The addition of carbon to samples, during imaging, presents a barrier to accurate TEM analysis, the controlled deposition of hydrocarbons by a focused electron beam can be a useful technique for local nanometer-scale sculpting of material. Here we use hydrocarbon deposition to form nanopores from larger focused ion beam (FIB) holes in silicon nitride membranes. Using this method, we close 100-200nm diameter holes to diameters of 10nm and below, with deposition rates of 0.6nm per minute. I-V characteristics of electrolytic flow through these nanopores agree quantitatively with a one dimensional model at all examined salt concentrations.
There is increasing demand to functionalize meso- and nano-porous materials by coating and make the porous substrate biocompatible or environment friendly. However, coating on a meso-porous substrate poses great challenges, especially if the pore aspect ratio is high. In the current work the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method is used for coating Ni{sub 3}Al-based meso-porous membranes with diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers of high thickness homogeneity and adhesion. (orig.)
Integration of solid-state biosensors and lipid bilayer membranes is important for membrane protein research and drug discovery. In these sensors, it is critical that the solid-state sensing...Full Text Available
This report is a brief review of biological and medical applications of ion-track membranes. The review aims at informing nuclear physicists about alternative (i.e. non-fundamental-science) use of heavy ion accelerators such as production of micro- and nano-porous materials. The ion-track membranes produced this way are employed in life sciences and numerous technological applications. The author focuses on recent results from the Flerov laboratory in co-operation with other scientific institutions and industrial partners.
Porous carbon with high surface area and pore volume was prepared by a reverse replication process and its toluene equilibrium adsorption behavior was investigated. The preparation process of the porous carbon was composed of following sub-processes in series: synthesis and template preparation of silica gel, impregnation and polymerization of DVB monomer in silica template, carbonization of DVB polymer in a silica-polymer composite, and HF-assisted selective etching of silica in carbon-silica composite, The prepared porous carbon was nano porous and had ultrahigh specific surface area (2007 m{sup 2}/g) and large pore volume (3.07cm{sup 3}/g). The nanoporouscarbon showed rapid toluene adsorption rate and good toluene adsorption capacity, compared with a commercial Y-type zeolite, In the present study, a reverse replication process to ...
Feasibility of depositing continuous films of nano-porous alumino-silicates, primarily zeolites and MCM-41, on metallic and non-metallic substrates was examined with an aim to develop membranes for separation of gaseous mixtures and also for application as hydrogen storage material. Mesoporous silica was deposited in-side the pores of these nano-porous disks with an aim to develop membranes for selective separations. Our study involves supported zeolite film growth on substrates using in-situ hydrothermal synthesis. Faujasite, Silicalite and Mesoporous silica have been grown on various metallic and non-metallic supports. Metallic substrates used for film growth included anodized titanium, sodium hydroxide treated Titanium, Anodized aluminum, and sintered copper. A non-metallic substrate used was nano-porous aluminum oxide. Zeolite film growth was characterized using Scanning ...
Full text of publication follows: Energy and environment are two major concerns in our modern society due to the coming shortage in fossil energy sources and the growing of greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge for the coming years is to discover new energy resources and to develop devices that are compatible with a sustainable development and generate few (or zero) emission. One of these devices is the fuel cell feed by hydrogen, whose application fields are very large. In particular, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the most realistic device for automotive application. However, hydrogen storage remains one of the most important challenges regarding its development. Although different techniques are available for storing hydrogen, no ideal solution has been found yet. Compression needs elaborated tanks in shape for supporting high pressures, liquefaction requires an expensive hydrogen cooling and adapted tanks. Chemical storage by hydrides ...
Full text of publication follows: Energy and environment are two major concerns in our modern society due to the coming shortage in fossil energy sources and the growing of greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge for the coming years is to discover new energy resources and to develop devices that are compatible with a sustainable development and generate few (or zero) emission. One of these devices is the fuel cell feed by hydrogen, whose application fields are very large. In particular, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the most realistic device for automotive application. However, hydrogen storage remains one of the most important challenges regarding its development. Although different techniques are available for storing hydrogen, no ideal solution has been found yet. Compression needs elaborated tanks in shape for supporting high pressures, liquefaction requires an expensive hydrogen cooling and adapted tanks. Chemical storage by hydrides ...
The structure of nano-porouscarbon, obtained by means of chlorination of carbide compounds with various crystal structure (SiC, TiC, Mo_2C) is studied through the method of small-angle diffraction. The angular dependences of the scattering intensity obtained are interpreted as the result of scattering from the nanoparticles of different size. The functions of the scattering particles distribution by the m(R_g) inertia radii are determined. It is shown that in spite of the source carbide, the highest fraction of the volume in the porous carbon constitute the particles with R_g #approx# 5 A. The nanoparticles in the samples obtained from SiC, wherein the average value of the R_g"a"v < 6 A, are most uniform by size. The nanoparticles in the porous carbon, obtained from Mo_2C, are on the average by two times larger
In situ synthesis of silver chloride (AgCl) nanoparticles was carried out under ambient conditions in nanoporous bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes as nanoreactors. The growth of the nanoparticles was readily obtained by alternating dipping of BC membranes in the solution of silver nitrate or sodium chloride followed by a rinse step. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated the existence of AgCl nanoparticles in the BC and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the AgCl nanoparticles well dispersed on the surface of BC and penetrated into the BC network. The AgCl nanoparticle-impregnated BC membranes exhibited high hydrophilic ability and strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). The preparative proced...
A single particle micro-electrode technique has been applied, to study adsorption and mass transport phenomena of a TEABF{sub 4}/acetonitrile solution in a nano-porouscarbon. The nano-porouscarbon, which is obtained from SiC, has a very small and narrow pore size distribution around 8 Angstrom. Therefore, it is a good model material for studying adsorption processes in micropores. The results from cyclic voltammetry showed that a higher specific capacitance was obtained in the positive potential interval (vs Ag/AgNO{sub 3}). Upon activation cycling the mass transport inside the nano-porous particle becomes drastically hindered, probably by TEA{sup +} that is adsorbed and is partially blocking the micropores. Effective diffusion coefficients, Deff, were determined from potential step experiments. At positive potentials Deff was 1.5 {+-} 0.5 x 10{sup -8} cm{sup 2}s{sup -1}, whereas ...
An efficient method of hydrogen storage in nano-porouscarbons is its reversible sorption by electrochemical decomposition of a KOH water solution according to the following equation: C + xH{sub 2}O + xe{sup -} {yields} (CH{sub x}) + xOH{sup -} where (CH{sub x}) stands for the hydrogen inserted into the nano-porouscarbon during charging and oxidized during discharging. Although various carbon materials have been investigated as hydrogen adsorbents, the information about the storage mechanism as well as the nature of the hydrogen/carbon interaction is still not sufficient. In order to extend the understanding of the process, carbon samples charged electrochemically were investigated by temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The nature of the hydrogen/carbon interaction was studied by electrochemical analysis at ...
This study was designed to evaluate the suitability of a novel bioabsorbable material in treating bone defects. A poly(desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine-ethyl ester carbonate) (PDTE carbonate) membrane (thickness...Full Text Available
Single-electrode transient behavior was measured mainly during the discharging process for a model cell of electric double layer capacitor with nano-porouscarbon electrodes and reference electrode. Apparent conductivity in the cell, which we call `effective conductivity,` is determined with approximation of current in transient behavior to a one-dimensional electrophoretic model. A comparison of effective conductivity with conductivity of bulk solution suggests an interesting mechanism of transfer of electrolyte ions. The difference in transient behavior between various electrolyte ions was not conspicuous in spite of distinctive differences in conductivity of each bulk solution. The large pore diameter of the carbon electrode results in rapid transient behavior and such an electrode should be suitable for rapid charge and discharge. The effect of origin of carbon electrode is found to be significant ...
When nanometer scale holes (diameters of 50 to a few hundred nm) are imaged in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at pressures in the 10{sup -5} to 10{sup -6} torr range, hydrocarbon deposits built up and result in the closing of holes within minutes of imaging. Additionally, electron beam deposition of material from a gas source allows the closing of holes with films of platinum or TEOS oxide. In an instrument equipped both with a focused ion beam (FIB), and an SEM, holes can be formed and then covered with a thin film to form nanopores with controlled openings, ranging down to only a few nanometers.
The single-electrode capacitance of a nano-porouscarbon electrode used as an electric double layer capacitor was measured. The charged state of the electrolyte ion was discussed from the results. Single-electrode capacitance was not proportional to the specific surface area of the electrode. This implies that the whole surface of the electrode is not effective for the formation of an electric double layer. It is considered that edge orientation of the carbon structure would give a dominant contribution to capacitance. For measurements with aqueous solutions of various electrolytes, capacitance was about the same value for each salt compound. For aqueous acid solution, on the other hand, capacitance was twice to three times as large as that for salt compounds. This difference, however, became negligibly small if the concentration of electrolyte solution was lowered. Taking account of the hydrated ionic radius of each ion, ...
The electrolyte was brought into contact with air and potassium carbonate was measured with various contact time in order to check the defect of carbon dioxide in the air on zinc-air cell. The relationship between potassium carbonate concentration in electrolyte and battery capacity was also studied. The potassium carbonate concentration in the electrolyte. The rate of carbon dioxide absorption was mainly affected by the pore size of hydrophobic membrane. Our study showed that adapting the pore of hydrophobic membrane decreased the loss of cell discharge performance due to the presence of carbon dioxide or water vapor in the atmosphere. 7 refs., 12 figs., 1 tab.
During the past decades polymer membrane technology has been applied in various industries for a myriad of separation duties. They are also an important candidate for the solution of separation problems associated with the recovery of carbon dioxide in power plants. The application of membrane technology for carbon dioxide removal is discussed for two different ways of operation in present and future power plants. First, pressure driven operations are discussed, followed by a discussion of the use of membranes in absorbers. The pressure driven processes based on currently available gas separation membranes are shown to have poor separation characteristics. Further membrane development work appears to be necessary, especially in the area of temperature resistant membranes. Membrane selectivity goals ...
An efficient method of hydrogen storage in nano-porouscarbons is its reversible sorption by electrochemical decomposition of a KOH water solution [1-3] according to the following equation: C + xH{sub 2}O + xe{sup -} {yields} (CH{sub x}) + xOH{sup -} where (CH{sub x}) stands for the hydrogen inserted into the nano-porouscarbon during charging and oxidized during discharging. Although various carbon materials have been investigated as hydrogen adsorbents, the information about the storage mechanism as well as the nature of the hydrogen/carbon interaction is still not sufficient. In order to extend the understanding of the process, carbon samples charged electrochemically were investigated by temperature programmed desorpt(TPD). The nature of the hydrogen/carbon interaction was studied by electrochemical analysis at ...
The diffusion of methane confined in nano-porouscarbon aerogel with the average pore size 48 {angstrom} and porosity 60% was investigated as a function of pressure at T = 298 K using quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS). The diffusivity of methane shows a clear effect of confinement: it is about two orders of magnitude lower than in bulk at the same thermodynamic conditions and is close to the diffusivity of liquid methane at 100 K (i.e. {approx} 90 K below the liquid-gas critical temperature T{sub C} {approx} 191 K). The diffusion coefficient (D) of methane initially increases with pressure by a factor of {approx}2.5 from 3.47 {+-} 0.41 x 10{sup -10} m{sup 2} s{sup -1} at 0.482 MPa to D = 8.55 {+-} 0.33 x 10{sup -10} m{sup 2} s{sup -1} at 2.75 MPa and starts to decrease at higher pressures. An explanation of the observed non-monotonic behavior of the diffusivity in the confined fluid is based on the results of small-angle neutron ...
For the purpose of digging up themes of the joint research which develop the R and D in the industrial technology field in Japan to a new stage, researchers were sent to the world representing research institutes to conduct the research survey of 'Nano-structured carbon and hydrogen absorption' and 'Development of the creation technology of nano-porous materials.' As to the former, an experiment on electrochemical hydrogen absorption of carbon materials including nanotubes was conducted by researchers dispatched, but the large absorption amount was not observed. As to the latter, visits were paid to Fraunhofer Institute and the related facilities in Germany, Princeton University, MIT, GIT and Naval Research Laboratories in the U.S., Orleans University in France, AO Research Institute (bone repair study) in Switzerland, Cambridge University and University of Bristol in the U.K., etc., and ...
Poster session: Abstract is full text. Track membranes are thin polymer foils irradiated by heavy ions. The defects created by the heavy ions are located along the ions trajectory, the track. It is possible to open channels by etching with a chemical agent. These channels are very uniform. Small Angle Scattering (of X rays and neutrons) give global information about the characteristics of the channel shape. As the nanochannels are strictly parallel, an excellent sample orientation is required to obtain interpretable spectra. Then shoulders due to the oscillations of the Bessel function (radial part of the channel shape Fourier transform) are easily seen in the scattered intensity in the PXY data treatment software of SAS spectra allow to determine the channel diameter with its dispersion law, to demonstrate the existence of a wall thickness with a linearly varying density, and to assess the roughness. PXY can also detect non cylindric shapes like single or double ...
Highly ordered arrays of Ni nanoholes and Fe{sub 20}Ni{sub 80} antidots have been prepared, respectively, by replica/antireplica processing and sputtering techniques using nanoporous alumina membranes as templates. Geometrical characteristics as nanohole/antidot diameter, interpore distance and the overall hexagonal symmetry of arrays are controlled through the original templates. Experimental data on their hysteresis and magnetic domain structure have been taken by vibrating sample magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy, respectively. An analysis of the magnetization process, resulting magnetic anisotropy and magnetic domain structure is summarized considering the influence of those geometry aspects. In particular, the hexagonal symmetry and the density of nanohole/antidots determine the overall magnetic behavior, which is of interest in future high-density magnetic storage systems.
Highly ordered arrays of Ni nanoholes and Fe20Ni80 antidots have been prepared, respectively, by replica/antireplica processing and sputtering techniques using nanoporous alumina membranes as templates. Geometrical characteristics as nanohole/antidot diameter, interpore distance and the overall hexagonal symmetry of arrays are controlled through the original templates. Experimental data on their hysteresis and magnetic domain structure have been taken by vibrating sample magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy, respectively. An analysis of the magnetization process, resulting magnetic anisotropy and magnetic domain structure is summarized considering the influence of those geometry aspects. In particular, the hexagonal symmetry and the density of nanohole/antidots determine the overall magnetic behavior, which is of interest in future high-density magnetic storage systems.
Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with 8 mol% Y was deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering onto oxidized (100) silicon substrates. It was possible to switch film texture from (111) to (200) by applying a strong RF substrate bias. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the film deposited under bias is porous and exhibits nanoscaled grains, whereas the film deposited without bias is dense and columnar. The ionic conductivity as a function of temperature revealed an activation energy of 1.04 eV. The mechanical stress could be tuned to low values by thermal post-annealing. Using the dense (111) film as electrolyte layer, and the porous (200) film as an interlayer to a porous Pt anode, an open circuit voltage of 0.85 V was obtained in a micro machined fuel cell structure.
The diffusion of alkali vapours in the anode compartment of a DIR-MCFC produces the deactivation of the internal reforming catalyst. Sets of ceramic porous membranes purposed to limit the diffusion have been manufactured by different techniques and the influence of the preparation technique and of the preparative variables on the morphological characteristics of the membranes structures has been studied.
French ... Title Synthese d'agregats metalliques par radiolyse de solutions aqueuses de sels simples ou complexes. Etude par M. E. du greffage des agregats sur membranes de carbone.
This dissertation deals with membrane gas absorption in the application of CO{sub 2} removal by aqueous alkanolamines, using microporous PTFE hollow fiber membranes. A new lab-scale apparatus was constructed and an extensive experimental study executed to determine the performance of the membrane gas absorber, with aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as absorbents. The important operation parameters CO{sub 2} partial pressure, gas velocity, liquid velocity, temperature and liquid CO{sub 2} loading were systematically varied within the range typically experienced in a process for exhaust gas CO{sub 2}-removal
The effects of pore curvature and surface heterogeneity on the adsorption of water on a graphitic surface at 298 K were investigated using a Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation. Slit and cylindrical pores are used to study the curvature effects. To investigate the surface heterogeneity the functional group and the structural defect on the surface were specifically considered. The hydroxyl group (OH) is used as a model for the functional group and the water potential model proposed by Muller et al. is used to calculate the water interaction. For the homogeneous cylinder, the pore filling occurs at a pressure lower than the saturation pressure of the water model, while it is greater in the case of homogeneous slit pore. The size of hysteresis loop is more sensitive to the length of...
Abstract in english The tegument surface of the adult schistosome, bounded by a normal plasma membrane overlain by a secreted membranocalyx, holds the key to understanding how schistosomes evade host immune responses. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS), and the sequencing of the Schistosoma mansoni transcriptome/genome, have facilitated schistosome proteomics. We detached the tegument from the worm body and enriched its surface membranes by differential extraction, before subjecting t (more) he preparation to liquid chromatography-based proteomics to identify its constituents. The most exposed proteins on live worms were labelled with impearmeant biotinylation reagents, and we also developed methods to isolate the membranocalyx for analysis. We identified transporters for sugars, amino acids, inorganic ions and water, which confirm the importance of the tegument plasma membrane in nutrient acquisition and solute ...
This report summarizes the findings of a five-month LDRD project funded through Sandia's NTM Investment Area. The project was aimed at providing the foundation for the development of advanced functional materials through the application of ultrathin coatings of microporous or mesoporous materials onto the surface of substrates such as silicon wafers. Prior art teaches that layers of microporous materials such as zeolites may be applied as, e.g., sensor platforms or gas separation membranes. These layers, however, are typically several microns to several hundred microns thick. For many potential applications, vast improvements in the response of a device could be realized if the thickness of the porous layer were reduced to tens of nanometers. However, a basic understanding of how to synthesize or fabricate such ultra-thin layers is lacking. This report describes traditional and novel approaches to the growth of layers of microporous materials on silicon wafers. The ...
Even the presence of very low concentrations of dyes (1mgL-1) in the effluent is highly visible and is considered aesthetically undesirable. It must be removed from wastewater completely. This study systematically evaluates the performance of adsorption (three kinds of powdered activated carbons), coagulation (AlCl36H2O) and membrane (submerged hollow fiber microfiltration) processes individually in treating two kinds of reactive dyes (Orange 16 and Black 5) and then using a hybrid process with combined coagulation-adsorption-membrane treatment system. Adsorption capacity and kinetics of Orange 16 were much higher and faster than those of Black 5. The dye removal efficiency by coagulation was highly dependent on dye concentration and solution pH. The hybrid process performance was far more...
A cost effectively method to fabricate nanopores in silicon by only using the conventional wet-etching technique is developed in this research. The main concept of the proposed method is a two-step etching process, including a premier double-sided wet etching and a succeeding track-etching. A special fixture is designed to hold the pre-etched silicon wafer inside it such that the track-etching can be effectively carried out. An electrochemical system is employed to detect and record the ion diffusion current once the pre-etched cavities are etched into a through nanopore. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method can cost effectively fabricate nanopores in silicon.
We report on the fouling of Focused Ion Beam (FIB)-fabricated silicon oxide nanopores after exposure to tap water for two weeks. Pore clogging was monitored by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on both bare silicon oxide and chemically functionalized nanopores. While fouling occurred on hydrophilic silicon oxide pore walls, the hydrophobic nature of alkane chains prevented clogging on the chemically functionalized pore walls. These results have implications for nanopore sensing platform design.
One of the important aspects in an absorption system is the effectiveness in which the gas and liquid phases come into contact with each other. An effective absorption process will provide sufficient contacting area for the gas and liquid phases to interact upon. With this in mind, work was conducted to evaluate carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) absorption into aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA) using two different types of contacting devices: gas absorption membrane (GAM) modules and traditional packed columns. The performance of these two absorption devices was compared to one another using the overall mass transfer coefficient (K{sub G}a{sub v}) as a basis. The GAM module contained microporous polypropylene hollow fibre membranes and the packed absorption column contained Sulzer DX structured packing. The results indicate that GAM modules tend to have slightly larger K{sub G}a{sub v} values, potentially opening the ...
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are attractive because of their high conversion efficiency, low pollution, lightweight, and high power density. A major area of challenges is the design and engineering of active, robust, and low-cost electrocatalysts. This report discusses recent findings of our investigations of the design and nano-engineering of platinum-vanadium-iron catalysts for use in PEMFC. The membrane electrode assembly was prepared using nano-engineered PtVFe nanoparticles with controlled composition and size supported on carbon as cathode electrocatalysts. The electrocatalytic activity and stability of the catalysts have been characterized by both rotating disk electrode and membrane electrode assembly measurements. The trimetallic catalysts have been shown to exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance in PEMFC in comparison with commercial platinum catalysts. The results ...
By the methods of the angular distribution of photon annihilation, time distribution of photon annihilation, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier IR-spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy the detail information on relation of the structural and physical properties of the porous nano-structures is obtained. Study of pores sizes in a different nano-porous materials, such as the porous silicon, porous anode aluminium oxide, porous solids exposed to light atoms ion implantation (hydrogen, deuterium, helium) is carried out.
The formation of porous structures of nanometre size (nanoporous structures) on germanium (Ge) surfaces by focused ion beam (FIB) irradiations was investigated using various FIB conditions such as ion species, irradiation energies, total fluences, fluence rates, and incident angles. FIB-irradiated regions were observed using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. It is found that, using a focused Ga ion beam (Ga FIB) at an energy of 100 keV, the irradiated Ge surface swelled up to ion fluence of 2 x 10"1"7 cm"-"2 with nanoporous structures and then was etched for larger fluences. The shape of swollen nanoporous structures depended on the fluence rate and the incident angle of the Ga FIB. However, such porous structures were observed neither for low-energy (15-30 keV) FIB irradiations using Si and Au ions nor for high-energy (200 keV), heavy ion (Au) irradiation. These observations might be helpful in ...
A novel multilayer mixed matrix membrane (MMM), consisting of poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO), large-pore mesoporous silica molecular sieve zeolite SBA-15, and a carbon molecular sieve (CMS)/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} substrate, was successfully fabricated using the procedure outlined in this paper. The membranes were cast by spin coating and exposed to different gases for the purpose of determining and comparing the permeability and selectivity of PPO/SBA-15 membranes to H{sub 2}, CO{sub 2}, N{sub 2}, and CH{sub 4}. PPO/SBA-15/CMS/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} MMMs with different loading weights of zeolite SBA-15 were also studied. This new class of PPO/SBA-15/CMS/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} multilayer MMMs showed higher levels of gas permeability compared to PPO/SBA-15 membranes. The permselectivity of H{sub 2}/N{sub 2} and H{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} combinations increased remarkably, with values at 38.9 and 50.9, ...
This work deals with a new route to modify polymer blend morphology in order to improve the porosity of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). First, electrically conductive polymer-based blends were carefully formulated using a twin-screw extrusion process. Blend electrical conductivity was ensured by the addition of high specific surface area carbon black and synthetic graphite flakes. Final GDL porosity, in particular its macroporosity, was generated by melt blending polyamide 11 (PA11) matrix with polystyrene (PS) followed by PS extraction with tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent at room temperature. In order to improve GDL porosity by the optimisation of PS dispersion in the PA11 matrix, PA11/PS blends were compatibilised by the addition of 2 wt.-% of ...
