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The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex consists of more than ten component proteins that form a large protein complex of >1 MDa. The catalytic proteins Smarca4 or Smarca2 work in concert with the component proteins to form a chromatin platform suitable for transcriptional regulation. However, the mechanism by which each component protein works synergistically with the catalytic proteins remains largely unknown. Here, we report on the function of Smarce1, a component of the SWI/SNF complex, through the phenotypic analysis of homozygous mutant embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Disruption of Smarce1 induced the dissociation of other complex components from the SWI/SNF complex. Histone binding to DNA was loosened in homozygous mutant ESCs, indicating that disruption of Smarce1 decreased nucleosome stability. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis suggested that there was an ectopic genomic distribution of the SWI/SNF complex upon disruption of Smarce1, accounting for the misregulation of chromatin conformations. Unstable nucleosomes remained during ESC differentiation, impairing the heterochromatin formation that is characteristic of the differentiation process. These results suggest that Smarce1 guides the SWI/SNF complex to the appropriate genomic regions to generate chromatin structures adequate for transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Objectives: Primary Objective: To compare the ESR estimate by an automated analyser (ALI FAX Roller 20LC) and westergren method. Secondary Objective: To compare the ESR estimate by an automated analyser and westergren method in individuals with Tuberculosis, with Anaemia, in pediatric patients, and Male and female individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases. Materials and Methods: Blood is collected in black sodium citrate (3.8%) vacutainer under aseptic precautions. Then it is measured in westergren tube (mm per hour) and then same sample will be run in the Automated ESR analyser (ALI FAX Roller 20LC) in which reading is available in 30 mins. Results: The ESR measured by Westergren method ranged from 12mm/1st hour. to 127 mm/1st hour, with a mean of 46.76± 22.650 mm/1st hour. while ESR measured by automated method ranged from 7.8 mm/1st hour to 128.7 mm/1st hr. witha mean of 45.165±23.3753 mm/1st hour. There was significantly strong correlation between automated and the Westergren method for determination of ESR (r =0.933; p = <0.001). Similar results were observed across all ages, gender, anemic and Tuberculosis patients. Conclusion: Automated and the Westergren method are strongly correlated. Automated method can be used in place of Westergren method for determination of ESR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) are primarily composed of magnetic particles suspended in carrier liquids, exhibiting a remarkable capacity to respond dynamically to external magnetic fields. However, the phenomenon of solid–liquid phase separation, attributable to particle sedimentation, represents a formidable barrier to the real-world application of MRFs in engineering contexts. As a result, it becomes critically imperative to conduct a thorough investigation into the sedimentation behavior of MRFs under static conditions, to significantly enhance their practical utility. In the study, computational analysis through COMSOL was utilized to elucidate the sedimentation dynamics of MRFs. The findings indicated that particle sedimentation harbored the potential to induce localized turbulence within the flow field, thereby significantly impacting the sedimentation dynamics of MRFs. The motion of particles consistently followed a pattern where sedimentation rates decreased as the viscosity of the carrier liquids increased. Moreover, the elucidation of the settling behavior of MRFs was facilitated by the introduction of two dimensionless numbers. These dimensionless numbers were employed to systematically characterize the temporal evolution of the supernatant height throughout the settling process. This investigation further explored the intricate interdependence between these dimensionless parameters via a comprehensive series of settling experiments. The outcomes of this research uncovered a unique pattern in the solid–liquid separation process of MRFs, marked by a phase of gradual initiation, followed by acceleration, and culminating in deceleration. However, as the viscosity of the carrier liquids increased, this pattern became less pronounced, gradually shifting toward a more uniform settling trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of well-exposed Paleogene sedimentary successions in the Kohat Basin of northwestern Pakistan (western Himalayas), are used to document the development of Paleogene sedimentary sequence deposited in a clastic–carbonate–evaporate distally steepened to a homoclinal ramp setting. Larger benthic foraminifer stratigraphy, sedimentology and microfacies were used to reconstruct the depth of deposition of the sediments and to aid in reconstructing the subsidence history of the sedimentary basin through the Paleogene. Based on the timing of the cessation of marine sedimentation and the subsidence analysis of the Paleogene rocks of the Kohat Basin, we conclude that a proto-closure of the basin occurred in the early Eocene (Ypresian) at ca 50–49.5 Ma, followed by return of marine sediments, with full closure of the Tethys seaway in the middle Eocene ca 40–41.2 Ma (Lutetian), potentially resulting in diachroneity of emergence of basins along strike of the orogen. Paleogene Larger Benthic Foraminferal biostratigrphy and facies information in the Eastern Tethys segment of the Kohat Basin, Pakistan are presented. Distally steepened-homoclinal ramp deposits were found. The proto-closure of Tethys occurred around 49.5 Ma with complete closure at 41.2–40 Ma due to India-Asia collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium dodecyl sulfate modified silica (SDSMS) surface has been used to study the adsorption of some cationic styrylpyridinium dyes from organic solvent media using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometric technique. The modifications of silica surface and subsequent