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Background/Objectives: Rehmannia glutinosa, a highly valuable medicinal plant in China, is encountering severe replant disease. Replant disease represents a complex stress driven by multiple principal factors (RDFs), including allelochemicals, microbes, and their interactions. miRNAs are recognized as key regulators of plant response to stresses; however, their specific roles within RDFs are not entirely clear. Methods: This study builds six RDF treatments, comprising R. glutinosa continuously planted (SP), normally planted (NP), and NP treated with ferulic acid (FA), Fusarium oxysporum (FO), and a combination of FA with FO (FAFO). sRNA-seq technology was used to identify crucial miRNAs in response to diverse RDFs. Results: In total, 30 sRNA datasets were generated from the SP, NP, FA, FO, and FAFO samples. A total of 160 known and 41 novel miRNAs (RgmiRNAs) were identified in the R. glutinosa genome based on the sRNA database. Abundance analysis revealed that RgmiRNAs in SP exhibited a distinct expression profile in comparison with others. Of these, 124, 86, 86, and 90 RgmiRNAs were differentially expressed in SP, FA, FO, and FAFO compared with NP. Target analysis indicated that RgmiRNAs downregulated in both SP and RDFs impede the organism growth of R. glutinosa. RgmiRNAs upregulated in SP can disrupt root formation and nutrient metabolism, in which, two RgmiR398 were uniquely expressed in SP. It was confirmed to target RgCSD genes. The expression patterns of RgmiR398 and RgCSD indicated that replant disease induces the oxidative damage of R. glutinosa through RgmiR398. Conclusions: RgmiRNA profiling under RDFs provides a theoretical basis for the further clarification of RgmiRNA function in replant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthetic properties are essential for the evaluation of phytoplankton photosynthetic efficiency as well as their physiological status in different waters. The present study measured in situ minimum and maximum fluorescence (Fo, Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv), and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) in Nha Trang Bay to estimate seasonal phytoplankton community responses to different environmental conditions. Photosynthetic efficiency of in situ phytoplankton in Nha Trang Bay varied from 0.03 to 0.55 among stations and sampling times. Stations near the shore (Cape Chut) and estuary had higher Fv/Fm values than offshore stations. Seasonal and spatial variation of photosynthetic efficiency along the transect from the river mouth to the open ocean reflected the impact of river inputs on phytoplankton communities. In situ measurements indicate the impacts of complex environmental conditions in Nha Trang Bay (e.g., light intensity and nutrients) on the physiological status and photosynthetic efficiency of phytoplankton.

The intersection of climate change and food production is emerging as a critical area of research, focusing on both the potential benefits and the significant challenges posed by changing climate conditions. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide alongside rising global temperatures could theoretically boost crop yields, benefiting both human and animal consumption. This study examines the impact of various climate variables—temperature, humidity, precipitation, and soil moisture—on the primary production of essential foods such as rice, wheat, livestock, milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. Utilizing data from different countries spanning from 2000 to 2020, drawn from world development indicators, this research employs econometric analysis coupled with deep learning-based cluster analysis. Additionally, it projects future production trends up to 2100 using the moving average time series forecasting method. The findings reveal a direct correlation between climate variables and the production levels of vegetables and other food items, highlighting the immediate effects of climatic changes on agriculture. The study also points out the uneven distribution of these climate impacts, with developing countries facing more severe challenges due to their limited resources and adaptive capacities. This uneven impact contributes to increased uncertainty in food supply and affects market stability. Furthermore, concerns about food safety are intensifying under the influence of climate change, although some regions have implemented effective food conservation and control measures to mitigate these risks. This research underscores a complex landscape where the risks and benefits of climate change on food production are not uniformly distributed, but rather are influenced by a myriad of factors including geographic location, economic conditions, and the level of technological advancement in food safety practices. The nuanced understanding of these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted strategies to enhance food security in the face of a changing climate.

Pressure-Retarded Osmosis (PRO) is an osmotically driven membrane-based process that has recently garnered significant attention from researchers due to its potential for clean energy harvesting from salinity gradients. The complex interactions between mixed-mode channel flows and osmotic fluxes in real PRO membrane modules necessitate high-fidelity modeling approaches. In this work, an efficient CFD framework is developed for the 3D simulation of osmotically driven membrane processes. This approach is based on a two-way coupling between a CFD solver, which captures external concentration polarization (ECP) effects, and an analytical representation of internal concentration polarization (ICP). Consequently, the osmotic water flux and reverse salt flux (RSF) can be accurately determined, accounting for all CP effects without any limitations on the geometrical complexity of the membrane chamber or its flow mode/regime. The proposed model is validated against experimental data, showing good agreement across various PRO case studies. Additionally, the model’s flexibility to simulate other types of osmotically driven processes such as forward osmosis (FO) is examined. Thus, the contributions of ECP and ICP effects in local osmotic pressure drop along the membrane chamber are comprehensively compared for FO and PRO modes. Finally, the capability of the CFD model to simulate a lab-scale PRO module is demonstrated across a range of Reynolds numbers from low-speed laminar up to turbulent flow regimes.

