. It is also shown that the variation of γ with the unit-cell volume in related systems is not explained as a volume effect on TK and that even the behavior of fictitious “paramagnetic” U2Zn17 is not described as a collection of U impurities in dilute (YU)2Zn17.

Reporting unit size and measurement uncertainty: current Australian practice in clinical chemistry and haematology.

PubMed

Hawkins, Robert C; Badrick, Tony

2015-08-01

In this study we aimed to compare the reporting unit size used by Australian laboratories for routine chemistry and haematology tests to the unit size used by learned authorities and in standard laboratory textbooks and to the justified unit size based on measurement uncertainty (MU) estimates from quality assurance program data. MU was determined from Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) - Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) and RCPA Haematology Quality Assurance Program survey reports. The reporting unit size implicitly suggested in authoritative textbooks, the RCPA Manual, and the General Serum Chemistry program itself was noted. We also used published data on Australian laboratory practices.The best performing laboratories could justify their chemistry unit size for 55% of analytes while comparable figures for the 50% and 90% laboratories were 14% and 8%, respectively. Reporting unit size was justifiable for all laboratories for red cell count, >50% for haemoglobin but only the top 10% for haematocrit. Few, if any, could justify their mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) reporting unit sizes.The reporting unit size used by many laboratories is not justified by present analytical performance. Using MU estimates to determine the reporting interval for quantitative laboratory results ensures reporting practices match local analytical performance and recognises the inherent error of the measurement process.

Transformations in methane hydrates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chou, I.-Ming; Sharma, A.; Burruss, R.C.; Shu, J.; Mao, Ho-kwang; Hemley, R.J.; Goncharov, A.F.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

2000-01-01

Detailed study of pure methane hydrate in a diamond cell with in situ optical, Raman, and x-ray microprobe techniques reveals two previously unknown structures, structure II and structure H, at high pressures. The structure II methane hydrate at 250 MPa has a cubic unit cell of a = 17.158(2) A?? and volume V = 5051.3(13) A??3; structure H at 600 MPa has a hexagonal unit cell of a = 11.980(2) A??, c = 9.992(3) A??, and V = 1241.9(5) A??3. The compositions of these two investigated phases are still not known. With the effects of pressure and the presence of other gases in the structure, the structure II phase is likely to dominate over the known structure I methane hydrate within deep hydrate-bearing sediments underlying continental margins.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Peeled Internal Limiting Membrane Using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Murata, Kazuhisa; Hayashi, Ken; Nakamura, Kei-ichiro

2018-01-01

Purpose To reevaluate the effect of internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy on the Müller cell damage, we examined the ultrastructure of the internal limiting membrane by using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM). Methods A total of 12 internal limiting membranes obtained during surgery in both the macular hole and the idiopathic epiretinal membrane groups were processed for observation by FIB/SEM. Three-dimensional structures of the internal limiting membrane were analyzed. Results The number of cell fragments in the macular hole group was 5.07 ± 1.03 per unit area of internal limiting membrane (100 μm2). The total volume of cell fragments was 3.54 ± 1.24 μm3/100 μm2. In contrast, the number of cell fragments in the epiretinal membrane group was 12.85 ± 3.45/100 μm2, and the total volume of cell fragments was 10.45 ± 2.77 μm3/100 μm2. Data for both values were significantly higher than those observed in the macular hole group (P = 0.0024 and P = 0.0022, respectively, Mann-Whitney U test). No statistical difference was found for the mean volume of the cell fragment between the two groups. Conclusions All of the internal limiting membrane examined in this study showed cell fragments on the retinal surface of the internal limiting membrane. As compared with macular hole, epiretinal membrane exhibited a higher number and total volume of cell fragments, indicating that internal limiting membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane might have a higher risk of causing inner retinal damage. Translational Relevance FIB/SEM was a useful tool for three-dimensional quantitative analysis of the internal limiting membrane. PMID:29423341

Beyond Columnar Organization: Cell Type- and Target Layer-Specific Principles of Horizontal Axon Projection Patterns in Rat Vibrissal Cortex

PubMed Central

Narayanan, Rajeevan T.; Egger, Robert; Johnson, Andrew S.; Mansvelder, Huibert D.; Sakmann, Bert; de Kock, Christiaan P.J.; Oberlaender, Marcel

2015-01-01

Vertical thalamocortical afferents give rise to the elementary functional units of sensory cortex, cortical columns. Principles that underlie communication between columns remain however unknown. Here we unravel these by reconstructing in vivo-labeled neurons from all excitatory cell types in the vibrissal part of rat primary somatosensory cortex (vS1). Integrating the morphologies into an exact 3D model of vS1 revealed that the majority of intracortical (IC) axons project far beyond the borders of the principal column. We defined the corresponding innervation volume as the IC-unit. Deconstructing this structural cortical unit into its cell type-specific components, we found asymmetric projections that innervate columns of either the same whisker row or arc, and which subdivide vS1 into 2 orthogonal [supra-]granular and infragranular strata. We show that such organization could be most effective for encoding multi whisker inputs. Communication between columns is thus organized by multiple highly specific horizontal projection patterns, rendering IC-units as the primary structural entities for processing complex sensory stimuli. PMID:25838038

Bone remodelling: its local regulation and the emergence of bone fragility.

PubMed

Martin, T John; Seeman, Ego

2008-10-01

Bone modelling prevents the occurrence of damage by adapting bone structure - and hence bone strength - to its loading circumstances. Bone remodelling removes damage, when it inevitably occurs, in order to maintain bone strength. This cellular machinery is successful during growth, but fails during advancing age because of the development of a negative balance between the volumes of bone resorbed and formed during remodelling by the basic multicellular unit (BMU), high rates of remodelling during midlife in women and late in life in both sexes, and a decline in periosteal bone formation. together resulting in bone loss and structural decay each time a remodelling event occurs. The two steps in remodelling - resorption of a volume of bone by osteoclasts and formation of a comparable volume by osteoblasts - are sequential, but the regulatory events leading to these two fully differentiated functions are not. Reparative remodelling is initiated by damage producing osteocyte apoptosis, which signals the location of damage via the osteocyte canalicular system to endosteal lining cells which forms the canopy of a bone-remodelling compartment (BRC). Within the BRC, local recruitment of osteoblast precursors from the lining cells, the marrow and circulation, direct contact with osteoclast precursors, osteoclastogenesis and molecular cross-talk between precursors, mature cells, cells of the immune system, and products of the resorbed matrix, titrate the birth, work and lifespan of the cells of this multicellular remodelling machinery to either remove or form a net volume of bone appropriate to the mechanical requirements.

Analysis of histological and immunohistochemical patterns of benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors by computerized morphometry.

PubMed

Dalino Ciaramella, Paolo; Vertemati, Maurizio; Petrella, Duccio; Bonacina, Edgardo; Grossrubatscher, Erika; Duregon, Eleonora; Volante, Marco; Papotti, Mauro; Loli, Paola

2017-07-01

Diagnosis of benign and purely localized malignant adrenocortical lesions is still a complex issue. Moreover, histology-based diagnosis may suffer of a moment of subjectivity due to inter- and intra-individual variations. The aim of the present study was to assess, by computerized morphometry, the morphological features in benign and malignant adrenocortical neoplasms. Eleven adrenocortical adenomas (ACA) were compared with 18 adrenocortical cancers (ACC). All specimens were stained with H&E, cellular proliferation marker Ki-67 and reticulin. We generated a morphometric model based on the analysis of volume fractions occupied by Ki-67 positive and negative cells (nuclei and cytoplasm), vascular and inflammatory compartment; we also analyzed the surface fraction occupied by reticulin. We compared the quantitative data of Ki-67 obtained by morphometry with the quantification resulting from pathologist's visual reading. The volume fraction of Ki-67 positive cells in ACCs was higher than in ACAs. The volume fraction of nuclei in unit volume and the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio in both Ki-67 negative cells and Ki-67 positive cells were prominent in ACCs. The surface fraction of reticulin was considerably lower in ACCs. Our computerized morphometric model is simple, reproducible and can be used by the pathologist in the histological workup of adrenocortical tumors to achieve precise and reader-independent quantification of several morphological characteristics of adrenocortical tumors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

A coupled analytical model for hydrostatic response of 1-3 piezocomposites.

PubMed

Rajapakse, Nimal; Chen, Yue

2008-08-01

This study presents a fully coupled analysis of a unit cell of a 1-3 piezocomposite under hydrostatic loading. The governing equations for coupled axisymmetric electroelastic field of a transversely isotropic piezoelectric medium and a transversely isotropic elastic medium are used. A reduced form of the analytical general solutions expressed in terms of series of modified Bessel functions of the first and second kind are used. The solution of the boundary-value problem corresponding to a unit cell is presented. The effective properties of a 1-3 piezocomposite are obtained for different fiber volume fractions, polymer and piezoceramic properties, and fiber aspect ratios. Comparisons with previously reported simplified and uncoupled models are made.

Emergence of ferromagnetism in antiferromagnetic TbMnO3 by epitaxial strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marti, X.; Skumryev, V.; Ferrater, C.; García-Cuenca, M. V.; Varela, M.; Sánchez, F.; Fontcuberta, J.

2010-05-01

We show that in oxide thin films of spiral antiferromagnetic orthorhombic TbMnO3, ferromagnetism emerges resulting from epitaxially induced strain. The unit cell volume can be tuned (contracting up to a 2%) by varying thickness and deposition conditions; it is found that the ferromagnetic response correlates with the unit cell deformation. Such effect of strain on the magnetic properties turns out to be similar to that occurring in collinear orthorhombic antiferromagnets such as YMnO3. Owing to the intimate relationship between magnetic order and ferroelectricity in TbMnO3 these results may provide a new route to induce magnetoelectric coupling and tailor their ferroelectric response.

Structure, thermal, and impedance study of a new organic-inorganic hybrid [(CH2)7(NH3)2]CoCl4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mostafa, M. F.; El-khiyami, Sh. S.; Alal, S. K.

2018-07-01

[(CH2)7(NH3)2]CoCl4 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1 with two molecules per asymmetric unit cell (Z = 2). The unit cell dimensions are a = 7.3107 (2) Å, b = 10.1841 (3) Å, c = 11.2690 (4) Å, α = 66.81 (2), β = 78.85 (12), and γ = 87.66 (2). The unit cell volume and the calculated density are 756.11 (4) Å3 and 1.463 Mg m-3, respectively. The structure of the hybrid is characterized by alternating layers of inorganic [CoCl4]2- anion and heptane diammonium cation. The organic hydrocarbon layers are packed in a stacked herring-bone manner with hydrogen bonds to the halide ions. The lattice potential energy Upot and the cation molecular volume V+ are 1856.2 kJ/mol and 0.37 nm3, respectively. DSC showed a compound (broad) peak at T1 = 331 K, T2 = 328 K with total entropy ΔS = 36.2 J/K. mol, and a λ-like endothermic peak at T3 = 296 K (ΔS = 24.9 J/K. mol). Dielectric properties are investigated at different temperatures and frequencies [260 K < T < 360 K and 0.06 kHz < f < 60 kHz, respectively]. Super-linear power law is observed for the AC conductivity, which is analyzed based on the jump relaxation model.

Space filling minimal surfaces and sphere packings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elser, Veit

1994-05-01

A space filling minimal surface is defined to be any embedded minimal surface without boundary with the property that the area and genus enclosed by any large spherical region scales in proportion to the volume of the region. The triply periodic minimal surfaces are one realization, but not necessarily the only one. By using the genus per unit volume of the surface, a meaningful comparison of surface areas can be made even in cases where there is no unit cell. Of the known periodic minimal surfaces this measure of the surface area is smallest for Schoen's FRD surface. This surface is one of several that is closely related to packings of spheres. Its low area is largely due to the fact that the corresponding sphere packing (fcc) has the maximal kissing number.

Crystallization and X-ray analysis of 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose synthase, the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics

PubMed Central

Nango, Eriko; Kumasaka, Takashi; Sato, Takao; Tanaka, Nobuo; Kakinuma, Katsumi; Eguchi, Tadashi

2005-01-01

A recombinant 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose synthase from Bacillus circulans has been crystallized at 277 K using PEG 4000 as precipitant. The diffraction pattern of the crystal extends to 2.30 Å resolution at 100 K using synchrotron radiation at the Photon Factory. The crystals are monoclinic and belong to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 80.5, b = 70.4, c = 83.0 Å, β = 117.8°. The presence of two molecules per asymmetric unit gives a crystal volume per protein weight (V M) of 2.89 Å3 Da−1 and a solvent constant of 57.4% by volume. PMID:16511136

Contemporary bloodletting in cardiac surgical care.

PubMed

Koch, Colleen G; Reineks, Edmunds Z; Tang, Anne S; Hixson, Eric D; Phillips, Shannon; Sabik, Joseph F; Henderson, J Michael; Blackstone, Eugene H

2015-03-01

Health care providers are seldom aware of the frequency and volume of phlebotomy for laboratory testing, bloodletting that often leads to hospital-acquired anemia. Our objectives were to examine the frequency of laboratory testing in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, calculate cumulative phlebotomy volume from time of initial surgical consultation to hospital discharge, and propose strategies to reduce phlebotomy volume. From January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, 1,894 patients underwent cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic; 1,867 had 1 hospitalization and 27 had 2. Each laboratory test was associated with a test name and blood volume. Phlebotomy volume was estimated separately for the intensive care unit (ICU), hospital floors, and cumulatively. A total of 221,498 laboratory tests were performed, averaging 115 tests per patient. The most frequently performed tests were 88,068 blood gas analyses, 39,535 coagulation tests, 30,421 complete blood counts, and 29,374 metabolic panels. Phlebotomy volume differed between ICU and hospital floors, with median volumes of 332 mL and 118 mL, respectively. Cumulative median volume for the entire hospital stay was 454 mL. More complex procedures were associated with higher overall phlebotomy volume than isolated procedures; eg, combined coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve procedure median volume was 653 mL (25th/75th percentiles, 428 of 1,065 mL) versus 448 mL (284 of 658 mL) for isolated CABG and 338 mL (237 of 619) for isolated valve procedures. We were astonished by the extent of bloodletting, with total phlebotomy volumes approaching amounts equivalent to 1 to 2 red blood cell units. Implementation of process improvement initiatives can potentially reduce phlebotomy volumes and resource utilization. Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New large volume hydrothermal reaction cell for studying chemical processes under supercritical hydrothermal conditions using time-resolved in situ neutron diffraction.

PubMed

Ok, Kang Min; O'Hare, Dermot; Smith, Ronald I; Chowdhury, Mohammed; Fikremariam, Hanna

2010-12-01

The design and testing of a new large volume Inconel pressure cell for the in situ study of supercritical hydrothermal syntheses using time-resolved neutron diffraction is introduced for the first time. The commissioning of this new cell is demonstrated by the measurement of the time-of-flight neutron diffraction pattern for TiO(2) (Anatase) in supercritical D(2)O on the POLARIS diffractometer at the United Kingdom's pulsed spallation neutron source, ISIS, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. The sample can be studied over a wide range of temperatures (25-450 °C) and pressures (1-355 bar). This novel apparatus will now enable us to study the kinetics and mechanisms of chemical syntheses under extreme environments such as supercritical water, and in particular to study the crystallization of a variety of technologically important inorganic materials.

21 CFR 606.121 - Container label.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... payment for a blood donation. (ii) A volunteer donor is a person who does not receive monetary payment for... units of Red Blood Cells, the volume of the product, accurate to within ±10 percent; or optionally for.... The Rh group shall be designated as follows: (i) If the test using Anti-D Blood Grouping Reagent is...

21 CFR 606.121 - Container label.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... payment for a blood donation. (ii) A volunteer donor is a person who does not receive monetary payment for... units of Red Blood Cells, the volume of the product, accurate to within ±10 percent; or optionally for.... The Rh group shall be designated as follows: (i) If the test using Anti-D Blood Grouping Reagent is...

Red cell storage in E-Sol 5 and Adsol additive solutions: paired comparison using mixed and non-mixed study designs.

PubMed

Radwanski, K; Thill, M; Min, K

2014-05-01

If transfusion of older stored red cells is found to negatively affect clinical outcome, one possible alternative to shortened outdate is the use of new additive solutions (AS) that ameliorate the storage lesion. Erythro-Sol (E-Sol), a previously developed next-generation AS, has been reformulated into E-Sol 5, which is compatible with current anticoagulants and AS volumes. The effect of E-Sol 5 on red cells during storage compared to current AS has not been reported. Paired, ABO-matched whole-blood units were collected into CPD anticoagulant, pooled, split and processed into plasma and red cell units with either 110 ml of Adsol or 105 ml of E-Sol 5 within 8 h of collection. In Study 1, paired units in E-Sol 5 and Adsol were sampled on Day 0 and every 7 days up to Day 42 (n = 10). In Study 2, paired units in E-Sol 5 and Adsol were sampled only on Day 0 and Day 42 (n = 10). In Study 1, 2,3 DPG levels were maintained until Day 28 in E-Sol 5 units and Day 14 in Adsol units. ATP levels were higher in E-Sol 5 units until Day 21, after which they were comparable between the two groups. In both studies, metabolic activity was greater in E-Sol 5 units with respect to glucose consumption and lactate production. Morphology scores were higher, and haemolysis and microparticles generated were lower in E-Sol 5 vs. Adsol units. Weekly mixing of units lowered haemolysis and microparticle levels and increased potassium content on Day 42 in both additive solutions. Regardless of whether units are mixed weekly or are stored non-mixed, E-Sol 5 slows the progression of the red cell storage lesion and improves the overall in vitro quality of RBC throughout storage. © 2013 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Monitoring compliance with transfusion guidelines in hospital departments by electronic data capture

PubMed Central

Norgaard, Astrid; de Lichtenberg, Trine Honnens; Nielsen, Jens; Johansson, Pär I.

2014-01-01

Background The practice of transfusing red blood cells is still liberal in some centres suggesting a lack of compliance with guidelines recommending transfusion of red blood cells at haemoglobin levels of 6–8 g/dL in the non-bleeding patient. Few databases provide ongoing feedback of data on pre-transfusion haemoglobin levels at the departmental level. In a tertiary care hospital, no such data were produced before this study. Our aim was to establish a Patient Blood Management database based on electronic data capture in order to monitor compliance with transfusion guidelines at departmental and hospital levels. Materials and methods Hospital data on admissions, diagnoses and surgical procedures were used to define the populations of patients. Data on haemoglobin measurements and red blood cell transfusions were used to calculate pre-transfusion haemoglobin, percentage of transfused patients and transfusion volumes. Results The model dataset include 33,587 admissions, of which 10% had received at least one unit of red blood cells. Haemoglobin measurements preceded 96.7% of the units transfused. The median pre-transfusion haemoglobin was 8.9 g/dL (interquartile range 8.2–9.7) at the hospital level. In only 6.5% of the cases, transfusion was initiated at 7.3 g/dL or lower as recommended by the Danish national transfusion guideline. In 27% of the cases, transfusion was initiated when the haemoglobin level was 9.3 g/dL or higher, which is not recommended. A median of two units was transfused per transfusion episode and per hospital admission. Transfusion practice was more liberal in surgical and intensive care units than in medical departments. Discussion We described pre-transfusion haemoglobin levels, transfusion rates and volumes at hospital and departmental levels, and in surgical subpopulations. Initial data revealed an extensive liberal practice and low compliance with national transfusion guidelines, and identified wards in need of intervention. PMID:24960656

Fuel-Cell-Powered Vehicle with Hybrid Power Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2010-01-01

Figure 1 depicts a hybrid electric utility vehicle that is powered by hydrogenburning proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells operating in conjunction with a metal hydride hydrogen-storage unit. Unlike conventional hybrid electric vehicles, this vehicle utilizes ultracapacitors, rather than batteries, for storing electric energy. This vehicle is a product of continuing efforts to develop the technological discipline known as hybrid power management (HPM), which is oriented toward integration of diverse electric energy-generating, energy-storing, and energy- consuming devices in optimal configurations. Instances of HPM were reported in five prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, though not explicitly labeled as HPM in the first three articles: "Ultracapacitors Store Energy in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle" (LEW-16876), Vol. 24, No. 4 (April 2000), page 63; "Photovoltaic Power Station With Ultracapacitors for Storage" (LEW- 17177), Vol. 27, No. 8 (August 2003), page 38; "Flasher Powered by Photovoltaic Cells and Ultracapacitors" (LEW-17246), Vol. 27, No. 10 (October 2003), page 37; "Hybrid Power Management" (LEW-17520), Vol. 29, No. 12 (December 2005), page 35; and "Ultracapacitor-Powered Cordless Drill" (LEW-18116-1), Vol. 31, No. 8 (August 2007), page 34. To recapitulate from the cited prior articles: The use of ultracapacitors as energy- storage devices lies at the heart of HPM. An ultracapacitor is an electrochemical energy-storage device, but unlike in a conventional rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery, chemical reactions do not take place during operation. Instead, energy is stored electrostatically at an electrode/electrolyte interface. The capacitance per unit volume of an ultracapacitor is much greater than that of a conventional capacitor because its electrodes have much greater surface area per unit volume and the separation between the electrodes is much smaller.

Gas Exchange of Algae

PubMed Central

Ammann, Elizabeth C. B.; Lynch, Victoria H.

1967-01-01

The oxygen production of a photosynthetic gas exchanger containing Chlorella pyrenoidosa (1% packed cell volume) was measured when various concentrations of carbon dioxide were present within the culture unit. The internal carbon dioxide concentrations were obtained by manipulating the entrance gas concentration and the flow rate. Carbon dioxide percentages were monitored by means of electrodes placed directly in the nutrient medium. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the nutrient medium which produced maximal photosynthesis was in the range of 1.5 to 2.5% by volume. Results were unaffected by either the level of carbon dioxide in the entrance gas or the rate of gas flow. Entrance gases containing 2% carbon dioxide flowing at 320 ml/min, 3% carbon dioxide at 135 ml/min, and 4% carbon dioxide at 55 ml/min yielded optimal carbon dioxide concentrations in the particular unit studied. By using carbon dioxide electrodes implanted directly in the gas exchanger to optimize the carbon dioxide concentration throughout the culture medium, it should be possible to design more efficient large-scale units. PMID:4382391

Development of Parametric Mass and Volume Models for an Aerospace SOFC/Gas Turbine Hybrid System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tornabene, Robert; Wang, Xiao-yen; Steffen, Christopher J., Jr.; Freeh, Joshua E.

2005-01-01

In aerospace power systems, mass and volume are key considerations to produce a viable design. The utilization of fuel cells is being studied for a commercial aircraft electrical power unit. Based on preliminary analyses, a SOFC/gas turbine system may be a potential solution. This paper describes the parametric mass and volume models that are used to assess an aerospace hybrid system design. The design tool utilizes input from the thermodynamic system model and produces component sizing, performance, and mass estimates. The software is designed such that the thermodynamic model is linked to the mass and volume model to provide immediate feedback during the design process. It allows for automating an optimization process that accounts for mass and volume in its figure of merit. Each component in the system is modeled with a combination of theoretical and empirical approaches. A description of the assumptions and design analyses is presented.

Effect of water stress on cotton leaves : I. An electron microscopic stereological study of the palisade cells.

PubMed

Berlin, J; Quisenberry, J E; Bailey, F; Woodworth, M; McMichael, B L

1982-07-01

Palisade cells from fully expanded leaves from irrigated and nonirrigated, field grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Paymaster 266) were subjected to a microscopic examination to evaluate the effect of water stress on subcellular structures. The water potential difference between the two treatments was 13 bars at the time of sampling. The dimensions of the palisade cells and their density per unit leaf area were determined by light microscopy. Palisade cells from stressed plants had the same diameter, but were taller than their counterparts in irrigated plants. The density of the palisade cells was the same in both treatments as was the fractional volume of the intercellular space. It was concluded that the reduced leaf area observed in the stressed plants resulted primarily from a mitotic sensitivity to water stress. Further, expansion of palisade cells was not inhibited by the stress imposed in this study.Morphometric analysis of electron micrographs was used to evaluate the subcellular structure of palisade cells from nonstressed and stressed plants. The fractional volumes of cell walls, total cytoplasm, chloroplasts, starch granules, intrachloroplast bodies, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and central vacuoles were determined. The surface densities of grana and stroma lamellae, outer chloroplast membranes, mitochondrial cristae, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi cisternae were also measured. The number of chloroplasts, mitochondria, and peroxisomes were determined. These data were expressed as actual volumes, areas, and numbers per palisade cell for each treatment. Palisade cells from stressed plants had thinner cell walls, larger central vacuoles and approximately the same amount of cytoplasm compared to cells from nonstressed plants. Within the cytoplasm, stressed plants had more but smaller chloroplasts with increased grana and stroma lamellae surfaces, larger mithchondria with reduced cristae surfaces, smaller peroxisomes and reduced membrane surfaces of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi cisternae.

Towards Cryogenic Liquid-Vapor Energy Storage Units for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afonso, Josiana Prado

With the development of mechanical coolers and very sensitive cryogenic sensors, it could be interesting to use Energy Storage Units (ESU) and turn off the cryocooler to operate in a free micro vibration environment. An ESU would also avoid cryogenic systems oversized to attenuate temperature fluctuations due to thermal load variations which is useful particularly for space applications. In both cases, the temperature drift must remain limited to keep good detector performances. In this thesis, ESUs based on the high latent heat associated to liquid-vapor phase change to store energy have been studied. To limit temperature drifts while keeping small size cell at low temperature, a potential solution consists in splitting the ESU in two volumes: a low temperature cell coupled to a cryocooler cold finger through a thermal heat switch and an expansion volume at room temperature to reduce the temperature increase occurring during liquid evaporation. To obtain a vanishing temperature drift, a new improvement has been tested using two-phase nitrogen: a controlled valve was inserted between the two volumes in order to control the cold cell pressure. In addition, a porous material was used inside the cell to turn the ESU gravity independent and suitable for space applications. In this case, experiments reveal not fully understood results concerning both energy storage and liquid-wall temperature difference. To capture the thermal influence of the porous media, a dedicated cell with poorly conductive lateral wall was built and operated with two-phase helium. After its characterization outside the saturation conditions (conduction, convection), experiments were performed, with and without porous media, heating at the top or the bottom of the cell with various heat fluxes and for different saturation temperatures. In parallel, a model describing the thermal response for a cell containing liquid and vapor with a porous medium heated at the top ("against gravity") was developed. The experimental data were then used as a benchmark for this model based on a balance of three forces: capillarity force, gravity force and pressure drop induced by the liquid flow.

Computationally designed lattices with tuned properties for tissue engineering using 3D printing

PubMed Central

Gonella, Veronica C.; Engensperger, Max; Ferguson, Stephen J.; Shea, Kristina

2017-01-01

Tissue scaffolds provide structural support while facilitating tissue growth, but are challenging to design due to diverse property trade-offs. Here, a computational approach was developed for modeling scaffolds with lattice structures of eight different topologies and assessing properties relevant to bone tissue engineering applications. Evaluated properties include porosity, pore size, surface-volume ratio, elastic modulus, shear modulus, and permeability. Lattice topologies were generated by patterning beam-based unit cells, with design parameters for beam diameter and unit cell length. Finite element simulations were conducted for each topology and quantified how elastic modulus and shear modulus scale with porosity, and how permeability scales with porosity cubed over surface-volume ratio squared. Lattices were compared with controlled properties related to porosity and pore size. Relative comparisons suggest that lattice topology leads to specializations in achievable properties. For instance, Cube topologies tend to have high elastic and low shear moduli while Octet topologies have high shear moduli and surface-volume ratios but low permeability. The developed method was utilized to analyze property trade-offs as beam diameter was altered for a given topology, and used to prototype a 3D printed lattice embedded in an interbody cage for spinal fusion treatments. Findings provide a basis for modeling and understanding relative differences among beam-based lattices designed to facilitate bone tissue growth. PMID:28797066

Computationally designed lattices with tuned properties for tissue engineering using 3D printing.

PubMed

Egan, Paul F; Gonella, Veronica C; Engensperger, Max; Ferguson, Stephen J; Shea, Kristina

2017-01-01

Tissue scaffolds provide structural support while facilitating tissue growth, but are challenging to design due to diverse property trade-offs. Here, a computational approach was developed for modeling scaffolds with lattice structures of eight different topologies and assessing properties relevant to bone tissue engineering applications. Evaluated properties include porosity, pore size, surface-volume ratio, elastic modulus, shear modulus, and permeability. Lattice topologies were generated by patterning beam-based unit cells, with design parameters for beam diameter and unit cell length. Finite element simulations were conducted for each topology and quantified how elastic modulus and shear modulus scale with porosity, and how permeability scales with porosity cubed over surface-volume ratio squared. Lattices were compared with controlled properties related to porosity and pore size. Relative comparisons suggest that lattice topology leads to specializations in achievable properties. For instance, Cube topologies tend to have high elastic and low shear moduli while Octet topologies have high shear moduli and surface-volume ratios but low permeability. The developed method was utilized to analyze property trade-offs as beam diameter was altered for a given topology, and used to prototype a 3D printed lattice embedded in an interbody cage for spinal fusion treatments. Findings provide a basis for modeling and understanding relative differences among beam-based lattices designed to facilitate bone tissue growth.

A low-temperature polymorph of m-quinquephenyl.

PubMed

Gomes, Ligia R; Howie, R Alan; Low, John Nicolson; Rodrigues, Ana S M C; Santos, Luís M N B F

2012-12-01

A low-temperature polymorph of 1,1':3',1'':3'',1''':3''',1''''-quinquephenyl (m-quinquephenyl), C(30)H(22), crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The crystal is a three-component nonmerohedral twin. A previously reported room-temperature polymorph [Rabideau, Sygula, Dhar & Fronczek (1993). Chem. Commun. pp. 1795-1797] also crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit in the space group P-1. The unit-cell volume for the low-temperature polymorph is 4120.5 (4) Å(3), almost twice that of the room-temperature polymorph which is 2102.3 (6) Å(3). The molecules in both structures adopt a U-shaped conformation with similar geometric parameters. The structural packing is similar in both compounds, with the molecules lying in layers which stack perpendicular to the longest unit-cell axis. The molecules pack alternately in the layers and in the stacked columns. In both polymorphs, the only interactions between the molecules which can stabilize the packing are very weak C-H...π interactions.

Centrifugal microfluidic platforms: advanced unit operations and applications.

PubMed

Strohmeier, O; Keller, M; Schwemmer, F; Zehnle, S; Mark, D; von Stetten, F; Zengerle, R; Paust, N

2015-10-07

Centrifugal microfluidics has evolved into a mature technology. Several major diagnostic companies either have products on the market or are currently evaluating centrifugal microfluidics for product development. The fields of application are widespread and include clinical chemistry, immunodiagnostics and protein analysis, cell handling, molecular diagnostics, as well as food, water, and soil analysis. Nevertheless, new fluidic functions and applications that expand the possibilities of centrifugal microfluidics are being introduced at a high pace. In this review, we first present an up-to-date comprehensive overview of centrifugal microfluidic unit operations. Then, we introduce the term "process chain" to review how these unit operations can be combined for the automation of laboratory workflows. Such aggregation of basic functionalities enables efficient fluidic design at a higher level of integration. Furthermore, we analyze how novel, ground-breaking unit operations may foster the integration of more complex applications. Among these are the storage of pneumatic energy to realize complex switching sequences or to pump liquids radially inward, as well as the complete pre-storage and release of reagents. In this context, centrifugal microfluidics provides major advantages over other microfluidic actuation principles: the pulse-free inertial liquid propulsion provided by centrifugal microfluidics allows for closed fluidic systems that are free of any interfaces to external pumps. Processed volumes are easily scalable from nanoliters to milliliters. Volume forces can be adjusted by rotation and thus, even for very small volumes, surface forces may easily be overcome in the centrifugal gravity field which enables the efficient separation of nanoliter volumes from channels, chambers or sensor matrixes as well as the removal of any disturbing bubbles. In summary, centrifugal microfluidics takes advantage of a comprehensive set of fluidic unit operations such as liquid transport, metering, mixing and valving. The available unit operations cover the entire range of automated liquid handling requirements and enable efficient miniaturization, parallelization, and integration of assays.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of copper amine oxidase from Escherichia coli K-12.

PubMed

Roh, J H; Suzuki, H; Kumagai, H; Yamashita, M; Azakami, H; Murooka, Y; Mikami, B

1994-05-13

Copper-containing monoamine oxidase (MAO) from Escherichia coli was overproduced in the periplasmic space by expression of the cloned gene. The purified MAO has been crystallized by means of the hanging drop technique using sodium citrate as a precipitant. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic system, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit cell dimensions of a = 136.1 A, b = 168.4 A and c = 81.6 A. The asymmetric unit contains one molecule of MAO, with a crystal volume per protein mass (Vm) of 2.88 A3/Da and a solvent content of 58% by volume. The crystals diffract X-rays to a resolution limit of at least 2.7 A and are resistant to X-ray radiation damage. They appear to be suitable for X-ray structure analysis.

Size quantization in high-temperature superconducting cuprates and a link to Einstein's diffusion law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roeser, H. P.; Bohr, A.; Haslam, D. T.; López, J. S.; Stepper, M.; Nikoghosyan, A. S.

2012-07-01

Optimum doping of high-temperature superconductors (HTSC) defines a superconducting unit volume for each HTSC. For a single-mode HTSC, e.g., a cuprate with one CuO2 plane, the volume is given by Vsc=cx2, where c is the unit cell height and x the doping distance. The experimental resistivity at Tc is connected to the structure by ρ(exp)≈c×h/(2e2). Combining this result with the classical definition of resistivity leads to an equation similar to Einstein's diffusion law x2/(2τ)=h/(2Meff)=D, where τ is the relaxation time, Meff=2me and D the diffusion constant. It has also been shown that the mean free path d=x. The Einstein-Smoluchowski diffusion relation D=μkBTc provides a connection to Tc.

Printed droplet microfluidics for on demand dispensing of picoliter droplets and cells

PubMed Central

Cole, Russell H.; Tang, Shi-Yang; Siltanen, Christian A.; Shahi, Payam; Zhang, Jesse Q.; Poust, Sean; Gartner, Zev J.; Abate, Adam R.

2017-01-01

Although the elementary unit of biology is the cell, high-throughput methods for the microscale manipulation of cells and reagents are limited. The existing options either are slow, lack single-cell specificity, or use fluid volumes out of scale with those of cells. Here we present printed droplet microfluidics, a technology to dispense picoliter droplets and cells with deterministic control. The core technology is a fluorescence-activated droplet sorter coupled to a specialized substrate that together act as a picoliter droplet and single-cell printer, enabling high-throughput generation of intricate arrays of droplets, cells, and microparticles. Printed droplet microfluidics provides a programmable and robust technology to construct arrays of defined cell and reagent combinations and to integrate multiple measurement modalities together in a single assay. PMID:28760972

Printed droplet microfluidics for on demand dispensing of picoliter droplets and cells.

PubMed

Cole, Russell H; Tang, Shi-Yang; Siltanen, Christian A; Shahi, Payam; Zhang, Jesse Q; Poust, Sean; Gartner, Zev J; Abate, Adam R

2017-08-15

Although the elementary unit of biology is the cell, high-throughput methods for the microscale manipulation of cells and reagents are limited. The existing options either are slow, lack single-cell specificity, or use fluid volumes out of scale with those of cells. Here we present printed droplet microfluidics, a technology to dispense picoliter droplets and cells with deterministic control. The core technology is a fluorescence-activated droplet sorter coupled to a specialized substrate that together act as a picoliter droplet and single-cell printer, enabling high-throughput generation of intricate arrays of droplets, cells, and microparticles. Printed droplet microfluidics provides a programmable and robust technology to construct arrays of defined cell and reagent combinations and to integrate multiple measurement modalities together in a single assay.

Printed droplet microfluidics for on demand dispensing of picoliter droplets and cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cole, Russell H.; Tang, Shi-Yang; Siltanen, Christian A.; Shahi, Payam; Zhang, Jesse Q.; Poust, Sean; Gartner, Zev J.; Abate, Adam R.

2017-08-01

Although the elementary unit of biology is the cell, high-throughput methods for the microscale manipulation of cells and reagents are limited. The existing options either are slow, lack single-cell specificity, or use fluid volumes out of scale with those of cells. Here we present printed droplet microfluidics, a technology to dispense picoliter droplets and cells with deterministic control. The core technology is a fluorescence-activated droplet sorter coupled to a specialized substrate that together act as a picoliter droplet and single-cell printer, enabling high-throughput generation of intricate arrays of droplets, cells, and microparticles. Printed droplet microfluidics provides a programmable and robust technology to construct arrays of defined cell and reagent combinations and to integrate multiple measurement modalities together in a single assay.

Effect of Water Stress on Cotton Leaves 1

PubMed Central

Berlin, Jerry; Quisenberry, J. E.; Bailey, Franklin; Woodworth, Margaret; McMichael, B. L.

1982-01-01

Palisade cells from fully expanded leaves from irrigated and nonirrigated, field grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Paymaster 266) were subjected to a microscopic examination to evaluate the effect of water stress on subcellular structures. The water potential difference between the two treatments was 13 bars at the time of sampling. The dimensions of the palisade cells and their density per unit leaf area were determined by light microscopy. Palisade cells from stressed plants had the same diameter, but were taller than their counterparts in irrigated plants. The density of the palisade cells was the same in both treatments as was the fractional volume of the intercellular space. It was concluded that the reduced leaf area observed in the stressed plants resulted primarily from a mitotic sensitivity to water stress. Further, expansion of palisade cells was not inhibited by the stress imposed in this study. Morphometric analysis of electron micrographs was used to evaluate the subcellular structure of palisade cells from nonstressed and stressed plants. The fractional volumes of cell walls, total cytoplasm, chloroplasts, starch granules, intrachloroplast bodies, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and central vacuoles were determined. The surface densities of grana and stroma lamellae, outer chloroplast membranes, mitochondrial cristae, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi cisternae were also measured. The number of chloroplasts, mitochondria, and peroxisomes were determined. These data were expressed as actual volumes, areas, and numbers per palisade cell for each treatment. Palisade cells from stressed plants had thinner cell walls, larger central vacuoles and approximately the same amount of cytoplasm compared to cells from nonstressed plants. Within the cytoplasm, stressed plants had more but smaller chloroplasts with increased grana and stroma lamellae surfaces, larger mithchondria with reduced cristae surfaces, smaller peroxisomes and reduced membrane surfaces of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi cisternae. Images Fig. 1 PMID:16662453

Development of an in silico stochastic 4D model of tumor growth with angiogenesis.

PubMed

Forster, Jake C; Douglass, Michael J J; Harriss-Phillips, Wendy M; Bezak, Eva

2017-04-01

A stochastic computer model of tumour growth with spatial and temporal components that includes tumour angiogenesis was developed. In the current work it was used to simulate head and neck tumour growth. The model also provides the foundation for a 4D cellular radiotherapy simulation tool. The model, developed in Matlab, contains cell positions randomised in 3D space without overlap. Blood vessels are represented by strings of blood vessel units which branch outwards to achieve the desired tumour relative vascular volume. Hypoxic cells have an increased cell cycle time and become quiescent at oxygen tensions less than 1 mmHg. Necrotic cells are resorbed. A hierarchy of stem cells, transit cells and differentiated cells is considered along with differentiated cell loss. Model parameters include the relative vascular volume (2-10%), blood oxygenation (20-100 mmHg), distance from vessels to the onset of necrosis (80-300 μm) and probability for stem cells to undergo symmetric division (2%). Simulations were performed to observe the effects of hypoxia on tumour growth rate for head and neck cancers. Simulations were run on a supercomputer with eligible parts running in parallel on 12 cores. Using biologically plausible model parameters for head and neck cancers, the tumour volume doubling time varied from 45 ± 5 days (n = 3) for well oxygenated tumours to 87 ± 5 days (n = 3) for severely hypoxic tumours. The main achievements of the current model were randomised cell positions and the connected vasculature structure between the cells. These developments will also be beneficial when irradiating the simulated tumours using Monte Carlo track structure methods. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Production, purification and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of adeno-associated virus serotype 1

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

Miller, Edward B.; Gurda-Whitaker, Brittney; Govindasamy, Lakshmanan

2006-12-01

Crystals of baculovirus-expressed adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) capsids have been grown in the rhombohedral space group R32 (unit-cell parameters a = 254.7 Å, α = 62.3°) and shown to diffract X-rays to at least 2.5 Å resolution. Crystals of baculovirus-expressed adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) capsids have been grown in the rhombohedral space group R32 (unit-cell parameters a = 254.7 Å, α = 62.3°) and shown to diffract X-rays to at least 2.5 Å resolution. The diffraction data were subsequently processed and reduced with an overall R{sub sym} of 12.3% and a completeness of 89.0%. Based on the unit-cellmore » volume, rotation-function and translation-function results and packing considerations, there is one virus capsid (60 viral proteins) per unit cell and there are ten viral proteins per crystallographic asymmetric unit. The AAV1 capsid shares both the twofold and threefold crystallographic symmetry operators. The AAV1 data have been initially phased using a polyalanine model (based on the crystal structure of AAV4) to 4.0 Å resolution and the structure determination and refinement is in progress using tenfold noncrystallographic symmetry electron-density averaging.« less

Cambodian Basic Course; Volume Two, Units 46-90.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suos, Someth; And Others

Volume Two of this course is comprised of units 46-90 and a Cambodian-to-English Glossary for both Volume One and Volume Two. The units are made up of dialogs, narrations, and various kinds of pattern drills. All Cambodian material is written in Cambodian script. The Glossary gives both a short English equivalent and a unit number reference for…

Band Gaps for Elastic Wave Propagation in a Periodic Composite Beam Structure Incorporating Microstructure and Surface Energy Effects

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

Zhang, G. Y.; Gao, X. -L.; Bishop, J. E.

Here, a new model for determining band gaps for elastic wave propagation in a periodic composite beam structure is developed using a non-classical Bernoulli–Euler beam model that incorporates the microstructure, surface energy and rotational inertia effects. The Bloch theorem and transfer matrix method for periodic structures are employed in the formulation. The new model reduces to the classical elasticity-based model when both the microstructure and surface energy effects are not considered. The band gaps predicted by the new model depend on the microstructure and surface elasticity of each constituent material, the unit cell size, the rotational inertia, and the volumemore » fraction. To quantitatively illustrate the effects of these factors, a parametric study is conducted. The numerical results reveal that the band gap predicted by the current non-classical model is always larger than that predicted by the classical model when the beam thickness is very small, but the difference is diminishing as the thickness becomes large. Also, it is found that the first frequency for producing the band gap and the band gap size decrease with the increase of the unit cell length according to both the current and classical models. In addition, it is observed that the effect of the rotational inertia is larger when the exciting frequency is higher and the unit cell length is smaller. Furthermore, it is seen that the volume fraction has a significant effect on the band gap size, and large band gaps can be obtained by tailoring the volume fraction and material parameters.« less

Band Gaps for Elastic Wave Propagation in a Periodic Composite Beam Structure Incorporating Microstructure and Surface Energy Effects

DOE PAGES

Zhang, G. Y.; Gao, X. -L.; Bishop, J. E.; ...

2017-11-20

Here, a new model for determining band gaps for elastic wave propagation in a periodic composite beam structure is developed using a non-classical Bernoulli–Euler beam model that incorporates the microstructure, surface energy and rotational inertia effects. The Bloch theorem and transfer matrix method for periodic structures are employed in the formulation. The new model reduces to the classical elasticity-based model when both the microstructure and surface energy effects are not considered. The band gaps predicted by the new model depend on the microstructure and surface elasticity of each constituent material, the unit cell size, the rotational inertia, and the volumemore » fraction. To quantitatively illustrate the effects of these factors, a parametric study is conducted. The numerical results reveal that the band gap predicted by the current non-classical model is always larger than that predicted by the classical model when the beam thickness is very small, but the difference is diminishing as the thickness becomes large. Also, it is found that the first frequency for producing the band gap and the band gap size decrease with the increase of the unit cell length according to both the current and classical models. In addition, it is observed that the effect of the rotational inertia is larger when the exciting frequency is higher and the unit cell length is smaller. Furthermore, it is seen that the volume fraction has a significant effect on the band gap size, and large band gaps can be obtained by tailoring the volume fraction and material parameters.« less

Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell System Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, Kenneth A.

2003-01-01

Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (URFC) have recently been developed by several fuel cell manufacturers. These manufacturers have concentrated their efforts on the development of the cell stack technology itself, and have not up to this point devoted much effort to the design and development of the balance of plant. A fuel cell technology program at the Glenn Research Center (GRC) that has as its goal the definition and feasibility testing of the URFC system balance of plant. Besides testing the feasibility, the program also intends to minimize the system weight, volume, and parasitic power as its goal. The design concept currently being developed uses no pumps to circulate coolant or reactants, and minimizes the ancillary components to only the oxygen and hydrogen gas storage tanks, a water storage tank, a loop heat pipe to control the temperature and two pressure control devices to control the cell stack pressures during operation. The information contained in this paper describes the design and operational concepts employed in this concept. The paper also describes the NASA Glenn research program to develop this concept and test its feasibility.

Severe and fatal obstetric injury claims in relation to labor unit volume.

PubMed

Milland, Maria; Mikkelsen, Kim L; Christoffersen, Jens K; Hedegaard, Morten

2015-05-01

To assess possible association between the incidence of approved claims for severe and fatal obstetric injuries and delivery volume in Denmark. A nationwide panel study of labor units. Claimants seeking financial compensation due to injuries occurring in labor units in 1995-2012. Exposure information regarding the annual number of deliveries per labor unit was retrieved from the Danish National Birth Register. Outcome information was retrieved from the Danish Patient Compensation Association. Exposure was categorized in delivery volume quintiles as annual volume per labor unit: (10-1377), (1378-2016), (2017-2801), (2802-3861), (3862-6659). Five primary measures of outcome were used. Incidence rate ratios of (A) Submitted claims, (B) Approved claims, (C) Approved severe injury claims (120% degree of disability), (D) Approved fatal injury claims, and (C+D) Combined. 1 151 734 deliveries in 51 labor units and 1872 submitted claims were included. The incidence rate ratios of approved claims overall, of approved fatal injury claims, and of approved severe and fatal injuries combined increased significantly with decreasing annual delivery volume. Face value incidence rate ratios of approved severe injuries increased with decreasing labor unit volume, but the association did not reach statistical significance. High volume labor units appear associated with fewer approved and fewer fatal injury claims compared with units with less volume. The findings support the development towards consolidation of units in Denmark. A suggested option would be to tailor obstetric patient safety initiatives according to the delivery volume of individual labor units. © 2015 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Engineering aspects and hardware verification of a volume producable solid oxide fuel cell stack design for diesel auxiliary power units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stelter, Michael; Reinert, Andreas; Mai, Björn Erik; Kuznecov, Mihail

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack module is presented that is designed for operation on diesel reformate in an auxiliary power unit (APU). The stack was designed using a top-down approach, based on a specification of an APU system that is installed on board of vehicles. The stack design is planar, modular and scalable with stamped sheet metal interconnectors. It features thin membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), such as electrolyte supported cells (ESC) and operates at elevated temperatures around 800 °C. The stack has a low pressure drop in both the anode and the cathode to facilitate a simple system layout. An overview of the technical targets met so far is given. A stack power density of 0.2 kW l -1 has been demonstrated in a fully integrated, thermally self-sustaining APU prototype running with diesel and without an external water supply.

Differential effects of insulin-like growth factor I and growth hormone on developmental stages of rat growth plate chondrocytes in vivo.

PubMed Central

Hunziker, E B; Wagner, J; Zapf, J

1994-01-01

Skeletal growth depends upon enchondral ossification in growth plate cartilage, within which chondrocytes undergo well defined stages of maturation. We infused IGF-I or growth hormone (GH), two key regulators of skeletal growth, into hypophysectomized rats and compared their effects on growth plate chondrocyte differentiation using qualitative and quantitative autoradiography, stereology, and incident light fluorescence microscopy. Stem cell cycle time was shortened from 50 to 15 and 8 d after treatment with IGF-I and GH, respectively. Proliferating cell cycle time decreased from 11 to 4.5 and 3 d, and duration of the hypertrophic phase decreased from 6 to 4 and 2.8 d. Average matrix volume per cell at each differentiation stage was similar for normal, hormone-treated, and untreated hypophysectomized groups. Mean cell volume and cell height were significantly reduced by hypophysectomy at the proliferative and hypertrophic stages, but were restored to physiological values by IGF-I and GH. In contrast, cell productivity, i.e., increases in cell volume, height, and matrix production per unit of time, did not reach normal values with either IGF-I or GH, and this parameter was inversely proportional to cell cycle time or phase duration. IGF-I and GH are thus capable of stimulating growth plate chondrocytes at all stages of differentiation, albeit to variable degrees with respect to individual cell activities. Although it is generally accepted that GH acts at both the stem and proliferating phases of chondrocyte differentiation, our data represent the first evidence in vivo that IGF-I is also capable of stimulating stem cells. Images PMID:8132746

Circulating Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Aging Atomic Bomb Survivors.

PubMed

Kyoizumi, Seishi; Kubo, Yoshiko; Misumi, Munechika; Kajimura, Junko; Yoshida, Kengo; Hayashi, Tomonori; Imai, Kazue; Ohishi, Waka; Nakachi, Kei; Young, Lauren F; Shieh, Jae-Hung; Moore, Malcolm A; van den Brink, Marcel R M; Kusunoki, Yoichiro

2016-01-01

It is not yet known whether hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are compromised in the aging population of atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors after their exposure nearly 70 years ago. To address this, we evaluated age- and radiation-related changes in different subtypes of circulating HSPCs among the CD34-positive/lineage marker-negative (CD34(+)Lin(-)) cell population in 231 Hiroshima A-bomb survivors. We enumerated functional HSPC subtypes, including: cobblestone area-forming cells; long-term culture-initiating cells; erythroid burst-forming units; granulocyte and macrophage colony-forming units; and T-cell and natural killer cell progenitors using cell culture. We obtained the count of each HSPC subtype per unit volume of blood and the proportion of each HSPC subtype in CD34(+)Lin(-) cells to represent the lineage commitment trend. Multivariate analyses, using sex, age and radiation dose as variables, showed significantly decreased counts with age in the total CD34(+)Lin(-) cell population and all HSPC subtypes. As for the proportion, only T-cell progenitors decreased significantly with age, suggesting that the commitment to the T-cell lineage in HSPCs continuously declines with age throughout the lifetime. However, neither the CD34(+)Lin(-) cell population, nor HSPC subtypes showed significant radiation-induced dose-dependent changes in counts or proportions. Moreover, the correlations of the proportions among HSPC subtypes in the survivors properly revealed the hierarchy of lineage commitments. Taken together, our findings suggest that many years after exposure to radiation and with advancing age, the number and function of HSPCs in living survivors as a whole may have recovered to normal levels.

Circulating Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Aging Atomic Bomb Survivors

PubMed Central

Kyoizumi, Seishi; Kubo, Yoshiko; Misumi, Munechika; Kajimura, Junko; Yoshida, Kengo; Hayashi, Tomonori; Imai, Kazue; Ohishi, Waka; Nakachi, Kei; Young, Lauren F.; Shieh, Jae-Hung; Moore, Malcolm A.; van den Brink, Marcel R. M.; Kusunoki, Yoichiro

2016-01-01

It is not yet known whether hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are compromised in the aging population of atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors after their exposure nearly 70 years ago. To address this, we evaluated age- and radiation-related changes in different subtypes of circulating HSPCs among the CD34-positive/lineage marker-negative (CD34+Lin− ) cell population in 231 Hiroshima A-bomb survivors. We enumerated functional HSPC subtypes, including: cobblestone area-forming cells; long-term culture-initiating cells; erythroid burst-forming units; granulocyte and macrophage colony-forming units; and T-cell and natural killer cell progenitors using cell culture. We obtained the count of each HSPC subtype per unit volume of blood and the proportion of each HSPC subtype in CD34+Lin− cells to represent the lineage commitment trend. Multivariate analyses, using sex, age and radiation dose as variables, showed significantly decreased counts with age in the total CD34+Lin− cell population and all HSPC subtypes. As for the proportion, only T-cell progenitors decreased significantly with age, suggesting that the commitment to the T-cell lineage in HSPCs continuously declines with age throughout the lifetime. However, neither the CD34+Lin− cell population, nor HSPC subtypes showed significant radiation-induced dose-dependent changes in counts or proportions. Moreover, the correlations of the proportions among HSPC subtypes in the survivors properly revealed the hierarchy of lineage commitments. Taken together, our findings suggest that many years after exposure to radiation and with advancing age, the number and function of HSPCs in living survivors as a whole may have recovered to normal levels. PMID:26720799

Aromatase mRNA in the brain of adult green anole lizards: effects of sex and season.

PubMed

Cohen, R E; Wade, J

2011-03-01

Neural testosterone metabolism, particularly the synthesis of oestradiol (E(2)) via the aromatase enzyme, is important for sexual behaviours in many vertebrates. In green anole lizards, E(2) metabolised from testosterone facilitates female receptivity and increases sexual motivation in males. Testosterone treatment increases aromatase activity in the whole brain homogenates of gonadectomised male, but not female, anoles, which is an effect limited to the breeding season (BS). To investigate the potential for local effects of this enzyme in reproductive behaviour, we used in situ hybridisation for aromatase mRNA to examine expression during the BS and nonbreeding season (NBS) in areas of the brain that control male sexual behaviours [preoptic area (POA) and amygdala (AMY)], as well as one regulating female reproductive behaviours ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). Males had a greater total number of aromatase-expressing cells in the POA than females, and the density of aromatase-expressing cells (number per unit volume) was greater in the VMH and AMY of females. This density was also higher during the BS than NBS in the POA. Expression of aromatase in the AMY appeared to be lateralised because trends were detected for the left side to have more total cells and more cells per unit volume than the right. These results suggest that, similar to other vertebrates, regional aromatisation of testosterone may be important for the control of sex-specific reproductive behaviours. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Neuroendocrinology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Plasticity in mesophyll volume fraction modulates light-acclimation in needle photosynthesis in two pines.

PubMed

Niinemets, Ulo; Lukjanova, Aljona; Turnbull, Matthew H; Sparrow, Ashley D

2007-08-01

Acclimation potential of needle photosynthetic capacity varies greatly among pine species, but the underlying chemical, anatomical and morphological controls are not entirely understood. We investigated the light-dependent variation in needle characteristics in individuals of Pinus patula Schlect. & Cham., which has 19-31-cm long pendulous needles, and individuals of P. radiata D. Don., which has shorter (8-17-cm-long) stiffer needles. Needle nitrogen and carbon contents, mesophyll and structural tissue volume fractions, needle dry mass per unit total area (M(A)) and its components, volume to total area ratio (V/A(T)) and needle density (D = M(A)/(V/A(T))), and maximum carboxylase activity of Rubisco (V(cmax)) and capacity of photosynthetic electron transport (J(max)) were investigated in relation to seasonal mean integrated irradiance (Q(int)). Increases in Q(int) from canopy bottom to top resulted in proportional increases in both needle thickness and width such that needle total to projected surface area ratio, characterizing the efficiency of light interception, was independent of Q(int). Increased light availability also led to larger M(A) and nitrogen content per unit area (N(A)). Light-dependent modifications in M(A) resulted from increases in both V/A(T) and D, whereas N(A) changed because of increases in both M(A) and mass-based nitrogen content (N(M)) (N(A) = N(M)M(A)). Overall, the volume fraction of mesophyll cells increased with increasing irradiance and V/A(T) as the fraction of hypodermis and epidermis decreased with increasing needle thickness. Increases in M(A) and N(A) resulted in enhanced J(max) and V(cmax) per unit area in both species, but mass-based photosynthetic capacity increased only in P. patula. In addition, J(max) and V(cmax) showed greater plasticity in response to light in P. patula. Species differences in mesophyll volume fraction explained most of the variation in mass-based needle photosynthetic capacity between species, demonstrating that differences in plastic adjustments in mass-based photosynthetic activities among these representative individuals were mainly associated with contrasting investments in mesophyll cells. Greater area-based photosynthetic plasticity in P. patula relative to P. radiata was associated with larger increases in M(A) and mesophyll volume fraction with increasing irradiance. These data collectively demonstrate that light-dependent increases in mass-based nitrogen contents and photosynthetic activities were associated with an increased mesophyll volume fraction in needles at higher irradiances. They also emphasize the importance of light-dependent anatomical modifications in determining needle photosynthetic capacity.

Anisotropic expansion and amorphization of Ga2O3 irradiated with 946 MeV Au ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tracy, Cameron L.; Lang, Maik; Severin, Daniel; Bender, Markus; Trautmann, Christina; Ewing, Rodney C.

2016-05-01

The structural response of β-Ga2O3 to irradiation-induced electronic excitation was investigated. A polycrystalline pellet of this material was irradiated with 946 MeV Au ions and the resulting structural modifications were characterized using in situ X-ray diffraction analysis at various ion fluences, up to 1 × 1013 cm-2. Amorphization was induced, with the accumulation of the amorphous phase following a single-impact mechanism in which each ion produces an amorphous ion track along its path. Concurrent with this phase transformation, an increase in the unit cell volume of the material was observed and quantified using Rietveld refinement. This unit cell expansion increased as a function of ion fluence before saturating at 1.8%. This effect is attributed to the generation of defects in an ion track shell region surrounding the amorphous track cores. The unit cell parameter increase was highly anisotropic, with no observed expansion in the [0 1 0] direction. This may be due to the structure of β-Ga2O3, which exhibits empty channels of connected interstitial sites oriented in this direction.