Antitumor platinum(II) complexes derived from N-alkyl-propanediamine differing in the length of their carbon chain (C8, C10, C12 and C14) were incorporated in liposomes and the cytotoxic activity of these formulations was evaluated against tumor (A{sub 549}, MDA-MB-231, B16-F1 and B16-F10) and non-tumor (BHK-21 and CHO) cell lines. Stable and monodisperse liposome suspensions incorporating the platinum complexes were obtained from the lipid composition consisting of distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, cholesterol and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000) at 5:3:0.3 molar ratio. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) of the platinum complexes in liposomes increased with the carbon chain length. EE% was higher than 80% in C12- and C14-derivatives. The effect of liposome encapsulation on the cytotoxic activity of the complexes was found to depend on the carbon chain length. These ...
A single plasma process involving three consecutive steps has been developed for producing high gas flow catalytic nanostructures on the electrodes of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC). Using a high density helicon radio frequency (13.56 MHz) plasma, nickel is sputtered onto a porous carbon support. Changing the background gas from argon to methane/hydrogen allowed 2 ?m long, 37 nm diameter carbon nanofibres (CNFs) to be grown by diffusion through the nickel clusters in a 'tip growth' mechanism at the relatively low temperature of 400 deg. C. The third step involves plasma sputtering of platinum onto the CNFs, resulting in nanoclusters (3-8 nm) being formed on the periphery of the CNFs. Four FC cathodes were synthesized on carbon paper and PTFE/carbon loaded cloth (known as gas diffusion layer, GDL), both with and without CNFs, with the Pt/CNFs nanostructures grown on ...
Mechanisms that govern transport, accumulation and toxicity of persistent pollutants at interfaces in aquatic ecosystems were the foci of this thesis. Specific attention was paid to humic substances, their occurrence, composition, and role in exchange processes across interfaces. It was concluded that: The composition of humic substances in aquatic surface microlayers is different from that of the subsurface water and terrestrial humic matter. Levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the aquatic surface microlayer reflect the DOC levels in the subsurface water. While the levels and enrichment of DOC in the microlayer generally show small variations, the levels and enrichment of particulate organic carbon (POC) vary to a great extent. Similarities exist between aquatic surface films, artificial semi-permeable and biological membranes regarding their structure and functioning. Acidification and liming of freshwater ...
Preparation of a uranous nitrate solution from the reduction process of a uranyl nitrate solution by using electrodialysis technique with a cation exchange membrane has been studied. Uranyl ions were reduced into uranous ions in a nitric acid solution stabilized by hydrazine sulfate in a two-compartment electrolytic cell made from flexiglass. Platinum and carbon or stainless steel were used as anode and cathode, respectively. The electrodialysis process was carried out at room temperature. A piece of cation exchange membrane was inserted between the two compartments and the distance between electrode and membrane was 1.5 cm and this was kept constant throughout the experiment. A 100 ml of a nitric acid 1.4 M solution was in the anode chamber as analyte, whilst a 100 ml of a uranyl nitrate solution with the uranium concentration of 23.97 g/l was in the cathode chamber containing hydrazine sulfate. The ...
In a closed circuit formed by bypassing pipelines connected to carbon steel parts, low oxygen coolants pass there through during operation. A solution containing ions of metals more noble than iron are circulated to bring the solution into contact with the carbon steel surface of the inner wall of the parts to form a deposition membrane of the metal more noble than iron on the surface to prevent acceleration of corrosion of the carbon steel parts due to low oxygen coolants. The solution containing ions of metals more noble than iron is a solution of palladium nitrate containing ions of platinum elements. This operation is conducted under a temperature condition of from 50degC to 150degC. In addition, the metal ion concentration of the solution circulating in the closed circuit is measured, it is compared with metal ion concentration previously determined, and the results are feed back to a means for ...
Graphical abstract: - Abstract: Low loading platinum-cobalt (Pt-Co) cathode catalyst on a Nafion(Na+)-bonded carbon layer is fabricated by using galvanostatic pulse technique to show the advantage of electrodeposition for high utilization of catalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). We observed that Pt-Co catalysts evenly exist on the surface of carbon electrode and its thickness is about 5.8 ?m, which is four times thinner than conventional Pt/C. Improved single cell power performance of Pt-Co cathode catalysts with a ratio of 3.2:1 compared with Pt/C is clearly presented.
AbstractA mechanism of how polyanions influence the channel formed by Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin is described. We demonstrate that the probability of several...Full Text Available
... In recent years workers in this field have focused on nucleation by nano-porous materials . This was in part motivated by a theoretical study by Page and Sear (2006) who proposed a two step model for nucleation in pores which suggest that there is ...
Nano-materials in which a large fraction of atoms resides within a few atomic layers near the surface can be designed to have novel properties by manipulating their surface parameters. We show that the effective elastic constants of nano-porous/cellular materials can be made to exceed those of the parent materials provided the pore surface elastic parameters satisfy certain conditions. These stiff nano-porous materials herald a radical breakthrough in sandwich-type construction.
Nano-materials in which a large fraction of atoms resides within a few atomic layers near the surface can be designed to have novel properties by manipulating their surface parameters. We show that the effective elastic constants of nano-porous/cellular materials can be made to exceed those of the parent materials provided the pore surface elastic parameters satisfy certain conditions. These stiff nano-porous materials herald a radical breakthrough in sandwich-type construction.
Reichert's membrane, an extraembryonic membrane present in developing rodents, has been proposed as an in vivo model for the study of basement membranes. We have used this membrane as a source for isolation...Full Text Available
In this work, the effects of substrate temperature that was changed from 100 to 500 "oC on the structural, chemical and electrical properties of carbon films, prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering technique, on 316L stainless steel as bipolar plate had been investigated. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to study the structure and the morphology of the deposited films, respectively. The corrosion resistance and the electrical resistivity were carried out by using corrosion tests and four point-probe technique. The results show that the carbon films change the structure from amorphous to graphite-like by increasing temperatures. At the temperatures higher than 300 "oC, the holes and porosities are formed on the film indicating a decrease of film quality. According to our results, corrosion resistance and electrical properties are depended strongly on the substrate temperature.
This work deals with a new route to modify polymer blend morphology in order to improve the porosity of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). First, electrically conductive polymer-based blends were carefully formulated using a twin-screw extrusion process. Blend electrical conductivity was ensured by the addition of high specific surface area carbon black and synthetic graphite flakes. Final GDL porosity, in particular its macroporosity, was generated by melt blending polyamide 11 (PA11) matrix with polystyrene (PS) followed by PS extraction with tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent at room temperature. In order to improve GDL porosity by the optimisation of PS dispersion in the PA11 matrix, PA11/PS blends were compatibilised by the addition of 2 wt.-% of clay. It was observed that both macroporosity and pore size distribution were beneficially modified after blend compatibilisation. Final GDL conductivity of ...
The Heusler alloy Ni{sub 2}MnIn is a promising material as spin injector because of its predicted half-metallicity at the interface to InAs. We grow thin films of this Heusler alloy by thermal coevaporation of Nickel and the alloy MnIn. The alloy is grown on Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} membranes and amorphous carbon films for transmission-electron microscopy (TEM) as well as on Si and InAs. The degree of the transport spin polarization of the films grown on Si(100), InAs(100) and in-situ cleaved (110) surfaces of InAs is determined by point-contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy (PCAR). The almost perfect lattice match between InAs and Ni{sub 2}MnIn supports highly oriented growth, as we have proven by electron diffraction under grazing incidence. Lateral spin valves with Heusler electrodes are lithographically defined. In view of the temperature-sensitivity of the optical and electron-beam resists, the samples are grown at substrate temperatures of 50 ...
Membrane protein structural biology is still a largely unconquered area, given that approximately 25% of all proteins are membrane proteins and yet less than 150 unique structures are available. Membrane...Full Text Available
A electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for itopride was developed based on tris(2,2-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)-doped silica (RuDS) nanoparticles/biopolymer chitosan composites membrane modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The RuDS nanoparticles (52+-5nm) were prepared by a modified Stber synthesis method and were characterized by electrochemical, fluorometric and transmission electron microscopy technology. The Ru(bpy)32+ encapsulation interior of the silica nanoparticle maintains its electrochemical activities and also reduces Ru(bpy)32+ leaching from the silica matrix when immersed in water due to the electrostatic interaction. The ECL analytical performances of this ECL sensor for itopride based on its enhancement ECL emission of Ru(bpy)32+ were investigated in d...
Heat transfer through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a key process in the design and operation of a PEM fuel cell. The analysis of this process requires the determination of the effective thermal conductivity as well as the thermal contact resistance between the GDL and adjacent surfaces/layers. The Part 1 companion paper describes an experimental procedure and a test bed devised to allow separation of the effective thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance, and presents measurements under a range of static compressive loads. In practice, during operation of a fuel cell stack, the compressive load on the GDL changes. In the present study, experiments are performed on Toray carbon papers with 78% porosity and 5% PTFE under a cyclic compressive load. Results show a significant hy...
Heat transfer through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a key process in the design and operation of a PEM fuel cell. The analysis of this process requires determination of the effective thermal conductivity as well as the thermal contact resistance associated with the interface between the GDL and adjacent surfaces/layers. In the present study, a custom-made test bed that allows the separation of effective thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance in GDLs under vacuum and ambient conditions is described. Measurements under varying compressive loads are performed using Toray carbon paper samples with a porosity of 78% for a range of thicknesses. The measurements are complemented by compact analytical models that achieve good agreement with experimental data. A key finding is that ...
When liquids are confined in nano-scopic dimensions, their properties differ from the corresponding bulk liquid, due to their reduced dimensionality and surface effects. Phase transition temperatures and pressures are often shifted from the bulk values and new phases can appear due to the strong interactions of the molecules with the confining walls. We have studied the structural and dynamical properties of aromatic liquids such as benzene, toluene, and ortho-terphenyl confined in nano-porous materials, MCM-41 and SBA-15, synthesized and characterized in our laboratory. A non-trivial dependence of the glass transition temperature, Tg, on the pore size and surface treatment of nano-porous materials is confirmed and interpreted as resulting from a competition between the fluid-wall and fluid-fluid intermolecular interactions. An increase of Tg is observed for small pore sizes and attractive surface while Tg decreases for non attractive surface, ...
A novel method for the determination of metoclopramide (MCP) using electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is presented. A tris(2,2prime-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)-doped silica (RuDS) nanoparticle/perfluoinated ion-exchange resin (Nafion) with nanocomposite membrane modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is used. The Ru(bpy)32+ encapsulation interior of the silica nanoparticle maintains its electrochemical activities and also reduces Ru(bpy)32+ leaching from the silica matrix when immersed in water due to the electrostatic interaction. The analytical performance of this ECL sensor for MCP is shown in detail. Under optimal experimental conditions, it has good linearity in the concentration range from 2x10-8mol/L to 1x10-5mol/L (R=0.9989) with a detection limit of 7x10-9mo...
A preliminary chemical characterization is presented of phosphate-free aminolipids isolation from Chlorobium limicola f. thiosulfatophilum. The lipid contains no phosphorus, glycerol, sugar, ornithine, or lysine. Ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectra indicate that the amino moiety of the lipid is an aromatic heterocyclic compound. Infrared spectra indicate that the lipid is a secondary or tertiary amide, and gas chromatograhic analysis of the hydrolyzed lipid shows that for each 1100 g of lipid, 1 mol of myristic acid (C/sub 14:0/) is linked in an amide bond. Acid hydrolysis of the lipid yields two fluorescent substances, A (ninhydrine positive) and B (negative), in addition to myristic acid. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies indicate that substance A contains a butyl groups attached to a conjugated ring carbon, two equivalent ethyl groups attached to one or two nitrogen atoms, and two downfield protons (8.4 ppm), perhaps attached to a ring ...
The factors affecting the rate of silica leaching in alkaline aqueous media from surface silanized, nanoporous, amorphous, silica gels and from silanized silica gels that have been modified with polyamines to form the previously reported silica polyamine composites (SPCs), BP-1 and BP-2 have been investigated. Silanization with alkyl trichlorosilanes slows the rate of silica leaching relative to the unmodified silica gels. The use of bulkier aryl silanes somewhat decreases the silica leaching under the same conditions. Interestingly, after modification of the silanized silica with poly(allylamine) (PAA) to make BP-1, the leaching increases, but subsequent modification of the SPC with chloroacetic acid to make BP-2, quenches this increase. A mechanism explaining these results is discussed. ...
Indium sulfide thin films consisting of porous network of nanoplatelets, have been deposited using chemical bath deposition (CBD) method onto the tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. Aqueous solutions of indium sulfate and thioacetamide have been used as indium and sulfur precursors. As a complexing agent, acetic acid was used. The chemically deposited indium sulfide thin films were examined for their structural, surface morphological and optical characterizations. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of the cubic b-In2S3 onto the substrate. From scanning electron micrograph, it is observed that the surface of substrate is covered by nanoporous platelets type morphology. The optical studies showed a direct band gap of 2.84eV for indium sulfide platelets. Ph...
Numerical results on the translocation of long biopolymers through mid-sized and wide pores are presented. The simulations are based on a novel methodology which couples molecular motion to a mesoscopic fluid solvent. Thousands of events of long polymers (up to 8000 monomers) are monitored as they pass through nanopores. Comparison between the different pore sizes shows that wide pores can host a larger number of multiple biopolymer segments, as compared to smaller pores. The simulations provide clear evidence of folding quantization in the translocation process as the biopolymers undertake multi-folded configurations, characterized by a well-defined integer number of folds. Accordingly, the translocation time is no longer represented by a single-exponent power law dependence on the length, as it is the case for single-file translocation through narrow pores. The folding quantization increases with the biopolymer length, while the rate of translocated beads at each ...
In the course of designing a catalytic porous membrane reactor for experimental studies, both inside and outside of the non-reaction zones as well as the two ends of the membrane need to be completely sealed to ensure that there is no flow across the membrane in the non-reaction zone. Experiments show that up to 50% of the total flow across the membrane may be contributed by the axial flow along the wall of the non-reaction zones if only one side of the membrane is sealed. Another problem that cannot be solved by sealing is the capillary flow of the catalyst along the tube wall into the non-reaction zones when the catalyst is doped on the membrane. One of the best ways to avoid this axial flow of catalyst would be to use non-porous tubes in the non-reaction zones and join them with the porous membrane tube. In doing so, the cost of the ...
This paper aims to study fundamentally the impacts of membrane properties on the reactive dye removal from dye/salt mixtures by nanofiltration membranes. To begin with, two types of nanofiltration membranes of similar pore size, namely asymmetric cellulose acetate membrane and thin-film composite polyamide membrane were fabricated, and their key physical, chemical and performance properties were characterized. After that, these resultant membranes were employed to perform dye removal experiments with aqueous solutions of reactive black 5 and NaCl under different operational parameters. The dye removal rate and steady permeate flux were determined and correlated with the measured membrane properties. It was found that there were significant differences between the dye removal performances o...
A sulfonated fluoroalkyl graft polymer (FGP) membrane was prepared as a polymer electrolyte. First, the FGP membrane was grafted with styrene under UV irradiation. The grafted FGP was then sulfonated to functionalize it for proton conductivity. The grafting degree of the membrane increased with increasing grafting time during UV irradiation. The proton conductivity of the membrane increased with increasing grafting degree. The swelling ratio was independent of the grafting time, however, the water uptake increased with increasing grafting degree. Based on these results, it was found that the UV-initiated styrene grafting occurred along the membrane thickness direction. Moreover, the membrane was embedded within the glass fibers of the composite. This composite electrolytic membrane had 1.15 times the proton conductivity of a Nafion 117 ...
In vitro the binding of polyribosomes to smooth endoplasmic-reticulum membranes is more sensitive to ionic strength than is the binding to rough endoplasmic-reticulum membranes. Polyribosomes...Full Text Available
Factors affecting the membrane filtration of food suspensions were studied for 58 foods and 13 membrane filters. Lot number within a brand, pore size (0.45 or 0.8 micrometer), and time elapsed before...Full Text Available
In the presence of electrochemical energy, several branched-chain neutral and acidic amino acids were found to accumulate in membrane vesicles of Bacillus stearothermophilus. The membrane vesicles contained...Full Text Available
The curvature elastic modulus (bending stiffness) of stearoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (SOPC) bilayer membrane is determined from membrane tether formation experiments. R. E. Waugh and R. M. Hochmuth...Full Text Available
Spontaneous rupture of membranes (ROM) is a normal component of labor and delivery. Premature ROM (PROM) refers to rupture of the fetal membranes prior to the onset of labor irrespective of gestational...Full Text Available
The biophysical properties of membrane phospholipids are controlled by the composition of their constituent fatty acids and are tightly regulated in Escherichia...Full Text Available
... Mirrors (Preprint) Ryan Conk et al. 15 September 2006 ... 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Stress Coatings for Large Scale Membrane Mirrors (Preprint) 5a. ...
A biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)/poly(glycolide-co-lactide) copolymer (PLGA) membrane with polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh was prepared to aid the effective regeneration of defective periodontal tissues. The microporous membrane used in this study consists of biodegradable polymers, and seems to have a structure to provide appropriate properties for periodontal tissue regeneration. Based on the albumin permeation test, it is known that the biodegradable membrane exhibits the suitable permeability of nutrients. The membrane maintained its physical integrity for 6-8 weeks, which could be sufficient to retain space in the periodontal pocket. Cell attachment and cytotoxicity tests were performed with respect to the evaluation of biocompatibility of the membrane. As a result, the membrane did not show any cytotoxicity. The safety and therapeutic efficacies of the ...
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are energy sources that have the ... for H2 /02 PEM fuel cells because their catalysts have properties suitable for 0 ...
Laser-induced phase-separation polymerization of a porous acrylate polymer is used for in-situ fabrication of dialysis membranes inside glass microchannels. A shaped 355 nm laser beam is used to produce a porous polymer membrane with a thickness of about 15 .mu.m, which bonds to the glass microchannel and forms a semi-permeable membrane. Differential permeation through a membrane formed with pentaerythritol triacrylate was observed and quantified by comparing the response of the membrane to fluorescein and fluorescently tagging 200 nm latex microspheres. Differential permeation was observed and quantified by comparing the response to rhodamine 560 and lactalbumin protein in a membrane formed with SPE-methylene bisacrylamide. The porous membranes illustrate the capability for the present technique to integrate sample cleanup into chip-based ...
AbstractWe propose a mechanism for the formation of membrane oscillations and traveling waves, which arise due to the coupling between the actin cytoskeleton and the calcium flux through...Full Text Available
Electricity generation from natural gas in gas turbine units can be made substantially more efficient by preliminary methane conversion to a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide and/or by the use of some of the synthesis gas produced in industry. An alternative improvement involves the introduction of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and the use of the synthesis gas in them. In this study, a modified scheme of gas turbine cycle that includes an SOFC, a membrane reactor (instead of a traditional combustion chamber), and a catalytic reactor to perform methane conversion to produce hydrogen (synthesis gas) is proposed. Variations of the energy and exergy efficiencies of the integrated system with operating conditions are provided, showing, for example, that SOFC efficiency is enhanced if the fuel cell active area is augmented. The SOFC stack efficiency can be maximized by reducing the steam generation while increasing the stack ...
The aim of this work is the evaluation of biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of a cocaine analog, the N-(3-iodo-prop-2E-enyl)-2beta-carbo-methoxy-3beta-(4-methyl-phenyl) nor-tropane (PE2I), labeled with carbon 11 ([{sup 11}C]PE2I). The [{sup 11}C]PE2I is a selective radioligand for imaging neuronal dopamine transporter (DAT) with positron emission tomography (PET). The DAT is a membrane-bound pre synaptically located protein that regulates the concentration of dopamine at nerve terminals. DAT radioligands are often used to evaluate the progression of Parkinson's disease or the efficiency of neuro-protective therapeutics and, typically, these studies required several successive PET scans. (author)
A procedure is described for the isolation and determination of "9"0Sr, "2"2"6Ra, "2"2"8Ra and "2"1"0Pb in food. These nuclides are highly radiotoxic, above all for babies and children. Samples are dry ashed, alkali metals are removed as carbonates. Separation from other matrix ions and separation of Ra, Sr and Pb can be achieved with a column of Sr-Spec, an immobilized crown ether. For activity measurements membrane filters with SrSO_4, Ba(Ra)SO_4 and PbS are prepared. Ra is determined by gamma-spectrometry, "9"0Sr and "2"1"0Pb are determined by low-level-betacounting. The determination limits are 10 mBq/kg for "9"0Sr and "2"1"0Pb and 50 mBq/kg for "2"2"6Ra and "2"2"8Ra. The procedure is useful for all kinds of foodstuff. (orig.).
This paper, firstly, introduces the background in developing a high quality water supply system, in which the drinking water system is isolated inside a building. Results of questionnaire on the high quality service water are illustrated. The results of questionnaire have revealed that the high quality service water is extremely interested. Then, are described the target quality of high quality water, the constitution of high quality water supply system, the treatment process, the measures to secure safety and sanitary, and the method of maintenance. The high quality water is produced through the activated charcoal absorption treatment, membrane treatment, ozonation, cooling, mineral addition, and disinfection of city water. Furthermore, application examples of this system adopted to a department store and a bachelor apartment house are introduced. For the high quality water supply system in the department store, the activated charcoal treatment was employed. For ...
Heat transfer through the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a key process in the design and operation of a PEM fuel cell. The analysis of this process requires determination of the effective thermal conductivity as well as the thermal contact resistance associated with the interface between the GDL and adjacent surfaces/layers. In the present study, a custom-made test bed that allows the separation of effective thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance in GDLs under vacuum and ambient conditions is described. Measurements under varying compressive loads are performed using Toray carbon paper samples with a porosity of 78% for a range of thicknesses. The measurements are complemented by compact analytical models that achieve good agreement with experimental data. A key finding is that thermal contact resistance is the dominant component of the total thermal resistance; neglecting this phenomenon may result in significant errors in evaluating heat transfer rates ...
Chromium nitride/Cr coating has been deposited on surface of 316L stainless steel to improve conductivity and corrosion resistance by physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology. Electrochemical behaviors of the chromium nitride/Cr coated 316L stainless steel are investigated in 0.05 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}+2 ppm F{sup -} simulating proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) environments, and interfacial contact resistance (ICR) are measured before and after potentiostatic polarization at anodic and cathodic operation potentials for PEMFC. The chromium nitride/Cr coated 316L stainless steel exhibits improved corrosion resistance and better stability of passive film either in the simulated anodic or cathodic environment. In comparison to 316L stainless steel with air-formed oxide film, the ICR between the chromium nitride/Cr coated 316L stainless steel and carbon paper is about 30 m{omega} cm{sup 2} that is about one-third of bare 316L stainless ...