In this paper, the hydrophilic UiO-66-NH2 nanomaterial was synthesized by the solvent-thermal method and characterized. Then, UiO-66-NH2 was introduced into the casting membrane solution of cellulose acetate (CA) forward osmosis (FO) membrane, and CA/UiO-66-NH2 forward osmosis membrane was prepared by the phase inversion method. The optimum preparation conditions of CA/UiO-66-NH2 mixed matrix membranes were determined as follows: the content of UiO-66-NH2 was 0.4 wt%, the coagulation bath temperature was 35°C, the mixing temperature was 50°C and the heat treatment temperature was 50°C. FTIR, SEM, water contact angle and AFM were carried out on CA/UiO-66-NH2 forward osmosis membrane prepared under the best preparation conditions. Compared to the CA forward osmosis membrane, the permeability and selectivity of the CA/UiO-66-NH2 membrane were improved. The water flux and reverse salt flux of the CA/UiO-66-NH2 forward osmosis membrane reached 52.32 L/(m2·h) and 2.43 g/(m2·h), respectively. The permeability selectivity of CA membranes and CA/UiO-66-NH2 membranes did not change much during 180 min, indicating that the two membranes had good long-term stability. This study shows a potential advantage of UiO-66-NH2 as additives for improvement in the desalination performance of forward osmosis membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a novel adaptive fractional-order non-singular terminal sliding mode (FO-NTSM) control strategy for omnidirectional mobile robot manipulator (OMRM) with unknown parameters and external disturbances. Firstly, we adopt the fuzzy wavelet neural networks (FWNNs) to estimate the dynamic uncertainty of the OMRM because it has superior function approximation capability. Secondly, we design the adaptive NTSM controller to attenuate external disturbances by virtue of adjusting the weights of the FWNNs online. Moreover, we obtain a fractional-order (FO) control criterion, which speed up the convergence of the algorithm. In addition, we prove the globally robust stability of the OMRM control system through a designed Lyapunov function. Finally, simulation and experiment researches indicate the feasible and validity of the presented method. • By applying fractional calculus, a novel adaptive sliding mode controller with FO is proposed to investigate the trajectory tracking for OMRM system in present of unknown parameters and external disturbances. • The superior combination of FWNNs and robust techniques not only largely overcomes the model uncertainty of the controlled object, but also is more robust to external unfavorable factors. • The designed controller is applied to a 3-DOF OMRM, accordingly. It is verified by experiments that the actual control performances are considerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a maiden application of the fractional‐order proportional‐integral‐derivative plus the second‐order derivative controller called FOPIDD2 (PIλDμD2) to achieve better transient response at a terminal voltage of automatic voltage regulator (AVR). Multi‐verse optimizer (MVO) algorithm is used for tuning six optimization parameters of controller. MVO is a powerful optimization algorithm with great convergence speed and strong search mechanisms for an expanded number of decisions. The proposed FOPIDD2 controller is compared with proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID), PID plus second‐order derivative (PIDD2), fractional order PID (FOPID) and filtered FOPID controllers obtained using different algorithms in both time domain and frequency domain. According to the results, FOPIDD2 controller shows superior performance than compared studies in terms of transient response of terminal voltage of AVR. Additionally, frequency domain analysis shows that FOPIDD2 controller presents satisfactory results. Finally, the system is subjected to a robustness test with changes in time constants and gain constants values. AVR system with FOPIDD2 controller performs better in perturbed system parameters than compared controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The osmotic energy of cane molasses was used to drive the partial dewatering of sugarcane juice by Forward Osmosis. The studies were conducted at low molasses to juice ratio considering their relative abundances. Studies in recirculation mode provided insight into the maximum possible extent of dewatering and the variation of permeate flux ( J w ) with bulk osmotic pressure difference. Operation in continuous single pass (CSP) mode helped maximise the throughput and J w . Data on permeation selectivity, back diffusion and osmotic energy use efficiency were additionally obtained for both modes of operation. The optimised CSP mode process was evaluated in a sugar mill employing commercial process streams. Energy saving – owing to reduced juice evaporation load – and freshwater saving – owing to simultaneous dilution of molasses – were the twin gains from the process considering sugar and ethanol as the final products. Areas of process improvement were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a common endocrine—metabolic disorder disease with chronic low-grade inflammation and alteration of intestinal flora. Serving as functional food, flaxseed oil (FO), which is rich in plant-derived α-linolenic acid of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been proven to benefit for chronic metabolic diseases. However, the exact role of dietary FO on PCOS remains largely unclear. In the present study, 6-week-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats/group), including (a) pair-fed (PF) control (CON) group (PF/CON), (b) FO-fed CON group (FO/CON), (c) PF with letrozole-induced PCOS model (MOD) group (PF/MOD), and (d) FO-fed MOD group (FO/MOD). All rats were fed a standard diet. After 3 weeks of modeling and subsequent 8 weeks of treatment, the rats in diverse groups were euthanized and associated indications were investigated. The results showed that dietary FO ameliorated the disorder of estrous cycle and ovarian morphology. In parallel, dietary FO improved the sex steroid hormone disturbance (luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone), body weights, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Moreover, FO treatment improved plasma and ovary inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Additionally, FO intervention significantly modulated the composition of gut microbiota and vaginal microbiota by increasing the abundances of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus, Butyrivibrio, Desulfovibrio, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides as well as decreasing the abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Streptococcus, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. A decrease in plasma lipopolysaccharide level and an increase in short-chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and pentanoic acid, were determined after dietary FO supplementation. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships among sex steroid hormones, inflammation, and gut/vaginal microbiota. Collectively, this study demonstrated that dietary FO ameliorated PCOS through the sex steroid hormones—microbiota—inflammation axis in rats, which may contribute to the understanding of pathogenesis and potentially serve as an inexpensive intervention in the control of PCOS.