Anthropogenic contribution to the geological and geomorphological record: A case study from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, Hannah; Hamilton, Ken; Lawley, Russell; Price, Simon James

2016-01-01

Reconstruction of artificial or anthropogenic topographies, sediment thicknesses and volumes provides a mechanism for quantifying anthropogenic changes to sedimentary systems in the context of the proposed Anthropocene epoch. We present a methodology for determining the volumetric contribution of anthropogenic deposits to the geological and geomorphological record and apply it to the Great Yarmouth area of Norfolk, UK. 115 boreholes, drilled to a maximum depth of 6 m below ground level, were used to determine the thickness and distribution of seven geo-archaeological units comprising natural and anthropogenic deposits in the central Great Yarmouth area. This was supplemented by additional depth information derived from 467 existing ground investigation boreholes and published 1:50 000 scale geological maps. The top and base of each geo-archaeological unit were modelled from elevations recorded in the borehole data. Grids were produced using a natural neighbour analysis with a 25 m cell size using MapInfo 8.0 Vertical Mapper 3.1 to produce palaeotopographical surfaces. Maximum, minimum and average elevations for each geo-archaeological unit generally increase with decreasing age with the exception of the Early-Medieval palaeotopographical surface which locally occurs at higher elevations than that of the younger Late-Medieval unit. The total sediment volume for the combined Modern, Post-Medieval, Late-Medieval and Early-Medieval geo-archaeological units is 10.91 × 105 m3. The total sediment volume for the Aeolian, River Terrace and Marine geo-archaeological units combined is 65.58 × 105 m3. Anthropogenic sedimentation rates were calculated to increase from 590 m3/yr during the Early-Medieval period, 1500 m3/yr during the Post-Medieval period and 2300 m3/yr during the Modern period. It is estimated that the combined anthropogenic geo-archaeological units contribute approximately 15% of the total volume of sediments that would have been traditionally considered natural Holocene deposits in the Great Yarmouth area. The results indicate that an approach combining geological and archaeological deposit modelling can be used to quantify anthropogenic landscape impact and its associated sediment flux.

High quality cord blood banking is feasible with delayed clamping practices. The eight-year experience and current status of the national Swedish Cord Blood Bank.

PubMed

Frändberg, Sofia; Waldner, Berit; Konar, Jan; Rydberg, Lennart; Fasth, Anders; Holgersson, Jan

2016-09-01

The National Swedish Cord Blood Bank (NS-CBB) is altruistic and publicly funded. Herein we describe the status of the bank and the impact of delayed versus early clamping on cell number and volume. Cord Blood Units (CBUs) were collected at two University Hospitals in Sweden. Collected volume and nucleated cell content (TNC) were investigated in 146 consecutive Cord Blood (CB) collections sampled during the first quarter of 2012 and in 162 consecutive CB collections done in the first quarter of 2013, before and after clamping practices were changed from immediate to late (60 s) clamping. NS-CBB now holds close to 5000 units whereof 30 % are from non-Caucasian or mixed origins. Delayed clamping had no major effect on collection efficiency. The volume collected was slightly reduced (mean difference, 8.1 ml; 95 % CI, 1.3-15.0 ml; p = 0.02), while cell recovery was not (p = 0.1). The proportion of CBUs that met initial total TNC banking criteria was 60 % using a TNC threshold of 12.5 × 10(8), and 47 % using a threshold of 15 × 10(8) for the early clamping group and 52 and 37 % in the late clamping group. Following implementation of delayed clamping practices at NS-CBB; close to 40 % of the collections in the late clamping group still met the high TNC banking threshold and were eligible for banking, implicating that that cord blood banking is feasible with delayed clamping practices.

The equation of state of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4,-triazol-3-one determined via in-situ optical microscopy and interferometry measurements

DOE PAGES

Stavrou, Elissaios; Zaug, Joseph M.; Bastea, Sorin; ...

2016-04-07

Quasi-hydrostatic high-pressure equations of state (EOS) are typically determined, for crystalline solids, by measuring unit-cell volumes using x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. However, when characterizing low-symmetry materials with large unit cells, conventional XRD approaches may become problematic. To overcome this issue, we examined the utility of a "direct" approach toward determining high pressure material volume by measuring surface area and sample thickness using optical microscopy and interferometry (OMI) respectively. We have validated this experimental approach by comparing results obtained for TATB (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene) with an EOS determined from synchrotron XRD measurements; and, a good match is observed. We have measured the highmore » pressure EOS of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (α-NTO) up to 33 GPa. No high-pressure XRD EOS data have been published on α-NTO, probably due to its complex crystal structure. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that OMI is a reliable and versatile alternative for determining EOSs, especially when conventional methodologies are impractical.« less

Arsenic uptake by gypsum and calcite: Modelling and probing by neutron and X-ray scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Martínez, A.; Román-Ross, G.; Cuello, G. J.; Turrillas, X.; Charlet, L.; Johnson, M. R.; Bardelli, F.

2006-11-01

Uptaking of contaminants by solid phases is relevant to many issues in environmental science as this process can remove them from solutions and retard their transport into the hydrosphere. Here we report on two structural studies performed on As-doped gypsum (CaSO 4 2H 2O) and calcite (CaCO 3), using neutron (D20-ILL) and X-ray (ID11-ESRF) diffraction data and EXAFS (BM8-ESRF). The aim of this study is to determine whether As gets into the bulk of gypsum and calcite structures or is simply adsorbed on the surface. Different mechanisms of substitution are used as hypotheses. The combined Rietveld analysis of neutron and X-ray diffraction data shows an expansion of the unit cell volume proportional to the As concentration within the samples. DFT-based simulations confirm the increase of the unit cell volume proportional to the amount of carbonate or sulphate groups substituted. Interpolation of the experimental Rietveld data allows us to distinguish As substituted within the structure from that adsorbed on the surface of both minerals. Results obtained by EXAFS analysis from calcite samples show good agreement with the hypothesis of replacement of As into the C crystallographic site.

The equation of state of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4,-triazol-3-one determined via in-situ optical microscopy and interferometry measurements

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

Stavrou, Elissaios, E-mail: stavrou1@llnl.gov; Zaug, Joseph M., E-mail: zaug1@llnl.gov; Bastea, Sorin

2016-04-07

Quasi-hydrostatic high-pressure equations of state (EOS) are typically determined, for crystalline solids, by measuring unit-cell volumes using x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. However, when characterizing low-symmetry materials with large unit cells, conventional XRD approaches may become problematic. To overcome this issue, we examined the utility of a “direct” approach toward determining high pressure material volume by measuring surface area and sample thickness using optical microscopy and interferometry (OMI), respectively. We have validated this experimental approach by comparing results obtained for 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene TATB with an EOS determined from synchrotron XRD measurements; and, a good match is observed. We have measured the high pressure EOS of 5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4,-triazol-3-one (α-NTO) upmore » to 28 GPa. No high-pressure XRD EOS data have been published on α-NTO, probably due to its complex crystal structure. The results of this study suggest that OMI is a reliable and versatile alternative for determining EOSs, especially when conventional methodologies are impractical.« less

Crystallization and X-ray analysis of 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose synthase, the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics

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

Nango, Eriko; Kumasaka, Takashi, E-mail: tkumasak@bio.titech.ac.jp; Sato, Takao

2005-07-01

The crystallization of 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose synthase, the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics, is reported. A recombinant 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose synthase from Bacillus circulans has been crystallized at 277 K using PEG 4000 as precipitant. The diffraction pattern of the crystal extends to 2.30 Å resolution at 100 K using synchrotron radiation at the Photon Factory. The crystals are monoclinic and belong to space group P2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 80.5, b = 70.4, c = 83.0 Å, β = 117.8°. The presence of two molecules per asymmetric unit gives a crystal volume per protein weight (V{sub M})more » of 2.89 Å{sup 3} Da{sup −1} and a solvent constant of 57.4% by volume.« less

University of California, Irvine, Student Affirmative Action Five-Year Plan and Planning Process, 1984-1988. Volume II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Galligani, Dennis J.

This second volume of the University of California, Irvine (UCI), Student Affirmative Action (SAA) Five-Year Plan contains the complete student affirmative action plans as submitted by 33 academic and administrative units at UCI. The volume is organized by type of unit: academic units, academic retention units, outreach units, and student life…

The productivity limit of manufacturing blood cell therapy in scalable stirred bioreactors

PubMed Central

Bayley, Rachel; Ahmed, Forhad; Glen, Katie; McCall, Mark; Stacey, Adrian

2017-01-01

Abstract Manufacture of red blood cells (RBCs) from progenitors has been proposed as a method to reduce reliance on donors. Such a process would need to be extremely efficient for economic viability given a relatively low value product and high (2 × 1012) cell dose. Therefore, the aim of these studies was to define the productivity of an industry standard stirred‐tank bioreactor and determine engineering limitations of commercial red blood cells production. Cord blood derived CD34+ cells were cultured under erythroid differentiation conditions in a stirred micro‐bioreactor (Ambr™). Enucleated cells of 80% purity could be created under optimal physical conditions: pH 7.5, 50% oxygen, without gas‐sparging (which damaged cells) and with mechanical agitation (which directly increased enucleation). O2 consumption was low (~5 × 10–8 μg/cell.h) theoretically enabling erythroblast densities in excess of 5 × 108/ml in commercial bioreactors and sub‐10 l/unit production volumes. The bioreactor process achieved a 24% and 42% reduction in media volume and culture time, respectively, relative to unoptimized flask processing. However, media exchange limited productivity to 1 unit of erythroblasts per 500 l of media. Systematic replacement of media constituents, as well as screening for inhibitory levels of ammonia, lactate and key cytokines did not identify a reason for this limitation. We conclude that the properties of erythroblasts are such that the conventional constraints on cell manufacturing efficiency, such as mass transfer and metabolic demand, should not prevent high intensity production; furthermore, this could be achieved in industry standard equipment. However, identification and removal of an inhibitory mediator is required to enable these economies to be realized. Copyright © 2016 The Authors Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. PMID:27696710

Impact of donor- and collection-related variables on product quality in ex utero cord blood banking.

PubMed

Askari, Sabeen; Miller, John; Chrysler, Gayl; McCullough, Jeffrey

2005-02-01

Optimizing product quality is a current focus in cord blood banking. This study evaluates the role of selected donor- and collection-related variables. Retrospective review was performed of cord blood units (CBUs) collected ex utero between February 1, 2000, and February 28, 2002. Preprocessing volume and total nucleated cell (TNC) counts and postprocessing CD34 cell counts were used as product quality indicators. Of 2084 CBUs, volume determinations and TNC counts were performed on 1628 and CD34+ counts on 1124 CBUs. Mean volume and TNC and CD34+ counts were 85.2 mL, 118.9 x 10(7), and 5.2 x 10(6), respectively. In univariate analysis, placental weight of greater than 500 g and meconium in amniotic fluid correlated with better volume and TNC and CD34+ counts. Greater than 40 weeks' gestation predicted enhanced volume and TNC count. Cesarean section, two- versus one-person collection, and not greater than 5 minutes between placental delivery and collection produced superior volume. Increased TNC count was also seen in Caucasian women, primigravidae, female newborns, and collection duration of more than 5 minutes. A time between delivery of newborn and placenta of not greater than 10 minutes predicted better volume and CD34+ count. By regression analysis, collection within not greater than 5 minutes of placental delivery produced superior volume and TNC count. Donor selection and collection technique modifications may improve product quality. TNC count appears to be more affected by different variables than CD34+ count.

Allometric scaling of microbial fuel cells and stacks: The lifeform case for scale-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenman, John; Ieropoulos, Ioannis A.

2017-07-01

This case study reports for the first time on the comparison between allometric scaling of lifeforms and scale-up of microbial fuel cell entities; enlarging individual units in volume, footprint and electrode surface area but also multiplying a static size/footprint and electrode surface area to scale-up by stacking. A study published in 2010 by DeLong et al. showed for the first time that Kleiber's law does not apply uniformly to all lifeforms, and that in fact growth rate for prokaryotes is superlinear, for protists is linear and for metazoa is sublinear. The current study, which is utilising data from previous experiments, is showing for the first time that for individual MFC units, which are enlarged, growth rate/power is sublinear, whereas for stacks this is superlinear.

Effects of porosity distribution and porosity volume fraction on the electromechanical properties of 3-3 piezoelectric foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, B. V.; Challagulla, K. S.; Venkatesh, T. A.; Hadjiloizi, D. A.; Georgiades, A. V.

2016-12-01

Unit-cell based finite element models are developed to completely characterize the role of porosity distribution and porosity volume fraction in determining the elastic, dielectric and piezoelectric properties as well as relevant figures of merit of 3-3 type piezoelectric foam structures. Eight classes of foam structures which represent structures with different types and degrees of uniformity of porosity distribution are identified; a Base structure (Class I), two H-type foam structures (Classes II, and III), a Cross-type foam structure (Class IV) and four Line-type foam structures (Classes V, VI, VII, and VIII). Three geometric factors that influence the electromechanical properties are identified: (i) the number of pores per face, pore size and the distance between the pores; (ii) pore orientation with respect to poling direction; (iii) the overall symmetry of the pore distribution with respect to the center of the face of the unit cell. To assess the suitability of these structures for such applications as hydrophones, bone implants, medical imaging and diagnostic devices, five figures of merit are determined via the developed finite element model; the piezoelectric coupling constant (K t ), the acoustic impedance (Z), the piezoelectric charge coefficient (d h ), the hydrostatic voltage coefficient (g h ), and the hydrostatic figure of merit (d h g h ). At high material volume fractions, foams with non-uniform Line-type porosity (Classes V and VII) where the pores are preferentially distributed perpendicular to poling direction, are found to exhibit the best combination of desirable piezoelectric figures of merit. For example, at about 50% volume fraction, the d h , g h , and d h g h figures of merit are 55%, 1600% and 2500% higher, respectively, for Classes V and VII of Line-like foam structures compared with the Base structure.

Effectiveness of Provider Education Followed by Computerized Provider Order Entry Alerts in Reducing Inappropriate Red Blood Cell Transfusion.

PubMed

Patel, Vijay M; Rains, Anna W; Clark, Christopher T

2016-01-01

To reduce the rate of inappropriate red blood cell transfusion, a provider education program, followed by alerts in the computerized provider order entry system (CPOE), was established to encourage AABB transfusion guidelines. Metrics were established for nonemergent inpatient transfusions. Service lines with high order volume were targeted with formal education regarding AABB 2012 transfusion guidelines. Transfusion orders were reviewed in real time with email communications sent to ordering providers falling outside of AABB recommendations. After 12 months of provider education, alerts were activated in CPOE. With provider education alone, the incidence of pretransfusion hemoglobin levels greater than 8 g/dL decreased from 16.64% to 6.36%, posttransfusion hemoglobin levels greater than 10 g/dL from 14.03% to 3.78%, and number of nonemergent two-unit red blood cell orders from 45.26% to 22.66%. Red blood cell utilization decreased by 13%. No additional significant reduction in nonemergent two-unit orders was observed with CPOE alerts. Provider education, an effective and low-cost method, should be considered as a first-line method for reducing inappropriate red blood cell transfusion rates in stable adult inpatients. Alerts in the computerized order entry system did not significantly lower the percentage of two-unit red blood cells orders but may help to maintain educational efforts.

Sealed nickel cadmium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raudszus, W.; Kiehne, H. A.; Cloke, F. R.

1982-10-01

The design, manufacture, and application of maintenance-free sealed NiCd batteries are surveyed. The principles of electrochemical power supplies and the history of the development of NiCd cells are reviewed. The batteries produced by Varta Batterie AG are presented; topics discussed include design parameters, electrical and physical characteristics, performance under adverse conditions, type range, production, and quality control. Application techniques, including cell-type choice, charging units and charging circuits, and the construction of standby power supplies, are considered, with reference to national and international standards of performance and classification. No individual items are abstracted in this volume

Size- and pressure-controlled ferromagnetism in LaCoO3 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fita, I.; Markovich, V.; Mogilyansky, D.; Puzniak, R.; Wisniewski, A.; Titelman, L.; Vradman, L.; Herskowitz, M.; Varyukhin, V. N.; Gorodetsky, G.

2008-06-01

Magnetic properties of nanocrystalline LaCoO3 with particle size of 25, 30, 32, and 38 nm, prepared by the citrate method, were investigated in temperature range 2-320 K, magnetic field up to 50 kOe, and under hydrostatic pressure up to 11 kbar. All nanoparticles exhibit weak ferromagnetism below TC≈85K , in agreement with recent observation on LaCoO3 particles and tensile thin films. It was found that with decreasing particle size, i.e., with increasing the surface to volume ratio, the unit-cell volume increases monotonically due to the surface effect. The ferromagnetic moment increases as well, simultaneously with lattice expansion, whereas TC remains nearly unchanged. On the other hand, an applied hydrostatic pressure suppresses strongly the ferromagnetic phase leading to its full disappearance at 10 kbar, while the TC does not change visibly under pressure. It appears that the ferromagnetism in LaCoO3 nanoparticles is controlled by the unit-cell volume. This clear correlation suggests that the nature of ferromagnetic ground state of LaCoO3 is likely related to orbitally ordered Jahn-Teller active Co3+ ions with intermediate-spin (IS) state, which may persist in the expanded lattice at low temperatures. A robust orbital order presumed among the IS Co3+ species can explain the very stable TC observed for LaCoO3 samples prepared under different conditions: single crystal powders, nanoparticles, and thin films.

Characterization of three types of silicon solar cells for SEPS deep-space missions. Volume 2: Current voltage characteristics of Solarex textured P(+)8 to 10 mil, planar P(+)8 to 10 mil and planar P(+)2 mil cells as a function of temperature and intensity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitaker, A. F.; Little, S. A.; Wooden, V. A.

1980-01-01

Three types of high performance silicon solar cells, textured P(+)8 to 10 mil, planar P(+)8 to 10 mil and planar P(+)2 mil were evaluated for their low temperature and low intensity (LTLI) performance. Sixteen cells of each type were subjected to 11 temperatures and 9 intensities. The textured P(+)8 to 10 mil cells provided the best performance both at 1 astronomical unit and at LTLI conditions. The average efficiencies of this cell were 14.5 percent at 1 solar constant/+25 C and 18.7 percent at 0.086 solar constant/-100 C.

On strain and stress in living cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cox, Brian N.; Smith, David W.

2014-11-01

Recent theoretical simulations of amelogenesis and network formation and new, simple analyses of the basic multicellular unit (BMU) allow estimation of the order of magnitude of the strain energy density in populations of living cells in their natural environment. A similar simple calculation translates recent measurements of the force-displacement relation for contacting cells (cell-cell adhesion energy) into equivalent volume energy densities, which are formed by averaging the changes in contact energy caused by a cell's migration over the cell's volume. The rates of change of these mechanical energy densities (energy density rates) are then compared to the order of magnitude of the metabolic activity of a cell, expressed as a rate of production of metabolic energy per unit volume. The mechanical energy density rates are 4-5 orders of magnitude smaller than the metabolic energy density rate in amelogenesis or bone remodeling in the BMU, which involve modest cell migration velocities, and 2-3 orders of magnitude smaller for innervation of the gut or angiogenesis, where migration rates are among the highest for all cell types. For representative cell-cell adhesion gradients, the mechanical energy density rate is 6 orders of magnitude smaller than the metabolic energy density rate. The results call into question the validity of using simple constitutive laws to represent living cells. They also imply that cells need not migrate as inanimate objects of gradients in an energy field, but are better regarded as self-powered automata that may elect to be guided by such gradients or move otherwise. Thus Ġel=d/dt 1/2 >[(C11+C12)ɛ02+2μγ02]=(C11+C12)ɛ0ɛ˙0+2μγ0γ˙0 or Ġel=ηEɛ0ɛ˙0+η‧Eγ0γ˙0 with 1.4≤η≤3.4 and 0.7≤η‧≤0.8 for Poisson's ratio in the range 0.2≤ν≤0.4 and η=1.95 and η‧=0.75 for ν=0.3. The spatial distribution of shear strains arising within an individual cell as cells slide past one another during amelogenesis is not known in detail. However, estimates can be inferred from the known relative velocities of the cells' centers of mass. When averaged over a volume comparable to the cell size, representative values of the strain are, to order of magnitude, ɛ0≈0.1 and γ0≈0.1. The shape distortions of cells seen, for example, in Fig. 1c, imply peak strains in minor segments of a cell of magnitude unity, ɛ0≈1 and γ0≈1; these values represent the upper bound of plausible values and are included for discussion of the extremes of attainable strain energy rates.Given the strain magnitudes, the strain rates follow from the fact that a cell switches from one contacting neighbor in the adjacent row to the next in approximately 0.25 d, during which motion the strains might vary from zero to their maximum values and back again. Thus the most probable shear strain rate is inferred to be γ˙0=10-6 s-1 and the most probable tensile strain rate is inferred to be ɛ˙0≈10-6 s-1, with high bounds γ˙0=10-5 s-1 and ɛ˙0=10-5 s-1.

Compact gasoline fuel processor for passenger vehicle APU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severin, Christopher; Pischinger, Stefan; Ogrzewalla, Jürgen

Due to the increasing demand for electrical power in today's passenger vehicles, and with the requirements regarding fuel consumption and environmental sustainability tightening, a fuel cell-based auxiliary power unit (APU) becomes a promising alternative to the conventional generation of electrical energy via internal combustion engine, generator and battery. It is obvious that the on-board stored fuel has to be used for the fuel cell system, thus, gasoline or diesel has to be reformed on board. This makes the auxiliary power unit a complex integrated system of stack, air supply, fuel processor, electrics as well as heat and water management. Aside from proving the technical feasibility of such a system, the development has to address three major barriers:start-up time, costs, and size/weight of the systems. In this paper a packaging concept for an auxiliary power unit is presented. The main emphasis is placed on the fuel processor, as good packaging of this large subsystem has the strongest impact on overall size. The fuel processor system consists of an autothermal reformer in combination with water-gas shift and selective oxidation stages, based on adiabatic reactors with inter-cooling. The configuration was realized in a laboratory set-up and experimentally investigated. The results gained from this confirm a general suitability for mobile applications. A start-up time of 30 min was measured, while a potential reduction to 10 min seems feasible. An overall fuel processor efficiency of about 77% was measured. On the basis of the know-how gained by the experimental investigation of the laboratory set-up a packaging concept was developed. Using state-of-the-art catalyst and heat exchanger technology, the volumes of these components are fixed. However, the overall volume is higher mainly due to mixing zones and flow ducts, which do not contribute to the chemical or thermal function of the system. Thus, the concept developed mainly focuses on minimization of those component volumes. Therefore, the packaging utilizes rectangular catalyst bricks and integrates flow ducts into the heat exchangers. A concept is presented with a 25 l fuel processor volume including thermal isolation for a 3 kW el auxiliary power unit. The overall size of the system, i.e. including stack, air supply and auxiliaries can be estimated to 44 l.

Material Modeling of Stony Meteorites for Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, P.

2016-12-01

To assess the threat posed by an asteroid entering Earth's atmosphere, one must predict if, when, and how it fragments during entry. A comprehensive understanding of the asteroid material properties is needed to achieve this objective. At present, the meteorite material found on earth are the only objects (other than synthetic meteorites) from an entering asteroid that can be used as representative material and be tested inside a laboratory setting. Due to limited number of meteorites available for testing it is difficult to develop a material model that can be purely based on statistics from the test data. Therefore, we are developing computational models to determine the effective material properties of stony meteorites and in turn deduce the properties of asteroids. The internal structure of meteorites are very complex. They consists of several minerals that include the silica based materials such as Olivine, Pyroxene, Feldspar that are found in terrestrial rocks, as well as Fe-Ni based minerals such as Kamacite, Troilite and Taenite that are unique to meteorites. Each of these minerals have different densities and mechanical properties. In addition, the meteorites have different phases that can be summarized as chondrules, metal and matrix. The meteorites have varying degree of porosity and pre-cracked structure. In order to account for diverse petrology of the meteorites a unique methodology is developed the form of unit cell model. The unit cell is representative volume that accounts for diverse minerals, porosity, and matrix composition inside a meteorite. All the minerals and phases inside these unit cells are randomly distributed. Several hundreds of Monte-Carlo simulations are performed to generate the effective mechanical properties such as Young's Modulus and Poisson's Ratio of the unit cell. Stress-strain curves as well as strength estimates are generated based on the unit cell models. These estimates will used as material models for full scale modeling of atmospheric entry for asteroids. Terrestrial analogs such as Basalt and Gabbro are being used to validate the unit cell methodology. Structural tests are also being performed on some of the meteorites including Tamdakht and Mbole to validate the predictions from unit cell models.

Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis study of the TiH{sub 2} foaming agent

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

Mandrino, Djordje, E-mail: djordje.mandrino@imt.si; Paulin, Irena; Skapin, Sreco D.

2012-10-15

The decomposition of commercially available TiH{sub 2} was investigated while performing different thermal treatments. TiH{sub 2} powder, which is widely used as a foaming agent, was heat treated at 450 Degree-Sign C for various times, from 15 min to 120 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the surfaces at different magnifications were obtained and interpreted. A Bragg-Brentano X-ray diffractometer was used to measure the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra on all five samples. A close examination of the diffraction spectra showed that for an as-received sample and samples undergoing the longest thermal treatment (1 and 2 h) these spectra canmore » be explained as deriving from cubic TiH{sub 1.924}, while for the other two samples they can be explained as deriving from tetragonal TiH{sub 1.924}. A constant-unit-cell-volume phase transition between the cubic and tetragonal phases in TiH{sub 2-y}-type compounds had been described in the literature. The unit-cell parameters obtained from measured spectra confirm that within the measurement uncertainty the unit-cell volume is indeed constant in all five samples. Thermo-gravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements were performed on all the samples, showing that the intensity of the dehydrogenation depends on the previous treatment of the TiH{sub 2}. After the thermal analysis XRD of the samples was performed again and the material was found to exhibit a Ti-like unit cell, but slightly enlarged due to the unreleased hydrogen. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TiH{sub 2} samples were cubic or tetragonal TiH{sub 1.924} Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Onset of the hydrogen release temperature increases with the pre-treatment time. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Thermal dehydrogenation for the as-prepared TiH{sub 2} is a three-step process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer After thermal analysis 2 residual hydrogen TiH{sub x} phases, close to {alpha}Ti, appeared.« less

Adjustment of Host Cells for Accommodation of Symbiotic Bacteria: Vacuole Defunctionalization, HOPS Suppression, and TIP1g Retargeting in Medicago[C][W][OPEN

PubMed Central

Gavrin, Aleksandr; Kaiser, Brent N.; Geiger, Dietmar; Tyerman, Stephen D.; Wen, Zhengyu; Bisseling, Ton; Fedorova, Elena E.

2014-01-01

In legume–rhizobia symbioses, the bacteria in infected cells are enclosed in a plant membrane, forming organelle-like compartments called symbiosomes. Symbiosomes remain as individual units and avoid fusion with lytic vacuoles of host cells. We observed changes in the vacuole volume of infected cells and thus hypothesized that microsymbionts may cause modifications in vacuole formation or function. To examine this, we quantified the volumes and surface areas of plant cells, vacuoles, and symbiosomes in root nodules of Medicago truncatula and analyzed the expression and localization of VPS11 and VPS39, members of the HOPS vacuole-tethering complex. During the maturation of symbiosomes to become N2-fixing organelles, a developmental switch occurs and changes in vacuole features are induced. For example, we found that expression of VPS11 and VPS39 in infected cells is suppressed and host cell vacuoles contract, permitting the expansion of symbiosomes. Trafficking of tonoplast-targeted proteins in infected symbiotic cells is also altered, as shown by retargeting of the aquaporin TIP1g from the tonoplast membrane to the symbiosome membrane. This retargeting appears to be essential for the maturation of symbiosomes. We propose that these alterations in the function of the vacuole are key events in the adaptation of the plant cell to host intracellular symbiotic bacteria. PMID:25217511

Splitting blood and blood product packaging reduces donor exposure for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

PubMed

Nuszkowski, M M; Jonas, R A; Zurakowski, D; Deutsch, N

2015-11-01

Cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heart surgery requires packed red cells (PRBC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to be available, both for priming of the circuit as well as to replace blood loss. This study examines the hypothesis that splitting one unit of packed red blood cells and one unit of fresh frozen plasma into two half units reduces blood product exposure and wastage in the Operating Room. Beginning August 2013, the blood bank at Children's National Medical Center began splitting one unit of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and one unit of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The 283 patients who utilized CPB during calendar year 2013 were divided into 2 study groups: before the split and after the split. The principal endpoints were blood product usage and donor exposure intra-operatively and within 72 hours post-operatively. There was a significant decrease in median total donor exposures for FFP and cryoprecipitate from 5 to 4 per case (p = 0.007, Mann-Whitney U-test). However, there was no difference in the volume of blood and blood products used; in fact, there was a significant increase in the amount of FFP that was wasted with the switch to splitting the unit of FFP. We found that modification of blood product packaging can decrease donor exposure. Future investigation is needed as to how to modify packaging to minimize wastage. © The Author(s) 2015.

Advantages and challenges of microfluidic cell culture in polydimethylsiloxane devices.

PubMed

Halldorsson, Skarphedinn; Lucumi, Edinson; Gómez-Sjöberg, Rafael; Fleming, Ronan M T

2015-01-15

Culture of cells using various microfluidic devices is becoming more common within experimental cell biology. At the same time, a technological radiation of microfluidic cell culture device designs is currently in progress. Ultimately, the utility of microfluidic cell culture will be determined by its capacity to permit new insights into cellular function. Especially insights that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain with macroscopic cell culture in traditional polystyrene dishes, flasks or well-plates. Many decades of heuristic optimization have gone into perfecting conventional cell culture devices and protocols. In comparison, even for the most commonly used microfluidic cell culture devices, such as those fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), collective understanding of the differences in cellular behavior between microfluidic and macroscopic culture is still developing. Moving in vitro culture from macroscopic culture to PDMS based devices can come with unforeseen challenges. Changes in device material, surface coating, cell number per unit surface area or per unit media volume may all affect the outcome of otherwise standard protocols. In this review, we outline some of the advantages and challenges that may accompany a transition from macroscopic to microfluidic cell culture. We focus on decisive factors that distinguish macroscopic from microfluidic cell culture to encourage a reconsideration of how macroscopic cell culture principles might apply to microfluidic cell culture. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

GEMINI-TITAN (GT)-9 - MOCKUP - ADAPTER EQUIPMENT SECTION - FUEL CELL - MSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1966-03-01

S66-22686 (March 1966) --- Mock-up of the adapter equipment section to be used on the Gemini-9 spaceflight. This section provides volume and attach points for several system modules, including Orbit Attitude Maneuver System, Environmental Control System primary oxygen supply, batteries, coolant, and electrical and electric components. This section will also hold the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit (AMU) backpack (center). Photo credit: NASA

Using Cell-ID 1.4 with R for Microscope-Based Cytometry

PubMed Central

Bush, Alan; Chernomoretz, Ariel; Yu, Richard; Gordon, Andrew

2012-01-01

This unit describes a method for quantifying various cellular features (e.g., volume, total and subcellular fluorescence localization) from sets of microscope images of individual cells. It includes procedures for tracking cells over time. One purposefully defocused transmission image (sometimes referred to as bright-field or BF) is acquired to segment the image and locate each cell. Fluorescent images (one for each of the color channels to be analyzed) are then acquired by conventional wide-field epifluorescence or confocal microscopy. This method uses the image processing capabilities of Cell-ID (Gordon et al., 2007, as updated here) and data analysis by the statistical programming framework R (R-Development-Team, 2008), which we have supplemented with a package of routines for analyzing Cell-ID output. Both Cell-ID and the analysis package are open-source. PMID:23026908

The effect of latent adenovirus 5 infection on cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation.

PubMed

Vitalis, T Z; Kern, I; Croome, A; Behzad, H; Hayashi, S; Hogg, J C

1998-03-01

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that latent adenovirus (Ad) 5 infection increases the lung inflammation that follows a single acute exposure to cigarette smoke. A recently developed model of latent adenoviral infection in guinea-pigs was used. Twelve animals were infected with Ad5 (10(8) plaque-forming units) and 12 animals were sham-infected. Thirty five days later six Ad5-infected and six sham-infected animals were exposed to the smoke from five cigarettes. The remaining animals were used as controls for both infection and smoking. As markers of inflammation, the volume fraction of macrophages, T-lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were measured by quantitative histology. We found that latent Ad5-infection alone, doubled the number of macrophages in the lung parenchyma and that smoking alone, doubled the volume fraction of neutrophils in the airway wall and the volume fraction of macrophages in the lung parenchyma. Neither viral infection nor smoking, alone, had an effect on T-lymphocytes or eosinophils. However, the combination of viral infection and smoking doubled the T-lymphocyte helper cells and quadrupled the volume fraction of macrophages in the lung parenchyma. We conclude that in guinea-pigs, latent adenovirus 5 infection increases the inflammation that follows a single acute exposure to cigarette smoke, by increasing the volume fraction of macrophages and T-lymphocyte helper cells.

The use of a computerized algorithm to determine single cardiac cell volumes.

PubMed

Marino, T A; Cook, L; Cook, P N; Dwyer, S J

1981-04-01

Single cardiac muscles cell volume data have been difficult to obtain, especially because the shape of a cell is quite complex. With the aid of a surface reconstruction method, a cell volume estimation algorithm has been developed that can be used on serial of cells. The cell surface is reconstructed by means of triangular tiles so that the cell is represented as a polyhedron. When this algorithm was tested on computer generated surfaces of a known volume, the difference was less than 1.6%. Serial sections of two phantoms of a known volume were also reconstructed and a comparison of the mathematically derived volumes and the computed volume estimations gave a per cent difference of between 2.8% and 4.1%. Finally cell volumes derived using conventional methods and volumes calculated using the algorithm were compared. The mean atrial muscle cell volume derived using conventional methods was 7752.7 +/- 644.7 micrometers3, while the mean computerized algorithm estimated atrial muscle cell volume was 7110.6 +/- 625.5 micrometers3. For AV bundle cells the mean cell volume obtained by conventional methods was 484.4 +/- 88.8 micrometers3 and the volume derived from the computer algorithm was 506.0 +/- 78.5 micrometers3. The differences between the volumes calculated using conventional methods and the algorithm were not significantly different.

Fuel cells for transport: can the promise be fulfilled? Technical requirements and demands from customers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klaiber, Thomas

The paper discusses the technical requirements and the customer demands for vehicles that have an on-board methanol reformer and fuel cells. The research concentrates on the technical developmental risks which include minimizing volume, reducing weight and, at the same time, improving efficiency and system dynamics. Fuel cell powered vehicles with methanol reformers are not only suitable for a niche market but also these vehicles will compete with conventional vehicles. The greatest hindrance will be the price of the fuel cell. A possible progressive development of the number of fuel cell powered vehicles in conjunction with a reduction in costs will be discussed in the paper. When fuel cell vehicles come to the market it is necessary that an infrastructure for the fuel methanol or hydrogen is installed. Therefore, it will only be possible to introduce fuel cell vehicles into special markets, e.g. California. Such a process will need to be subsidized by additional incentives like tax concessions. Today there are many technical risks and unsolved problems relating to production technologies, infrastructure, and costs. Nevertheless, among the alternative power units, the fuel cell seems to be the only one that might be competitive to the conventional power unit, especially relating to emissions.

Low usage rate of banked sibling cord blood units in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children with hematological malignancies: implications for directed cord blood banking policies.

PubMed

Goussetis, Evgenios; Peristeri, Ioulia; Kitra, Vasiliki; Papassavas, Andreas C; Theodosaki, Maria; Petrakou, Eftichia; Spiropoulos, Antonia; Paisiou, Anna; Soldatou, Alexandra; Stavropoulos-Giokas, Catherine; Graphakos, Stelios

2011-02-15

Directed sibling cord blood banking is indicated in women delivering healthy babies who already have a sibling with a disease that is potentially treatable with an allogeneic cord blood transplant. We evaluated the effectiveness of a national directed cord blood banking program in sibling HLA-identical stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies and the factors influencing the usage rate of the stored cord blood units. Fifty families were enrolled from which, 48 cord blood units were successfully collected and 2 collections failed due to damaged cord/placenta at delivery. Among enrolled families 4 children needed transplantation; however, only one was successfully transplanted using the collected cord blood unit containing 2×10(7) nucleated cells/kg in conjunction with a small volume of bone marrow from the same HLA-identical donor. Two children received grafts from matched unrelated donors because their sibling cord blood was HLA-haploidentical, while the fourth one received bone marrow from his HLA-identical brother, since cord blood could not be collected due to damaged cord/placenta at delivery. With a median follow-up of 6 years (range, 2-12) for the 9 remaining HLA-matched cord blood units, none from the prospective recipients needed transplantation. The low utilization rate of sibling cord blood in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric hematological malignant diseases necessitates the development of directed cord blood banking programs that limit long-term storage for banked cord blood units with low probability of usage such as non-HLA-identical or identical to patients who are in long-term complete remission. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cell volume change through water efflux impacts cell stiffness and stem cell fate

PubMed Central

Pegoraro, Adrian F.; Mao, Angelo; Zhou, Enhua H.; Arany, Praveen R.; Han, Yulong; Burnette, Dylan T.; Jensen, Mikkel H.; Kasza, Karen E.; Moore, Jeffrey R.; Mackintosh, Frederick C.; Fredberg, Jeffrey J.; Mooney, David J.; Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer; Weitz, David A.

2017-01-01

Cells alter their mechanical properties in response to their local microenvironment; this plays a role in determining cell function and can even influence stem cell fate. Here, we identify a robust and unified relationship between cell stiffness and cell volume. As a cell spreads on a substrate, its volume decreases, while its stiffness concomitantly increases. We find that both cortical and cytoplasmic cell stiffness scale with volume for numerous perturbations, including varying substrate stiffness, cell spread area, and external osmotic pressure. The reduction of cell volume is a result of water efflux, which leads to a corresponding increase in intracellular molecular crowding. Furthermore, we find that changes in cell volume, and hence stiffness, alter stem-cell differentiation, regardless of the method by which these are induced. These observations reveal a surprising, previously unidentified relationship between cell stiffness and cell volume that strongly influences cell biology. PMID:28973866

Preparation and in vitro function of granulocyte concentrates for transfusion to neonates using the IBM 2991 blood processor.

PubMed

Goldfinger, D; Medici, M A; Hsi, R; McPherson, J; Connelly, M

1983-01-01

Clinical studies have suggested that granulocyte transfusions may be of value in the treatment of septic neonatal patients who present with severe granulocytopenia. We have developed a protocol for the preparation of granulocyte concentrates from freshly collected units of whole blood, using an automated blood cell processor. The red cells were washed with saline. Then, the buffy coats were collected from the washed red cells and studied for their suitability as granulocyte concentrates for neonatal transfusion. The mean number of granulocytes per concentrate was 1.6 X 10(9) in a mean volume of 25 ml. Studies of granulocyte function, including viability, random mobility, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction, demonstrated that the granulocytes were functionally unimpaired following preparation of the concentrates. These studies suggest that concentrates of functional granulocytes, suitable for transfusion to neonatal patients, can be prepared from fresh units of whole blood, using a cell processor. This procedure is more cost-effective than leukapheresis and allows for delivery of granulocytes for transfusion in a more timely fashion.

Application of London-type dispersion corrections to the solid-state density functional theory simulation of the terahertz spectra of crystalline pharmaceuticals.

PubMed

King, Matthew D; Buchanan, William D; Korter, Timothy M

2011-03-14

The effects of applying an empirical dispersion correction to solid-state density functional theory methods were evaluated in the simulation of the crystal structure and low-frequency (10 to 90 cm(-1)) terahertz spectrum of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen. The naproxen molecular crystal is bound largely by weak London force interactions, as well as by more prominent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, and thus serves as a good model for the assessment of the pair-wise dispersion correction term in systems influenced by intermolecular interactions of various strengths. Modifications to the dispersion parameters were tested in both fully optimized unit cell dimensions and those determined by X-ray crystallography, with subsequent simulations of the THz spectrum being performed. Use of the unmodified PBE density functional leads to an unrealistic expansion of the unit cell volume and the poor representation of the THz spectrum. Inclusion of a modified dispersion correction enabled a high-quality simulation of the THz spectrum and crystal structure of naproxen to be achieved without the need for artificially constraining the unit cell dimensions.

On mechanics and material length scales of failure in heterogeneous interfaces using a finite strain high performance solver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosby, Matthew; Matouš, Karel

2015-12-01

Three-dimensional simulations capable of resolving the large range of spatial scales, from the failure-zone thickness up to the size of the representative unit cell, in damage mechanics problems of particle reinforced adhesives are presented. We show that resolving this wide range of scales in complex three-dimensional heterogeneous morphologies is essential in order to apprehend fracture characteristics, such as strength, fracture toughness and shape of the softening profile. Moreover, we show that computations that resolve essential physical length scales capture the particle size-effect in fracture toughness, for example. In the vein of image-based computational materials science, we construct statistically optimal unit cells containing hundreds to thousands of particles. We show that these statistically representative unit cells are capable of capturing the first- and second-order probability functions of a given data-source with better accuracy than traditional inclusion packing techniques. In order to accomplish these large computations, we use a parallel multiscale cohesive formulation and extend it to finite strains including damage mechanics. The high-performance parallel computational framework is executed on up to 1024 processing cores. A mesh convergence and a representative unit cell study are performed. Quantifying the complex damage patterns in simulations consisting of tens of millions of computational cells and millions of highly nonlinear equations requires data-mining the parallel simulations, and we propose two damage metrics to quantify the damage patterns. A detailed study of volume fraction and filler size on the macroscopic traction-separation response of heterogeneous adhesives is presented.

Numeric and volumetric changes in Leydig cells during aging of rats.

PubMed

Neves, Bruno Vinicius Duarte; Lorenzini, Fernando; Veronez, Djanira; Miranda, Eduardo Pereira de; Neves, Gabriela Duarte; Fraga, Rogério de

2017-10-01

To analyze the effects of aging in rats on the nuclear volume, cytoplasmic volume, and total volume of Leydig cells, as well as their number. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into six subgroups of 12 rats, which underwent right orchiectomy at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. The weight and volume of the resected testicles were assessed. A stereological study of Leydig cells was conducted, which included measurements of cell number and nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes. The weight and volume of the resected testicles showed reductions with age. Only the subgroup composed of 24-month old rats showed a decrease in the nuclear volume of Leydig cells. Significant reductions in the cytoplasmic volume and total volume of Leydig cells were observed in 18- and 24-month old rats. The number of Leydig cells did not vary significantly with age. Aging in rats resulted in reduction of the nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes of Leydig cells. There was no change in the total number of these cells during aging.

A new strategy for umbilical cord blood collection developed at the first Colombian public cord blood bank increases total nucleated cell content.

PubMed

Vanegas, Diana; Triviño, Lady; Galindo, Cristian; Franco, Leidy; Salguero, Gustavo; Camacho, Bernardo; Perdomo-Arciniegas, Ana-María

2017-09-01

The total nucleated cell dosage of umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important factor in determining successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after a minimum human leukocyte antigen donor-recipient match. The northern South American population is in need of a new-generation cord blood bank that cryopreserves only units with high total nucleated cell content, thereby increasing the likelihood of use. Colombia set up a public cord blood bank in 2014; and, as a result of its research for improving high total nucleated cell content, a new strategy for UCB collection was developed. Data from 2933 collected and 759 cryopreserved cord blood units between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed. The correlation of donor and collection variables with cellularity was evaluated. Moreover, blood volume, cell content, CD34+ count, clonogenic capacity, and microbial contamination were assessed comparing the new method, which combines in utero and ex utero techniques, with the conventional strategies. Multivariate analysis confirmed a correlation between neonatal birth weight and cell content. The new collection method increased total nucleated cell content in approximately 26% and did not alter pre-cryopreservation and post-thaw cell recovery, viability, or clonogenic ability. Furthermore, it showed a remarkably low microbial contamination rate (1.2%). The strategy for UCB collection developed at the first Colombian public cord blood bank increases total nucleated cell content and does not affect unit quality. The existence of this bank is a remarkable breakthrough for Latin-American patients in need of this kind of transplantation. © 2017 The Authors Transfusion published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of AABB.

Red blood cells metabolome changes upon treatment with different X-ray irradiation doses.

PubMed

Baroni, Fabio; Marraccini, Chiara; Merolle, Lucia; Piccagli, Vando; Lambertini, Daniele; Iori, Mauro; Fasano, Tommaso; Casali, Emanuela; Spisni, Alberto; Baricchi, Roberto; Pertinhez, Thelma A

2018-06-07

The upholding of red blood cells (RBC) quality and the removal of leukocytes are two essential issues in transfusion therapy. Leukodepletion provides optimum results, nonetheless there are cases where irradiation is recommended for some groups of hematological patients such as the ones with chronic graft-vs-host disease, congenital cellular immunodeficiency, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The European guidelines suggest irradiation doses from 25 to 50 Gray (Gγ). We evaluated the effect of different prescribed doses (15 to 50 Gγ) of X-ray irradiation on fresh leukodepleted RBCs bags using a novel protocol that provides a controlled irradiation. Biochemical assays integrated with RBCs metabolome profile, assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, were performed on RBC units supernatant, during 14 days storage. Metabolome analysis evidenced a direct correlation between concentration increase of three metabolites, glycine, glutamine and creatine, and irradiation dose. Higher doses (35 and 50 Gγ) effect on RBC mean corpuscular volume, hemolysis, and ammonia concentration are considerable after 7 and 14 days of storage. Our data show that irradiation with 50 Gγ should be avoided and we suggest that 35 Gγ should be the upper limit. Moreover, we suggest for leukodepleted RBCs units the irradiation with the prescribed dose of 15 Gγ, value at center of bag, and ranging between 13.35-15 Gγ, measured over the entire bag volume, may guarantee the same benefits of a 25 Gγ dose assuring, in addition, a better quality of RBCs.

Higher biomolecules yield in phytoplankton under copper exposure.

PubMed

Silva, Jaqueline Carmo; Echeveste, Pedro; Lombardi, Ana Teresa

2018-05-30

Copper is an important metal for industry, and its toxic threshold in natural ecosystems has increased since the industrial revolution. As an essential nutrient, it is required in minute amounts, being toxic in slightly increased concentrations, causing great biochemical transformation in microalgae. This study aimed at investigating the physiology of Scenedesmus quadricauda, a cosmopolitan species, exposed to copper concentrations including those that trigger intracellular biochemical modifications. The Cu exposure concentrations tested ranged from 0.1 to 25 µM, thus including environmentally important levels. Microalgae cultures were kept under controlled environmental conditions and monitored daily for cell density, in vivo chlorophyll a, and photosynthetic quantum yield (Φ M ). After 24 h growth, free Cu 2+ ions were determined, and after 96 h, cellular Cu concentration, total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and cell volume were determined. The results showed that both free Cu 2+ ions and cellular Cu increased with Cu increase in culture medium. Microalgae cell abundance and in vivo chlorophyll a were mostly affected at 2.5 µM Cu exposure (3.8 pg Cu cell -1 ) and above. Approximately 31% decrease of photosynthetic quantum yield was obtained at the highest Cu exposure concentration (25 µM; 25 pg Cu cell -1 ) in comparison with the control. However, at environmentally relevant copper concentrations (0.5 µM Cu; 0.4 pg Cu cell -1 ) cell volume increased in comparison with the control. Considering biomolecules accumulation per unit cell volume, the highest carbohydrates and proteins yield was obtained at 1.0 µM Cu (1.1 pg Cu cell -1 ), while for lipids higher Cu was necessary (2.5 µM Cu; 3.8 pg Cu cell -1 ). This study is a contribution to the understanding of the effects of environmentally significant copper concentrations in the physiology of S. quadricauda, as well as to biotechnological approach to increase biomolecule yield in microalgae production. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Regenerative Performance of the NASA Symmetrical Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cable, Thomas L.; Setlock, John A.; Farmer, Serene C.; Eckel, Andy J.

2009-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing both a novel cell design (BSC) and a novel ceramic fabrication technique to produce fuel cells predicted to exceed a specific power density of 1.0 kW/kg. The NASA Glenn cell design has taken a completely different approach among planar designs by removing the metal interconnect and returning to the use of a thin, doped LaCrO3 interconnect. The cell is structurally symmetrical. Both electrodes support the thin electrolyte and contain micro-channels for gas flow-- a geometry referred to as a bi-electrode supported cell or BSC. The cell characteristics have been demonstrated under both SOFC and SOE conditions. Electrolysis tests verify that this cell design operates at very high electrochemical voltage efficiencies (EVE) and high H2O conversion percentages, even at the low flow rates predicted for closed loop systems encountered in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. For UAVs the volume, weight and the efficiency are critical as they determine the size of the water tank, the solar panel size, and other system requirements. For UAVs, regenerative solid oxide fuel cell stacks (RSOFC) use solar panels during daylight to generate power for electrolysis and then operate in fuel cell mode during the night to power the UAV and electronics. Recent studies, performed by NASA for a more electric commercial aircraft, evaluated SOFCs for auxiliary power units (APUs). System studies were also conducted for regenerative RSOFC systems. One common requirement for aerospace SOFCs and RSOFCs, determined independently in each application study, was the need for high specific power density and volume density, on the order of 1.0 kW/kg and greater than 1.0 kW/L. Until recently the best reported performance for SOFCs was 0.2 kW/kg or less for stacks. NASA Glenn is working to prototype the light weight, low volume BSC design for such high specific power aerospace applications.

Impact of case volume on survival of septic shock in patients with malignancies.

PubMed

Zuber, Benjamin; Tran, Thi-Chien; Aegerter, Philippe; Grimaldi, David; Charpentier, Julien; Guidet, Bertrand; Mira, Jean-Paul; Pène, Frédéric

2012-01-01

Septic shock is a frequent and severe complication in the course of malignancies. In a large multicenter cohort of septic shock patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, we assessed the temporal trend in survival and the prognostic factors, with particular emphasis on case volume. A 12-yr multicenter retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. Cancer patients with septic shock were selected over a 12-yr period (1997-2008) from a French regional database (CUB-Réa). The following variables were extracted: demographic characteristics, type of malignancy, characteristics of infection, severity-of-illness score (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II), organ failure supports, and vital status. For each unit, a running mean annual volume of admissions was calculated for the purpose of categorization into volume tertiles. Prognostic factors were analyzed by a conditional multivariate logistic model after matching on a propensity score of being admitted to a high-volume unit and on the year of admission. None. A total of 3,437 patients were included in the study. The intensive care unit mortality rate dramatically dropped over time (from 70.4% in 1997 to 52.5% in 2008, relative decrease 25.4%, p < .001). Participating units were distributed into low-volume (< five patients per year), medium-volume (five to 12 patients per year), and high-volume (≥ 13 patients per year) tertiles. A medical cause for intensive care unit admission, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, invasive mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, fungal infections, and unknown microorganism were identified as poor prognostic factors. Case volume demonstrated a strong influence on survival, admission in a high-volume unit being associated with a marked decrease in mortality as compared to low-volume units (adjusted odds ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval [0.46-0.87], p = .002). Survival of septic shock patients with malignancies markedly increased over the recent years. Furthermore, we identified case volume as a major prognostic factor in this setting.

Medical Department, United States Army. Surgery in World War II. Neurosurgery. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1958-01-01

116 Photomicrograph showing petechial hemorrhages in cortex ------------------- 378 117 Photomicrograph showing nerve cell changes in caudate nucleus...headache unrelieved by ordinary medication or when there were signs of increasing intracranial hypertension; and (4) diagnosis of persistent fever ...hemorrhage at various points along the track of the bullet, was almost. invariably present for some days, or even for weeks, after injury. Fever was also

BRLSC: An Advanced Eulerian Code for Predicting Shaped Charges. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-12-01

of cell. sec sec sec cm 124 J 𔃽 Variable Name Location Dimension Units Definition ECK ■2(76)- -1 -f n n EMI.V »Z(8S) EMOB =Z...energy sum: (2-r Ek - ETI1 j/ETII; where E^ is total energy in cell K. If | ECK | > DMIN, execution is stopped. INPUT parameter. Mininum specific...NMXCLS 74. BBOUND 75. UN 7 5 76. ECK 77. NECYCL 78. NTPMX 79. UN 7 9 80. UVMAX 81. NTCC 82. UN S 2 83. IVARDX 84. T Sb. EM IN S6. PMIN

Synchrotron Powder X-ray Diffraction Study of the Structure and Dehydration Behavior of Sepiolite

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

Post,J.; Bish, D.; Heaney, P.

2007-01-01

Rietveld refinements using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data were used to study the crystal structure and dehydration behavior of sepiolite from Durango, Mexico. The room-temperature (RT) sepiolite structure in air compares well with previous models but reveals an additional zeolitic H{sub 2}O site. The RT structure under vacuum retained only {approx}1/8 of the zeolitic H{sub 2}O and the volume decreased by 1.3%. Real-time, temperature-resolved synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data and Rietveld refinements were used to investigate the behavior of the sepiolite structure from 300 to 925 K. Rietveld refinements revealed that most of the zeolitic H{sub 2}O is lost bymore » {approx}390 K, accompanied by a decrease in the a and c unit-cell parameters. Above {approx}600 K the sepiolite structure folds as one-half of the crystallographically bound H{sub 2}O is lost. Rietveld refinements of the 'anhydrous' sepiolite structure reveal that, in general, unit-cell parameters a and b and volume steadily decrease with increasing temperature; there is an obvious change in slope at {approx}820 K suggesting a phase transformation coinciding with the loss of the remaining bound H{sub 2}O molecule.« less

Temperature and pressure dependent thermodynamic behavior of 2H-CuInO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhamu, K. C.

2018-05-01

Density functional theory and quasi-harmonic Debye model has been used to study the thermodynamic properties of 2H-CuInO2. At the optimized structural parameters, pressure (0 to 80 GPa) dependent variation in the various thermodynamic properties, i.e. unit cell volume (V), bulk modulus (B), specific heat (Cv), Debye temperature (θD), Grüneisen parameter (γ) and thermal expansion coefficient (α) are calculated for various temperature values. The results predict that the pressure has significant effect on unit cell volume and bulk modulus while the temperature shows negligible effect on both parameters. With increasing temperature thermal expansion coefficient increase while with increasing pressure it decreases. The specific heat remains close to zero for ambient pressure and temperature values and it increases with increasing temperature. It is observed that the pressure has high impact on Debye temperature and Grüneisen parameter instead of temperature. Debye temperature and Grüneisen parameter both remains almost constant for the temperature range (0-300K) while Grüneisen parameter decrease with increasing pressure at constant temperature and Debye temperature increases rapidly with increasing pressure. An increase in Debye temperature with respect to pressure shows that the thermal vibration frequency changes rapidly.

Current issues with blood transfusions in sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Vichinsky, E P

2001-01-01

With increased recognition of the profound morbidity of sickle cell disease and with growing evidence of the efficacy of transfusion therapy in prevention and treatment of sickle cell complications, most patients now receive intermittent transfusion therapy. The purpose of this report is to review blood component therapy and Its risks for sickle cell patients. Packed red cells are the preferred blood component. Leukocyte-reduced units should be standard because of their beneficial effects in reducing alloimmunization, transfusion reactions, platelet refractoriness, and infection transmission. The use of washed, frozen, or Irradiated units is limited to specific problems. Sickle trait-positive units function normally, but because of difficulties with calculating hemoglobin S percentages and leukocyte filters, they are not routinely used. Transfusion-acquired infections have shown a marked decrease but still present a major risk. Viral hepatitis transmission is currently low, but at least 10% of adult sickle cell patients are hepatitis C positive, and they often have liver damage. Although bacterial infections are rare, they account for 16% of transfusion-related fatalities. Patients who are iron overloaded are particularly vulnerable to Yersina enterocolitica. Red cell alloimmunization is a serious problem that could potentially affect 50% of transfused patients. However, preventive phenotypic matching for common antigens can minimize alloimmunization; limited matching for at least E, C, and K has become the standard of care. Recently, more patients are being identified who have developed red cell autoantibodies, which can mask alloantibodies and occasionally are hemolytic. Careful laboratory evaluation of all cases is essential. Transfusions also may trigger sickle cell events, including pain crises, stroke, and acute pulmonary deterioration. In part, these are induced by blood viscosity and increased blood pressure. Diuretic therapy and close monitoring of transfusion volume and vital signs can minimize these events. In summary, transfusion therapy carries risks, but the routine use of leukocyte-reduced, phenotypically matched units in conjunction with close monitoring of patients can make transfusion therapy safer.

The TMI Regenerative Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cable, Thomas L.; Ruhl, Robert C.; Petrik, Michael

1996-01-01

Energy storage and production in space requires rugged, reliable hardware which minimizes weight, volume, and maintenance while maximizing power output and usable energy storage. Systems generally consist of photovoltaic solar arrays which operate (during sunlight cycles) to provide system power and regenerate fuel (hydrogen) via water electrolysis and (during dark cycles) fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity. Common configurations use two separate systems (fuel cell and electrolyzer) in conjunction with photovoltaic cells. Reliability, power to weight and power to volume ratios could be greatly improved if both power production (fuel cells) and power storage (electrolysis) functions can be integrated into a single unit. The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based design integrates fuel cell and electrolyzer functions and potentially simplifies system requirements. The integrated fuel cell/electrolyzer design also utilizes innovative gas storage concepts and operates like a rechargeable 'hydrogen-oxygen battery'. Preliminary research has been completed on improved H2/H20 electrode (SOFC anode/electrolyzer cathode) materials for regenerative fuel cells. Tests have shown improved cell performance in both fuel and electrolysis modes in reversible fuel cell tests. Regenerative fuel cell efficiencies, ratio of power out (fuel cell mode) to power in (electrolyzer mode), improved from 50 percent using conventional electrode materials to over 80 percent. The new materials will allow a single SOFC system to operate as both the electolyzer and fuel cell. Preliminary system designs have also been developed to show the technical feasibility of using the design for space applications requiring high energy storage efficiencies and high specific energy. Small space systems also have potential for dual-use, terrestrial applications.