Thin PTFE membranes were prepared by coating the PTFE dispersion onto the aluminum films. Thus the thin crosslinked PTFE (RX-PTFE) membranes were obtained by means of electron beam irradiation above the melting temperature of PTFE under oxygen-free atmosphere. The RX-PTFE membranes were pre-irradiated and grafted by styrene with or without divinylbenzene (DVB) in liquid phase. The existence of DVB accelerated the initial grafting rate. The styrene grafted RX-PTFE membranes are white colored, on the other hand, the styrene/DVB grafted RX-PTFE membranes are colorless. The proton exchange membranes (PEMs) were obtained by sulfonating the grafted membranes using chlorosulfonic acid. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) values of the PEMs ranging from 1.5 to 2.8 meq/g were obtained. The PEMs made from the styrene/DVB grafted ...
Although the mechanism is unknown, Calculus Bovis and its active components, cholic acid analogs (CAAs), have been used in China to treat a wide range of diseases. Based on the previous finding that the potency of CAA is strongly dependent on the intrinsic surface activity, this paper aimed to investigate the role of the plasma membrane in the pharmacological activity of CAAs. First, CAAs (0.1 mM) caused a surface activity-dependent depression on ATPase activity in the cell membrane extract, but it had no effects on other cellular extracts, suggesting an indispensable role of the membrane environment for pharmacological activity. Second, CAAs lowered the membrane fluidity of cultured Caco-2 cells with the same rank-order of potency sequence. Third, the hypothesis that any functional protein located on the membrane is influenced by changes in cellular membrane ...
Highly swollen nanoporous layers produced in material surfaces by He implantation are of special interest for applications such as catalysis. Here we investigate whether nanoporous layers can be produced in the covalently bonded insulating ceramic, SiAlON. The retention of highly swollen porous structures in thinned TEM sections prepared from such hard brittle materials is particularly challenging. We have successfully prepared such sections both parallel to, and perpendicular to, the implanted surface. At intermediate doses the bubble structures are very similar to those found in metals. At high helium doses local swellings at depths around the mean projected range of the He ions (#approx#360 nm) are estimated to be well in excess of 200%. Bubble structures are stable under heating to temperatures up to 1200 deg. C. It is found that the highly cavitated layer is buried below a crystalline overlayer of compact SiAlON. This overlayer is ...
Nanoporous materials have become indispensable in many fields ranging from photonics, catalysis and semiconductor processing to biosensor infrastructure. Rapid and energy efficient process fabrication of these materials is, however, nontrivial. In this communication, we describe a simple method for the rapid fabrication of these materials from colloidal dispersions of Polymethyl Silsesquioxane nanoparticles. Nanoparticle-polymer composites above the decomposition temperature of the polymer are examined and the entropic gain experienced by the nanoparticles in this rubric is harnessed to fabricate novel highly porous films composed of nanoparticles. Optically smooth, hydrophobic films with low refractive indices (as low as 1.048) and high surface areas (as high as 1325 m2 g-1) have been achieved with this approach. In this communication we address the behavior of such systems that are both temperature and substrate surface energy dependent. The method is applicable, ...
The conductivity of the membrane is a limiting factor for the efficiency and power density of PEFCs. Because this conductivity is strongly dependent on the membrane hydration, water management is an important aspect of PEFC optimisation. Single cell model experiments were made in order to determine the in-plane hydration of a Nafion{sup R} membrane under fuel cell conditions as function of the gas humidities. (author) 4 fig., 3 refs.
The intrinsic decay rate of orthopositronium formed in SiO/sub 2/ powder is measured using the direct 2 gamma correction method such that the time dependence of the pick-off annihilation rate is precisely determined. The decay rate of orthopositronium is found to be 7.0396+or-0.0012(stat.)+or-0.0011(sys.)/ mu s/sup -1/, which is consistent with our previous measurements with about twice the accuracy. Results agree well with the O( alpha /sup 2/) QED prediction, and also with a result reported very recently using nanoporous film.
A bioartificial kidney, which is composed of a membrane cartridge with renal epithelial cells, can substitute important kidney functions in patients with renal failure. A particular challenge is the maintenance of monolayer integrity and specialized renal epithelial cell functions ex vivo. We hypothesized that this can be improved by electro-spun, supramolecular polymer membranes which show clear benefits in ease of processability. We found that after 7?d, in comparison to conventional microporous membranes, renal tubular cells cultured on top of our fibrous supramolecular membranes formed polarized monolayers, which is prerequisite for a well-functioning bioartificial kidney. In future, these supramolecular membranes allow for incorporation of peptides that may increase cell function even further. PMID:20715132
Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes with various degrees of sulfonation (DS) have been prepared as a potential membrane material for proton exchange membrane by sulfonation process using mixtures of (15-30% concentration) fuming sulfuric acid and (95-98%) concentrated sulfuric acid as the sulfonating agent. The sulfonation process was conducted at room temperature by varying the acid ratio and reaction time. The produced membranes were then characterized by evaluating the ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, thermal stability, proton conductivity and methanol permeability as a function of degree of sulfonation. The proton conductivity of the sulfonated PEEK membranes with various DS was within the magnitude of 10"-"3 and 10"-"2 S cm"-"1 at room temperature and the methanol permeability was in the range of 3.45 x 10"-"7 to 2.73 x 10"-"6 cm"2 s"-"1. The overall ...
When liquids are confined in nano-scopic dimensions, their properties differ from the corresponding bulk liquid, due to their reduced dimensionality and surface effects. Phase transition temperatures and pressures are often shifted from the bulk values and new phases can appear due to the strong interactions of the molecules with the confining walls. We have studied the structural and dynamical properties of aromatic liquids such as benzene, toluene, and ortho-terphenyl confined in nano-porous materials, MCM-41 and SBA-15, synthesized and characterized in our laboratory. A non-trivial dependence of the glass transition temperature, T{sub g}, on the pore size and surface treatment of nano-porous materials is confirmed and interpreted as resulting from a competition between the fluid-wall and fluid-fluid intermolecular interactions. An increase of T{sub g} is observed for small pore sizes and attractive surface while T{sub g} decreases for non ...
Formaldehyde, a well-identified indoor pollutant, was recently classified as carcinogenic. New regulations for the air quality are expected and therefore there is a need for low-cost sensors, sensitive and selective with a fast response time for the detection of formaldehyde at ppb level. In the present work, we had developed a chemical sensor based on nano-porous matrices doped with Fluoral-P and optical methods of detection. The nano-porous matrices, elaborated via the Sol-Gel process, display nano-pores whose cavity is tailored for the trapping of the targeted pollutant. They provide a first selectivity with the discrimination of the pollutants by their size. A second selectivity is obtained with a molecular probe, Fluoral-P, which reacts specifically with formaldehyde leading to the 3,5- di-acetyl-1,4-dihydro-lutidine (DDL). The kinetics of formation of DDL was studied as function of many parameters such as the ...
Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH_4UO_2PO_4.3H_2O self supported membranes have been determined by impedance spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).
Microporous membranes are suitable for the CO{sub 2}-MEA (monoethanolamine) system because the overall mass transfer coefficient K of the membrane is approximately 10 times larger than that of composite membranes consisting of microporous membranes and homogeneous membranes. The overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient K{center_dot} of the hollow-fiber contact is more than 5 times larger than that of a conventional packed bed, which suggests that adorption using the present method has the advantage of making the absorption more compact. 8 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.
Early effects of 100 Kilorads of X-rays on muscle cell membrane properties have been measured in sartorius muscles from Leptodactylus ocellatus. Threshold strength for rectangular current pulses increased 10% after irradiation, and action potential propagation velocity decreased 10%. Passive membrane parameters were calculated from potential responses to sub-threshold current pulses, assuming conventional cable theory. Specific membrane conductance increased to 18% after irradiation, membrane capacitance increased 14%, and length constant decreased 10% but membrane time constant was unchanged. Cell diameter decreased 5%, and resting membrane potential decreased 8%. Membrane parameters during an action potential were also evaluated by the phase-plane and current-voltage plot techniques. Irradiation significantly decreased the action potential ...
Amphiphilic block copolymers are synthesized by sulfonation of poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) using acetyl sulfate, and are blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to prepare a new proton exchange membrane, in which PMMA is miscible with PVDF. The morphology and the transport properties of the membranes are investigated as functions of the degree of sulfonation as well as the blend ratio. Notable transition of phase-separated morphology is observed as the PVDF content of the blend is increased. Both the proton conductivity and the ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of the membrane increase with increasing the degree of sulfonation of PS-b-PMMA, and they are also enhanced as the phase-separated domains of blend membrane are well-ordered. Unlike the Nafion membrane, the proton conductivity of the blend membrane increases up to 90 C, indicating the ...
Gas separation membranes with polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)/polystyrene(PS) were prepared by using the sequential interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) method with various PS contents (10?70wt%). These gas separation membranes can be applied to reduce the smoke density in the emission gas of diesel engines. PS content has a pronounced effect on the membrane performance. It was found that the optimized PS contents in the final membrane were 50wt%. The emission capacities of diesel engines used in this study were 632 cc and 11,149 cc. When the oxygen separation membrane was used in the diesel engines, the smoke density of both diesel engines was remarkably reduced (35?73%). The oxygen concentration in the inlet air affects the composition of the emission gases. Especially, hydrocarbon (HC) dec...
Research was performed to assess the feasibility of barrier membrane substances, for use within mining or associated high risk environments, in restricting the diffusion transport of radon gas quantities. Specific tests were conducted to determine permeability parameters of a variety of membrane materials with reference to radon flow capabilities. Tests were conducted both within laboratory and in-situ emanation environments where concentrations and diffusion flows of radon gas were known to exist. Equilibrium radon gas concentrations were monitored in initially radon-free chambers adjacent to gas sources, but separated by specified membrane substances. Membrane barrier effectiveness was demonstrated to result in reduced emanation concentrations of radon gas within the sampling chamber atmosphere. Minimum gas concentrations were evidenced where the barrier membrane material was ...
This thesis deals with the analysis of dominant loss mechanisms in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) and hydrogen fed polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEFC) by means of experimental characterization and modeling work. Due to different fuels used in these two fuel cell types, the dominant loss mechanisms are different in their nature. All in-situ characterization techniques that are used in this work are based on a novel test fuel cell with embedded reference electrodes. The first part of this work presents a new concept for realizing a reference electrode configuration in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell by means of laser ablation. The laser beam is used to evaporate a small gap into the electrode surface of a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) to isolate the reference electrode from the working/counter electrode (WE/CE). This method enables the simultaneous ablation of the electrodes on both sides of the CCM ...
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating embryogenesis and tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation. BAMBI (BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) has...Full Text Available
SYNOPSISRhomboid proteases are a fascinating class of enzymes that combine a serine protease active site within the core of an integral membrane protein. Despite having key roles...Full Text Available
Amino acid transport in membrane vesicles of Bacillus stearothermophilus was studied. A relatively high concentration of sodium ions is needed for uptake of L-alanine (Kt = 1.0 mM) and L-leucine (Kt...Full Text Available
A number of studies have indicated that plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) are expressed in the brain and spinal cord and could play important roles not only in the maintenance of cellular calcium...Full Text Available
Electrospinning, a flexible jet-based fiber, scaffold, and membrane fabrication approach, has been elucidated as having significance to the heath sciences. Its capabilities have been most impressive...Full Text Available
Tubular membrane structures are widespread in eukaryotic cells, but the mechanisms underlying their formation and stability are not well understood. Previous work has focused on tube extrusion from...Full Text Available
We showed recently that secretion of glutamate in biotin-limited cells of Corynebacterium glutamicum is mediated by carrier systems in the plasma membrane (C. Hoischen and R. Krämer, Arch. Microbiol....Full Text Available
The localization of gold in the synovial membrane of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with sodium aurothiomalate was examined and quantitative analysis of epon-embedded sections was carried out...Full Text Available
In whole-cell recording, the conductance of the plasma membrane of protoplasts isolated from mesophyll cells of leaves of oat (Avena sativa) was greater for inward than outward current....Full Text Available
Membranous dysmenorrhea is an unusual clinical entity. It is characterized by the expulsion of huge fragments of endometrium during the menses, favored by hormonal abnormality or drug intake. This report describes a case with clinical, US, and MRI findings before the expulsion. Differential diagnoses are discussed. (orig.)
IntroductionThe murine air pouch is a bursa-like space that resembles the human synovial membrane. Injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the pouch elicits an acute inflammatory...Full Text Available
Cell membranes are studded with protrusions that were thoroughly analyzed with electron microscopy. However, the nanometer-scale three-dimensional motions generated by cell membranes to fit the topography of foreign surfaces and initiate adhesion remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the dynamics of surface deformations displayed by monocytic cells bumping against fibronectin-coated surfaces. We observed membrane undulations with typically 5 nm amplitude and 5-10 second lifetime. Cell membranes behaved as independent units of micrometer size. Cells detected the presence of foreign surfaces at 50 nm separation, resulting in time-dependent amplification of membrane undulations. Molecular contact then ensued with apparent cell-membrane separation of 30-40 nm, and this distance steadily decreased during the following tens of seconds. Contact maturation was ...
Membrane cofactor protein (MCP or gp45-70) of the complement system is a cofactor for factor I-mediated cleavage of fluid-phase C3b and C3b-like C3, which opens the thioester bond. In the present study...Full Text Available
The binding of amphiphilic molecules to lipid bilayers is followed by 19F NMR using chemical shift and line shape differences between the solution and membrane-tethered states of...Full Text Available
In this observational study, we compared erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in infants consuming formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) with those consuming...Full Text Available
Objective: To evaluate effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the viability, membrane properties, and zinc distribution, with and without the presence of Zn2+, in human prostate...Full Text Available
Naturally occurring and contaminant ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic particles have been found within or near cells, and might allow pulsed magnetic fields to create transient cell membrane opening ("pores")....Full Text Available
Measurement of intrathylakoid aqueous volumes by electron spin resonance spectroscopy was used to study ionic permeability properties of thylakoid membranes isolated from Beta vulgaris...Full Text Available
The effect of blood lead on erythrocyte membrane proteins was studied in 28 workers from a scrap lead refining factory and in 18 controls working in railway construction. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide...Full Text Available
Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies have been performed on spin-labeled model membranes aligned using the isopotential spin-dry ultracentrifugation (ISDU) method of Clark and Rothschild. This method...Full Text Available
SpoIIIE is an FtsK-related protein that transports the forespore chromosome across the Bacillus subtilis sporulation septum. We use membrane photobleaching and protoplast assays to...Full Text Available
Transitions at 28-32°C in membranes of many kinds of seeds influence their germination and subsequent growth. Changes at 28-32°C in the rates of loss of endogenous amino acids from imbibed...Full Text Available
Amino acid transport was studied in membrane vesicles of the thermophilic anaerobic bacterium Clostridium fervidus. Neutral, acidic, and basic as well as aromatic amino acids were transported at 40...Full Text Available
The molecular diversity of the gene encoding the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of Haemophilus parasuis has been unclear. In this study, the structural characteristics, sequence types,...Full Text Available
The flux ratio (influx/efflux) of K+ across the plasmalemma of beet cells at an external potassium concentration of 0.6 mm does not respond to changes of membrane potential in the...Full Text Available
Alterations in basement membrane components, notably proteoglycans, in a rat model of polycystic kidney disease have been investigated. Rats were fed phenol II (2-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl-5-phenyl thiazole)...Full Text Available
Biological membranes are lamellar structures composed of two leaflets capable of supporting different mechanical stresses. Stress differences between leaflets were generated during micromechanical experiments...Full Text Available
A new method of random data analysis has been developed with special implications for membrane noise. The integral spectrometer uses overlapping broad-band filters of simple design, whose bandwidth...Full Text Available
The data set consists of the following: - Biochemical analysis of Deschampsia leaves and root; - Chromatographic Analysis of membrane lipids (lipid profile) ...
Basement membranes contain several proteoglycans, and those bearing heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans such as perlecan and agrin usually predominate. Most mammalian basement membranes also contain...Full Text Available
Since several years we apply the radiation-grafting technique to prepare polymeric membranes for application in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Our investigations presented here focus on changes in toughness of these materials after the various synthesis steps and the importance of membrane toughness for their application in PEFCs. (author) 2 figs., 4 refs.
This document provides stakeholder evaluations on innovative technologies to be used in the remediation of volatile organic compounds from soils and ground water. The technologies evaluated are; in-well vapor stripping, in-situ bioremediation, and gas membrane separation.
Water transport in the ionomeric membrane, typically Nafion{reg_sign}, has profound influence on the performance of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, in terms of internal resistance and overall water balance. In this work, high resolution neutron imaging of the Nafion{reg_sign} membrane is presented in order to measure water content and through-plane gradients in situ under disparate temperature and humidification conditions.
In this paper, multilayer oxide nanorods were deposited in the nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) via solution infiltration followed by heat treatment. The nanorods have a core-shell structure. First, the shell (nanotube) with the thickness of about 40nm was made of TiO"2 through the hydrolysis of (NH"4)"2TiF"6. Second, silver nanoparticles with the diameter of about 3nm were added into the TiO"2 layer through thermal decomposition of AgNO"3 at elevated temperatures. Then, cylindrical cores (nanorods) of CoO and ZnO with 200nm diameter were prepared, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the structure and composition of the nanorods. UV-vis light absorption measurements in the wavelength range from 350 to...
Abstract in english Structural characterisations using the SAXS technique in a number of nanoheterogeneous materials and liquid solutions are reviewed. The studied systems are protein (lysozyme)/water solutions, colloidal ZnO particles/water sols, nanoporous NiO-based xerogels, hybrid organic-inorganic siloxane-PEG and PPG nanocomposites and PbTe semiconductor nanocrystals embedded in a glass matrix. These investigations also focus on the transformations of time-varying structures and on str (more) uctural changes related to variations in temperature and composition. The reviewed investigations aim at explaining the unusual and often interesting properties of nanostructured materials and solutions. Most of the reported studies were carried out using the SAXS beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Campinas, Brazil.
A procedure is described for the isolation and determination of {sup 90}Sr, {sup 226}Ra, {sup 228}Ra and {sup 210}Pb in food. These nuclides are highly radiotoxic, above all for babies and children. Samples are dry ashed, alkali metals are removed as carbonates. Separation from other matrix ions and separation of Ra, Sr and Pb can be achieved with a column of Sr-Spec, an immobilized crown ether. For activity measurements membrane filters with SrSO{sub 4}, Ba(Ra)SO{sub 4} and PbS are prepared. Ra is determined by gamma-spectrometry, {sup 90}Sr and {sup 210}Pb are determined by low-level-betacounting. The determination limits are 10 mBq/kg for {sup 90}Sr and {sup 210}Pb and 50 mBq/kg for {sup 226}Ra and {sup 228}Ra. The procedure is useful for all kinds of foodstuff. (orig.) [Deutsch] Es wird ein Analysengang zur Abtrennung und Bestimmung von {sup 90}Sr, {sup 226}Ra, {sup 228}Ra und {sup 210}Pb in Lebensmitteln beschrieben. Ein Merkmal dieser ...
In this paper the simulation of hybrid processes containing membrane units will be discussed. For this purpose a user-defined module for simulation and design of membrane processes was implemented into the simulation program AspenPlus. The advantages can be summarized as follows: - any combination of membrane processes with all other units already implemented in AspenPlus is possible, including internal recycle streams, - utilization of the physical property models and data bases of AspenPlus is possible, - cost and sensitivity analysis can be performed. These benefits are demonstrated in detail for a membrane vapor recovery unit for the treatment of tank farm off-gas, for a two-stage reverse osmosis plant for organic/-organic separations and for a combination of distillation and pervaporation for the separation of a dimethylcarbonate/methanol mixture. (orig.)
To investigate the variation in the fine structure of polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) membranes prepared via two different interfacial polymerization conditions (IP-I and IP-II), experiments on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), water contact angle, and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) coupled to a slow positron beam were conducted. Polyamide TFC membranes were prepared via the interfacial polymerization reaction between triethylenetetramine (TETA) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on the surface of a modified polyacrylonitrile (mPAN) membrane. Compared with the polyamide TFC membrane prepared via IP-I, the polyamide layer prepared via IP-II showed a shorter S plateau length (thinner thickness), a higher o-Ps intensity I3 value (higher free-volume con...
The development of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) mineral scale in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane desalting was investigated by direct real-time observation of crystal growth. Gypsum scaling studies were conducted in a specially modified plate-and-frame reverse osmosis cell fitted with an optical window, with dark-field membrane lighting arrangement within the membrane cell to enhance crystal boundaries and allow recording of digital surface images magnified through an optical microscope. The evolution of the surface number density (SND) of gypsum crystals resembled a sigmoidal population growth process with an increasing rate of crystal formation at higher solution supersaturation (with respect to gypsum) at the membrane surface. The rate of formation of new crystals declined as the su...
Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH{sub 4}UO{sub 2}PO{sub 4}.3H{sub 2}O self supported membranes have been determined by impedance spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).
An electrochemistry model was developed to analyse the J-V characteristics of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer for hydrogen production. The Butler-Volmer equation and water transport characteristics through electrolyte membrane were employed to simulate the electrode activation over-potential and membrane ohmic over-potential, respectively. The modeling results are found to agree reasonably well with experimental data published in the literature. The parametric simulations show that the ohmic over-potential is relatively small with typical water content in the membrane. Compared with the cathode over-potential, the anode over-potential is more significant and constitutes the major source of voltage loss. The high anode over-potential is due to the relatively slow oxidation kinetics, which is related to anode material property and microstructure. This model can be integrated with a ...
Since artificial organs are intended to replicate chemical processes, knowledge of chemical engineering is essential in their design so that they will function with the maximum efficiency. The most commonly used artificial organ is the artificial kidney, a machine that performs a treatment known as hemodialysis. This process cleanses the bodies of renal failure patients by dialysis and filtration which are simple physiochemical processes. Hemodialysis membranes act to remove accumulated uremia toxins, excess ions and water from the patient via the dialysate, and to supply from the dialysate those ions that are insufficient. This paper describes dialysis membranes and dialyzers for blood purification, the solute transport mechanism of the membrane, and a technical evaluation of the dialysis membrane. Lastly, the next generation of artificial kidney is reviewed. 71 refs., 12 figs., 7 tabs.
This proceedings volume is organized into seven sections that reflect the materials systems and issues of electrochemical materials R and D in batteries, fuel cells, and capacitors. The first three parts are largely devoted to lithium ion rechargeable battery materials since that electrochemical system has received much of the attention from the scientific community. Part 1 discusses cathodes for lithium ion rechargeable batteries as well as various other battery systems. Part 2 deals with electrolytes and cell stability, and Part 3 discusses anode developments, focusing on carbon and metal oxides. Part 4 focuses on another rechargeable system that has received substantial interest, nickel/metal hydride battery materials. The next two parts discuss fuel cells--Part 5 deals with Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, and Part 6 discusses oxide materials for solid oxide fuel cells. The former has the benefit of operating around room ...