Quadrotors are highly maneuverable drones, which are susceptible to the parameter uncertainties such as the mass, drag coefficients, and moment of inertia. Whose nonlinearities, aerodynamic disturbances, and higher coupling between the rotational and the translational dynamics stand for a problem that demands a robust controller. In the present paper, a fractional order (FO) improved super twisting proportional-integral-derivative sliding-mode control (STPIDSMC) is proposed for the quadrotor system. To improve the speed tracking performance, a FOPIDSM surface is designed. Moreover, the proposed FO control approach ensures fast convergence, high precision, good robustness against stochastic perturbations and uncertainties. Finally, the performance of the FOSTPIDSMC is investigated under different scenarios. The simulation results clearly show the high control performance, efficiency and high disturbance rejection capacity of the controller strategy proposed in this work in comparison with the nonlinear internal model control (NLIMC) and FO backstepping sliding mode control (FOBSMC) strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review provides a review for publications in 2018 and 2019 and includes information membrane processes findings for municipal and industrial applications. This review is a subsection of the annual Water Environment Federation literature review for Treatment Systems section. The following topics are covered in this literature review: industrial wastewater and membrane. Bioreactor (MBR) configuration, membrane fouling, design, reuse, nutrient removal, operation, anaerobic membrane systems, microconstituents removal, membrane technology advances, and modeling. Other sub‐sections of the Treatment Systems section that might relate to this literature review include the following: Biological Fixed‐Film Systems, Activated Sludge, and Other Aerobic Suspended Culture Processes, Anaerobic Processes, and Water Reclamation and Reuse. This publication might also have related information on membrane processes: Industrial Wastes, Hazardous Wastes, and Fate and Effects of Pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a common endocrine—metabolic disorder disease with chronic low-grade inflammation and alteration of intestinal flora. Serving as functional food, flaxseed oil (FO), which is rich in plant-derived α-linolenic acid of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been proven to benefit for chronic metabolic diseases. However, the exact role of dietary FO on PCOS remains largely unclear. In the present study, 6-week-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats/group), including (a) pair-fed (PF) control (CON) group (PF/CON), (b) FO-fed CON group (FO/CON), (c) PF with letrozole-induced PCOS model (MOD) group (PF/MOD), and (d) FO-fed MOD group (FO/MOD). All rats were fed a standard diet. After 3 weeks of modeling and subsequent 8 weeks of treatment, the rats in diverse groups were euthanized and associated indications were investigated. The results showed that dietary FO ameliorated the disorder of estrous cycle and ovarian morphology. In parallel, dietary FO improved the sex steroid hormone disturbance (luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone), body weights, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Moreover, FO treatment improved plasma and ovary inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Additionally, FO intervention significantly modulated the composition of gut microbiota and vaginal microbiota by increasing the abundances of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus, Butyrivibrio, Desulfovibrio, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides as well as decreasing the abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria , and Streptococcus , the ratio of Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes. A decrease in plasma lipopolysaccharide level and an increase in short-chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and pentanoic acid, were determined after dietary FO supplementation. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships among sex steroid hormones, inflammation, and gut/vaginal microbiota. Collectively, this study demonstrated that dietary FO ameliorated PCOS through the sex steroid hormones—microbiota—inflammation axis in rats, which may contribute to the understanding of pathogenesis and potentially serve as an inexpensive intervention in the control of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundamental frequency (f o) is often estimated based on electroglottographic (EGG) signals. Because of the nature of the method, the quality of EGG signals may be impaired by certain features like amplitude or baseline drifts, mains hum, or noise. The potential adverse effects of these factors on f o estimation have to date not been investigated. Here, the performance of 13 algorithms for estimating f o was tested, based on 147 synthesized EGG signals with varying degrees of signal quality deterioration. Algorithm performance was assessed through the standard deviation σ fo of the difference between known and estimated f o data, expressed in octaves. With very few exceptions, simulated mains hum, and amplitude and baseline drifts did not influence f o results, even though some algorithms consistently outperformed others. When increasing either cycle-to-cycle f o variation or the degree of subharmonics, the SIGMA algorithm had the best performance (max. σ fo = 0.04). That algorithm was, however, more easily disturbed by typical EGG equipment noise, whereas the NDF and Praat 's auto-correlation algorithms performed best in this category (σ fo = 0.01). These results suggest that the algorithm for f o estimation of EGG signals needs to be selected specifically for each particular data set. Overall, estimated f o data should be interpreted with care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the hydrophilic UiO-66-NH 2 nanomaterial was synthesized by the solvent-thermal method and characterized. Then, UiO-66-NH 2 was introduced into the casting membrane solution of cellulose acetate (CA) forward osmosis (FO) membrane, and CA/UiO-66-NH 2 forward osmosis membrane was prepared by the phase inversion method. The optimum preparation conditions of CA/UiO-66-NH 2 mixed matrix membranes were determined as follows: the content of UiO-66-NH 2 was 0.4 wt%, the coagulation bath temperature was 35°C, the mixing temperature was 50°C and the heat treatment temperature was 50°C. FTIR, SEM, water contact angle and AFM were carried out on CA/UiO-66-NH 2 forward osmosis membrane prepared under the best preparation conditions. Compared to the CA forward osmosis membrane, the permeability and selectivity of the CA/UiO-66-NH 2 membrane were improved. The water flux and reverse salt flux of the CA/UiO-66-NH 2 forward osmosis membrane reached 52.32 L/(m 2 ·h) and 2.43 g/(m 2 ·h), respectively. The permeability selectivity of CA membranes and CA/UiO-66-NH 2 membranes did not change much during 180 min, indicating that the two membranes had good long-term stability. This study shows a potential advantage of UiO-66-NH 2 as additives for improvement in the desalination performance of forward osmosis membranes.