Tbo-Filgrastim versus Filgrastim during Mobilization and Neutrophil Engraftment for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

PubMed

Elayan, Mohammed M; Horowitz, Justin G; Magraner, Jose M; Shaughnessy, Paul J; Bachier, Carlos

2015-11-01

There are limited data available supporting the use of the recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), tbo-filgrastim, rather than traditionally used filgrastim to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or to accelerate engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We sought to compare the efficacy and cost of tbo-filgrastim to filgrastim in these settings. Patients diagnosed with lymphoma or plasma cell disorders undergoing G-CSF mobilization, with or without plerixafor, were included in this retrospective analysis. The primary outcome was total collected CD34(+) cells/kg. Secondary mobilization endpoints included peripheral CD34(+) cells/μL on days 4 and 5 of mobilization, adjunctive use of plerixafor, CD34(+) cells/kg collected on day 5, number of collection days and volumes processed, number of collections reaching 5 million CD34(+) cells/kg, and percent reaching target collection goal in 1 day. Secondary engraftment endpoints included time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment, number of blood product transfusions required before engraftment, events of febrile neutropenia, and length of stay. A total of 185 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients receiving filgrastim (n = 86) collected a median of 5.56 × 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg, compared with a median of 5.85 × 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg in the tbo-filgrastim group (n = 99; P = .58). There were no statistically significant differences in all secondary endpoints with the exception of apheresis volumes processed (tbo-filgrastim, 17.0 liters versus filgrastim, 19.7 liters; P < .01) and mean platelet transfusions (tbo-filgrastim, 1.7 units versus filgrastim, 1.4 units; P = .04). In conclusion, tbo-filgrastim demonstrated similar CD34(+) yield compared with filgrastim in mobilization and post-transplantation settings, with no clinically meaningful differences in secondary efficacy and safety endpoints. Furthermore, tbo-filgrastim utilization was associated with cost savings of approximately $1406 per patient utilizing average wholesale price. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Gati, Cornelius; Oberthuer, Dominik; Yefanov, Oleksandr

To understand how molecules function in biological systems, new methods are required to obtain atomic resolution structures from biological material under physiological conditions. Intense femtosecond-duration pulses from X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) can outrun most damage processes, vastly increasing the tolerable dose before the specimen is destroyed. This in turn allows structure determination from crystals much smaller and more radiation sensitive than previously considered possible, allowing data collection from room temperature structures and avoiding structural changes due to cooling. Regardless, high-resolution structures obtained from XFEL data mostly use crystals far larger than 1 μm3 in volume, whereas the X-ray beam ismore » often attenuated to protect the detector from damage caused by intense Bragg spots. Here, we describe the 2 Å resolution structure of native nanocrystalline granulovirus occlusion bodies (OBs) that are less than 0.016 μm3 in volume using the full power of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and a dose up to 1.3 GGy per crystal. The crystalline shell of granulovirus OBs consists, on average, of about 9,000 unit cells, representing the smallest protein crystals to yield a high-resolution structure by X-ray crystallography to date. The XFEL structure shows little to no evidence of radiation damage and is more complete than a model determined using synchrotron data from recombinantly produced, much larger, cryocooled granulovirus granulin microcrystals. Furthermore, our measurements suggest that it should be possible, under ideal experimental conditions, to obtain data from protein crystals with only 100 unit cells in volume using currently available XFELs and suggest that single-molecule imaging of individual biomolecules could almost be within reach.« less

Secondary cell with orthorhombic alkali metal/manganese oxide phase active cathode material

DOEpatents

Doeff, Marca M.; Peng, Marcus Y.; Ma, Yanping; Visco, Steven J.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

1996-01-01

An alkali metal manganese oxide secondary cell is disclosed which can provide a high rate of discharge, good cycling capabilities, good stability of the cathode material, high specific energy (energy per unit of weight) and high energy density (energy per unit volume). The active material in the anode is an alkali metal and the active material in the cathode comprises an orthorhombic alkali metal manganese oxide which undergoes intercalation and deintercalation without a change in phase, resulting in a substantially linear change in voltage with change in the state of charge of the cell. The active material in the cathode is an orthorhombic structure having the formula M.sub.x Z.sub.y Mn.sub.(1-y) O.sub.2, where M is an alkali metal; Z is a metal capable of substituting for manganese in the orthorhombic structure such as iron, cobalt or titanium; x ranges from about 0.2 in the fully charged state to about 0.75 in the fully discharged state, and y ranges from 0 to 60 atomic %. Preferably, the cell is constructed with a solid electrolyte, but a liquid or gelatinous electrolyte may also be used in the cell.

A hanging drop culture method to study terminal erythroid differentiation.

PubMed

Gutiérrez, Laura; Lindeboom, Fokke; Ferreira, Rita; Drissen, Roy; Grosveld, Frank; Whyatt, David; Philipsen, Sjaak

2005-10-01

To design a culture method allowing the quantitative and qualitative analysis of terminal erythroid differentiation. Primary erythroid progenitors derived either from mouse tissues or from human umbilical cord blood were differentiated using hanging drop cultures and compared to methylcellulose cultures. Cultured cells were analyzed by FACS to assess differentiation. We describe a practical culture method by adapting the previously described hanging drop culture system to conditions allowing terminal differentiation of primary erythroid progenitors. Using minimal volumes of media and small numbers of cells, we obtained quantitative terminal erythroid differentiation within two days of culture in the case of murine cells and 4 days in the case of human cells. The established methods for ex vivo culture of primary erythroid progenitors, such as methylcellulose-based burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming unit-erythroid (CFU-E) assays, allow the detection of committed erythroid progenitors but are of limited value to study terminal erythroid differentiation. We show that the application of hanging drop cultures is a practical alternative that, in combination with clonogenic assays, enables a comprehensive assessment of the behavior of primary erythroid cells ex vivo in the context of genetic and drug-induced perturbations.

Secondary cell with orthorhombic alkali metal/manganese oxide phase active cathode material

DOEpatents

Doeff, M.M.; Peng, M.Y.; Ma, Y.; Visco, S.J.; DeJonghe, L.C.

1996-09-24

An alkali metal manganese oxide secondary cell is disclosed which can provide a high rate of discharge, good cycling capabilities, good stability of the cathode material, high specific energy (energy per unit of weight) and high energy density (energy per unit volume). The active material in the anode is an alkali metal and the active material in the cathode comprises an orthorhombic alkali metal manganese oxide which undergoes intercalation and deintercalation without a change in phase, resulting in a substantially linear change in voltage with change in the state of charge of the cell. The active material in the cathode is an orthorhombic structure having the formula M{sub x}Z{sub y}Mn{sub (1{minus}y)}O{sub 2}, where M is an alkali metal; Z is a metal capable of substituting for manganese in the orthorhombic structure such as iron, cobalt or titanium; x ranges from about 0.2 in the fully charged state to about 0.75 in the fully discharged state, and y ranges from 0 to 60 atomic %. Preferably, the cell is constructed with a solid electrolyte, but a liquid or gelatinous electrolyte may also be used in the cell. 11 figs.

Human trabecular meshwork cell volume decrease by NO-independent soluble guanylate cyclase activators YC-1 and BAY-58-2667 involves the BKCa ion channel.

PubMed

Dismuke, William M; Sharif, Najam A; Ellis, Dorette Z

2009-07-01

There is a correlation between cell volume changes and changes in the rate of aqueous humor outflow; agents that decrease trabecular meshwork (TM) cell volume increase the rate of aqueous humor outflow. This study investigated the effects of the nitric oxide (NO)-independent activators of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), YC-1, and BAY-58-2667 on TM cell volume and the signal transduction pathways and ion channel involved. Cell volume was measured with the use of calcein AM fluorescent dye, detected by confocal microscopy. Inhibitors and activators of sGC, 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), protein kinase G (PKG), and the BK(Ca) channel were used to characterize their involvement in the YC-1- and BAY-58-2667-induced regulation of TM cell volume. cGMP was assayed by an enzyme immunoassay. YC-1 (10 nM-200 microM) and BAY-58-2667 (10 nM-100 microM) each elicited a biphasic effect on TM cell volume. YC-1 (1 microM) increased TM cell volume, but higher concentrations decreased TM cell volume. Similarly, BAY-58-2667 (100 nM) increased TM cell volume, but higher concentrations decreased cell volume. The YC-1-induced cell volume decrease was mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP and abolished by the sGC inhibitor ODQ, the PKG inhibitor (RP)-8-Br-PET-cGMP-S, and the BK(Ca) channel inhibitor IBTX. The BAY-58-2667-induced cell volume decrease was mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP and was abolished by the PKG inhibitor and the BK(Ca) channel inhibitor. Unlike the YC-1 response, ODQ potentiated the BAY-58-2667-induced decreases in cell volume. These data suggest that the NO-independent decrease in TM cell volume is mediated by the sGC/cGMP/PKG pathway and involves K(+) efflux.

Use of an adaptable cell culture kit for performing lymphocyte and monocyte cell cultures in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hatton, J. P.; Lewis, M. L.; Roquefeuil, S. B.; Chaput, D.; Cazenave, J. P.; Schmitt, D. A.

1998-01-01

The results of experiments performed in recent years on board facilities such as the Space Shuttle/Spacelab have demonstrated that many cell systems, ranging from simple bacteria to mammalian cells, are sensitive to the microgravity environment, suggesting gravity affects fundamental cellular processes. However, performing well-controlled experiments aboard spacecraft offers unique challenges to the cell biologist. Although systems such as the European 'Biorack' provide generic experiment facilities including an incubator, on-board 1-g reference centrifuge, and contained area for manipulations, the experimenter must still establish a system for performing cell culture experiments that is compatible with the constraints of spaceflight. Two different cell culture kits developed by the French Space Agency, CNES, were recently used to perform a series of experiments during four flights of the 'Biorack' facility aboard the Space Shuttle. The first unit, Generic Cell Activation Kit 1 (GCAK-1), contains six separate culture units per cassette, each consisting of a culture chamber, activator chamber, filtration system (permitting separation of cells from supernatant in-flight), injection port, and supernatant collection chamber. The second unit (GCAK-2) also contains six separate culture units, including a culture, activator, and fixation chambers. Both hardware units permit relatively complex cell culture manipulations without extensive use of spacecraft resources (crew time, volume, mass, power), or the need for excessive safety measures. Possible operations include stimulation of cultures with activators, separation of cells from supernatant, fixation/lysis, manipulation of radiolabelled reagents, and medium exchange. Investigations performed aboard the Space Shuttle in six different experiments used Jurkat, purified T-cells or U937 cells, the results of which are reported separately. We report here the behaviour of Jurkat and U937 cells in the GCAK hardware in ground-based investigations simulating the conditions expected in the flight experiment. Several parameters including cell concentration, time between cell loading and activation, and storage temperature on cell survival were examined to characterise cell response and optimise the experiments to be flown aboard the Space Shuttle. Results indicate that the objectives of the experiments could be met with delays up to 5 days between cell loading into the hardware and initial in flight experiment activation, without the need for medium exchange. Experiment hardware of this kind, which is adaptable to a wide range of cell types and can be easily interfaced to different spacecraft facilities, offers the possibility for a wide range of experimenters successfully and easily to utilise future flight opportunities.

Effect of nitrogen on the seasonal course of growth and maintenance respiration in stems of Norway spruce trees.

PubMed

Stockfors, Jan; Linder, Sune

1998-03-01

To determine effects of stem nitrogen concentration ([N]) on the seasonal course of respiration, rates of stem respiration of ten control and ten irrigated-fertilized (IL), 30-year-old Norway spruce trees (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), growing in northern Sweden, were measured on seven occasions from June 1993 to April 1994. To explore sources of seasonal variation and mechanisms of fertilization effects on respiration, we separated total respiration into growth and maintenance respiration for both xylem and phloem bark. Stem respiration increased in response to the IL treatment and was positively correlated with growth rate, volume of living cells and stem nitrogen content. However, no significant effect of IL treatment or [N] in the living cells was found for respiration per unit volume of live cells. Total stem respiration during the growing season (June to September) was estimated to be 16.7 and 29.7 mol CO(2) m(-2) for control and IL-treated trees, respectively. Respiration during the growing season accounted for approximately 64% of total annual respiration. Depending on the method, estimated growth respiration varied between 40 and 60% of total respiration during the growing season. Between 75 and 80% of the live cell volume in the stems was in the phloem, and phloem maintenance accounted for about 70% of maintenance respiration. Because most of the living cells were found in the phloem, and the living xylem cells were concentrated in the outer growth rings, we concluded that the best base for expressing rates of stem growth and maintenance respiration in young Norway spruce trees is stem surface area.

Development of an ATP assay for rapid onboard testing to detect living microorganisms in ballast water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyun, Bonggil; Cha, Hyung-Gon; Lee, Nayoung; Yum, Seungshic; Baek, Seung Ho; Shin, Kyoungsoon

2018-03-01

Ballast water is a principal pathway for the introduction of pathogens and non-indigenous species to ports worldwide. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) have adopted ballast water management regulations that require, e.g., the installation of shipboard ballast water management systems (BWMS). Rapid and simple analytical methods are needed to monitor whether ballast water disinfection ensures compliance with the discharge standards. In this study laboratory and full scale land-based testing was used to investigate the suitability of an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay for quantifying living organisms (≥ 10 and < 50 μm minimum dimension) in ballast water. In laboratory experiments the ATP assay was highly sensitive, with a detection limit of < 5 cells 0.1 mL- 1. Diatom species (Chaetoceros simplex and Skeletonema costatum) had low ATP concentrations compared with dinoflagellate, Raphidophyceae, and Chrysophyceae species. This was because of differences in cell volume, as the ATP concentration increased exponentially with increasing cell volume. Using a regression model between ATP concentration and cell volume, an estimated the pass and fail ATP concentration in this study (788-98,610 pg mL- 1) was developed for the discharge of ballast water. In land-based testing the ATP assay also showed a good correlation with the presence of living natural plankton cells in control samples, but the ATP concentration (137 pg mL- 1) was much lower than the ATP guideline. The low ATP concentration in natural plankton cells may reflect a decline in their biological activity because of extended exposure to dark conditions. Although our results need further validation, the ATP assay is a suitable tool for monitoring compliance of ballast water treatment.

New approach to 'top-and-bottom' whole blood separation using the multiunit TACSI WB system: quality of blood components.

PubMed

Lotens, A; Najdovski, T; Cellier, N; Ernotte, B; Lambermont, M; Rapaille, A

2014-10-01

TACSI whole blood system is designed to combine primary and secondary processing of six whole blood bags into plasma units, buffy coat and red blood cell concentrates. The aim of this study was to investigate the specifications and in vitro storage parameters of blood components compared with standard centrifugation and separation processing. Whole blood bags, collected in CRC kits, were treated on a TACSI whole blood system. They were compared with whole blood bags collected in Composelect kits. In addition to routine quality control analyses, conservation studies were performed on red blood cell concentrates for 42 days and on plasma for 6 months. Platelets pools with five buffy coats were also created, and cellular contamination was evaluated. Red blood cell concentrates produced from TACSI whole blood met European quality requirements. For white blood cell count, one individual result exceeded 1 × 10(6) cells/unit. All plasma units fell within specifications for residual cellular contamination and storage parameters. The performances of the TACSI whole blood system allow for the preparation of low volume buffy coats with a recovery of 90% of whole blood platelets. Haemoglobin losses in TACSI BC are smaller, but this did not result in higher haemoglobin content of red cells. These BC are suitable for the production of platelet concentrates. From these in vitro data, red blood cell concentrates produced using TACSI whole blood are suitable for clinical use with a quality at least equivalent to the control group. © 2014 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Map of assessed shale gas in the United States, 2012

USGS Publications Warehouse

,; Biewick, Laura R. H.

2013-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey has compiled a map of shale-gas assessments in the United States that were completed by 2012 as part of the National Assessment of Oil and Gas Project. Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey quantitatively estimated potential volumes of undiscovered gas within shale-gas assessment units. These shale-gas assessment units are mapped, and square-mile cells are shown to represent proprietary shale-gas wells. The square-mile cells include gas-producing wells from shale intervals. In some cases, shale-gas formations contain gas in deeper parts of a basin and oil at shallower depths (for example, the Woodford Shale and the Eagle Ford Shale). Because a discussion of shale oil is beyond the scope of this report, only shale-gas assessment units and cells are shown. The map can be printed as a hardcopy map or downloaded for interactive analysis in a Geographic Information System data package using the ArcGIS map document (file extension MXD) and published map file (file extension PMF). Also available is a publications access table with hyperlinks to current U.S. Geological Survey shale gas assessment publications and web pages. Assessment results and geologic reports are available as completed at the U.S. Geological Survey Energy Resources Program Web Site, http://energy.usgs.gov/OilGas/AssessmentsData/NationalOilGasAssessment.aspx. A historical perspective of shale gas activity in the United States is documented and presented in a video clip included as a PowerPoint slideshow.

Hydrogeologic framework and estimates of ground-water volumes in Tertiary and upper Cretaceous hydrogeologic units in the Powder River basin, Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hinaman, Kurt

2005-01-01

The Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana is an important source of energy resources for the United States. Coalbed methane gas is contained in Tertiary and upper Cretaceous hydrogeologic units in the Powder River Basin. This gas is released when water pressure in coalbeds is lowered, usually by pumping ground water. Issues related to disposal and uses of by-product water from coalbed methane production have developed, in part, due to uncertainties in hydrologic properties. One hydrologic property of primary interest is the amount of water contained in Tertiary and upper Cretaceous hydrogeologic units in the Powder River Basin. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, conducted a study to describe the hydrogeologic framework and to estimate ground-water volumes in different facies of Tertiary and upper Cretaceous hydrogeologic units in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming. A geographic information system was used to compile and utilize hydrogeologic maps, to describe the hydrogeologic framework, and to estimate the volume of ground water in Tertiary and upper Cretaceous hydrogeologic units in the Powder River structural basin in Wyoming. Maps of the altitudes of potentiometric surfaces, altitudes of the tops and bottoms of hydrogeologic units, thicknesses of hydrogeologic units, percent sand of hydrogeologic units, and outcrop boundaries for the following hydrogeologic units were used: Tongue River-Wasatch aquifer, Lebo confining unit, Tullock aquifer, Upper Hell Creek confining unit, and the Fox Hills-Lower Hell Creek aquifer. Literature porosity values of 30 percent for sand and 35 percent for non-sand facies were used to calculate the volume of total ground water in each hydrogeologic unit. Literature specific yield values of 26 percent for sand and 10 percent for non-sand facies, and literature specific storage values of 0.0001 ft-1 (1/foot) for sand facies and 0.00001 ft-1 for non-sand facies, were used to calculate a second volume of ground water for each hydrogeologic unit. Significant figure considerations limited estimates of ground-water volumes to two significant digits. A total ground-water volume of 2.0x1014 ft3 (cubic feet) was calculated using porosity values, and a total ground-water volume of 3.6x1013 ft3 was calculated using specific yield and specific storage values. These results are consistent with retention properties, which would have some of the total water being retained in the sediments. Sensitivity analysis shows that the estimates of ground-water volume are most sensitive to porosity. The estimates also are sensitive to confined thickness and saturated thickness. Better spatial information for hydrogeologic units could help refine the ground-water volume estimates.

Health Occupations Education. Units of Instruction. Teacher's Guide. Volume II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Catherine

This manual is the second part of a two-volume teacher's guide to a series of instructional units for use in health occupations education programs in Texas. Covered in the 10 units included in this volume are the following topics: special procedures (administering oxygen to patients; using elastic bandages; assisting with postural drainage; and…

Effects of cell phone use on semen parameters: Results from the MARHCS cohort study in Chongqing, China.

PubMed

Zhang, Guowei; Yan, Huan; Chen, Qing; Liu, Kaijun; Ling, Xi; Sun, Lei; Zhou, Niya; Wang, Zhi; Zou, Peng; Wang, Xiaogang; Tan, Lu; Cui, Zhihong; Zhou, Ziyuan; Liu, Jinyi; Ao, Lin; Cao, Jia

2016-05-01

Epidemiological and experimental evidence for detrimental effects of cell phone use on semen quality is still equivocal. And that recruiting participants from infertility clinic not from general population may raise the possibility of a selection bias. To investigate effects of cell phone use on semen parameters in a general population,We screened and documented the cell phone use information of 794 young men from the Male Reproductive Health in Chongqing College students (MARHCS) cohort study in 2013, followed by 666 and 568 in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In the univariate regression analyses, we found that the daily duration of talking on the cell phone was significantly associated with decreased semen parameters, including sperm concentration [β coefficient=-6.32% per unit daily duration of talking on the cell phone (h); 95% confidence interval (CI), -11.94, -0.34] and total sperm count (-8.23; 95% CI, -14.38, -1.63) in 2013; semen volume (-8.37; 95% CI, -15.93, -0.13) and total sperm count (-16.59; 95% CI, -29.91, -0.73) in 2015]. Internet use via cellular networks was also associated with decreased sperm concentration and total sperm counts in 2013 and decreased semen volume in 2015. Multivariate analyses were used to adjust for the effects of potential confounders, and significant negative associations between internet use and semen parameters remained. Consistent but nonsignificant negative associations between talking on the cell phone and semen parameters persisted throughout the three study years, and the negative association was statistically significant in a mixed model that considered all three years of data on talking on the cell phone and semen quality. Our results showed that certain aspects of cell phone use may negatively affect sperm quality in men by decreasing the semen volume, sperm concentration, or sperm count, thus impairing male fertility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Febrile Convulsion among Hospitalized Children Aged Six Months to Five Years and Its Association With Haemoglobin Electrophoretic Pattern.

PubMed

Adeboye, M; Ojuawo, A; Adeniyi, A; Ibraheem, R M; Amiwero, C

2015-07-01

Febrile convulsion and sickle cell disease are common in tropical countries and both are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Worldwide, Nigeria has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the haemoglobin electrophoresis in patients with febrile convulsions. This was a hospital based, descriptive, cross-sectional study of the relationship between haemoglobin genotype and febrile convulsion at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a period of 12 months. A self-designed pretested questionnaire was administered on the subjects, and necessary examinations and investigations were conducted. Of a total of 1675 children admitted into the emergency paediatric unit during the study period, children aged 6 months-5 years that presented with febrile convulsions were 167(10%). Of this, 1,212 were aged 6 months-5 years. Thus, the age specific, hospital-based prevalence was 13.8%. The M:F was 1.1:1. Their Haemoglobin genotype distribution was AA 131(78.4%), AS 23(13.8%), AC 6(3.6%), SS 6(3.6%), and 1(0.6%) SC. The mean age of the sickle cell disease patients was higher at 46.0±13.5 months compared to 29.2±15.4 months in the non-sickle cell disease patients (p=0.005). The mean packed cell volume in subjects with sickle cell anaemia was 8.8±1.5%; the only case of haemoglobin SC had packed cell volume of 20%, while the non-sickle cell disease patients had a normal PCV. Malaria was present in 80.4% of them. Febrile convulsion remains a common cause of hospitalisation. It is uncommon in haemoglobin SS where severe anaemia is always an accompanying derangement. The packed cell volume is nearly normal in children with normal haemoglobin genotype.

Induction of a dwarf phenotype with IBH1 may enable increased production of plant-made pharmaceuticals in plant factory conditions.

PubMed

Nagatoshi, Yukari; Ikeda, Miho; Kishi, Hiroyuki; Hiratsu, Keiichiro; Muraguchi, Atsushi; Ohme-Takagi, Masaru

2016-03-01

Year-round production in a contained, environmentally controlled 'plant factory' may provide a cost-effective method to produce pharmaceuticals and other high-value products. However, cost-effective production may require substantial modification of the host plant phenotype; for example, using dwarf plants can enable the growth of more plants in a given volume by allowing more plants per shelf and enabling more shelves to be stacked vertically. We show here that the expression of the chimeric repressor for Arabidopsis AtIBH1 (P35S:AtIBH1SRDX) in transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) induces a dwarf phenotype, with reduced cell size. We estimate that, in a given volume of cultivation space, we can grow five times more AtIBH1SRDX plants than wild-type plants. Although, the AtIBH1SRDX plants also showed reduced biomass compared with wild-type plants, they produced about four times more biomass per unit of cultivation volume. To test whether the dwarf phenotype affects the production of recombinant proteins, we expressed the genes for anti-hepatitis B virus antibodies (anti-HBs) in tobacco plants and found that the production of anti-HBs per unit fresh weight did not significantly differ between wild-type and AtIBH1SRDX plants. These data indicate that P35S:AtIBH1SRDX plants produced about fourfold more antibody per unit of cultivation volume, compared with wild type. Our results indicate that AtIBH1SRDX provides a useful tool for the modification of plant phenotype for cost-effective production of high-value products by stably transformed plants in plant factory conditions. © 2015 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

48 CFR 242.1402 - Volume movements within the contiguous United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... administration office submits a volume movement report when— (1) Significant changes are made to the movement... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Volume movements within... SERVICES Traffic and Transportation Management 242.1402 Volume movements within the contiguous United...

Evidence of Time-Of-Day Pricing In the United States. Volume 2, Appendices and Case Studies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-05-01

This is the companion volume to the research report, Evidence on Time of Transit Pricing in the United States. This volume serves as an expanded appendix to the Volume 1 report, principally providing detailed case-by-case summaries on experiences wit...

High collimated coherent illumination for reconstruction of digitally calculated holograms: design and experimental realization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozov, Alexander; Dubinin, German; Dubynin, Sergey; Yanusik, Igor; Kim, Sun Il; Choi, Chil-Sung; Song, Hoon; Lee, Hong-Seok; Putilin, Andrey; Kopenkin, Sergey; Borodin, Yuriy

2017-06-01

Future commercialization of glasses-free holographic real 3D displays requires not only appropriate image quality but also slim design of backlight unit and whole display device to match market needs. While a lot of research aimed to solve computational issues of forming Computer Generated Holograms for 3D Holographic displays, less focus on development of backlight units suitable for 3D holographic display applications with form-factor of conventional 2D display systems. Thereby, we report coherent backlight unit for 3D holographic display with thickness comparable to commercially available 2D displays (cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.). Coherent backlight unit forms uniform, high-collimated and effective illumination of spatial light modulator. Realization of such backlight unit is possible due to holographic optical elements, based on volume gratings, constructing coherent collimated beam to illuminate display plane. Design, recording and measurement of 5.5 inch coherent backlight unit based on two holographic optical elements are presented in this paper.

Truck Traffic Iowa : 2010

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

Truck volumes represented on this map are Annual Average Daily Traffic Volumes between major traffic generators: i.e., Highway Junctions and Cities. : Truck volumes include 6-Tire and 3 Axle single unit trucks, buses and all multiple unit trucks.

Ion channels involved in cell volume regulation: effects on migration, proliferation, and programmed cell death in non adherent EAT cells and adherent ELA cells.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Else Kay

2011-01-01

This mini review outlines studies of cell volume regulation in two closely related mammalian cell lines: nonadherent Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EATC) and adherent Ehrlich Lettre ascites (ELA) cells. Focus is on the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) that occurs after cell swelling, the volume regulatory ion channels involved, and the mechanisms (cellular signalling pathways) that regulate these channels. Finally, I shall also briefly review current investigations in these two cell lines that focuses on how changes in cell volume can regulate cell functions such as cell migration, proliferation, and programmed cell death. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Synthesis of Mn doped ZnS nanocrystals: Crystallographic and morphological study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaikh, Azharuddin Z.; Shirsath, Narendra B.; Sonawane, Prabhakar S.

2018-05-01

The influence of doping concentration on the physical properties of ZnS nanocrystals synthesized using coprecipitation method at room temperature is reported in this paper. In particular, we have studied the structural properties of Zn1-xMnxS where (x=0.01, 0.03, 0.05) by X-ray diffraction. X-ray peak broadening analysis used to calculate the crystalline sizes, lattice parameters, number of unit cell per particle and volume of unit cell. Crystalline ZnS with a cubic structure is confirmed by XRD results. The grain size of pure and Mn doped samples were found in the range of 7nm to 9nm. All the physical parameters of cubic ZnS nanocrystals were calculated are similar with standard values. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) which revealed that the synthesized nanocrystals are well-crystalline and possessing cubic phase.

Large enhancement of superconducting transition temperature in single-element superconducting rhenium by shear strain

PubMed Central

Mito, Masaki; Matsui, Hideaki; Tsuruta, Kazuki; Yamaguchi, Tomiko; Nakamura, Kazuma; Deguchi, Hiroyuki; Shirakawa, Naoki; Adachi, Hiroki; Yamasaki, Tohru; Iwaoka, Hideaki; Ikoma, Yoshifumi; Horita, Zenji

2016-01-01

Finding a physical approach for increasing the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is a challenge in the field of material science. Shear strain effects on the superconductivity of rhenium were investigated using magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and first-principles calculations. A large shear strain reduces the grain size and simultaneously expands the unit cells, resulting in an increase in Tc. Here we show that this shear strain approach is a new method for enhancing Tc and differs from that using hydrostatic strain. The enhancement of Tc is explained by an increase in net electron–electron coupling rather than a change in the density of states near the Fermi level. The shear strain effect in rhenium could be a successful example of manipulating Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer-type Cooper pairing, in which the unit cell volumes are indeed a key parameter. PMID:27811983

A compact tritium enrichment unit for large sample volumes with automated re-filling and higher enrichment factor.

PubMed

Kumar, B; Han, L-F; Wassenaar, L I; Klaus, P M; Kainz, G G; Hillegonds, D; Brummer, D; Ahmad, M; Belachew, D L; Araguás, L; Aggarwal, P

2016-12-01

Tritium ( 3 H) in natural waters is a powerful tracer of hydrological processes, but its low concentrations require electrolytic enrichment before precise measurements can be made with a liquid scintillation counter. Here, we describe a newly developed, compact tritium enrichment unit which can be used to enrich up to 2L of a water sample. This allows a high enrichment factor (>100) for measuring low 3 H contents of <0.05TU. The TEU uses a small cell (250mL) with automated re-filling and a CO 2 bubbling technique to neutralize the high alkalinity of enriched samples. The enriched residual sample is retrieved from the cell under vacuum by cryogenic distillation at -20°C and the tritium enrichment factor for each sample is accurately determined by measuring pre- and post- enrichment 2 H concentrations with laser spectrometry. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

From random microstructures to representative volume elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeman, J.; Šejnoha, M.

2007-06-01

A unified treatment of random microstructures proposed in this contribution opens the way to efficient solutions of large-scale real world problems. The paper introduces a notion of statistically equivalent periodic unit cell (SEPUC) that replaces in a computational step the actual complex geometries on an arbitrary scale. A SEPUC is constructed such that its morphology conforms with images of real microstructures. Here, the appreciated two-point probability function and the lineal path function are employed to classify, from the statistical point of view, the geometrical arrangement of various material systems. Examples of statistically equivalent unit cells constructed for a unidirectional fibre tow, a plain weave textile composite and an irregular-coursed masonry wall are given. A specific result promoting the applicability of the SEPUC as a tool for the derivation of homogenized effective properties that are subsequently used in an independent macroscopic analysis is also presented.

Modelling the impact of retention-detention units on sewer surcharge and peak and annual runoff reduction.

PubMed

Locatelli, Luca; Gabriel, Søren; Mark, Ole; Mikkelsen, Peter Steen; Arnbjerg-Nielsen, Karsten; Taylor, Heidi; Bockhorn, Britta; Larsen, Hauge; Kjølby, Morten Just; Blicher, Anne Steensen; Binning, Philip John

2015-01-01

Stormwater management using water sensitive urban design is expected to be part of future drainage systems. This paper aims to model the combination of local retention units, such as soakaways, with subsurface detention units. Soakaways are employed to reduce (by storage and infiltration) peak and volume stormwater runoff; however, large retention volumes are required for a significant peak reduction. Peak runoff can therefore be handled by combining detention units with soakaways. This paper models the impact of retrofitting retention-detention units for an existing urbanized catchment in Denmark. The impact of retrofitting a retention-detention unit of 3.3 m³/100 m² (volume/impervious area) was simulated for a small catchment in Copenhagen using MIKE URBAN. The retention-detention unit was shown to prevent flooding from the sewer for a 10-year rainfall event. Statistical analysis of continuous simulations covering 22 years showed that annual stormwater runoff was reduced by 68-87%, and that the retention volume was on average 53% full at the beginning of rain events. The effect of different retention-detention volume combinations was simulated, and results showed that allocating 20-40% of a soakaway volume to detention would significantly increase peak runoff reduction with a small reduction in the annual runoff.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of Seneca Valley Virus-001, a new member of the Picornaviridae family

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

Venkataraman, Sangita; Reddy, Seshidhar P.; Loo, Jackie

2008-04-01

Seneca Valley Virus-001 of the Picornavirdae family was crystallized in the space group R3 and X-ray diffraction data was collected to a resolution of 2.3 Å. Rotation-function studies suggested the presence of two distict sets of 20 protomers that belong to two different virus particles in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. Seneca Valley Virus-001 (SVV-001) is a newly found species in the Picornaviridae family. SVV-001 is the first naturally occurring nonpathogenic picorna@@virus observed to mediate selective cytotoxicity towards tumor cells with neuroendocrine cancer features. The nonsegmented (+)ssRNA genome of SVV-001 shares closest sequence similarity to the genomes of the members ofmore » the Cardiovirus genus. However, based on the distinct characteristics of the genome organization and other biochemical properties, it has been suggested that SVV-001 represents a new genus, namely ‘Senecavirus’, in the Picornaviridae family. In order to understand the oncolytic properties of SVV-001, the native virus was crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals belonged to space group R3, with unit-cell parameters (in the hexagonal setting) a = b = 311.5, c = 1526.4 Å. Although the SVV crystals diffracted to better than 2.3 Å resolution, the data quality is acceptable [I/σ(I) > 2.0] to 2.6 Å resolution. The unit-cell volume and the locked rotation-function analysis suggest that six particles could be accommodated in the unit cell, with two distinct sets of one third of a particle, each containing 20 protomers, occupying the crystallographic asymmetric unit.« less

Engineer: The Professional Bulletin of Army Engineers. Volume 42, January-April 2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

Maintenance Discipline Program Especially important in mechanized or wheeled ve-hicle units, this program should be bread and butter for leaders. Regular...been identified at the wrong end of the map. We contracted to have a traditional breakfast of flat- bread , sweet cream, water, and tea to serve our...talk, and exchanged cell phone numbers. Refreshments were served as we began talking about their village. The best meetings began with questions

Laboratory services series: a master-slave manipulator maintenance program

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

Jenness, R. G.; Hicks, R. E.; Wicker, C. D.

1976-12-01

The volume of master slave manipulator maintenance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has necessitated the establishment of a repair facility and organization of a specially trained group of craftsmen. Emphasis on cell containment requires the use of manipulator boots and development of precise procedures for accomplishing the maintenance of 287 installed units. A very satisfactory computer programmed maintenance system has been established at the Laboratory to provide an economical approach to preventive maintenance.

A π-π 3D network of tetranuclear μ2/μ3-carbonato Dy(III) bis-pyrazolylpyridine clusters showing single molecule magnetism features.

PubMed

Gass, Ian A; Moubaraki, Boujemaa; Langley, Stuart K; Batten, Stuart R; Murray, Keith S

2012-02-18

2,6-Di(pyrazole-3-yl)pyridine, 3-bpp, forms a porous (4(9)·6(6)) π-π mediated 3D network of trigonal pyramidal [Dy(III)(4)] carbonato-bridged complexes, with hexagonal channels comprising 54% of the unit cell volume, the material displaying slow magnetisation reversal. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

An Ancient Relation between Units of Length and Volume Based on a Sphere

PubMed Central

Zapassky, Elena; Gadot, Yuval; Finkelstein, Israel; Benenson, Itzhak

2012-01-01

The modern metric system defines units of volume based on the cube. We propose that the ancient Egyptian system of measuring capacity employed a similar concept, but used the sphere instead. When considered in ancient Egyptian units, the volume of a sphere, whose circumference is one royal cubit, equals half a hekat. Using the measurements of large sets of ancient containers as a database, the article demonstrates that this formula was characteristic of Egyptian and Egyptian-related pottery vessels but not of the ceramics of Mesopotamia, which had a different system of measuring length and volume units. PMID:22470489

Method for generating O.sub.2-rich gas from air using water

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

Nakano, Anna; Nakano, Jinichiro; Bennett, James P.

The present disclosure is directed to a method for enriching an inlet air stream utilizing a number of enrichment sub-units connected in series, where each enrichment sub-unit conducts both a dissolution and degasification cycle. Each enrichment sub-unit comprises a compressor, an aeration unit, a deaeration unit, and a pump for the recirculation of water between the aeration and deaeration units. The methodology provides a manner in which the relationship between the respective Henry's coefficients of the oxygen and nitrogen in water may be exploited to enrich the O.sub.2 volume percent and diminish the N.sub.2 volume percent over repeated dissolution andmore » degasification cycles. By utilizing a number of enrichment sub-units connected in series, the water contained in each enrichment sub-unit acts to progressively increase the O.sub.2 volume percent. Additional enrichment sub-units may be added and utilized until the O.sub.2 volume percent equals or exceeds a target O.sub.2 volume percent. In a particular embodiment, air having a general composition of about 78 vol. % N.sub.2 and 21 vol. % O.sub.2 is progressively enriched to provide a final mixture of about 92% vol. % O.sub.2 and 8% vol. % N.sub.2.« less

REFLECTION AND REFRACTION, VOLUME 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

KLAUS, DAVID J.; AND OTHERS

THIS VOLUME 2 OF A TWO-VOLUME SET PROVIDES AUTOINSTRUCTION IN PHYSICS. THE UNITS COVERED IN THIS VOLUME ARE (1) REFLECTION OF LIGHT, (2) PHOTOMETRY, (3) POLARIZATION, (4) REFRACTION OF LIGHT, (5) SNELL'S LAW, (6) LENSES, FOCUS, AND FOCAL POINTS, (7) IMAGE FORMATION, AND (8) ABERRATIONS, THE EYE, AND MAGNIFICATION. THE INTRODUCTION AND UNITS ON…

48 CFR 47.207-11 - Volume movements within the contiguous United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Volume movements within... Transportation-Related Services 47.207-11 Volume movements within the contiguous United States. (a) For purposes of contract administration, a volume movement is— (1) In DoD, the aggregate of freight shipments...

Dual membrane hollow fiber fuel cell and method of operating same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingham, J. D.; Lawson, D. D. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

A gaseous fuel cell is described which includes a pair of electrodes formed by open-ended, ion-exchange hollow fibers, each having a layer of metal catalyst deposited on the inner surface and large surface area current collectors such as braided metal mesh in contact with the metal catalyst layer. A fuel cell results when the electrodes are immersed in electrolytes and electrically connected. As hydrogen and oxygen flow through the bore of the fibers, oxidation and reduction reactions develop an electrical potential. Since the hollow fiber configuration provides large electrode area per unit volume and intimate contact between fuel and oxidizer at the interface, and due to the low internal resistance of the electrolyte, high power densities can be obtained.

SU-E-T-572: Normal Lung Tissue Sparing in Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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

Hong, C; Ju, S; Ahn, Y

2015-06-15

Purpose: To compare normal lung-sparing capabilities of three advanced radiation therapy techniques for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). Methods: Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) was performed in 10 patients with stage IIIb LA-NSCLC. The internal target volume (ITV); planning target volume (PTV); and organs at risks (OARs) such as spinal cord, total normal lung, heart, and esophagus were delineated for each CT data set. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), Tomohelical-IMRT (TH-IMRT), and TomoDirect-IMRT (TD-IMRT) plans were generated (total prescribed dose, 66 Gy in 33 fractions to the PTV) for each patient. To reduce the normal lung dose, complete and directionalmore » block function was applied outside the normal lung far from the target for both TH-IMRT and TD-IMRT, while pseudo- OAR was set in the same region for IMRT. Dosimetric characteristics of the three plans were compared in terms of target coverage, the sparing capability for the OAR, and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Beam delivery efficiency was also compared. Results: TH-IMRT and TD-IMRT provided better target coverage than IMRT plans. Lung volume receiving ≥–30 Gy, mean dose, and NTCP were significant with TH-IMRT than with IMRT (p=0.006), and volume receiving ≥20–30 Gy was lower in TD-IMRT than in IMRT (p<0.05). Compared with IMRT, TH-IMRT had better sparing effect on the spinal cord (Dmax, NTCP) and heart (V45) (p<0.05). NTCP for the spinal cord, V45 and V60 for the heart, and Dmax for the esophagus were significantly lower in TD-IMRT than in IMRT. The monitor units per fraction were clearly smaller for IMRT than for TH-IMRT and TD-IMRT (p=0.006). Conclusion: In LA-NSCLC, TH-IMRT gave superior PTV coverage and OAR sparing compared to IMRT. TH-IMRT provided better control of the lung volume receiving ≥5–30 Gy. The delivery time and monitor units were lower in TD-IMRT than in TH-IMRT.« less

Cellular pressure and volume regulation and implications for cell mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hongyuan; Sun, Sean

2013-03-01

In eukaryotic cells, small changes in cell volume can serve as important signals for cell proliferation, death and migration. Volume and shape regulation also directly impacts the mechanics of the cell and multi-cellular tissues. Recent experiments found that during mitosis, eukaryotic cells establish a preferred steady volume and pressure, and the steady volume and pressure can robustly adapt to large osmotic shocks. Here we develop a mathematical model of cellular pressure and volume regulation, incorporating essential elements such as water permeation, mechano-sensitive channels, active ion pumps and active stresses in the actomyosin cortex. The model can fully explain the available experimental data, and predicts the cellular volume and pressure for several models of cell cortical mechanics. Furthermore, we show that when cells are subjected to an externally applied load, such as in an AFM indentation experiment, active regulation of volume and pressure leads to complex cellular response. We found the cell stiffness highly depends on the loading rate, which indicates the transport of water and ions might contribute to the observed viscoelasticity of cells.

Practical Nursing, Volume I. Health Occupations Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rogers, Helen W.; And Others

This curriculum guide provides teachers with up-to-date information and skill-related applications needed by the practical nurse. The volume contains three sections and 24 instructional units: Personal Vocational Relationships (6 units), Nutrition (3 units), and Basic Nursing Principles and Applied Skills (15 units covering such topics as…

A Trainer's Manual for Basic Helping Skills. Counseling Older Persons. Volume III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Myers, Jane E., Ed.

This manual, the third in a three-volume series on counseling older adults, is designed to accompany and supplement volume II, "Basic Helping Skills for Service Providers," and focuses on training for communication skills. The units and their sections correspond to those in volume II, for easy cross-referencing. The units contain information for…

Prediction of resource volumes at untested locations using simple local prediction models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Attanasi, E.D.; Coburn, T.C.; Freeman, P.A.

2006-01-01

This paper shows how local spatial nonparametric prediction models can be applied to estimate volumes of recoverable gas resources at individual undrilled sites, at multiple sites on a regional scale, and to compute confidence bounds for regional volumes based on the distribution of those estimates. An approach that combines cross-validation, the jackknife, and bootstrap procedures is used to accomplish this task. Simulation experiments show that cross-validation can be applied beneficially to select an appropriate prediction model. The cross-validation procedure worked well for a wide range of different states of nature and levels of information. Jackknife procedures are used to compute individual prediction estimation errors at undrilled locations. The jackknife replicates also are used with a bootstrap resampling procedure to compute confidence bounds for the total volume. The method was applied to data (partitioned into a training set and target set) from the Devonian Antrim Shale continuous-type gas play in the Michigan Basin in Otsego County, Michigan. The analysis showed that the model estimate of total recoverable volumes at prediction sites is within 4 percent of the total observed volume. The model predictions also provide frequency distributions of the cell volumes at the production unit scale. Such distributions are the basis for subsequent economic analyses. ?? Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007.

Neat methanol fuel cell power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abens, S.; Farooque, M.

1985-12-01

Attention is given to a fuel cell development effort which has been directed, by ease-of-supply, low weight, and low volume criteria toward the use of undiluted methanol. Partial oxidation and internal water recovery concepts are incorporated, allowing the onboard dilution of methanol fuel through mixing with exhaust-recovered water. This scheme is successfully demonstrated for the case of a 3 kW unit employing commercial cross flow heat exchangers, as well as for a 5 kW reformer flue exhaust water recovery design with U.S. Air force baseload stationary applications. The USAF powerplant has an overall thermal efficiency of 32 percent at rated load.

Superconductivity in pressurized CeRhG e3 and related noncentrosymmetric compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Honghong; Guo, Jing; Bauer, Eric D.; Sidorov, Vladimir A.; Zhao, Hengcan; Zhang, Jiahao; Zhou, Yazhou; Wang, Zhe; Cai, Shu; Yang, Ke; Li, Aiguo; Li, Xiaodong; Li, Yanchun; Sun, Peijie; Yang, Yi-feng; Wu, Qi; Xiang, Tao; Thompson, J. D.; Sun, Liling

2018-02-01

We report the discovery of superconductivity in pressurized CeRhG e3 , a nonsuperconducting member of the isostructural family of noncentrosymmetric heavy-fermion compounds Ce T X3 (T =Co , Rh, Ir and X =Si , Ge). Superconductivity appears in CeRhG e3 at a pressure of 19.6 GPa and the transition temperature TC reaches a maximum value of 1.3 K at 21.5 GPa. This finding provides an opportunity to establish systematic correlations between superconductivity and material properties within this family. Though ambient-pressure unit-cell volumes and critical pressures for superconductivity vary substantially across the series, all family members reach a maximum TCmax at a common (±1.7%) critical cell volume Vcrit, and TCmax at Vcrit increases with increasing spin-orbit coupling strength of the d electrons. These correlations show that substantial Kondo and spin-orbit couplings favor superconductivity in this family, the latter reflecting the role of broken centrosymmetry.

Why did eukaryotes evolve only once? Genetic and energetic aspects of conflict and conflict mediation

PubMed Central

Blackstone, Neil W.

2013-01-01

According to multi-level theory, evolutionary transitions require mediating conflicts between lower-level units in favour of the higher-level unit. By this view, the origin of eukaryotes and the origin of multicellularity would seem largely equivalent. Yet, eukaryotes evolved only once in the history of life, whereas multicellular eukaryotes have evolved many times. Examining conflicts between evolutionary units and mechanisms that mediate these conflicts can illuminate these differences. Energy-converting endosymbionts that allow eukaryotes to transcend surface-to-volume constraints also can allocate energy into their own selfish replication. This principal conflict in the origin of eukaryotes can be mediated by genetic or energetic mechanisms. Genome transfer diminishes the heritable variation of the symbiont, but requires the de novo evolution of the protein-import apparatus and was opposed by selection for selfish symbionts. By contrast, metabolic signalling is a shared primitive feature of all cells. Redox state of the cytosol is an emergent feature that cannot be subverted by an individual symbiont. Hypothetical scenarios illustrate how metabolic regulation may have mediated the conflicts inherent at different stages in the origin of eukaryotes. Aspects of metabolic regulation may have subsequently been coopted from within-cell to between-cell pathways, allowing multicellularity to emerge repeatedly. PMID:23754817

Why did eukaryotes evolve only once? Genetic and energetic aspects of conflict and conflict mediation.

PubMed

Blackstone, Neil W

2013-07-19

According to multi-level theory, evolutionary transitions require mediating conflicts between lower-level units in favour of the higher-level unit. By this view, the origin of eukaryotes and the origin of multicellularity would seem largely equivalent. Yet, eukaryotes evolved only once in the history of life, whereas multicellular eukaryotes have evolved many times. Examining conflicts between evolutionary units and mechanisms that mediate these conflicts can illuminate these differences. Energy-converting endosymbionts that allow eukaryotes to transcend surface-to-volume constraints also can allocate energy into their own selfish replication. This principal conflict in the origin of eukaryotes can be mediated by genetic or energetic mechanisms. Genome transfer diminishes the heritable variation of the symbiont, but requires the de novo evolution of the protein-import apparatus and was opposed by selection for selfish symbionts. By contrast, metabolic signalling is a shared primitive feature of all cells. Redox state of the cytosol is an emergent feature that cannot be subverted by an individual symbiont. Hypothetical scenarios illustrate how metabolic regulation may have mediated the conflicts inherent at different stages in the origin of eukaryotes. Aspects of metabolic regulation may have subsequently been coopted from within-cell to between-cell pathways, allowing multicellularity to emerge repeatedly.

Atomic structure of granulin determined from native nanocrystalline granulovirus using an X-ray free-electron laser

PubMed Central

Gati, Cornelius; Oberthuer, Dominik; Yefanov, Oleksandr; Stellato, Francesco; Chiu, Elaine; Yeh, Shin-Mei; Aquila, Andrew; Basu, Shibom; Bean, Richard; Beyerlein, Kenneth R.; Botha, Sabine; Boutet, Sébastien; DePonte, Daniel P.; Doak, R. Bruce; Fromme, Raimund; Galli, Lorenzo; Grotjohann, Ingo; James, Daniel R.; Kupitz, Christopher; Lomb, Lukas; Messerschmidt, Marc; Nass, Karol; Rendek, Kimberly; Shoeman, Robert L.; Wang, Dingjie; Weierstall, Uwe; White, Thomas A.; Williams, Garth J.; Zatsepin, Nadia A.; Fromme, Petra; Spence, John C. H.; Goldie, Kenneth N.; Jehle, Johannes A.; Metcalf, Peter; Barty, Anton

2017-01-01

To understand how molecules function in biological systems, new methods are required to obtain atomic resolution structures from biological material under physiological conditions. Intense femtosecond-duration pulses from X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) can outrun most damage processes, vastly increasing the tolerable dose before the specimen is destroyed. This in turn allows structure determination from crystals much smaller and more radiation sensitive than previously considered possible, allowing data collection from room temperature structures and avoiding structural changes due to cooling. Regardless, high-resolution structures obtained from XFEL data mostly use crystals far larger than 1 μm3 in volume, whereas the X-ray beam is often attenuated to protect the detector from damage caused by intense Bragg spots. Here, we describe the 2 Å resolution structure of native nanocrystalline granulovirus occlusion bodies (OBs) that are less than 0.016 μm3 in volume using the full power of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and a dose up to 1.3 GGy per crystal. The crystalline shell of granulovirus OBs consists, on average, of about 9,000 unit cells, representing the smallest protein crystals to yield a high-resolution structure by X-ray crystallography to date. The XFEL structure shows little to no evidence of radiation damage and is more complete than a model determined using synchrotron data from recombinantly produced, much larger, cryocooled granulovirus granulin microcrystals. Our measurements suggest that it should be possible, under ideal experimental conditions, to obtain data from protein crystals with only 100 unit cells in volume using currently available XFELs and suggest that single-molecule imaging of individual biomolecules could almost be within reach. PMID:28202732

Atomic structure of granulin determined from native nanocrystalline granulovirus using an X-ray free-electron laser

DOE PAGES

Gati, Cornelius; Oberthuer, Dominik; Yefanov, Oleksandr; ...

2017-02-15

To understand how molecules function in biological systems, new methods are required to obtain atomic resolution structures from biological material under physiological conditions. Intense femtosecond-duration pulses from X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) can outrun most damage processes, vastly increasing the tolerable dose before the specimen is destroyed. This in turn allows structure determination from crystals much smaller and more radiation sensitive than previously considered possible, allowing data collection from room temperature structures and avoiding structural changes due to cooling. Regardless, high-resolution structures obtained from XFEL data mostly use crystals far larger than 1 μm3 in volume, whereas the X-ray beam ismore » often attenuated to protect the detector from damage caused by intense Bragg spots. Here, we describe the 2 Å resolution structure of native nanocrystalline granulovirus occlusion bodies (OBs) that are less than 0.016 μm3 in volume using the full power of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and a dose up to 1.3 GGy per crystal. The crystalline shell of granulovirus OBs consists, on average, of about 9,000 unit cells, representing the smallest protein crystals to yield a high-resolution structure by X-ray crystallography to date. The XFEL structure shows little to no evidence of radiation damage and is more complete than a model determined using synchrotron data from recombinantly produced, much larger, cryocooled granulovirus granulin microcrystals. Furthermore, our measurements suggest that it should be possible, under ideal experimental conditions, to obtain data from protein crystals with only 100 unit cells in volume using currently available XFELs and suggest that single-molecule imaging of individual biomolecules could almost be within reach.« less

Short-term effects of stored homologous red blood cell transfusion on cardiorespiratory function and inflammation: an experimental study in a hypovolemia model

PubMed Central

Biagini, S.; Dale, C.S.; Real, J.M.; Moreira, E.S.; Carvalho, C.R.R.; Schettino, G.P.P.; Wendel, S.; Azevedo, L.C.P.

2017-01-01

The pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on cardiopulmonary function and inflammation are unclear. We developed an experimental model of homologous 14-days stored RBC transfusion in hypovolemic swine to evaluate the short-term effects of transfusion on cardiopulmonary system and inflammation. Sixteen healthy male anesthetized swine (68±3.3 kg) were submitted to controlled hemorrhage (25% of blood volume). Two units of non-filtered RBC from each animal were stored under blood bank conditions for 14 days. After 30 min of hypovolemia, the control group (n=8) received an infusion of lactated Ringer's solution (three times the removed volume). The transfusion group (n=8) received two units of homologous 14-days stored RBC and lactated Ringer's solution in a volume that was three times the difference between blood removed and blood transfusion infused. Both groups were followed up for 6 h after resuscitation with collection of hemodynamic and respiratory data. Cytokines and RNA expression were measured in plasma and lung tissue. Stored RBC transfusion significantly increased mixed oxygen venous saturation and arterial oxygen content. Transfusion was not associated with alterations on pulmonary function. Pulmonary concentrations of cytokines were not different between groups. Gene expression for lung cytokines demonstrated a 2-fold increase in mRNA level for inducible nitric oxide synthase and a 0.5-fold decrease in mRNA content for IL-21 in the transfused group. Thus, stored homologous RBC transfusion in a hypovolemia model improved cardiovascular parameters but did not induce significant effects on microcirculation, pulmonary inflammation and respiratory function up to 6 h after transfusion. PMID:29185590

A preliminary neutron diffraction study of rasburicase, a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme, complexed with 8-azaxanthin

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

Budayova-Spano, Monika, E-mail: spano@embl-grenoble.fr; Institut Laue-Langevin, 6 Rue Jules Horowitz, BP 156, 38042 Grenoble; Bonneté, Françoise

2006-03-01

Neutron diffraction data of hydrogenated recombinant urate oxidase enzyme (Rasburicase), complexed with a purine-type inhibitor 8-azaxanthin, was collected to 2.1 Å resolution from a crystal grown in D{sub 2}O by careful control and optimization of crystallization conditions via knowledge of the phase diagram. Deuterium atoms were clearly seen in the neutron-scattering density map. Crystallization and preliminary neutron diffraction measurements of rasburicase, a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme expressed by a genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, complexed with a purine-type inhibitor (8-azaxanthin) are reported. Neutron Laue diffraction data were collected to 2.1 Å resolution using the LADI instrument from a crystal (grownmore » in D{sub 2}O) with volume 1.8 mm{sup 3}. The aim of this neutron diffraction study is to determine the protonation states of the inhibitor and residues within the active site. This will lead to improved comprehension of the enzymatic mechanism of this important enzyme, which is used as a protein drug to reduce toxic uric acid accumulation during chemotherapy. This paper illustrates the high quality of the neutron diffraction data collected, which are suitable for high-resolution structural analysis. In comparison with other neutron protein crystallography studies to date in which a hydrogenated protein has been used, the volume of the crystal was relatively small and yet the data still extend to high resolution. Furthermore, urate oxidase has one of the largest primitive unit-cell volumes (space group I222, unit-cell parameters a = 80, b = 96, c = 106 Å) and molecular weights (135 kDa for the homotetramer) so far successfully studied with neutrons.« less

Crop and Soil Science. A Curriculum Guide for Idaho Vocational Agriculture Instructors. Volume 1 and Volume 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledington, Richard L.

The 24 units that comprise this crop and soil science curriculum guide are not geared to a particular age level and must be adapted to the students for whom they are used. Units 1 through 6 are general units covering topics common to soil science. Units 7 through 24 are units covering topics common to crop production. Each unit includes objectives…

A thermodynamic study of electroneutral K-Cl cotransport in pH- and volume-clamped low K sheep erythrocytes with normal and low internal magnesium.

PubMed

Lauf, P K; Adragna, N C

1996-10-01

Swelling-induced human erythrocyte K-Cl cotransport is membrane potential independent and capable of uphill transport. However, a complete thermodynamic analysis of basal and stimulated K-Cl cotransport, at constant cell volume, is missing. This study was performed in low K sheep red blood cells before and after reducing cellular free Mg into the nanomolar range with the divalent cation ionophore A23187 and a chelator, an intervention known to stimulate K-Cl cotransport. The anion exchange inhibitor 4,4'diisothiocyanato-2,2'disulfonic stilbene was used to clamp intracellular pH and Cl or NO3 concentrations. Cell volume was maintained constant as external and internal pH differed by more than two units. K-Cl cotransport was calculated from the K effluxes and Rb (as K congener) influxes measured in Cl and NO3, at constant internal K and external anions, and variable concentrations of extracellular Rb and internal anions, respectively. The external Rb concentration at which net K-Cl cotransport is zero was defined as flux reversal point which changed with internal pH and hence Cl. Plots of the ratio of external Rb concentrations corresponding to the flux reversal points and the internal K concentration versus the ratio of the internal and external Cl concentrations (i.e., the Donnan ratio of the transported ions) yielded slopes near unity for both control and low internal Mg cells. Thus, basal as well as low internal Mg-stimulated net K-Cl cotransport depends on the electrochemical potential gradient of KCl.

A thermodynamic study of electroneutral K-Cl cotransport in pH- and volume-clamped low K sheep erythrocytes with normal and low internal magnesium

PubMed Central

1996-01-01

Swelling-induced human erythrocyte K-Cl cotransport is membrane potential independent and capable of uphill transport. However, a complete thermodynamic analysis of basal and stimulated K-Cl cotransport, at constant cell volume, is missing. This study was performed in low K sheep red blood cells before and after reducing cellular free Mg into the nanomolar range with the divalent cation ionophore A23187 and a chelator, an intervention known to stimulate K- Cl cotransport. The anion exchange inhibitor 4,4'diisothiocyanato- 2,2'disulfonic stilbene was used to clamp intracellular pH and Cl or NO3 concentrations. Cell volume was maintained constant as external and internal pH differed by more than two units. K-Cl cotransport was calculated from the K effluxes and Rb (as K congener) influxes measured in Cl and NO3, at constant internal K and external anions, and variable concentrations of extracellular Rb and internal anions, respectively. The external Rb concentration at which net K-Cl cotransport is zero was defined as flux reversal point which changed with internal pH and hence Cl. Plots of the ratio of external Rb concentrations corresponding to the flux reversal points and the internal K concentration versus the ratio of the internal and external Cl concentrations (i.e., the Donnan ratio of the transported ions) yielded slopes near unity for both control and low internal Mg cells. Thus, basal as well as low internal Mg-stimulated net K-Cl cotransport depends on the electrochemical potential gradient of KCl. PMID:8894982

Report of the United Nations Interregional Seminar on the Employment, Development and Role of Scientists and Technical Personnel in the Public Service of Developing Countries, Volume III: Technical Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations, New York, NY. Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs.