Previous studies have documented dissimilatory growth of bacteria on solid Mn{sup 4+} oxide, but Mn{sup 3+} oxides have not been previously studied; here the authors have demonstrated for the first time the bacterial reduction of manganite. Strain MR-4 of Shewanella putrefaciens was able to grow on and rapidly reduce insoluble needle-shaped crystals of synthetic manganite (MnOOH), converting them to soluble Mn{sup 2+} in the process. The rate of Mn{sup 3+} reduction was optimal at pH of 7.0 and 26 C consistent with an enzymatic reaction. In addition the rates of reduction were in proportion to the amount of manganite added, but nearly independent of the cell concentration present (e.g., cell number had only a small effect on the rate of Mn{sup 3+} reduction at early stages of growth) suggesting that surface properties were dictating the rates of metal reduction. This thesis was supported by major differences in reduction rates when Mn oxides of different surface areas were studied. ...
Several thin film composite nanofiltration membranes have been prepared by spin coating a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) solution on a polyethersulfone support, followed by thermal treatment. The most optimal developed nanofiltration membrane shows a clean water permeance of ~4.5Lm^-^2h^-^1bar^-^1 and a molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of ~500gmol^-^1. No irreversible changes in membrane performance have been observed after prolonged exposure (up to several weeks) of this membrane to solutions with a pH in the range 0-14. Compared to Desal-5-DK, the developed membrane displays a similar water permeance and a higher NaCl retention. In comparison to commercially available pH stable membranes, MPF-34 and NP030P, it reveals a higher water permeance. Permeance and MWCO analysis at varying p...
Current bioartificial extra-corporeal systems are bioreactors where cells are separated from the surrounding media by porous polymeric membranes. The present work focuses on the design of membranes that allow the differential diffusion of plasma metabolites and proteins such as immunoglobulin (IgG). This design will improve catabolites removal and reduce possible immune response and virus infection. We demonstrate the feasibility to synthesize the hydrogels confined to the macroporous structure of membranes by radiation-induced in situ polymerization. The hollow-fiber membranes were soaked in aqueous monomeric solution, rinsed and irradiated while submerged in oil. This procedure confined the hydrogel to the void internal volume of the pores of the membrane. Hydrogels of polyacrylamide and polyHEMA were synthesized this way by irradiation at 10 kGy. Hydraulic permeability and ...
The in situ assembly states of the glucose transport carrier protein in the plasma membrane and in the intracellular (microsomal) storage pool of rat adipocytes were assessed by studying radiation-induced inactivation of the D-glucose-sensitive cytochalasin B binding activities. High energy radiation inactivated the glucose-sensitive cytochalasin B binding of each of these membrane preparations by reducing the total number of the binding sites without affecting the dissociation constant. The reduction in total number of binding sites was analyzed as a function of radiation dose based on target theory, from which a radiation-sensitive mass (target size) was calculated. When the plasma membranes of insulin-treated adipocytes were used, a target size of approximately 58,000 daltons was obtained. For adipocyte microsomal membranes, we obtained target sizes of approximately 112,000 and 109,000 daltons prior ...
Two methods were used to label pig kidney microvillar membrane proteins from the luminal and cytoplasmic surfaces of closed membrane vesicles. The first method was lactoperoxidase-catalysed radioiodination. Lactoperoxidase and glucose oxidase were positioned inside or outside the vesicles, iodination being initiated by adding glucose and "1"2"5I. After electrophoresis of the proteins, asymmetric labelling patterns on radioautographs were observed. However the major disadvantage of this method was the high degree of intramembrane labelling of the fatty acid chains of membrane lipids. The second method overcame this disadvantage. A new hydophilic photoreagent, 3,5-di("1"2"5I)iodo-4-azidobenzenesulphonate, was transported by a Na"+-dependent system into microvillar vesicles, thus permitting labelling from either side of the membrane when the vesicles were photolysed. The activity of several microvillar ...
A series of cation exchange membranes was produced by impregnating and coating both sides of a quartz web with a Nafion solution (1100 EW, 10%wt in water). Inert filler particles (SiO_2, ZrO_2 or TiO_2; 5-20%wt) were incorporated into the aqueous Nafion solution to produce robust, composite membranes. Ion-exchange capacity/equivalent weight, water take-up, thickness change on hydration and ionic and electrical conductivity were measured in 1 mol dm"-"3 sulfuric acid at 298 K. The TiO_2 filler significantly impacted on these properties, producing higher water take-up and increased conductivity. Such membranes may be beneficial for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell operation at low humidification. The PEM fuel cell performance of the composite membranes containing SiO_2 fillers was examined in a Ballard Mark 5E unit cell. While the use of composite ...
The purpose of this DOE-funded effort is to develop continuous processes for solvent extraction of coal for the production of carbon products. These carbon products include materials used in metals smelting, especially in the aluminum and steel industries, as well as porous carbon structural material referred to as ''carbon foam'' and carbon fibers. During this reporting period, efforts have focused on the facility modifications for continuous hydrotreating, as well as developing improved protocols for producing synthetic pitches.
The carbon cycle is an important part of major biogeochemical cycles. Many techniques may be used to characterize carbon amounts and sources in the environment. Here we first review the most popular techniques for the determination of organic and inorganic carbon concentrations. Decarbonatation techniques are also reviewed in details since it is often an important part of organic carbon analysis. The second part of this paper addresses the use of carbon stable isotopes to characterize organic carbon sources and processes in the environment. An overview of general stable isotopes background and terminology is given as well as the most popular analytical techniques.
Water transport in conifers occurs through single-celled tracheids that are connected to one another via intertracheid pit membranes. These membranes have two components: the porous margo, which allows water to pass through the membrane, and the impermeable torus, which functions to isolate gas-filled tracheids. During drought, tracheids can become air filled and thus hydraulically dysfunctional, a result of air entering through the pit membrane and nucleating cavitation in the water column. What are the hydraulic tradeoffs associated with cavitation resistance at the pit level, and how do they vary within the structural components of the intertracheid pit? To address these questions, we examined pit structure in 15 species of Cupressaceae exhibiting a broad range of cavitation resistances. Across species, cavitation resistance was most closely correlated to the ratio of the torus to pit aperture ...
The PERMCAT process chosen for the final clean-up stage of the Tokamak Exhaust Processing system of the ITER tritium plant combines in a single component a catalytic reactor and a permeator using Pd/Ag membranes. This study covers the mechanical behaviour of a Pd/Ag membrane under different operating conditions. The consequences of hydrogen uptake by the membrane during nominal operation but also during off-normal events are presented. Depending on the operating conditions, expansions around 2% and significant deformations are observed. Different mechanical designs of PERMCAT reactors are then discussed. The first generation comprises finger-type membranes and two new mechanical designs use either additional edge welded bellows or a special corrugated Pd/Ag membrane. These upgraded designs improve the robustness and simplify the geometry of the component. The experimental validation ...
The PERMCAT process chosen for the final clean-up stage of the Tokamak Exhaust Processing system of the ITER tritium plant combines in a single component a catalytic reactor and a permeator using Pd/Ag membranes. This study covers the mechanical behaviour of a Pd/Ag membrane under different operating conditions. The consequences of hydrogen uptake by the membrane during nominal operation but also during off-normal events are presented. Depending on the operating conditions, expansions around 2% and significant deformations are observed. Different mechanical designs of PERMCAT reactors are then discussed. The first generation comprises finger-type membranes and two new mechanical designs use either additional edge welded bellows or a special corrugated Pd/Ag membrane. These upgraded designs improve the robustness and simplify the geometry of the component. The experimental validation ...
This project will determine whether electrolytic dialysis has promise in the separation of charged particles in an aqueous solution. The ability to selectively move ions from one aqueous solution to another through a semipermeable membrane will be studied as a function of emf, amperage, and particle electrical charge. The ions selected for the study are Cl{sup -} and SO{sub 4}{sup 2-}. These ions are of particular interest because of their electrical conduction properties in aqueous solution resulting with their association with the corrosive action of metals. The studies will be performed with commercial membranes on solutions prepared in the laboratory from reagent salts. pH adjustments will be made with dilute reagent acid and base. Specific objectives of the project include testing a selected membrane currently available for electrolytic dialysis, membrane resistance to extreme pH conditions, the ...
An evaporator using a hydrophobic membrane made from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was developed to improve DF (Decontamination Factor) and to reduce evaporator size. The membrane distillation, provided by the evaporator, is a new technique for liquid purification. Fundamental experiments were carried out to develop the membrane filter (tube type, outer diameter, 8 mm; membrane thickness, 500 {mu}m) for radioactive liquid treatment. The continuous operation test using actual liquid waste was also made during about 3,000 h. (This is almost equal to the operation time of an actual evaporator per year.) The evaporation rate decreased with increase an operation time due to contamination of waste impurity. But the rate was recovered by washing the membrane with hot water and then drying it. DF was over 10{sup 4} which is ten times larger than that for a conventional system. A pilot ...
This project is concerned with the structure and function of the unique antenna system found in the green photosynthetic bacteria. The antenna system in these organisms is contained within a vesicle known as a chlorosome, which is attached to the cytoplasmic side of the cell membrane. Additional antenna pigments and reaction centers are contained in integral membrane proteins. Energy absorbed by the bacteriochlorophyll c (BChl c) pigments in the chlorosome is transferred via a ``baseplate`` array of BChl a antenna pigments into the membrane and to the reaction center. This system is similar in some respects to the phycobilisome antenna system found in cyanobacteria and some types of algae, in that a membrane-associated structure absorbs light and transfers it to the membrane where conversion to chemical energy takes place. However, the overall structure, the type of pigments ...
We study the static potential of open bosonic membranes in the 1/d approximation, where d is the space-time dimensionality. For a fixed square boundary of side length R we find, in contrast to the string potential, no critical distance below which tachyons appear. Instead, we find a correction factor to the classical potential, V/sub cl/=kR/sup 2/, which for small distances shifts the perturbative ground state energy by a positive constant. We interpret the shift as the mass gap of this quantum membrane.
The analgesic, dipyrone (1,phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-pyrazolone-4-methylamino methane sulphonate sodium), at 20 mM concentration, inhibited the rejoining of single-strand scissions in DNA of Escherichia coli B/r cells induced by 20 krad gamma-radiation. The chemical altered the cell membrane structure as evidenced from the uptake of acriflavin, the efflux of potassium ions from the bacterial cells and the inhibition of alkaline phosphatase-a cell membrane associated enzyme. (author). 18 refs., 6 figures.
The analgesic, dipyrone (1,phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-pyrazolone-4-methylamino methane sulphonate sodium), at 20 mM concentration, inhibited the rejoining of single-strand scissions in DNA of Escherichia coli B/r cells induced by 20 krad gamma-radiation. The chemical altered the cell membrane structure as evidenced from the uptake of acriflavin, the efflux of potassium ions from the bacterial cells and the inhibition of alkaline phosphatase-a cell membrane associated enzyme. (author).
Nitrate microelectrodes and ORP microelectrodes were fabricated to study the denitrification characteristics of dynamic membrane at different COD loadings. The denitrification process was found at 0.6-1 mm depth beneath the interface of biofilm/bulk. The results of ORP microelectrode also demonstrated that the ORP value in the range of denitrification area was between 88.6 approximately -128.4 mV which was appropriate to denitrification. When the COD loading was 0.45 kg/(m3 x d), the denitrification rate (NO3- -N) was the maximum of 0.6347 x 10(-6 mol/(L x s). With the increase of COD loading, the denitrification area was increasing and two layers with different denitrification rates emerged in the dynamic membrane. The phenomenon implied the effect of organic concentration, oxygen concentration and bacterial competition on the denitrification rate. PMID:17117632
A study was made of the uncoupling action of polychlorinated biphenyls (Kanechlor-400) on oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria. Kanechlor-400 (KC-400) at 20 ..mu..g/ml stimulated state 4 respiration of rat liver mitochondria more than 4-fold with ..cap alpha..-ketoglutarate/malate as a substrate, and released the oligomycin-inhibited state 3 respiration. KC-400 also dissipated the membrane potential across the mitochondrial membranes; thus, it acts as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria. KC-400 altered the permeability properties of mitochondrial membranes as evidenced by the release of endogenous K/sup +/ and the oxidation of exogenously supplied NADH. It is concluded that KC-400 produces a nonspecific increase in mitochondrial ion permeability, thereby dissipating membrane potential, which leads to the uncoupling.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is necessary to demonstrate presence or absence of pit membranes in possible perforations or the type of pit membrane remnants in perforations in vessel element end-walls of angiosperms, but it was unconfirmed and questionable whether pit membrane absence in pits was affected by the processing and handling before SEM observations. To solve this question, the secondary xylem of four woody species from primitive angiosperms, Illicium henryi Diels. (Illiciaceae), Schisandra rubriflora (Franch.) Rehd. et Wils. (Schisandraceae), Tetracentron sinensis Oliv. and Trochodendron aralioides Sieb. & Zucc. (Trochodendraceae) was chosen and the following techniques were used: (1) fresh materials were examined in low-vacuum with ESEM. (2) Air-dried materials were examin...
BackgroundWith the exception of vertebrates, most organisms have plasma membrane associated ammonium transporters which primarily serve to import a source of nitrogen for nutritional...Full Text Available
A novel thin-film composite polyamide nanofiltration membrane was prepared through interfacial polymerization of polymeric polyamine polyvinylamine (PVAm) with isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) on a polysulfone supporting film. The composite membranes were prepared under different conditions and characterized in terms of chemical and morphological structures, surface zeta potential, pure water permeability, and rejection to different solutes including electrolytes and sucrose. The results showed that the membrane performance was significantly affected by the content of amine units of PVAm and the concentrations of PVAm and IPC. The increase of the content of amine units of PVAm and the concentration of IPC resulted in an augment in salt rejection and a decrease in permeability, while the increas...
Decreased membrane rigidity is one of the characteristics of malignant cells, resulting in part from the desaturation of stearic acid into oleic acid. In this study we investigated the influence of...Full Text Available
A novel composite charged mosaic membrane (CCMM) was prepared via interfacial polymerization (IP) of polyamine [poly(epichlorohydrin amine)] and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on the polyethersulfone (PES) support. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle analysis were applied to characterize the resulted CCMM. The FT-IR spectrum indicates that TMC reacts sufficiently with polyamine. ESEM and AFM pictures show that the IP process produces a dense selective layer on the support membrane. The water contact angle of the CCMM is smaller than that of the substrate membrane because of the cross-linked hydrophilic polyamine network. Several factors affecting the IP reaction and the performan...
Abstract The electrochemical properties of a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane are estimated using a combination of molecular dynamics simulation and statistical thermodynamic model. We obtain all parameters in an ionic conductivity model from an atomistic simulation and remove all adjusted model parameters. From a microscopic point of view, the hydrated PFSA membrane shows micro-phase segregation which separated into hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases. Our present work originates with this phenomenon and we treat this phase segregation as if it is a continuous phase for each of which the proton (H+) is transported inside the PFSA membrane/solvent (water and alcohols) mixture. The chemical potential for a given system is estimated using a molecular simulation technique to predict the ...
A dense Pd-Ag membrane reactor (MR) with 100% hydrogen selectivity packed with either Rh/La2O3 or Rh/La2O3-SiO2 as catalysts was used to carry out the dry reforming of methane. The membrane reactor simulation was performed using a well-known reactor model. For this purpose, we employed the equations derived from complete kinetic studies of the dry reforming of methane reaction in connection with both catalysts. In addition, we developed the kinetic equation for the reverse water gas shift reaction (RWGS). The combination of detailed kinetic studies with the measured permeation flux for the Pd-Ag membrane allowed a complete comparison between experimental and simulated operation variables. The variables studied for both catalysts were methane conversion and hydrogen permeation as a function...
Diverse cell polarity networks require positive feedback for locally amplifying distributions of signalling molecules at the plasma membrane1. Additional...Full Text Available
Cellular actions of thyroid hormone may be initiated within the cell nucleus, at the plasma membrane, in cytoplasm, and at the mitochondrion. Thyroid hormone nuclear receptors (TRs) mediate the biological...Full Text Available
Certain allelochemicals of the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense cause lysis of a broad spectrum of target protist cells but the lytic mechanism is poorly defined. We first hypothesized that membrane sterols serve as molecular targets of these lytic compounds, and that differences in sterol composition among donor and target cells may cause insensitivity of Alexandrium and sensitivity of targets to lytic compounds. We investigated Ca^2^+ influx after application of lytic fractions to a model cell line PC12 derived from a pheochromocytoma of the rat adrenal medulla to establish how the lytic compounds affect ion flux associated with lysis of target membranes. The lytic compounds increased permeability of the cell membrane for Ca^2^+ ions even during blockade of Ca^2^+ channels wit...
The PERMCAT is a membrane reactor proposed for processing fusion reactor plasma exhaust gas: tritium removal is obtained by isotopic swamping operating in counter-current mode. In this work, a membrane reactor using a permeator tube of length about 500 mm produced via diffusion welding of Pd-Ag thin foils is described. An appropriate mechanical design of the membrane module has been developed in order to avoid any significant compressive and bending stresses on the very long and thin wall permeator tube: two expanded bellows have been applied to the Pd-Ag tube, so that it has been pre-tensioned before operating. The elongation of the metal permeator under hydrogenation has been theoretically estimated and experimentally verified for properly designing the membrane reactor.
Hydrophobic labelling is frequently used in the study of membrane-inserted domains of intrinsic proteins. However, the published procedures, fail to incorporate sufficient radioactivity into membrane immunoglobulins of B lymhocytes to permit investigation of their subunit structures and associations with other proteins. In order to increase the specific radioactivity of ["1"2"5I]iodonaphtylazide ["1"2"5I]INA), an improved method for the synthesis of the reagent was developed. In addition, the optimal conditions for labelling B lymhpocytes with ["1"2"5I]INA and commercially available reagent 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(3'-["1"2"5Iliodophenyl)diazirine (["1"2"5I]TID were isolated and analysed in detail by SDS-PAGE. The usefulness of the two reagents for the investigation of lipid-embedded domains of membrane proteins is discussed. (author). 28 refs.; 4 figs.
Hyaluronan is a multifunctional glycosaminoglycan that forms the structural basis of the pericellular matrix. Hyaluronan is extruded directly through the plasma membrane by one of three hyaluronan...Full Text Available
In the present study the authors have shown that glycoproteins are present in the plasma membrane of Acanthamoeba castellanii by utilizing different radioactive labeling techniques. Plasma membrane proteins in the amoeba were iodinated by "1"2"5I-lactoperoxidase labeling and the solubilized radiolabeled glycoproteins were separated by lectin-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The periodate/NaB"3H_4 and galactose oxidase/NaB"3H_4 labeling techniques were used for labeling of surface carbohydrates in the amoeba. Several surface-labeled glycoproteins were observed in addition to a diffusely labeled region with M_r of 55,000-75,000 seen on electrophoresis, which could represent glycolipids. The presence of glycoproteins in the plasma membrane of Acanthamoeba castellanii was confirmed by metabolic labeling with ["3"5S]methionine followed by lectin-Sepharose affinity chromatography ...
In this paper, the design of large thin PIN detector with a membrane stress avoidance configuration is proposed, and the related device fabrication process is developed. Ultra-thin PIN detector {approx} 1.13 cm{sup 2} in area is fabricated on a thin ( {approx} 35{mu}m) silicon membrane, and characterized. Detector performance improvement has been successfully demonstrated. With the membrane stress avoidance design, the improved detector exhibits a leakage of 6nA, which is at least 5 times lower than that of detector of identical junction area. The new detector features a full depleted capacitance of 110 pF, and a FWHM of 40.86 keV energy resolution for 5.486 MeV alpha particle spectrography.
Functional properties of commercial and membrane processed pea protein isolates (PPI) prepared from yellow peas were investigated. Four protein isolates were prepared from yellow pea flour using water and KCl extractions at 25^oC followed by ultrafiltration and diafiltration (UF and DF) at pHs of 7.5 and 7.5 or 6 respectively. Following assessment of compositional attributes; solubility, foaming, flow and dynamic rheology, emulsification ability and heat-induced textural and rheological properties of prepared PPIs and a commercially available PPI were tested and compared. Membrane purification of proteins resulted in 28% to 68% reduction in phytic acid and enhanced, comparatively, the tested functional properties. Solubility of membrane processed PPIs, at all tested pHs, was superior and t...
We identify new organelles associated with the vacuolar system in plant cells. These organelles are defined biochemically by their internal content of three integral membrane proteins: a chimeric reporter...Full Text Available
This paper evaluates the performance of asphalt membranes by examining the chemical and permeability changes experienced by the asphalt during aging tests. The aging process was accelerated by exposing the asphalt to elevated temperatures, high oxygen concentrations, and increased strengths of aqueous oxidizing agents. The synergistic effects of the variables are evaluated by using a fractional factorial experimental design. The installation costs for a catalytically airblown asphalt liner are roughly half that of the typical polymeric materials, and also less than the rubberized asphalt membrane. The results of the initial accelerated aging tests of the asphalt membranes indicate that this material will provide stable, long-term leachate isolation in a mill tailings environment.
AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are critical for synaptic plasticity, and are subject to alterations based on subunit composition and receptor trafficking to and from the plasma membrane. One of the...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes is a decisive event in apoptosis or necrosis culminating in cell death. One fundamental mechanism by which...Full Text Available
Symmetrical, extracellular fibrils, which are related to the "special fibrils" of the dermis described by Palade and Farquhar, have been found along the outer surface of the basement membrane covering...Full Text Available
Carbon supported catalysts can lose their activity over a period of time due to the sintering of the nanometer-sized catalyst particles. The sintering of metal clusters on carbon supports can occur due to the weak interaction between the metal and the support and also due to the corrosion of carbon, especially in fuel cell electrocatalysts. The sintering may be reduced by increasing the interaction between the metal and the support and also by increasing the corrosion resistance of carbon supports. In an effort to mitigate the growth of the nanoparticles, carbon-substituted boron defects were introduced in the carbon lattice. The interaction between the Pt nanoparticles on the pure and boron-doped carbon supports was examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that the interaction between the Pt nanoparticles ...
Mineral carbonation is based on the reaction of carbon dioxide with metal-oxide bearing minerals, usually containing magnesium or calcium silicate, to form hardly soluble carbonates and other solid byproducts. The concept is based on acceleration of the naturally occurring rock weathering process. In the present work the calcium silicate is present in the mineral, wollastonite. To accelerate the process and make it potentially useful for practical applications, mineral carbonation is conducted here using an indirect two-step route in which the reactive component (Ca^2^+ ions in considered case) is first extracted from the mineral matrix and afterwards carbonated. Two solid byproducts are formed in this process: silica in the extraction step and calcium carbonate in the carbonation step. In...
Carbon-14 was analysed by direct absorption of carbon dioxide on the mixture of organic amine compound and scintillation cocktail then counted by low level liquid scintillation counter. This method can be applied for radiocarbon dating. In this study, the effects of carbon dioxide absorption, and counting efficiency were investigated using various commercial available cocktail. It was found that permafluor V and Ready Gel showed the highest carbon dioxide absorption whereas the Permafluor V showed the highest counting efficiency
The principle for working out the time-temperature schedule of the carbonization was determined through the investigation on the carbonization process of the green body and the phenol formaldehyde resin. During the carbonization process, the crack at lower temperatures is due to strain inhomogeneity produced in press. But the crack at higher temperatures results from the improper increasing rate of temperature. The application of the autoclave-carbonization process can increase the mechanical properties of the spherical fuel elements.