Abstract Forward osmosis membranes based on ultrathin graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated. Suitable crosslinking agents were used to tune the interlayer spacing of GO sheets to achieve the desired membrane performance. The physicochemical properties of membranes were evaluated using different techniques. The interlayer spacing of GO-based membranes was controlled the interaction between the surface functionality of GO with the nature of crosslinking agents, such as polyvinyl alcohol, meta-phenylenediamine (MPD) and 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl chloride (TMC). The covalent bonds between the layer and crosslinking agents effectively suppressed the d-spacing stretching. Unlike other symmetric structures of membranes, the GO-MPD/TMC behaviour observed in the ultrathin polyamide (36 nm) asymmetric structure for the performance of pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) mode showed the highest flux of 20.8 LMH and low reverse salt flux of 3.4 gMH. A consistent water flux for a long-term PRO operation was achieved using GO-MPD/TMC membrane (∼98.7%). Therefore, the GO-MPD/TMC membrane can be used to suppress internal concentration polarisation. Graphical abstract The GO-MPD/TMC behaviour observed in the ultrathin polyamide (36 nm) asymmetric structure showed the highest flux of 20.8 LMH and low reverse salt flux of 3.4 gMH. A consistent water flux for a long-term operation was achieved using GO-MPD/TMC membrane (∼98.7%). Therefore, the ultrathin graphene oxide framework membrane may be used to suppress internal concentration polarisation. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of catalytic oxidation with forward osmosis (FO) holds promising potential to address two crucial challenges encountered by FO: fouling and unsustainable performance, but suitable approaches are still rare. Herein, we have successfully developed a photocatalysis-assisted forward osmosis (PFO) system. In the PFO, a self-made porous carbon nitride doped functional carbon nanotube photocatalytic hydrogel film (PCN@CNTM) was engaged in the FO process in an inventive way by simply sticking to the commercial FO membrane surface, preventing damage to the membrane from the catalyst's direct insertion and delaying the assault from the oxidation groups. PFO allowed organic pollutants to decompose in the feed solution (90%) and on the membrane surface, regulating the water chemical potential and giving the FO membrane antifouling properties. This resulted in sustainable water flux (11.8 LMH) with no significant membrane fouling in PFO, whereas in FO alone there was a significant fouling and flux drop (from 12.73 to 7.23 LMH in 4 h). Moreover, the expensive FO membrane was protected while the hydrogel film can be replaced on demand. The PFO exemplifies the concept of synergistic technology integration, presenting a new perspective on harnessing the strengths of distinct technologies in a mutually beneficial manner. [Display omitted] • Integrating photocatalysis and FO technology for the first time by a simple PFO. • FO membrane was protected by prepared carbon nitride-based catalytic hydrogel film. • A sustainable water flux of 11.8 LMH can be obtained in PFO. • PFO achieved water chemical potential and fouling control by removing pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As relics of history, ancient copper inscriptions are found in many countries. Information in the image or letter forms contained on copper ancient inscription has a very high value. The age and environmental factors caused damage to the surface of the inscription and also reduced the appearances of the image and letter. In this paper, we describe a novel segmentation methodology based on multi-texture features for ancient copper inscriptions which were severely damaged. The segmentation results of letters on ancient copper inscriptions by using the proposed method have an average accuracy of 90%. Based on these results, the proposed method is suitable for letter segmentation of the ancient copper inscriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fouling models rely on knowledge of foulant accumulation and removal mechanisms. In this study, a fouling visualization apparatus is developed to elucidate centimeter-scale mechanisms of organic fouling and cleaning in reverse osmosis (RO) and forward osmosis (FO). Alginate is used as a model organic foulant and dyed with methylene blue, which is shown not to affect fouling or cleaning, and to sufficiently highlight the gel for visualization at low salinity (up to 1% NaCl). When cleaning by increasing the cross-flow velocity, with or without reverse permeation, foulant peels off the membrane in discrete pieces in both RO and FO. Videos of cleaning show that foulant cake swelling and wrinkling can facilitate gel detachment and removal. Despite their effectiveness in slowing fouling, spacers can hinder removal of detached foulant pieces by obstructing their path. Finally, photographs point to a new mechanism of internal fouling in FO: vapor formation due to sub-atmospheric pressure within the membrane. Awareness of these mechanisms allows for better modeling of fouling and motivates optimization of swelling-inducing cleaning procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing popularity of optimal design in drug development it is important to understand how the approximations and implementations of the Fisher information matrix (FIM) affect the resulting optimal designs. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact on design performance when using two common approximations to the population model and the full or block-diagonal FIM implementations for optimization of sampling points. Sampling schedules for two example experiments based on population models were optimized using the FO and FOCE approximations and the full and block-diagonal FIM implementations. The number of support points was compared between the designs for each example experiment. The performance of these designs based on simulation/estimations was investigated by computing bias of the parameters as well as through the use of an empirical D-criterion confidence interval. Simulations were performed when the design was computed with the true parameter values as well as with misspecified parameter values. The FOCE approximation and the Full FIM implementation yielded designs with more support points and less clustering of sample points than designs optimized with the FO approximation and the block-diagonal implementation. The D-criterion confidence intervals showed no performance differences between the full and block diagonal FIM optimal designs when assuming true parameter values. However, the FO approximated block-reduced FIM designs had higher bias than the other designs. When assuming parameter misspecification in the design evaluation, the FO Full FIM optimal design was superior to the FO block-diagonal FIM design in both of the examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feed to all Recirculation-multi-stage flash (R-MSF) desalting units in Qatar is pretreated with high temperature additive, which limits its top brine temperature (TBT) to 110°C. The daily capacity of these R-MSF units is about one Million cubic meters (Mm3/d). These units should continue their operation through their life time, (20–30 years). The capacity and performance of these units can be enhanced if Forward osmosis (FO) membrane system is used as pretreatment. The FO membranes can remove the scale constituents in the feed water and allows rising the TBT up to 135°C, and thus increases the capacity of these units. The viability of using FO as feed water pretreatment to an existing operating R-MSF unit is discussed in this paper. A suggested arrangement to use FO as MSF feed pretreatment is presented. Part of the cooling seawater leaving the heat rejection is directed to the FO pretreatment unit as feed solution (FS). The flashing brine leaving the last stage with the maximum brine salt