This collection of papers is the third of three volumes presenting the proceedings of the United Nations Interregional Seminar on the Employment, Development and Role of Scientists and Technical Personnel in the Public Service of Developing Countries (Volume I, Report of the Seminar; Volume II, Country Papers; and Volume III, Technical Papers).…

Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-06

of February 3 , 1986, the undersigned present the report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. Chairman, Maryland...spacecraft had flown twice. Failure of a fuel cell shortened the flight by about three days. ■ STS- 3 , March 22-30, 1982, Orbiter Colum- bia, was the...Flight 10 (41-B), February 3 -11, 1984, Or- biter Challenger, was highlighted by the in- troduction of the Manned Maneuvering Unit, a backpack

Quantitative prediction of phase transformations in silicon during nanoindentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liangchi; Basak, Animesh

2013-08-01

This paper establishes the first quantitative relationship between the phases transformed in silicon and the shape characteristics of nanoindentation curves. Based on an integrated analysis using TEM and unit cell properties of phases, the volumes of the phases emerged in a nanoindentation are formulated as a function of pop-out size and depth of nanoindentation impression. This simple formula enables a fast, accurate and quantitative prediction of the phases in a nanoindentation cycle, which has been impossible before.

Annual Progress Report FY-92. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-21

Billups, L Flow Cytom Resh Psychologist 12 0180 CS Hamm, C DCI 7 DESCRIPTION GRADE MOS BRANCH NAME ACTIVITY Kyle Metabolic Unit Nursing Service Supv...3349 Salata, Kalman PhD. Mitogen-Inducible T Suppressor Cell 13 Assay by Flow Cytometry (12/89) 3350 Salata, Kalman PhD. Flow Cytometric Analysis of...17 Immunotherapy (3/90) 3354 Salata, Kalman PhD. Two Way Mixed Lymphocyte Culture: 18 Analysis by Two Color Flow Cytometry (4/90) 3355 Salata, Kalman

ONR (Office of Naval Research) Far East Scientific Information Bulletin. Volume 13, Number 4, October-December 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

by light finger pressure; and surface shaded or rubbed by soft pencil, charcoal, or crayon. Anglers initiated this custom as a means of recording...related to the barium titanate or simple nects, and mixers. Some of these applica- perovskite unit cell (Figure 1). In this struc- tions can be...dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Target-~ microprobe analysis, and x-ray diffraction R~orOC(XRD). MagnetsOptical microscopy with polarized light

Proceeding of the 1999 Particle Accelerator Conference. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-04-02

conditioning, a laser pulse was irradiated on a copper cath- ode and the photo-emitted beam was accelerated up to 2.9 MeV. An effective quantum...dipole magnet and a vacuum Nd:YAG laser pulse irradiation . As a result, the pumping unit. The gun cavity has two s-band cells made maximu ensergy andlthe...Optimizing beam intensity in the AGS involves a correctors at strategic locations are pulsed to minimize the compromise between conflicting needs to

Incorporation of high amounts of Na in ringwoodite: Possible implications for transport of alkali into lower mantle

DOE PAGES

Bindi, Luca; Tamarova, Anastasia; Bobrov, Andrey V.; ...

2016-02-02

In this study, we report on the coexistence between Na-rich ringwoodite and bridgmanite in the system MgSiO 3-Na 2CO 3-Al 2O 3 at 24 GPa and 1700 °C. In our experiments ringwoodite incorporates up to 4.4 wt% Na 2O, with Na entering the octahedral site together with Si, according to the mechanism: Mg 2+ → 2/3Na + + 1/3Si 4+. The volume of the unit cell increases along with the Na content. A similar behavior is observed for the unit-cell volume of Na-bearing bridgmanite, although the mechanism of Na incorporation into this structure remains unknown because of the lack ofmore » sufficient crystallographic data. Na 2O is compatible in ringwoodite relative to bridgmanite with a partition coefficient (D) of 5 (+5/-4), but is incompatible in ringwoodite relative to carbonate-rich melt/fluid, with the D value ranging between 0.5 and 0.1. Al is highly enriched in bridgmanite relative to the other coexisting phases. Carbonatitic melt metasomatism in the deep transition zone may lead to local Na-enrichment, and ringwoodite may be an important host for Na in the deep transition zone. Subsequent convection or subduction of metasomatized mantle may lead to enrichment of alkaline elements in the upper and lower mantle.« less

Ferromagnetic quantum critical point in CePd2P2 with Pd → Ni substitution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Y.; Bone, S. E.; Minasian, S.; Ferrier, M. G.; Lezama-Pacheco, J.; Mocko, V.; Ditter, A. S.; Kozimor, S. A.; Seidler, G. T.; Nelson, W. L.; Chiu, Y.-C.; Huang, K.; Potter, W.; Graf, D.; Albrecht-Schmitt, T. E.; Baumbach, R. E.

2018-06-01

An investigation of the structural, thermodynamic, and electronic transport properties of the isoelectronic chemical substitution series Ce (Pd1-xNix) 2P2 is reported, where a possible ferromagnetic quantum critical point is uncovered in the temperature-concentration (T -x ) phase diagram. This behavior results from the simultaneous contraction of the unit cell volume, which tunes the relative strengths of the Kondo and Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interactions, and the introduction of disorder through alloying. Near the critical region at xcr≈ 0.7, the rate of contraction of the unit cell volume strengthens, indicating that the cerium f valence crosses over from trivalent to a noninteger value. Consistent with this picture, x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements reveal that while CePd2P2 has a purely trivalent cerium f state, CeNi2P2 has a small (<10 %) tetravalent contribution. In a broad region around xcr, there is a breakdown of Fermi-liquid temperature dependences, signaling the influence of quantum critical fluctuations and disorder effects. Measurements of clean CePd2P2 furthermore show that applied pressure has an initial effect similar to alloying on the ferromagnetic order. From these results, CePd2P2 emerges as a keystone system to test theories such as the Belitz-Kirkpatrick-Vojta model for ferromagnetic quantum criticality, where distinct behaviors are expected in the dirty and clean limits.

Crystal Structures and Phase Relationships of 2 Polymorphs of 1,4-Diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-4-Carboxylic Acid 4-Bromophenyl Ester Fumarate, A Selective α-7 Nicotinic Receptor Partial Agonist.

PubMed

Robert, Benoît; Perrin, Marc-Antoine; Barrio, Maria; Tamarit, Josep-Lluis; Coquerel, Gérard; Ceolin, René; Rietveld, Ivo B

2016-01-01

Two polymorphs of the 1:1 fumarate salt of 1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-4-carboxylic acid 4-bromophenyl ester, developed for the treatment of cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and Alzheimer disease, have been characterized. The 2 crystal structures have been solved, and their phase relationships have been established. The space group of form I is P2₁/c with a unit-cell volume of 1811.6 (5) Å(3) with Z = 4. The crystals of form I were 2-component nonmerohedral twins. The space group of form II is P2₁/n with a unit-cell volume of 1818.6 (3) Å(3) with Z = 4. Relative stabilities have been inferred from experimental and topological P-T diagrams exhibiting an overall enantiotropic relationship between forms I and II although the solid-solid transition has never been observed. The slope of the I-II equilibrium in the P-T diagram is negative, form II is the stable phase below the solid-solid transition temperature of 371 K, and form I exhibits a stable melting equilibrium. The I-II transition temperature has been obtained from the intersection of the sublimation curves of the 2 solid forms. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT): four-year experience from the United States National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) contract research program in cell and tissue therapies.

PubMed

Reed, William; Noga, Stephen J; Gee, Adrian P; Rooney, Cliona M; Wagner, John E; McCullough, Jeffrey; McKenna, David H; Whiteside, Theresa L; Donnenberg, Albert D; Baker, Acacia K; Lindblad, Robert W; Wagner, Elizabeth L; Mondoro, Traci Heath

2009-04-01

In 2002, the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducted a workshop to determine needs of the cell therapy community. A consensus emerged that improved access to cGMP facilities, regulatory assistance, and training would foster the advancement of cellular therapy. A 2003 NHLBI request for proposals resulted in four contracts being awarded to three cell-manufacturing facilities (Baylor College of Medicine, University of Minnesota, and University of Pittsburgh) and one administrative center (The EMMES Corporation). As a result, Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) was formed. As of October 1, 2008, PACT has received 65 preliminary applications of which 45 have been approved for product manufacture. A variety of cell therapies are represented including T-regulatory cells, natural killer cells, adipose-derived stem cells, cardiac progenitor cells for cardiac disease, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for central nervous system applications, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. A total of 169 products have been administered under 12 applications and 2 reagents were manufactured and delivered. Fourteen peer-reviewed publications and 15 abstracts have resulted from the PACT project to date. A cell therapy textbook is nearly complete. PACT technical projects have addressed assay development, rapid endotoxin testing, shipping of cell products, and CD34+ HPC isolation from low-volume marrow. Educational Web seminars and on-site training through workshops have been conducted. PACT is an active and successful cell therapy manufacturing resource in the United States, addressing research and training while forging relationships among academia, industry, and participating institutions.

Agricultural Structures. Volume I. Instructor's Guide. Volume 13, Number 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linhardt, Richard E.; Burhoe, Steve

This document is a curriculum unit in agricultural structures designed to expand the curriculum materials available in vocational agriculture in Missouri. The guide consists of three units on constructing farm buildings, planning farm water systems, and building fences. Each unit contains 10-15 lessons on various aspects of the unit's topic. Each…

Calculus Students' Understanding of Area and Volume Units

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dorko, Allison; Speer, Natasha

2015-01-01

Units of measure are critical in many scientific fields. While instructors often note that students struggle with units, little research has been conducted about the nature and extent of these difficulties or why they exist. We investigated calculus students' unit use in area and volume computations. Seventy-three percent of students gave…

Passive potassium transport in low potassium sheep red cells: dependence upon cell volume and chloride.

PubMed Central

Dunham, P B; Ellory, J C

1981-01-01

The major pathway of passive K influx (ouabain-insensitive) was characterized in low-K type (LK) red cells of sheep. 1. Passive K transport in these cells was highly sensitive to variations in cell volume; it increased threefold or more in cells swollen osmotically by 10%, and decreased up to twofold in cells shrunken 5-10%. Active K influx was insensitive to changes in cell volume. Three different methods for varying cell volume osmotically all gave similar results. 2. The volume-sensitive pathway was specific for K in that Na influx did not vary with changes in cell volume. 3. The volume-sensitive K influx was a saturable function of external K concentration. It was slightly inhibited by Na, whereas K influx in shrunken cells was unaffected by Na. 4. Passive K influx was dependent on the major anion in the medium in that replacement of Cl with any of six other anions resulted in a reduction of K influx by 50-80% (replacement of Cl by Br caused an increase in K influx). The activation of K influx by Cl followed sigmoid kinetics. 5. Passive K influx is inhibited by anti-L antibody. The antibody affected only that portion of influx which was Cl-dependent and volume-sensitve. Of the subfractions of the antibody, it is anti-L1 which inhibits passive K transport. 6. Pretreatment of cells with iodoacetamide reduced the sensitivity of K influx to cell volume in that the influx was reduced in swollen IAA-treated cells and increased in shrunken IAA-cells. 7. Intracellular Ca has no role in altering passive K transport in LK sheep cells. Therefore, the major pathway of passive K transport in LK sheep red cells is sensitive to changes in cell volume, specific for K, dependent on Cl, and inhibited by anti-L1 antibody, The minor pathway, observed in shrunken cells, has none of these properties. PMID:6798197

EPA RREL'S MOBILE VOLUME REDUCTION UNIT -- APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

The volume reduction unit (VRU) is a pilot-scale, mobile soil washing system designed to remove organic contaminants from the soil through particle size separation and solubilization. The VRU removes contaminants by suspending them in a wash solution and by reducing the volume of...

Red blood cell storage time and transfusion: current practice, concerns and future perspectives

PubMed Central

García-Roa, María; del Carmen Vicente-Ayuso, María; Bobes, Alejandro M.; Pedraza, Alexandra C.; González-Fernández, Ataúlfo; Martín, María Paz; Sáez, Isabel; Seghatchian, Jerard; Gutiérrez, Laura

2017-01-01

Red blood cells (RBCs) units are the most requested transfusion product worldwide. Indications for transfusion include symptomatic anaemia, acute sickle cell crisis, and acute blood loss of more than 30% of the blood volume, with the aim of restoring tissue oxygen delivery. However, stored RBCs from donors are not a qualitative equal product, and, in many ways, this is a matter of concern in the transfusion practice. Besides donor-to-donor variation, the storage time influences the RBC unit at the qualitative level, as RBCs age in the storage bag and are exposed to the so-called storage lesion. Several studies have shown that the storage lesion leads to post-transfusion enhanced clearance, plasma transferrin saturation, nitric oxide scavenging and/or immunomodulation with potential unwanted transfusion-related clinical outcomes, such as acute lung injury or higher mortality rate. While, to date, several studies have claimed the risk or deleterious effects of “old” vs “young” RBC transfusion regimes, it is still a matter of debate, and consideration should be taken of the clinical context. Transfusion-dependent patients may benefit from transfusion with “young” RBC units, as it assures longer inter-transfusion periods, while transfusion with “old” RBC units is not itself harmful. Unbiased Omics approaches are being applied to the characterisation of RBC through storage, to better understand the (patho)physiological role of microparticles (MPs) that are found naturally, and also on stored RBC units. Perhaps RBC storage time is not an accurate surrogate for RBC quality and there is a need to establish which parameters do indeed reflect optimal efficacy and safety. A better Omics characterisation of components of “young” and “old” RBC units, including MPs, donor and recipient, might lead to the development of new therapies, including the use of engineered RBCs or MPs as cell-based drug delivering tools, or cost-effective personalised transfusion strategies. PMID:28518049

Optofluidic Fluorescent Imaging Cytometry on a Cell Phone

PubMed Central

Zhu, Hongying; Mavandadi, Sam; Coskun, Ahmet F.; Yaglidere, Oguzhan; Ozcan, Aydogan

2012-01-01

Fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry are widely used tools in biomedical sciences. Cost-effective translation of these technologies to remote and resource-limited environments could create new opportunities especially for telemedicine applications. Toward this direction, here we demonstrate the integration of imaging cytometry and fluorescent microscopy on a cell phone using a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective optofluidic attachment. In this cell-phone-based optofluidic imaging cytometry platform, fluorescently labeled particles or cells of interest are continuously delivered to our imaging volume through a disposable microfluidic channel that is positioned above the existing camera unit of the cell phone. The same microfluidic device also acts as a multilayered optofluidic waveguide and efficiently guides our excitation light, which is butt-coupled from the side facets of our microfluidic channel using inexpensive light-emitting diodes. Since the excitation of the sample volume occurs through guided waves that propagate perpendicular to the detection path, our cell-phone camera can record fluorescent movies of the specimens as they are flowing through the microchannel. The digital frames of these fluorescent movies are then rapidly processed to quantify the count and the density of the labeled particles/cells within the target solution of interest. We tested the performance of our cell-phone-based imaging cytometer by measuring the density of white blood cells in human blood samples, which provided a decent match to a commercially available hematology analyzer. We further characterized the imaging quality of the same platform to demonstrate a spatial resolution of ~2 μm. This cell-phone-enabled optofluidic imaging flow cytometer could especially be useful for rapid and sensitive imaging of bodily fluids for conducting various cell counts (e.g., toward monitoring of HIV+ patients) or rare cell analysis as well as for screening of water quality in remote and resource-poor settings. PMID:21774454

Optofluidic fluorescent imaging cytometry on a cell phone.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongying; Mavandadi, Sam; Coskun, Ahmet F; Yaglidere, Oguzhan; Ozcan, Aydogan

2011-09-01

Fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry are widely used tools in biomedical sciences. Cost-effective translation of these technologies to remote and resource-limited environments could create new opportunities especially for telemedicine applications. Toward this direction, here we demonstrate the integration of imaging cytometry and fluorescent microscopy on a cell phone using a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective optofluidic attachment. In this cell-phone-based optofluidic imaging cytometry platform, fluorescently labeled particles or cells of interest are continuously delivered to our imaging volume through a disposable microfluidic channel that is positioned above the existing camera unit of the cell phone. The same microfluidic device also acts as a multilayered optofluidic waveguide and efficiently guides our excitation light, which is butt-coupled from the side facets of our microfluidic channel using inexpensive light-emitting diodes. Since the excitation of the sample volume occurs through guided waves that propagate perpendicular to the detection path, our cell-phone camera can record fluorescent movies of the specimens as they are flowing through the microchannel. The digital frames of these fluorescent movies are then rapidly processed to quantify the count and the density of the labeled particles/cells within the target solution of interest. We tested the performance of our cell-phone-based imaging cytometer by measuring the density of white blood cells in human blood samples, which provided a decent match to a commercially available hematology analyzer. We further characterized the imaging quality of the same platform to demonstrate a spatial resolution of ~2 μm. This cell-phone-enabled optofluidic imaging flow cytometer could especially be useful for rapid and sensitive imaging of bodily fluids for conducting various cell counts (e.g., toward monitoring of HIV+ patients) or rare cell analysis as well as for screening of water quality in remote and resource-poor settings.

Bioengineered Renal Cell Therapy Device for Clinical Translation

PubMed Central

Pino, Christopher J.; Westover, Angela J.; Buffington, Deborah A.; Humes, H. David

2016-01-01

The Bioartificial Renal Epithelial Cell System (BRECS), is a cell-based device to treat acute kidney injury through renal cell therapy from an extracorporeal circuit. To enable widespread implementation of cell therapy, the BRECS was designed to be cryopreserved as a complete device, cryostored, cryoshipped to an end-use site, thawed as a complete device, and employed in a therapeutic extracorporeal hemofiltration circuit. This strategy overcomes storage and distribution issues that have been previous barriers to cell therapy. Previous BRECS housings produced by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, a slow process taking hours to produce one bioreactor, was also prohibitively expensive (>$600/CNC-BRECS); major obstacles to mass production. The goal of this study was to produce a BRECS to be mass produced by injection molding (IM-BRECS), decreasing cost (<$20/unit) and improving manufacturing speed (hundreds of units/hr), while maintaining the same cell therapy function as the previous CNC-BRECS, first evaluated through prototypes produced by stereolithography (SLA-BRECS). The finalized IM-BRECS design had a significantly lower fill volume (10 mL), mass (49 g) and footprint (8.5 cm×8.5 cm×1.5 cm), and was demonstrated to outperform the previous BRECS designs with respect to heat transfer, significantly improving control of cooling during cryopreservation and reducing thaw times during warming. During in vitro culture, IM-BRECS performed similarly to previous CNC-BRECS with respect to cell metabolic activity (lactate production, oxygen consumption and glutathione metabolism) and amount of cells supported. PMID:27922886

Adenovirus-mediated p53 gene delivery inhibits 9L glioma growth in rats.

PubMed

Badie, B; Drazan, K E; Kramar, M H; Shaked, A; Black, K L

1995-06-01

Adenoviral vectors have recently been shown to effectively deliver genes into a variety of tissues. Since these vectors have some advantages over the more extensively investigated retroviruses, we studied the effect of two replication-defective adenovectors bearing human wild type tumor suppressor gene p53 (Adp53) and Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene (AdLacZ) on 9L glioma cells. Successful in vitro gene transfer was shown by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and expression was confirmed by reverse transcriptase RNA PCR and Western blot analyses. Transduction of 9L cells with the Adp53 inhibited cell growth and induced phenotypic changes consistent with cell death at low titers, while AdLacZ caused cytopathic changes only at high titers. Stereotactic injection of AdLacZ (10(7) plaque forming units) into tumor bed stained 25 to 30% of tumor cells at the site of vector delivery. Injection of Adp53 (10(7) plaque forming units), but not AdLacZ (controls), into established 4-day old 9L glioma brain tumors decreased tumor volume by 40% after 14 days. As a step toward gene therapy of brain tumors using replication-defective adenoviruses, these data support the use of tumor suppressor gene transfer for in vivo treatment of whole animal brain tumor models.

Influence of Pre-Storage Irradiation on the Oxidative Stress Markers, Membrane Integrity, Size and Shape of the Cold Stored Red Blood Cells

PubMed Central

Antosik, Adam; Czubak, Kamila; Gajek, Arkadiusz; Marczak, Agnieszka; Glowacki, Rafal; Borowczyk, Kamila; Zbikowska, Halina Malgorzata

2015-01-01

Background To investigate the extent of oxidative damage and changes in morphology of manually isolated red blood cells (RBCs) from whole blood, cold stored (up to 20 days) in polystyrene tubes and subjected to pre-storage irradiation (50 Gy) and to compare the properties of SAGM-preserved RBCs stored under experimental conditions (polystyrene tubes) with RBCs from standard blood bag storage. Methods The percentage of hemolysis as well as the extracellular activity of LDH, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. Changes in the topology of RBC membrane, shape, and size were evaluated by flow cytometry and judged against microscopy images. Results Irradiation caused significant LDH release as well as increased hemolysis and lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, and reduction of TAC. Prolonged storage of irradiated RBCs resulted in phosphatidylserine exposure on the cell surface. By day 20, approximately 60% of RBCs displayed non-discoid shape. We did not notice significant differences in percentage of altered cells and cell volume between RBCs exposed to irradiation and those not exposed. Conclusion Irradiation of RBC transfusion units with a dose of 50 Gy should be avoided. For research purposes such as studying the role of antioxidants, storage of small volumes of RBCs derived from the same donor would be more useful, cheaper, and blood-saving. PMID:26195927

Influence of Pre-Storage Irradiation on the Oxidative Stress Markers, Membrane Integrity, Size and Shape of the Cold Stored Red Blood Cells.

PubMed

Antosik, Adam; Czubak, Kamila; Gajek, Arkadiusz; Marczak, Agnieszka; Glowacki, Rafal; Borowczyk, Kamila; Zbikowska, Halina Malgorzata

2015-05-01

To investigate the extent of oxidative damage and changes in morphology of manually isolated red blood cells (RBCs) from whole blood, cold stored (up to 20 days) in polystyrene tubes and subjected to pre-storage irradiation (50 Gy) and to compare the properties of SAGM-preserved RBCs stored under experimental conditions (polystyrene tubes) with RBCs from standard blood bag storage. The percentage of hemolysis as well as the extracellular activity of LDH, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. Changes in the topology of RBC membrane, shape, and size were evaluated by flow cytometry and judged against microscopy images. Irradiation caused significant LDH release as well as increased hemolysis and lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, and reduction of TAC. Prolonged storage of irradiated RBCs resulted in phosphatidylserine exposure on the cell surface. By day 20, approximately 60% of RBCs displayed non-discoid shape. We did not notice significant differences in percentage of altered cells and cell volume between RBCs exposed to irradiation and those not exposed. Irradiation of RBC transfusion units with a dose of 50 Gy should be avoided. For research purposes such as studying the role of antioxidants, storage of small volumes of RBCs derived from the same donor would be more useful, cheaper, and blood-saving.

Destruction of newly released red blood cells in space flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alfrey, C. P.; Udden, M. M.; Huntoon, C. L.; Driscoll, T.

1996-01-01

Space flight results in a rapid change in total blood volume, plasma volume, and red blood cell mass because the space to contain blood is decreased. The plasma volume and total blood volume decreases during the first hours in space and remain at a decreased level for the remainder of the flight. During the first several hours following return to earth, plasma volume and total blood volume increase to preflight levels. During the first few days in space recently produced red blood cells disappear from the blood resulting in a decrease in red blood cell mass of 10-15%. Red cells 12 d old or older survive normally and production of new cells continues at near preflight levels. After the first few days in space, the red cell mass is stable at the decreased level. Following return to earth the hemoglobin and red blood cell mass concentrations decrease reflecting the increase in plasma volume. The erythropoietin levels increase responding to "postflight anemia"; red cell production increases, and the red cell mass is restored to preflight levels after several weeks.

Cell Saver for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Reduces Cost.

PubMed

Gum, Jeffrey L; Carreon, Leah Yacat; Kelly, Michael P; Hostin, Richard; Robinson, Chessie; Burton, Douglas C; Polly, David W; Shaffrey, Christopher I; LaFage, Virginie; Schwab, Frank J; Ames, Christopher P; Kim, Han Jo; Smith, Justin S; Bess, R Shay

2017-07-01

Retrospective cohort. To determine if the use of cell saver reduces overall blood costs in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Recent studies have questioned the clinical value of cell saver during spine procedures. ASD patients enrolled in a prospective, multicenter surgical database who had complete preoperative and surgical data were identified. Patients were stratified into (1) cell saver available during surgery, but no intraoperative autologous infusion (No Infusion group), or (2) cell saver available and received autologous infusion (Infusion group). There were 427 patients in the Infusion group and 153 in the No infusion group. Patients in both groups had similar demographics. Mean autologous infusion volume was 698 mL. The Infusion group had a higher percentage of EBL relative to the estimated blood volume (42.2%) than the No Infusion group (19.6%, p < .000). Allogeneic transfusion was more common in the Infusion group (255/427, 60%) than the No Infusion group (67/153, 44%, p = .001). The number of allogeneic blood units transfused was also higher in the Infusion group (2.4) than the No Infusion group (1.7, p = .009). Total blood costs ranged from $396 to $2,146 in the No Infusion group and from $1,262 to $5,088 in the Infusion group. If the cost of cell saver blood was transformed into costs of allogeneic blood, total blood costs for the Infusion group would range from $840 to $5,418. Thus, cell saver use yielded a mean cost savings ranging from $330 to $422 (allogeneic blood averted). Linear regression showed that after an EBL of 614 mL, cell saver becomes cost-efficient. Compared to transfusing allogeneic blood, cell saver autologous infusion did not reduce the proportion or the volume of allogeneic transfusion for patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity. The use of cell saver becomes cost-efficient above an EBL of 614 mL, producing a cost savings of $330 to $422. Level III. Copyright © 2017 Scoliosis Research Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of cytoplasmic volume on developmental competence of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos produced through hand-made cloning.

PubMed

Panda, Sudeepta K; George, Aman; Saha, Ambika P; Sharma, Ruchi; Manik, Radhey S; Chauhan, Manmohan S; Palta, Prabhat; Singla, Suresh K

2011-06-01

This study examined the effects of cytoplasmic volume on the developmental competence of hand-made cloned buffalo embryos. Two different cell types, that is, buffalo fetal fibroblast (BFF) and buffalo embryonic stem (ES) cell-like cells were taken as donor cell and fused with one, two, or three demicytoplasts to generate embryos with decreased, normal (control), and increased cytoplasmic volume. Using BFF as a nuclear donor, the cleavage rate was similar in all the groups (p > 0.05), but the blastocysts rate was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for embryos generated with decreased cytoplasmic volume. Using ES cell-like cells, the cleavage and blastocyst rate with increased cytoplasmic volume was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared that with reduced cytoplasmic volume. Blastocysts produced from embryos having increased cytoplasmic volume had significantly higher (p < 0.05) cell number than normal (control) embryos in both BFF and ES cell-like cells groups. Pregnancies were established in all the groups except for the embryos reconstructed with decreased cytoplasmic volume. The pregnancy rate was almost double for embryos reconstructed using increased cytoplasmic volume compared to that with the controls. Most of the pregnancies aborted in the first trimester and one live calf was delivered through Caesarean, which died 4 h after birth.

Continuous blood densitometry - Fluid shifts after graded hemorrhage in animals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinghofer-Szalkay, H.

1986-01-01

Rapid fluid shifts in four pigs and two dogs subjected to graded hemorrhage are investigated. Arterial blood density (BD), mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), arterial plasma density (PD), hematocrit (Hct) and erythrocyte density were measured. The apparatus and mechancial oscillator technique for measuring density are described. Fluid shifts between red blood cells and blood plasma and alterations in the whole-body-to-large vessel Hct, F(cell) are studied using two models. The bases of the model calculations are discussed. A decrease in MAP, CVP, and BP is detected at the beginning of hemorrhaging; continued bleeding results in further BD decrease correlating with volume displacement. The data reveal that at 15 ml/kg blood loss the mean PD and BD dropped by 0.99 + or - 0.15 and 2.42 + or 0.26 g/liter, respectively, and the Hct dropped by 2.40 + or 0.47 units. The data reveal that inward-shifted fluid has a higher density than normal ultrafiltrate and/or there is a rise in the F(cell) ratio. It is noted that rapid fluid replacement ranged from 5.8 + or - 0.8 to 10.6 + or - 2.0 percent of the initial plasma volume.

Bioprocess integration for human mesenchymal stem cells: From up to downstream processing scale-up to cell proteome characterization.

PubMed

Cunha, Bárbara; Aguiar, Tiago; Carvalho, Sofia B; Silva, Marta M; Gomes, Ricardo A; Carrondo, Manuel J T; Gomes-Alves, Patrícia; Peixoto, Cristina; Serra, Margarida; Alves, Paula M

2017-04-20

To deliver the required cell numbers and doses to therapy, scaling-up production and purification processes (at least to the liter-scale) while maintaining cells' characteristics is compulsory. Therefore, the aim of this work was to prove scalability of an integrated streamlined bioprocess compatible with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) comprised by cell expansion, harvesting and volume reduction unit operations using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) isolated from bone marrow (BM-MSC) and adipose tissue (AT-MSC). BM-MSC and AT-MSC expansion and harvesting steps were scaled-up from spinner flasks to 2L scale stirred tank single-use bioreactor using synthetic microcarriers and xeno-free medium, ensuring high cellular volumetric productivities (50×10 6 cellL -1 day -1 ), expansion factors (14-16 fold) and cell recovery yields (80%). For the concentration step, flat sheet cassettes (FSC) and hollow fiber cartridges (HF) were compared showing a fairly linear scale-up, with a need to slightly decrease the permeate flux (30-50 LMH, respectively) to maximize cell recovery yield. Nonetheless, FSC allowed to recover 18% more cells after a volume reduction factor of 50. Overall, at the end of the entire bioprocess more than 65% of viable (>95%) hMSC could be recovered without compromising cell's critical quality attributes (CQA) of viability, identity and differentiation potential. Alongside the standard quality assays, a proteomics workflow based on mass spectrometry tools was established to characterize the impact of processing on hMSC's CQA; These analytical tools constitute a powerful tool to be used in process design and development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isovolemic hemodilution alters the ratio of whole-body to large-vessel hematocrit (F-cell ratio). A prospective, randomized study comparing the volume effects of hydroxyethyl starch 200,000/0.62 and albumin.

PubMed

Haller, M; Brechtelsbauer, H; Akbulut, C; Fett, W; Briegel, J; Finsterer, U

1995-04-01

To evaluate potential changes in the ratio of whole-body/large-vessel hematocrit (f-cell ratio) during isovolemic hemodilution and to compare the volume effects of 2 different plasma exchange solutions (hydroxyethyl starch 200,000/0.62 6% and human albumin 5%). Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Operating theater in a university hospital. 24 gynecological patients scheduled for elective surgery. Isovolemic hemodilution was performed using 2 different plasma exchange solutions. Plasma volume was determined using dye dilution technique before and after hemodilution. The volume of withdrawn blood was measured from the change in weight of the blood bags taking into account the specific gravity of blood. The volume of administered plasma exchange solutions exceeded the amount of withdrawn blood by 80 +/- 47 ml (p < 0.001). Plasma volume was 3,067 +/- 327 ml before and 3,517 +/- 458 ml after hemodilution. Using red cell volumes calculated from measured plasma volumes and peripheral hematocrit, a deficit of 249 +/- 133 ml (p < 0.0001) in red cells after hemodilution appeared with the measured withdrawn red cell volumes taken into account. This finding can be explained by a change in the f-cell ratio during isovolemic hemodilution. The volume effect of the exchange solutions was 1.05 for hydroxyethyl starch and 0.95 for albumin. The results demonstrate that a change in the f-cell ratio occurs during isovolemic hemodilution. The estimation of red cell volume or plasma volume changes by using either the hematocrit or plasma or red cell volume determinations together with the hematocrit may lead to erroneous results.

Morphometry of the midgut of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides (Lepeletier) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) during metamorphosis.

PubMed

Cruz, L C; Araújo, V A; Dolder, H; Araújo, A P A; Serrão, J E; Neves, C A

2011-01-01

In Hymenoptera, midgut changes begin in the last instar. At this stage, the larval epithelial digestive cells degenerate, leaving only the basal membrane and the regenerative cells which will develop into a new epithelium during the pupal stage and in the adult. Epithelium renewal is followed by changes in volume and shape of the midgut. Morphometric analysis of digestive cells and total midgut volume of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides (Lepeletier) were conducted to verify whether cell volume increase are sufficient to account for the total midgut volume increase that occurs during metamorphosis. An increase in midgut volume was verified in spite of the scarcity of cell proliferation found during metamorphosis. At the end of metamorphosis, the increase in cell volume was not sufficient to explain the increase in volume of the midgut, indicating that an increase in the number of digestive cells is apparently necessary. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which regenerative cells reconstitute the epithelium during metamorphosis remains unknown.

Agriculture Supplies & Services. Volume 3 of 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kansas State Univ., Manhattan.

The third of three volumes included in a secondary agricultural supplies and services curriculum guide, this volume contains twenty-five units of instruction in the area of agricultural mechanics. Among the unit topics included are (1) Farm Safety, (2) Ignition Systems; (3) Servicing Wheel Bearings, (4) Oxyacetylene Cutting, (5) Servicing the…

Agriculture Supplies & Services. Volume 2 of 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kansas State Univ., Manhattan.

The second of three volumes included in a secondary agricultural supplies and services curriculum guide, this volume contains units of instruction in three major areas: (1) Animal Science, (2) Supervised Training Programs--Farm Business Management, and (3) Career Selection/Public Relations. Typical of the sixteen units included in the first…

7 CFR 1219.30 - Establishment and membership.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... volume of domestic production and the average volume of imports into the United States market over the..., the Board shall review the production of domestic Hass avocados in the United States and the volume of... reapportionment of the positions authorized in paragraph (b)(3) of this section to reflect changes in the...

Index to Research in Home Economics: 1972-1986.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fetterman, Nelma I.; Lefebvre, Verna M.

This index lists 945 research articles from 4 English-language journals in the field of home economics: the "Canadian Home Economics Journal," volumes 23-30; the "Home Economics Research Journal" (United States), volumes 1-14; the "Journal of Consumer Studies and Home Economics" (United Kingdom), volumes 1-10; and the…

Drinking water biofilm cohesiveness changes under chlorination or hydrodynamic stress.

PubMed

Mathieu, L; Bertrand, I; Abe, Y; Angel, E; Block, J C; Skali-Lami, S; Francius, G

2014-05-15

Attempts at removal of drinking water biofilms rely on various preventive and curative strategies such as nutrient reduction in drinking water, disinfection or water flushing, which have demonstrated limited efficiency. The main reason for these failures is the cohesiveness of the biofilm driven by the physico-chemical properties of its exopolymeric matrix (EPS). Effective cleaning procedures should break up the matrix and/or change the elastic properties of bacterial biofilms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in the cohesive strength of two-month-old drinking water biofilms under increasing hydrodynamic shear stress τw (from ∼0.2 to ∼10 Pa) and shock chlorination (applied concentration at T0: 10 mg Cl2/L; 60 min contact time). Biofilm erosion (cell loss per unit surface area) and cohesiveness (changes in the detachment shear stress and cluster volumes measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM)) were studied. When rapidly increasing the hydrodynamic constraint, biofilm removal was found to be dependent on a dual process of erosion and coalescence of the biofilm clusters. Indeed, 56% of the biofilm cells were removed with, concomitantly, a decrease in the number of the 50-300 μm(3) clusters and an increase in the number of the smaller (i.e., <50 μm(3)) and larger (i.e., >600 μm(3)) ones. Moreover, AFM evidenced the strengthening of the biofilm structure along with the doubling of the number of contact points, NC, per cluster volume unit following the hydrodynamic disturbance. This suggests that the compactness of the biofilm exopolymers increases with hydrodynamic stress. Shock chlorination removed cells (-75%) from the biofilm while reducing the volume of biofilm clusters. Oxidation stress resulted in a decrease in the cohesive strength profile of the remaining drinking water biofilms linked to a reduction in the number of contact points within the biofilm network structure in particular for the largest biofilm cluster volumes (>200 μm(3)). Changes in the cohesive strength of drinking water biofilms subsequent to cleaning/disinfection operations call into question the effectiveness of cleaning-in-place procedures. The combined alternating use of oxidation and shear stress sequences needs to be investigated as it could be an important adjunct to improving biofilm removal/reduction procedures. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anisotropic compressibility of the coordination polymer emim[Mn(btc)].

PubMed

Madsen, Solveig R; Moggach, Stephen A; Overgaard, Jacob; Brummerstedt Iversen, Bo

2016-06-01

The effect of pressure on the crystal structure of a coordination polymer, emim[Mn(II)(btc)] (emim = 1-ethyl,3-methyl imidazolium cation, btc = 1,3,5-benzene-tricarboxylate), was investigated with single-crystal X-ray diffraction. At 4.3 GPa the unit-cell volume had decreased by 14% compared with ambient conditions. The unit-cell contraction is highly anisotropic, with the a- and b-axes decreasing by 5.5 and 9.5%, respectively, and the c-axis compressing a mere 0.25% up to 1.7 GPa followed by a 0.2% expansion between 1.7 and 4.3 GPa. The 0.2% increase in length of the c-axis in this interval happens above the quasi-hydrostatic limit of the pressure-transmitting medium and therefore it might be a consequence of strain gradients. Under ambient conditions, two MnO6 units are connected by two carboxylate ligands to form dimeric units. On increasing pressure, a non-bonded O atom from a bridging carboxylate group approaches the Mn atom, with the Mn-O distance decreasing from 2.866 (1) Å at 0.3 GPa to 2.482 (6) Å at 4.3 GPa, increasing the coordination environment of the Mn ion from six- to seven-coordinated.

Parametric and cycle tests of a 40-A-hr bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cataldo, R. L.

1986-01-01

A series of tests was performed to characterize battery performance relating to certain operating parameters which included charge current, discharge current, temperature and pressure. The parameters were varied to confirm battery design concepts and to determine optimal operating conditions. Spacecraft power requirements are constantly increasing. Special spacecraft such as the Space Station and platforms will require energy storage systems of 130 and 25 kWh, respectively. The complexity of these high power systems will demand high reliability, and reduced mass and volume. A system that uses batteries for storage will require a cell count in excess of 400 units. These cell units must then be assembled into several batteries with over 100 cells in a series connected string. In an attempt to simplify the construction of conventional cells and batteries, the NASA Lewis Research Center battery systems group initiated work on a nickel-hydrogen battery in a bipolar configuration in early 1981. Features of the battery with this bipolar construction show promise in improving both volumetric and gravimetric energy densities as well as thermal management. Bipolar construction allows cooling in closer proximity to the cell components, thus heat removal can be accomplished at a higher rejection temperature than conventional cell designs. Also, higher current densities are achievable because of low cell impedance. Lower cell impedance is achieved via current flow perpendicular to the electrode face, thus reducing voltage drops in the electrode grid and electrode terminals tabs.

Quality Improvement Methodologies Increase Autologous Blood Product Administration

PubMed Central

Hodge, Ashley B.; Preston, Thomas J.; Fitch, Jill A.; Harrison, Sheilah K.; Hersey, Diane K.; Nicol, Kathleen K.; Naguib, Aymen N.; McConnell, Patrick I.; Galantowicz, Mark

2014-01-01

Abstract: Whole blood from the heart–lung (bypass) machine may be processed through a cell salvaging device (i.e., cell saver [CS]) and subsequently administered to the patient during cardiac surgery. It was determined at our institution that CS volume was being discarded. A multidisciplinary team consisting of anesthesiologists, perfusionists, intensive care physicians, quality improvement (QI) professionals, and bedside nurses met to determine the challenges surrounding autologous blood delivery in its entirety. A review of cardiac surgery patients’ charts (n = 21) was conducted for analysis of CS waste. After identification of practices that were leading to CS waste, interventions were designed and implemented. Fishbone diagram, key driver diagram, Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles, and data collection forms were used throughout this QI process to track and guide progress regarding CS waste. Of patients under 6 kg (n = 5), 80% had wasted CS blood before interventions, whereas those patients larger than 36 kg (n = 8) had 25% wasted CS before interventions. Seventy-five percent of patients under 6 kg who had wasted CS blood received packed red blood cell transfusions in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit within 24 hours of their operation. After data collection and didactic education sessions (PDSA Cycle I), CS blood volume waste was reduced to 5% in all patients. Identification and analysis of the root cause followed by implementation of education, training, and management of change (PDSA Cycle II) resulted in successful use of 100% of all CS blood volume. PMID:24783313

Protective mechanical ventilation in United Kingdom critical care units: A multicentre audit

PubMed Central

Martin, Matthew J; Richardson, Neil; Bourdeaux, Christopher P

2016-01-01

Lung protective ventilation is becoming increasingly used for all critically ill patients being mechanically ventilated on a mandatory ventilator mode. Compliance with the universal application of this ventilation strategy in intensive care units in the United Kingdom is unknown. This 24-h audit of ventilation practice took place in 16 intensive care units in two regions of the United Kingdom. The mean tidal volume for all patients being ventilated on a mandatory ventilator mode was 7.2(±1.4) ml kg−1 predicted body weight and overall compliance with low tidal volume ventilation (≤6.5 ml kg−1 predicted body weight) was 34%. The mean tidal volume for patients ventilated with volume-controlled ventilation was 7.0(±1.2) ml kg−1 predicted body weight and 7.9(±1.8) ml kg−1 predicted body weight for pressure-controlled ventilation (P < 0.0001). Overall compliance with recommended levels of positive end-expiratory pressure was 72%. Significant variation in practice existed both at a regional and individual unit level. PMID:28979556

Protective mechanical ventilation in United Kingdom critical care units: A multicentre audit.

PubMed

Newell, Christopher P; Martin, Matthew J; Richardson, Neil; Bourdeaux, Christopher P

2017-05-01

Lung protective ventilation is becoming increasingly used for all critically ill patients being mechanically ventilated on a mandatory ventilator mode. Compliance with the universal application of this ventilation strategy in intensive care units in the United Kingdom is unknown. This 24-h audit of ventilation practice took place in 16 intensive care units in two regions of the United Kingdom. The mean tidal volume for all patients being ventilated on a mandatory ventilator mode was 7.2(±1.4) ml kg -1 predicted body weight and overall compliance with low tidal volume ventilation (≤6.5 ml kg -1 predicted body weight) was 34%. The mean tidal volume for patients ventilated with volume-controlled ventilation was 7.0(±1.2) ml kg -1 predicted body weight and 7.9(±1.8) ml kg -1 predicted body weight for pressure-controlled ventilation ( P  < 0.0001). Overall compliance with recommended levels of positive end-expiratory pressure was 72%. Significant variation in practice existed both at a regional and individual unit level.

Light Emission by Nonequilibrium Bodies: Local Kirchhoff Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greffet, Jean-Jacques; Bouchon, Patrick; Brucoli, Giovanni; Marquier, François

2018-04-01

The goal of this paper is to introduce a local form of Kirchhoff law to model light emission by nonequilibrium bodies. While absorption by a finite-size body is usually described using the absorption cross section, we introduce a local absorption rate per unit volume and also a local thermal emission rate per unit volume. Their equality is a local form of Kirchhoff law. We revisit the derivation of this equality and extend it to situations with subsystems in local thermodynamic equilibrium but not in equilibrium between them, such as hot electrons in a metal or electrons with different Fermi levels in the conduction band and in the valence band of a semiconductor. This form of Kirchhoff law can be used to model (i) thermal emission by nonisothermal finite-size bodies, (ii) thermal emission by bodies with carriers at different temperatures, and (iii) spontaneous emission by semiconductors under optical (photoluminescence) or electrical pumping (electroluminescence). Finally, we show that the reciprocity relation connecting light-emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells derived by Rau is a particular case of the local Kirchhoff law.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of native and selenomethionine class I tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase from Streptococcus pyogenes.

PubMed

Liotard, Brigitte; Sygusch, Jurgen

2004-03-01

Tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (EC 4.1.2.40) is situated at the branching of the tagatose-6-phosphate and Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (glycolysis) metabolic pathways, where it catalyzes the reversible cleavage of tagatose-1,6-bisphosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. The recombinant protein from Streptococcus pyogenes was overexpressed in Escherichia coli in its native and selenomethionine-derivative forms and purified using ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Orthorhombic crystals suitable for structural analysis were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method for both isoforms. The crystals belong to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 63.7, b = 108.1, c = 238.7 A for the native form and a = 64.1, b = 108.3, c = 239.8 A for the selenomethionine derivative. The asymmetric unit contains four protomers, corresponding to a crystal volume per protein weight (V(M)) of 2.8 A(3) Da(-1) and a solvent content of 56% by volume.

Cell volume and plasma membrane osmotic water permeability in epithelial cell layers measured by interferometry.

PubMed

Farinas, J; Verkman, A S

1996-12-01

The development of strategies to measure plasma membrane osmotic water permeability (Pf) in epithelial cells has been motivated by the identification of a family of molecular water channels. A general approach utilizing interferometry to measure cell shape and volume was developed and applied to measure Pf in cell layers. The method is based on the cell volume dependence of optical path length (OPL) for a light beam passing through the cell. The small changes in OPL were measured by interferometry. A mathematical model was developed to relate the interference signal to cell volume changes for cells of arbitrary shape and size. To validate the model, a Mach-Zehnder interference microscope was used to image OPL in an Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell layer and to reconstruct the three-dimensional cell shape (OPL resolution < lambda/25). As predicted by the model, a doubling of cell volume resulted in a change in OPL that was proportional to the difference in refractive indices between water and the extracellular medium. The time course of relative cell volume in response to an osmotic gradient was computed from serial interference images. To measure cell volume without microscopy and image analysis, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer was constructed in which one of two interfering laser beams passed through a flow chamber containing the cell layer. The interference signal in response to an osmotic gradient was analyzed to quantify the time course of relative cell volume. The calculated MDCK cell plasma membrane Pf of 6.1 x 10(-4) cm/s at 24 degrees C agreed with that obtained by interference microscopy and by a total internal reflection fluorescence method. Interferometry was also applied to measure the apical plasma membrane water permeability of intact toad urinary bladder; Pf increased fivefold after forskolin stimulation to 0.04 cm/s at 23 degrees C. These results establish and validate the application of interferometry to quantify cell volume and osmotic water permeability in cell layers.

TREATABILITY STUDY BULLETIN: MOBILE VOLUME REDUCTION UNIT AT THE SAND CREEK SUPERFUND SITE

EPA Science Inventory

The Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) Releases Control Branch (RCB) has developed a pilot-scale Mobile Volume Reduction Unit (VRU) to determine the feasibility of soil washing for the remediation of contaminated soils. This mobile unit, mounted on two trailers, can pro...

Timber Resource of Wisconsin's Southwest Survey Unit, 1983.

Treesearch

Gerhard K. Raile

1985-01-01

The timber resource of the Southwest Wisconsin Survey Unit increased 29% in commercial forest area and increased 52% in growing-stock volume between 1968 and 1983. Highlights and statistics from the fourth inventory of this unit are presented for area, volume, growth, mortality, removals, utilization, and biomass.

Rolling Circle Transcription of Ribozymes Targeted to ras and mdr-1

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-09-01

ssDNA) to direct transcription of an tion-PCR, and recyclization were carried out to optimize active hammerhead ribozyme in E. coli cells. transcription...transcription I hammerhead ribozyme I in vitro selection and 12.5 units/ml RNase inhibitor (Promega), in a total reaction volume of 15 tk1. After a...sequence encoding a ssDNA, and splint ssDNA were ethanol-precipitated and used as hammerhead ribozyme . templates to begin the next round of in vitro

Interaction of Jet Fuel Hydrocarbon Components with Red Blood Cells and Hemoglobin

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-24

Directorate (RHDJ), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. The authors would like to thank Maj. Paul Eden, Nicole Schaeublin, Christin Grabinski, Dr. Jeff Gearhart...We would also like to thank LtCol. Norman Fox (Laboratory Flight Commander), Mrs. Nersa Loh (Supervisor, Transfusion Services), and Mr. Dan Fischer ...Approximately 7.8 mg of hemoglobin sample was concentrated into a total volume of 5 mL of Fischer PBS pH 7.5 buffer using an Amicon Centrifugal Filter Unit

Annual Progress Report FY-91. Volume 1 and 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-12

Pulmonary Med Tech 11 0644 GS Berger, TA Allergy Microbiologist 12 0403 GS Billups, L Flow Cytom Chemist 12 1320 GS Vacant Pulmonary Kyle Metabolic Unit...Reactions 11 (11/89) 3349 Salata, Kalman PhD. Mitogen-Inducible T Suppressor Cell 12 Assay by Flow Cytometry (12/89) 3350 Salata, Kalman PhD. Flow ...3/90) 3354 Salata, Kalman PhD. Two Way Mixed Lymphocyte Culture: 17 Analysis by Two Color Flow Cytometry (4/90) 3355 Salata, Kalman PhD. Effect of

Master--slave manipulators and remote maintenance at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

Jenness, R.G.; Wicker, C.D.

1975-01-01

The volume of master-slave manipulator maintenance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has necessitated the establishment of a repair facility and the organization of a specially trained group of craftsmen. Emphasis on cell containment requires the use of manipulator boots and the development of precise procedures for accomplishing the maintenance of 283 installed units. To provide the most economical type of preventive maintenance, a very satisfactory computer- programmed maintenance system has been established at the Laboratory. (auth)

Hetero-cellular prototyping by synchronized multi-material bioprinting for rotary cell culture system.

PubMed

Snyder, Jessica; Son, Ae Rin; Hamid, Qudus; Wu, Honglu; Sun, Wei

2016-01-13

Bottom-up tissue engineering requires methodological progress of biofabrication to capture key design facets of anatomical arrangements across micro, meso and macro-scales. The diffusive mass transfer properties necessary to elicit stability and functionality require hetero-typic contact, cell-to-cell signaling and uniform nutrient diffusion. Bioprinting techniques successfully build mathematically defined porous architecture to diminish resistance to mass transfer. Current limitations of bioprinted cell assemblies include poor micro-scale formability of cell-laden soft gels and asymmetrical macro-scale diffusion through 3D volumes. The objective of this work is to engineer a synchronized multi-material bioprinter (SMMB) system which improves the resolution and expands the capability of existing bioprinting systems by packaging multiple cell types in heterotypic arrays prior to deposition. This unit cell approach to arranging multiple cell-laden solutions is integrated with a motion system to print heterogeneous filaments as tissue engineered scaffolds and nanoliter droplets. The set of SMMB process parameters control the geometric arrangement of the combined flow's internal features and constituent material's volume fractions. SMMB printed hepatocyte-endothelial laden 200 nl droplets are cultured in a rotary cell culture system (RCCS) to study the effect of microgravity on an in vitro model of the human hepatic lobule. RCCS conditioning for 48 h increased hepatocyte cytoplasm diameter 2 μm, increased metabolic rate, and decreased drug half-life. SMMB hetero-cellular models present a 10-fold increase in metabolic rate, compared to SMMB mono-culture models. Improved bioprinting resolution due to process control of cell-laden matrix packaging as well as nanoliter droplet printing capability identify SMMB as a viable technique to improve in vitro model efficacy.

Small Business Management. Addendum to Small Business Management Education Curriculum Volume III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minnesota Univ., St. Paul. Dept. of Agricultural Education.

A supplement to a previous volume (CE 009 649), this document contains handouts, case problems, schedules, and seminar information keyed to specific units of instruction. The contents by year and unit areas are as follow: year I, unit 1--time management (two-page handout concerning four problems to avoid; year I, unit 2--warranty register (a…

Identification of ER Proteins Involved in the Functional Organisation of the Early Secretory Pathway in Drosophila Cells by a Targeted RNAi Screen

PubMed Central

Kondylis, Vangelis; Tang, Yang; Fuchs, Florian; Boutros, Michael; Rabouille, Catherine

2011-01-01

Background In Drosophila, the early secretory apparatus comprises discrete paired Golgi stacks in close proximity to exit sites from the endoplasmic reticulum (tER sites), thus forming tER-Golgi units. Although many components involved in secretion have been identified, the structural components sustaining its organisation are less known. Here we set out to identify novel ER resident proteins involved in the of tER-Golgi unit organisation. Results To do so, we designed a novel screening strategy combining a bioinformatics pre-selection with an RNAi screen. We first selected 156 proteins exhibiting known or related ER retention/retrieval signals from a list of proteins predicted to have a signal sequence. We then performed a microscopy-based primary and confirmation RNAi screen in Drosophila S2 cells directly scoring the organisation of the tER-Golgi units. We identified 49 hits, most of which leading to an increased number of smaller tER-Golgi units (MG for “more and smaller Golgi”) upon depletion. 16 of them were validated and characterised, showing that this phenotype was not due to an inhibition in secretion, a block in G2, or ER stress. Interestingly, the MG phenotype was often accompanied by an increase in the cell volume. Out of 6 proteins, 4 were localised to the ER. Conclusions This work has identified novel proteins involved in the organisation of the Drosophila early secretory pathway. It contributes to the effort of assigning protein functions to gene annotation in the secretory pathway, and analysis of the MG hits revealed an enrichment of ER proteins. These results suggest a link between ER localisation, aspects of cell metabolism and tER-Golgi structural organisation. PMID:21383842

Identification of ER proteins involved in the functional organisation of the early secretory pathway in Drosophila cells by a targeted RNAi screen.

PubMed

Kondylis, Vangelis; Tang, Yang; Fuchs, Florian; Boutros, Michael; Rabouille, Catherine

2011-02-23

In Drosophila, the early secretory apparatus comprises discrete paired Golgi stacks in close proximity to exit sites from the endoplasmic reticulum (tER sites), thus forming tER-Golgi units. Although many components involved in secretion have been identified, the structural components sustaining its organisation are less known. Here we set out to identify novel ER resident proteins involved in the of tER-Golgi unit organisation. To do so, we designed a novel screening strategy combining a bioinformatics pre-selection with an RNAi screen. We first selected 156 proteins exhibiting known or related ER retention/retrieval signals from a list of proteins predicted to have a signal sequence. We then performed a microscopy-based primary and confirmation RNAi screen in Drosophila S2 cells directly scoring the organisation of the tER-Golgi units. We identified 49 hits, most of which leading to an increased number of smaller tER-Golgi units (MG for "more and smaller Golgi") upon depletion. 16 of them were validated and characterised, showing that this phenotype was not due to an inhibition in secretion, a block in G2, or ER stress. Interestingly, the MG phenotype was often accompanied by an increase in the cell volume. Out of 6 proteins, 4 were localised to the ER. This work has identified novel proteins involved in the organisation of the Drosophila early secretory pathway. It contributes to the effort of assigning protein functions to gene annotation in the secretory pathway, and analysis of the MG hits revealed an enrichment of ER proteins. These results suggest a link between ER localisation, aspects of cell metabolism and tER-Golgi structural organisation.

Regulation of cell volume by glycosaminoglycans.

PubMed

Joerges, Jelena; Schulz, Tobias; Wegner, Jeannine; Schumacher, Udo; Prehm, Peter

2012-01-01

Cell volume is regulated by a delicate balance between ion distribution across the plasma membrane and the osmotic properties of intra- and extracellular components. Using a fluorescent calcein indicator, we analysed the effects of glycosaminoglycans on the cell volume of hyaluronan producing fibroblasts and hyaluronan deficient HEK cells over a time period of 30 h. Exogenous glycosaminoglycans induced cell blebbing after 2 min and swelling of fibroblasts to about 110% of untreated cell volume at low concentrations which decreased at higher concentrations. HEK cells did not show cell blebbing and responded by shrinking to 65% of untreated cell volume. Heparin induced swelling of both fibroblasts and HEK cells. Hyaluronidase treatment or inhibition of hyaluronan export led to cell shrinkage indicating that the hyaluronan coat maintained fibroblasts in a swollen state. These observations were explained by the combined action of the Donnan effect and molecular crowding. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nursing Skills for Allied Health Services. Volume 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, Lucile A., Ed.

Volume 2 of the two-volume textbook on nursing skills presents instructional materials (units 21-36) on nursing skills based on 184 activities designated by the Allied Health Professions Projects national survey as those which are accomplished by all levels of nursing. Unit titles are: (21) urine elimination; (22) bowel elimination; (23)…

Agriculture Supplies & Services. Volume 1 of 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kansas State Univ., Manhattan.

The first of three volumes included in a secondary agricultural supplies and services curriculum guide, this volume contains units of instruction in two major areas: (1) plant and soil science and (2) leadership (Future Farmers of America). Typical of the nineteen units included in the first section are the following: Plant Insect Control, Plant…

Autologus or allogenic uses of umbilical cord blood whole or RBC transfusion - a review.

PubMed

Chakrabarty, P; Rudra, S

2013-01-01

Once Umbilical Cord with Placenta considered a biological waste product and generally discarded after delivery but now cord blood has emerged as a viable source of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. High-risk premature infants require red cell transfusions for anemia. A unique property of cord blood (CB) for its high content of immature hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Placental blood for autologous transfusions can be collected with aseptic precaution/sterilely into citrate-phosphate-dextrose and stored at 4°C. During storage for 8 days, the placental red cell content of adenosine triphosphate remained normal. The 2,3,-diphosphoglycerate concentration of cells stored beyond 8 days declined sharply. So we have to store umbilical cord blood (UCB) within 7 days for its best result. During storage, placental blood underwent an exchange of extra-cellular Na+ and K+, but no change in glutathione content. Hemolysis was less than 1 percent. Bacteriologic and fungal cultures remained sterile. These suggest that human placental blood can be collected safely and preserved effectively for autologous/allogenic transfusion therapy. In neonatal transfusion practice, efforts have been made to provide premature infants with autologous red blood cell (RBC), especially those born before 32 gestational weeks. In India no adverse transfusion effects were seen in a wide variety of patients that received (pooled) allogeneic fresh whole blood / UCB transfusions. The use of UCB for small volume allogeneic transfusions in anaemic children in Africa or in malaria endemic areas has also been proposed. A preclinical study showed that donation and transfusion of UCB would be acceptable to women living in Mombasa, Kenya. In view of the small volumes RBC per unit that can be collected, it is most likely that anaemic children need of a small volume of transfusions. In resource-restricted countries would benefit most from this easily available transfusion product.

TREATABILITY STUDY BULLETIN: MOBILE VOLUME REDUCTION UNIT AT THE ESCAMBIA SUPERFUND SITE

EPA Science Inventory

The RREL has developed a pilot-scale Mobile Volume Reduction Unit (VRU) to determine the feasibility of soil washing for the remediation of contaminated soils. This mobile unit, mounted on two trailers, can process 100 lb/hr of soil feed. Soil washing is a cost effective technolo...