Wetlands can potentially sequester vast amounts of carbon. However, over 50% of wetlands globally have been degraded or lost. Restoration of wetland systems may therefore result in increased sequestration of carbon. Preliminary results of our investigations into atmospheric carbon sequestration by restored coastal wetlands indicate that carbon can be sequestered in substantial quantities in the first 2-50 years after restoration of natural hydrology and sediment accretion processes.
This critical review with 28 references examines absorption and emission in the v2 band of the carbon dioxide molecule at around the 15micron wavelength. The argument for additional infrared absorption, the enhanced greenhouse effect due to increased carbon dioxide concentrations, and radiation transport and increased emissions are discussed. Experiments studying the transmission spectra of pure carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide in nitrogen, and comparing them with the results of climate modelling using the HITRAN and GEISA databases, are described.
The carbon-isotope ratio recently obtained for the carbon found in the Murchison meteorite, which has been shown (by the racemic nature of twelve component amino acids) to be free of terrestrial contamination,...Full Text Available
This patent describes a process for removing carbon dioxide from a feed stream of natural gas having at least methane, ethane and heavier. It comprises: first, separating the feed stream in a first separator to form a first stream having substantially all of the propane and heavier hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide and ethane and a second stream, having methane, carbon dioxide and ethane; separating the second stream in a second separator into a stream of carbon dioxide product and a third stream having ethane, methane and carbon dioxide: mixing at least a portion of the third stream with a polar compound; stream after the mixing in an absorber; separating the vapor and liquid of the third stream after the mixing in an absorber; absorbing the remaining unabsorbed carbon dioxide in a lean portion of the polar compound in the absorber, the absorber ...
Carbon dioxide is a waste product of aerobic cellular respiration in all aerobic life forms. PaCO2 represents the balance between the carbon dioxide produced and that eliminated. Hypocapnia...Full Text Available
A method of making high strength coke briquettes suitable for use as blast furnace coke comprising, (A) providing coal, (B) heating the coal at a temperature at or above the softening point of the coal to form partially carbonized char, (C) cooling the partially carbonized char below the softening point of the coal, (D) mixing the cooled partially carbonized char and tar to form a mixture of tar and partially carbonized char, (E) briquetting the mixture of tar and partially carbonized char to form briquettes of tar and partially carbonized char, (F) calcinating the briquettes to form high strength briquettes.
The compressive and torsional buckling behavior of carbon nanotube bundles at room temperature is examined with classical molecular dynamics simulation. The critical compressive load and stiffness of a single carbon nanotube in the bundle are found to be similar to those of individual carbon nanotubes. However, the critical torsional moment and stiffness of a single carbon nanotube in the bundle are found to be higher than those of individual carbon nanotubes. In addition, this study demonstrates that van der Waals interactions between the nanotubes in the bundle significantly affect the critical compressive load of the nanotube bundle.
Enthalpy relaxation properties of the ethylene glycol (EG) aqueous solutions confined within silica-gel void spaces of 1.1 nm in the average void thickness and 6, 12 and 52 nm in their average diameters were examined by an adiabatic calorimetry to understand the glass transition behavior of the solutions and the rearrangement processes of the molecules. The glass transition temperature Tg of EG was found to decrease with adding the water molecules which are mobile under the condition lacking in the full hydrogen-bond network. Meanwhile, the Tg in the water-rich region showed a rise towards pure water; after a phase separation in a 25 mol% (x = 0.25) EG solution, the Tg was 160 K which was higher than that derived by extrapolating the composition dependence to pure water. The Tg = 160 K is the same as observed in the pure water confined within 1.1 nm voids; this indicates the validity of the interpretation that the glass transition at 160 K of the confined water originates from the ...
Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been a very powerful tool to study nanoscale (1-100 nm) bulk structures in various materials such as polymer, self assembled materials, nano-porous materials, nano-magnetic materials, metal and ceramics. Understanding the importance of the SANS instrument, the 8m SANS instrument was installed at the CN beam port of HANARO in 2001. However, without having a cold neutron source, the beam intensity is fairly low and the Q-range is rather limited due to short instrument length. In July 1, 2003, therefore, the HANARO cold neutron research facility project was launched and a state of the art 40m SANS instrument was selected as top-priority instrument. The development of the 40m SANS instrument was completed as a joint project between Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and the HANARO in 2010. Here, we report the specification of a state of art 40m SANS instrument at HANARO
Although silicosis has been studied extensively, the mechanism is still not fully understood. Experiments do provide evidence that the actions of unique properties of silica surface on the cell membrane are the starting point of silicotic processes. This paper summarizes literature on chemical properties of silica surface, and the effect of particle size on silica toxicity. This paper also discusses the ways in which silica dusts are though to interact with the cell membrane, with emphasis on freshness, hydrogen bonding, and free-radical interactions.
Biological motors generally fall into two categories: (1) those that convert chemical into mechanical energy via hydrolysis of a nucleoside triphosphate, usually adenosine triphosphate, regarded as life's chemical currency of energy and (2) membrane bound motors driven directly by an ion gradient and/or membrane potential. Here we argue that electrostatic interactions play a vital role for both types of motors and, therefore, the tools of physics can greatly contribute to understanding biological motors.
Two different reverse osmosis systems were investigated. The first was a 50-element plant-scale system that is used to treat 2200 m"3 of AECL liquid radwastes annually.It uses thin-film composite (TFC) membranes and operates at an applied pressure of 2760 kPa, with a fixed crossflow of about 40 L/min. The other system uses the same thin-film composite membranes for waste processing but is a two-element pilot-scale system. It is operated at pressures m ranging between 1500 and 7000 kPa, at a fixed crossflow of 55 L/min. The average lifetime of the thin-film composite membranes in the plant-scale processing application at AECL is about 3000 h. After this service life has expired the rejection efficiency declines rapidly from 99.5% to about 95% as the membranes become impaired from chemical cleaning procedures that are required after each 100 m"3 of waste is treated. The permeation flux for the plant-scale ...
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to compare Brucella melitensis major outer membrane proteins (MOMP) and whole-cell heat-killed antigens (HK) in measuring antibrucella immunoglobulin G...Full Text Available
During apoptosis, the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins BAK and BAX form large oligomeric pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Apoptotic factors, including cytochrome c, are...Full Text Available
The serpin ZPI is a protein Z (PZ)-dependent specific inhibitor of membrane-associated factor Xa (fXa) despite having an unfavorable P1 Tyr. PZ accelerates the inhibition reaction ∼2000-fold...Full Text Available
This report presents a brief description of the fabrication and advantages of a composite, carbon-metal fiber material which does not require lubrication.
We prepared cathodes with various types of activated carbon and measured the cathodes' electrochemical performance according to the kind of activated carbon. Activated carbon supplies airflow channels and reaction sites in the cathode of zinc air batteries. When we use activated carbon with a high specific surface area as the cathode's catalyst substrate, we expect high electrochemical performance because this type of carbon provides more air flow channels and reaction sites. We focused on investigating the relationship between the cathode's pore structure and its electrochemical characterizations. We also studied the effects of the various activated carbon materials on the zinc air batteries' performance. Increasing the macropores or mesopores in the activated carbon resulted in achieving more power from ...
... rate on the tensile properties of SA-106 carbon steel pipe, in support of analysis and experimental modeling of postulated pipe whip in nuclear ...
... The fuel proposed was a medium-thermal carbon black-liquid JP-i1 mixture. JP-iO or exo-tetrahydrodi (cyclopentadieue) is a pure hydrocarbon with ...
Background:To determine nutrient requirements by the carbon oxidation techniques, it is necessary to know the fraction of carbon dioxide produced during the oxidative...Full Text Available
Ab initio planewave pseudopotential method is used to study carbon diffusion and pairing in crystalline silicon. The calculation is performed with a 40 Ry planewave cutoff and 2x2x2 special k-point sampling with a supercell of 64 atoms. It is found that substitutional carbon attracts interstitial Si forming a <001> C interstitial with a large binding energy of 1.45 eV. The interstitial carbon is mobile and can migrate with a migration energy of 0.5 eV. The interstitial carbon can bind further to another substitutional carbon forming a substitutional carbon-interstitutional carbon pair with a binding energy of 1.0 eV. This model is used to understand the effect of high C concentration on the transient enhanced diffusion in Si.
The goal of the present study is to elucidate the effect of lipid domain formation on activities of Naja naja atra and Bungarus multicinctus phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes. Sphingomyelin inhibited enzymatic activity and membrane-damaging activity of PLA(2) against egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC), while cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate abrogated the inhibitory effect of sphingomyelin. The ability of cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate to abolish the inhibitory effect of sphingomyelin was closely related to their capacity to induce domain formation in EYPC/sphingomyelin vesicles. Laurdan fluorescence measurement revealed that membrane packing of EYPC/sphingomyelin vesicles was differently affected by cholesterol and cholesterol sulfate. Unlike cholesterol, cholesterol sulfate was unable to promote domain formation in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicles. Cholesterol increased but cholesterol sulfate reduced PLA(2) activity ...
This study examined the oxygen permeation behavior of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-d (Gadolinium-Doped Ceria, GDC)/Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-d (BSCF) composite membranes fabricated using a conventional sintering technique. GDC/BSCF composite membranes with a relative density >95% could be obtained when a green compact of BSCF and GDC was sintered at 1150^oC for 5h. It appears that GDC serves as a grain growth inhibitor because the average grain size of the composite decreased with increasing GDC content. The oxygen permeability of the BSCF and GDC/BSCF composite membranes strongly depends on the grain size and membrane thickness. The addition of GDC to BSCF resulted in a small grain size, low thermal expansion coefficient and high hardness. However, it is believed that oxygen permeation was blocked by GDC, a...
A new organic-inorganic hybrid membrane has been prepared with exceptional performance in dewatering applications. The only precursor used in the sol-gel synthesis of the selective layer was organically linked 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE). The microporous structure of this layer enables selective molecular sieving of small molecules from larger ones. In the dehydration of n-butanol with 5% of water, the membrane shows a high separation factor of over 4000 and ultra-fast water transport at a rate of more than 20 kg m{sup -2} h{sup -1} at 150C. This can be related to the high adsorption capacity of the material and the sub-micron thickness of the selective layer. The selectivity has now remained constant over almost one and a half years under continuous process testing conditions. Apart from the hydrothermal stability, the membrane exhibits a high tolerance for acid contamination. A slow performance decline in flux ...
The soluble pool of alpha hemoglobin chains present in blood or bone marrow cells was measured with a new affinity method using a specific probe, beta A hemoglobin chain labeled with ["3H]N-ethylmaleimide. This pool of soluble alpha chains was 0.067 #+-# 0.017% of hemoglobin in blood of normal adult, 0.11 #+-# 0.03% in heterozygous beta thalassemia and ranged from 0.26 to 1.30% in homozygous beta thalassemia intermedia. This elevated pool of soluble alpha chains observed in human beta thalassemia intermedia decreased 33-fold from a value of 10% of total hemoglobin in bone marrow cells to 0.3% in the most dense red blood cells. The amount of insoluble alpha chains was measured by using the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in urea and Triton X-100. In beta thalassemia intermedia the amount of insoluble alpha chains was correlated with the decreased spectrin content of red cell membrane and was associated with a decrease in ankyrin and with other abnormalities of ...
A process is described for removing carbon dioxide from a feed stream of natural gas, having at least methane, ethane and heavier hydrocarbon, comprising: separating the feed stream in a first separator to form a first stream, having substantially all of the propane and heavier hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide and ethane, and a second stream, having methane, carbon dioxide and ethane; mixing the second stream with a polar compound to form a third stream; separating the vapor and liquid of the third stream in the bottom portion of an absorber; absorbing carbon dioxide and ethane from the separated vapor of Step C in a lean portion of the polar compound in the absorber, the absorber carbon dioxide and ethane forming a fourth stream; separating the ethane from the polar compound and carbon dioxide in a separator; separating the first stream in a third separator to ...
Carbon Black and activated carbon materials providing high surface areas and a distinct pore distribution are prime materials for supercapacitor applications at frequencies < 0.5 Hz. A number of these materials were tested for their specific capacitance, surface and pore size distribution. High capacitance electrodes were manufactured on the laboratory scale with attention to ease of processability. (author) 1 fig., 1 ref.
Layered carbon fiber mats have been prepared by layer-by-layer (LBL) electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile onto thin natural cellulose paper and subsequent carbonization. The layered carbon fiber mat has been proved to be a promising microbial fuel cell anode for high density layered biofilm propagation and high bioelectrocatalytic anodic current density.
The carbon content of silicon single crystals and polycrystals has been measured by charged particle activation analysis (CPAA) and infrared absorption. The authors obtained a linear relationship between the absorption coefficient at 605 cm/sup -1/ and the carbon content obtained by CPAA. They obtained a conversion factor of (1.00 +- 0.03) 10/sup 17//cm/sup 2/ for a 100% substitutional carbon.
The metabolism of organic matter in the coastal regions of the ocean may significantly affect the oceanic carbon budget. This paper describes the high percentage (30%) of oceanic oxidation that occurs in coastal areas and the impact of this metabolism on the carbon cycle and climate of earth. Organic metabolism in the ocean appears to be a source of carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. Oxidation in the coastal zone is of special interest, as it is likely influenced by anthropogenic activity. Recommendations for future research on this topic are proposed. 129 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.
We have successfully incorporated high surface area particles of titanate ion exchange materials (monosodium titanate and crystalline silicotitanate) with acceptable particle size distribution into porous and inert support membrane fibrils consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon(reg_sign)), polyethylene and cellulose materials. The resulting membrane sheets, under laboratory conditions, were used to evaluate the removal of surrogate radioactive materials for cesium-137 and strontium-90 from high caustic nuclear waste simulants. These membrane supports met the nominal requirement for nonchemical interaction with the embedded ion exchange materials and were porous enough to allow sufficient liquid flow. Some of this 47-mm size stamped out prototype titanium impregnated ion exchange membrane discs was found to remove more than 96% of dissolved cesium-133 and strontium-88 from a caustic nuclear waste ...
The effect of sodium on the partial oxidation of methane over MoO{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2} in the presence of molecular oxygen has been investigated. As in the sodium-free case, the major products are formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. Kinetic analysis indicates that methane is directly oxidized to formaldehyde and carbon dioxide. Formaldehyde is oxidized to carbon monoxide, which is itself further oxidized, providing an alternative route to carbon dioxide. The kinetic model shows that sodium poisons the direct oxidation of methane to formaldehyde and carbon dioxide, but promotes the oxidation of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Model predictions of rates and selectivities are in good agreement with the experimental data. A mechanism that explains both the poisoning and promotion effects of sodium on MoO{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2} is ...
In order to apply chemical-looping combustion to a practical power plant, carbon deposition on the solid particle is one of the key problems to be overcome. Six kinds of solid particles were examined to clarify the kinetic behavior of carbon deposition. The effects of the solid composition, feed gas composition, and reaction temperature on carbon deposition were investigated by thermogravimetrical reactor on the basis of NiO/YSZ particle. From the viewpoints of both reactivity and resistance against carbon deposition, the particle of NiO mixed with YSZ (i.e., yttria-stabilized zirconia) was found to be a good candidate for chemical-looping combustion. It has been observed that carbon deposition could be completely avoided with very low concentration of water vapor. By means of a proposed model, the condition that carbon deposition would be avoided was ...
In this work, a comprehensive model has been developed for the absorption of carbon dioxide into promoted hot potassium carbonate solution. The model, which is based on penetration theory, incorporates an extensive set of important reactions and takes into account the coupling between mass transfer and chemical kinetics. The penetration theory provides an appropriate absorption rate and enhancement factor for the chemical absorption. Operating data for carbon dioxide absorption into DEA-hot potassium carbonate solution has been compared with model predictions. The impact of parameters such inlet temperature of lean solution, promoter concentration, liquid split fraction, hot feed location and type of promoter on the performance of a split-flow absorber have been examined. The use of other promoters is an efficient way to enhance the carbon dioxide absorption, which has been ...
Air flow rates and carbon dioxide concentrations of air entering and exiting eight H-Area waste tanks were monitored for a period of one year. The average instanteous concentration of carbon dioxide in air is within the range reported offsite, and therefore is not affect by operation of the coal-fired power plant adjacent to the tank farm. Waste solutions in each of the tanks were observed to be continuously absorbing carbon dioxide. The rate of absorption of carbon dioxide decreased linearly with the pH of the solution. Personnel exposure associated with the routine sampling and analysis of radioactive wastes stored at SRP to determine the levels of corrosion inhibitors in solution could be reduced by monitoring the absorption of carbon dioxide and using the relationship between pH and carbon dioxide absorption to determine the free hydroxide concentration in ...
This paper describes the estimated the rate of carbon accumulation in the woody biomass and total carbon storage in the forests including trees, soil and litter in Korea. The relevant data come from the Statistical Yearbook of Forestry and major results of the studies on forest biomass in Korea. Most of the forests, which has been denuded or degraded during the 2nd World War and the Korean War, were recovered through ``Reforestation Project(1973-1987)`` and natural regeneration. So, now they are mostly young secondary forests and grow rapidly. Total carbon removal by forests is estimated at 8.1 million tonnes of carbon(MtC) and the carbon emission by commercial harvesting at 0.9 MtC. therefore, the forests in Korea play an essential role as a net carbon sink. The annul net carbon removal is 7.2 MtC and accounts for about 11.0% of total ...
Eugenol, the principal chemical component of clove oil from Eugenia aromatica has been long known for its analgesic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. The interaction of the eugenol with ten different hydrophobic and hydrophilic antibiotics was studied against five different Gram negative bacteria. The MIC of the combination was found to decrease by a factor of 5-1000 with respect to their individual MIC. This synergy is because of the membrane damaging nature of eugenol, where 1mM of its concentration is able to damage nearly 50% of the bacterial membrane. Eugenol was also able to enhance the activities of lysozyme, Triton X-100 and SDS in damaging the bacterial cell membrane. The hydrophilic antibiotics such as vancomycin and b-lactam antibiotics which have ...
A major goal in optomechanics is to observe and control quantum behavior in a system consisting of a mechanical resonator coupled to an optical cavity. Work towards this goal has focused on increasing the strength of the coupling between the mechanical and optical degrees of freedom; however, the form of this coupling is crucial in determining which phenomena can be observed in such a system. Here we demonstrate that avoided crossings in the spectrum of an optical cavity containing a flexible dielectric membrane allow us to realize several different forms of the optomechanical coupling. These include cavity detunings that are (to lowest order) linear, quadratic, or quartic in the membrane's displacement, and a cavity finesse that is linear in (or independent of) the membrane's displacement. All these couplings are realized in a single device with extremely low optical loss and can be tuned over a wide range in situ; in ...
Mechanistic studies on a charged ultrafiltration (UF) membrane fouled with natural organic matter (NOM) and colloidal particles are systematically investigated to understand the relative role of each NOM fraction and the presence of colloidal particulate to membrane fouling. Humic acid (HA), dextran, and kaolin were employed as surrogate model foulants representing the organic hydrophobic acid NOM, hydrophilic neutral NOM, and inorganic colloidal materials, respectively. The results obtained showed that the organic NOM of hydrophilic surrogate (dextran) plays a primary role in promoting membrane fouling, followed by hydrophobic acids and inorganic kaolin, but to a lesser extent than organic NOM compounds. Significant differences in the extent of fouling between dextran and HA have been obs...
We present a synchrotron x-ray diffraction study of melting in stacks of two-dimensional crystalline arrays of the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin. Two distinct regimes have been found as a function of the intermembrane distance d . In the {open_quotes}coupled{close_quotes} regime for d{lt}250 {Angstrom} the temperature (T{sub m}) of the melting transition decreases with increasing d , demonstrating the effect of the repulsive membrane interactions on the intramembrane protein ordering. For d{gt}250 {Angstrom} a {open_quotes}decoupled{close_quotes} regime is found with higher T{sup *}{sub m} independent of d . Below T{sup *}{sub m} a solid-liquid-solid reentrant behavior is observed as d is increased. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Abstract Objectives- Cyclodextrins are useful solubilizing excipients that have gained currency in the formulator's armamentarium based on their ability to temporarily camouflage undesirable physicochemical properties. In this context cyclodextrins can increase oral bioavailability, stabilize compounds to chemical and enzymatic degradation and can affect permeability through biological membranes under certain circumstances. This latter property is examined herein as a function of the published literature as well as work completed in our laboratories. Key findings- Cyclodextrins can increase the uptake of drugs through biological barriers if the limiting barrier component is the unstirred water layer (UWL) that exists between the membrane and bulk water. This means that cyclodextrins are mo...
Nanowires, films, and membranes comprising ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieves, and methods of making, are disclosed. A single crystal ultra-long nanowire includes an ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieve, and has an average length greater than about 10 micrometers and an average diameter of about 5 nanometers to about 100 nanometers. A film comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is stacked on a surface of a substrate, wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned. A free standing membrane comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is aggregately stacked, and wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of collagen membrane and Bio-Oss coverage in healing of an onlay graft to the mandible. Twelve adult sheep each received an onlay bone graft (experiment 1), bone graft+Bio-Gide (experiment 2), and bone graft+Bio-Oss/Bio-Gide (experiment 3) on the lateral surface of the mandible. The animals were euthanized at 4, 8, 12 or 16 weeks after surgery, and findings were analysed by routine microscopy and immunohistochemistry for proliferation (Ki67) and apoptotic (Caspase-3) markers. Grafts were fully incorporated in all specimens. Pronounced resorption was observed in experiment 1. Minimal loss of graft volume was seen in experiment 2 specimens without membrane displacement. A remarkable increase in the augmented region of the mandible was obse...
Abstract A series of studies performed at our center demonstrates that gaseous microemboli (GME) remain a challenge in cardiac surgical procedures. Evaluation of novel oxygenators must address hemodynamic parameters and microemboli capture capability. The objective of this study is to compare two neonatal membrane oxygenators, the Quadrox i (MAQUET Cardiopulmonary AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) and the Capiox RX05 (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), with respect to GME capture and hemodynamic energy delivery. The experimental circuit included a Maquet HL 20 heart lung machine, a Heater Cooler Unit HCU 30 (MAQUET Cardiopulmonary AG), a membrane oxygenator (Quadrox i Neonatal or Capiox RX05), and inch tubing from the COBE Heart/Lung Perfusion Pack (COBE Cardiovascular, Inc., Arvada, CO, USA). A Ca...
Tests on a sample of trench water from the Maxey Flats burial ground effectively demonstrated the new Reverse Osmosis Pilot Plant. The effluent from the 50% salt-rejection membrane was decontaminated well enough with the exception of tritium to be discharged to the environment. The performance of the 97% salt-rejection membrane was superior to that of the 50% membrane. A breakthrough and capacity experiment was conducted with Durasil 10 on a simulated Three Mile Island solution. The maximum decontamination factor was extrapolated to be 10/sup 6/, which would reduce the cesium level of TMI water to below the discard limit. Capacity (1/DF = 0.5) was reached at 1260 column volumes. Several adsorbents were tested in the engineering columns for decontamination of cesium-bearing solutions. Under the conditions of the experiment, these adsorbents were ineffective in removing cesium from the solution.