concentration (about 1.5 times of the seawater feed) is directed to the FO unit as draw solution (DS) that absorbs an amount permeate water (D) from the FS while the Ca2+,, Mg2+, andare rejected. The diluted DS enters the last stage condenser of the heat recovery section. This arrangement allows to increase the TBT and thus the unit distillate capacity. The potential of calcium sulfate deposite index inside MSF condenser tubes is calculated at different TBTs and different FO recovery ratio. The calculations show that Skillman index in reference MSF (operates at TBT = 110°C) plant is greater than one which indicates the potential of scale deposit formation; however, antiscalant is used to disperse the crystalized scale. The simulation results showed that the potential of scale deposit is decreased as the FO recovery ratio increases due to the increase in divalent ions removal. The MSF can operate at TBT = 135°C safely without calcium sulfate scale at FO recovery ratio of 40%. On the other hand, the increase in the FO recovery ratio, will reduce the osmotic pressure difference across the membrane which requires higher membrane surface area. The impact of feed salinity is investigated, and the results showed that lowering the feed salinity gives better performance of FO unit. The cost of the FO membranes is a major factor in applying the suggested use of the FO as pretreatment for the R-MSF unit. The decision to apply this method depends on the availability and reasonable cost of the FO membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the effectiveness of sodium chloride and sucrose binary draw solutions in a forward osmosis pilot plant unit with either deionised or salt water feeds. Specifically, the effects of draw solution concentration on water flux through the membrane, the overall water recovery and the specific energy consumption of the unit are considered. For both feed types, sodium chloride draw solution exhibited a relatively high effectiveness in terms of all the measured performance indicators. Further, improvements in flux and recovery were also achievable with an increase in the sodium chloride (draw solution) concentration. In contrast, a sucrose-based draw solution led to a severe deterioration of the membrane performance that could not be effectively overcome by an increase in the draw solution concentration. This observation was attributed to the relatively large increase in the viscosity of the draw solution with increase in sucrose concentration. Interestingly, in the case of a salt water feed, an increase in the sucrose draw solution concentration led to a relatively small increase in flux and recovery, suggesting some complex but favourable interaction between the salt and sucrose due to the reverse diffusion of the salt into the draw solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to evaluate the performance and economic feasibility of the forward osmosis (FO)-reverse osmosis (RO) hybrid process; to propose a guideline by which this hybrid process might be more price-competitive in the field. A solution-diffusion model modified with film theory was applied to analyze the effects of concentration polarization, water, and salt transport coefficient on flux, recovery, seawater concentration, and treated wastewater of the FO process of an FO-RO hybrid system. A simple cost model was applied to analyze the effects of flux; recovery of the FO process; energy; and membrane cost on the FO-RO hybrid process. The simulation results showed that the water transport coefficient and internal concentration polarization resistance are very important factors that affect performance in the FO process; however; the effect of the salt transport coefficient does not seem to be large. It was also found that the flux and recovery of the FO process, the FO membrane, and the electricity cost are very important factors that influence the water cost of an FO-RO hybrid system. This hybrid system can be price-competitive with RO systems when its recovery rate is very high, the flux and the membrane cost of the FO are similar to those of the RO, and the electricity cost is expensive. The most important thing in commercializing the FO process is enhancing performance (e.g.; flux and the recovery of FO membranes) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se estudió el efecto de distintos tratamientos de esterilización sobre la calidad nutricional expresada como retención de tiamina y sobre la pérdida de color en conservas de salmón (Salmo salar). En la materia prima y en las conservas se determinó el contenido de tiamina mediante HPLC y la variación de color mediante colorímetro triestímulo Hunter. Las conservas se elaboraron en envase salmonero y se esterilizaron hasta alcanzar el valor Fo = 6 min. El valor nutricional representado por la tiamina se vio afectado por las altas temperaturas y por el tiempo de exposición al calor. La mayor retención de tiamina fue de 19,2% y se obtuvo en las conservas que se procesaron a 114°C por 89 min. El color de las conservas de salmón varió significativamente respecto a la materia prima, se produjo pérdida de coloración roja y mayor claridad de la carne.The present work studied the effect of different treatments at high temperatures on the nutritional properties of thiamine retention and color measurement experimentally. Canned salmon (Salmo salar) was processed under different temperatures and time conditions (110°C for 135 minutes; 114°C for 89 minutes; 118°C for 69 minutes and 121°C for 62 minutes). Thiamine was determined by HPLC before and after the process. Color changes, due to processing conditions, were also measured utilizing a Hunter colorimeter. The canning was prepared in 300 x 407 cans and sterilized until Fo value reached 6 min. The nutritional value or index represented by the B1 vitamin or thiamine was affected by high temperature and time exposition. The lowest loss of thiamine of 19.2% was obtained in the canned salmon sterilized at 114°C for 89 minutes. The color in canned salmon was different from the raw material, with a severe loss of red color and a greater clarity of the meat.

Protein domain dynamics and electron transfer chemistry are often associated, but real-time analysis of domain motion in enzyme-catalysed reactions and the elucidation of mechanistic schemes that relate these motions to the reaction chemistry are major challenges for biological catalysis research. Previously we suggested that reduction of human cytochrome P450 reductase with the reducing coenzyme NADPH is accompanied by major structural re-orientation of the FMN- and FAD-binding domains through an inferred dynamic cycle of 'open' and 'closed' conformations of the enzyme (PLoS Biol, 2011, e1001222). However, these studies were restricted to stopped-flow/FRET analysis of the reductive half-reaction, and were compromised by fluorescence quenching of the acceptor by the flavin cofactors. Here we have improved the design of the FRET system, by using dye pairs with near-IR fluorescence, and extended studies on human cytochrome P450 reductase to the oxidative half-reaction using a double-mixing stopped-flow assay, thereby analysing in real-time conformational dynamics throughout the complete catalytic cycle. We correlate redox changes accompanying the reaction chemistry with protein dynamic changes observed by FRET, and show that redox chemistry drives a major re-orientation of the protein domains in both the reductive and oxidative half-reactions. Our studies using the tractable (soluble) surrogate electron acceptor cytochrome c provide a framework for analysing mechanisms of electron transfer in the endoplasmic reticulum between cytochrome P450 reductase and cognate P450 enzymes. More generally, our work emphasizes the importance of protein dynamics in intra- and inter-protein electron transfer, and establishes methodology for real-time analysis of structural changes throughout the catalytic cycle of complex redox proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and