Timber Resource of Wisconsin's Northeast Survey Unit, 1983.

Treesearch

Mark H. Hansen

1984-01-01

The timber resource of the Northeast Wisconsin Survey Unit declined 5.7% in commercial forest area and increased 23% in growing-stock volume between 1968 and 1983. Highlights and statistics from the fourth inventory of this unit are presented for area, volume, growth, mortality, removals, utilization, and biomass.

Timber resource of Wisconsin's Central Survey Unit, 1983.

Treesearch

Jerold T. Hahn

1985-01-01

The timber resource of the Central Wisconsin Survey Unit increased 4.2% in commercial forest area and increased 75% in growing-stock volume between 1968 and 1983. Highlights and statistics from the fourth inventory of this unit are presented for area, volume, growth, mortality, removals, utilization, and biomass.

SPOKEN COCHABAMBA QUECHUA, UNITS 13-24.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LASTRA, YOLANDA; SOLA, DONALD F.

UNITS 13-24 OF THE SPOKEN COCHABAMBA QUECHUA COURSE FOLLOW THE GENERAL FORMAT OF THE FIRST VOLUME (UNITS 1-12). THIS SECOND VOLUME IS INTENDED FOR USE IN AN INTERMEDIATE OR ADVANCED COURSE AND INCLUDES MORE COMPLEX DIALOGS, CONVERSATIONS, "LISTENING-INS," AND DICTATIONS, AS WELL AS GRAMMAR AND EXERCISE SECTIONS COVERING ADDITIONAL…

21 CFR 165.110 - Bottled water.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

.... (3) Physical quality. Bottled water shall, when a composite of analytical units of equal volume from.... 1 (4) Chemical quality. (i)(A) Bottled water shall, when a composite of analytical units of equal... bottled water, when a composite of analytical units of equal volume from a sample is examined by the...

The Effect of Fiber Strength Stochastics and Local Fiber Volume Fraction on Multiscale Progressive Failure of Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ricks, Trenton M.; Lacy, Jr., Thomas E.; Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Arnold, Steven M.

2013-01-01

Continuous fiber unidirectional polymer matrix composites (PMCs) can exhibit significant local variations in fiber volume fraction as a result of processing conditions that can lead to further local differences in material properties and failure behavior. In this work, the coupled effects of both local variations in fiber volume fraction and the empirically-based statistical distribution of fiber strengths on the predicted longitudinal modulus and local tensile strength of a unidirectional AS4 carbon fiber/ Hercules 3502 epoxy composite were investigated using the special purpose NASA Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells (MAC/GMC); local effective composite properties were obtained by homogenizing the material behavior over repeating units cells (RUCs). The predicted effective longitudinal modulus was relatively insensitive to small (8%) variations in local fiber volume fraction. The composite tensile strength, however, was highly dependent on the local distribution in fiber strengths. The RUC-averaged constitutive response can be used to characterize lower length scale material behavior within a multiscale analysis framework that couples the NASA code FEAMAC and the ABAQUS finite element solver. Such an approach can be effectively used to analyze the progressive failure of PMC structures whose failure initiates at the RUC level. Consideration of the effect of local variations in constituent properties and morphologies on progressive failure of PMCs is a central aspect of the application of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) principles for composite materials.

Voxel based parallel post processor for void nucleation and growth analysis of atomistic simulations of material fracture.

PubMed

Hemani, H; Warrier, M; Sakthivel, N; Chaturvedi, S

2014-05-01

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used in the study of void nucleation and growth in crystals that are subjected to tensile deformation. These simulations are run for typically several hundred thousand time steps depending on the problem. We output the atom positions at a required frequency for post processing to determine the void nucleation, growth and coalescence due to tensile deformation. The simulation volume is broken up into voxels of size equal to the unit cell size of crystal. In this paper, we present the algorithm to identify the empty unit cells (voids), their connections (void size) and dynamic changes (growth and coalescence of voids) for MD simulations of large atomic systems (multi-million atoms). We discuss the parallel algorithms that were implemented and discuss their relative applicability in terms of their speedup and scalability. We also present the results on scalability of our algorithm when it is incorporated into MD software LAMMPS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unit cell parameters of wurtzite InP nanowires determined by x-ray diffraction.

PubMed

Kriegner, D; Wintersberger, E; Kawaguchi, K; Wallentin, J; Borgström, M T; Stangl, J

2011-10-21

High resolution x-ray diffraction is used to study the structural properties of the wurtzite polytype of InP nanowires. Wurtzite InP nanowires are grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy using S-doping. From the evaluation of the Bragg peak position we determine the lattice parameters of the wurtzite InP nanowires. The unit cell dimensions are found to differ from the ones expected from geometric conversion of the cubic bulk InP lattice constant. The atomic distances along the c direction are increased whereas the atomic spacing in the a direction is reduced in comparison to the corresponding distances in the zinc-blende phase. Using core/shell nanowires with a thin core and thick nominally intrinsic shells we are able to determine the lattice parameters of wurtzite InP with a negligible influence of the S-doping due to the much larger volume in the shell. The determined material properties will enable the ab initio calculation of electronic and optical properties of wurtzite InP nanowires.

Volcanic stratigraphy of large-volume silicic pyroclastic eruptions during Oligocene Afro-Arabian flood volcanism in Yemen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peate, Ingrid Ukstins; Baker, Joel A.; Al-Kadasi, Mohamed; Al-Subbary, Abdulkarim; Knight, Kim B.; Riisager, Peter; Thirlwall, Matthew F.; Peate, David W.; Renne, Paul R.; Menzies, Martin A.

2005-12-01

A new stratigraphy for bimodal Oligocene flood volcanism that forms the volcanic plateau of northern Yemen is presented based on detailed field observations, petrography and geochemical correlations. The >1 km thick volcanic pile is divided into three phases of volcanism: a main basaltic stage (31 to 29.7 Ma), a main silicic stage (29.7 to 29.5 Ma), and a stage of upper bimodal volcanism (29.5 to 27.7 Ma). Eight large-volume silicic pyroclastic eruptive units are traceable throughout northern Yemen, and some units can be correlated with silicic eruptive units in the Ethiopian Traps and to tephra layers in the Indian Ocean. The silicic units comprise pyroclastic density current and fall deposits and a caldera-collapse breccia, and they display textures that unequivocally identify them as primary pyroclastic deposits: basal vitrophyres, eutaxitic fabrics, glass shards, vitroclastic ash matrices and accretionary lapilli. Individual pyroclastic eruptions have preserved on-land volumes of up to ˜850 km3. The largest units have associated co-ignimbrite plume ash fall deposits with dispersal areas >1×107 km2 and estimated maximum total volumes of up to 5,000 km3, which provide accurate and precisely dated marker horizons that can be used to link litho-, bio- and magnetostratigraphy studies. There is a marked change in eruption style of silicic units with time, from initial large-volume explosive pyroclastic eruptions producing ignimbrites and near-globally distributed tuffs, to smaller volume (<50 km3) mixed effusive-explosive eruptions emplacing silicic lavas intercalated with tuffs and ignimbrites. Although eruption volumes decrease by an order of magnitude from the first stage to the last, eruption intervals within each phase remain broadly similar. These changes may reflect the initiation of continental rifting and the transition from pre-break-up thick, stable crust supporting large-volume magma chambers, to syn-rift actively thinning crust hosting small-volume magma chambers.

Foam generation and sample composition optimization for the FOAM-C experiment of the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carpy, R.; Picker, G.; Amann, B.; Ranebo, H.; Vincent-Bonnieu, S.; Minster, O.; Winter, J.; Dettmann, J.; Castiglione, L.; Höhler, R.; Langevin, D.

2011-12-01

End of 2009 and early 2010 a sealed cell, for foam generation and observation, has been designed and manufactured at Astrium Friedrichshafen facilities. With the use of this cell, different sample compositions of "wet foams" have been optimized for mixtures of chemicals such as water, dodecanol, pluronic, aethoxisclerol, glycerol, CTAB, SDS, as well as glass beads. This development is performed in the frame of the breadboarding development activities of the Experiment Container FOAM-C for operation in the ISS Fluid Science Laboratory (ISS). The sample cell supports multiple observation methods such as: Diffusing-Wave and Diffuse Transmission Spectrometry, Time Resolved Correlation Spectroscopy [1] and microscope observation, all of these methods are applied in the cell with a relatively small experiment volume <3cm3. These units, will be on orbit replaceable sets, that will allow multiple sample compositions processing (in the range of >40).

Monolithic solid electrolyte oxygen pump

DOEpatents

Fee, Darrell C.; Poeppel, Roger B.; Easler, Timothy E.; Dees, Dennis W.

1989-01-01

A multi-layer oxygen pump having a one-piece, monolithic ceramic structure affords high oxygen production per unit weight and volume and is thus particularly adapted for use as a portable oxygen supply. The oxygen pump is comprised of a large number of small cells on the order of 1-2 millimeters in diameter which form the walls of the pump and which are comprised of thin, i.e., 25-50 micrometers, ceramic layers of cell components. The cell components include an air electrode, an oxygen electrode, an electrolyte and interconnection materials. The cell walls form the passages for input air and for exhausting the oxygen which is transferred from a relatively dilute gaseous mixture to a higher concentration by applying a DC voltage across the electrodes so as to ionize the oxygen at the air electrode, whereupon the ionized oxygen travels through the electrolyte and is converted to oxygen gas at the oxygen electrode.

[Specific features of blood cell composition and structure in fishes from the pelagial and coastal zones of Lake Baikal].

PubMed

Iakhnenko, V M; Klimenkov, I V

2009-01-01

Differences in the proportions and ultrastructure of peripheral blood cells between the Baikal cisco and roach have been revealed. Both species contain all main cell types involved in the immune response in higher vertebrates. However, cells mediating the innate immune response are represented in the Baikal cisco only by monocytes and pseudogranulocytes, whereas the blood of roach additionally contains true granulocytes. Significantly greater numbers of leukocytes and thrombocytes per unit volume in the roach are evidence for mobilization of the immune system in this species. The peripheral blood of both species contains lymphocytes, which are responsible for adaptive immunity. The content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes is lower in the roach than in the Baikal cisco. The state of blood in the two species may be considered adapted to typical conditions in their habitats.

Application of response surface methodology to maximize the productivity of scalable automated human embryonic stem cell manufacture.

PubMed

Ratcliffe, Elizabeth; Hourd, Paul; Guijarro-Leach, Juan; Rayment, Erin; Williams, David J; Thomas, Robert J

2013-01-01

Commercial regenerative medicine will require large quantities of clinical-specification human cells. The cost and quality of manufacture is notoriously difficult to control due to highly complex processes with poorly defined tolerances. As a step to overcome this, we aimed to demonstrate the use of 'quality-by-design' tools to define the operating space for economic passage of a scalable human embryonic stem cell production method with minimal cell loss. Design of experiments response surface methodology was applied to generate empirical models to predict optimal operating conditions for a unit of manufacture of a previously developed automatable and scalable human embryonic stem cell production method. Two models were defined to predict cell yield and cell recovery rate postpassage, in terms of the predictor variables of media volume, cell seeding density, media exchange and length of passage. Predicted operating conditions for maximized productivity were successfully validated. Such 'quality-by-design' type approaches to process design and optimization will be essential to reduce the risk of product failure and patient harm, and to build regulatory confidence in cell therapy manufacturing processes.

Correlation between differential renal function estimation using CT-based functional renal parenchymal volume and (99m)Tc - DTPA renal scan.

PubMed

Sarma, Debanga; Barua, Sasanka K; Rajeev, T P; Baruah, Saumar J

2012-10-01

Nuclear renal scan is currently the gold standard imaging study to determine differential renal function. We propose helical CT as single modality for both the anatomical and functional evaluation of kidney with impaired function. In the present study renal parenchymal volume is measured and percent total renal volume is used as a surrogate marker for differential renal function. The objective of this study is to correlate between differential renal function estimation using CT-based renal parenchymal volume measurement with differential renal function estimation using (99m)TC - DTPA renal scan. Twenty-one patients with unilateral obstructive uropathy were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. They were subjected to (99m)Tc - DTPA renal scan and 64 slice helical CT scan which estimates the renal volume depending on the reconstruction of arterial phase images followed by volume rendering and percent renal volume was calculated. Percent renal volume was correlated with percent renal function, as determined by nuclear renal scan using Pearson coefficient. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: A strong correlation is observed between percent renal volume and percent renal function in obstructed units (r = 0.828, P < 0.001) as well as in nonobstructed units (r = 0.827, P < 0.001). There is a strong correlation between percent renal volume determined by CT scan and percent renal function determined by (99m)TC - DTPA renal scan both in obstructed and in normal units. CT-based percent renal volume can be used as a single radiological tests for both functional and anatomical assessment of impaired renal units.

Compressive auto-indexing in femtosecond nanocrystallography

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

Maia, Filipe; Yang, Chao; Marchesini, Stefano

2010-09-20

Ultrafast nanocrystallography has the potential to revolutionize biology by enabling structural elucidation of proteins for which it is possible to grow crystals with 10 or fewer unit cells. The success of nanocrystallography depends on robust orientation-determination procedures that allow us to average diffraction data from multiple nanocrystals to produce a 3D diffraction data volume with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Such a 3D diffraction volume can then be phased using standard crystallographic techniques."Indexing" algorithms used in crystallography enable orientation determination of a diffraction data from a single crystal when a relatively large number of reflections are recorded. Here we show thatmore » it is possible to obtain the exact lattice geometry from a smaller number of measurements than standard approaches using a basis pursuit solver.« less

Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT): five-year experience from the United States National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) contract research program in cell and tissue therapies

PubMed Central

Reed, William; Noga, Stephen J.; Gee, Adrian P.; Rooney, Cliona M.; Wagner, John E.; McCullough, Jeffrey; McKenna, David H.; Whiteside, Theresa L.; Donnenberg, Albert D.; Baker, Acacia K.; Lindblad, Robert W.; Wagner, Elizabeth L.; Mondoro, Traci Heath

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND In 2002, the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducted a workshop to determine needs of the cell therapy community. A consensus emerged that improved access to cGMP facilities, regulatory assistance, and training would foster the advancement of cellular therapy. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A 2003 NHLBI request for proposals resulted in four contracts being awarded to three cell-manufacturing facilities (Baylor College of Medicine, University of Minnesota, and University of Pittsburgh) and one administrative center (The EMMES Corporation). As a result, Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) was formed. RESULTS As of October 1, 2008, PACT has received 65 preliminary applications of which 45 have been approved for product manufacture. A variety of cell therapies are represented including T-regulatory cells, natural killer cells, adipose-derived stem cells, cardiac progenitor cells for cardiac disease, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for central nervous system applications, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. A total of 169 products have been administered under 12 applications and 2 reagents were manufactured and delivered. Fourteen peer-reviewed publications and 15 abstracts have resulted from the PACT project to date. A cell therapy textbook is nearly complete. PACT technical projects have addressed assay development, rapid endotoxin testing, shipping of cell products, and CD34+ HPC isolation from low-volume marrow. Educational Web seminars and onsite training through workshops have been conducted. CONCLUSIONS PACT is an active and successful cell therapy manufacturing resource in the United States, addressing research and training while forging relationships among academia, industry, and participating institutions. PMID:19170985

Automated red blood cell depletion in ABO incompatible grafts in the pediatric setting.

PubMed

Del Fante, Claudia; Scudeller, Luigia; Recupero, Santina; Viarengo, Gianluca; Boghen, Stella; Gurrado, Antonella; Zecca, Marco; Seghatchian, Jerard; Perotti, Cesare

2017-12-01

Bone marrow ABO incompatible transplantations require graft manipulation prior to infusion to avoid potentially lethal side effects. We analyzed the influence of pre-manipulation factors (temperature at arrival, transit time, time of storage at 4°C until processing and total time from collection to red blood cell depletion) on the graft quality of 21 red blood cell depletion procedures in ABO incompatible pediatric transplants. Bone marrow collections were processed using the Spectra Optia ® (Terumo BCT) automated device. Temperature at arrival ranged between 4°C and 6°C, median transit time was 9.75h (range 0.33-28), median time of storage at 4°-6°C until processing was 1.8h (range 0.41-18.41) and median time from collection to RBC depletion was 21h (range1-39.4). Median percentage of red blood cell depletion was 97.7 (range 95.4-98.5), median mononuclear cells recovery was 92.2% (range 40-121.2), median CD34+ cell recovery was 93% (range 69.9-161.2), median cell viability was 97.7% (range 94-99.3) and median volume reduction was 83.9% (range 82-92). Graft quality was not significantly different between BM units median age. Our preliminary data show that when all good manifacturing practices are respected the post-manipulation graft quality is excellent also for those units processed after 24h. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tunable two-dimensional acoustic meta-structure composed of funnel-shaped unit cells with multi-band negative acoustic property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Sungjin; Kim, Boseung; Min, Dongki; Park, Junhong

2015-10-01

This paper presents a two-dimensional heat-exhaust and sound-proof acoustic meta-structure exhibiting tunable multi-band negative effective mass density. The meta-structure was composed of periodic funnel-shaped units in a square lattice. Each unit cell operates simultaneously as a Helmholtz resonator (HR) and an extended pipe chamber resonator (EPCR), leading to a negative effective mass density creating bandgaps for incident sound energy dissipation without transmission. This structure allowed large heat-flow through the cross-sectional area of the extended pipe since the resonance was generated by acoustic elements without using solid membranes. The pipes were horizontally directed to a flow source to enable small flow resistance for cooling. Measurements of the sound transmission were performed using a two-load, four-microphone method for a unit cell and small reverberation chamber for two-dimensional panel to characterize the acoustic performance. The effective mass density showed significant frequency dependent variation exhibiting negative values at the specific bandgaps, while the effective bulk modulus was not affected by the resonator. Theoretical models incorporating local resonances in the multiple resonator units were proposed to analyze the noise reduction mechanism. The acoustic meta-structure parameters to create broader frequency bandgaps were investigated using the theoretical model. The negative effective mass density was calculated to investigate the creation of the bandgaps. The effects of design parameters such as length, cross-sectional area, and volume of the HR; length and cross-sectional area of the EPCR were analyzed. To maximize the frequency band gap, the suggested acoustic meta-structure panel, small neck length, and cross-sectional area of the HR, large EPCR length was advantageous. The bandgaps became broader when the two resonant frequencies were similar.

Cellular volume regulation and substrate stiffness modulate the detachment dynamics of adherent cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yuehua; Jiang, Hongyuan

2018-03-01

Quantitative characterizations of cell detachment are vital for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of cell adhesion. Experiments have found that cell detachment shows strong rate dependence, which is mostly attributed to the binding-unbinding kinetics of receptor-ligand bond. However, our recent study showed that the cellular volume regulation can significantly regulate the dynamics of adherent cell and cell detachment. How this cellular volume regulation contributes to the rate dependence of cell detachment remains elusive. Here, we systematically study the role of cellular volume regulation in the rate dependence of cell detachment by investigating the cell detachments of nonspecific adhesion and specific adhesion. We find that the cellular volume regulation and the bond kinetics dominate the rate dependence of cell detachment at different time scales. We further test the validity of the traditional Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) contact model and the detachment model developed by Wyart and Gennes et al (W-G model). When the cell volume is changeable, the JKR model is not appropriate for both the detachments of convex cells and concave cells. The W-G model is valid for the detachment of convex cells but is no longer applicable for the detachment of concave cells. Finally, we show that the rupture force of adherent cells is also highly sensitive to substrate stiffness, since an increase in substrate stiffness will lead to more associated bonds. These findings can provide insight into the critical role of cell volume in cell detachment and might have profound implications for other adhesion-related physiological processes.

Recent developments in the long-term preservation of red blood cells.

PubMed

Greenwalt, T J

1997-11-01

The first study to suggest the successful prolongation of the useful shelf life of red blood cells (RBCs) used a hypotonic additive solution containing glycerol. It was necessary to use twice the volume of this solution than the commercial additive solution per unit of packed RBCs. The final concentration of glycerol in the units was approximately 0.69% (75 mmol/L). A subsequent study demonstrated that the membranes of the exocytic microvesicles shed during storage had less of bands 3 and 4.1 than those in Adsol (Fenwal Laboratories, Deerfield, IL). Band 4.1 is important for strengthening the bonds between spectrin and actin in the cytoskeleton. In another study, glutamine or glutamine plus phosphate was used in a hypotonic additive solution, otherwise similar to the glycerol-containing additive. In the latter medium, phosphatidylethanolamine was less accessible to phospholipase action than in Adsol or when glutamine alone was added. Another group reported encouraging data regarding the action of L-carnitine when added to AS-3. Acylation of phosphatidylethanolamine mediated by the action of carnitine fatty acid transferase with acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) occurred. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate levels and red cell recovery were better in the test units. In the last paper reviewed, the authors demonstrated that oxidant damage of erythrocytes was less if the donors were given a mixture of antioxidants for 10 days prior to donating.

Preparation, crystal structure and thermal decomposition kinetics of 1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)azo-1-nitrocyclohexane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Desuo; Ma, Haixia; Hu, Rongzu; Song, Jirong; Zhao, Fengqi

2005-11-01

A new three-nitro-group compound of 1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)azo-1-nitrocyclohexane was prepared by the reaction of cyclohexanone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with nitric oxide at ambient temperature. The single crystal structure has been determined by a four-circle X-ray diffractometer. The compound is monoclinic with space group P2(1)/ c and unit-cell parameters a=11.300(2) Å, b=12.993(2) Å, c=10.155(1) Å, β=98.33(1) o, F(000)=672, the unit-cell volume V=1475.2(5) Å 3, the molecule number in one unit-cell Z=4, the absorption coefficient μ=1.19 cm -1, the calculated density Dc=1.456 g cm -3. The exothermic decomposition reaction kinetics of the compound has been studied by DSC. The kinetic model function in differential form, apparent activation energy and pre-exponential constant of this reaction are (3/4)(1-α)[-ln(1-α)] 1/4, 123.88 kJ mol -1 and 10 11.49 s -1, respectively. The critical temperature of thermal explosion of the title compound is 161.15 oC and the entropy of activation (ΔS), enthalpy of activation (ΔH), and free energy of activation (ΔG) are -34.16 J mol -1 K -1, 115.7, and 130.48 kJ mol -1, respectively.

Boundary effect on the elastic field of a semi-infinite solid containing inhomogeneities

PubMed Central

Liu, Y. J.; Song, G.; Yin, H. M.

2015-01-01

The boundary effect of one inhomogeneity embedded in a semi-infinite solid at different depths has firstly been investigated using the fundamental solution for Mindlin's problem. Expanding the eigenstrain in a polynomial form and using the Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method, one can calculate the eigenstrain and thus obtain the elastic field. When the inhomogeneity is far from the boundary, the solution recovers Eshelby's solution. The method has been extended to a many-particle system in a semi-infinite solid, which is first demonstrated by the cases of two spheres. The comparison of the asymptotic form solution with the finite-element results shows the accuracy and capability of this method. The solution has been used to illustrate the boundary effects on its effective material behaviour of a semi-infinite simple cubic lattice particulate composite. The local field of a semi-infinite composite has been calculated at different volume fractions. A representative unit cell has been taken with different depths to the surface. The average stress and strain of the unit cell have been calculated under uniform loading conditions of normal or shear force on the surface, respectively. The effective elastic moduli of the unit cell not only depend on the material proportion, but also on its distance to the surface. The present model can be extended to other types of particle distribution and ellipsoidal particles. PMID:26345084

Boundary effect on the elastic field of a semi-infinite solid containing inhomogeneities.

PubMed

Liu, Y J; Song, G; Yin, H M

2015-07-08

The boundary effect of one inhomogeneity embedded in a semi-infinite solid at different depths has firstly been investigated using the fundamental solution for Mindlin's problem. Expanding the eigenstrain in a polynomial form and using the Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method, one can calculate the eigenstrain and thus obtain the elastic field. When the inhomogeneity is far from the boundary, the solution recovers Eshelby's solution. The method has been extended to a many-particle system in a semi-infinite solid, which is first demonstrated by the cases of two spheres. The comparison of the asymptotic form solution with the finite-element results shows the accuracy and capability of this method. The solution has been used to illustrate the boundary effects on its effective material behaviour of a semi-infinite simple cubic lattice particulate composite. The local field of a semi-infinite composite has been calculated at different volume fractions. A representative unit cell has been taken with different depths to the surface. The average stress and strain of the unit cell have been calculated under uniform loading conditions of normal or shear force on the surface, respectively. The effective elastic moduli of the unit cell not only depend on the material proportion, but also on its distance to the surface. The present model can be extended to other types of particle distribution and ellipsoidal particles.

X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy studies of Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3-(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, K. P.; Yadav, Anjana; Prasad, K.

2018-05-01

Ceramics (1-x)Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3-x(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3; 0≤x≤1.0 were prepared by conventional ceramic synthesis technique. Rietveld refinements of X-ray diffraction data of these ceramics were carried out using FullProf software and determined their crystal symmetry, space group and unit cell dimensions. Rietveld refinement revealed that Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 has cubic structure with space group Pm 3 ¯ m and Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 has rhombohedral structure with space group R3c. Addition of (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 to Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 resulted in the change of unit cell structure from cubic to tetragonal (P4/mmm) for x = 0.75 and the X-Ray diffraction peaks slightly shift towards higher Bragg's angle, suggesting slight decrease in unit cell volume. SEM studies were carried out in order to access the quality of the prepared ceramics which showed a change in grain shapes with the increase of (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 content. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of perovskite type solid solutions.

Neurovascular unit impairment in early Alzheimer's disease measured with magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

van de Haar, Harm J; Jansen, Jacobus F A; van Osch, Matthias J P; van Buchem, Mark A; Muller, Majon; Wong, Sau May; Hofman, Paul A M; Burgmans, Saartje; Verhey, Frans R J; Backes, Walter H

2016-09-01

The neurovascular unit, which protects neuronal cells and supplies them with essential molecules, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The aim of this study was to noninvasively investigate 2 linked functional elements of the neurovascular unit, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and cerebral blood flow (CBF), in patients with early AD and healthy controls. Therefore, both dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging were applied to measure BBB permeability and CBF, respectively. The patients with early AD showed significantly lower CBF and local blood volume in the gray matter, compared with controls. In the patients, we also found that a reduction in CBF is correlated with an increase in leakage rate. This finding supports the hypothesis that neurovascular damage, and in particular impairment of the neurovascular unit constitutes the pathophysiological link between CBF reduction and BBB impairment in AD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nursing Skills for Allied Health Services. Volume 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, Lucile A., Ed.

Volume 1 of the two-volume textbook on nursing skills presents instructional materials (units 1-20) based on 184 activities designated by the Allied Health Professions Projects national survey as those which are accomplished by all levels of nursing. Unit titles are: (1) the health worker and the law; (2) introduction to ethics in the healing…

Favorites, Friendships, Food, and Fantasy: Literature-Based Thematic Units for Early Primary. Volume One [and] Volume Two.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lukasevich, Ann; Pieronek, Florence

Written for teachers who are interested in learning how to use literature to enhance emergent literacy growth, this handbook, in two volumes, focuses on how to implement integrated, literature-based, thematic units that stress the development of effective strategies required of independent, self-directed competent readers and writers. The first…

Proximity to a ferroelectric instability in Ba1-xCaxZrO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H. S.; Christen, H. M.; Biegalski, M. D.; Singh, D. J.

2010-09-01

Ferroelectricity in ABO3 perovskites driven by A-site disorder is seen as a powerful approach toward lead-free piezoelectrics and ferroelectrics as well as to forming multiferroic compounds. Here we investigate the Ba1-xCaxZrO3 solid solution by structural and dielectric measurements on pulsed laser deposition grown films and by first principles calculations. Films on SrRuO3-coated SrTiO3 substrates are studied for x between 0 and 0.44. Despite the expectation that the Ca-ions assume off-center positions in the perovskite lattice, dielectric measurements show no evidence for ferroelectricity. This behavior is explained by first principles supercell calculations that show ferroelectricity at expanded volume but a rapid suppression thereof as the volume is reduced, thus indicating that our paraelectric Ba1-xCaxZrO3 films are close to a ferroelectric instability. These results demonstrate the important interplay between unit cell volume and ferroelectricity arising from off-centered ions.

AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti): Peierls Distortion, Atomic Coloring, and Structural Competition

DOE PAGES

Pham, Joyce; Miller, Gordon J.

2018-04-02

Using density functional theory, the crystal structure variation of AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti) from orthorhombic Co 2Si-type to distorted hexagonal Fe 2P-type and then Ni 2In-type structures is shown to correlate with their electronic structures and valence electron counts, sizes of the active metals A, and site preferences for Au and Al atoms, which are arranged to maximize Au–Al nearest neighbor contacts. An evaluation of chemical pressure imposed by the varying A metals using total energy vs volume calculations indicates that larger unit cell volumes favor the orthorhombic structure, whereas smaller volumes favor the hexagonal structures. Themore » electronic origin of the Mg 2Ga-type crystal structure of ScAuAl, refined as a distorted Fe 2P-type supercell doubled along the c-axis, indicates a Peierls-type distortion mechanism of the Au chains along the c-axis.« less

AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti): Peierls Distortion, Atomic Coloring, and Structural Competition

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

Pham, Joyce; Miller, Gordon J.

Using density functional theory, the crystal structure variation of AAuAl (A = Ca, Sc, and Ti) from orthorhombic Co 2Si-type to distorted hexagonal Fe 2P-type and then Ni 2In-type structures is shown to correlate with their electronic structures and valence electron counts, sizes of the active metals A, and site preferences for Au and Al atoms, which are arranged to maximize Au–Al nearest neighbor contacts. An evaluation of chemical pressure imposed by the varying A metals using total energy vs volume calculations indicates that larger unit cell volumes favor the orthorhombic structure, whereas smaller volumes favor the hexagonal structures. Themore » electronic origin of the Mg 2Ga-type crystal structure of ScAuAl, refined as a distorted Fe 2P-type supercell doubled along the c-axis, indicates a Peierls-type distortion mechanism of the Au chains along the c-axis.« less

46 CFR 195.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... is equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of...

46 CFR 195.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... is equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of...

46 CFR 195.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... is equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of...

46 CFR 195.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... is equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of...

46 CFR 195.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... is equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of...

TU-F-CAMPUS-J-01: Dosimetric Effects of HU Changes During the Course of Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer

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

Teng, C; Yin, L; Ainsley, C

2015-06-15

Purpose: To characterize the changes in Hounsfield unit (HU) in lung radiotherapy with proton beams during the course of treatment and to study the effect on the proton plan dose distribution. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with proton radiotherapy who underwent multiple CT scans including the planning CT and weekly verification CTs were studied. HU histograms were computed for irradiated lung volumes in beam paths for all scans using the same treatment plan. Histograms for un-irradiated lung volume were used as control to characterize inter-scan variations. HU statistics were calculated for both irradiated and un-irradiatedmore » lung volumes for each patient scan. Further, multiple CT scans based on the same planning CT were generated by replacing the HU of the lung based on the verification CT scans HU values. Using the same beam arrangement, we created plans for each of the altered CT scans to study the dosimetric effect using the dose volume histogram. Results: Lung HU decreased for irradiated lung volume during the course of radiotherapy. The magnitude of this change increased with total irradiation dose. On average, HU changed by −53.8 in the irradiated volume. This change resulted in less than 0.5mm of beam overshoot in tissue for every 1cm beam traversed in the irradiated lung. The dose modification is about +3% for the lung, and less than +1% for the primary tumor. Conclusion: HU of the lung decrease throughout the course of radiation therapy. This change results in a beam overshoot (e.g. 3mm for 6cm of lung traversed) and causes a small dose modification in the overall plan. However, this overshoot does not affect the quality of plans since the margins used in planning, based on proton range uncertainty, are greater. HU needs to change by 150 units before re-planning is warranted.« less

Bricklaying Curriculum: Principles of Bricklaying. Instructional Materials. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turcotte, Raymond J.; Hendrix, Laborn J.

This volume is the second in a two-volume core curriculum designed for use in teaching a course in bricklaying. Covered in the first four units are hand tools, power tools, miscellaneous equipment, and builder's levels. The second section of the guide comprises units on the following building materials: mortars, masonry units, and anchors and…

Choice: A Thematic Sequence of English Units.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute for Services to Education, Inc., Washington, DC.

One of a series of volumes containing units on specific themes designed for use in college freshman English courses, this particular volume considers the issue of choice through literature (short stories, novels, and poems). A section describing chamber theatre technique, which is an integral part of many of the units in this sequence, is…

SPOKEN AYACUCHO QUECHUA, UNITS 11-20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

PARKER, GARY J.; SOLA, DONALD F.

THE ESSENTIALS OF AYACUCHO GRAMMAR WERE PRESENTED IN THE FIRST VOLUME OF THIS SERIES, SPOKEN AYACUCHO QUECHUA, UNITS 1-10. THE 10 UNITS IN THIS VOLUME (11-20) ARE INTENDED FOR USE IN AN INTERMEDIATE OR ADVANCED COURSE, AND PRESENT THE STUDENT WITH LENGTHIER AND MORE COMPLEX DIALOGS, CONVERSATIONS, "LISTENING-INS," AND DICTATIONS AS WELL…

Cell volume and plasma membrane osmotic water permeability in epithelial cell layers measured by interferometry.

PubMed Central

Farinas, J; Verkman, A S

1996-01-01

The development of strategies to measure plasma membrane osmotic water permeability (Pf) in epithelial cells has been motivated by the identification of a family of molecular water channels. A general approach utilizing interferometry to measure cell shape and volume was developed and applied to measure Pf in cell layers. The method is based on the cell volume dependence of optical path length (OPL) for a light beam passing through the cell. The small changes in OPL were measured by interferometry. A mathematical model was developed to relate the interference signal to cell volume changes for cells of arbitrary shape and size. To validate the model, a Mach-Zehnder interference microscope was used to image OPL in an Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell layer and to reconstruct the three-dimensional cell shape (OPL resolution < lambda/25). As predicted by the model, a doubling of cell volume resulted in a change in OPL that was proportional to the difference in refractive indices between water and the extracellular medium. The time course of relative cell volume in response to an osmotic gradient was computed from serial interference images. To measure cell volume without microscopy and image analysis, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer was constructed in which one of two interfering laser beams passed through a flow chamber containing the cell layer. The interference signal in response to an osmotic gradient was analyzed to quantify the time course of relative cell volume. The calculated MDCK cell plasma membrane Pf of 6.1 x 10(-4) cm/s at 24 degrees C agreed with that obtained by interference microscopy and by a total internal reflection fluorescence method. Interferometry was also applied to measure the apical plasma membrane water permeability of intact toad urinary bladder; Pf increased fivefold after forskolin stimulation to 0.04 cm/s at 23 degrees C. These results establish and validate the application of interferometry to quantify cell volume and osmotic water permeability in cell layers. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 6 PMID:8968620

On the Mechanism of Human Red Blood Cell Longevity: Roles of Calcium, the Sodium Pump, PIEZO1, and Gardos Channels.

PubMed

Lew, Virgilio L; Tiffert, Teresa

2017-01-01

In a healthy adult, the transport of O 2 and CO 2 between lungs and tissues is performed by about 2 · 10 13 red blood cells, of which around 1.7 · 10 11 are renewed every day, a turnover resulting from an average circulatory lifespan of about 120 days. Cellular lifespan is the result of an evolutionary balance between the energy costs of maintaining cells in a fit functional state versus cell renewal. In this Review we examine how the set of passive and active membrane transporters of the mature red blood cells interact to maximize their circulatory longevity thus minimizing costs on expensive cell turnover. Red blood cell deformability is critical for optimal rheology and gas exchange functionality during capillary flow, best fulfilled when the volume of each human red blood cell is kept at a fraction of about 0.55-0.60 of the maximal spherical volume allowed by its membrane area, the optimal-volume-ratio range. The extent to which red blood cell volumes can be preserved within or near these narrow optimal-volume-ratio margins determines the potential for circulatory longevity. We show that the low cation permeability of red blood cells allows volume stability to be achieved with extraordinary cost-efficiency, favouring cell longevity over cell turnover. We suggest a mechanism by which the interplay of a declining sodium pump and two passive membrane transporters, the mechanosensitive PIEZO1 channel, a candidate mediator of P sickle in sickle cells, and the Ca 2+ -sensitive, K + -selective Gardos channel, can implement red blood cell volume stability around the optimal-volume-ratio range, as required for extended circulatory longevity.

On the Mechanism of Human Red Blood Cell Longevity: Roles of Calcium, the Sodium Pump, PIEZO1, and Gardos Channels

PubMed Central

Lew, Virgilio L.; Tiffert, Teresa

2017-01-01

In a healthy adult, the transport of O2 and CO2 between lungs and tissues is performed by about 2 · 1013 red blood cells, of which around 1.7 · 1011 are renewed every day, a turnover resulting from an average circulatory lifespan of about 120 days. Cellular lifespan is the result of an evolutionary balance between the energy costs of maintaining cells in a fit functional state versus cell renewal. In this Review we examine how the set of passive and active membrane transporters of the mature red blood cells interact to maximize their circulatory longevity thus minimizing costs on expensive cell turnover. Red blood cell deformability is critical for optimal rheology and gas exchange functionality during capillary flow, best fulfilled when the volume of each human red blood cell is kept at a fraction of about 0.55–0.60 of the maximal spherical volume allowed by its membrane area, the optimal-volume-ratio range. The extent to which red blood cell volumes can be preserved within or near these narrow optimal-volume-ratio margins determines the potential for circulatory longevity. We show that the low cation permeability of red blood cells allows volume stability to be achieved with extraordinary cost-efficiency, favouring cell longevity over cell turnover. We suggest a mechanism by which the interplay of a declining sodium pump and two passive membrane transporters, the mechanosensitive PIEZO1 channel, a candidate mediator of Psickle in sickle cells, and the Ca2+-sensitive, K+-selective Gardos channel, can implement red blood cell volume stability around the optimal-volume-ratio range, as required for extended circulatory longevity. PMID:29311949

Automated processing of whole blood units: operational value and in vitro quality of final blood components

PubMed Central

Jurado, Marisa; Algora, Manuel; Garcia-Sanchez, Félix; Vico, Santiago; Rodriguez, Eva; Perez, Sonia; Barbolla, Luz

2012-01-01

Background The Community Transfusion Centre in Madrid currently processes whole blood using a conventional procedure (Compomat, Fresenius) followed by automated processing of buffy coats with the OrbiSac system (CaridianBCT). The Atreus 3C system (CaridianBCT) automates the production of red blood cells, plasma and an interim platelet unit from a whole blood unit. Interim platelet unit are pooled to produce a transfusable platelet unit. In this study the Atreus 3C system was evaluated and compared to the routine method with regards to product quality and operational value. Materials and methods Over a 5-week period 810 whole blood units were processed using the Atreus 3C system. The attributes of the automated process were compared to those of the routine method by assessing productivity, space, equipment and staffing requirements. The data obtained were evaluated in order to estimate the impact of implementing the Atreus 3C system in the routine setting of the blood centre. Yield and in vitro quality of the final blood components processed with the two systems were evaluated and compared. Results The Atreus 3C system enabled higher throughput while requiring less space and employee time by decreasing the amount of equipment and processing time per unit of whole blood processed. Whole blood units processed on the Atreus 3C system gave a higher platelet yield, a similar amount of red blood cells and a smaller volume of plasma. Discussion These results support the conclusion that the Atreus 3C system produces blood components meeting quality requirements while providing a high operational efficiency. Implementation of the Atreus 3C system could result in a large organisational improvement. PMID:22044958

Automated processing of whole blood units: operational value and in vitro quality of final blood components.

PubMed

Jurado, Marisa; Algora, Manuel; Garcia-Sanchez, Félix; Vico, Santiago; Rodriguez, Eva; Perez, Sonia; Barbolla, Luz

2012-01-01

The Community Transfusion Centre in Madrid currently processes whole blood using a conventional procedure (Compomat, Fresenius) followed by automated processing of buffy coats with the OrbiSac system (CaridianBCT). The Atreus 3C system (CaridianBCT) automates the production of red blood cells, plasma and an interim platelet unit from a whole blood unit. Interim platelet unit are pooled to produce a transfusable platelet unit. In this study the Atreus 3C system was evaluated and compared to the routine method with regards to product quality and operational value. Over a 5-week period 810 whole blood units were processed using the Atreus 3C system. The attributes of the automated process were compared to those of the routine method by assessing productivity, space, equipment and staffing requirements. The data obtained were evaluated in order to estimate the impact of implementing the Atreus 3C system in the routine setting of the blood centre. Yield and in vitro quality of the final blood components processed with the two systems were evaluated and compared. The Atreus 3C system enabled higher throughput while requiring less space and employee time by decreasing the amount of equipment and processing time per unit of whole blood processed. Whole blood units processed on the Atreus 3C system gave a higher platelet yield, a similar amount of red blood cells and a smaller volume of plasma. These results support the conclusion that the Atreus 3C system produces blood components meeting quality requirements while providing a high operational efficiency. Implementation of the Atreus 3C system could result in a large organisational improvement.

Survey of United States Army Reserve (USAR) Troop Program Unit (TPU) soldiers 1989. Tabulation of Questionnaire Responses: Cross-Sectional Sample: Officers and Enlisted Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-30

26 QUESTIONNAIRE INSTRUMENT ri. -I., DATA TABULATION VOLUMES This material provides information for use by readers to interpret...The second longitudinal Tabulation Volume reports the 1988 questionnaire responses of the junior enlisted "stayers" who were used as the sample to...the specific crossing variables used for the cross-sectional and longitudinal Tabulation Volumes. Cross-Sectional Tabulation Volumes. Demographic

MEMS and MOEMS for national security applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, Marion W.

2003-01-01

Major opportunities for microsystem insertion into commercial applications, such as telecommunications and medical prosthesis, are well known. Less well known are applications that ensure the security of our nation, the protection of its armed forces, and the safety of its citizens. Microsystems enable entirely new possibilities to meet National Security needs, which can be classed along three lines: anticipating security needs and threats, deterring the efficacy of identified threats, and defending against the application of these threats. In each of these areas, specific products that are enabled by MEMS and MOEMS are discussed. In the area of anticipating needs and threats, sensored microsystems designed for chem/bio/nuclear threats, and sensors for border and asset protection can significantly secure our borders, ports, and transportation systems. Key features for these applications include adaptive optics and spectroscopic capabilities. Microsystems to monitor soil and water quality can be used to secure critical infrastructure, food safety can be improved by in-situ identification of pathogens, and sensored buildings can ensure the architectural safety of our homes and workplaces. A challenge to commercializing these opportunities, and thus making them available for National Security needs, is developing predictable markets and predictable technology roadmaps. The integrated circuit manufacturing industry provides an example of predictable technology maturation and market insertion, primarily due to the existence of a "unit cell" that allows volume manufacturing. It is not clear that microsystems can follow an analogous path. The possible paths to affordable low-volume production, as well as the prospects of a microsystems unit cell, are discussed.

21 CFR 864.6400 - Hematocrit measuring device.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., racks, and a sealer and a holder. The device is used to measure the packed red cell volume in blood to determine whether the patient's total red cell volume is normal or abnormal. Abnormal states include anemia...). The packed red cell volume is produced by centrifuging a given volume of blood. (b) Classification...

21 CFR 864.6400 - Hematocrit measuring device.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

..., racks, and a sealer and a holder. The device is used to measure the packed red cell volume in blood to determine whether the patient's total red cell volume is normal or abnormal. Abnormal states include anemia...). The packed red cell volume is produced by centrifuging a given volume of blood. (b) Classification...

21 CFR 864.6400 - Hematocrit measuring device.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., racks, and a sealer and a holder. The device is used to measure the packed red cell volume in blood to determine whether the patient's total red cell volume is normal or abnormal. Abnormal states include anemia...). The packed red cell volume is produced by centrifuging a given volume of blood. (b) Classification...

21 CFR 864.6400 - Hematocrit measuring device.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., racks, and a sealer and a holder. The device is used to measure the packed red cell volume in blood to determine whether the patient's total red cell volume is normal or abnormal. Abnormal states include anemia...). The packed red cell volume is produced by centrifuging a given volume of blood. (b) Classification...

21 CFR 864.6400 - Hematocrit measuring device.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

..., racks, and a sealer and a holder. The device is used to measure the packed red cell volume in blood to determine whether the patient's total red cell volume is normal or abnormal. Abnormal states include anemia...). The packed red cell volume is produced by centrifuging a given volume of blood. (b) Classification...

Heteromeric Slick/Slack K+ channels show graded sensitivity to cell volume changes

PubMed Central

Hashem, Nadia; Calloe, Kirstine; Klaerke, Dan A.

2017-01-01

Slick and Slack high-conductance K+ channels are found in the CNS, kidneys, pancreas, among other organs, where they play an important role in cell excitability as well as in ion transport processes. They are both activated by Na+ and Cl- but show a differential regulation by cell volume changes. Slick has been shown to be regulated by cell volume changes, whereas Slack is insensitive. α-subunits of these channels form homomeric as well as heteromeric channels. It is the aim of this work to explore whether the subunit composition of the Slick/Slack heteromeric channel affects the response to osmotic challenges. In order to provide with the adequate water permeability to the cell membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes, mRNA of aquaporin 1 was co-expressed with homomeric or heteromeric Slick and Slack α-subunits. Oocytes were superfused with hypotonic or hypertonic buffers and changes in currents were measured by two-electrode voltage clamp. This work presents the first heteromeric K+ channel with a characteristic graded sensitivity to small and fast changes in cell volume. Our results show that the cell volume sensitivity of Slick/Slack heteromeric channels is dependent on the number of volume sensitive Slick α-subunits in the tetrameric channels, giving rise to graded cell volume sensitivity. Regulation of the subunit composition of a channel may constitute a novel mechanism to determine volume sensitivity of cells. PMID:28222129

Heteromeric Slick/Slack K+ channels show graded sensitivity to cell volume changes.

PubMed

Tejada, Maria A; Hashem, Nadia; Calloe, Kirstine; Klaerke, Dan A

2017-01-01

Slick and Slack high-conductance K+ channels are found in the CNS, kidneys, pancreas, among other organs, where they play an important role in cell excitability as well as in ion transport processes. They are both activated by Na+ and Cl- but show a differential regulation by cell volume changes. Slick has been shown to be regulated by cell volume changes, whereas Slack is insensitive. α-subunits of these channels form homomeric as well as heteromeric channels. It is the aim of this work to explore whether the subunit composition of the Slick/Slack heteromeric channel affects the response to osmotic challenges. In order to provide with the adequate water permeability to the cell membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes, mRNA of aquaporin 1 was co-expressed with homomeric or heteromeric Slick and Slack α-subunits. Oocytes were superfused with hypotonic or hypertonic buffers and changes in currents were measured by two-electrode voltage clamp. This work presents the first heteromeric K+ channel with a characteristic graded sensitivity to small and fast changes in cell volume. Our results show that the cell volume sensitivity of Slick/Slack heteromeric channels is dependent on the number of volume sensitive Slick α-subunits in the tetrameric channels, giving rise to graded cell volume sensitivity. Regulation of the subunit composition of a channel may constitute a novel mechanism to determine volume sensitivity of cells.

Lead hampers gill cell volume regulation in marine crabs: stronger effect in a weak osmoregulator than in an osmoconformer.

PubMed

Amado, Enelise M; Freire, Carolina A; Grassi, Marco T; Souza, Marta M

2012-01-15

Hepatus pudibundus is a strictly marine osmoconformer crab, while Callinectes ornatus inhabits estuarine areas, behaving as a weak hyper-osmoregulator in diluted seawater. Osmoconformers are expected to have higher capacity for cell volume regulation, but gill cells of a regulator are expected to display ion transporters to a higher degree. The influence of lead nitrate (10 μM) on the ability of isolated gill cells from both species to volume regulate under isosmotic and hyposmotic conditions were here evaluated. Without lead, under a 25% hyposmotic shock, the gill cells of both species were quite capable of cell volume maintenance. Cells of C. ornatus, however, had a little swelling (5%) during the hyposmotic shock of greater intensity (50%), while cells of H. pudibundus were still capable of volume regulation. In the presence of lead, even under isosmoticity, the gill cells of both species showed about 10% volume reduction, indicating that lead promotes the loss of water by the cells. When lead was associated with 25% and 50% hyposmotic shock, C. ornatus cells lost more volume (15%), when compared to isosmotic conditions, while H. pudibundus cells showed volume regulation. We then analyzed the possible ways of action of lead on the mechanisms of cell volume regulation in the two species. Verapamil (100 μM) was used to inhibit Ca²⁺ channels, ouabain (100 μM) to inhibit Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and HgCl₂ (100 μM) to inhibit aquaporins. Our results suggest that: (1) Ca²⁺ channels are candidates for lead entry into gill cells of H. pudibundus and C. ornatus, being the target of lead action in these cells; (2) aquaporins are much more relevant for water flux in H. pudibundus; and (3) the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase is much more relevant for volume regulation in C. ornatus. Osmoregulators may be more susceptible to metal contamination than osmoconformers, especially in situations of reduced salinity, for two basic reasons: (1) lower capacity of volume regulation and (2) putative higher uptake of Pb²⁺ through ionic pathways that operate in salt absorption, such as, for example, the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The thermal expansion of gold: point defect concentrations and pre-melting in a face-centred cubic metal.

PubMed

Pamato, Martha G; Wood, Ian G; Dobson, David P; Hunt, Simon A; Vočadlo, Lidunka

2018-04-01

On the basis of ab initio computer simulations, pre-melting phenomena have been suggested to occur in the elastic properties of hexagonal close-packed iron under the conditions of the Earth's inner core just before melting. The extent to which these pre-melting effects might also occur in the physical properties of face-centred cubic metals has been investigated here under more experimentally accessible conditions for gold, allowing for comparison with future computer simulations of this material. The thermal expansion of gold has been determined by X-ray powder diffraction from 40 K up to the melting point (1337 K). For the entire temperature range investigated, the unit-cell volume can be represented in the following way: a second-order Grüneisen approximation to the zero-pressure volumetric equation of state, with the internal energy calculated via a Debye model, is used to represent the thermal expansion of the 'perfect crystal'. Gold shows a nonlinear increase in thermal expansion that departs from this Grüneisen-Debye model prior to melting, which is probably a result of the generation of point defects over a large range of temperatures, beginning at T / T m > 0.75 (a similar homologous T to where softening has been observed in the elastic moduli of Au). Therefore, the thermodynamic theory of point defects was used to include the additional volume of the vacancies at high temperatures ('real crystal'), resulting in the following fitted parameters: Q = ( V 0 K 0 )/γ = 4.04 (1) × 10 -18  J, V 0 = 67.1671 (3) Å 3 , b = ( K 0 ' - 1)/2 = 3.84 (9), θ D = 182 (2) K, ( v f /Ω)exp( s f / k B ) = 1.8 (23) and h f = 0.9 (2) eV, where V 0 is the unit-cell volume at 0 K, K 0 and K 0 ' are the isothermal incompressibility and its first derivative with respect to pressure (evaluated at zero pressure), γ is a Grüneisen parameter, θ D is the Debye temperature, v f , h f and s f are the vacancy formation volume, enthalpy and entropy, respectively, Ω is the average volume per atom, and k B is Boltzmann's constant.

46 CFR 96.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than...

46 CFR 96.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than...

46 CFR 96.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than...

46 CFR 96.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than...

46 CFR 96.30-1 - Application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than... equipped with any refrigeration unit using— (1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than...

Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP) Cell Culture Unit (CCU) and incubator for International Space Station (ISS) cell culture experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandendriesche, Donald; Parrish, Joseph; Kirven-Brooks, Melissa; Fahlen, Thomas; Larenas, Patricia; Havens, Cindy; Nakamura, Gail; Sun, Liping; Krebs, Chris; de Luis, Javier;

High Pressure Elastic Behavior of Synthetic Mg 3 Y 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 Garnet up to 9 GPa

DOE PAGES

Fan, Dawei; Ma, Maining; Wei, Shuyi; ...

2013-01-01

Tmore » he compression behavior of synthetic magnesium- (Mg-) yttrium (Y) garnet Mg 3 Y 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 has been investigated upto about 8.79 GPa at 300 K using in situ angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction and a diamond anvil cell at the beamline X17C, National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory. No phase transition has been observed within the pressure range investigated. he unit-cell parameters and volume decreased systematically with increasing pressure, and a reliable isothermal bulk modulus ( K 0 ) and its pressure derivative ( K 0 ′ ) were obtained in this study. he values of zero-pressure volume V 0 , K 0 , and K 0 ′ refined with a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state are V 0 = 1727.9 ± 0.2  Å 3 , K 0 = 145 ± 3  GPa, and K 0 ′ = 8.5 ± 0.9 . If K 0 ′ is fixed at 4, K 0 is obtained as 158 ± 2  GPa.« less

High Pressure Elastic Behavior of Synthetic Mg 3 Y 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 Garnet up to 9 GPa

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

Fan, Dawei; Ma, Maining; Wei, Shuyi

Tmore » he compression behavior of synthetic magnesium- (Mg-) yttrium (Y) garnet Mg 3 Y 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 has been investigated upto about 8.79 GPa at 300 K using in situ angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction and a diamond anvil cell at the beamline X17C, National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory. No phase transition has been observed within the pressure range investigated. he unit-cell parameters and volume decreased systematically with increasing pressure, and a reliable isothermal bulk modulus ( K 0 ) and its pressure derivative ( K 0 ′ ) were obtained in this study. he values of zero-pressure volume V 0 , K 0 , and K 0 ′ refined with a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state are V 0 = 1727.9 ± 0.2  Å 3 , K 0 = 145 ± 3  GPa, and K 0 ′ = 8.5 ± 0.9 . If K 0 ′ is fixed at 4, K 0 is obtained as 158 ± 2  GPa.« less

Measurement of In Vivo Three-Dimensional Corneal Cell Density and Size Using Two-Photon Imaging in C57BL/6 Mice.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongmin; He, Siyu; Liu, Susu; Xie, Yanting; Chen, Guoming; Zhang, Junjie; Sun, Shengtao; Liang, David; Wang, Liya

2016-04-01

To measure the cell size and cell density in five layers of the central cornea in the widely used inbred C57BL/6 mouse strain using in vivo three-dimensional (3D) two-photon (2PH) imaging. Corneas were scanned using a 2PH laser scanning fluorescence microscope after staining with plasma membrane stain and Hoechst 33342. Good quality 3D images were selected for the cell density and cell size analysis. Cell density was determined by counting the cell nuclei in a predefined cube of 3D images. Cell size measurements, including cell surface area, cell volume, nuclear surface area and nuclear volume, were automatically quantified using the Imaris software. The cell and nuclear surface-area-to-volume ratio (S:V ratio) and the cell nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N:C ratio) were calculated. The highest cell density was observed in the basal epithelium and the lowest in the posterior stroma. The highest cell surface area was found in the anterior stroma, and the highest cell volume was observed in the superficial epithelium. The lowest cell surface area and cell volume were both found in the basal epithelium. The highest S:V ratio was observed in the basal epithelium and the lowest in the superficial epithelium. The highest cell nuclear surface area and volume were both observed in the superficial epithelium and the lowest in the basal epithelium. The highest cell nuclear S:V ratio was observed in the basal epithelium and the lowest in the superficial epithelium. The highest N:C ratio was found in the basal epithelial cells and the lowest in the posterior keratocytes. We are the first to quantify the cell density and size parameters, including cell surface area and volume, cell nuclear surface area and volume, and the S:V ratio, in the five layers of the central cornea. These data provide important cell morphology features for the study of corneal physiology, pathology and disease in mice, particularly in C57BL/6 mice.

Cell volume changes regulate slick (Slo2.1), but not slack (Slo2.2) K+ channels.

PubMed

Tejada, Maria A; Stople, Kathleen; Hammami Bomholtz, Sofia; Meinild, Anne-Kristine; Poulsen, Asser Nyander; Klaerke, Dan A

2014-01-01

Slick (Slo2.1) and Slack (Slo2.2) channels belong to the family of high-conductance K+ channels and have been found widely distributed in the CNS. Both channels are activated by Na+ and Cl- and, in addition, Slick channels are regulated by ATP. Therefore, the roles of these channels in regulation of cell excitability as well as ion transport processes, like regulation of cell volume, have been hypothesized. It is the aim of this work to evaluate the sensitivity of Slick and Slack channels to small, fast changes in cell volume and to explore mechanisms, which may explain this type of regulation. For this purpose Slick and Slack channels were co-expressed with aquaporin 1 in Xenopus laevis oocytes and cell volume changes of around 5% were induced by exposure to hypotonic or hypertonic media. Whole-cell currents were measured by two electrode voltage clamp. Our results show that Slick channels are dramatically stimulated (196% of control) by cell swelling and inhibited (57% of control) by a decrease in cell volume. In contrast, Slack channels are totally insensitive to similar cell volume changes. The mechanism underlining the strong volume sensitivity of Slick channels needs to be further explored, however we were able to show that it does not depend on an intact actin cytoskeleton, ATP release or vesicle fusion. In conclusion, Slick channels, in contrast to the similar Slack channels, are the only high-conductance K+ channels strongly sensitive to small changes in cell volume.

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

Daily, Michael D.; Olsen, Brett N.; Schlesinger, Paul H.