Two perfluorosulfonic acid membranes, Nafion{sup R} 105 and Nafion{sup R} 115 with the same thickness but different equivalent weights (EW = 1000 g/eq. resp. 1100 g/eq.) were characterised by conductivity measurements at different water vapour activities in the temperature range of 25-70{sup o}C. The results demonstrate that a lower membrane equivalent weight opens the possibility to obtain the needed proton conductivity at lower water vapour activity. This is especially important for those fuel cell applications, in which the cell is operated without external humidification of the fuel gases. (author) 5 figs., 5 refs.
The growth of a middle ear cholesteatoma behind a normal tympanic membrane is a rate though possible event. In such cases, CT may provide useful information for diagnosis. The results are presented of a CT study carried out on 14 patients affected with unilateral conductive hearing loss and with normal tympanic membrane. CT allowed the diagnosis of meddle ear cholesteatoma to be made in all cases. All patients were treated with surgery: 8 of them underwent tympanoplasty and 6 explorative tympanotomy. While the diagnosis of cholesteatoma was confirmed in 13 patients, in 1 case tympanosclerosis was diagnosed. CT diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma is based on the demonstration of a low-density soft-tissue mass, in association with bone erosion or ossicular dislocation. The author emphasizes the difficulty of a CT diagnosis of cholesteatoma in the patients with middle ear soft-tissue masses in the absence of bone alterations.
Two lines of mouse tumor cells were shown to be capable of aggregating mouse and rabbit platelets in vitro. This process required higher Mg/sup 2 +/ concentrations than were needed by other commonly used platelet-aggregating agents. Platelet-aggregating activity was also found in tumor cell membrane fragments. This membrane-bound platelet-aggregating material contained protein, lipid, and carbohydrate moieties. The presence of all three appeared to be essential for stimulating platelet aggregation. Destruction of any component abolished its activity. Platelet aggregation induced by tumor cell membrane fragments was associated with a secretory release reaction. In this process, growth-promoting activity for tumor cells was also released from platelets. These results underline the importance of platelets in establishing tumor metastases.
Radon proof barriers are used for lowering of radon transport from the soil into the house and the determination of the radon diffusion coefficient is an important parameter to be determined in order to design the minimal thickness of the radon proof insulation. A method has been developed in our laboratory by using modified Lucas cells connected to a radon source and tightly closed onto the top by the tested membranes whose radon diffusion coefficients are being measured. Solving the time-dependent differential equation for radon diffusion in the membrane for well-defined experimental conditions the effective radon diffusion coefficient of the insulating material can be evaluated by comparing the radon concentration decrease in the cell for the first hours with the well-known radioactive decay. First results obtained in several preliminary tests carried out with a parafilm M barrier and two polyethylene membranes are shown ...
A high-voltage cathode initiates an electron emission, resulting in a reduction in the carbon dioxide concentration in exhaust gas from the burning of hydrocarbon fuel. Assuming that the observed carbon dioxide reduction is originated from the molecular decomposition, the energy needed for the endothermic reaction of this carbon dioxide reduction may stem primarily from the internal energy reduction in the exhaust gas in accordance of the first law of the thermodynamics. An oxygen increase due to the reduction in carbon dioxide in a discharge gas was observed in real time.
An analytical electron microscope study is presented on carbonaceous material in two chondritic porous aggregates, W7029* A and W7010* A2, from the Johnson Space Center Cosmic Dust Collection. The finding of well-ordered carbon-2H (lonsdaleite) in the two aggregates suggests that a record of hydrocarbon carbonization may be preserved in these materials. This carbon is a metastable phase resulting from hydrous pyrolysis below 300-350"0C and may be a precursor to poorly graphitized carbons in primitive extra terrestrial materials. (UK).
The interest of irradiation by carbon ions is in the fact that the carbon ions leave all their energy to a determined depth. ( phenomenon known under the name of Bragg peak)This high diffusion in tissue gives an RBE particularly high. The indications of this therapy are chordomas, and chondrosarcomas of the skull base, some cyst adenoid carcinomas, pulmonary cancer, sarcomas, hepato carcinomas, melanomas. In the light of results in term of efficiency, the place of irradiation by carbon ions should widen. (N.C.)
Autophagy is a ubiquitous catabolic process that ensures organism’s well-being by sequestering a wide array of undesired intracellular constituents into double-membrane vesicles termed...Full Text Available
Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) on the unilamellar vesicle populations (diameter 500 and 1000 angstrom) was used to characterize lipid vesicles from dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) at three phases (gel, ripple, and liquid). Parameters of vesicle populations and internal structure of the DMPC bilayer were characterized on the basis of the Separated Form Factor (SFF) model. Parameters of the internal bilayer structure (thickness of the membrane and the hydrophobic core, hydration, and surface area of lipid molecule) were determined on the basis of the Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic (HH) approximation of neutron scattering length density across the bilayer r(x) and of the Step Function (SF) approximation of r(x). It was demonstrated in frame of HH approximation that DMPC membrane thickness in liquid phase (T=30 degrees) depends on the membrane curvature. The dependence of the DMPC membrane thickness ...
Uptake of the lipophilic cation triphenylmethylphosphonium into mesophyll protoplasts of oat (Avena sativa L. cv. “Garry”) approaches equilibrium at 3 to 4 hours. The...Full Text Available
The LW blood group antigens reside on a 42-kDa erythrocyte membrane glycoprotein that was purified by immunoaffinity and partially sequenced. From this information, a specific PCR-amplified DNA fragment...Full Text Available
The plant hormone cytokinin is perceived by membrane-located sensor histidine kinases. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) possesses three cytokinin receptors: ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE...Full Text Available
ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters) utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to translocate an unusually diverse set of substrates across cellular membranes. ABCA4, also known as...Full Text Available
One membrane oxygen enricher (Oxygen Enrichment Company OE-4E) and four molecular sieve (MS) concentrators (Mountain Medical Econo2, De Vilbiss MINI DeVO2, Cryogenic Roomate III, and Mountain Medical...Full Text Available
Since membrane structures such as domes have been constructed in snowy regions, how to dispose snow on the roof has become a big problem. In the case of disposing snow on the roof by sliding off, it is required to know the distance and range of snow dispersion after the fall from the roof from the aspect of disaster prevention. This paper describes the experimental study on the effects of snow depth, sliding distance and angle on the distance and range of snow dispersion using an outdoor apparatus to slide the snow off which can adjust the conditions for sliding. As a result, the distance of snow dispersion was influenced not only by the sliding distance and angle but also the depth (as well as the weight) of the snow. When the snow was sliding on the membrane structure, it was neccesary to consider viscostic resisting force of water between the snow and the membrane in addition to kinetic friction force. After the fall ...
On rod disc membranes, single photoactivated rhodopsin (R*) molecules catalytically activate many copies of the G-protein (Gt), which in turn binds and activates the effector (phosphodiesterase). We...Full Text Available
Patients with Alport syndrome progressively lose renal function as a result of defective type IV collagen in their glomerular basement membrane. In mice lacking the α3 chain of type IV collagen...Full Text Available
Photosynthetic (Ps) electron transport pathways often contain multiple electron carriers with overlapping functions. Here we focus on two c-type cytochromes (cyt) in facultative phototrophic...Full Text Available
Septa can be demonstrated in sections of Escherichia coli strains B and B/r after fixation with acrolein and glutaraldehyde. The septum consists of an ingrowth of the cytoplasmic membrane...Full Text Available
The performance of a 6 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer was modeled using a semiempirical equation. Total cell voltage was represented as a sum of the Nernst voltage, activation overpotential and ohmic overpotential. A temperature and pressure dependent Nernst potential, derived from thermodynamic principles, was used to model the 20 cell PEM electrolyzer stack. The importance of including the temperature dependence of various model components is clearly demonstrated. The reversible potential without the pressure effect decreases with increasing temperature in a linear fashion. The exchange current densities at both the electrodes and the membrane conductivity were the coefficients of the semiempirical equation. An experimental system designed around a 6 kW PEM electrolyzer was used to obtain the current-voltage characteristics at different stack temperatures. A nonlinear curve fitting method was employed to determine the equation ...
Phosphatidic acid (PA) is postulated to have both structural and signaling functions during membrane dynamics in animal cells. In this study, we show that before a critical time period during rhabdomere...Full Text Available
1. The structural requirements of an allosteric barbiturate binding site on acetylcholine receptor-rich membranes isolated from Torpedo electroplaques have been characterized by the ability of fourteen...Full Text Available
The extensive membrane network of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is physically juxtaposed to and functionally entwined with essentially all other cellular compartments. Therefore, the ER must sense...Full Text Available
The H+-translocating inorganic pyrophosphatase (H+-PPase) associated with vesicles of the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) isolated from beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is...Full Text Available
The adenovirus fiber knob causes the first step in the interaction of adenovirus with cell membrane receptors. To obtain information on the receptor binding site(s), the interaction of labeled cell...Full Text Available
In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii y-1, newly synthesized chlorophyll a/b-binding apoproteins are degraded when chlorophylls are not present for assembly of stable light-harvesting...Full Text Available
Results are reported from studies of the diffusion rate of xenon through frog abdominal skin and toad urinary bladders, typical epithelial membranes. It was concluded that intracellular water serves as the principal barrier for xenon passage through epithelial tissue.
We have developed and validated a microporous poly(ethylene terephthalate) membrane-based indirect co-culture system for human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) propagation, which allows real-time...Full Text Available
Auxin-induced pea (Pisum sativum) stem section elongation is enhanced at levels of 3 to 40 micromolar by six new classes of alkane derivatives additional to those described earlier,...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of heritable diseases that manifest as blistering and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes. In the dystrophic forms of EB (DEB), the diagnostic...Full Text Available
Cleavage of membrane-associated proteins with the release of biologically active macromolecules is an emerging theme in biology. However, little is known about the nature and regulation of the involved...Full Text Available
Peripartal serum alkaline phosphatase activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity were measured in 30 dairy cows in order to examine the association between retained fetal membranes and enzyme activity....Full Text Available
Antibodies against feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and the feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen (FOCMA) were transferred from pregnant cats to their suckling kittens. All of these kittens...Full Text Available
Low membrane permeability is one of the major obstacles to the successful cryopreservation of zebrafish embryos. The aim of the present study was to explore if this could be overcome by yolk...Full Text Available
The Aer protein in Escherichia coli is a membrane-bound, FAD-containing aerotaxis and energy sensor that putatively monitors the redox state of the electron transport system. Binding...Full Text Available
Osterix (Osx) is a zinc-finger-containing transcription factor that is expressed in osteoblasts of all endochondral and membranous bones. In Osx null ...Full Text Available
Effects of physical environment on plasma membrane semipermeability and osmotic induction of changes in aqueous cytoplasmic volume were studied in vegetative and spore cells of a plant pathogenic fungus,...Full Text Available
Cells of oat coleoptiles (Avena sativa L. cv. “Garry”) have been osmotically shocked in order to observe the effect of alterations of the plasma membrane on some auxin...Full Text Available
The biodegradation of nylon by lignin-degrading fungi was investigated. The fungus IZU-154 significantly degraded nylon-66 membrane under ligninolytic conditions. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis...Full Text Available
Some laboratory experiments have suggested that power-frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF) may be capable of influencing calcium efflux from cell membranes, pineal function, and circadian rhythms....Full Text Available
To confirm that Mycobacterium tuberculosis chaperonin 10 (Cpn10) is secreted outside the live bacillus, infected macrophages were examined by electron microscopy. This revealed that...Full Text Available
The 37/67-kd laminin receptor, LAMR, is a multifunctional protein that associates with the 40S ribosomal subunit and also localizes to the cell membrane to interact with the extracellular matrix. LAMR...Full Text Available
BackgroundCalcium signaling plays an important role in B lymphocyte survival and activation, and is critically dependent on the inositol-1,4,5-tris-phosphate-induced...Full Text Available
The primary aim of this study was to develop a model system that uses epidermal cells (keratinocytes and accessory pigmented cells) cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane biomatrix for use in...Full Text Available
Mitochondrial DNA is constantly exposed to oxidative injury. Due to its location close to the main site of reactive oxygen species, the inner mitochondrial membrane, mtDNA is more susceptible...Full Text Available
Choline (Cho)-containing phospholipids are the most abundant phospholipids in cellular membranes and play fundamental structural as well as regulatory roles in cell metabolism and signaling. Although...Full Text Available
Cross-resistance to cefoxitin (FOX), chloramphenicol (CMP), and quinolones (nalidixic acid [NAL]) related to a putative efflux system overexpression has recently been reported for Klebsiella...Full Text Available
Citrate transport via CitS of Klebsiella pneumoniae has been shown to depend on the presence of Na+. This transport system has been expressed in Escherichia coli, and uptake of citrate in E. coli membrane...Full Text Available
The mechanism of metabolic energy production by malolactic fermentation in Lactococcus lactis has been investigated. In the presence of L-malate, a proton motive force composed of a membrane potential...Full Text Available
Dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement activation, caused by mutations or polymorphisms in the genes encoding factor H, membrane co-factor protein, factor I or factor B, is associated...Full Text Available
The water permeability of tissues was investigated by measuring the efflux of 3HHO from previously loaded (in darkness) etiolated bean buds (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Red...Full Text Available
The responses of the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) proton-pumping inorganic pyrophosphatase (H+-PPase) from oat (Avena sativa L.) roots to changes in Mg2+ and...Full Text Available
Exosomes are small membrane vesicles secreted from various types of cells. Tumor-derived exosomes contain MHC class I molecules and tumor-specific antigens, receiving attention as a potential cancer...Full Text Available
The main function of white adipose tissue is to store nutrient energy in the form of triglycerides. The mechanism by which free fatty acids (FFA) move into and out of the adipocyte has not been resolved....Full Text Available
The agglutination of human platelets by ristocetin and von Willebrand factor was inhibited by aggregated immunoglobulin (Ig)G and by Fc fragments of IgG, but not by Fab, F(ab′)2 or...Full Text Available
Local anesthetics are able to induce pain relief by binding to the sodium channels of excitable membranes, blocking the influx of sodium ions and the propagation of the nervous impulse. Ropivacaine...Full Text Available
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) controls signal transmission between cells in the nervous system. Abused drugs such as cocaine inhibit this receptor. Transient kinetic investigations indicate...Full Text Available
Sphingomyelin (SM) is an abundant phospholipid in cell membranes and in lipoproteins. In human plasma, SM is mainly found in atherogenic lipoproteins; therefore, higher levels of SM may promote atherogenesis....Full Text Available
An immunoglobulin Mk monoclonal (F8IVE9) antibody raised against oat (Avena sativa cv Garry) root homogenate has been produced and characterized. The predominant target...Full Text Available
An aqueous house dust mite extract was separated by SDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes by Western Blotting. Two major allergens, Der pI and Der pII associated with the mite faeces...Full Text Available
The sucrose derivative 6'-deoxy-6'-(2-hydroxy-4-azido)benzamidosucrose (6'-HABS) was prepared from sucrose (via 6'-deoxy-6'-aminosucrose) and 4-amino-salicylic acid. 6'-HABS is a competitive inhibitor of sucrose influx into protoplasts from developing soybean cotyledons and of sucrose binding to membranes from the bacteria P. saccharophila. The Ki for inhibition in the soybean protoplasts was 75..mu..M. 6'-Deoxy-6'-(2-hydroxy-3-/sup 125/Iodo-4-azido)benzamidosucrose was prepared by lactoperoxidase iodination of 6'-HABS. Upon photolysis in the presence of membranes from P saccharophila, label from the photoprobe is incorporated into a sucrose inducible polypeptide of mass 84 KD in SDS-PAGE. The polypeptide is protected from labeling by the inclusion of sucrose in the photolysis mixture. Photolysis conditions which lead to specific labeling of the sucrose protectable ...
Mitochondria must uptake some phospholipids from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for the biogenesis of their membranes. They convert one of these lipids, phosphatidylserine, to phosphatidylethanolamine,...Full Text Available
BackgroundLentiviral vectors (LVs) can efficiently transduce a broad spectrum of cells and tissues, including dividing and non-dividing cells. So far the most widely used method...Full Text Available
An advanced process for the separation of hydrogen sulfide (H{sub 2}S) from coal gasification product streams through an electrochemical membrane is being developed. H{sub 2}S is removed from the syn-gas stream, split into hydrogen, which enriches the exiting syn-gas, and sulfur, which is condensed from an inert sweep gas stream. The process allows removal of H{sub 2}S without cooling the gas stream and with negligible pressure loss through the separator. The process is made economically attractive by the lack of need for a Claus process for sulfur recovery. Membrane manufacturing coupled with full-cell experimentation was the primary focus this quarter. A tape-casted zirconia membrane was developed and utilized in one full-cell experiment (run 25); run 24 utilized a fabricated membrane purchased from Zircar Corporation. Results are discussed.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a continuous membrane system comprising the nuclear envelope, ribosome-studded peripheral sheets and an interconnected network of smooth tubules extending throughout...Full Text Available
Effects of MgCl2 and free fatty acids (FFA) on galactolipid:galactolipid galactosyltransferase (GGGT) and UDP-galactose: 1,2-diacylglycerol galactosyltransferase (UDGT) in chloroplast envelope...Full Text Available
The delivery of proteins and organelles to the vacuole by autophagy involves membrane rearrangements that result in the formation of large vesicles called autophagosomes. The mechanism underlying autophagosome...Full Text Available
Peroxisomes, glyoxysomes, glycosomes, and hydrogenosomes have each been classified as microbodies, i.e., subcellular organelles with an electron-dense matrix that is bound by a single membrane. We investigated...Full Text Available
We analyze transport through conical channels due to the difference in particle concentration on the two sides of the membrane. Because of the detailed balance, fluxes of non-interacting particles...Full Text Available
The cell is modeled as an ellipsoid with shell and the surface stress distribution calculated by means of the Maxwell Stress Tensor. The cell membrane is treated as incompressible material having both bending and shear energies of deformation. Employing the principle of virtual work, cell volume (and hence shape) is computed as a function of the external field strength and orientation with respect to the field. The following results were obtained: (1) The surface stresses that develop or the cell membrane are distributed having both normal and tangential components that act together to produce a rounding of the cell. (2) If the tangential component of the stress is ignored, then higher field strengths are needed to produce similar deformation (shape change) of cells. (3) The threshold value of the applied field, i.e, the field strength at which the volume (shape) of the cell changes abruptly, occurs at approximately 55V/cm. Above the threshold ...
BackgroundPerfluorocarbons (PFC) are used to improve gas exchange in diseased lungs. PFC have been shown to affect various cell types. Thus, effects on alveolar type II (ATII) cells...Full Text Available
FXYD1 (phospholemman) is a member of an evolutionarily conserved family of membrane proteins that regulate the function of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme complex in specific tissues and specific physiological...Full Text Available
The interaction of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with mixed bilayers composed of sphingomylein and cholesterol (Chol) above and below the accepted stable complexation...Full Text Available
Background:Continuous renal replacement therapy is used to manage fluid and solute imbalances in critically ill patients but may affect the clearance of concurrently administered...Full Text Available
In-vitro experiments using 203Pb were performed to identify the lead binding components in human peripheral blood. The distribution of lead in plasma, in the red cell membrane, and within the red cell...Full Text Available
Oxygenated sterol compounds (OSC), when incubated for 1 hr with human erythrocytes in lipoprotein-depleted medium at concentrations of 0.625-5 x 10/sup -5/M, are inserted into the cell membrane and remain there despite subsequent washing of the cells. The insertion results in expansion of the surface area of the red cell ghost membrane, an increase in critical hemolytic volume, and as a consequence, in dimished osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes. This effect is seen with echinocyte-forming as well as with non-echinocyte-forming OSC. Erythrocytes treated with OSC do not differ from control cells with respect to their mean cell volume (MCV) in isotonic solution, water content, ion fluxes, and filterability through polycarbonate filters. The shift of the osmotic fragility curve toward lower NaCl concentrations is proportional to the amount of OSC inserted into the red cell membrane. 7BETA-Hydroxycholesterol, ...
In voltage-gated Na+, K+, and Ca2+ channels, four voltage-sensor domains operate on a central pore domain in response to membrane voltage. In contrast, the voltage-gated...Full Text Available
Experiments were performed to investigate the involvement of the cell membrane in the excision DNA repair process in Escherichia coli. Two membrane-binding drugs, procaine and phenethyl alcohol (PEA), inhibited liquid-holding recovery (LBR) in u.v.-irradiated E. coli wild-type and recA strains. In uvrB and polA strains where, after u.v.-irradiation, LHR was absent the two drugs had no effect. Both drugs markedly reduced the removal of u.v.-induced thymine dimers in the DNA of wild-type cells (H/r30). Analysis by alkaline sucrose gradients revealed that PEA inhibited the incision step in excision repair. In contrast, procaine had no effect on incision but apparently inhibited the late steps in excision repair. PEA dissociated DNA from the cell membrane, whereas procaine did not. The results suggest that the two drugs PEA and procaine inhibit LHR and the excision repair process operating on u.v.-induced damage in E. coli by ...
Despite their structural resemblance, a pair of cyclic halogenated compounds, 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane (F3) and 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (F6), exhibit completely different anesthetic...Full Text Available
Colonies of toxin-producing Pasteurella multocida were detected with peroxidase-labeled monoclonal antibodies by a membrane assay. Examination of the specificity of the assay with 29 P. multocida cultures...Full Text Available
Merozoite surface proteins have been implicated in the initial attachment to the host red blood cell membrane that begins the process of invasion, an important step in the life cycle of the malaria...Full Text Available
Cyclophilins (Cyps), the intracellular receptors for Cyclosporine A (CsA), are responsible for peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerisation and for chaperoning several membrane proteins. Those functions...Full Text Available
The procedure currently used for isolating legionellae from environmental samples recommend filtration through a 0.2-microns-pore-size polycarbonate filter. In this study we evaluated the performance...Full Text Available
Cellular cholesterol homeostasis is controlled by sterol-regulated proteolysis of membrane-bound transcription factors called sterol-regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs). CPP32, a cysteine protease,...Full Text Available
A balanced application of chemiosmosis to plant mitochondria is presented. Electron transport carriers are sequenced to achieve proton translocation across the inner membrane. The processes of proton translocation, use, and release are integrated to yield a description of the effective proton gradient available for metabolite transport and ATP synthesis. 27 references, 6 figures.
The membrane properties of isolated cultured microglia have been extensively studied but it is important to understand their properties in situ, where they protect the brain against...Full Text Available
The synthesis of an extracellular ribbon of cellulose in the bacterium Acetobacter xylinum takes place from linearly arranged, membrane-localized, cellulose-synthesizing and extrusion complexes that...Full Text Available
Cd36 is a small-molecular-weight integral membrane protein expressed in a diverse, but select, range of cell types. It has an equally diverse range of ligands and physiological functions, which has...Full Text Available
E-cadherins belong to a family of membrane-bound, cellular adhesion proteins. Their adhesive properties mainly involve the two N-terminal extracellular domains (EC1 and EC2). The junctions between these...Full Text Available
A review of the research activities carried out by the authors on biosorption of heavy metals is reported in this work. In particular, biomass characterisation, biosorption equilibrium with single metal system, biomass immobilisation in polymeric matrix and related kinetics, biosorption in membrane reactor systems are the main aspects reported in the paper. (orig.)