exercise testing are widely used for the evaluation of pediatric asthma. The evidence relating to the effects of strenuous exercise on FENOin children is conflicting. Little information is available on the association between exercise and FENOin relation to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR). We aimed to investigate the effects of AR on children's FENOin response to a standardized treadmill exercise test.Methods: A total of 124 children with current asthma and 124 non-asthmatic children aged 8–16 years were studied. FENOwas measured at baseline, at 1 and 30 min after an exercise challenge test using the single breath technique with EcoMedics Exhalyzer®. A structured parental interview, spirometry, serum allergen-specific IgE and skin prick tests were performed.Results: Baseline FENOwas higher in both asthmatics and non-asthmatics with AR than without AR (bothp < 0.001). The FENOtime trend was dependent on AR (p = 0.039), irrespective of asthma (p = 0.876). In children with AR, FENOhad declined at 1 min by a mean of 6.1 ppb with a 95% confidence level of 5.1–7.5 ppb; at 30 min, the reduction was 2.8 (2.5–3.3) ppb. In children without AR, at 1 min the decline in FENOwas 2.7 (2.1–3.5) ppb and by 30 min post-exercise it was 1.6 (1.3–2.0) ppb.Conclusions: The impact of exercise on FENOwas dependent on the allergic phenotype, regardless of asthma status. FENOdecreased immediately after exercise, and did not return to baseline level within 30 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that displays dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. In the present study, the efficacy of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE: 100 mg/kg/day) and fish oil (FO: 5 mL/kg/day) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was evaluated in terms of DNA damage, histopathological changes and expression levels of molecular markers of apoptosis. The administration of cisplatin (CP) (7 mg/kg) results in an increasing percentage of S-phase, G2/M and apoptosis. Furthermore, CP induces apoptosis as indicated by an elevation of renal caspase-3 and reduction in the expression of BCL-2. In addition to occurred renal histopathological changes as manifested by tubular degeneration, degenerative glomerulus, necrotic tubular cells, and cell debris. On the other hand, the administration of GSPE or FO pre-cisplatin treatment can be ameliorated the current DNA cell cycle alterations by the restoration of expression of proteins related to apoptosis and reduced the undesirable renal histopathological changes. So, it can be concluded that the consumption of GSPE or FO might be useful for minimizing nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin chemotherapy through their anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exergetic efficiency is defined in order to compare brine concentration processes including forward osmosis (FO) across a wide range of salinities. We find that existing FO pilot plants have lower efficiency than reverse osmosis plants in the brackish and seawater salinity ranges. High salinity FO, in its current form, is still less efficient than mechanical vapor compression. We show that efficiency is the product of FO exchanger and draw regenerator efficiencies, and therefore FO system energy efficiency benefits from improvements to both. The mass flow rate ratio (between draw and feed flow rates) is identified as a crucial parameter in the design of efficient FO systems because of its effect on exchanger efficiency. We demonstrate a method of thermodynamically balancing an FO system by choosing flow rates that lead to equal osmotic pressure differences at both ends of the exchanger, and show the method's potential to increase the efficiency of current systems by 3–21%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several softwares which have their normative values like MDVP, Dr Speech, and Vaghmi. The present study aims to establish a normative data for PRAAT software in the age range of 5-10 yrs. for Indian population. Two hundred and fifty children (between the age ranges of 5-10 years) participated in the study. Voice samples were elicited by asking each participant to produce sustained phonations of /a/, /i/ and /u/ sounds at his or her habitual levels of pitch and loudness lasting longer than 3 seconds. Each subject's Fundamental Frequency (Fo), jitter, shimmer, signal to noise ratio (SNR) and noise to harmonic ratio (HNR) were measured and analyzed using PRAAT software. Based on the acoustic analysis, the result of the current study is presented below, for children in the age range of 5-10 yrs a mean FO of for /a/ is 271.6,/i/ is 287.2 and /u/ is 292.3; jitter of 0.6851 % for /a/, 0.4752% for /i/ and 0.5657% for /u/; shimmer of 0.4549 for /a/, 0.3220 /i/ and 0.2775/u/;SNR of .0269 for /a/;0.0184 for/i/ and 0.0068 for /u/; HNR for /a/ is 17.5413, 19.9144 for /i/ and 25.5379 for /u/. Normatives obtained from PRAAT can be further used to compare the characteristics of abnormal and normal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination of microbial fuel cell (MFC) and forward osmosis (FO) is called an osmotic microbial fuel cell (OMFC). Because of the high cost of FO membranes, for the first time laboratory made FO membrane has been used in OMFC. This study investigates the performance of FO membrane in OMFC treating glucose as substrate and 2M NaCl as draw solution. The FO membrane was able to achieve 18.43 lm−2 h−1(LMH) and for fouled FO membrane it was 15.26 lm−2 h−1. The OMFC constantly produced bioelectricity and achieved maximum current density 139.52 A/m3and power density 27.38 W/m3. The energy production of OMFC was 0.438 kWh/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapeutic drug used in treatment of malignancies. However, its clinical utility is limited by nephrotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective role of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) (100 mg/kg/day) or fish oil (FO) (5 ml/kg/day) against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in terms of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and DNA damage. CP nephrotoxiciy is manifested by increased levels of serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, accompanied by their decrease in urine. Na, K and Ca levels were altered in both serum and urine. In addition, cisplatin caused a decrease in renal GSH, SH-group, SOD, GST, and Na-K-ATPase levels. However the levels of MDA, HO and NO were increased. Also, we assessed the renal genotoxic potential of cisplatin as manifested by an increase in the tail length of DNA, tail intensity (DNA %) and tail moment. On the other hand, administration of GSPE or FO pre-cisplatin treatment ameliorated the current changes in most of the above tested parameters, particularly oxidative stress, endogenous antioxidant defense system and DNA damage indicating their curative effect. Thus, it can be concluded that the consumption of GSPE or FO might be useful for preventing nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new hierarchy of higher-order nested pushdown trees generalising Alur et al.'s concept of nested pushdown trees. Nested pushdown trees are useful representations of control flows in the verification of programs with recursive calls of first-order functions. Higher-order nested pushdown trees are expansions of unfoldings of graphs generated by higher-order pushdown systems. Moreover, the class of nested pushdown trees of level n is uniformly first-order interpretable in the class of collapsible pushdown graphs of level n + 1. The relationship between the class of higher-order pushdown graphs and the class of collapsible higher-order pushdown graphs is not very well understood. We hope that the further study of the nested pushdown tree hierarchy leads to a better understanding of these two hierarchies. In this article, we are concerned with the first-order model checking problem on higher-order nested pushdown trees. We show that the first-order model checking