In mammalian cells cholesterol is essential for membrane function, but in excess can be cytototoxic. The cellular response to acute cholesterol loading involves biophysical-based mechanisms that regulate cholesterol levels, through modulation of the “activity” or accessibility of cholesterol to extra-membrane acceptors. Experiments and united atom (UA) simulations show that at high concentrations of cholesterol, lipid bilayers thin significantly and cholesterol availability to external acceptors increases substantially. Such cholesterol activation is critical to its trafficking within cells. Here we aim to reduce the computational cost to enable simulation of large and complex systems involved in cholesterol regulation, such as those includingmore » oxysterols and cholesterol-sensing proteins. To accomplish this, we have modified the published MARTINI coarse-grained force field to improve its predictions of cholesterol-induced changes in both macroscopic and microscopic properties of membranes. Most notably, MARTINI fails to capture both the (macroscopic) area condensation and membrane thickening seen at less than 30% cholesterol and the thinning seen above 40% cholesterol. The thinning at high concentration is critical to cholesterol activation. Microscopic properties of interest include cholesterol-cholesterol radial distribution functions (RDFs), tilt angle, and accessible surface area. First, we develop an “angle-corrected” model wherein we modify the coarse-grained bond angle potentials based on atomistic simulations. This modification significantly improves prediction of macroscopic properties, most notably the thickening/thinning behavior, and also slightly improves microscopic property prediction relative to MARTINI. Second, we add to the angle correction a “volume correction” by also adjusting phospholipid bond lengths to achieve a more accurate volume per molecule. The angle + volume correction substantially further improves the quantitative agreement of the macroscopic properties (area per molecule and thickness) with united atom simulations. However, this improvement also reduces the accuracy of microscopic predictions like radial distribution functions and cholesterol tilt below that of either MARTINI or the angle-corrected model. Thus, while both of our forcefield corrections improve MARTINI, the combined angle and volume correction should be used for problems involving sterol effects on the overall structure of the membrane, while our angle-corrected model should be used in cases where the properties of individual lipid and sterol models are critically important.« less

Adipose and mammary epithelial tissue engineering.

PubMed

Zhu, Wenting; Nelson, Celeste M

2013-01-01

Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery for women who have had a mastectomy, and involves using autologous tissue or prosthetic material to construct a natural-looking breast. Adipose tissue is the major contributor to the volume of the breast, whereas epithelial cells comprise the functional unit of the mammary gland. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can differentiate into both adipocytes and epithelial cells and can be acquired from autologous sources. ASCs are therefore an attractive candidate for clinical applications to repair or regenerate the breast. Here we review the current state of adipose tissue engineering methods, including the biomaterials used for adipose tissue engineering and the application of these techniques for mammary epithelial tissue engineering. Adipose tissue engineering combined with microfabrication approaches to engineer the epithelium represents a promising avenue to replicate the native structure of the breast.

Adipose and mammary epithelial tissue engineering

PubMed Central

Zhu, Wenting; Nelson, Celeste M.

2013-01-01

Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery for women who have had a mastectomy, and involves using autologous tissue or prosthetic material to construct a natural-looking breast. Adipose tissue is the major contributor to the volume of the breast, whereas epithelial cells comprise the functional unit of the mammary gland. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can differentiate into both adipocytes and epithelial cells and can be acquired from autologous sources. ASCs are therefore an attractive candidate for clinical applications to repair or regenerate the breast. Here we review the current state of adipose tissue engineering methods, including the biomaterials used for adipose tissue engineering and the application of these techniques for mammary epithelial tissue engineering. Adipose tissue engineering combined with microfabrication approaches to engineer the epithelium represents a promising avenue to replicate the native structure of the breast. PMID:23628872

The coordination of ploidy and cell size differs between cell layers in leaves

PubMed Central

Katagiri, Yohei; Hasegawa, Junko; Fujikura, Ushio; Hoshino, Rina; Matsunaga, Sachihiro; Tsukaya, Hirokazu

2016-01-01

Growth and developmental processes are occasionally accompanied by multiple rounds of DNA replication, known as endoreduplication. Coordination between endoreduplication and cell size regulation often plays a crucial role in proper organogenesis and cell differentiation. Here, we report that the level of correlation between ploidy and cell volume is different in the outer and inner cell layers of leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana using a novel imaging technique. Although there is a well-known, strong correlation between ploidy and cell volume in pavement cells of the epidermis, this correlation was extremely weak in palisade mesophyll cells. Induction of epidermis cell identity based on the expression of the homeobox gene ATML1 in mesophyll cells enhanced the level of correlation between ploidy and cell volume to near that of wild-type epidermal cells. We therefore propose that the correlation between ploidy and cell volume is regulated by cell identity. PMID:26903507

Nickel-metal hydride battery development. Final technical report

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

NONE

1995-06-01

Rechargeable batteries are used as the power source for a broad range of portable equipment. Key battery selection criteria typically are weight, volume, first cost, life cycle cost, and environmental impact. Rechargeable batteries are favored from a life cycle cost and environmental impact standpoint over primary batteries. The nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery system has emerged as the battery of choice for many applications based on its superior characteristics when judged on the above criteria against other battery types. In most cases commercial Ni-MH batteries are constructed with coiled electrodes in cylindrical metal containers. Electro Energy, Inc. (EEI) has been developingmore » a novel flat bipolar configuration of the Ni-MH system that offers weight, volume, and cost advantages when compared to cylindrical cells. The unique bipolar approach consists of fabricating individual flat wafer cells in conductive, carbon-filled, plastic face plates. The individual cells contain a nonconductive plastic border which is heat sealed around the perimeter to make a totally sealed unit cell. Multi-cell batteries are fabricated by stacking the individual wafer cells in such a way that the positive face of one cell contacts the negative face of the adjacent cell. The stack is then contained in an outer housing with end contacts. The purpose of this program was to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate the capabilities of the EEI Ni-MH battery system for consumer applications. The work was directed at the development and evaluation of the compact bipolar construction for its potential advantages of high power and energy density. Experimental investigations were performed on various nickel electrode types, hydride electrode formulations, and alternate separator materials. Studies were also directed at evaluating various oxygen recombination techniques for low pressure operation during charge and overcharge.« less

SU-E-T-427: Cell Surviving Fractions Derived From Tumor-Volume Variation During Radiotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Comparison with Predictive Assays

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

Chvetsov, A; Schwartz, J; Mayr, N

2014-06-01

Purpose: To show that a distribution of cell surviving fractions S{sub 2} in a heterogeneous group of patients can be derived from tumor-volume variation curves during radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Our analysis was based on two data sets of tumor-volume variation curves for heterogeneous groups of 17 patients treated for nonsmall cell lung cancer with conventional dose fractionation. The data sets were obtained previously at two independent institutions by using megavoltage (MV) computed tomography (CT). Statistical distributions of cell surviving fractions S{sup 2} and cell clearance half-lives of lethally damaged cells T1/2 have been reconstructed in eachmore » patient group by using a version of the two-level cell population tumor response model and a simulated annealing algorithm. The reconstructed statistical distributions of the cell surviving fractions have been compared to the distributions measured using predictive assays in vitro. Results: Non-small cell lung cancer presents certain difficulties for modeling surviving fractions using tumor-volume variation curves because of relatively large fractional hypoxic volume, low gradient of tumor-volume response, and possible uncertainties due to breathing motion. Despite these difficulties, cell surviving fractions S{sub 2} for non-small cell lung cancer derived from tumor-volume variation measured at different institutions have similar probability density functions (PDFs) with mean values of 0.30 and 0.43 and standard deviations of 0.13 and 0.18, respectively. The PDFs for cell surviving fractions S{sup 2} reconstructed from tumor volume variation agree with the PDF measured in vitro. Comparison of the reconstructed cell surviving fractions with patient survival data shows that the patient survival time decreases as the cell surviving fraction increases. Conclusion: The data obtained in this work suggests that the cell surviving fractions S{sub 2} can be reconstructed from the tumor volume variation curves measured during radiotherapy with conventional fractionation. The proposed method can be used for treatment evaluation and adaptation.« less

Recruitment, Job Search, and the United States Employment Service. Volume II: Tables and Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camil Associates, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

This volume contains the appendixes to Volume I of the report on recruitment, job search, and the United States Employment Service in 20 middle-sized American cities. Appendix A contains 165 pages of tables. Appendix B (63 pages) contains details of sample design, data analysis, and estimate precision under the categories of: Overview of the study…

The supply and demand situation for oak timber

Treesearch

Kenneth L. Quigley

1971-01-01

Twenty oak species in the eastern United States account for one-third of the hardwood sawtimber volume and almost 10 percent of both hardwood and softwood growing-stock volume. The oak-hickory and oak-pine forest types occupy about 38 percent of the forest land in the eastern United States. Oak timber volume is increasing. Annual growth exceeds annual removals by about...

Environmental impact of PV cell waste scenario.

PubMed

Bogacka, M; Pikoń, K; Landrat, M

2017-12-01

Rapid growth of the volume of waste from PV cells is expected in the following years. The problem of its utilization seems to be the most important issue for future waste management systems. The environmental impacts of the PV recycling scenario are presented in the manuscript. The analysis is based on the LCA approach and the average data available in specialized databases for silicon standard PV cell is used. The functional unit includes parameters like: efficiency, composition, surface area. The discussion on the environmental impact change due to the location of the PV production and waste processing plants is presented in the manuscript. Additionally, the discussion on the environmental effect of substituting different energy resources with PV cells is presented in the manuscript. The analysis of the PV cell life cycle scenario presented in the article was performed using the SIMA PRO software and data from Ecoinvent 3.0 database together with additional data obtained from other sources. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

75 FR 39612 - Allocation of Second Additional Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 In-Quota Volume for Raw Cane Sugar

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-09

...) 2010 In-Quota Volume for Raw Cane Sugar AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative... the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for imported raw cane sugar. DATES: Effective Date: July 9, 2010... Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), the United States maintains TRQs for imports of raw...

Antisense oligonucleotides suppress cell-volume-induced activation of chloride channels.

PubMed

Gschwentner, M; Nagl, U O; Wöll, E; Schmarda, A; Ritter, M; Paulmichl, M

1995-08-01

Cell volume regulation is an essential feature of most cells. After swelling in hypotonic media, the simultaneous activation of potassium and chloride channels is believed to be the initial, time-determining step in cell volume regulation. The activation of both pathways is functionally linked and enables the cells to lose ions and water, subsequently leading to cell shrinkage and readjustment of the initial volume. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts efficiently regulate their volume after swelling and bear chloride channels that are activated by decreasing extracellular osmolarity. The chloride current elicited in these cells after swelling is reminiscent of the current found in oocytes expressing an outwardly rectifying chloride current termed ICln. Introduction of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to the first 30 nucleotides of the coding region of the ICln channel into NIH 3T3 fibroblasts suppresses the activation of the swelling-induced chloride current. The experiments directly demonstrate an unambiguous link between a volume-activated chloride current and a cloned protein involved in chloride transport.

Variation in critical care unit admission rates and outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndromes or heart failure among high- and low-volume cardiac hospitals.

PubMed

van Diepen, Sean; Bakal, Jeffrey A; Lin, Meng; Kaul, Padma; McAlister, Finlay A; Ezekowitz, Justin A

2015-02-27

Little is known about cross-hospital differences in critical care units admission rates and related resource utilization and outcomes among patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or heart failure (HF). Using a population-based sample of 16,078 patients admitted to a critical care unit with a primary diagnosis of ACS (n=14,610) or HF (n=1467) between April 1, 2003 and March 31, 2013 in Alberta, Canada, we stratified hospitals into high (>250), medium (200 to 250), or low (<200) volume based on their annual volume of all ACS and HF hospitalization. The percentage of hospitalized patients admitted to critical care units varied across low, medium, and high-volume hospitals for both ACS and HF as follows: 77.9%, 81.3%, and 76.3% (P<0.001), and 18.0%, 16.3%, and 13.0% (P<0.001), respectively. Compared to low-volume units, critical care patients with ACS and HF admitted to high-volume hospitals had shorter mean critical care stays (56.6 versus 95.6 hours, P<0.001), more critical care procedures (1.9 versus 1.2 per patient, <0.001), and higher resource-intensive weighting (2.8 versus 1.5, P<0.001). No differences in in-hospital mortality (5.5% versus 6.2%, adjusted odds ratio 0.93; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.41) were observed between high- and low-volume hospitals; however, 30-day cardiovascular readmissions (4.6% versus 6.8%, odds ratio 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.99) and cardiovascular emergency-room visits (6.6% versus 9.5%, odds ratio 0.80; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.94) were lower in high-volume compared to low-volume hospitals. Outcomes stratified by ACS or HF admission diagnosis were similar. Cardiac patients hospitalized in low-volume hospitals were more frequently admitted to critical care units and had longer hospitals stays despite lower resource-intensive weighting. These findings may provide opportunities to standardize critical care utilization for ACS and HF patients across high- and low-volume hospitals. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

Effects of Lugol's iodine solution and formalin on cell volume of three bloom-forming dinoflagellates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yang; Sun, Xiaoxia; Zhao, Yongfang

2017-07-01

Fixatives are traditionally used in marine ecosystem research. The bias introduced by fixatives on the dimensions of plankton cells may lead to an overestimation or underestimation of the carbon biomass. To determine the impact of traditional fixatives on dinoflagellates during short- and long-term fixation, we analyzed the degree of change in three bloom-forming dinoflagellates ( Prorocentrum micans, Scrippsiella trochoidea and Noctiluca scintillans) brought about by Lugol's iodine solution (hereafter Lugol's) and formalin. The fixation effects were species-specific. P. micans cell volume showed no significant change following long-term preservation, and S. trochoidea swelled by approximately 8.06% in Lugol's and by 20.97% in formalin as a percentage of the live cell volume, respectively. N. scintillans shrank significantly in both fixatives. The volume change due to formalin in N. scintillans was not concentration-dependent, whereas the volume shrinkage of N. scintillans cells fixed with Lugol's at a concentration of 2% was nearly six-fold that in cells fixed with Lugol's at a concentration of 0.6%-0.8%. To better estimate the volume of N. scintillans fixed in formalin at a concentration of 5%, we suggest that the conversion relationship was as follows: volume of live cell=volume of intact fixed cell/0.61. Apart from size change, damage induced by fixatives on N. scintillans was obvious. Lugol's is not a suitable fixative for N. scintillans due to high frequency of broken cells. Accurate carbon biomass estimate of N. scintillans should be performed on live samples. These findings help to improve the estimate of phytoplankton cell volume and carbon biomass in marine ecosystem.

Assessment of interpatient heterogeneity in tumor radiosensitivity for nonsmall cell lung cancer using tumor-volume variation data

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

Chvetsov, Alexei V., E-mail: chvetsov2@gmail.com; Schwartz, Jeffrey L.; Mayr, Nina

2014-06-15

Purpose: In our previous work, the authors showed that a distribution of cell surviving fractionsS{sub 2} in a heterogeneous group of patients could be derived from tumor-volume variation curves during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. In this research study, the authors show that this algorithm can be applied to other tumors, specifically in nonsmall cell lung cancer. This new application includes larger patient volumes and includes comparison of data sets obtained at independent institutions. Methods: Our analysis was based on two data sets of tumor-volume variation curves for heterogeneous groups of 17 patients treated for nonsmall cell lung cancermore » with conventional dose fractionation. The data sets were obtained previously at two independent institutions by using megavoltage computed tomography. Statistical distributions of cell surviving fractionsS{sub 2} and clearance half-lives of lethally damaged cells T{sub 1/2} have been reconstructed in each patient group by using a version of the two-level cell population model of tumor response and a simulated annealing algorithm. The reconstructed statistical distributions of the cell surviving fractions have been compared to the distributions measured using predictive assays in vitro. Results: Nonsmall cell lung cancer presents certain difficulties for modeling surviving fractions using tumor-volume variation curves because of relatively large fractional hypoxic volume, low gradient of tumor-volume response, and possible uncertainties due to breathing motion. Despite these difficulties, cell surviving fractionsS{sub 2} for nonsmall cell lung cancer derived from tumor-volume variation measured at different institutions have similar probability density functions (PDFs) with mean values of 0.30 and 0.43 and standard deviations of 0.13 and 0.18, respectively. The PDFs for cell surviving fractions S{sub 2} reconstructed from tumor volume variation agree with the PDF measured in vitro. Conclusions: The data obtained in this work, when taken together with the data obtained previously for head and neck cancer, suggests that the cell surviving fractionsS{sub 2} can be reconstructed from the tumor volume variation curves measured during radiotherapy with conventional fractionation. The proposed method can be used for treatment evaluation and adaptation.« less

Assessment of interpatient heterogeneity in tumor radiosensitivity for nonsmall cell lung cancer using tumor-volume variation data.

PubMed

Chvetsov, Alexei V; Yartsev, Slav; Schwartz, Jeffrey L; Mayr, Nina

2014-06-01

In our previous work, the authors showed that a distribution of cell surviving fractions S2 in a heterogeneous group of patients could be derived from tumor-volume variation curves during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. In this research study, the authors show that this algorithm can be applied to other tumors, specifically in nonsmall cell lung cancer. This new application includes larger patient volumes and includes comparison of data sets obtained at independent institutions. Our analysis was based on two data sets of tumor-volume variation curves for heterogeneous groups of 17 patients treated for nonsmall cell lung cancer with conventional dose fractionation. The data sets were obtained previously at two independent institutions by using megavoltage computed tomography. Statistical distributions of cell surviving fractions S2 and clearance half-lives of lethally damaged cells T(1/2) have been reconstructed in each patient group by using a version of the two-level cell population model of tumor response and a simulated annealing algorithm. The reconstructed statistical distributions of the cell surviving fractions have been compared to the distributions measured using predictive assays in vitro. Nonsmall cell lung cancer presents certain difficulties for modeling surviving fractions using tumor-volume variation curves because of relatively large fractional hypoxic volume, low gradient of tumor-volume response, and possible uncertainties due to breathing motion. Despite these difficulties, cell surviving fractions S2 for nonsmall cell lung cancer derived from tumor-volume variation measured at different institutions have similar probability density functions (PDFs) with mean values of 0.30 and 0.43 and standard deviations of 0.13 and 0.18, respectively. The PDFs for cell surviving fractions S2 reconstructed from tumor volume variation agree with the PDF measured in vitro. The data obtained in this work, when taken together with the data obtained previously for head and neck cancer, suggests that the cell surviving fractions S2 can be reconstructed from the tumor volume variation curves measured during radiotherapy with conventional fractionation. The proposed method can be used for treatment evaluation and adaptation.

Inhibition of Regulatory Volume Decrease Enhances the Cytocidal Effect of Hypotonic Shock in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PubMed

Kudou, Michihiro; Shiozaki, Atsushi; Kosuga, Toshiyuki; Ichikawa, Daisuke; Konishi, Hirotaka; Morimura, Ryo; Komatsu, Shuhei; Ikoma, Hisashi; Fujiwara, Hitoshi; Okamoto, Kazuma; Hosogi, Shigekuni; Nakahari, Takashi; Marunaka, Yoshinori; Otsuji, Eigo

2016-01-01

Background : Hypotonic shock induces cytocidal effects through cell rupture, and cancer therapy based on this mechanism has been clinically administered to hepatocellular carcinoma patients. We herein investigated the effectiveness of hypotonic shock combined with the inhibition of regulatory volume decrease as cancer therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods : Morphological changes in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were observed under a differential interference contrast microscope connected to a high-speed digital video camera. Cell volume changes under hypotonic shock with or without chloride, potassium, or water channel blockers were observed using a high-resolution flow cytometer. In order to investigate cytocidal effects, the number of surviving cells was compared after exposure to hypotonic solution with and without each channel blocker (re-incubation experiment). Results : Video recordings showed that cells exposed to distilled water rapidly swelled and then ruptured. Cell volume measurements revealed regulatory volume decrease under mild hypotonic shock, whereas severe hypotonic shock increased the number of broken fragments as a result of cell rupture. Moreover, regulatory volume decrease was inhibited in cells treated with each channel blocker. Re-incubation experiments showed the cytocidal effects of hypotonic shock in cells exposed to hypotonic solution, and additional treatments with each channel blocker enhanced these effects. Conclusion : The inhibition of regulatory volume decrease with chloride, potassium, or water channel blockers may enhance the cytocidal effects of hypotonic shock in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hypotonic shock combined with the inhibition of regulatory volume decrease was a more effective therapy than hypotonic shock alone.

Inhibition of Regulatory Volume Decrease Enhances the Cytocidal Effect of Hypotonic Shock in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Kudou, Michihiro; Shiozaki, Atsushi; Kosuga, Toshiyuki; Ichikawa, Daisuke; Konishi, Hirotaka; Morimura, Ryo; Komatsu, Shuhei; Ikoma, Hisashi; Fujiwara, Hitoshi; Okamoto, Kazuma; Hosogi, Shigekuni; Nakahari, Takashi; Marunaka, Yoshinori; Otsuji, Eigo

2016-01-01

Background: Hypotonic shock induces cytocidal effects through cell rupture, and cancer therapy based on this mechanism has been clinically administered to hepatocellular carcinoma patients. We herein investigated the effectiveness of hypotonic shock combined with the inhibition of regulatory volume decrease as cancer therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Morphological changes in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were observed under a differential interference contrast microscope connected to a high-speed digital video camera. Cell volume changes under hypotonic shock with or without chloride, potassium, or water channel blockers were observed using a high-resolution flow cytometer. In order to investigate cytocidal effects, the number of surviving cells was compared after exposure to hypotonic solution with and without each channel blocker (re-incubation experiment). Results: Video recordings showed that cells exposed to distilled water rapidly swelled and then ruptured. Cell volume measurements revealed regulatory volume decrease under mild hypotonic shock, whereas severe hypotonic shock increased the number of broken fragments as a result of cell rupture. Moreover, regulatory volume decrease was inhibited in cells treated with each channel blocker. Re-incubation experiments showed the cytocidal effects of hypotonic shock in cells exposed to hypotonic solution, and additional treatments with each channel blocker enhanced these effects. Conclusion: The inhibition of regulatory volume decrease with chloride, potassium, or water channel blockers may enhance the cytocidal effects of hypotonic shock in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hypotonic shock combined with the inhibition of regulatory volume decrease was a more effective therapy than hypotonic shock alone. PMID:27471568

Optical volume and mass measurements show that mammalian cells swell during mitosis

PubMed Central

Zlotek-Zlotkiewicz, Ewa; Monnier, Sylvain; Cappello, Giovanni; Le Berre, Mael

2015-01-01

The extent, mechanism, and function of cell volume changes during specific cellular events, such as cell migration and cell division, have been poorly studied, mostly because of a lack of adequate techniques. Here we unambiguously report that a large range of mammalian cell types display a significant increase in volume during mitosis (up to 30%). We further show that this increase in volume is tightly linked to the mitotic state of the cell and not to its spread or rounded shape and is independent of the presence of an intact actomyosin cortex. Importantly, this volume increase is not accompanied by an increase in dry mass and thus corresponds to a decrease in cell density. This mitotic swelling might have important consequences for mitotic progression: it might contribute to produce strong pushing forces, allowing mitotic cells to round up; it might also, by lowering cytoplasmic density, contribute to the large change of physicochemical properties observed in mitotic cells. PMID:26598614

Manufacture of endothelial colony-forming progenitor cells from steady-state peripheral blood leukapheresis using pooled human platelet lysate.

PubMed

Siegel, Georg; Fleck, Erika; Elser, Stefanie; Hermanutz-Klein, Ursula; Waidmann, Marc; Northoff, Hinnak; Seifried, Erhard; Schäfer, Richard

2018-05-01

Endothelial colony-forming progenitor cells (ECFCs) are promising candidates for cell therapies. However, ECFC translation to the clinic requires optimized isolation and manufacture technologies according to good manufacturing practice (GMP). ECFCs were manufactured from steady-state peripheral blood (PB) leukapheresis (11 donors), using GMP-compliant technologies including pooled human platelet (PLT) lysate, and compared to human umbilical cord endothelial cells, human aortic endothelial cells, and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Specific variables assessed were growth kinetics, phenotype, trophic factors production, stimulation of tube formation, and Dil-AcLDL uptake. ECFCs could be isolated from PB leukapheresis units with mean processed volume of 5411 mL and mean white blood cell (WBC) concentration factor of 8.74. The mean frequency was 1.44 × 10 -8 ECFCs per WBC, corresponding to a mean of 177.8 ECFCs per apheresis unit. Expandable for up to 12 cumulative population doublings, calculated projection showed that approximately 730 × 10 3 ECFCs could be manufactured from 1 apheresis unit. ECFCs produced epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, PLT-derived growth factor-B, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, featured high potential for capillary-like tubes formation, and showed no telomerase activity. They were characterized by CD29, CD31, CD44, CD105, CD117, CD133, CD144, CD146, and VEGF-R2 expression, with the most common subpopulation CD34+CD117-CD133-. Compared to controls, ECFCs featured greater Dil-AcLDL uptake and higher expression of CD29, CD31, CD34, CD44, CD144, and VEGF-R2. Here we show that isolation of ECFCs with proangiogenic profile from steady-state PB leukapheresis is feasible, marking a first step toward ECFC product manufacture according to GMP. © 2018 AABB.

Volume equations for the Northern Research Station's Forest Inventory and Analysis Program as of 2010

Treesearch

Patrick D. Miles; Andrew D. Hill

2010-01-01

The U.S. Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program collects sample plot data on all forest ownerships across the United States. This report documents the methodology used to estimate live-tree gross, net, and sound volume for the 24 States inventoried by the Northern Research Station's (NRS) FIA unit. Sound volume is of particular interest...

Timber resource statistics for the Upper Yukon inventory unit, Alaska, 1980.

Treesearch

Willem W.S. van Hees

1987-01-01

The 1980 inventory of the forest resources of the Upper Yukon unit was designed to produce inventory estimates of timberland area, volume of timber, and volumes of timber growth and mortality. Timberland area is estimated at 742,000 acres. Cubic-foot volume on all timberland is estimated at 475 million cubic feet. Timber growth and mortality are estimated at -615,000...

Probing the Natural World, Volume 3A, Environmental Science, Crusty Problems, and Why You're You.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Dept. of Science Education.

This volume is the first of a three volume, one year program for use in junior high school, and consists of these three units: Environmental Science, Crusty Problems (earth science), and Why You're You (heredity). The environmental science unit is composed of chapters relating to these subjects: the black death (plague); energy, food chain, and…

X-ray diffraction measurement of cosolvent accessible volume in rhombohedral insulin crystals

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

Soares, Alexei S.; Caspar, Donald L. D.

We report x-ray crystallographic measurement of the number of solvent electrons in the unit cell of a protein crystal equilibrated with aqueous solutions of different densities provides information about preferential hydration in the crystalline state. Room temperature and cryo-cooled rhombohedral insulin crystals were equilibrated with 1.2 M trehalose to study the effect of lowered water activity. The native and trehalose soaked crystals were isomorphous and had similar structures. Including all the low resolution data, the amplitudes of the structure factors were put on an absolute scale (in units of electrons per asymmetric unit) by constraining the integrated number of electronsmore » inside the envelope of the calculated protein density map to equal the number deduced from the atomic model. This procedure defines the value of F(0 0 0), the amplitude at the origin of the Fourier transform, which is equal to the total number of electrons in the asymmetric unit (i.e. protein plus solvent). Comparison of the F(0 0 0) values for three isomorphous pairs of room temperature insulin crystals, three with trehalose and three without trehalose, indicates that 75 ± 12 electrons per asymmetric unit were added to the crystal solvent when soaked in 1.2 M trehalose. If all the water in the crystal were available as solvent for the trehalose, 304 electrons would have been added. Thus, the co-solvent accessible volume is one quarter of the total water in the crystal. Finally, determination of the total number of electrons in a protein crystal is an essential first step for mapping the average density distribution of the disordered solvent.« less

X-ray diffraction measurement of cosolvent accessible volume in rhombohedral insulin crystals

DOE PAGES

Soares, Alexei S.; Caspar, Donald L. D.

2017-08-31

We report x-ray crystallographic measurement of the number of solvent electrons in the unit cell of a protein crystal equilibrated with aqueous solutions of different densities provides information about preferential hydration in the crystalline state. Room temperature and cryo-cooled rhombohedral insulin crystals were equilibrated with 1.2 M trehalose to study the effect of lowered water activity. The native and trehalose soaked crystals were isomorphous and had similar structures. Including all the low resolution data, the amplitudes of the structure factors were put on an absolute scale (in units of electrons per asymmetric unit) by constraining the integrated number of electronsmore » inside the envelope of the calculated protein density map to equal the number deduced from the atomic model. This procedure defines the value of F(0 0 0), the amplitude at the origin of the Fourier transform, which is equal to the total number of electrons in the asymmetric unit (i.e. protein plus solvent). Comparison of the F(0 0 0) values for three isomorphous pairs of room temperature insulin crystals, three with trehalose and three without trehalose, indicates that 75 ± 12 electrons per asymmetric unit were added to the crystal solvent when soaked in 1.2 M trehalose. If all the water in the crystal were available as solvent for the trehalose, 304 electrons would have been added. Thus, the co-solvent accessible volume is one quarter of the total water in the crystal. Finally, determination of the total number of electrons in a protein crystal is an essential first step for mapping the average density distribution of the disordered solvent.« less

Searching the Cambridge Structural Database for polymorphs.

PubMed

van de Streek, Jacco; Motherwell, Sam

2005-10-01

In order to identify all pairs of polymorphs in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), a method was devised to automatically compare two crystal structures. The comparison is based on simulated powder diffraction patterns, but with special provisions to deal with differences in unit-cell volumes caused by temperature or pressure. Among the 325,000 crystal structures in the Cambridge Structural Database, 35,000 pairs of crystal structures of the same chemical compound were identified and compared. A total of 7300 pairs of polymorphs were identified, of which 154 previously were unknown.

NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, 1990, Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bannerot, Richard B. (Editor); Goldstein, Stanley H. (Editor)

1990-01-01

The 1990 Johnson Space Center (JSC) NASA/American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program was conducted by the University of Houston-University Park and JSC. A compilation of the final reports on the research projects are presented. The topics covered include: the Space Station; the Space Shuttle; exobiology; cell biology; culture techniques; control systems design; laser induced fluorescence; spacecraft reliability analysis; reduced gravity; biotechnology; microgravity applications; regenerative life support systems; imaging techniques; cardiovascular system; physiological effects; extravehicular mobility units; mathematical models; bioreactors; computerized simulation; microgravity simulation; and dynamic structural analysis.

CRENAME, A Molecular Microbiology Method Enabling Multiparametric Assessment of Potable/Drinking Water.

PubMed

Bissonnette, Luc; Maheux, Andrée F; Bergeron, Michel G

2017-01-01

The microbial assessment of potable/drinking water is done to ensure that the resource is free of fecal contamination indicators or waterborne pathogens. Culture-based methods for verifying the microbial safety are limited in the sense that a standard volume of water is generally tested for only one indicator (family) or pathogen.In this work, we describe a membrane filtration-based molecular microbiology method, CRENAME (Concentration Recovery Extraction of Nucleic Acids and Molecular Enrichment), exploiting molecular enrichment by whole genome amplification (WGA) to yield, in less than 4 h, a nucleic acid preparation which can be repetitively tested by real-time PCR for example, to provide multiparametric presence/absence tests (1 colony forming unit or microbial particle per standard volume of 100-1000 mL) for bacterial or protozoan parasite cells or particles susceptible to contaminate potable/drinking water.

Health Occupations Curriculum. Skills and Theory for Health Assistant. Volume I, Units 1-4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arizona State Dept. of Education, Phoenix.

This volume consists of the first four units of a basic core curriculum that is intended for all health workers. The units deal with the following topics: (1) the health care facility, the long-term care facility, the health team, and the nursing team; (2) verbal and nonverbal communication, written communication, human behavior, ethical behavior,…

Estimating the system price of redox flow batteries for grid storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Seungbum; Gallagher, Kevin G.

2015-11-01

Low-cost energy storage systems are required to support extensive deployment of intermittent renewable energy on the electricity grid. Redox flow batteries have potential advantages to meet the stringent cost target for grid applications as compared to more traditional batteries based on an enclosed architecture. However, the manufacturing process and therefore potential high-volume production price of redox flow batteries is largely unquantified. We present a comprehensive assessment of a prospective production process for aqueous all vanadium flow battery and nonaqueous lithium polysulfide flow battery. The estimated investment and variable costs are translated to fixed expenses, profit, and warranty as a function of production volume. When compared to lithium-ion batteries, redox flow batteries are estimated to exhibit lower costs of manufacture, here calculated as the unit price less materials costs, owing to their simpler reactor (cell) design, lower required area, and thus simpler manufacturing process. Redox flow batteries are also projected to achieve the majority of manufacturing scale benefits at lower production volumes as compared to lithium-ion. However, this advantage is offset due to the dramatically lower present production volume of flow batteries compared to competitive technologies such as lithium-ion.

Pulsatile plasma filtration and cell-free DNA amplification using a water-head-driven point-of-care testing chip.

PubMed

Lee, Yonghun; Kim, Dong-Min; Li, Zhenglin; Kim, Dong-Eun; Kim, Sung-Jin

2018-03-13

We demonstrate a microfiltration chip that separates blood plasma by using water-head-driven pulsatile pressures rather than any external equipment and use it for on-chip amplification of nucleic acids. The chip generates pulsatile pressures to significantly reduce filter clogging without hemolysis, and consists of an oscillator, a plasma-extraction pump, and filter units. The oscillator autonomously converts constant water-head pressure to pulsatile pressure, and the pump uses the pulsatile pressure to extract plasma through the filter. Because the pulsatile pressure can periodically clear blood cells from the filter surface, filter clogging can be effectively reduced. In this way, we achieve plasma extraction with 100% purity and 90% plasma recovery at 15% hematocrit. During a 10 min period, the volume of plasma extracted was 43 μL out of a 243 μL extraction volume at 15% hematocrit. We also studied the influence of the pore size and diameter of the filter, blood loading volume, oscillation period, and hematocrit level on the filtration performance. To demonstrate the utility of our chip for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications, we successfully implemented on-chip amplification of a nucleic acid (miDNA21) in plasma filtered from blood. We expect our chip to be useful not only for POCT applications but also for other bench-top analysis tools using blood plasma.

Compensatory Structural and Functional Adaptation after Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma According to Preoperative Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Choi, Don Kyoung; Jung, Se Bin; Park, Bong Hee; Jeong, Byong Chang; Seo, Seong Il; Jeon, Seong Soo; Lee, Hyun Moo; Choi, Han-Yong; Jeon, Hwang Gyun

2015-10-01

We investigated structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration as compensatory adaptations after radical nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma according to the preoperative chronic kidney disease stage. We retrospectively identified 543 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma between 1997 and 2012. Patients were classified according to preoperative glomerular filtration rate as no chronic kidney disease--glomerular filtration rate 90 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) or greater (230, 42.4%), chronic kidney disease stage II--glomerular filtration rate 60 to less than 90 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) (227, 41.8%) and chronic kidney disease stage III--glomerular filtration rate 30 to less than 60 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) (86, 15.8%). Computerized tomography performed within 2 months before surgery and 1 year after surgery was used to assess functional renal volume for measuring the degree of hypertrophy of the remnant kidney, and the preoperative and postoperative glomerular filtration rate per unit volume of functional renal volume was used to calculate the degree of hyperfiltration. Among all patients (mean age 56.0 years) mean preoperative glomerular filtration rate, functional renal volume and glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume were 83.2 ml/minute/1.73 m(2), 340.6 cm(3) and 0.25 ml/minute/1.73 m(2)/cm(3), respectively. The percent reduction in glomerular filtration rate was statistically significant according to chronic kidney disease stage (no chronic kidney disease 31.2% vs stage II 26.5% vs stage III 12.8%, p <0.001). However, the degree of hypertrophic functional renal volume in the remnant kidney was not statistically significant (no chronic kidney disease 18.5% vs stage II 17.3% vs stage III 16.5%, p=0.250). The change in glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume was statistically significant (no chronic kidney disease 18.5% vs stage II 20.1% vs stage III 45.9%, p <0.001). Factors that increased glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume above the mean value were body mass index (p=0.012), diabetes mellitus (p=0.023), hypertension (p=0.015) and chronic kidney disease stage (p <0.001). Patients with a lower preoperative glomerular filtration rate had a smaller reduction in postoperative renal function than those with a higher preoperative glomerular filtration rate due to greater degrees of functional hyperfiltration. Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Rare Earth Dopants in Crystal Structure of Bi-2212 Superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suharta, W. G.; Widagda, IGA.; Putra, K.; Suyanto, H.

2017-03-01

Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+∂ samples have been successfully synthesized by doping rare earth (RE) variations using wet-mixing method. Samples calcined at 600°C for 3 hours and sintered at 850°C for 10 hours. The purpose of research is to determine the effect of the RE dopant on the microscopic structure of BSCRECO superconductors. Therefore, the research was conducted characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Measurements with XRD could be carried out and crystal system of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+∂ with rare earth (RE) dopants could be determined clearly. Generally, crystallization has occurred very well demonstrated by the diffraction peaks are sharp, which is dominated by the emergence of Bi-2212 phase. Search match results of XRD spectrum showed Bi2Sr2CuOx (2201) and Ca2CuO3 (21) as an impurity phase with small intensity. Also, that is showing volume fraction from 85 to 92% and orthorombic value for all samples from 5 to 7%. The effect of RE dopants resulted a shift angle 2θ and changes in the volume of the unit cells of each sample. The value of the unit cell volume of the largest to smallest is BS(CN)CO, BS(CNG)CO, BS(CNEG)CO, BS(CNE)CO, BS(CG)CO, BS(CEG)CO and BS(CE)CO. Measurement with FTIR showed the bending vibration absorption by CO3 2- in the wavelength range between 1500 and 1520 cm-1, vibration of M-O between 420 and 650 cm-1, the complex formation of BSCCO in the wavelength range between 1690 and 1700 cm-1. Measurement with SEM showed rod shape with particle size in hundreds nanometer.

Space Tug Avionics Definition Study. Volume 5: Cost and Programmatics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The baseline avionics system features a central digital computer that integrates the functions of all the space tug subsystems by means of a redundant digital data bus. The central computer consists of dual central processor units, dual input/output processors, and a fault tolerant memory, utilizing internal redundancy and error checking. Three electronically steerable phased arrays provide downlink transmission from any tug attitude directly to ground or via TDRS. Six laser gyros and six accelerometers in a dodecahedron configuration make up the inertial measurement unit. Both a scanning laser radar and a TV system, employing strobe lamps, are required as acquisition and docking sensors. Primary dc power at a nominal 28 volts is supplied from dual lightweight, thermally integrated fuel cells which operate from propellant grade reactants out of the main tanks.

Facial rejuvenation starts in the midface: three-dimensional volumetric facial rejuvenation has beneficial effects on nontreated neighboring esthetic units.

PubMed

Wollina, Uwe

2016-03-01

Facial aging is a major indication for minimal invasive esthetic procedures. Dermal fillers are a cornerstone in the approach for facial sculpturing. But where to start? Our concept is midfacial volume restoration in first place. This will result in a healthy and youthful appearance creating a facial V-shape. But midfacial filler injection does not only improve the malar area. It has also beneficial effects on neighboring esthetic units. We report on such improvements in periocular and nasolabial region, upper lips and perioral tissue, and the jaw line and discuss anatomical background. We hypothesize that midfacial deep filler injections also may activate subdermal white adipose tissue stem cells contributing to longer lasting rejuvenation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic study of 3 alpha, 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Streptomyces hydrogenans.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, P M; Duax, W L; Punzi, J S; Orr, J C

1984-05-15

3 alpha, 20 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an NADH-dependent oxidoreductase isolated from Streptomyces hydrogenans , is a tetramer containing four subunits each of Mr 25,000. The enzyme has been crystallized by the vapor diffusion technique using either phosphate or borate buffered ammonium sulfate (pH between 6.0 and 8.7) as the precipitant. The crystals are hexagonal bipyramids ; they have the symmetry of space group P6(4)22 (or P6(2)22), with unit cell dimensions a = 127.3 A, c = 112.2 A. Volume and density considerations imply that the crystallographic asymmetric unit contains two monomers, and therefore that the tetramer possesses a 2-fold axis of symmetry that is coincident with a crystallographic 2-fold symmetry element.

Cell volume regulation and apoptotic volume decrease in rat distal colon superficial enterocytes.

PubMed

Antico, Stefania; Lionetto, Maria Giulia; Giordano, Maria Elena; Caricato, Roberto; Schettino, Trifone

2013-01-01

The colon epithelium is physiologically exposed to osmotic stress, and the activation of cell volume regulation mechanisms is essential in colonocyte physiology. Moreover, colon is characterized by a high apoptotic rate of mature cells balancing the high division rate of stem cells. The aim of the present work was to investigate the main cell volume regulation mechanisms in rat colon surface colonocytes and their role in apoptosis. Cell volume changes were measured by light microscopy and video imaging on colon explants; apoptosis sign appearance was monitored by confocal microscopy on annexin V/propidium iodide labeled explants. Superficial colonocytes showed a dynamic regulation of their cell volume during anisosmotic conditions with a Regulatory Volume Increase (RVI) response following hypertonic shrinkage and Regulatory Volume Decrease (RVD) response following hypotonic swelling. RVI was completely inhibited by bumetanide, while RVD was completely abolished by high K(+) or iberiotoxin treatment and by extracellular Ca(2+) removal. DIDS incubation was also able to affect the RVD response. When colon explants were exposed to H2O2 as apoptotic inducer, colonocytes underwent an isotonic volume decrease ascribable to Apoptotic Volume Decrease (AVD) within about four hours of exposure. AVD was shown to precede annexin V positivity. It was also inhibited by high K(+) or iberiotoxin treatment. Interestingly, treatment with iberiotoxin significantly inhibited apoptosis progression. In rat superficial colonocytes K(+) efflux through high conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK channels) was demonstrated to be the main mechanism of RVD and to plays also a crucial role in the AVD process and in the progression of apoptosis. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The coordination of ploidy and cell size differs between cell layers in leaves.

PubMed

Katagiri, Yohei; Hasegawa, Junko; Fujikura, Ushio; Hoshino, Rina; Matsunaga, Sachihiro; Tsukaya, Hirokazu

2016-04-01

Growth and developmental processes are occasionally accompanied by multiple rounds of DNA replication, known as endoreduplication. Coordination between endoreduplication and cell size regulation often plays a crucial role in proper organogenesis and cell differentiation. Here, we report that the level of correlation between ploidy and cell volume is different in the outer and inner cell layers of leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana using a novel imaging technique. Although there is a well-known, strong correlation between ploidy and cell volume in pavement cells of the epidermis, this correlation was extremely weak in palisade mesophyll cells. Induction of epidermis cell identity based on the expression of the homeobox gene ATML1 in mesophyll cells enhanced the level of correlation between ploidy and cell volume to near that of wild-type epidermal cells. We therefore propose that the correlation between ploidy and cell volume is regulated by cell identity. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Maturation of sperm volume regulation in the rat epididymis

PubMed Central

Damm, Oliver S.; Cooper, Trevor G.

2010-01-01

Sperm maturation in the epididymis may involve differences between mature and immature spermatozoa in their volume regulatory osmolyte response. Spermatozoa obtained from the rat caput and cauda epididymidis were examined for their ability to regulate volume after transfer from in situ epididymal osmolality (measured to be 343 ± 13 and 365 ± 19 mmol kg−1, respectively) to that of the female tract in single- and multiple-step protocols. Cells withstood the single-step treatment better than the multistep protocol. Sperm volume estimates by flow cytometric measurements of forward scatter of cells with intact head membranes was more sensitive than those by assessing cell coiling microscopically. At osmolalites below 210 mmol kg−1 both caput and cauda cells ruptured, limiting the use of flow cytometry. Above this critical value, the use of quinine showed that both caput and cauda cells could regulate volume, but cauda cells were the more effective. Of several organic osmolytes studied, myo-inositol, glutamate and KCl caused only temporary and slight swelling of spermatozoa cells in hypotonic medium. Spermatozoa of both maturities seemed to use potassium as the preferred osmolyte for regulating volume. PMID:20531277

Blood cell counting and classification by nonflowing laser light scattering method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ye; Zhang, Zhenxi; Yang, Xinhui; Jiang, Dazong; Yeo, Joon Hock

1999-11-01

A new non-flowing laser light scattering method for counting and classifying blood cells is presented. A linear charge- coupled device with 1024 elements is used to detect the scattered light intensity distribution of the blood cells. A pinhole plate is combined with the CCD to compete the focusing of the measurement system. An isotropic sphere is used to simulate the blood cell. Mie theory is used to describe the scattering of blood cells. In order to inverse the size distribution of blood cells from their scattered light intensity distribution, Powell method combined with precision punishment method is used as a dependent model method for measurement red blood cells and blood plates. Non-negative constraint least square method combined with Powell method and precision punishment method is used as an independent model for measuring white blood cells. The size distributions of white blood cells and red blood cells, and the mean diameter of red blood cells are measured by this method. White blood cells can be divided into three classes: lymphocytes, middle-sized cells and neutrocytes according to their sizes. And the number of blood cells in unit volume can also be measured by the linear dependence of blood cells concentration on scattered light intensity.

Survey of United States Army Reserve (USAR) Troop Program Unit (TPU) soldiers - 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-30

TABULATION VOLUMES This material provides information for use by readers to interpret the tabulation volumes accompanying the final project report...questionnaire responses of the junior enlisted "stayers" who were used as the sample to generate the first longitudinal Tabulation Volume. Comparing...crossed by Iselected demographic variables (as described below). Detailed below are the specific crossing variables used for the cross-sectional and

Evaluating the B-cell density with various activation functions using White Noise Path Integral Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aban, C. J. G.; Bacolod, R. O.; Confesor, M. N. P.

2015-06-01

A The White Noise Path Integral Approach is used in evaluating the B-cell density or the number of B-cell per unit volume for a basic type of immune system response based on the modeling done by Perelson and Wiegel. From the scaling principles of Perelson [1], the B- cell density is obtained where antigens and antibodies mutates and activation function f(|S-SA|) is defined describing the interaction between a specific antigen and a B-cell. If the activation function f(|S-SA|) is held constant, the major form of the B-cell density evaluated using white noise analysis is similar to the form of the B-cell density obtained by Perelson and Wiegel using a differential approach.A piecewise linear functionis also used to describe the activation f(|S-SA|). If f(|S-SA|) is zero, the density decreases exponentially. If f(|S-SA|) = S-SA-SB, the B- cell density increases exponentially until it reaches a certain maximum value. For f(|S-SA|) = 2SA-SB-S, the behavior of B-cell density is oscillating and remains to be in small values.

A general multiscale framework for the emergent effective elastodynamics of metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sridhar, A.; Kouznetsova, V. G.; Geers, M. G. D.

2018-02-01

This paper presents a general multiscale framework towards the computation of the emergent effective elastodynamics of heterogeneous materials, to be applied for the analysis of acoustic metamaterials and phononic crystals. The generality of the framework is exemplified by two key characteristics. First, the underlying formalism relies on the Floquet-Bloch theorem to derive a robust definition of scales and scale separation. Second, unlike most homogenization approaches that rely on a classical volume average, a generalized homogenization operator is defined with respect to a family of particular projection functions. This yields a generalized macro-scale continuum, instead of the classical Cauchy continuum. This enables (in a micromorphic sense) to homogenize the rich dispersive behavior resulting from both Bragg scattering and local resonance. For an arbitrary unit cell, the homogenization projection functions are constructed using the Floquet-Bloch eigenvectors obtained in the desired frequency regime at select high symmetry points, which effectively resolves the emergent phenomena dominating that regime. Furthermore, a generalized Hill-Mandel condition is proposed that ensures power consistency between the homogenized and full-scale model. A high-order spatio-temporal gradient expansion is used to localize the multiscale problem leading to a series of recursive unit cell problems giving the appropriate micro-mechanical corrections. The developed multiscale method is validated against standard numerical Bloch analysis of the dispersion spectra of example unit cells encompassing multiple high-order branches generated by local resonance and/or Bragg scattering.

Computational Homogenization of Mechanical Properties for Laminate Composites Reinforced with Thin Film Made of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Moumen, A.; Tarfaoui, M.; Lafdi, K.

2018-06-01

Elastic properties of laminate composites based Carbone Nanotubes (CNTs), used in military applications, were estimated using homogenization techniques and compared to the experimental data. The composite consists of three phases: T300 6k carbon fibers fabric with 5HS (satin) weave, baseline pure Epoxy matrix and CNTs added with 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 4%. Two step homogenization methods based RVE model were employed. The objective of this paper is to determine the elastic properties of structure starting from the knowledge of those of constituents (CNTs, Epoxy and carbon fibers fabric). It is assumed that the composites have a geometric periodicity and the homogenization model can be represented by a representative volume element (RVE). For multi-scale analysis, finite element modeling of unit cell based two step homogenization method is used. The first step gives the properties of thin film made of epoxy and CNTs and the second is used for homogenization of laminate composite. The fabric unit cell is chosen using a set of microscopic observation and then identified by its ability to enclose the characteristic periodic repeat in the fabric weave. The unit cell model of 5-Harness satin weave fabric textile composite is identified for numerical approach and their dimensions are chosen based on some microstructural measurements. Finally, a good comparison was obtained between the predicted elastic properties using numerical homogenization approach and the obtained experimental data with experimental tests.

Computational Homogenization of Mechanical Properties for Laminate Composites Reinforced with Thin Film Made of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Moumen, A.; Tarfaoui, M.; Lafdi, K.

2017-08-01

Elastic properties of laminate composites based Carbone Nanotubes (CNTs), used in military applications, were estimated using homogenization techniques and compared to the experimental data. The composite consists of three phases: T300 6k carbon fibers fabric with 5HS (satin) weave, baseline pure Epoxy matrix and CNTs added with 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 4%. Two step homogenization methods based RVE model were employed. The objective of this paper is to determine the elastic properties of structure starting from the knowledge of those of constituents (CNTs, Epoxy and carbon fibers fabric). It is assumed that the composites have a geometric periodicity and the homogenization model can be represented by a representative volume element (RVE). For multi-scale analysis, finite element modeling of unit cell based two step homogenization method is used. The first step gives the properties of thin film made of epoxy and CNTs and the second is used for homogenization of laminate composite. The fabric unit cell is chosen using a set of microscopic observation and then identified by its ability to enclose the characteristic periodic repeat in the fabric weave. The unit cell model of 5-Harness satin weave fabric textile composite is identified for numerical approach and their dimensions are chosen based on some microstructural measurements. Finally, a good comparison was obtained between the predicted elastic properties using numerical homogenization approach and the obtained experimental data with experimental tests.

Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Study Volume 1: RASER Task Order 5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mak, Audie; Meier, John

2007-01-01

This study evaluated the feasibility of a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) auxiliary power unit (APU) and the impact in a 90-passenger More-Electric Regional Jet application. The study established realistic hybrid SOFC APU system weight and system efficiencies, and evaluated the impact on the aircraft total weight, fuel burn, and emissions from the main engine and the APU during cruise, landing and take-off (LTO) cycle, and at the gate. Although the SOFC APU may be heavier than the current conventional APU, its weight disadvantage can be offset by fuel savings in the higher SOFC APU system efficiencies against the main engine bleed and extraction during cruise. The higher SOFC APU system efficiency compared to the conventional APU on the ground can also provide considerable fuel saving and emissions reduction, particularly at the gate, but is limited by the fuel cell stack thermal fatigue characteristic.

Cálculo del esfuerzo ideal de metales nobles mediante primeros principios en la dirección <100>

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bautista-Hernández, A.; López-Fuentes, M.; Pacheco-Espejel, V.; Rivas-Silva, J. F.

2005-04-01

We present calculations of the ideal strength on the < 100 > direction for noble metals (Cu, Ag and Au), by means of first principles calculations. First, we obtain the structural parameters (cell parameters, bulk modulus) for each studied metal. We deform on the < 100 > direction calculating the total energy and the stress tensor through the Hellman-Feynman theorem, by the relaxation of the unit cell in the perpendicular directions to the deformation one. The calculated cell constants differ 1.3 % from experimental data. The maximum ideal strength are 29.6, 17 and 19 GPa for Cu, Ag and Au respectively. Meanwhile, the calculated elastic modulus are 106 (Cu), 71 (Ag), and 45 GPa (Au) and are in agreement with the experimental values for polycrystalline samples. The values of maximum strength are explained by the optimum volume values due to the atomic radius size for each element.

Desmopressin use for minimising perioperative blood transfusion

PubMed Central

Desborough, Michael J; Oakland, Kathryn; Brierley, Charlotte; Bennett, Sean; Doree, Carolyn; Trivella, Marialena; Hopewell, Sally; Stanworth, Simon J; Estcourt, Lise J

2017-01-01

Background Blood transfusion is administered during many types of surgery, but its efficacy and safety are increasingly questioned. Evaluation of the efficacy of agents, such as desmopressin (DDAVP; 1-deamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin), that may reduce perioperative blood loss is needed. Objectives To examine the evidence for the efficacy of DDAVP in reducing perioperative blood loss and the need for red cell transfusion in people who do not have inherited bleeding disorders. Search methods We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2017, issue 3) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (from 1937), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and ongoing trial databases (all searches to 3 April 2017). Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials comparing DDAVP to placebo or an active comparator (e.g. tranexamic acid, aprotinin) before, during, or immediately after surgery or after invasive procedures in adults or children. Data collection and analysis We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Main results We identified 65 completed trials (3874 participants) and four ongoing trials. Of the 65 completed trials, 39 focused on adult cardiac surgery, three on paediatric cardiac surgery, 12 on orthopaedic surgery, two on plastic surgery, and two on vascular surgery; seven studies were conducted in surgery for other conditions. These trials were conducted between 1986 and 2016, and 11 were funded by pharmaceutical companies or by a party with a commercial interest in the outcome of the trial. The GRADE quality of evidence was very low to moderate across all outcomes. No trial reported quality of life. DDAVP versus placebo or no treatment Trial results showed considerable heterogeneity between surgical settings for total volume of red cells transfused (low-quality evidence) and for total blood loss (very low-quality evidence) due to large differences in baseline blood loss. Consequently, these outcomes were not pooled and were reported in subgroups. Compared with placebo, DDAVP may slightly decrease the total volume of red cells transfused in adult cardiac surgery (mean difference (MD) -0.52 units, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.96 to -0.08 units; 14 trials, 957 participants), but may lead to little or no difference in orthopaedic surgery (MD -0.02, 95% CI -0.67 to 0.64 units; 6 trials, 303 participants), vascular surgery (MD 0.06, 95% CI -0.60 to 0.73 units; 2 trials, 135 participants), or hepatic surgery (MD -0.47, 95% CI -1.27 to 0.33 units; 1 trial, 59 participants). DDAVP probably leads to little or no difference in the total number of participants transfused with blood (risk ratio (RR) 0.96, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06; 25 trials; 1806 participants) (moderate-quality evidence). Whether DDAVP decreases total blood loss in adult cardiac surgery (MD -135.24 mL, 95% CI -210.80 mL to -59.68 mL; 22 trials, 1358 participants), orthopaedic surgery (MD -285.76 mL, 95% CI -514.99 mL to -56.53 mL; 5 trials, 241 participants), or vascular surgery (MD -582.00 mL, 95% CI -1264.07 mL to 100.07 mL; 1 trial, 44 participants) is uncertain because the quality of evidence is very low. DDAVP probably leads to little or no difference in all-cause mortality (Peto odds ratio (pOR) 1.09, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.34; 22 trials, 1631 participants) or in thrombotic events (pOR 1.36, 95% CI, 0.85 to 2.16; 29 trials, 1984 participants) (both low-quality evidence). DDAVP versus placebo or no treatment for people with platelet dysfunction Compared with placebo, DDAVP may lead to a reduction in the total volume of red cells transfused (MD -0.65 units, 95% CI -1.16 to -0.13 units; 6 trials, 388 participants) (low-quality evidence) and in total blood loss (MD -253.93 mL, 95% CI -408.01 mL to -99.85 mL; 7 trials, 422 participants) (low-quality evidence). DDAVP probably leads to little or no difference in the total number of participants receiving a red cell transfusion (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.04; 5 trials, 258 participants) (moderate-quality evidence). Whether DDAVP leads to a difference in all-cause mortality (pOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.12 to 4.22; 7 trials; 422 participants) or in thrombotic events (pOR 1.58, 95% CI 0.60 to 4.17; 7 trials, 422 participants) is uncertain because the quality of evidence is very low. DDAVP versus tranexamic acid Compared with tranexamic acid, DDAVP may increase the volume of blood transfused (MD 0.6 units, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.11 units; 1 trial, 40 participants) and total blood loss (MD 142.81 mL, 95% CI 79.78 mL to 205.84 mL; 2 trials, 115 participants) (both low-quality evidence). Whether DDAVP increases or decreases the total number of participants transfused with blood is uncertain because the quality of evidence is very low (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.04 to 5.64; 3 trials, 135 participants). No trial reported all-cause mortality. Whether DDAVP leads to a difference in thrombotic events is uncertain because the quality of evidence is very low (pOR 2.92, 95% CI 0.32 to 26.83; 2 trials, 115 participants). DDAVP versus aprotinin Compared with aprotinin, DDAVP probably increases the total number of participants transfused with blood (RR 2.41, 95% CI 1.45 to 4.02; 1 trial, 99 participants) (moderate-quality evidence). No trials reported volume of blood transfused or total blood loss and the single trial that included mortality as an outcome reported no deaths. Whether DDAVP leads to a difference in thrombotic events is uncertain because the quality of evidence is very low (pOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.89; 2 trials, 152 participants). Authors’ conclusions Most of the evidence derived by comparing DDAVP versus placebo was obtained in cardiac surgery, where DDAVP was administered after cardiopulmonary bypass. In adults undergoing cardiac surgery, the reduction in volume of red cells transfused and total blood loss was small and was unlikely to be clinically important. It is less clear whether DDAVP may be of benefit for children and for those undergoing non-cardiac surgery. A key area for researchers is examining the effects of DDAVP for people with platelet dysfunction. Few trials have compared DDAVP versus tranexamic acid or aprotinin; consequently, we are uncertain of the relative efficacy of these interventions. PMID:28691229

Constant volume gas cell optical phase-shifter

DOEpatents

Phillion, Donald W.

2002-01-01

A constant volume gas cell optical phase-shifter, particularly applicable for phase-shifting interferometry, contains a sealed volume of atmospheric gas at a pressure somewhat different than atmospheric. An optical window is present at each end of the cell, and as the length of the cell is changed, the optical path length of a laser beam traversing the cell changes. The cell comprises movable coaxial tubes with seals and a volume equalizing opening. Because the cell is constant volume, the pressure, temperature, and density of the contained gas do not change as the cell changes length. This produces an exactly linear relationship between the change in the length of the gas cell and the change in optical phase of the laser beam traversing it. Because the refractive index difference between the gas inside and the atmosphere outside is very much the same, a large motion must be made to change the optical phase by the small fraction of a wavelength that is required by phase-shifting interferometry for its phase step. This motion can be made to great fractional accuracy.

A Solar Volumetric Receiver: Influence of Absorbing Cells Configuration on Device Thermal Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yilbas, B. S.; Shuja, S. Z.