Kinetics and thermodynamics of the binding of a fluorescent lipid amphiphile, Rhodamine Green™-tetradecylamide (RG-C14:0), to bovine serum albumin were characterized in an equilibrium...Full Text Available
Atg9 is a transmembrane protein essential for autophagy which cycles between the Golgi network, late endosomes and LC3-positive autophagosomes in mammalian cells during starvation through a mechanism...Full Text Available
The acetylcholine receptor from the electric tissue of Torpedo californica is a large, integral membrane protein containing four different types of polypeptide chains. The structure of the purified...Full Text Available
The expression of tripartite multidrug efflux pumps such as MexA-MexB-OprM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to intrinsic resistance to a wide variety of antimicrobials, including...Full Text Available
Amino acid transport was studied in membranes of the peptidolytic, thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium Clostridium fervidus. Uptake of the negatively charged amino acid L-glutamate, the neutral amino...Full Text Available
The adhesive proteins secreted by marine mussels form a natural glue that cures rapidly to form strong and durable bonds in aqueous environments. These mussel adhesive proteins contain an unusual...Full Text Available
Electrostatic nature of plant plasma membrane (PM) plays significant roles in the ion uptake and toxicity. Electrical potential at the PM exterior surface (ψ0o) influences...Full Text Available
The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) plays a central role in the regulation of the female reproductive behavior lordosis, a behavior dependent upon the sequential activation of receptors for the ovarian...Full Text Available
international vehicles, control centers, and ground support personnel. ... consists of thin membranes made from a polymer-based film and ..... (including airplanes and submarines), environmental monitoring, and control ...... sciences can use it to analyze the birth and death of stars, the formation of solar ...
P granules are non-membrane-bound organelles found in the germ-line cytoplasm throughout Caenorhabditis elegans development. Like their “germ granule” counterparts in...Full Text Available
MOM22 is a component of the protein import complex of the mitochondrial outer membrane of Neurospora crassa. Using the newly developed procedure of 'sheltered disruption', we created a heterokaryotic...Full Text Available
Lithium ion batteries use an oxide as a positive electrode and a carbon material as a negative electrode. The performances of carbon electrodes have rapidly evolved during the last years thanks to the substitution of soft carbons of Conoco or MCMB-2510 type by graphites (F-399, MCMB-2528) and then by hard carbons. These high capacity carbons (700 mAh/g) have higher service life and volume capacity than graphites but their irreversible losses are greater (>20%). In this work, materials with similar electrochemical performances are prepared by mechanical crushing. Mechanical crushing allows to obtain a wide range of carbon materials with various morphologies, specific surfaces and levels of disorder. The formation of the passivation film is directly linked with the surface of materials. A reaction scheme of the reversible and irreversible capacities has been ...
Tensile properties of reduced-activation 10Cr-30Mn austenitic steels with carbon levels from 0.003 to 0.55% were investigated over the temperature range from room temperature to 873 K after neutron irradiation in the Japan Materials Testing Reactor at 573 K to 8.5x10"2"2 n/m"2. Irradiation-induced increase in yield stress increased significantly with carbon concentration up to about 0.1% and it was constant above 0.1% carbon. A high density of dislocation loops with small (below 10 nm) and large (20-30 nm) sizes formed during irradiation. The high density, small loops caused a large irradiation hardening, while the large loops contributed only slightly to irradiation hardening. It was considered that carbon atoms formed the small loops together with irradiation defects. The deformation channeling was observed in the irradiated high carbon steels, 0.11 and 0.55% ...
Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are energy conversion devices that produce electricity from a supply of fuel, such as hydrogen. One of the major challenges in achieving efficient energy conversion is the development of cost-effective materials that can act as electrocatalysts for PEMFCs. In this letter, we demonstrate that, instead of conventional noble metals, such as platinum, chromium nitride nanocrystals of fcc structure exhibit attractive catalytic activity for PEMFCs. Device testing indicates good stability of nitride nanocrystals in low temperature fuel cell operational environment.
Incorporation of TiO{sub 2}, into perfluoroionomer membrane by treatment with TiC1{sub 4}-methanol has been described. Platinum was used as an electrocatalyst. In order to make the system electronically as well as ionically conducting, the electrode was modified with polypyrrole (PPy). Photopolymerisation of pyrrole was accomplished by immersing TiO{sub 2}-Pt-NaF in pyrrole solution. UV-visible and FT-IR Spectroscopic studies were preformed with regards to the formation of the TiO{sub 2}, Pt and PPy within Nafion matrix. We report the construction and evaluation of this integrated system and establish the feasibility of hydrogen generation thereof. (Author)
The authors describe the production of two mouse hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies to antigenic determinants of the surface membranes of human neutrophils, activated T lymphocytes, and acute leukemic blast cells. The degree of lymphocyte stimulation was estimated from incorporation of /sup 3/H-thymidine with parallel microculture. Monoclonal antibodies of supernatants of hybridoma cultures shown here reacted in both immunofluorescence test and cytotoxicity test with surface membrane antigens on the majority of neutrophils and PHA-activated peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy subjects, but did not give positive reactions with unactivated lymphocytes, adherent monocytes, erythrocytes, and alloantigen-stimulated lymphocytes.
The objective of this contract is to research, develop and demonstrate a novel ceramic membrane reactor system for the low-cost conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas and hydrogen for liquid transportation fuels: the ITM Syngas process. Through an eight-year, three-phase program, the technology will be developed and scaled up to obtain the technical, engineering, operating and economic data necessary for the final step to full commercialization of the Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) conversion technology. This report is a summary of activities through February 1999.
The objective of this contract is to research, develop and demonstrate a novel ceramic membrane reactor system for the low-cost conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas and hydrogen for liquid transportation fuels: the ITM Syngas process. Through an eight-year, three-phase program, the technology will be developed and scaled up to obtain the technical, engineering, operating and economic data necessary for the final step to full commercialization of the Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) conversion technology. This report is a summary of activities through September 1999.
We propose unsteady-state reverse osmosis cell modelling in two dimensions. The convection-diffusion equation describing the concentration of the relevant chemical species is solved by a finite difference technique, while the velocity field is described by empirical expressions for spiral-wound membrane cells. A non-constant permeability is introduced to take into account the effects of membrane compaction at high operating pressures. The role of concentration polarization is discussed for different values of the parameters describing the global process. Finally, the model is applied to predict the effects of a pulsating flow where a cyclic pressure feed is adopted to enhance the permeate flux. In this context, an experimental validation of the model is proposed.
In this paper, model analysis into the time-dependent transmembrane potential at the outer cell membrane is presented, for applied high-intensity electric pulses having durations in the nanosecond range or smaller. It is argued that the frequency-dependent dielectric response of cell membranes could be used to advantage for stronger bioeffects by employing shorter pulses. Our model calculations predict faster transmembrane voltages and larger electroporation densities for a given external energy with pulse durations in the subnanosecond regime. This temporal regime would be used, for example, in the electrotherapy of mixed cell ensembles having different dielectric response properties. PMID:21937300
A back-up system is provided for a pumping plant or a pressure reservoir system used to maintain insulating oil under pressure in high voltage submarine power cables which includes a gas driven membrane pump to insure a small outflow of oil at a rupture point in the power cable to prevent water from penetrating the cable. The proper operation of the membrane pump is insured by introducing degasified oil at the drive side of the pump during the stand-by and test modes of operation of the back-up system. 11 drawings.
Among the membrane filtration techniques, continuous cross-flow ultrafiltration (UF) is an innovative method to separate solid/liquid or liquid/liquid phases at a lower pressure of 5--150 psi compared to reverse osmosis (RO) in which the applied pressure is an order of magnitude higher. Recently, attempts have been made to combine processes of UF and other treatments for many applications. However, there is very little knowledge about the filtration process which combined coagulation and UF, and very few attempts have been made to apply coagulated UF to the treatment of fuel oil contaminated water. During the UF treatment of organic contaminants rapid declines in flux will occur due to the membrane fouling. Oil as a foulant plants an important role in the flux decrease. However, there are very limited pretreatment processes which can effectively remove fuel oil from water and hence solve the fouling problem. The purpose of the study was to ...
A preliminary investigation was conducted on ion specific membranes. This investigation concentrated on testing candidate organic compounds for transporting cesium ions through a membrane composed of the organic compound supported on a substrate. Solid PVC membranes were initially tried, but were found to be too slow. Thereafter, only liquid membranes were tested. These were faster and cesium concentration factors up to 2.96 were achieved in a single membrane cell. A cell with two membranes achieved a cesium concentration factor of 4.19. Cesium precipitation with sodium tetraphenyl borate in high sodium concentrations was explored. No interference from sodium was found until the sodium nitrite concentration reached 4.5 moles. Concurrently, cesium concentrations as high as 5.4 g/L were precipitated. Potassium tetraphenyl borate is being investigated for use in ...
A preliminary investigation was conducted on ion specific membranes. This investigation concentrated on testing candidate organic compounds for transporting cesium ions through a membrane composed of the organic compound supported on a substrate. Solid PVC membranes were initially tried, but were found to be too slow. Thereafter, only liquid membranes were tested. These were faster and cesium concentration factors up to 2.96 were achieved in a single membrane cell. A cell with two membranes achieved a cesium concentration factor of 4.19. Cesium precipitation with sodium tetraphenyl borate in high sodium concentrations was explored. No interference from sodium was found until the sodium nitrite concentration reached 4.5 moles. Concurrently, cesium concentrations as high as 5.4 g/L were precipitated. Potassium tetraphenyl borate is being investigated for use in ...
Treatment of coal or coconut shell activated carbons with either phosgene or chlorine at 180{degree}C followed by washing with methanol or water results in chlorinated carbons with very similar pore structures to their precursors. Water adsorption experiments show that the modified materials are relatively hydrophobic, presumably as a result of replacement of oxygen-containing surface groups by chlorine. Adsorption of the model hydrophobic vapour chloropicrin from humid air is usually better for the modified carbons which, unlike the controls, do not appear to be subject to degradation in performance on ageing in a humid atmosphere. The stability of the modified carbons is probably a consequence of the chlorination of those sites on the control carbons that are prone to ready oxidation or hydroxylation. 1 tab., 2 figs., 17 refs.
This issue of Carbon Market Perspectives on 'Pathways for implementing REDD+: Experience from carbon markets and communities' discusses the role of carbon markets in scaling up investments for REDD+ in developing countries. Nine articles authored by experienced negotiators on REDD+, carbon market actors, project developers and other leading experts share experiences and make suggestions on the key elements of a future international REDD+ regime: Architecture and underlying principles, measuring, reporting and verification (MRV), private-sector involvement, the rights of indigenous people and local communities, biodiversity conservation and environmental integrity. The articles are grouped under three main topics: the lessons of existing REDD+ projects; the future REDD+ regime and the role of carbon markets; and experiences and ideas about the involvement of ...
Comparatively evaluates methods for removal of carbon dioxide from waste gases emitted from industrial plants. The evaluations concentrate on carbon dioxide absorption by water solutions of alkalis and amines. The Hindered Amines Process, developed by Exxon in the USA, is analyzed. Chemical reactions of carbon dioxide absorption in solutions with hindered amines are evaluated. The following US patents which protect processes for carbon dioxide absorption by means of hindered amines are evaluated: No. 4,112,052, No. 4,101,633, No. 4,112,051, No. 4,100,257, No. 4,112,050, No. 4,094,957. Efficiency of carbon dioxide removal by each of the processes is pointed out. 12 refs.
Carbon black is widely used as an active filler in the rubber industry to improve the physical properties of rubber. The surface energy of carbon black is high compared to that of various elastomers like styrene?butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR) and ethylene?propylene?diene rubber (EPDM). The work aims at reducing the surface energy of carbon black by modifying its surface for application especially in rubber blends. The present paper looks into the possibility of using plasma polymerisation of acetylene as a surface modification technique for carbon black in comparison with silica. Thermogravimetric analysis, wetting behaviour with various liquids of known surface tension and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to characterise the carbon black b...
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fabric (CF) was modified with strong HNO3 oxidation and then introduced into polyimide (PI) composites. The friction and wear properties of the carbon fabric reinforced polyimide composites (CFRP), sliding against GCr15 stainless steel rings, were investigated on an M-2000 model ring-on-block test rig under dry sliding. Experimental results revealed that the carbon fiber surface treatment largely reduced the friction and wear of the CFRP. Compared with the untreated ones, the surface-modified CF can enhance the tribological properties of CFRP efficiently due to the improved adhesion between the CF and the PI matrix. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of the carbon fiber surface showed that the fiber surfa...
Methane and carbon dioxide are the two main constituents of biogas. Biogas also contains traces of nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and hydrogen sulphide. When diesel engine runs on biogas, the combustion is poor as compared to diesel fuel. One of the reasons of poor combustion is the presence of carbon dioxide in the biogas. Percentage of methane and carbon dioxide in biogas varies with maturities of feed stock, temperature, water content, loading rate of raw material and bacterial actions. This paper examines the effect of variations of carbon dioxide in biogas on the performance of the engine to simulate the performance of the engine running with biogas from different sources (varying proportion of methane and carbon dioxide). (Author)
A decontamination washer for working dresses using liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide were designed and manufactured. The size of reactor for decontamination and solidification is about 16 liter. The system is a closed one with recycling ability of carbon dioxide. The efficiency of recycling of carbon dioxide and that of separation of solutes in carbon dioxide were checked. They met all the design goals. A remote control system of the carbon dioxide flow was set in a control panel. The manufactured decontamination washer was brought to Wolsung nuclear power plants, and installed to check the efficiency of decontamination and the feasibility of usage in nuclear power plants. The elimination of radioactive oil from the contaminated dresses were very high. However, the decontamination factor was lower than the design goal value. It's due to the low removal rate of ...
The moment analysis of pulse responses was applied to a biological activated carbon (BAC) bed to evaluate the microbial activity. Glucose and activated carbon fiber (ACF) were employed in experiments as a model tracer and an activated carbon respectively. No significant difference in biodegradation rates of glucose by microorganisms attached on different solid supports such as activated carbon inactivated carbon and glass fibers was observed. However, higher microbial activity was obtained from microorganisms supported on the ACF in terms of the apparent degradation of total organic including metabolic byproducts by microorganisms, since part of the metabolic byproducts was irreversibly deposited onto the ACF. 11 refs., 6 figs.
The adsorption of CO2 on a number of activated carbons, thermal carbon black, and oxide materials at 195 K was studied using static and dynamic techniques. The landing surface areas ?(CO2) ? 0.19 nm2 on thermal carbon black and the absolute values of sorption for P/P 0 < 0.4 were determined. The density of adsorbed CO2 in the micropore volume was estimated at ?(CO2) = 0.91 g/cm3. It was demonstrated that the previously found effect of a weakening of the sorption interaction of nitrogen molecules with thin-walled materials (which manifested itself in an analysis of sorption isotherms by a comparative method) was pronounced to a lesser degree for the sorption of CO2. At the same time, the presence of supermicropores in activated carbon samples resulted in overestimated values of surface area...
To apply the CO{sub 2} absorber at about 1000{sup o}C for integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) furnace, the reactions of calcium oxide and CO{sub 2} at high temperatures was examined. Calcium carbonate reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate below 200{sup o}C and forms sodium-calcium complex carbonate. The sodium-calcium complex carbonate melts at 813{sup o}C, and the carbon dioxide absorption and discharge reversible reactions of calcium-oxide takes place via liquid at around 1000{sup o}C. Sintering of calcium oxide at high temperature has been successfully avoided by the addition of sodium.
Preliminary observations on the isothermal carbon transfer in low-carbon Alloy-800 exposed in sodium with AISI-304 type of steel at 550_0 are reported. The alloy was found to undergo a carburization comparable or slightly lower than that observed for the AISI-304 stainless steel for carbon activities above 6 x 10 /sup -3/ at 550_0C, but was not found to decarburize below such a carbon activity value. In the examined range the chemical composition of the alloys does not affect the process out of the experimental uncertainty of measure. Conclusions concerning the effective diffusion for carbon in the alloy are formulated. Preliminary relationships were found for an empirical evaluation of the carburization of the Alloy-800 in sodium of known carbon activity.
In this study the technical and economical possibilities of burning carbon monoxide (CO) of the flue gas and utilizing of the released heat in hot air cupola furnace used for melting have been studied. As basis for examining was burning of cleaned furnace...
The present invention relates to a method of recycling polymeric waste products into monomers and high value forms of carbon by pyrolytic conversion using an induction coupled RF plasma heated reactor.
A study in northeast Germany has shown that the establishment of short rotation coppices (SRC) of Robinia pseudoacacia L. may be a viable option for improving farmers income on marginal soils. The plantations produce woody biomass at a fast rate for energy use. Carbon is accumulated in the harvestable biomass, as well as in the stump and the roots. These plant compartments form a long-term carbon storage pool because they can survive a harvest, stay vital at the site and continue to grow as the plant ages. As organic litter decomposes, additional carbon is sequestered under SRC as soil organic carbon. The carbon sequestration in SRC of R. pseudoacacia on mining sites within the Lower Lusatian region in northeast Germany was studied and the results were complemented with findings of current field studies conducted on reclaimed mine sites. The average above ground dry matter ...
Recently we have found that carbon nano-materials have ability to recognize softer actinides(III). In this presentation, separation of americium(III) from lanthanides(III) by chromatography with carbon nano-materials, such as carbon nano-tubes and graphite, has been investigated by batch adsorption experiments and chromatography. The separation factor (SF) between americium(III) and lanthanide(III) was about 2 in the range of pH from 1 to 4 by using carbon nano-tube, graphite and activated charcoal. The separation factor depended on the diameter of carbon nano-tubes. Smaller one, 3-20 nm diameter, showed the best selectivity for americium(III), which separation factor was about 2.0, although larger one, 40-70 nm, showed almost no selectivity. The same behavior has been observed by using graphite powder and activated charcoal although acid- or alkali pretreated activated charcoal ...
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered one of the most promising materials in nanotechnology, with attractive properties for many technologic applications. The different synthesis, purification, and...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe precision in carbon ion radiotherapy depends on the calibration of Hounsfield units (HU) as measured with computed tomography (CT) to water equivalence. This calibration...Full Text Available
The acetogenic bacterium Clostridium thermoaceticum ATCC 39073 grew at the expense of the two-carbon substrates oxalate and glyoxylate. Other two-carbon substrates (acetaldehyde, acetate,...Full Text Available
Recent work has indicated that the suppression of boron transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in carbon-rich Si is caused by nonequilibrium Si point defect concentrations, specifically the undersaturation of Si self-interstitials, that result from the coupled out-diffusion of carbon interstitials via the kick-out and Frank--Turnbull reactions. This study of boron TED reduction in Si{sub 1-x-y}Ge{sub x}C{sub y} during 750{sup o}C inert anneals has revealed that the use of an additional reaction that further reduces the Si self-interstitial concentration is necessary to describe accurately the time evolved diffusion behavior of boron. In this article, we present a comprehensive model which includes {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects, boron-interstitial clusters, a carbon kick-out reaction, a carbon Frank--Turnbull reaction, and a carbon interstitial-carbon substitutional ...
Recent work has indicated that the suppression of boron transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in carbon-rich Si is caused by nonequilibrium Si point defect concentrations, specifically the undersaturation of Si self-interstitials, that result from the coupled out-diffusion of carbon interstitials via the kick-out and Frank--Turnbull reactions. This study of boron TED reduction in Si_1_-_x_-_yGe_xC_y during 750"oC inert anneals has revealed that the use of an additional reaction that further reduces the Si self-interstitial concentration is necessary to describe accurately the time evolved diffusion behavior of boron. In this article, we present a comprehensive model which includes #left brace#311#right brace# defects, boron-interstitial clusters, a carbon kick-out reaction, a carbon Frank--Turnbull reaction, and a carbon interstitial-carbon substitutional (C_iC_s) ...
A laboratory differential simulation method is used for the design of carbonization columns at coal-tar processing in which phenols are regenerated from phenolate solution by carbon dioxide absorption. The design method is based on integration of local absorption rates of carbon dioxide along the column. The local absorption rates into industrial phenolate mixture are measured in a laboratory model contactor for various compositions of the gas and liquid phases under the conditions that ensure the absorption rates in the laboratory absorber simulate the local rates in the industrial column. On the bases of the calculations, two-step carbonization columns were designed for 30000 t/year of the phenolate solution treatment by carbon dioxide. The absorption proceeds at higher pressure of 500 kPa and temperatures from 50 to 65 C, pure carbon dioxide is used and ...
We have isolated a second gene (MLS1), which in addition to DAL7, encodes malate synthase from S. cerevisiae. Expression of the two genes is specific for their physiological roles in carbon and nitrogen...Full Text Available
Concentration of an amine solution for removal of hydrogen sulfides and carbon dioxide from natural gas, is tested by carbon dioxide absorption measurement in an apparatus allowing complete reaction to give reliable results.
Several inexpensive and non-toxic solvents with low vapour pressures were investigated for their suitability as alternative solvents for the absorption of carbon dioxide from flue gas. The solvents include poly(ethylene glycol)s, poly(ethylene glycol) ethers, poly(ethylenimine) and glycerol-based substances. Solvent properties such as thermal stability, solubility of carbon dioxide and selectivity over nitrogen were investigated in a systematic study using a thermogravimetric analyser. Absorption results are reported for pure carbon dioxide and nitrogen as well as a mixture of both gases. Desorption and long-term sorption behaviour are also discussed. Glycerol and poly(ethylene glycol)s show a high solubility of carbon dioxide. Due to the high viscosity of the solvent, carbon dioxide absorption in poly(ethylenimine) is very slow in spite of the presence of favourable amine groups. ...
A process is claimed for selectively preparing alpha-olefins having from 2 to about 22 carbon atoms by contacting a gaseous mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen with an iron titanate alkali metal hydroxide catalyst at reaction conditions correlated so as to favor the formation of a substantial proportion of such alpha-olefin product.
Only half of the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels stays in the atmosphere. It is thought that the oceans absorb the rest. To understand the world's climate it is necessary to know how the atmosphere, ocean and biosphere interact.
Rationale: Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) leads to an unacceptably high mortality. In this regard, the antiinflammatory properties of inhaled carbon monoxide (CO) may provide...Full Text Available
A series of ball-on-disc wear and friction measurements were made for surfaces which have a chemical vapour deposition carbon silicon alloy layer on a carbon substrate (fine grain POCO graphite). Nitrogen ion irradiation was used to improve the wear resistance of the carbon alloy surface. For comparison, measurements were also taken for alumina against alumina. It was found that the lowest friction coefficient and lowest wear occurred for ion irradiated coated samples containing 4% Si in the alloy and that the performance was superior to that of alumina. ((orig.))