on the first two levels of this hierarchy is decidable. Moreover, we obtain an alternating 2-EXPTIME algorithm for the class of nested pushdown trees of level 1. The proof technique involves a pseudo-local analysis of strategies in the Ehrenfeucht-Fraıss'e games on two identical copies of a nested pushdown tree. Ordinary locality arguments in the spirit of Gaifman's lemma do not apply here because nested pushdown trees tend to have small diameters. We introduce the notion of relevant ancestors which provide a sufficient description of the FOk-type of each element in a higher-order nested pushdown tree. The local analysis of these ancestors allows us to prove the existence of restricted winning strategies in the Ehrenfeucht-Fraıss'e game. These strategies are then used to create a first-order model checking algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An NH3/CO2 forward osmosis (FO) membrane brine concentrator (MBC) pilot was tested in the desalination of frac flowback and produced waters from natural gas extraction operations in the Marcellus shale region. The average concentration of these waters was 73,000±4200mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS), with an average hardness of 17,000±3000mg/L as CaCO3. Pretreatment included chemical softening, media filtration, activated carbon, and cartridge filtration. Average pilot performance characteristics were: system recovery of 64±2.2%, nominal water flux of 2.6±0.12L/m2-h, concentrated brine concentration of 180,000±19,000mg/L TDS, and product water with 300±115mg/L TDS. The thermal energy required by the FO MBC pilot, when operated within the efficient flow specification of the draw solution recycling system, averaged 275±12kWhth/m3 of product water, approximately 57% less thermal energy input than that estimated for a conventional evaporator operated in a comparable single stage, non-mechanical vapor compression (MVC) configuration. In an MVC configuration, which uses electrical rather than thermal energy, modeling indicates that the FO MBC process will require 42% less electrical energy than a conventional forced circulation MVC evaporator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dental radiographs are essential in diagnosing the pathology of the jaw. However, similar radiographic appearance of jaw lesions causes difficulties in differentiating cyst from tumor. Therefore, we conducted a development of computer-aided classification system for cyst and tumor lesions in dental panoramic images. The proposed system consists of feature extraction based on texture using the first-order statistics texture (FO), Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM). In this work, there were thirty three features which were classified using Support Vector Machine (SVM) based classification. The result shows that differentiation of cyst from tumor lesions can achieve accuracy up to 87.18% and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC) curve up to 0.9444. When using the number of features used as predictors, the highest accuracy obtained were 8462% using FO, 61.54% using GLCM, 76.92% using GLRLM, 84.62% using the combination of FO and GLCM, 87.18% using the combination of FO and GLRLM, 75.56% using the combination of GLCM and GLRLM, and 87.18% using the combination of FO, GLCM and GLRLM. The highest AUC value was 0.9361 using FO, using GLCM was 0.8667, using GLRLM was 0.8722, using the combination of FO and GLCM was 0.9278, using the combination of FO and GLRLM was 0.9444, using the combination of GLCM and GLRLM was 0.8417, and using the combination of FO, GLCM and GLRLM was 0.9278. Based on the AUC value, the level of accuracy of this prediction can be categorized as 'Excellent'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A systematic approach is proposed to find the optimal draw solute and the optimal system for forward osmosis (FO) desalination. Selection of a draw solute and its concentration mainly decides the water flux through FO membrane, as well as the energy requirement for draw solute recovery, i.e. the economy of FO desalination. The proposed approach selects 7 candidate compounds by screening 4058 compounds in OLI and ASPEN chemical databases. Subsequently, the membrane and distillation column processes are designed and optimized for each draw solute by establishing a cost minimization model. Finally, economies of the optimal systems for candidates are compared to find the most competitive draw solute. The proposed method will contribute to designing commercially viable FO desalination systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • This work is the first study on the incorporation of MIL-53 (Al) into a TFN-FO membrane. • TFN 0.2 membrane showed the highest water flux without losing the selectivity. • Considerably boosted hydrophilicity (contact angle 20.6° vs. 80.4°) was attained. • Doxycycline rejection was obtained up to 99.73% in 2 h. • 96.67% flux recovery ratio was achieved in the filtration of BSA solution. As a contaminant of emerging concern, doxycycline is an antibiotic that has recently drawn rising attention due to its satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of COVID-19. In this study, a novel metal–organic framework thin-film nanocomposite forward osmosis (MOF-TFN FO) membrane was developed for doxycycline removal. The lack of applied hydraulic pressure in FO suggests an energy-efficient and low-cost process. A total of five composite membranes with different MIL-53 (Al) loadings (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) were fabricated and characterized to assess the effect of MOF incorporation on the physicochemical properties of TFN membranes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis implied that incorporating MIL-53 (Al) in the polyamide selective layer affects the membrane morphology. Water contact angle measurements indicated significant augmentation in the hydrophilicity of modified membranes (20.6° for the optimally modified membrane vs. 80.4° for the unmodified membrane) owing to the increased hydroxyl group in the membrane selective layer. Due to the reduced structural parameter, the optimized membrane exhibited 94.31% enhanced water flux than the unmodified membrane without losing the selectivity. Also, the fouling experiments with organic foulant allude to the prominent antifouling property of this modified membrane with a 96.67% flux recovery ratio. More notably, the optimized membrane could maintain a high and stable rejection for doxycycline (>98.5%) for 10 h due to its size exclusion and adsorption properties. Our findings reveal the promising results of TFN FO membranes containing MOFs for antibiotics removal, which is not addressed sufficiently in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel method of converting thermal energy into mechanical work is presented, using semi-permeable membranes to convert osmotic pressure into electrical power. This method, a closed cycle pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) process known as an osmotic heat engine (OHE), uses a concentrated ammonia–carbon dioxide draw solution to create high osmotic pressures which generate water flux through a semi-permeable membrane against a hydraulic pressure gradient. The depressurization of the increased draw solution volume in a turbine produces electrical power. The process is maintained in steady state operation through the separation of the diluted draw solution into a re-concentrated draw solution and (nearly) deionized water working fluid, both for reuse in the engine. The use of deionized water working fluid has been shown to allow for high membrane water flux and efficient mass transport, as internal concentration polarization effects are eliminated. Modeling of the engine indicates that membrane power density may exceed 200W/m2, given appropriate operating conditions. The thermal efficiency of the engine is predicted to approach a maximum of 16% of Carnot efficiency (maximum theoretical engine efficiency), with