2017-01-01

Thermal performance of a solar volumetric receiver incorporating the different cell geometric configurations is investigated. Triangular, hexagonal, and rectangular absorbing cells are incorporated in the analysis. The fluid volume fraction, which is the ratio of the volume of the working fluid over the total volume of solar volumetric receiver, is introduced to assess the effect of cell size on the heat transfer rates in the receiver. In this case, reducing the fluid volume fraction corresponds to increasing cell size in the receiver. SiC is considered as the cell material, and air is used as the working fluid in the receiver. The Lambert's Beer law is incorporated to account for the solar absorption in the receiver. A finite element method is used to solve the governing equation of flow and heat transfer. It is found that the fluid volume fraction has significant effect on the flow field in the solar volumetric receiver, which also modifies thermal field in the working fluid. The triangular absorbing cell gives rise to improved effectiveness of the receiver and then follows the hexagonal and rectangular cells. The second law efficiency of the receiver remains high when hexagonal cells are used. This occurs for the fluid volume fraction ratio of 0.5.

Three-dimensional confocal morphometry – a new approach for studying dynamic changes in cell morphology in brain slices

PubMed Central

Chvátal, Alexandr; Anděrová, Miroslava; Kirchhoff, Frank

2007-01-01

Pathological states in the central nervous system lead to dramatic changes in the activity of neuroactive substances in the extracellular space, to changes in ionic homeostasis and often to cell swelling. To quantify changes in cell morphology over a certain period of time, we employed a new technique, three-dimensional confocal morphometry. In our experiments, performed on enhanced green fluorescent protein/glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytes in brain slices in situ and thus preserving the extracellular microenvironment, confocal morphometry revealed that the application of hypotonic solution evoked two types of volume change. In one population of astrocytes, hypotonic stress evoked small cell volume changes followed by a regulatory volume decrease, while in the second population volume changes were significantly larger without subsequent volume regulation. Three-dimensional cell reconstruction revealed that even though the total astrocyte volume increased during hypotonic stress, the morphological changes in various cell compartments and processes were more complex than have been previously shown, including swelling, shrinking and structural rearrangement. Our data show that astrocytes in brain slices in situ during hypotonic stress display complex behaviour. One population of astrocytes is highly capable of cell volume regulation, while the second population is characterized by prominent cell swelling, accompanied by plastic changes in morphology. It is possible to speculate that these two astrocyte populations play different roles during physiological and pathological states. PMID:17488344

48 CFR 242.1402 - Volume movements within the contiguous United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Volume movements within the contiguous United States. 242.1402 Section 242.1402 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT...

A serine residue in ClC-3 links phosphorylation-dephosphorylation to chloride channel regulation by cell volume.

PubMed

Duan, D; Cowley, S; Horowitz, B; Hume, J R

1999-01-01

In many mammalian cells, ClC-3 volume-regulated chloride channels maintain a variety of normal cellular functions during osmotic perturbation. The molecular mechanisms of channel regulation by cell volume, however, are unknown. Since a number of recent studies point to the involvement of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in the control of volume-regulated ionic transport systems, we studied the relationship between channel phosphorylation and volume regulation of ClC-3 channels using site-directed mutagenesis and patch-clamp techniques. In native cardiac cells and when overexpressed in NIH/3T3 cells, ClC-3 channels were opened by cell swelling or inhibition of endogenous PKC, but closed by PKC activation, phosphatase inhibition, or elevation of intracellular Ca2+. Site-specific mutational studies indicate that a serine residue (serine51) within a consensus PKC-phosphorylation site in the intracellular amino terminus of the ClC-3 channel protein represents an important volume sensor of the channel. These results provide direct molecular and pharmacological evidence indicating that channel phosphorylation/dephosphorylation plays a crucial role in the regulation of volume sensitivity of recombinant ClC-3 channels and their native counterpart, ICl.vol.

Low ERCP Volume Is Associated with More Industry Representative Interactions but Similar Training of Nurses.

PubMed

Keswani, Rajesh N; Malpas, Phyllis; Lynch, Sheryl E; Coté, Gregory A

2016-03-01

Data on ERCP nurses and associate (ERCP-NA) training and comfort are lacking. Healthcare industry representative (HCIR) influence may be greater in low-volume units (LVUs) due to decreased procedure and device familiarity. The aim of this study was to compare ERCP-NA training, safety, and HCIR relationships between LVU and high-volume unit (HVU) ERCP facilities. We conducted an electronic survey of all Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) members assessing: (1) demographics and procedure volume, (2) ERCP training and radiation safety, and (3) HCIR interactions. Responses were stratified by ERCP volume. Among 832 SGNA member respondents (median age 55), 615 (74%) worked as an ERCP-NA; 41% derived from LVUs. The majority of ERCP-NAs, irrespective of unit volume, had observed <50 ERCPs before starting. Except for lead glasses, the majority (>80%) adhered to basic radiation safety, irrespective of unit volume. LVUs were more likely than HVU ERCP-NAs to agree that HCIRs were requested for intra-procedure assistance (24 vs. 19%, p = 0.008), asked for input on the next choice of device (22 vs. 15%, p = 0.01), and assist in device usage (27 vs. 22%, p = 0.04). Irrespective of volume, 30% agreed that they were more likely to utilize a company's devices if that HCIR was present. ERCP-NA training before independent participation in ERCP is suboptimal. HCIRs are frequently requested for assistance during ERCPs, especially in LVUs. HCIR impact on ERCP outcomes and device utilization and whether enhanced ERCP-NA training will impact the role of HCIR, require further study.

Low temperature structural transformation in T[Ni(CN){sub 4}].xpyz with x=1,2; T=Mn,Co,Ni,Zn,Cd; pyz=pyrazine

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

Rodriguez-Hernandez, J.; Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Materiales, Universidad de La Habana; Lemus-Santana, A.A.

2010-01-15

The materials under study are pillared solids T[Ni(CN){sub 4}].xpyz with one and two (x=1,2) pyrazine (pyz) molecules and where T=Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd. Stimulated by their structural features and potential role as prototype of porous solids for hydrogen storage, the structural stability under cryogenic conditions for this series of pillared solids was studied. At low temperature, in the 100-200 K range, the occurrence of a reversible structural transformation was found. For T=Mn, Co, Zn, Cd, with x=2, the structural transformation was observed to occur around 185 K, and the low temperature phase crystallizes with a monoclinic unit cell (spacemore » group Pc). This structure change results from certain charge redistribution on cooling within the involved ligands. For T=Ni with x=1, both the low and high temperature phases crystallize with unit cells of tetragonal symmetry, within the same space group but with a different unit cell volume. In this case the structure change is observed around 120 K. Above that temperature the rotational states for the pyrazine molecule are thermally excited and all the pyrazine molecules in the structure become equivalent. Under this condition the material structure is described using a smaller structural unit. The structural study using X-ray powder diffraction data was complemented with calorimetric and Raman spectroscopy measurements. For the low temperature phases the crystal structures were solved from Patterson methods and then refined using the Rietveld method. - Graphical abstract: Low temperature ordered structure for pyrazine in T[Ni(CN){sub 4}].pyz.« less

Mechanical Behaviour of 3D Multi-layer Braided Composites: Experimental, Numerical and Theoretical Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Jian; Zhou, Guangming; Ji, Le; Wang, Xiaopei

2017-12-01

Mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of a newly designed 3D multi-layer braided composites are evaluated by experimental, numerical and theoretical studies. The microstructure of the composites is introduced. The unit cell technique is employed to address the periodic arrangement of the structure. The volume averaging method is used in theoretical solutions while FEM with reasonable periodic boundary conditions and meshing technique in numerical simulations. Experimental studies are also conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed models. Predicted elastic properties agree well with the experimental data, indicating the feasibility of the proposed models. Numerical evaluation is more accurate than theoretical assessment. Deformations and stress distributions of the unit cell under tension shows displacement and traction continuity, guaranteeing the rationality of the applied periodic boundary conditions. Although compression and tension modulus are close, the compressive strength only reaches 70% of the tension strength. This indicates that the composites can be weakened in compressive loading. Additionally, by analysing the micrograph of fracture faces and strain-stress curves, a brittle failure mechanism is observed both in composites under tension and compression.

The self-organization of grid cells in 3D

PubMed Central

Stella, Federico; Treves, Alessandro

2015-01-01

Do we expect periodic grid cells to emerge in bats, or perhaps dolphins, exploring a three-dimensional environment? How long will it take? Our self-organizing model, based on ring-rate adaptation, points at a complex answer. The mathematical analysis leads to asymptotic states resembling face centered cubic (FCC) and hexagonal close packed (HCP) crystal structures, which are calculated to be very close to each other in terms of cost function. The simulation of the full model, however, shows that the approach to such asymptotic states involves several sub-processes over distinct time scales. The smoothing of the initially irregular multiple fields of individual units and their arrangement into hexagonal grids over certain best planes are observed to occur relatively quickly, even in large 3D volumes. The correct mutual orientation of the planes, though, and the coordinated arrangement of different units, take a longer time, with the network showing no sign of convergence towards either a pure FCC or HCP ordering. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05913.001 PMID:25821989

How much improvement in thermoelectric performance can come from reducing thermal conductivity?

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

Gaultois, Michael W., E-mail: mgaultois@mrl.ucsb.edu; Sparks, Taylor D., E-mail: sparks@eng.utah.edu

Large improvements in the performance of thermoelectric materials have come from designing materials with reduced thermal conductivity. Yet as the thermal conductivity of some materials now approaches their amorphous limit, it is unclear if microstructure engineering can further improve thermoelectric performance in these cases. In this contribution, we use large data sets to examine 300 compositions in 11 families of thermoelectric materials and present a type of plot that quickly reveals the maximum possible zT that can be achieved by reducing the thermal conductivity. This plot allows researchers to quickly distinguish materials where the thermal conductivity has been optimized frommore » those where improvement can be made. Moreover, through these large data sets we examine structure-property relationships to identify methods that decrease thermal conductivity and improve thermoelectric performance. We validate, with the data, that increasing (i) the volume of a unit cell and/or (ii) the number of atoms in the unit cell decreases the thermal conductivity of many classes of materials, without changing the electrical resistivity.« less

Sinter of uniform, predictable, blemish-free nickel plaque for large aerospace nickel cadmium cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seiger, H. N.

1975-01-01

A series of nickel slurry compositions were tested. Important slurry parameters were found to be the nature of the binder, a pore former and the method of mixing. A slow roll mixing which is non-turbulent successfully eliminated entrapped air so that bubbles and pockets were avoided in the sinter. A slurry applicator was developed which enabled an equal quantity of slurry to be applied to both sides of the grid. Sintering in a furnace having a graded atmosphere characteristic, ranging from oxidizing to strongly reducing, improved adhesion of porous sinter to grid and resulted in a uniform welding of nickel particles to each other throughout the plaque. Sintering was carried out in a horizontal furnace having three heating zones and 16 heating control circuits. Tests used for plaque evaluation include (1) appearance, (2) grid location and adhesion, (3) mechanical strength, (4) thickness, (5) weight per unit area, (6) void volume per unit area, (7) surface area and (8) electrical resistance. Plaque material was impregnated using Heliotek proprietary processes and 100 AH cells were fabricated.

Water-quality parameters and benthic algal communities at selected streams in Minnesota, August 2000 - Study design, methods and data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, K.E.

2002-01-01

This report describes the study design, sampling methods, and summarizes the physical, chemical, and benthic algal data for a component of the multiagency study that was designed to document diurnal water-quality measurements (specific conductance, pH, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen), benthic algal community composition and chlorophyll-a content, and primary productivity at 12 stream sites on 6 streams in Minnesota during August 2000. Specific conductance, pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentrations and percent dissolved oxygen saturation measurements were made with submersible data recorders at 30 minute intervals for a period of 3-6 days during August 2000. Benthic algae collected from wood and rock substrate were identified and enumerated. Biovolume (volume of algal cells per unit area), density (number of cells per unit area), and chlorophyll-a content from benthic algae were determined. These data can be used as part of the multiagency study to develop an understanding of the relations among nutrient concentrations, algal abundance, algal community composition, and primary production and respiration processes in rivers of differing ecoregions in Minnesota.

Ceramic matrix composite behavior -- Computational simulation

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

Chamis, C.C.; Murthy, P.L.N.; Mital, S.K.

Development of analytical modeling and computational capabilities for the prediction of high temperature ceramic matrix composite behavior has been an ongoing research activity at NASA-Lewis Research Center. These research activities have resulted in the development of micromechanics based methodologies to evaluate different aspects of ceramic matrix composite behavior. The basis of the approach is micromechanics together with a unique fiber substructuring concept. In this new concept the conventional unit cell (the smallest representative volume element of the composite) of micromechanics approach has been modified by substructuring the unit cell into several slices and developing the micromechanics based equations at themore » slice level. Main advantage of this technique is that it can provide a much greater detail in the response of composite behavior as compared to a conventional micromechanics based analysis and still maintains a very high computational efficiency. This methodology has recently been extended to model plain weave ceramic composites. The objective of the present paper is to describe the important features of the modeling and simulation and illustrate with select examples of laminated as well as woven composites.« less

Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-Mediated Deoxyuridine Triphosphate Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) Assay to Characterize Histopathologic Changes Following Thermal Injury

PubMed Central

Lee, Ji Min; Park, Ji Hyun; Kim, Bo Young

2018-01-01

Background Despite the wide application of lasers and radiofrequency (RF) surgery in dermatology, it is difficult to find studies showing the extent of damage dependent on cell death. Objective We evaluated histopathologic changes following in vivo thermal damage generated by CO2 laser, 1,444 nm long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (LP Nd:YAG) laser and RF emitting electrosurgical unit. Methods Thermal damage was induced by the above instruments on ventral skin of rat. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, along with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, to highlight the degree of irreversible cellular injury. Results The volume of vaporization was largest with the CO2 laser. Area of cell death area identified by TUNEL assay, when arranged from widest to narrowest, was 1,444 nm LP Nd:YAG laser, CO2 laser, and RF emitting electrosurgical unit. Conclusion This histopathologic evaluation of the acute characterization of injury across devices may be advantageous for attaining better treatment outcomes. PMID:29386831

The relationships between deformation mechanisms and mechanical properties of additively manufactured porous biomaterials.

PubMed

Kadkhodapour, J; Montazerian, H; Darabi, A Ch; Zargarian, A; Schmauder, S

2017-06-01

Modulating deformation mechanism through manipulating morphological parameters of scaffold internal pore architecture provides potential to tailor the overall mechanical properties under physiological loadings. Whereas cells sense local strains, cell differentiation is also impressed by the elastic deformations. In this paper, structure-property relations were developed for Ti6-Al-4V scaffolds designed based on triply periodic minimal surfaces. 10mm cubic scaffolds composed of 5×5×5 unit cells formed of F-RD (bending dominated) and I-WP (stretching dominated) architectures were additively manufactured at different volume fractions and subjected to compressive tests. The first stages of deformation for stretching dominated structure, was accompanied by bilateral layer-by-layer failure of unit cells owing to the buckling of micro-struts, while for bending dominated structure, namely F-RD, global shearing bands appeared since the shearing failure of struts in the internal architecture. Promoted mechanical properties were found for stretching dominated structure since the global orientation of struts were parallel to loading direction while inclination of struts diminished specific properties for bending dominated structure. Moreover, elastic-plastic deformation was computationally studied by applying Johnson-Cook damage model to the voxel-based models in FE analysis. Scaling analysis was performed for mechanical properties with respect to the relative density thereby failure mechanism was correlated to the constants of power law describing mechanical properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on structural refinement and electrochemical behaviour of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kautkar, Pranay R.; Shirbhate, Shraddha C.; Acharya, Smita A.

2018-05-01

Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (BSCF) was prepared by ethylene glycol-citrate combined sol-gel combustion route and calcined at optimized temperature 1050°C. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) data revealing the crystal purity of BSCF cathode was refined by the Cubic-type structure having the space group Pm-3m by Rietveld analysis. Refined lattice parameter of BSCF cathode is a = 3.9759 Å and unit cell volume is 62.85 (4) Å3, Co/Fe-O bond length from VESTA program figured out to be 1.987 (3) Å. Electron density distribution (EDD) of the unit cell of BSCF cathode shows the bonding feature with oxygen ions, this could represent oxygen vacancies are present in the lattice. These results reflected in electrochemical impedance spectra measurement of symmetric cell. Area of specific resistance (ASR) of the BSCF cathode was found to be 0.17 Ω.cm2 at 700°C and respective activation energy (Ea) 1.15 eV. It shows surface exchange at cathode interface, surface diffusion and self-diffusion happened through Ce0.85Sd0.15O1.95 (SDC15) electrolyte.

Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell System Gas Storage-Radiator Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, Kenneth A.; Jakupta, Ian

2005-01-01

High-energy-density regenerative fuel cell systems that are used for energy storage require novel approaches to integrating components in order to preserve mass and volume. A lightweight unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) energy storage system concept is being developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center. This URFC system minimizes mass by using the surface area of the hydrogen and oxygen storage tanks as radiating heat surfaces for overall thermal control of the system. The waste heat generated by the URFC stack during charging and discharging is transferred from the cell stack to the surface of each tank by loop heat pipes, which are coiled around each tank and covered with a thin layer of thermally conductive carbon composite. The thin layer of carbon composite acts as a fin structure that spreads the heat away from the heat pipe and across the entire tank surface. Two different-sized commercial-grade composite tanks were constructed with integral heat pipes and tested in a thermal vacuum chamber to examine the feasibility of using the storage tanks as system radiators. The storage tank-radiators were subjected to different steady-state heat loads and varying heat load profiles. The surface emissivity and specific heat capacity of each tank were calculated. In the future, the results will be incorporated into a model that simulates the performance of similar radiators using lightweight, spacerated carbon composite tanks.

Respiration in heterotrophic unicellular eukaryotic organisms.

PubMed

Fenchel, Tom

2014-08-01

Surface:volume quotient, mitochondrial volume fraction, and their distribution within cells were investigated and oxygen gradients within and outside cells were modelled. Cell surface increases allometrically with cell size. Mitochondrial volume fraction is invariant with cell size and constitutes about 10% and mitochondria are predominantly found close to the outer membrane. The results predict that for small and medium sized protozoa maximum respiration rates should be proportional to cell volume (scaling exponent ≈1) and access to intracellular O2 is not limiting except at very low ambient O2-tensions. Available data do not contradict this and some evidence supports this interpretation. Cell size is ultimately limited because an increasing fraction of the mitochondria becomes exposed to near anoxic conditions with increasing cell size. The fact that mitochondria cluster close to the cell surface and the allometric change in cell shape with increasing cell size alleviates the limitation of aerobic life at low ambient O2-tension and for large cell size. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

From Higher Education To Employment. Volume II: Canada, Denmark, Spain, United States = De l'enseignement superieur a l'emploi. Volume II: Canada, Danemark, Expagne, Etats-Unis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France).

This volume presents reports on the flows of graduates from higher education and on their entry into working life in Canada, Denmark, Spain and the United States. Each paper is written according to detailed guidelines designed to assemble information from many sources, to reflect the state of the art, and to illustrate a variety of approaches,…

Phase transition and equation of state of dense hydrous silica up to 63 GPa: DENSE HYDROUS PURE SILICA

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

Nisr, C.; Leinenweber, K.; Prakapenka, V.

Although it has previously been considered to be essentially anhydrous, Al-free stishovite can contain up to ~1.3 wt % of H2O, perhaps through the direct substitution ( math formula), according to recent studies. Yet the stability of such substitution and its impact on the properties of silica and rutile-structured hydrous phases (such as δ-AlOOH and phase H) are unknown at the conditions of the deeper mantle. We have synthesized hydrous and anhydrous Al-free stishovite samples at 723 K and 9 GPa, and 1473 K and 10 GPa, respectively. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction patterns show that the unit cell volume of hydrousmore » stishovite is 1.3% greater than that of anhydrous stishovite at 1 bar, suggesting significant incorporation of OH in the crystal structure (3.2 ± 0.5 wt % H2O). At 300 K, we found a lower and broader transition pressure from rutile type to CaCl2 type (28–42 GPa) in hydrous dense silica. We also found that hydrous silica polymorphs are more compressible than their anhydrous counterparts. After the phase transition, the unit cell volume of hydrous silica becomes the same as that of anhydrous silica, showing that the proton incorporation through a direct substitution can be further stabilized at high pressure. The lower pressure transition and the pressure stabilization of the proton incorporation in silica would provide ways to transport and store water in the lower mantle in silica-rich heterogeneities, such as subducted oceanic crust.« less

Suppression of the ferromagnetic state in LaCoO3 films by rhombohedral distortion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuchs, D.; Dieterle, L.; Arac, E.; Eder, R.; Adelmann, P.; Eyert, V.; Kopp, T.; Schneider, R.; Gerthsen, D.; v. Löhneysen, H.

2009-01-01

Epitaxially strained LaCoO3 (LCO) thin films were grown with different film thickness, t , on (001) oriented (LaAlO3)0.3(SrAl0.5Ta0.5O3)0.7 substrates. After initial pseudomorphic growth the films start to relieve their strain partly by the formation of periodic nanotwins with twin planes predominantly along the ⟨100⟩ direction. Nanotwinning occurs already at the initial stage of growth, albeit in a more moderate way. Pseudomorphic grains, on the other hand, still grow up to a thickness of at least several tenths of nanometers. The twinning is attributed to the symmetry lowering of the epitaxially strained pseudotetragonal structure toward the relaxed rhombohedral structure of bulk LCO. However, the unit-cell volume of the pseudotetragonal structure is found to be nearly constant over a very large range of t . Only films with t>130nm show a significant relaxation of the lattice parameters toward values comparable to those of bulk LCO. Measurements of the magnetic moment indicate that the effective paramagnetic moment, meff , and thus the spin state of the Co3+ ion do not change for films with t≤100nm . However, the saturated ferromagnetic moment, ms , was found to be proportional only to the pseudotetragonal part of the film and decreases with increasing rhombohedral distortion. The measurements demonstrate that ferromagnetism of LCO is strongly affected by the rhombohedral distortion while the increased unit-cell volume mainly controls the effective paramagnetic moment and thus the spin state of the Co3+ ion.

T-COMP—A suite of programs for extracting transmissivity from MODFLOW models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Halford, Keith J.

2016-02-12

Simulated transmissivities are constrained poorly by assigning permissible ranges of hydraulic conductivities from aquifer-test results to hydrogeologic units in groundwater-flow models. These wide ranges are derived from interpretations of many aquifer tests that are categorized by hydrogeologic unit. Uncertainty is added where contributing thicknesses differ between field estimates and numerical models. Wide ranges of hydraulic conductivities and discordant thicknesses result in simulated transmissivities that frequently are much greater than aquifer-test results. Multiple orders of magnitude differences frequently occur between simulated and observed transmissivities where observed transmissivities are less than 1,000 feet squared per day.Transmissivity observations from individual aquifer tests can constrain model calibration as head and flow observations do. This approach is superior to diluting aquifer-test results into generalized ranges of hydraulic conductivities. Observed and simulated transmissivities can be compared directly with T-COMP, a suite of three FORTRAN programs. Transmissivity observations require that simulated hydraulic conductivities and thicknesses in the volume investigated by an aquifer test be extracted and integrated into a simulated transmissivity. Transmissivities of MODFLOW model cells are sampled within the volume affected by an aquifer test as defined by a well-specific, radial-flow model of each aquifer test. Sampled transmissivities of model cells are averaged within a layer and summed across layers. Accuracy of the approach was tested with hypothetical, multiple-aquifer models where specified transmissivities ranged between 250 and 20,000 feet squared per day. More than 90 percent of simulated transmissivities were within a factor of 2 of specified transmissivities.

Cr3+ and Nb5+ co-doped Ti2Nb10O29 materials for high-performance lithium-ion storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chao; Yu, Shu; Ma, Yu; Lin, Chunfu; Xu, Zhihao; Zhao, Hua; Wu, Shunqing; Zheng, Peng; Zhu, Zi-Zhong; Li, Jianbao; Wang, Ning

2017-08-01

Ti2Nb10O29 is an advanced anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its large specific capacity and high safety. However, its poor electronic/ionic conductivity significantly limits its rate capability. To tackle this issue, a Cr3+-Nb5+ co-doping is employed, and a series of CrxTi2-2xNb10+xO29 compounds are prepared. The co-doping does not change the Wadsley-Roth shear structure but increases the unit-cell volume and decreases the particle size. Due to the increased unit-cell volumes, the co-doped samples show increased Li+-ion diffusion coefficients. Experimental data and first-principle calculations reveal significantly increased electronic conductivities arising from the formation of impurity bands after the co-doping. The improvements of the electronic/ionic conductivities and the smaller particle sizes in the co-doped samples significantly contribute to improving their electrochemical properties. During the first cycle at 0.1 C, the optimized Cr0.6Ti0.8Nb10.6O29 sample delivers a large reversible capacity of 322 mAh g-1 with a large first-cycle Coulombic efficiency of 94.7%. At 10 C, it retains a large capacity of 206 mAh g-1, while that of Ti2Nb10O29 is only 80 mAh g-1. Furthermore, Cr0.6Ti0.8Nb10.6O29 shows high cyclic stability as demonstrated in over 500 cycles at 10 C with tiny capacity loss of only 0.01% per cycle.

IMPACT OF OBESITY SEVERITY AND DURATION ON PANCREATIC β-AND α-CELLS DYNAMICS IN NORMOGLYCEMIC NON-HUMAN PRIMATES

PubMed Central

Guardado-Mendoza, Rodolfo; Jimenez-Ceja, Lilia; Majluf-Cruz, Abraham; Kamath, Subhash; Fiorentino, Teresa Vanessa; Casiraghi, Francesca; Velazquez, Alberto Omar Chavez; DeFronzo, Ralph Anthony; Dick, Edward; Davalli, Alberto; Folli, Franco

2012-01-01

Objective Obesity is associated to high insulin and glucagon plasma levels. Enhanced β–cell function and β–cell expansion are responsible for insulin hypersecretion. It is unknown whether hyperglucagonemia is due to α-cell hypersecretion or to an increase in α-cell mass. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the β-cell and α-cell function and mass in pancreas of obese normoglycemic baboons. Methods Pancreatic β- and α-cell volumes were measured in 51 normoglycemic baboons divided into 6 groups according to overweight severity or duration. Islets morphometric parameters were correlated to overweight and to diverse metabolic and laboratory parameters. Results Relative α-cell volume (RαV) and relative islet α-cell volume (RIαV) increased significantly with both overweight duration and severity. Conversely, in spite of the induction of insulin resistance, overweight produced only modest effects on relative β-cell volume (RβV) and relative islet β-cell volume (RIβV). Of note, RIβV did not increase neither with overweight duration nor with overweight severity, supposedly because of the concomitant, greater, increase in RIαV. Baboons' body weights correlated with serum levels of Interleukin-6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α soluble Receptors (IL-6sR and sTNF-R1), demonstrating that overweight induces abnormal activation of the signaling of two cytokines known to impact differently β- and α-cell viability and replication. Conclusion In conclusion, overweight and insulin resistance induce in baboons a significant increase in α-cell volumes (RαV, RIαV) while have minimal effects on the β-cells. This study suggests that an increase in the α-cell mass may precede the loss of β-cells and the transition to overt hyperglycemia and diabetes. PMID:23229736

Bioelectrochemical production of hydrogen in an innovative pressure-retarded osmosis/microbial electrolysis cell system: experiments and modeling.

PubMed

Yuan, Heyang; Lu, Yaobin; Abu-Reesh, Ibrahim M; He, Zhen

2015-01-01

While microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can simultaneously produce bioelectrochemical hydrogen and treat wastewater, they consume considerable energy to overcome the unfavorable thermodynamics, which is not sustainable and economically feasible in practical applications. This study presents a proof-of-concept system in which hydrogen can be produced in an MEC powered by theoretically predicated energy from pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO). The system consists of a PRO unit that extracts high-quality water and generates electricity from water osmosis, and an MEC for organic removal and hydrogen production. The feasibility of the system was demonstrated using simulated PRO performance (in terms of energy production and effluent quality) and experimental MEC results (e.g., hydrogen production and organic removal). The PRO and MEC models were proven to be valid. The model predicted that the PRO unit could produce 485 mL of clean water and 579 J of energy with 600 mL of draw solution (0.8 M of NaCl). The amount of the predicated energy was applied to the MEC by a power supply, which drove the MEC to remove 93.7 % of the organic compounds and produce 32.8 mL of H2 experimentally. Increasing the PRO influent volume and draw concentration could produce more energy for the MEC operation, and correspondingly increase the MEC hydraulic retention time (HRT) and total hydrogen production. The models predicted that at an external voltage of 0.9 V, the MEC energy consumption reached the maximum PRO energy production. With a higher external voltage, the MEC energy consumption would exceed the PRO energy production, leading to negative effects on both organic removal and hydrogen production. The PRO-MEC system holds great promise in addressing water-energy nexus through organic removal, hydrogen production, and water recovery: (1) the PRO unit can reduce the volume of wastewater and extract clean water; (2) the PRO effluents can be further treated by the MEC; and (3) the osmotic energy harvested from the PRO unit can be applied to the MEC for sustainable bioelectrochemical hydrogen production.

Prenatal alcohol-induced neuroapoptosis in rat brain cerebral cortex: protective effect of folic acid and betaine.

PubMed

Sogut, Ibrahim; Uysal, Onur; Oglakci, Aysegul; Yucel, Ferruh; Kartkaya, Kazim; Kanbak, Gungor

2017-03-01

Alcohol consumption in pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the infant. This study aims to investigate prenatal alcohol exposure related neuroapoptosis on the cerebral cortex tissues of newborn rats and possible neuroprotective effects of betaine, folic acid, and combined therapy. Pregnant rats were divided into five experimental groups: control, ethanol, ethanol + betaine, ethanol + folic acid, and ethanol + betaine + folic acid combined therapy groups. We measured cytochrome c release, caspase-3, calpain and cathepsin B and L. enzyme activities. In order to observe apoptotic cells in the early stages, TUNEL method was chosen together with histologic methods such as assessing the diameters of the apoptotic cells, their distribution in unit volume and volume proportion of cortical intact neuron nuclei. Calpain, caspase-3 activities, and cytochrome c levels were significantly increased in alcohol group while cathepsin B and L. activities were also found to be elevated albeit not statistically significant. These increases were significantly reversed by folic acid and betaine + folic acid treatments. While ethanol increased the number of apoptotic cells, this increase was prevented in ethanol + betaine and ethanol + betaine + folic acid groups. Morphometric examination showed that the mean diameter of apoptotic cells was increased with ethanol administration while this increase was reduced by betaine and betaine + folic acid treatments. We observed that ethanol is capable of triggering apoptotic cell death in the newborn rat brains. Furthermore, folic acid, betaine, and combined therapy of these supplements may reduce neuroapoptosis related to prenatal alcohol consumption, and might be effective on preventing fetal alcohol syndrome in infants.

Analogue solution for electrical capacity of membrane covered square cylinders in square array at high concentration.

PubMed

Cole, K S

1975-12-01

Analytical solutions of Laplace equations have given the electrical characteristics of membranes and interiors of spherical, ellipsoidal, and cylindrical cells in suspensions and tissues from impedance measurements, but the underlying assumptions may be invalid above 50% volume concentrations. However, resistance measurements on several nonconducting, close-packing forms in two and three dimensions closely predicted volume concentrations up to 100% by equations derived from Maxwell and Rayleigh. Calculations of membrane capacities of cells in suspensions and tissues from extensions of theory, as developed by Fricke and by Cole, have been useful but of unknown validity at high concentrations. A resistor analogue has been used to solve the finite difference approximation to the Laplace equation for the resistance and capacity of a square array of square cylindrical cells with surface capacity. An 11 x 11 array of resistors, simulating a quarter of the unit structure, was separated into intra- and extra-cellular regions by rows of capacitors corresponding to surface membrane areas from 3 x 3 to 11 x 11 or 7.5% to 100%. The extended Rayleigh equation predicted the cell concentrations and membrane capacities to within a few percent from boundary resistance and capacity measurements at low frequencies. This single example suggests that analytical solutions for other, similar two- and three-dimensional problems may be approximated up to near 100% concentrations and that there may be analytical justifications for such analogue solutions of Laplace equations.

High-pressure behavior of cuprospinel CuFe 2O 4: Influence of the Jahn-Teller effect on the spinel structure

DOE PAGES

Kyono, Atsushi; Gramsch, Stephen A.; Nakamoto, Yuki; ...

2015-08-14

The Jahn-Teller-effect at Cu 2+ in cuprospinel CuFe 2O 4 was investigated using high-pressure, single crystal synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques at beamline BL10A at the Photon Factory, KEK, Japan. Six data sets were collected in the pressure range from ambient to 5.9 GPa at room temperature. Structural refinements based on the data were performed at 0.0, 1.8, 2.7, and 4.6 GPa. The unit cell volume of cuprospinel decreases continuously from 590.8 (6) Å 3 to 579.5 (8) Å 3 up to 3.8 GPa. Leastsquares fitting to a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state yields zero-pressure volume V 0 = 590.7more » (1) Å 3 and bulk modulus K 0 = 188.1 (4.4) GPa with K’ fixed at 4.0. The crystal chemical composition determined by electron-probe analysis and x-ray site-occupancy refinement is represented as [Cu 0.526Fe 0.474] [6][Cu 0.074Fe 1.926]O 4. Most of the Cu 2+ are preferentially distributed onto the tetrahedral (T) site of the spinel structure. At 4.6 GPa, a cubic-tetragonal phase transition is indicated by a splitting of the a axis of the cubic structure into a smaller a axis and a longer c axis, with unit cell parameters a = 5.882 (1) Å and c = 8.337 (1) Å. The tetragonal crystal structure with space group I4 1/amd was refined to R1 = 0.0182 and wR2 = 0.0134 using observed 35 x-ray reflections. At the T site, the tetrahedral O-T-O bond angles along the c-axis direction of the unit cell decreases slightly from 109.47 ° to 108.7 (4) °, which generates a stretched tetrahedral geometry along the c-axis. The cubic-totetragonal transition induced by the Jahn-Teller effect at Cu 2+ is attributable to the angular distortion at the tetrahedral site. At the octahedral (M) site, on the other hand, the two M-O bonds parallel to the caxis are shortened with respect to the four M-O bonds parallel to the ab-plane, which are lengthened as a result of the phase transition, leading to a compressed octahedral geometry along the c-axis. With the competing distortions between the stretched tetrahedron and the compressed octahedron along the c-axis, the a unit cell parameter is shortened with respect to the c unit cell parameter, giving a c/a ratio slightly greater than unity as referred to cubic lattice (c/a = 1.002). The c/a value increases to 1.007 with pressure, suggesting a further evolution of the stretched tetrahedron and the compressed octahedron. The variation of c/a ratio of the cuprospinel is similar to that observed in the tetragonally distorted cuprospinel with Cu 2+ fully occupying the octahedral site of the structure.« less

Data sources and compilation: Chapter 27 in Petroleum systems and geologic assessment of oil and gas in the San Joaquin Basin Province, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klett, T.R.; Schmoker, James W.

2007-01-01

Geologic, production, and exploration/discovery-history data are used by the U.S. Geological Survey to aid in the assessment of petroleum resources. These data, as well as the broad knowledge and experience of the assessing geologists, are synthesized to provide, for each assessment unit, geologic and exploration models upon which estimates are made of the number and sizes of undiscovered accumulations for conventional assessment units or number and total recoverable volumes of untested cells for continuous assessment units (input data for resource calculations). Quantified geologic information and trends in production and exploration/discovery-history data with respect to time and exploration effort provide guides for the estimating parameters of variables recorded on the input-data forms (input data) used to calculate petroleum resources. An Assessment Review Team reviews proposed geologic and exploration models and input data for each assessment unit in formal assessment meetings. The Assessment Review Team maintains the accuracy and consistency of the assessment procedure during the formal assessment meetings.

Influence of prehospital fluid resuscitation on patients with multiple injuries in hemorrhagic shock in patients from the DGU trauma registry

PubMed Central

Huβmann, Björn; Lefering, Rolf; Taeger, Georg; Waydhas, Christian; Ruchholtz, Steffen

2011-01-01

Background: Severe bleeding as a result of trauma frequently leads to poor outcome by means of direct or delayed mechanisms. Prehospital fluid therapy is still regarded as the main option of primary treatment in many rescue situations. Our study aimed to assess the influence of prehospital fluid replacement on the posttraumatic course of severely injured patients in a retrospective analysis of matched pairs. Materials and Methods: We reviewed data from 35,664 patients recorded in the Trauma Registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU). The following patients were selected: patients having an Injury Severity Score >16 points, who were ≥16 years of age, with trauma, excluding those with craniocerebral injuries, who were admitted directly to the participating hospitals from the accident site. All patients had recorded values for replaced volume and blood pressure, hemoglobin concentration, and units of packed red blood cells given. The patients were matched based on similar blood pressure characteristics, age groups, and type of accident to create pairs. Pairs were subdivided into two groups based on the volumes infused prior to hospitalization: group 1: 0-1500 (low), group 2: ≥2000 mL (high) volume. Results: We identified 1351 pairs consistent with the inclusion criteria. Patients in group 2 received significantly more packed red blood cells (group 1: 6.9 units, group 2: 9.2 units; P=0.001), they had a significantly reduced capacity of blood coagulation (prothrombin ratio: group 1: 72%, group 2: 61.4%; P≤0.001), and a lower hemoglobin value on arrival at hospital (group 1: 10.6 mg/dL, group 2: 9.1 mg/dL; P≤0.001). The number of ICU-free days concerning the first 30 days after trauma was significantly higher in group 1 (group 1: 11.5 d, group 2: 10.1 d; P≤0.001). By comparison, the rate of sepsis was significantly lower in the first group (group 1: 13.8%, group 2: 18.6%; P=0.002); the same applies to organ failure (group 1: 36.0%, group 2: 39.2%; P≤0.001). Conclusion: The high amounts of intravenous fluid replacement was related to early traumatic coagulopathy, organ failure, and sepsis rate. PMID:22090739

Fluid shear stress enhances the cell volume decrease of osteoblast cells by increasing the expression of the ClC-3 chloride channel

PubMed Central

LIU, LI; CAI, SIYI; QIU, GUIXING; LIN, JIN

2016-01-01

ClC-3 is a volume-sensitive chloride channel that is responsible for cell volume adjustment and regulatory cell volume decrease (RVD). In order to evaluate the effects of fluid shear stress (FSS) stimulation on the osteoblast ClC-3 chloride channel, MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated by FSS in the experimental group. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect changes in ClC-3 mRNA expression, the chloride ion fluorescent probe N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (MQAE) was used to detect the chloride channel activity, and whole-cell patch clamping was used to monitor the changes in the volume-sensitive chloride current activated by a hypotonic environment following mechanical stimulation. The results show that the expression of the osteoblast chloride channel ClC-3 was significantly higher in the FSS group compared with the control group. MQAE fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced in the FSS group compared to the control group, suggesting that mechanical stimulation increased chloride channel activity and increased the efflux of intracellular chloride ions. Image analysis of osteoblast volume changes showed that osteoblast RVD was enhanced by mechanical stimulation. Whole-cell patch clamping showed that the osteoblast volume-sensitive chloride current was larger in the stimulated group compared to the control group, suggesting that elevated ClC-3 chloride channel expression results in an increased volume-sensitive chloride current. In conclusion, FSS stimulation enhances the RVD of osteoblast cell by increasing the expression of the ClC-3 and enhancing the chloride channel activity. PMID:27073622

Timber resource of Minnesota's Prairie unit, 1977.

Treesearch

Jerold T. Hahn; W. Brad Smith

1980-01-01

The fourth inventory of Minnesota's Prairie Unit shows that although commercial forest area decreased 31.7% between 1962 and 1977, growing-stock volume increased 22%. This report gives statistical highlights and contains detailed tables of forest area as well as timber volume, growth, mortality, ownership, and use.

Effects of stiffness and volume on the transit time of an erythrocyte through a slit.

PubMed

Salehyar, Sara; Zhu, Qiang

2017-06-01

By using a fully coupled fluid-cell interaction model, we numerically simulate the dynamic process of a red blood cell passing through a slit driven by an incoming flow. The model is achieved by combining a multiscale model of the composite cell membrane with a boundary element fluid dynamics model based on the Stokes flow assumption. Our concentration is on the correlation between the transit time (the time it takes to finish the whole translocation process) and different conditions (flow speed, cell orientation, cell stiffness, cell volume, etc.) that are involved. According to the numerical prediction (with some exceptions), the transit time rises as the cell is stiffened. It is also highly sensitive to volume increase inside the cell. In general, even slightly swollen cells (i.e., the internal volume is increased while the surface area of the cell kept unchanged) travel dramatically slower through the slit. For these cells, there is also an increased chance of blockage.

Pericellular Versican Regulates the Fibroblast-Myofibroblast Transition

PubMed Central

Hattori, Noriko; Carrino, David A.; Lauer, Mark E.; Vasanji, Amit; Wylie, James D.; Nelson, Courtney M.; Apte, Suneel S.

2011-01-01

The cell and its glycosaminoglycan-rich pericellular matrix (PCM) comprise a functional unit. Because modification of PCM influences cell behavior, we investigated molecular mechanisms that regulate PCM volume and composition. In fibroblasts and other cells, aggregates of hyaluronan and versican are found in the PCM. Dermal fibroblasts from Adamts5−/− mice, which lack a versican-degrading protease, ADAMTS5, had reduced versican proteolysis, increased PCM, altered cell shape, enhanced α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression and increased contractility within three-dimensional collagen gels. The myofibroblast-like phenotype was associated with activation of TGFβ signaling. We tested the hypothesis that fibroblast-myofibroblast transition in Adamts5−/− cells resulted from versican accumulation in PCM. First, we noted that versican overexpression in human dermal fibroblasts led to increased SMA expression, enhanced contractility, and increased Smad2 phosphorylation. In contrast, dermal fibroblasts from Vcan haploinsufficient (Vcanhdf/+) mice had reduced contractility relative to wild type fibroblasts. Using a genetic approach to directly test if myofibroblast transition in Adamts5−/− cells resulted from increased PCM versican content, we generated Adamts5−/−;Vcanhdf/+ mice and isolated their dermal fibroblasts for comparison with dermal fibroblasts from Adamts5−/− mice. In Adamts5−/− fibroblasts, Vcan haploinsufficiency or exogenous ADAMTS5 restored normal fibroblast contractility. These findings demonstrate that altering PCM versican content through proteolytic activity of ADAMTS5 profoundly influenced the dermal fibroblast phenotype and may regulate a phenotypic continuum between the fibroblast and its alter ego, the myofibroblast. We propose that a physiological function of ADAMTS5 in dermal fibroblasts is to maintain optimal versican content and PCM volume by continually trimming versican in hyaluronan-versican aggregates. PMID:21828051

M{sub 2}X intermetallics: Nonmetal insertion in a h.c.-like metallic distribution

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

Pivan, J.Y.; Guerin, R.

A simple structural model is proposed on the basis of an ideal hexagonal close-packing (AB){sup {infinity}} of the metal atoms M. The metalloid atoms X, located in an ordered manner in the metallic planes with the stacking sequence ..(A){sup {infinity}}.. or ..(B){sup {infinity}}.., generate two types of elementary units called units U{sub I} and U{sub II}. These units are hexagonal prisms with the fundamental vectors a{sub 0}, b{sub 0}, c{sub 0} and the elementary volume V{sub 0}. When the exclusive occurrence of U{sub I} (or U{sub II}) only yields 6-prismatic and triangular sites of metalloid atoms X, additional tetrahedral andmore » pyramidal sites of X atoms are present when units U{sub I} and U{sub II} exist simultaneously. The structures of compounds with the general formula M{sub 2}X (M = 3d, 4d, 5d and (or) 4f, 5f elements, X = B, P, As, Sb, Si, Ge, {hor_ellipsis}) are described in terms of intergrowth mechanisms. Binary, ternary, or even quaternary structures of compounds, with M/X ratios equal or close to two, appear as superstructures of the elementary units. Insofar as no ordering is considered along the stacking direction, the vectorial combinations of the fundamental vectors in the form A = h.a{sub 0}+s.b{sub 0}, B = k.a{sub 0}+t.b{sub 0}, C = c{sub 0} result in supercells with the volume V = (h.t {minus} k.s).V{sub 0}. The attainable symmetry (hexagonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, {hor_ellipsis}) strongly depends on the particular values of the integers h, s, k, t. The criteria of occurrence of various series of compounds are presented together with their crystallographic features and structural relationships are emphasized. Moreover, the model demonstrates that numerous compounds with the predicted unit cell parameters should be obtained in each crystal system.« less

K-Cl cotransporters, cell volume homeostasis, and neurological disease

PubMed Central

Kahle, Kristopher T.; Khanna, Arjun R.; Alper, Seth L.; Adragna, Norma C.; Lauf, Peter K.; Sun, Dandan; Delpire, Eric

2016-01-01

K+-Cl− cotransporters (KCCs) were originally characterized as regulators of red blood cell (RBC) volume. Since then, four distinct KCCs have been cloned, and their importance for volume regulation has been demonstrated in other cell types. Genetic models of certain KCCs, such as KCC3, and their inhibitory WNK-STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) serine-threonine kinases, have demonstrated the evolutionary necessity of these molecules for nervous system cell volume regulation, structure, and function, and their involvement in neurological disease. The recent characterization of a swelling-activated dephosphorylation mechanism that potently stimulates the KCCs has pinpointed a potentially druggable switch of KCC activity. An improved understanding of WNK/SPAK-mediated KCC cell volume regulation in the nervous system might reveal novel avenues for the treatment of multiple neurological diseases. PMID:26142773

K-Cl cotransporters, cell volume homeostasis, and neurological disease.

PubMed

Kahle, Kristopher T; Khanna, Arjun R; Alper, Seth L; Adragna, Norma C; Lauf, Peter K; Sun, Dandan; Delpire, Eric

2015-08-01

K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters (KCCs) were originally characterized as regulators of red blood cell (RBC) volume. Since then, four distinct KCCs have been cloned, and their importance for volume regulation has been demonstrated in other cell types. Genetic models of certain KCCs, such as KCC3, and their inhibitory WNK-STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) serine-threonine kinases, have demonstrated the evolutionary necessity of these molecules for nervous system cell volume regulation, structure, and function, and their involvement in neurological disease. The recent characterization of a swelling-activated dephosphorylation mechanism that potently stimulates the KCCs has pinpointed a potentially druggable switch of KCC activity. An improved understanding of WNK/SPAK-mediated KCC cell volume regulation in the nervous system might reveal novel avenues for the treatment of multiple neurological diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of potential additions to conventional oil and gas resources of the world (outside the United States) from reserve growth, 2012

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klett, Timothy R.; Cook, Troy A.; Charpentier, Ronald R.; Tennyson, Marilyn E.; Attanasi, E.D.; Freeman, Phil A.; Ryder, Robert T.; Gautier, Donald L.; Verma, Mahendra K.; Le, Phuong A.; Schenk, Christopher J.

2012-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey estimated volumes of technically recoverable, conventional petroleum resources resulting from reserve growth for discovered fields outside the United States that have reported in-place oil and gas volumes of 500 million barrels of oil equivalent or greater. The mean volumes were estimated at 665 billion barrels of crude oil, 1,429 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 16 billion barrels of natural gas liquids. These volumes constitute a significant portion of the world's oil and gas resources.

Physiological Role of Gap-Junctional Hemichannels

PubMed Central

Quist, Arjan Pieter; Rhee, Seung Keun; Lin, Hai; Lal, Ratneshwar

2000-01-01

Hemichannels in the overlapping regions of apposing cells plasma membranes join to form gap junctions and provide an intercellular communication pathway. Hemichannels are also present in the nonjunctional regions of individual cells and their activity is gated by several agents, including calcium. However, their physiological roles are unknown. Using techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescent dye uptake assay, and laser confocal immunofluorescence imaging, we have examined the extracellular calcium-dependent modulation of cell volume. In response to a change in the extracellular physiological calcium concentration (1.8 to ≤1.6 mM) in an otherwise isosmotic condition, real-time AFM imaging revealed a significant and reversible increase in the volume of cells expressing gap-junctional proteins (connexins). Volume change did not occur in cells that were not expressing connexins. However, after the transient or stable transfection of connexin43, volume change did occur. The volume increase was accompanied by cytochalasin D-sensitive higher cell stiffness, which helped maintain cell integrity. These cellular physical changes were prevented by gap-junctional blockers, oleamide and β-glycyrrhetinic acid, or were reversed by returning extracellular calcium to the normal level. We conclude that nongap-junctional hemichannels regulate cell volume in response to the change in extracellular physiological calcium in an otherwise isosmotic situation. PMID:10704454

New architecture for utility scale electricity from concentrator photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angel, Roger; Connors, Thomas; Davison, Warren; Olbert, Blain; Sivanandam, Suresh

2010-08-01

The paper describes a new system architecture optimized for utility-scale generation with concentrating photovoltaic cells (CPV) at fossil fuel price. We report on-sun tests of the architecture and development at the University of Arizona of the manufacturing processes adapted for high volume production. The new system takes advantage of triple-junction cells to convert concentrated sunlight into electricity. These commercially available cells have twice the conversion efficiency of silicon panels (40%) and one-tenth the cost per watt, when used at 1000x concentration. Telescope technology is adapted to deliver concentrated light to the cells at minimum cost. The architecture combines three novel elements: large (3.1 m x 3.1 m square) dish reflectors made as back-silvered glass monoliths; 2.5 kW receivers at each dish focus, each one incorporating a spherical field lens to deliver uniform illumination to multiple cells; and a lightweight steel spaceframe structure to hold multiple dish/receiver units in coalignment and oriented to the sun. Development of the process for replicating single-piece reflector dishes is well advanced at the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab. End-to-end system tests have been completed with single cells. A lightweight steel spaceframe to hold and track eight dish/receiver units to generate 20 kW has been completed. A single 2.5 kW receiver is presently under construction, and is expected to be operated in an end-to-end on-sun test with a monolithic dish before the end of 2010. The University of Arizona has granted an exclusive license to REhnu, LLC to commercialize this technology.

A high plasma: red blood cell transfusion ratio during liver transplantation is associated with decreased blood utilization.

PubMed

Pagano, M B; Metcalf, R A; Hess, J R; Reyes, J; Perkins, J D; Montenovo, M I

2018-04-01

During massive transfusion, the volume ratio of administered plasma (PL Vol) to red blood cell (RBC Vol) appears to be associated with reduced blood utilization and improved survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal component ratio in the setting of liver transplantation. This is a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent liver transplantation and received at least 500 ml of red blood cells from January 2013 through December 2015. Kernel smoothing analysis determined the proper component ratios to evaluate were a ≥0·85:1 ratio (high) to a ≤0·85:1 ratio (low). Two groups, plasma volume to RBC volume (PL Vol/RBC Vol) and plasma contained in the platelet units added to the plasma calculation [PL + PLT (platelet)] Vol/RBC Vol, were used to evaluate the component ratios. A total of 188 patients were included in the analysis. In the PL Vol/RBC Vol evaluation, a low ratio revealed that 1238 ml (977-1653 ml) (P < 0·0001) and 1178 ml (747-1178) (P < 0·0001) of RBC were used in excess compared to the high ratio, in the univariable and multivariable analysis, respectively. In the PL +PLT Vol/RBC Vol evaluation, a low ratio used 734 ml (193-1275) (P = 0·008) and 886 ml (431-1340) (P < 0·0001) of RBC in excess when compared to high ratio in the univariable and multivariable analysis, respectively. In patients undergoing liver transplantation, the transfusion of plasma to RBC ratio ≥0·85 was associated with decreased need of RBC transfusions. © 2018 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of epsilon-aminocaproic acid for reducing blood loss in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

PubMed

Kikura, Mutsuhito; Levy, Jerrold H; Tanaka, Kenichi A; Ramsay, James G

2006-02-01

Epsilon-aminocaproic acid is a plasmin inhibitor that potentially reduces perioperative bleeding when administered prophylactically to cardiac surgery patients. To evaluate the efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid, a prospective placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to receive either epsilon-aminocaproic acid (100 mg/kg before skin incision followed by 1 g/hour continuous infusion until chest closure, 10 g in cardiopulmonary bypass circuit) or placebo, and the efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid was evaluated by the reduction in postoperative thoracic-drainage volume and in donor-blood transfusion up to postoperative day 12. Postoperative thoracic-drainage volume was significantly lower in the epsilon-aminocaproic acid group compared with the placebo group (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, 649 +/- 261 mL; versus placebo, 940 +/- 626 mL; p=0.003). There were no significant differences between the epsilon-aminocaproic acid and placebo groups in the percentage of patients requiring donor red blood cell transfusions (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, 24%; versus placebo, 18%; p=0.62) or in the number of units of donor red blood cells transfused (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, 2.2 +/- 0.8 U; versus placebo, 1.9 +/- 0.8 U; p=0.29). Epsilon-aminocaproic acid did not reduce the risk of donor red blood cell transfusions compared with placebo (odds ratio: 1.2, 95% confidence interval; 0.4 to 3.2, p=0.63). Prophylactic administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid reduces postoperative thoracic-drainage volume by 30%, but it may not be potent enough to reduce the requirement and the risk for donor blood transfusion in cardiac surgery patients. This information is useful for deciding on a therapy for hemostasis in cardiac surgery.

SU-E-T-429: Uncertainties of Cell Surviving Fractions Derived From Tumor-Volume Variation Curves

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

Chvetsov, A

2014-06-01

Purpose: To evaluate uncertainties of cell surviving fraction reconstructed from tumor-volume variation curves during radiation therapy using sensitivity analysis based on linear perturbation theory. Methods: The time dependent tumor-volume functions V(t) have been calculated using a twolevel cell population model which is based on the separation of entire tumor cell population in two subpopulations: oxygenated viable and lethally damaged cells. The sensitivity function is defined as S(t)=[δV(t)/V(t)]/[δx/x] where δV(t)/V(t) is the time dependent relative variation of the volume V(t) and δx/x is the relative variation of the radiobiological parameter x. The sensitivity analysis was performed using direct perturbation method wheremore » the radiobiological parameter x was changed by a certain error and the tumor-volume was recalculated to evaluate the corresponding tumor-volume variation. Tumor volume variation curves and sensitivity functions have been computed for different values of cell surviving fractions from the practically important interval S{sub 2}=0.1-0.7 using the two-level cell population model. Results: The sensitivity functions of tumor-volume to cell surviving fractions achieved a relatively large value of 2.7 for S{sub 2}=0.7 and then approached zero as S{sub 2} is approaching zero Assuming a systematic error of 3-4% we obtain that the relative error in S{sub 2} is less that 20% in the range S2=0.4-0.7. This Resultis important because the large values of S{sub 2} are associated with poor treatment outcome should be measured with relatively small uncertainties. For the very small values of S2<0.3, the relative error can be larger than 20%; however, the absolute error does not increase significantly. Conclusion: Tumor-volume curves measured during radiotherapy can be used for evaluation of cell surviving fractions usually observed in radiation therapy with conventional fractionation.« less

Analytical resource assessment method for continuous (unconventional) oil and gas accumulations - The "ACCESS" Method

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crovelli, Robert A.; revised by Charpentier, Ronald R.

2012-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) periodically assesses petroleum resources of areas within the United States and the world. The purpose of this report is to explain the development of an analytic probabilistic method and spreadsheet software system called Analytic Cell-Based Continuous Energy Spreadsheet System (ACCESS). The ACCESS method is based upon mathematical equations derived from probability theory. The ACCESS spreadsheet can be used to calculate estimates of the undeveloped oil, gas, and NGL (natural gas liquids) resources in a continuous-type assessment unit. An assessment unit is a mappable volume of rock in a total petroleum system. In this report, the geologic assessment model is defined first, the analytic probabilistic method is described second, and the spreadsheet ACCESS is described third. In this revised version of Open-File Report 00-044 , the text has been updated to reflect modifications that were made to the ACCESS program. Two versions of the program are added as appendixes.

Electrolyte volume effects on electrochemical performance and solid electrolyte interphase in Si-graphite/NMC lithium-ion pouch cells

DOE PAGES

An, Seong Jin; Li, Jianlin; Daniel, Claus; ...

2017-05-15

This study aims to explore the correlations between electrolyte volume, electrochemical performance, and properties of the solid electrolyte interphase in pouch cells with Si-graphite composite anodes. The electrolyte is 1.2 M LiPF 6 in ethylene carbonate:ethylmethyl carbonate with 10 wt.% fluoroethylene carbonate. Single layer pouch cells (100 mAh) were constructed with 15 wt.% Si-graphite/LiNi 0.5Mn 0.3CO 0.2O 2 electrodes. It is found that a minimum electrolyte volume factor of 3.1 times the total pore volume of cell components (cathode, anode, and separator) is needed for better cycling stability. Less electrolyte causes increases in ohmic and charge transfer resistances. Lithium dendritesmore » are observed when the electrolyte volume factor is low. The resistances from the anodes become significant as the cells are discharged. As a result, solid electrolyte interphase thickness grows as the electrolyte volume factor increases and is non-uniform after cycling.« less

A simple physical mechanism enables homeostasis in primitive cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelhart, Aaron E.; Adamala, Katarzyna P.; Szostak, Jack W.

2016-05-01

The emergence of homeostatic mechanisms that enable maintenance of an intracellular steady state during growth was critical to the advent of cellular life. Here, we show that concentration-dependent reversible binding of short oligonucleotides, of both specific and random sequence, can modulate ribozyme activity. In both cases, catalysis is inhibited at high concentrations, and dilution activates the ribozyme via inhibitor dissociation, thus maintaining near-constant ribozyme specific activity throughout protocell growth. To mimic the result of RNA synthesis within non-growing protocells, we co-encapsulated high concentrations of ribozyme and oligonucleotides within fatty acid vesicles, and ribozyme activity was inhibited. Following vesicle growth, the resulting internal dilution produced ribozyme activation. This simple physical system enables a primitive homeostatic behaviour: the maintenance of constant ribozyme activity per unit volume during protocell volume changes. We suggest that such systems, wherein short oligonucleotides reversibly inhibit functional RNAs, could have preceded sophisticated modern RNA regulatory mechanisms, such as those involving miRNAs.