A series of ball-on-disc wear and friction measurements were made for surfaces which have a chemical vapour deposition carbon silicon alloy layer on a carbon substrate (fine grain POCO graphite). Nitrogen ion irradiation was used to improve the wear resistance of the carbon alloy surface. For comparison, measurements were also taken for alumina against alumina. It was found that the lowest friction coefficient and lowest wear occurred for ion irradiated coated samples containing 4% Si in the alloy and that the performance was superior to that of alumina. ((orig.)).
Research activity during the 1991--1992 funding period has been concerned with the following topics relevant to carbon monoxide activation. (1) Exploratory studies of water gas shift catalysts heterogenized on polystyrene based polymers. (2) Mechanistic investigation of the nucleophilic activation of CO in metal carbonyl clusters. (3) Application of fast reaction techniques to prepare and to investigate reactive organometallic intermediates relevant to the activation of hydrocarbons toward carbonylation and to the formation of carbon-carbon bonds via the migratory insertion of CO into metal alkyl bonds.
Research activity during the 1991--1992 funding period has been concerned with the following topics relevant to carbon monoxide activation. (1) Exploratory studies of water gas shift catalysts heterogenized on polystyrene based polymers. (2) Mechanistic investigation of the nucleophilic activation of CO in metal carbonyl clusters. (3) Application of fast reaction techniques to prepare and to investigate reactive organometallic intermediates relevant to the activation of hydrocarbons toward carbonylation and to the formation of carbon-carbon bonds via the migratory insertion of CO into metal alkyl bonds.
The accuracy of the carbon 14 dating method is dependent on the fluctuations of carbon 14 in the atmosphere over long periods of time. Fossil corals that are dated by both carbon 14 and uranium-thorium methods allows the setting of calibration curves for the carbon 14 method for the last 50.000 years. The uranium-thorium method is based on the measurement of the ratio of 2 isotopes: thorium 230 and uranium 234 that are both present in the decay chain of uranium 238. (A.C.)
A billet of low-density carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) composite is machined into a desired attenuator or load element shape (usually tapering). The CBCF composite is used as a free-standing load element or, preferably, brazed to the copper, brass or aluminum components of coaxial transmission lines or microwave waveguides. A novel braze method was developed for the brazing step. The resulting attenuator and/or load devices are robust, relatively inexpensive, more easily fabricated, and have improved performance over conventional graded-coating loads.
A process is claimed for selectively preparing a mixture of two-carbon atom oxygenated hydrocarbons, namely, acetic acid, ethanol and acetaldehyde, by continuously contacting a gaseous reaction mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a solid catalyst comprising rhodium in combination with one or more alkali metals selected from the group consisting of lithium, potassium, cesium and rubidium at reaction conditions correlated so as to favor the formation of a substantial proportion of such two-carbon atom products.
... interactive surfaces and interfaces, and 3) the more complex a ... carbonate or calcium phosphate with a thin interface ... diameter) for nerve prosthesis. ...
Mixed microstructures have been studied in low- carbon microalloyed steels suitable for automotive applications, after continuous cooling from the hot-rolled condition. Microstructural features such as polygonal ferrite, bainitic and acicular ferrite and microphase constituent are identified using transmission electron microscopy. The influence of these mixed structures on the tensile strength, impact toughness and fracture behaviour is examined. It is found that improvements in impact toughness as compared with microalloyed medium- carbon ferrite/pearlite steels can be achieved from these predominantly acicular structures developed by controlling alloy composition and continuous cooling of these lower carbon steels. (orig.).
Mixed microstructures have been studied in low- carbon microalloyed steels suitable for automotive applications, after continuous cooling from the hot-rolled condition. Microstructural features such as polygonal ferrite, bainitic and acicular ferrite and microphase constituent are identified using transmission electron microscopy. The influence of these mixed structures on the tensile strength, impact toughness and fracture behaviour is examined. It is found that improvements in impact toughness as compared with microalloyed medium- carbon ferrite/pearlite steels can be achieved from these predominantly acicular structures developed by controlling alloy composition and continuous cooling of these lower carbon steels. (orig.).
...Investigating Biochar: from Source to Sink (Overview - Research) The Sustainable Agriculture Flagship is leading national collaborative research analysing the properties ...and potential of a variety of biochars to improve soil health and sequester carbon. The Sustainable Agriculture Flagship is leading national collaborative research ...analysing the properties and potential of a variety of biochars to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Biochar, sustainable agriculture, soil,...carbon, SAF, pyrolysis, fertiliser, biochar, soil types, greenhouse gas, herbicide, pesticide, bioenergy, soil science, carbon-rich solid, ...
In the framework of the carbon storage two forestry methods are analyzed by the author: the standing capitalization (slowing of the crops) and the spices substitution (slow growing species by fast growing species). The construction of a model taking into account the all stage of the carbon implication (biomass, soil, forest products) offers simulation and quantitative results on these methods. (A.L.B.)
The Forsmark and the Laxemar investigation areas are examined by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co. for a possible construction of a deep repository for nuclear waste. In the case of a future leakage of waste, the radioactive isotopes could end up in the ecosystems above the repository. The fate of the radionuclides and their possible radiological impacts are then highly determined by ecosystem carbon cycling. An important part of the carbon cycling is the soil carbon effluxes, and in the investigation areas soil carbon effluxes have been examined with the closed chamber technique. This paper is divided into two parts. Firstly, there were problems with the equipment measuring the soil carbon dioxide efflux, and the first part is a description of the problem, how it was corrected and its possible causes. The second part is a manual in how to analyse data and calculate ...
... be easily replaceable, and its compartment or container ... in a simple, efficient manner for storage or disposal. ... and enters the reactor at approximatel ...
The present report concerns a research for the tritium and for the carbon 14 in lichens in a spirit of bio-indication: the first results appear in Daillant and al (2004 ) and additional results were presented to the congress B.I.O.M.A.P. in Slovenia, organized collectively by the institute Josef Stefan from Ljubljana and the international atomic energy agency from Vienna (Daillant and al 2003). (N.C.)
The thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption of sulfur-containing amino acids and their derivatives on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black were calculated by the molecular statistical method. The parameters of the atom-atom potential function of intermolecular interaction between the S atom in amino acids and the graphite C atom were determined. It was shown that an intramolecular H-bond influenced the adsorption of amino acids on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black.
The thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption of sulfur-containing amino acids and their derivatives on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black were calculated by the molecular statistical method. The parameters of the atom-atom potential function of intermolecular interaction between the S atom in amino acids and the graphite C atom were determined. It was shown that an intramolecular H-bond influenced the adsorption of amino acids on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black.
In this paper, the analysis of carbonate depositional systems, using high resolution sequence stratigraphy, studies the ratio between change in accommodation space and skeletal carbonate production. This approach establishes the concurrent change in nature of facies belts (expansion, retraction and type) and fossil communities, within the detailed time frame in accommodation. Carbonate production is generally considered to be a fairly simple function of environmental conditions such as climate and water depth. However, data from several case studies also show a covariance between change in stratigraphic architecture of carbonate systems (the seaward or landward stepping stacking patterns of stratigraphic units) and charge in facies. Case studies include Carboniferous algal mound development in the Paradox Basin (USA), Devonian stromatoporoid reef development in Alberta (Canada), and Cenomanian rudistid ...
In this paper structure and mechanical properties of PBZT and PBO fibers are briefly discussed. One limitation of the high-modulus polymeric fibers and ultrahigh-modulus carbon fibers in reinforced composites is their poor compressive strength. Issues related to the compressive strength of polymeric and carbon fibers are considered. 62 references, 7 figures, 4 tables.
The observed strength of the carbon dioxide absorption bands recorded on spectrobolograms of the transparency of the earth's atmosphere between wavelengths 300 and 2500 nanometers as part of the Smithsonian Solar Constant Program were used to extract the abundance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The details of the analysis and the sources of error are discussed. 11 references, 5 figures, 1 table. (ACR)
The objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of the corrosion of the aluminized type 316 stainless steel employed in the seal areas of the molten carbonate fuel cell. The seals are formed between the aluminized Type 316 SS surface and the electrolyte (generally a mixture of molten alkali carbonates and lithium aluminate).
DescriptionThe overall objective of the project is to provide an improved understanding of the processes and linkages through which organic carbon additions influence soil bio-physical and physico-chemical properties. Soil organic carbon (SOC) levels and turnover rates are intimately linked to the soil properties that are important in the maintenance of soil quality and fertility, and sustainable crop production. However, it has been difficult to distinguish the various processes and linkages through which [continued...
Mutual influence of phosphorus and carbon on the tendency to integranular corrosion (IGC) of tempered austenitic stainless steels in boiling solutions of 65% HNO_3 and 27% of HNO_3+40 g/l Cr"6"+ was investigated. It is ascertained that under the action of carbon additions susceptibility of phosphorus-containing steels to IGC increases considerably in pure nitric acid and decreases in nitric acid containing the oxidant. Possible reasons for the effects observed are discussed.
Characteristics of advanced composites are investigated. The fibers considered are Kevlar and carbon. The greatest advantage of composites over metals is emphasized, and lies in their permitting designers to obtain properties in exactly the locations desired. Kevlar replaced S-glass on the Trident 2 missile, saving 800 lbs. and adding 800 miles to its range. Military aircraft builders find that advanced carbon composites more often than not win out over Kevlar.
In this article carbon co-implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments of shallow p"+-n-junctions formation were used with the purpose of extended defect suppression and reduction of boron transient enhanced diffusion. A substantial improvement of the structural and electrical parameters of shallow p"+-n-junctions has been achieved by using the additional carbon implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments. (authors)
This document generates a supernatant hydroxide ion depletion model based on mechanistic principles. The carbon dioxide absorption mechanistic model is developed in this report. The report also benchmarks the model against historical tank supernatant hydroxide data and vapor space carbon dioxide data. A comparison of the newly generated mechanistic model with previously applied empirical hydroxide depletion equations is also performed.
This paper investigates the spectral characteristics of three-dimensionally porous carbon dioxide indicators based on a porous silicate glass and phenolphthalein. The absorption spectra of the original solutions of phenolphthalein in alkaline and acid solutions are shown. The solutions were acidified by bubbling CO/sub 2/ through an alkaline phenolphthalein solution. The authors have succeeded in producing a reversible colorimetric adsorption indicator for carbon dioxide which after proper calibration enables the CO/sub 2/ content of an atmosphere to be estimated quantitatively.
The carbon isotope profiles of shallow-marine carbonates from the Barremian-Aptian Kharaib and Shuaiba formations of the Arabian Gulf region range between 0.5 and 7{per_thousand} {delta}{sup 13}C PDB (Peedee belemnite). Systematic variations can be correlated with isotope profiles reported from Tethyan pelagic limestone sequences. The detailed correspondence between the isotopic signature of the relatively well-dated pelagic limestones and the poorly dated shallow-water limestones from the Arabian Gulf region suggests that global marine carbon isotope changes apparently affected deep-sea and shallow-water carbonate sediments similarly and at a similar time resolution. Although oxygen isotopes have been reset during diagenesis, carbon isotopes appear to have maintained their primary marine signature through time. No evidence has been found to connect carbon ...
Henry constants for the adsorption of o- and p-phenylenediamines on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black within the temperature range 433?479 K were calculated by the molecular statistical method. The parameters of the atom-atom potential function of intermolecular interaction between the nitrogen atom in aniline and isomeric phenylenediamines and the carbon atom of the basal face of graphite were determined. It was shown that an intramolecular H bond influenced the geometry and adsorption properties of o-phenylenediamine.
Henry constants for the adsorption of o- and p-phenylenediamines on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black within the temperature range 433-479 K were calculated by the molecular statistical method. The parameters of the atom-atom potential function of intermolecular interaction between the nitrogen atom in aniline and isomeric phenylenediamines and the carbon atom of the basal face of graphite were determined. It was shown that an intramolecular H bond influenced the geometry and adsorption properties of o-phenylenediamine.
The entrapment of proteins using the sol-gel route provides a means to retain its native properties and artificially reproduce the molecular crowding and confinement experienced by proteins in the cell allowing investigation of the physico-chemical and structural properties of biomolecules at the biotic/abiotic interface. The biomolecules are spatially separated and 'caged' in the gel structure but solutes can freely permeate the matrix. Thus, properties such as the folding of ensembles of individual molecules can be examined in the absence of aggregation effects that can occur in solution studies. Green fluorescent protein from Aequorea coerulescens was used as a model protein to examine the unfolding/re-folding properties of protein in silica gels. The recombinant protein was isolated and purified from Escherichia coli extracts by cell lysis, three-phase partitioning, dialysis, and anion exchange chromatography. The purity of the protein was greater than 90% as ...
(-)-N6-(R-4-Hydroxyphenylisopropyl)adenosine (HPIA) was iodinated with NaI and trace /sup 125/I. Mono- and diiodinated reaction products and the starting material were separated by high pressure liquid chromatography and the structures of the reaction products were verified by NMR. (-)-N6-(R-Phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), IHPIA, and I2HPIA decreased rat atrial contractility with ED50 values of 24, 28, and 33 nM, respectively. The contractile effects of these compounds were competitively blocked by theophylline (KI . 7.9 microM), but were not affected by adenosine deaminase. IHPIA also inhibited (-)isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in adipocytes with an ED50 (10 nM) and to an extent (83%) nearly identical to PIA. (/sup 125/I)HPIA prepared using carrier-free /sup 125/I bound to adenosine receptors on membranes from rat cerebral cortex, adipocyte ghosts, and heart ventricles. Binding was inhibited stereospecifically by PIA and by other adenosine ...
Incorporation of /sup 32/P from (gamma-32P)ATP into tyrosine residues of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II receptor was observed in a Triton X-100-insoluble fraction of rat adipocyte plasma membranes. IGF-II receptor phosphorylation proceeded to a stoichiometry of approximately 0.5 mol of phosphate/IGF-II binding site after 10 min of incubation at 4 degrees C. A Km for ATP of 6 microM was calculated for this phosphorylation reaction. Addition of IGF-II caused an approximately 2-fold increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the IGF-II receptor in this preparation. In contrast, phosphorylation of angiotensin II by the Triton X-100 washed membranes was not stimulated by IGF-II. Incubation of purified receptor immobilized on IGF-II agarose or of receptor-enriched low density microsomal membranes with (gamma-32P)ATP did not result in appreciable incorporation of (/sup 32/P)phosphate into the IGF-II receptor nor into ...
In-vitro experiments using "2"0"3Pb were performed to identify the lead binding components in human peripheral blood. The distribution of lead in plasma, in the red cell membrane, and within the red cell was also investigated. Studies of the distribution of "2"0"3Pb in the whole blood showed that at a lead concentration of 2.45 #mu#mol/l (50 #mu#g/100 ml) about 94% of lead had been incorporated by the erythrocytes and 6% remained in the plasma. After extraction of lipid by a methanol/chloroform mixture, about 75% of the lead was found to be associated with the protein fraction. The lipid contained about 21% of the "2"0"3Pb, the remainder being in the aqueous plasma. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of blood plasma showed that almost 90% of the "2"0"3Pb was present in the albumin fraction; the remainder was likely to be associated with high molecular weight globulins. Several binding sites were identified on the erythrocyte membrane. The ...
We have previously shown that budded viruses of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) enter the cell cytoplasm but do not migrate into the nuclei of non-permissive Sf9 cells that support a high titer of Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) multiplication. Here we show, using the syncytium formation assay, that low-pH-triggered membrane fusion of BmNPV GP64 protein (Bm-GP64) is significantly lower than that of AcMNPV GP64 protein (Ac-GP64). Mutational analyses of GP64 proteins revealed that a single amino acid substitution between Ac-GP64 H155 and Bm-GP64 Y153 can have significant positive or negative effects on membrane fusion activity. Studies using bacmid-based GP64 recombinant AcMNPV harboring point-mutated ac-gp64 and bm-gp64 genes showed that Ac-GP64 H155Y and Bm-GP64 Y153H substitutions decreased and increased, respectively, the multiplication and cell-to-cell spread of progeny viruses. These results ...
Carbon films have been made by a variety of techniques, including evaporation, sputtering, and laser or thermal pyrolysis of organic polymers. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is often used as a carbon precursor, since low-temperature thermo-oxidative pretreatment produces a material which can be pyrolyzed without loss of shape. This is the basis for the production of carbon fibers with good mechanical properties. We report here the formation of very thin films of carbon (500 to 1500 A) by pyrolysis of spin-cast PAN. Using this technique, large, conductive films can be made which are sufficiently robust to allow intact lift-off and transfer of the films from one substrate to another. Such films are chemically inert, but can be photolithographically patterned and etched with an oxygen plasma.
This is a process for manufacturing a semi-rigid, folding solar generator manufactured from several coated solar cells (Cics), which has at least two folding parts connected together so as to turn by hinges, characterized by the following stages of the process: a) On the back of matrix subsections, in order to cover the connector, carbon fibre strips are glued on, which project over the upper or lower edge of each matrix subsection. b) The projecting ends of adjacent carbon fiber strips are connected with two carbon fibre strips. c) At least two matrix subsections are fixed in separately manufactured carbon fiber frames, and d) the carbon fiber frames, together with the matrix subsections are connected via hinges to a solar generator.
The shift to renewable energy options and low-carbon technologies, in response to the concerns over energy security and climate change, is proceeding more slowly than many would like. The usual argument against rapid deployment of new technologies is the costs imposed on the economy, commonly interpreted in terms of upfront costs to be borne or involving large cash transfers to fund, for example, efforts to preserve rainforests. In this contribution I argue that such a perspective provides a continuing barrier to taking effective action, whereas a perspective based on creation and use of carbon credits provides a means of avoiding the shock of abrupt industrial change. Carbon credits granted for bona fide carbon load reductions could be created through private initiative, for example by me...
The document provides: An overview of CCS technology including what plant equipment is novel and what is currently in use within the CCS or other industries; An in depth guide to carbon dioxide to broaden the readers understanding of the material and its health and safety issues; Key design features of plant and pipelines for carbon dioxide service including experience gained from the industrial gases sector; and Key operational information for plant and pipelines for carbon dioxide service including experience gained from the industrial gases sector to ensure that your operating practices take into account the latest operational experiences from carbon dioxide plant. 45 figs., 18 tabs.
A pilot cropland carbon sequestration program within north central Montana has allowed farmers to receive carbon credit for management adjustments associated with changing from tillage-based agricultural systems to no-till. Carbon credit can also be obtained by adopting conservation reserve, where cropland is planted into perennial vegetation. Summer fallowing is also considered within the crediting process as credit is not given in years that a field is left un-vegetated. The carbon sequestration program has been advocated as a means to mitigate climate change while providing an added source of income for Montana farmers. There is lack of data, however, pertaining to the percentage of lands within this region that have not converted to no-till management, lands under certain crop intensit...
The authors report here, for the first time, high frequency testing of a new type of electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC), based on carbon aerogels: the Aerocapacitor. Carbon aerogels, are a novel type of carbon foam developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for military applications. The unique properties of carbon aerogels, high surface area (700 m{sup 2}/g), high density (1g/cc), well controlled pore diameter and high material conductivity (25 S/cm) made it an ideal EDLC electrode material. Using carbon aerogel as the electrode material, the authors have developed Aerocapacitors. These new EDLC`s have a frequency response comparable to that of aluminum electrolytic capacitors and are thus ideally suited to power conversion applications.
This objective of this work was to summarize the main results obtained in previous papers related to the adsorbent-adsorbate interactions involved in the adsorption of naphthalenesulphonic acids and heavy metals (Cd(II) or Hg(II)) by modified activated carbons. The adsorption of organic compounds (1-naphthalenesulphonic acid, 1,5-naphthalenedisulphonic acid and 1,3,6-naphthalenetrisulphonic acid) and inorganic species (Cd(II) and Hg(II)) was studied on a series of ozonized activated carbon in aqueous phase. Commercial activated carbon (Filtrasorb 400) was treated with different ozone doses to study the effect of ozone treatment on its surface properties and investigate the behavior of the treated carbon samples in the above adsorption processes. After ozonation, carbonyl- and carboxyl-type...
The Earth`s oceans, forests, agricultural lands and other natural areas absorb about half of the carbon dioxide emitted from anthropogenic sources. Terrestrial carbon sequestration strategies are immediately available to bridge the gap between current terrestrial sequestration capacity and high-capacity geologic sequestration projects available in 10 to 20 years. Terrestrial carbon sequestration strategies consist of implementing land management practices aimed at decreasing CO2 emitted into the atmosphere and developing advanced measurement tools to inventory and monitor carbon processes in soils and biota. In addition to atmospheric CO2 mitigation and carbon trading advantages, terrestrial carbon sequestration produces a variety of benefits which include reclamation of degraded lands, increased soil productivity, increased land value and a more secure food ...
Carbons derived from the phase separation of polyacrylonitrile/solvent mixtures were investigated as lithium intercalation anodes for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The carbon electrodes have a bulk density of 0.35-0.5 g/cm{sup 3}, relatively low surface areas (< 10 m{sup 2}/g), and micron-size cells. Pyrolysis temperature influences the reversible lithium intercalation and the irreversible capacity (associated with the formation of the passivating layer). Carbon electrodes pyrolyzed at 600{degrees}C have first-cycle capacity as high as 550 mAh/g as well as large irreversible capacity, 440 mAh/g. Electrodes prepared at 1050{degrees}C have reversible capacities around 270 mAh/g with relatively lower capacity losses (120 mAh/g). Doping the organic precursors with phosphoric acid, prior to pyrolysis at 1050{degrees}C, leads to carbon electrodes with reversible capacities as high as 450 mAh/g. The ...
The carbon transfer has been analyzed in the Alloy 800/sodium/stainless steel system by determining the carbon-uptake of Alloy 800 foils, which were exposed in liquid sodium of known carburizing potential. Under equilibrium condistions between 650 and 550_0C the measured total carbon concentrations in the Alloy 800 tabs were found to be roughly related to the carbon activities of the sodium environment by the equation already stated for the 18 Cr-8/10 Ni stainless steels, extrapolated to the chemical composition of the Ni-rich austenitic alloy. However the Alloy 800 was not found to undergo any decarburization in low-carbon activity environments. The carbon diffusion kinetics was determined as a function of temperature, it was found to be similar to that reported for the AISI-304 type of steel. The effects of sodium exposure on microstructural and mechanical ...
The carbon transfer has been analyzed in the Alloy 800/sodium/stainless steel system by determining the carbon-uptake of Alloy 800 foils, which were exposed in liquid sodium of known carburizing potential. Under equilibrium conditions between 650 and 550/sup 0/C the measured total carbon concentrations in the Alloy 800 tabs were found to be roughly related to the carbon activities of the sodium environment by the equation already stated for the 18 Cr-8/10 Ni stainless steels, extrapolated to the chemical composition of the Ni-rich austenitic alloy. However the Alloy 800 was not found to undergo any decarburization in low-carbon activity environments. The carbon diffusion kinetics was determined as a function of temperature, it was found to be similar to that reported for the AISI-304 type of steel. The effects of sodium exposure on microstructural and mechanical ...