practical efficiencies most likely in the range of 5–10% of Carnot efficiency. The temperature of heat used for the engine may be very low (40°C with a 20°C ambient temperature), allowing for the production of potentially low cost, carbon neutral power from waste heat, low temperature geothermal reservoirs, or other non-combustion thermal energy sources. This combination of a highly concentrated NH3/CO2 draw solution and a deionized working fluid may allow for highly effective power generation from osmotic pressure gradients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the first part of this study, we measured the (relative to segmental alignment landmarks) of the low F0 turning points between the accentual fall and the final boundary rise in short Dutch falling-rising questions of the form Do you live in [place name]? produced as read speech in a laboratory setting. We found that the alignment of these turning points is affected by the location of a postaccentual secondary stressed syllable if one is present. This is consistent with the findings and analyses of Grice, Ladd, & Arvaniti, 2000 (Phonology 17, 143-185). suggesting that the low turning points are the phonetic reflex of a "phrase accent." In the second part of this study, we measured the low turning points in falling-rising questions produced in a task-oriented dialog setting and found that their alignment is affected in the same way as in the read speech data. This suggests that read speech experiments are a valid means of investigating the phonetic details of intonation contours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A measurement campaign to assess the feasibility of remote sensing of sunlight-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) from a coniferous canopy was conducted in a boreal forest study site (Finland). A Passive Multi-wavelength Fluorescence Detector (PMFD) sensor, developed in the LURE laboratory, was used to obtain simultaneous measurements of ChlF in the oxygen absorption bands, at 687 and 760 nm, and a reflectance index, the PRI (Physiological Reflectance Index), for a month during spring recovery. When these data were compared with active fluorescence measurements performed on needles they revealed the same trend. During sunny days fluorescence and reflectance signals were found to be strongly influenced by shadows associated with the canopy structure. Moreover, chlorophyll fluorescence variations induced by rapid light changes (due to transient cloud shadows) were found to respond more quickly and with larger amplitude under summer conditions compared to those obtained under cold acclimation conditions. In addition, ChlF at 760 nm was observed to increase with the chlorophyll content. During this campaign, the CO2 assimilation was measured at the forest canopy level and was found remarkably well correlated with the PRI index. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The FO portion of the mitochondrial ATP synthase contains a range of different subunits in bacteria, yeast and mammals. A search of the Arabidopsis genome identified sequence orthologs for only some of these subunits. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separation of Arabidopsis mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes revealed intact F1FO, and separated F1 and FO components. The subunits of each complex were analysed by mass spectrometry and matched to Arabidopsis genes. In the F1FO complex a series of nine known subunits were identified along with two additional proteins matching the predicted products of the mitochondrial encoded orfB and orf25 genes. The F1 complex contained the five well-characterised F1 subunits, while four subunits in the FO complex were identified: subunit 9, d subunit, and the orfB and orf25 products. Previously, orfB has been suggested as the plant equivalent of subunit 8 based on structural and sequence similarity. We propose that orf25 is the plant b subunit based on structural similarity and its presence in the FO complex. Chimerics of orf25, orfB, subunit 9 and subunit 6 have been associated with cytoplasmic male sterility in a variety of plant species, our additional findings now place all these proteins in the same protein complex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesCurrently, the interatrial septum (IAS) pacing site is indirectly selected by fluoroscopy and P-wave analysis. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel approach for IAS pacing using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE).: BackgroundInteratrial septum pacing may be beneficial for the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.: MethodsCross-sectional images are acquired during a pull-back of the ICE transducer from the superior vena cava into the inferior vena cava by an electrocardiogram- and respiration-gated technique. Both atria are then reconstructed using three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Using an “en face” view of the IAS, the desired pacing site is selected. Following lead placement and electrical testing, another 3D reconstruction is performed to verify the final lead position.: ResultsTwelve patients were included in this study. The IAS pacing was achieved in all patients including six suprafossal (SF) and six infrafossal (IF) lead locations all confirmed by 3D imaging. The mean duration times of atrial lead implantation and fluoroscopy were 70 ± 48.9 min and 23.7 ± 20.6 min, respectively. The IAS pacing resulted in a significant reduction of the P-wave duration as compared to sinus rhythm (98.9 ± 19.3 ms vs. 141.3 ± 8.6 ms; p < 0.002). The SF pacing showed a greater reduction of the P-wave duration than IF pacing (59.4 ± 6.6 ms vs. 30.2 ± 13.6 ms; p < 0.004).: ConclusionsThree-dimensional ICE is a feasible tool for guiding IAS pacing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The atp B and atp F genes of Propionigenium modestum were cloned as His-tag fusion constructs and expressed in Escherichia coli. Both recombinant subunits a and b were purified via Ni2+ chelate affinity chromatography. A functionally active Fo complex was reassembled in vitro from subunits a, b and c, and incorporated into liposomes. The Fo liposomes catalysed 22 Na+ uptake in response to an inside negative potassium diffusion potential, and the uptake was prevented by modification of the c subunits with N,N ′- dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD). In the absence of a membrane potential the Fo complexes catalysed 22 Na+ out /Na+ in -exchange. After F1 addition the F1 Fo complex was formed and the holoenzyme catalysed ATP synthesis, ATP dependent Na+ pumping, and ATP hydrolysis, which was inhibited by DCCD. Functional Fo hybrids were reconstituted with recombinant subunits a and b from P. modestum and c11 from Ilyobacter tartaricus . These Fo hybrids had Na+ translocation activities that were not distinguishable from that of P. modestum Fo . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of coenzyme F420 in Mycobacterium smegmatis was examined using proton NMR, amino acid analysis, and HPLC. The two major F420 structures were shown to be composed of a chromophore identical to that of F420 from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, with a side chain of a ribityl residue, a lactyl residue and five or six glutamate groups (F420–5 and F420–6). Peptidase treatment studies suggested that L-glutamate groups are linked by γ-glutamyl bonds in the side chain. HPLC analysis indicated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and Mycobacterium fortuitum have F420–5 and F420–6 as the predominant structures, whereas Mycobacterium avium contains F420–5, F420–6 and F420–7 in significant amounts. 7,8-Didemethyl 8-hydroxy 5-deazariboflavin (FO), an intermediate in F420 biosynthesis, accounted for about 1–7% of the total deazaflavin in cells. Peptidase treatment of F420 created F420 derivatives that may be useful for the assay of enzymes involved in F420 biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]