First-principles predictions of structural, mechanical and electronic properties of βTiNb under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Z. P.; Fang, Q. H.; Li, J.; Liu, B.

2018-04-01

Structural, mechanical and electronic properties of βTiNb alloy under high pressure have been investigated based on the density functional theory (DFT). The dependences of dimensionless volume ratio, elastic constants, bulk modulus, Young's modulus, shear modulus, ductile/brittle, anisotropy and Poisson's ratio on applied pressure are all calculated successfully. The results reveal that βTiNb alloy is mechanically stable under pressure below 23.45 GPa, and the pressure-induced phase transformation could occur beyond this critical value. Meanwhile, the applied pressure can effectively promote the mechanical properties of βTiNb alloy, including the resistances to volume change, elastic deformation and shear deformation, as well as the material ductility and metallicity. Furthermore, the calculated electronic structures testify that βTiNb alloy performs the metallicity and the higher pressure reduces the structural stability of unit cell.

Analysis and test for space shuttle propellant dynamics (1/10th scale model test results). Volume 2: 1/10th scale model test data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, R. L.; Tegart, J. R.; Demchak, L. J.

1979-01-01

Thirty sets of test data selected from the 89 low-g aircraft tests flown by NASA KC-135 zero-g aircraft are listed in tables with their accompanying test conditions. The data for each test consists of the time history plots of digitalized data (in engineering units) and the time history plots of the load cell data transformed to the tank axis system. The transformed load cell data was developed for future analytical comparisons; therefore, these data were transformed and plotted from the time at which the aircraft Z axis acceleration passed through l-g. There are 14 time history plots per test condition. The contents of each plot is shown in a table.

Mineral shock signatures in rocks from Dhala (Mohar) impact structure, Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Madhuparna; Pandey, Pradeep; Kumar, Shailendra; Parihar, P. S.

2017-12-01

A concrete study combining optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry, was carried out on subsurface samples of basement granite and melt breccia from Mohar (Dhala) impact structure, Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Optical microscopy reveals aberrations in the optical properties of quartz and feldspar in the form of planar deformation feature-like structures, lowered birefringence and mosaics in quartz, toasting, planar fractures and ladder texture in alkali feldspar and near-isotropism in bytownite. It also brings to light incidence of parisite, a radioactive rare mineral in shocked granite. Raman spectral pattern, peak positions, peak widths and multiplicity of peak groups of all minerals, suggest subtle structural/crystallographic deviations. XRD data further reveals minute deviations of unit cell parameters of quartz, alkali feldspar and plagioclase, with respect to standard α-quartz, high- and low albite and microcline. Reduced cell volumes in these minerals indicate compression due to pressure. The c0/a0 values indicate an inter-tetrahedral angle roughly between 120o and 144o, further pointing to a possible pressure maxima of around 12 GPa. The observed unit cell aberration of minerals may indicate an intermediate stage between crystalline and amorphous stages, thereby, signifying possible overprinting of decompression signatures over shock compression effects, from a shock recovery process.

Is There a Safe Lipoaspirate Volume? A Risk Assessment Model of Liposuction Volume as a Function of Body Mass Index.

PubMed

Chow, Ian; Alghoul, Mohammed S; Khavanin, Nima; Hanwright, Philip J; Mayer, Kristen E; Hume, Keith M; Murphy, Robert X; Gutowski, Karol A; Kim, John Y S

2015-09-01

No concrete data exist to support a specific volume at which liposuction becomes unsafe; surgeons rely on their own estimates, professional organization advisories, or institutional or government-imposed restrictions. This study represents the first attempt to quantify the comprehensive risk associated with varying liposuction volumes and its interaction with body mass index. Suction-assisted lipectomies were identified from the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons database. Multivariate regression models incorporating the interaction between liposuction volume and body mass index were used to assess the influence of liposuction volume on complications and to develop a tool that returns a single adjusted odds ratio for any combination of body mass index and liposuction volume. Recursive partitioning was used to determine whether exceeding a threshold in liposuction volume per body mass index unit significantly increased complications. Sixty-nine of 4534 patients (1.5 percent) meeting inclusion criteria experienced a postoperative complication. Liposuction volume and body mass index were significant independent risk factors for complications. With progressively higher volumes, increasing body mass index reduced risk (OR, 0.99; 95 percent CI, 0.98 to 0.99; p = 0.007). Liposuction volumes in excess of 100 ml per unit of body mass index were an independent predictor of complications (OR, 4.58; 95 percent CI, 2.60 to 8.05; p < 0.001). Liposuction by board-certified plastic surgeons is safe, with a low risk of life-threatening complications. Traditional liposuction volume thresholds do not accurately convey individualized risk. The authors' risk assessment model demonstrates that volumes in excess of 100 ml per unit of body mass index confer an increased risk of complications. Therapeutic, III.

REACH. Teacher's Guide Volume II. Check Points.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Georgia Univ., Athens. Div. of Vocational Education.

Designed for use with individualized instructional units (CE 026 345-347, CE 026 349-351) in the REACH (Refrigeration, Electro-Mechanical, Air-Conditioning, Heating) electromechanical cluster, this second volume of the postsecondary teacher guide contains the check points which the instructor may want to refer to when the unit sheet directs the…

Timber resource of Minnesota's Central Hardwood Unit, 1977.

Treesearch

Alexander Vasilevsky; Ronald L. Hackett

1980-01-01

The fourth inventory of Minnesota's Central Hardwood Unit shows large gains in growing-stock and sawtimber volumes but a 17% decline in commercial forest area between 1962 and 1977. This report gives statistical highlights and contains detailed tables of forest area as well as timber volume, growth, mortality, ownership, and use.

48 CFR 1408.802 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... PLANNING REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies 1408.802... copiers. Volumes are of sufficient mass quantities up to 5,000 single-page and 25,000 production units in... to 2,500 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages. This volume standard is referred to as...

48 CFR 1408.802 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... PLANNING REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies 1408.802... copiers. Volumes are of sufficient mass quantities up to 5,000 single-page and 25,000 production units in... to 2,500 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages. This volume standard is referred to as...

48 CFR 1408.802 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... PLANNING REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies 1408.802... copiers. Volumes are of sufficient mass quantities up to 5,000 single-page and 25,000 production units in... to 2,500 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages. This volume standard is referred to as...

48 CFR 1408.802 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... PLANNING REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies 1408.802... copiers. Volumes are of sufficient mass quantities up to 5,000 single-page and 25,000 production units in... to 2,500 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages. This volume standard is referred to as...

Timber resource of Michigan's Southern Lower Peninsula Unit, 1980.

Treesearch

Jerold T. Hahn

1982-01-01

The fourth inventory of the timber resource of Michigan's Southern Lower Peninsula Survey Unit shows a 12% decline in commercial forest area and a 26% gain in growing-stock volume between 1966 and 1980. Presented are highlights and statistics on area, volume, growth, mortality, removals, utilization, and biomass.

Timber resource of Wisconsin's Southeast Survey Unit, 1983.

Treesearch

John S. Jr. Spencer

1985-01-01

The fourth inventory of Wisconsin's timber resource shows that commercial forest area in the Southeast Survey Unit increased from 904 to 909 thousand acres between 1968 and 1983. During the same period growing-stock volume increased 37%. Highlights and statistics are presented on area, volume, growth, mortality, and removals.

Timber resource of Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula Unit, 1980.

Treesearch

John S. Jr. Spencer

1982-01-01

The fourth inventory of the timber resource of Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula Survey Unit shows an 8% decline in commercial forest area and a 22% gain in growing-stock volume between 1966 and 1980. Presented are highlights and statistics on area, volume, growth, motility, removals, utilization, and biomass.

Timber resource of Minnesota's Aspen-Birch Unit, 1977.

Treesearch

John S. Jr. Spencer; Arnold J. Ostrom

1979-01-01

The fourth inventory of Minnesota's Aspen-Birch Unit shows solid gains in growing-stock and sawtimber volumes between 1962 and 1977, but a 13% decline in commercial forest area. This report gives statistical highlights and contains detailed tables of forest area a well as timber volume, growth, mortality, ownership, and use.

Ewe Pronunciation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schneeberg, Nan; Kpotufe, Prosper

This volume consists of a guide to Ewe pronunciation and an Ewe textbook designed for students who are native speakers of English. Consonants, vowels and tones are introduced in the first section, and exercises that drill the contrasts between the segments are provided. The volume is divided into five units, each unit including a dialogue,…

Responsibility: A Thematic Sequence of English Units.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute for Services to Education, Inc., Washington, DC.

One of a series of volumes containing units on specific themes designed for use in college freshman English courses, this particular volume considers people and their responsibilities, through the use of recordings, cartoons, satire, modern and ancient drama, modern fiction, and contemporary essays. The sequence is divided into four sections.…

DEMONSTRATION BULLETIN: MOBILE VOLUME REDUCTION UNIT - U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

EPA Science Inventory

The Volume Reduction Unit (VRU), which was developed by EPA, is a mobile, pilot-scale soil washing system for stand-alone field use in cleaning soil contaminated with hazardous substances. Removal efficiencies depend on the contaminant as well as the type of soil. Soil washing...

A Course in Baluchi. Volume Two

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barker, Muhammad Abd-al-Rahman; Mengal, Aqil Khan

Volume Two contains Units XXI through XXX of the Baluchi course. Unit XXI introduces the Arabic script as adapted for Baluchi. Special conventions, abbreviations, numerals, and punctuation symbols are discussed next, and several sections are devoted to the orthography of certain substantive and verbal affies. A series of reading drills which…

Timber resource of Wisconsin's Northwest Survey Unit, 1983.

Treesearch

W. Brad Smith

1984-01-01

The fourth inventory of the timber resource of the Northwest Wisconsin Survey Unit shows a 1.8% decline in commercial forest area and a 36% gain in growing-stock volume between 1968 and 1983. Presented are highlights and statistics on area, volume, growth, mortality, removals, utilization, and biomass.

21 CFR 165.110 - Bottled water.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., when a composite of analytical units of equal volume from a sample is examined by the method described...)(A) Bottled water shall, when a composite of analytical units of equal volume from a sample is..., and Cosmetic Act, the Food and Drug Administration has determined that bottled water, when a composite...

Structural change in lead fluorapatite at high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleet, Michael E.; Liu, Xi; Shieh, Sean R.

2010-01-01

The structure of lead fluorapatite [PbFAP; Pb10(PO4)6F2], crystallized from the melt in a platinum capsule at 1,000°C and 1 atm, has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data are a = 9.7638 (6), c = 7.2866 (4) Å, space group P63/ m, R = 0.043, R w = 0.034. We have also studied the compressional behaviour of the c-axis channel of PbFAP up to 9 GPa at 25°C, using a diamond-anvil cell, synchrotron X-radiation, and Rietveld powder structure refinement. Pressure-volume data for the channel polyhedron of PbFAP fitted to the third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation resulted in K T = 33.2 ± 1.2 GPa when K T ' is fixed at 4. The c-axis channel of PbFAP is about twice as compressible as the unit-cell volume of PbFAP and the channel of calcium apatites. This is attributed to the anomalous narrowing of the channel of PbFAP with increase in confining pressure. Flexibility of the apatite channel is a key factor in the scavenging of toxic heavy metals by calcium apatites.

Biocarriers Improve Bioaugmentation Efficiency of a Rapid Sand Filter for the Treatment of 2,6-Dichlorobenzamide-Contaminated Drinking Water.

PubMed

Horemans, Benjamin; Raes, Bart; Vandermaesen, Johanna; Simanjuntak, Yanti; Brocatus, Hannelore; T'Syen, Jeroen; Degryse, Julie; Boonen, Jos; Wittebol, Janneke; Lapanje, Ales; Sørensen, Sebastian R; Springael, Dirk

2017-02-07

Aminobacter sp. MSH1 immobilized in an alginate matrix in porous stones was tested in a pilot system as an alternative inoculation strategy to the use of free suspended cells for biological removal of micropollutant concentrations of 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM) in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). BAM removal rates and MSH1 cell numbers were recorded during operation and assessed with specific BAM degradation rates obtained in lab conditions using either freshly grown cells or starved cells to explain reactor performance. Both reactors inoculated with either suspended or immobilized cells showed immediate BAM removal under the threshold of 0.1 μg/L, but the duration of sufficient BAM removal was 2-fold (44 days) longer for immobilized cells. The longer sufficient BAM removal in case of immobilized cells compared to suspended cells was mainly explained by a lower initial loss of MSH1 cells at operational start due to volume replacement and shear. Overall loss of activity in the reactors though was due to starvation, and final removal rates did not differ between reactors inoculated with immobilized and suspended cells. Management of assimilable organic carbon, in addition to cell immobilization, appears crucial for guaranteeing long-term BAM degradation activity of MSH1 in DWTP units.

Electrochemical Technology for Oxygen Removal and Measurement in the CELSS Test Facility, Engineering Development Unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drews, Michael E.; Covington, Al (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

The Life Support Flight Program is evaluating regenerative technologies, including those that utilize higher plants, as a means to reduce resupply over long duration space missions. Constructed to assist in the evaluation process is the CELSS Test Facility Engineering Development Unit (CTF-EDU) an environmentally closed (less than 1% mass and thermal leakage) technology test bed. This ground based fully functional prototype is currently configured to support crop growth, utilizing the power, volume and mass resources allocated for two space station racks. Sub-system technologies were selected considering their impact on available resources, their ability to minimize integration issues, and their degree of modularity. Gas specific mass handling is a key sub-system technology for both biological and physical/chemical life support technologies. The CTF-EDU requires such a system to accommodate non-linear oxygen production from crops, by enabling the control system to change and sustain partial pressure set points in the growth volume. Electrochemical cells are one of the technologies that were examined for oxygen handling in the CTF-EDU. They have been additionally considered to meet other regenerative life support functions, such as oxygen generation, the production of potable water from composite waste streams, and for having the potential to integrate life support functions with those of propulsion and energy storage. An oxygen removal system based on an electrochemical cell was chosen for the EDU due to it's low power, volume and mass requirements (10W, 0.000027 cu m, 4.5 kg) and because of the minimal number of integration considerations. Unlike it's competitors, the system doesn't require post treatments of its byproducts, or heat and power intensive regenerations, that also mandate system redundancy or cycling. The EDUs oxygen removal system only requires two resources, which are already essential to controlled plant growth: electricity and water. Additionally, the amount of oxygen that is removed from the EDU is directly proportional to the cell input current via Faraday's constant, potentially allowing for a mol/electron measurement of photosynthetic rate. The currently operative oxygen removal system has maintained reduced oxygen set points within the EDU, and preparation is underway to verify of the accuracy of electrochemical measurement of oxygen production and hence, photosynthesis. This paper examines the working principles of the electrochemical cell, outlines the overall design of the oxygen removal system and its integration with other EDU subsystems, and summarizes test results obtained over crop growth cycles in the CTF-EDU.

The effects of intraoperative lung protective ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure on blood loss during hepatic resection surgery: A secondary analysis of data from a published randomised control trial (IMPROVE).

PubMed

Neuschwander, Arthur; Futier, Emmanuel; Jaber, Samir; Pereira, Bruno; Eurin, Mathilde; Marret, Emmanuel; Szymkewicz, Olga; Beaussier, Marc; Paugam-Burtz, Catherine

2016-04-01

During high-risk abdominal surgery the use of a multi-faceted lung protective ventilation strategy composed of low tidal volumes, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment manoeuvres, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. It has been speculated, however, that mechanical ventilation using PEEP might increase intraoperative bleeding during liver resection. To study the impact of mechanical ventilation with PEEP on bleeding during hepatectomy. Post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Seven French university teaching hospitals from January 2011 to August 2012. Patients scheduled for liver resection surgery. In the Intraoperative Protective Ventilation trial, patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to mechanical ventilation using low tidal volume, PEEP between 6 and 8  cmH2O and recruitment manoeuvres (lung protective ventilation strategy) or higher tidal volume, zero PEEP and no recruitment manoeuvres (non-protective ventilation strategy). The primary endpoint was intraoperative blood loss volume. A total of 79 (19.8%) patients underwent liver resections (41 in the lung protective and 38 in the non-protective group). The median (interquartile range) amount of intraoperative blood loss was 500 (200 to 800)  ml and 275 (125 to 800)  ml in the non-protective and lung protective ventilation groups, respectively (P = 0.47). Fourteen (35.0%) and eight (21.5%) patients were transfused in the non-protective and lung protective groups, respectively (P = 0.17), without a statistically significant difference in the median (interquartile range) number of red blood cells units transfused [2.5 (2 to 4) units and 3 (2 to 6) units in the two groups, respectively; P = 0.54]. During hepatic surgery, mechanical ventilation using PEEP within a multi-faceted lung protective strategy was not associated with increased bleeding compared with non-protective ventilation using zero PEEP. The current study was not registered. The original Intraoperative Protective Ventilation study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov; number NCT01282996.

A physical multifield model predicts the development of volume and structure in the human brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rooij, Rijk de; Kuhl, Ellen

2018-03-01

The prenatal development of the human brain is characterized by a rapid increase in brain volume and a development of a highly folded cortex. At the cellular level, these events are enabled by symmetric and asymmetric cell division in the ventricular regions of the brain followed by an outwards cell migration towards the peripheral regions. The role of mechanics during brain development has been suggested and acknowledged in past decades, but remains insufficiently understood. Here we propose a mechanistic model that couples cell division, cell migration, and brain volume growth to accurately model the developing brain between weeks 10 and 29 of gestation. Our model accurately predicts a 160-fold volume increase from 1.5 cm3 at week 10 to 235 cm3 at week 29 of gestation. In agreement with human brain development, the cortex begins to form around week 22 and accounts for about 30% of the total brain volume at week 29. Our results show that cell division and coupling between cell density and volume growth are essential to accurately model brain volume development, whereas cell migration and diffusion contribute mainly to the development of the cortex. We demonstrate that complex folding patterns, including sinusoidal folds and creases, emerge naturally as the cortex develops, even for low stiffness contrasts between the cortex and subcortex.

United States Air Force Summer Research Program -- 1991. High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) Reports, Volume 12: Rome Laboratory, Arnold Engineering Development Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM -- 19k’ HIGH SCF-0)OL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (HSAP) REtFOC2TS VOLUME 12 ROME LABORATORY ARNOLD...capacity requirements. In the United States and Japan, it has 1.544 Mbps channels (23B+D), and Europe has 2.048 Mbps channels (30B+D). Both are provided over...because of the standard 64 kbps and the layered protocols. Even though the United States and Europe have different primary access channels, the basic

A comparison of two dose calculation algorithms-anisotropic analytical algorithm and Acuros XB-for radiation therapy planning of canine intranasal tumors.

PubMed

Nagata, Koichi; Pethel, Timothy D

2017-07-01

Although anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA) and Acuros XB (AXB) are both radiation dose calculation algorithms that take into account the heterogeneity within the radiation field, Acuros XB is inherently more accurate. The purpose of this retrospective method comparison study was to compare them and evaluate the dose discrepancy within the planning target volume (PTV). Radiation therapy (RT) plans of 11 dogs with intranasal tumors treated by radiation therapy at the University of Georgia were evaluated. All dogs were planned for intensity-modulated radiation therapy using nine coplanar X-ray beams that were equally spaced, then dose calculated with anisotropic analytical algorithm. The same plan with the same monitor units was then recalculated using Acuros XB for comparisons. Each dog's planning target volume was separated into air, bone, and tissue and evaluated. The mean dose to the planning target volume estimated by Acuros XB was 1.3% lower. It was 1.4% higher for air, 3.7% lower for bone, and 0.9% lower for tissue. The volume of planning target volume covered by the prescribed dose decreased by 21% when Acuros XB was used due to increased dose heterogeneity within the planning target volume. Anisotropic analytical algorithm relatively underestimates the dose heterogeneity and relatively overestimates the dose to the bone and tissue within the planning target volume for the radiation therapy planning of canine intranasal tumors. This can be clinically significant especially if the tumor cells are present within the bone, because it may result in relative underdosing of the tumor. © 2017 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Reducing intraoperative red blood cell unit wastage in a large academic medical center.

PubMed

Whitney, Gina M; Woods, Marcella C; France, Daniel J; Austin, Thomas M; Deegan, Robert J; Paroskie, Allison; Booth, Garrett S; Young, Pampee P; Dmochowski, Roger R; Sandberg, Warren S; Pilla, Michael A

2015-11-01

The wastage of red blood cell (RBC) units within the operative setting results in significant direct costs to health care organizations. Previous education-based efforts to reduce wastage were unsuccessful at our institution. We hypothesized that a quality and process improvement approach would result in sustained reductions in intraoperative RBC wastage in a large academic medical center. Utilizing a failure mode and effects analysis supplemented with time and temperature data, key drivers of perioperative RBC wastage were identified and targeted for process improvement. Multiple contributing factors, including improper storage and transport and lack of accurate, locally relevant RBC wastage event data were identified as significant contributors to ongoing intraoperative RBC unit wastage. Testing and implementation of improvements to the process of transport and storage of RBC units occurred in liver transplant and adult cardiac surgical areas due to their history of disproportionately high RBC wastage rates. Process interventions targeting local drivers of RBC wastage resulted in a significant reduction in RBC wastage (p < 0.0001; adjusted odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.39), despite an increase in operative case volume over the period of the study. Studied process interventions were then introduced incrementally in the remainder of the perioperative areas. These results show that a multidisciplinary team focused on the process of blood product ordering, transport, and storage was able to significantly reduce operative RBC wastage and its associated costs using quality and process improvement methods. © 2015 AABB.

Reducing intraoperative red blood cell unit wastage in a large academic medical center

PubMed Central

Whitney, Gina M.; Woods, Marcella C.; France, Daniel J.; Austin, Thomas M.; Deegan, Robert J.; Paroskie, Allison; Booth, Garrett S.; Young, Pampee P.; Dmochowski, Roger R.; Sandberg, Warren S.; Pilla, Michael A.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND The wastage of red blood cell (RBC) units within the operative setting results in significant direct costs to health care organizations. Previous education-based efforts to reduce wastage were unsuccessful at our institution. We hypothesized that a quality and process improvement approach would result in sustained reductions in intraoperative RBC wastage in a large academic medical center. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Utilizing a failure mode and effects analysis supplemented with time and temperature data, key drivers of perioperative RBC wastage were identified and targeted for process improvement. RESULTS Multiple contributing factors, including improper storage and transport and lack of accurate, locally relevant RBC wastage event data were identified as significant contributors to ongoing intraoperative RBC unit wastage. Testing and implementation of improvements to the process of transport and storage of RBC units occurred in liver transplant and adult cardiac surgical areas due to their history of disproportionately high RBC wastage rates. Process interventions targeting local drivers of RBC wastage resulted in a significant reduction in RBC wastage (p <0.0001; adjusted odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.39), despite an increase in operative case volume over the period of the study. Studied process interventions were then introduced incrementally in the remainder of the perioperative areas. CONCLUSIONS These results show that a multidisciplinary team focused on the process of blood product ordering, transport, and storage was able to significantly reduce operative RBC wastage and its associated costs using quality and process improvement methods. PMID:26202213

Crystallization of mitochondrial rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase from the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum with the specific inhibitor flutolanil

PubMed Central

Osanai, Arihiro; Harada, Shigeharu; Sakamoto, Kimitoshi; Shimizu, Hironari; Inaoka, Daniel Ken; Kita, Kiyoshi

2009-01-01

In adult Ascaris suum (roundworm) mitochondrial membrane-bound complex II acts as a rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase, which is the reverse reaction to that of mammalian complex II (succinate-ubiquinone reductase). The adult A. suum rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase was crystallized in the presence of octaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether and n-dodecyl-β-d-maltopyranoside in a 3:2 weight ratio. The crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 123.75, b = 129.08, c = 221.12 Å, and diffracted to 2.8 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. The presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit (120 kDa × 2) gives a crystal volume per protein mass (V M) of 3.6 Å3 Da−1. PMID:19724139

Lightweight armor system

DOEpatents

Chu, Henry S; Langhorst, Benjamin R; Bakas, Michael P; Thinnes, Gary L

2013-02-26

The disclosure provides a shock absorbing layer comprised of one or more shock absorbing cells, where a shock absorbing cell is comprised of a cell interior volume containing a plurality of hydrogel particles and a free volume, and where the cell interior volume is surrounded by a containing layer. The containing layer has a permeability such that the hydrogel particles when swollen remain at least partially within the cell interior volume when subjected to a design shock pressure wave, allowing for force relaxation through hydrogel compression response. Additionally, the permeability allows for the flow of exuded free water, further dissipating wave energy. In an embodiment, a plurality of shock absorbing cells is combined with a penetration resistant material to mitigate the transmitted shock wave generated by an elastic precursor wave in the penetration resistant material.

The influence of gravity on the formation of amyloplasts in columella cells of Zea mays L

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, R.; Fondren, W. M.; Koon, E. C.; Wang, C. L.

1986-01-01

Columella (i.e., putative graviperceptive) cells of Zea mays seedlings grown in the microgravity of outer space allocate significantly less volume to putative statoliths (amyloplasts) than do columella cells of Earth-grown seedlings. Amyloplasts of flight-grown seedlings are significantly smaller than those of ground controls, as is the average volume of individual starch grains. Similarly, the relative volume of starch in amyloplasts in columella cells of flight-grown seedlings is significantly less than that of Earth-grown seedlings. Microgravity does not significantly alter the volume of columella cells, the average number of amyloplasts per columella cell, or the number of starch grains per amyloplast. These results are discussed relative to the influence of gravity on cellular and organellar structure.

Mechanical Properties of Optimized Diamond Lattice Structure for Bone Scaffolds Fabricated via Selective Laser Melting.

PubMed

Liu, Fei; Zhang, David Z; Zhang, Peng; Zhao, Miao; Jafar, Salman

2018-03-03

Developments in selective laser melting (SLM) have enabled the fabrication of periodic cellular lattice structures characterized by suitable properties matching the bone tissue well and by fluid permeability from interconnected structures. These multifunctional performances are significantly affected by cell topology and constitutive properties of applied materials. In this respect, a diamond unit cell was designed in particular volume fractions corresponding to the host bone tissue and optimized with a smooth surface at nodes leading to fewer stress concentrations. There were 33 porous titanium samples with different volume fractions, from 1.28 to 18.6%, manufactured using SLM. All of them were performed under compressive load to determine the deformation and failure mechanisms, accompanied by an in-situ approach using digital image correlation (DIC) to reveal stress-strain evolution. The results showed that lattice structures manufactured by SLM exhibited comparable properties to those of trabecular bone, avoiding the effects of stress-shielding and increasing longevity of implants. The curvature of optimized surface can play a role in regulating the relationship between density and mechanical properties. Owing to the release of stress concentration from optimized surface, the failure mechanism of porous titanium has been changed from the pattern of bottom-up collapse by layer (or cell row) to that of the diagonal (45°) shear band, resulting in the significant enhancement of the structural strength.

Morphometric analysis of the translocation of lumenal membrane between cytoplasm and cell surface of transitional epithelial cells during the expansion-contraction cycles of mammalian urinary bladder

PubMed Central

1978-01-01

The flow of membrane between the cytoplasm and the lumenal surface during the expansion-contraction cycle of urinary bladder was estimated by stereological examination of electron micrographs of urothelial cells from guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, and rats. The quantitative data obtained allowed an approximation of the surface area, volume, and numbers of lumenal membranelike vesicles and infoldings per unit volume of cytoplasm. Depending upon the species, approximately 85 to approximately 94% of the membrane surface area translocated into and out of the cytoplasm was in the form of discoidal vesicles. The remainder was accounted for by infoldings of the lumenal plasma membrane. The density of vesicles involved in transfer of membrane was quite similar in all the species examined, except guinea pigs which yielded lower values. In contrast, the densities of the total cytoplasmic pools of discoidal vesicles potentially available for translocation varied greatly among the different species. In general, species of animals with a highly concentrated urine had a greater density of discoidal vesicles than species with a less concentrated urine. This correlation may indicate an authentic relationship between lumenal membranes and the tonicity of urine, such as increased membrane recycling or turnover with increasingly hypertonic urine; or it may signify the existence of some other, more obscure relationship. PMID:681453

Mechanical Properties of Optimized Diamond Lattice Structure for Bone Scaffolds Fabricated via Selective Laser Melting

PubMed Central

Zhang, David Z.; Zhang, Peng; Zhao, Miao; Jafar, Salman

2018-01-01

Developments in selective laser melting (SLM) have enabled the fabrication of periodic cellular lattice structures characterized by suitable properties matching the bone tissue well and by fluid permeability from interconnected structures. These multifunctional performances are significantly affected by cell topology and constitutive properties of applied materials. In this respect, a diamond unit cell was designed in particular volume fractions corresponding to the host bone tissue and optimized with a smooth surface at nodes leading to fewer stress concentrations. There were 33 porous titanium samples with different volume fractions, from 1.28 to 18.6%, manufactured using SLM. All of them were performed under compressive load to determine the deformation and failure mechanisms, accompanied by an in-situ approach using digital image correlation (DIC) to reveal stress–strain evolution. The results showed that lattice structures manufactured by SLM exhibited comparable properties to those of trabecular bone, avoiding the effects of stress-shielding and increasing longevity of implants. The curvature of optimized surface can play a role in regulating the relationship between density and mechanical properties. Owing to the release of stress concentration from optimized surface, the failure mechanism of porous titanium has been changed from the pattern of bottom-up collapse by layer (or cell row) to that of the diagonal (45°) shear band, resulting in the significant enhancement of the structural strength. PMID:29510492

[Hyperosmolarity: Intracellular effects and implication in dry eye disease].

PubMed

Warcoin, E; Clouzeau, C; Brignole-Baudouin, F; Baudouin, C

2016-09-01

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease affecting the lacrimal functional unit and which has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. This pathology works as a vicious circle at the ocular surface in which hyperosmolarity of the tear film plays a key role. This review intends to describe the different reported intracellular effects induced by hyperosmolarity in cells: alteration of cytoskeleton, cell cycle slowdown, adaptation mechanisms triggered as restoration of cell volume and accumulation of compatible osmolytes, the crucial role of the osmoprotectant factor Nuclear Factor of the Activated T cells-5 (NFAT5), apoptosis, as well as oxidative stress and inflammatory responses caused by this particular condition. Reported effects of hyperosmolarity in the experimental studies specific of dry eye disease concerning ocular surface cells will be described in parallel. Indeed, these data allow to understand a part of the pathophysiology of the disease, and specially the links between tear hyperosmolarity and inflammation of the ocular surface, the second key of the pathology phenomenon. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effects of Quercetin in a Mouse Model of Experimental Dry Eye.

PubMed

Oh, Ha Na; Kim, Chae Eun; Lee, Ji Hyun; Yang, Jae Wook

2015-09-01

To evaluate the effect of treatment with quercetin in a mouse model of dry eye. 0.5% quercetin eye drops were prepared and an experimental dry eye model was induced in NOD.B10.H2(b) mice through desiccation stress. The mice were divided into 3 groups according to the treatment regimen: the DS 10D group (desiccation stress for 10 days), the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group, and the quercetin group. Tear volumes and corneal irregularity scores were measured at 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and immunohistochemistry were performed at the end of the experiment. The quercetin group had increased tear volumes (0.2 ± 0.03 μm, P < 0.05) and decreased corneal irregularity scores (0.7 ± 0.6, P < 0.05) compared with those of the PBS group. On histological examination, the quercetin group exhibited restored smooth corneal surfaces without detaching corneal epithelial cells and had significantly increased goblet cell density (13.8 ± 0.8 cells/0.1 mm², P < 0.05) compared with the PBS group. The quercetin group also exhibited significant declines of MMP-2 (5.1-fold of control, P < 0.01), MMP-9 (2.5-fold of control, P < 0.01), ICAM-1 (2.2-fold of control, P < 0.01), and VCAM-1 (2.3-fold of control, P < 0.01) levels in the lacrimal gland than did the PBS group. Topical application of quercetin can help to improve ocular surface disorders of dry eye not only by decreasing the corneal surface irregularity but also by increasing the tear volume and goblet cell density. Moreover, quercetin has the potential for use in eye drops as a treatment for dry eye disease with antiinflammatory effects on the lacrimal functional unit.

Comparison of stored red blood cell washing techniques for priming extracorporeal circuits.

PubMed

Sasaki, Jun; Tirotta, Christopher; Lim, Hyunsoo; Kubes, Kathleen; Salvaggio, Jane; Hannan, Robert; Burke, Redmond; Ojito, Jorge

2018-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare three different blood washing techniques and describe the differences for the composition of the washed red blood cells (RBC). Stored RBCs less than 5 days old were washed using three different techniques. 1) Washing with normal saline with the COBE Model 2991 blood processor in the blood bank (BB-S). 2) Washing with normal saline with the Continuous AutoTransfusion System (C.A.T.S) in the operating room (OR-S). 3) Washing with Plasma-Lyte with the C.A.T.S in the operating room (OR-PL). Then, we compared the values for hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), blood volume, RBC volume, lactate, glucose, sodium and potassium of the three different groups. Forty-five units of RBCs were washed and analyzed (15 for each technique). The OR-S RBCs, when compared to the BB-S RBCs, had lower hemoglobin (g/dL) (22.8 vs 24.1, p=0.006), lower hematocrit (%) (67 vs 71, p=0.006), higher RBC volume (ml) (161 vs 130, p<0.001), higher glucose (mg/dL) (185 vs 46, p<0.001) and lower sodium (mmol/L) (153 vs 158, p<0.001). When compared to the OR-S RBCs, the OR-PL RBCs showed higher potassium (mmol/L) (5.3 vs 2, p<0.001) and lower sodium (mmol/L) (129 vs 153, p<0.001). RBCs washed with an autotransfusion device had a higher RBC volume and more physiological levels of glucose and sodium when compared with the blood processor in the blood bank. It can be an alternative option to use RBCs washed with an autotransfusion device for priming the extracorporeal circuits utilized in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Detection of atomic scale changes in the free volume void size of three-dimensional colorectal cancer cell culture using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy.

PubMed

Axpe, Eneko; Lopez-Euba, Tamara; Castellanos-Rubio, Ainara; Merida, David; Garcia, Jose Angel; Plaza-Izurieta, Leticia; Fernandez-Jimenez, Nora; Plazaola, Fernando; Bilbao, Jose Ramon

2014-01-01

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) provides a direct measurement of the free volume void sizes in polymers and biological systems. This free volume is critical in explaining and understanding physical and mechanical properties of polymers. Moreover, PALS has been recently proposed as a potential tool in detecting cancer at early stages, probing the differences in the subnanometer scale free volume voids between cancerous/healthy skin samples of the same patient. Despite several investigations on free volume in complex cancerous tissues, no positron annihilation studies of living cancer cell cultures have been reported. We demonstrate that PALS can be applied to the study in human living 3D cell cultures. The technique is also capable to detect atomic scale changes in the size of the free volume voids due to the biological responses to TGF-β. PALS may be developed to characterize the effect of different culture conditions in the free volume voids of cells grown in vitro.

Detection of Atomic Scale Changes in the Free Volume Void Size of Three-Dimensional Colorectal Cancer Cell Culture Using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Castellanos-Rubio, Ainara; Merida, David; Garcia, Jose Angel; Plaza-Izurieta, Leticia; Fernandez-Jimenez, Nora; Plazaola, Fernando; Bilbao, Jose Ramon

2014-01-01

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) provides a direct measurement of the free volume void sizes in polymers and biological systems. This free volume is critical in explaining and understanding physical and mechanical properties of polymers. Moreover, PALS has been recently proposed as a potential tool in detecting cancer at early stages, probing the differences in the subnanometer scale free volume voids between cancerous/healthy skin samples of the same patient. Despite several investigations on free volume in complex cancerous tissues, no positron annihilation studies of living cancer cell cultures have been reported. We demonstrate that PALS can be applied to the study in human living 3D cell cultures. The technique is also capable to detect atomic scale changes in the size of the free volume voids due to the biological responses to TGF-β. PALS may be developed to characterize the effect of different culture conditions in the free volume voids of cells grown in vitro. PMID:24392097

Influence of shear stress and size on viability of endothelial cells exposed to gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fede, C.; Albertin, Giovanna; Petrelli, L.; De Caro, R.; Fortunati, I.; Weber, V.; Ferrante, Camilla

2017-09-01

Screening nanoparticle toxicity directly on cell culture can be a fast and cheap technique. Nevertheless, to obtain results in accordance with those observed in live animals, the conditions in which cells are cultivated should resemble the one encountered in live systems. Microfluidic devices offer the possibility to satisfy this requirement, in particular with endothelial cell lines, because they are capable to reproduce the flowing media and shear stress experienced by these cell lines in vivo. In this work, we exploit a microfluidic device to observe how human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) viability changes when subject to a continuous flow of culture medium, in which spherical citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles of different sizes and at varying doses are investigated. For comparison, the same experiments are also run in multiwells where the cells do not experience the shear stress induced by the flowing medium. We discuss the results considering the influence of mode of exposure and nanoparticle size (24 and 13 nm). We observed that gold nanoparticles show a lower toxicity under flow conditions with respect to static and the HUVEC viability decreases as the nanoparticle surface area per unit volume increases, regardless of size.

Composition and method for hydrogen storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mao, Wendy L. (Inventor); Mao, Ho-Kwang (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method for hydrogen storage includes providing water and hydrogen gas to a containment volume, reducing the temperature of the water and hydrogen gas to form a hydrogen clathrate at a first cryogenic temperature and a first pressure and maintaining the hydrogen clathrate at second cryogenic temperature within a temperature range of up to 250 K to effect hydrogen storage. The low-pressure hydrogen hydrate includes H.sub.2 O molecules, H.sub.2 molecules and a unit cell including polyhedron cages of hydrogen-bonded frameworks of the H.sub.2 O molecules built around the H.sub.2 molecules.

Centrifuge facility conceptual system study. Volume 2: Facility systems and study summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Synnestvedt, Robert (Editor); Blair, Patricia; Cartledge, Alan; Garces-Porcile, Jorge; Garin, Vladimir; Guerrero, Mike; Haddeland, Peter; Horkachuck, Mike; Kuebler, Ulrich; Nguyen, Frank

1991-01-01

The Centrifuge Facility is a major element of the biological research facility for the implementation of NASA's Life Science Research Program on Space Station Freedom using nonhuman species (small primates, rodents, plants, insects, cell tissues, etc.). The Centrifuge Facility consists of a variable gravity Centrifuge to provide artificial gravity up to 2 earth G's' a Holding System to maintain specimens at microgravity levels, a Glovebox, and a Service Unit for servicing specimen chambers. The following subject areas are covered: (1) Holding System; (2) Centrifuge System; (3) Glovebox System; (4) Service System; and (5) system study summary.

Susceptibility-matched plugs for microcoil NMR probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kc, Ravi; Gowda, Yashas N.; Djukovic, Danijel; Henry, Ian D.; Park, Gregory H. J.; Raftery, Daniel

2010-07-01

For mass-limited samples, the residual sample volume outside the detection coil is an important concern, as is good base line resolution. Here, we present the construction and evaluation of magnetic susceptibility-matched plugs for microcoil NMR sample cells which address these issues. Mixed-epoxy glue and ultem tube plugs that have susceptibility values close to those of perfluorocarbon FC-43 (fluorinert) and copper were used in small volume (0.5-2 μL) and larger volume (15-20 μL) thin glass capillary sample cells. Using these plugs, the sample volume efficiency (i.e. ratio of active volume to total sample volume in the microcoil NMR cell) was improved by 6-12-fold without sensitivity and resolution trade-offs. Comparison with laser etched or heat etched microcoil sample cells is provided. The approaches described are potentially useful in metabolomics for biomarkers detection in mass limited biological samples.

Susceptibility-matched plugs for microcoil NMR probes.

PubMed

Kc, Ravi; Gowda, Yashas N; Djukovic, Danijel; Henry, Ian D; Park, Gregory H J; Raftery, Daniel

2010-07-01

For mass-limited samples, the residual sample volume outside the detection coil is an important concern, as is good base line resolution. Here, we present the construction and evaluation of magnetic susceptibility-matched plugs for microcoil NMR sample cells which address these issues. Mixed-epoxy glue and ultem tube plugs that have susceptibility values close to those of perfluorocarbon FC-43 (fluorinert) and copper were used in small volume (0.5-2 microL) and larger volume (15-20 microL) thin glass capillary sample cells. Using these plugs, the sample volume efficiency (i.e. ratio of active volume to total sample volume in the microcoil NMR cell) was improved by 6-12-fold without sensitivity and resolution trade-offs. Comparison with laser etched or heat etched microcoil sample cells is provided. The approaches described are potentially useful in metabolomics for biomarkers detection in mass limited biological samples. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Susceptibility-matched plugs for microcoil NMR probes

PubMed Central

Kc, Ravi; Gowda, Yashas N.; Djukovic, Danijel; Henry, Ian D; Park, Gregory H J; Raftery, Daniel

2010-01-01

For mass limited samples, the residual sample volume outside the detection coil is an important concern, as is good base line resolution. Here, we present the construction and evaluation of magnetic susceptibility-matched plugs for microcoil NMR sample cells which address these issues. Mixed-epoxy glue and ultem tube plugs that have susceptibility values close to those of perfluorocarbon FC-43 (fluorinert) and copper were used in small volume (0.5 to 2 μL) and larger volume (15 to 20 μL) thin glass capillary sample cells. Using these plugs, the sample volume efficiency (i.e. ratio of active volume to total sample volume in the microcoil NMR cell) was improved by 6 to 12 fold without sensitivity and resolution trade-offs. Comparison with laser etched or heat etched microcoil sample cells is provided. The approaches described are potentially useful in metabolomics for biomarkers detection in mass limited biological samples. PMID:20510638

Cell volumes, maximal growth rates of unicellular algae and ciliates, and the role of ciliates in the marine pelagial

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

Banse, K.

1982-01-01

A review of growth rates of diatoms and dinoflagellates in light-saturated, nutrient-replete cultures at 20/sup 0/C confirms weak dependence on cell volume or mass. These maximal (intrinsic) rates are not linearly related to surface area or surface-to-volume ratio of the cells. The growth of most diatoms is materially faster than that of dinoflagellates; other algae fall in between or below the dinoflagellates. Small ciliates have appreciably higher intrinsic growth rates than algae of the same cell volume. The average food consumption per ciliate in the marine pelagic realm is inferred to be very low, so that the realized specific growthmore » rates are much smaller than the intrinsic potentials. Also, a previously postulated refuge from predation, afforded by small size, is extended down to about 10-..mu..m/sup 3/ cell volume.« less

Investigation of a new in-line leukocyte reduction filter for packed red blood cells.

PubMed

Mönninghoff, J; Moog, R

2012-06-01

Occasionally there are adverse transfusion reactions in the therapeutic use of packed red blood cells. Some of those reactions are caused by the presence of white blood cells (WBCs). Both immunogenic and infectious transfusion reactions are significantly influenced by the level of white blood cell contamination. The flexible in-line red cell filtration system Leucoflex LCR Diamond (Macopharma) was investigated. According to manufacturer information the system has a smaller filter surface (46 cm(2)) than the previous filter LCR-5 (53 cm(2)). Main difference with the previous model is the rhomboid design. The filter tube connections are not at the level of the centre edge, but at two opposite corners. Eighteen red cell concentrates were produced under Good Manufacturing Practice conditions in routine operation. To ensure the quality of the filter system every 7 days metabolic parametres such as WBC count, haemoglobin content, haemolysis rate, potassium load, pH and ATP content were analysed over a storage period of 49 days. The mean product volume was 260.7 mL after filtration. Average haemoglobin content was 51.8 g per unit and WBC contamination was 0.02 × 10(6)per unit. Haemolysis rate was 0.05% directly after filtration and 0.20% at the end of storage. Immediately after filtration the potassium concentration was 1.3 mmol/L and the pH was 7.37. During whole storage time the ATP level was maintained above 2.0 μmol per g haemoglobin. The tested filtration system is suitable for quality-assured production of red blood cell concentrates meeting national and international guidelines. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Scaling of number, size, and metabolic rate of cells with body size in mammals.

PubMed

Savage, Van M; Allen, Andrew P; Brown, James H; Gillooly, James F; Herman, Alexander B; Woodruff, William H; West, Geoffrey B

2007-03-13

The size and metabolic rate of cells affect processes from the molecular to the organismal level. We present a quantitative, theoretical framework for studying relationships among cell volume, cellular metabolic rate, body size, and whole-organism metabolic rate that helps reveal the feedback between these levels of organization. We use this framework to show that average cell volume and average cellular metabolic rate cannot both remain constant with changes in body size because of the well known body-size dependence of whole-organism metabolic rate. Based on empirical data compiled for 18 cell types in mammals, we find that many cell types, including erythrocytes, hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells, follow a strategy in which cellular metabolic rate is body size dependent and cell volume is body size invariant. We suggest that this scaling holds for all quickly dividing cells, and conversely, that slowly dividing cells are expected to follow a strategy in which cell volume is body size dependent and cellular metabolic rate is roughly invariant with body size. Data for slowly dividing neurons and adipocytes show that cell volume does indeed scale with body size. From these results, we argue that the particular strategy followed depends on the structural and functional properties of the cell type. We also discuss consequences of these two strategies for cell number and capillary densities. Our results and conceptual framework emphasize fundamental constraints that link the structure and function of cells to that of whole organisms.

Survey of United States Army Reserve (USAR) Troop Program Unit (TPU) soldiers 1989. Tabulation of Questionnaire Responses: Cross-Sectional Sample: Junior Enlisted (E1-E4)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-30

information for use by readers to interpret the tabulation volumes accompanying the final project report: 1989 Survey of U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Troop...34stayers" who were used as the sample to generate the first longitudinal Tabulation Volume. Comparing questionnaire response frequencies between the...as described below). Detailed below are the specific crossing variables used for the cross-sectional and longitudinal Tabulation Volumes. Cross

Reshaping the All-Volunteer Force of the United States to Increase its Utility: A Reassessment of Over Forty Years of Experience

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-23

War] and the long campaign to ‘settle’ the Indian problem on the frontier.” Richard W. Stewart , ed., American Military His- tory Volume 1: The United...144. 6 Ibid., 167. 7 Stewart , ed., American Military History Volume I, 17. 5 structure that allowed for quick expansion. “This marked the...11 Stewart , ed., American Military History Volume 1, 304. 12 Ibid., 312. 13 Huntington, 161. The origins

Induction of morphological changes in death-induced cancer cells monitored by holographic microscopy.

PubMed

El-Schich, Zahra; Mölder, Anna; Tassidis, Helena; Härkönen, Pirkko; Falck Miniotis, Maria; Gjörloff Wingren, Anette

2015-03-01

We are using the label-free technique of holographic microscopy to analyze cellular parameters including cell number, confluence, cellular volume and area directly in the cell culture environment. We show that death-induced cells can be distinguished from untreated counterparts by the use of holographic microscopy, and we demonstrate its capability for cell death assessment. Morphological analysis of two representative cell lines (L929 and DU145) was performed in the culture flasks without any prior cell detachment. The two cell lines were treated with the anti-tumour agent etoposide for 1-3days. Measurements by holographic microscopy showed significant differences in average cell number, confluence, volume and area when comparing etoposide-treated with untreated cells. The cell volume of the treated cell lines was initially increased at early time-points. By time, cells decreased in volume, especially when treated with high doses of etoposide. In conclusion, we have shown that holographic microscopy allows label-free and completely non-invasive morphological measurements of cell growth, viability and death. Future applications could include real-time monitoring of these holographic microscopy parameters in cells in response to clinically relevant compounds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental evidence for negative turgor pressure in small leaf cells of Robinia pseudoacacia L versus large cells of Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et W.C. Cheng. 2. Höfler diagrams below the volume of zero turgor and the theoretical implication for pressure-volume curves of living cells.

PubMed

Yang, Dongmei; Li, Junhui; Ding, Yiting; Tyree, Melvin T

2017-03-01

The physiological advantages of negative turgor pressure, P t , in leaf cells are water saving and homeostasis of reactants. This paper advances methods for detecting the occurrence of negative P t in leaves. Biomechanical models of pressure-volume (PV) curves predict that negative P t does not change the linearity of PV curve plots of inverse balance pressure, P B , versus relative water loss, but it does predict changes in either the y-intercept or the x-intercept of the plots depending on where cell collapse occurs in the P B domain because of negative P t . PV curve analysis of Robinia leaves revealed a shift in the x-intercept (x-axis is relative water loss) of PV curves, caused by negative P t of palisade cells. The low x-intercept of the PV curve was explained by the non-collapse of palisade cells in Robinia in the P B domain. Non-collapse means that P t smoothly falls from positive to negative values with decreasing cell volume without a dramatic change in slope. The magnitude of negative turgor in non-collapsing living cells was as low as -1.3 MPa and the relative volume of the non-collapsing cell equaled 58% of the total leaf cell volume. This study adds to the growing evidence for negative P t . © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Startup of electrophoresis in a suspension of colloidal spheres.

PubMed

Chiang, Chia C; Keh, Huan J

2015-12-01

The transient electrophoretic response of a homogeneous suspension of spherical particles to the step application of an electric field is analyzed. The electric double layer encompassing each particle is assumed to be thin but finite, and the effect of dynamic electroosmosis within it is incorporated. The momentum equation for the fluid outside the double layers is solved through the use of a unit cell model. Closed-form formulas for the time-evolving electrophoretic and settling velocities of the particles in the Laplace transform are obtained in terms of the electrokinetic radius, relative mass density, and volume fraction of the particles. The time scale for the development of electrophoresis and sedimentation is significantly smaller for a suspension with a higher particle volume fraction or a smaller particle-to-fluid density ratio, and the electrophoretic mobility at any instant increases with an increase in the electrokinetic particle radius. The transient electrophoretic mobility is a decreasing function of the particle volume fraction if the particle-to-fluid density ratio is relatively small, but it may increase with an increase in the particle volume fraction if this density ratio is relatively large. The particle interaction effect in a suspension on the transient electrophoresis is much weaker than that on the transient sedimentation of the particles. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Manipulating biological agents and cells in micro-scale volumes for applications in medicine

PubMed Central

Tasoglu, Savas; Gurkan, Umut Atakan; Wang, ShuQi

2013-01-01

Recent technological advances provide new tools to manipulate cells and biological agents in micro/nano-liter volumes. With precise control over small volumes, the cell microenvironment and other biological agents can be bioengineered; interactions between cells and external stimuli can be monitored; and the fundamental mechanisms such as cancer metastasis and stem cell differentiation can be elucidated. Technological advances based on the principles of electrical, magnetic, chemical, optical, acoustic, and mechanical forces lead to novel applications in point-of-care diagnostics, regenerative medicine, in vitro drug testing, cryopreservation, and cell isolation/purification. In this review, we first focus on the underlying mechanisms of emerging examples for cell manipulation in small volumes targeting applications such as tissue engineering. Then, we illustrate how these mechanisms impact the aforementioned biomedical applications, discuss the associated challenges, and provide perspectives for further development. PMID:23575660

Assessment of grassland ecosystem conditions in the Southwestern United States. Vol. 1

Treesearch

Deborah M. Finch

2004-01-01

This report is volume 1 of a two-volume ecological assessment of grassland ecosystems in the Southwestern United States. Broadscale assessments are syntheses of current scientific knowledge, including a description of uncertainties and assumptions, to provide a characterization and comprehensive description of ecological, social, and economic components within an...

27 CFR 24.270 - Determination of tax.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... consumption or sale. Section 5041 of title 26, United States Code, imposes an excise tax, at the rates..., which contain 24 percent or less of alcohol by volume) produced in or imported into the United States. Wine containing more that 24 percent of alcohol by volume is classed as distilled spirits and taxed...

Korean Basic Course. Volume Two.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, B. Nam

Volume Two of the Korean Basic Course contains Units 29 through 47. Most units consist of (1) a basic dialog, (2) notes on the basic dialog, (3) additional vocabulary and phrases, (4) grammar notes, (5) drills, (6) a supplementary dialog for comprehension, (7) a narrative for comprehension and reading, and (8) exercises. Two of the last units…

Timber resource of the Indiana Knobs Unit, 1986.

Treesearch

Mark H. Hansen; Mark F. Golitz

1988-01-01

The third inventory of Indiana's timber resource shows that commercial forest area in the Knobs Unit decreased less than 2% between 1967 and 1986, from 1,769 to 1,741 thousand acres. During the same period growing-stock volume increased 33%. Highlights and statistics are presented on area, volume, growth, mortality, and removals.

Annual health examination program, Ames Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes, L.; Ladou, J.

1975-01-01

A cost analysis of a low-volume multiphasic health testing program is presented. The results indicate that unit costs are similar to those of high-volume automated programs. The comparability in unit cost appears to result from the savings in personnel and space requirements of the smaller program as compared with the larger ones.

Comparing Observations, 1st Experimental Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butts, David P.

Objectives for this module include the ability to: (1) order objects by comparing a property which the objects have in common (such as length, area, volume or mass), (2) describe objects (length, area, volume, mass, etc.) by comparing them quantitatively using either arbitrary units of comparison or standard units of comparison, and (3) describe…

Construction Cluster Volume II [Masonry Work].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennsylvania State Dept. of Justice, Harrisburg. Bureau of Correction.

The document is the second of a series, to be integrated with a G.E.D. program, containing instructional materials at the basic skills level for the construction cluster. The volume focuses on masonry and consists of 20 instructional units which require a month of study. The units include: (1) historical aspects of masonry work and occupational…

Spanish Basic Course: Units 46-55.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trease, B. David; Ulsh, Jack L.

This final volume in a series of four texts was prepared as an intensive language course in Spanish for Foreign Service Officers and other United States government agencies involved in foreign affairs who need to learn to speak Spanish. This volume differs from the first three primarily in that it is geared to advanced students whose…

Construction Cluster Volume III [Plumbing].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennsylvania State Dept. of Justice, Harrisburg. Bureau of Correction.

The document is the third of a series, to be integrated with a G.E.D. program, containing instructional materials at the basic skills level for the construction cluster. The volume focuses on plumbing and consists of 20 instructional units which require a month of study. The units include: (1) importance of plumbing; (2) pipe and tubing…

Environmental Learning Experiences for Kindergarten Through Second Grade.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willoughby-Eastlake School District, Willoughby, OH.

This collection of teaching units is one of three volumes designed to assist teachers in bringing relevant, interdisciplinary, environmental learning experiences to elementary students. This first volume is aimed at the K-2 level and deals with the immediate environment of the student. Titles of the nine units presented are: Preparing for Seasonal…

Slovenian: Non-Resident Language Refresher Course. 210 Hour Course, Volume VI.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defense Language Inst., Washington, DC.

Volume 6 of this refresher course, designed for use by United States Armed Forces Intelligence Units, consists of 10 area-background, situation lessons. The primary objectives are to maintain and develop aural comprehension and oral fluency, reading ability, and writing ability in the Slovenian language. Materials presented in the course are…

Slovenian: Non-Resident Language Refresher Course. 210 Hour Course, Volume VII.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defense Language Inst., Washington, DC.

Volume 7 of this refresher course, designed for use by United States Armed Forces Intelligence Units, consists of 10 area-background, situation lessons. The primary objectives are to maintain and develop aural comprehension and oral fluency, reading ability, and writing ability in the Slovenian language. Materials presented in the course are…

Compact cell-centered discretization stencils at fine-coarse block structured grid interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pletzer, Alexander; Jamroz, Ben; Crockett, Robert; Sides, Scott

2014-03-01

Different strategies for coupling fine-coarse grid patches are explored in the context of the adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) method. We show that applying linear interpolation to fill in the fine grid ghost values can produce a finite volume stencil of comparable accuracy to quadratic interpolation provided the cell volumes are adjusted. The volume of fine cells expands whereas the volume of neighboring coarse cells contracts. The amount by which the cells contract/expand depends on whether the interface is a face, an edge, or a corner. It is shown that quadratic or better interpolation is required when the conductivity is spatially varying, anisotropic, the refinement ratio is other than two, or when the fine-coarse interface is concave.

The effects of erythrocyte deformability upon hematocrit assessed by the conductance method.

PubMed

Hayashi, Yoshihito; Katsumoto, Yoichi; Oshige, Ikuya; Omori, Shinji; Yasuda, Akio; Asami, Koji

2009-04-21

A comparative study of centrifugation and conductance methods for the estimation of cell volume fraction (phi) was performed to examine whether the strong forces exerted upon erythrocytes during centrifugation affect their volume, and the results are discussed in terms of erythrocyte deformability. Rabbit erythrocytes of four shapes (spherocytes, echinocytes, stomatocyte-like enlarged erythrocytes and discocytes) were prepared by controlling the pH of the suspending media. The packed cell volumes of the suspensions were measured by standard hematocrit determination methods using centrifugation in capillary tubes. Simultaneously, the same suspensions and their supernatants were used in dielectric spectroscopy measurements, and the low-frequency limits of their conductivities were used for the numerical estimation of phi. The hematocrit values of spherocytes and echinocytes were markedly less than the volume fractions obtained by the conductance method. Namely, the centrifugation reduced the cell volume. For enlarged erythrocytes and discocytes, however, the reduction of cell volume was not observed. These findings showed that phi obtained by the centrifugation method can be greatly affected by the deformability of the cells, but the level of the effect depends on the cell types. Consequently, phi obtained by the centrifugation method should be carefully interpreted.

Status and trends of land change in the United States--1973 to 2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2012-01-01

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Professional Paper 1794 is a four-volume series on the status and trends of the Nation’s land use and land cover, providing an assessment of the rates and causes of land-use and land-cover change in the United States between 1973 and 2000. Volumes A, B, C, and D provide analyses for the Western United States, the Great Plains, the Midwest–South Central United States, and the Eastern United States, respectively. The assessments of land-use and land-cover trends are conducted on an ecoregion-by-ecoregion basis, and each ecoregion assessment is guided by a nationally consistent study design that includes mapping, statistical methods, field studies, and analysis. Individual assessments provide a picture of the characteristics of land change occurring in a given ecoregion; in combination, they provide a framework for understanding the complex national mosaic of change and also the causes and consequences of change. Thus, each volume in this series provides a regional assessment of how (and how fast) land use and land cover are changing, and why. The four volumes together form the first comprehensive picture of land change across the Nation. This report is only one of the products produced by USGS on land-use and land-cover change in the United States. Other reports and land-cover statistics are available online at http://landcovertrends.usgs.gov.