modification through adsorption of dye molecules on the surface have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. Kinetics of adsorption and consequent thermodynamic parameters have been studied and discussed. The isotherm modeling, choice of solvents from sedimentation analysis, and other common adsorption related parameters such as amount of adsorbent dosage, contact time, adsorption efficiencies have been reported. The influences of solvents and the substituents present on the dye molecules, on the rate of adsorption have been discussed. A pictorial model of adsorption process has been suggested based on the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in biofluids are highly heterogeneous entities in terms of their origins and physicochemical properties. Considering the application of EVs in diagnostic and therapeutic fields, it is of extreme importance to establish differentiating methods by which focused EV subclasses are operationally defined. Several differentiation protocols have been proposed; however, they have mainly focused on smaller types of EVs, and the heterogeneous nature of large EVs has not yet been fully explored. In this report, to classify large EVs into subgroups based on their physicochemical properties, we have developed a protocol, named EV differentiation by sedimentation patterns (ESP), in which entities in the crude large EV fraction are first moved through a density gradient of iodixanol with small centrifugation forces, and then the migration patterns of molecules through the gradients are analysed using a non‐hierarchical data clustering algorithm. Based on this method, proteins in the large EV fractions of oral fluids clustered into three groups: proteins shared with small EV cargos and enriched in immuno‐related proteins (Group 1), proteins involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis (Group 2), and proteins required for vesicle trafficking (Group 3). These observations indicate that the physiochemical properties of EVs, which are defined through low‐speed gradient centrifugation, are well associated with their functions within cells. This protocol enables the detailed subclassification of EV populations that are difficult to differentiate using conventional separation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past century, there has been persistent controversy regarding the relative impact of climate change and human activities on the evolution of the lake basin critical zone in the East Asian monsoon marginal zone. In this study, we focused on Ganggeng Lake, situated in the East Asian monsoon marginal zone, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of sedimentation rates, magnetic susceptibility, grain size, and pollen data from sediment cores, providing valuable insights into the sedimentary environmental changes and regional vegetation dynamics over the last 150 years. The results revealed that around the 1960s, the implementation of the government's "Take Grain as the Key Link" policy resulted in a substantial increase in water usage for extensive irrigation on cultivated land. Consequently, the inflow into the lake declined, weakening basin erosion and reducing sediment flux, leading to distinct changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the Ganggeng Lake sediments. Additionally, the pollen assemblages provided valuable information on the vegetation changes in the Ganggeng Lake basin over the past century. Notably, two significant shifts in the vegetation community were observed, corresponding to the impacts of two crucial national policies: the "Take Grain as the Key Link" policy in the 1960s and the "Conversion of Cropland to Forest" policy around 2000. The implementation of ecological environmental protection projects played a vital role in promoting the recovery of vegetation and enhancing ecosystem functionality within the lake basin. Based on our findings, it appears that over the past few decades, human activities may have exerted a more pronounced influence on the lake basin critical zone in the East Asian monsoon marginal zone than climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shelf-life of catalyst ink for fabricating polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is relevant for large-scale manufacturing with unforeseen production stops. In this study, the storage effects on the physicochemical characteristics of catalyst ink (Pt/C, Nafion, 2-propanol, water) and subsequently manufactured catalyst layers are investigated. Sedimentation analysis showed that catalyst particles are not fully stabilized by charge interaction induced by Nafion. Acetone was found to be an oxidation product, even in freshly prepared ink with platinum catalyzing the reaction. Rotating disk electrode analysis revealed that the electrochemically active surface area is, overall, minimally increased by storage, and the selectivity towards water formation (4-electron pathway) is unharmed within the first 48 h of storage. MEAs prepared from stored ink reach almost the same current density level after conditioning via potential cycling. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) increases due to increased catalyst availability. Scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry showed that with increasing acetone content, the pore structure becomes finer, with a higher specific surface area. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that this results in a more hindered mass transfer but lowered charge transfer resistance. The MEA with the highest OCV and power output and the lowest overall cell resistance was fabricated from catalyst ink stored for a duration of four weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) is an indispensable tool for the study of particle size distributions in biopharmaceutical industry, for example, to characterize protein therapeutics and vaccine products. In particular, the diffusion-deconvoluted sedimentation coefficient distribution analysis, in the software SEDFIT, has found widespread applications due to its relatively high resolution and sensitivity. However, a lack of suitable software compatible with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) has hampered the use of SV-AUC in this regulatory environment. To address this, we have created an interface for SEDFIT so that it can serve as an automatically spawned module with controlled data input through command line parameters and output of key results in files. The interface can be integrated in custom GMP compatible software, and in scripts that provide documentation and meta-analyses for replicate or related samples, for example, to streamline analysis of large families of experimental data, such as binding isotherm analyses in the study of protein interactions. To test and demonstrate this approach we provide a MATLAB script mlSEDFIT. Author summary: Sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC), a classical first-principles based method to study size-distributions of macromolecules and particles in solution, has become a popular technique in a variety of disciplines, such as physical biochemistry, structural biology, supramolecular chemistry, and nanoparticles due to its high resolution, wide size-range, and label-free detection. It has also assumed an important role in pharmaceutical development of therapeutics and vaccines. One factor complicating the implementation of SV-AUC in biotechnology is the lack of compatibility of the most widely used software, SEDFIT, with regulatory requirements in the good manufacturing practices (GMP) environment. In this paper we present a solution to this problem, by introducing a command line interface that permits automated configuration of SEDFIT, data loading, and retrieval of results. In this way, SEDFIT may be used as a computational module integrated in GMP-compliant software. We demonstrate the validity of the results from this approach. In addition, this automation facilitates meta-analyses of families of SV-AUC experiments, for example, in binding isotherm analysis of interacting macromolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper combines new palaeomagnetic studies, palaeontological dating, and sedimentary analyses to propose a modified stratigraphic classification scheme in the northwestern Songliao Basin, which is of great significance for stratigraphic correlation, sedimentation analysis, basinal subsidence, and oil and gas exploration. New palaeontological and palaeomagnetic evidence redefined a group of semi‐consolidated lacustrine strata, buried beneath the Quaternary Yaluhe Formation on the Western Slope of the Songliao Basin, as Late Cretaceous, not the Middle Pleistocene. The chronostratigraphic framework re‐evaluates its stratigraphic age as late Coniacian to early Campanian (Late Cretaceous), between 83 and 85 Ma. Sedimentation research from 17 boreholes on the Western Slope of the Songliao Basin displays that the semi‐consolidated strata successively experienced lacustrine and delta facies deposits. Comparison of this new stratigraphy with the Late Cretaceous sequences on the adjacent Central Depression of the Songliao Basin reveals significant variations in lithology and palynological assemblages. Three new palynological assemblages are also reported from the Late Cretaceous sequences of the Songliao Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the meaning of the phenomenological concept of sedimentation in the framework of Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology. The analysis I offer suggests that Merleau-Ponty initiates a transition from the constitutional problematic of sedimentations that we come across in Husserl's phenomenology to the analysis of existential sedimentations. Merleau-Ponty accomplishes this transformation by binding the Husserlian conception of sedimentations with the Heideggerian conception of facticity. The distinction Merleau-Ponty draws between originary sedimentations and secondary sedimentations is especially important, for it allows one to claim that Merleau-Ponty recognizes all experiences as sedimented. Against the background of this realization, I offer a reevaluation of Merleau-Ponty's cryptic remarks in the Phenomenology of Perception regarding the "original past," also described as "a past that has never been a present." I argue that these are metaphors for originary sedimentations. In place of a conclusion, I suggest that especially when the concept of sedimentation is universalized, we come to recognize its inherently paradoxical nature. In the final analysis, besides being a genetic concept, sedimentation is also a limit problem and a limit phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solution properties of two different glycoforms of IgG1 (IgG1Cri and IgG1Wid) are compared using primarily sedimentation equilibrium analysis with two complementary analysis routines: SEDFIT-MSTAR and MULTISIG. IgGCri bears diantennary complex-type glycans on its Fc domain that are fully core fucosylated and partially sialylated, whilst on IgGWid, they are non-fucosylated, partially galactosylated and non-sialylated. IgGWid is also Fab glycosylated. Despite these differences, SEDFIT-MSTAR analysis shows similar weight average molar masses Mw of ~ (150 ± 5) kDa for IgGCri and ~ (154 ± 5) kDa for IgGWid and both glycoforms show evidence of the presence of a small fraction of dimer confirmed by MULTISIG analysis and also by sedimentation coefficient distributions from supportive sedimentation velocity measurements. The closeness of the sedimentation equilibrium behaviour and sedimentation coefficient distributions with a main peak sedimentation coefficient of ~ 6.4S for both glycoforms at different concentrations suggest that the different glycosylation profiles do not significantly impact on molar mass (molecular weight) nor conformation in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent surge of therapeutic interest in recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for targeted DNA delivery has brought analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) into the spotlight. A major concern during formulation of AAV therapeutics is purity of the active species (DNA-containing capsid, or "filled capsids"). Insertion of DNA into AAV is not a highly efficient process; thus, a significant amount of empty and partial/intermediate AAV molecules may exist. Recent guidance from the FDA includes limiting the presence of empty AAV capsids and other impurities to reduce immunotoxicity. While chromatographic techniques (SEC, SEC–MALS, AEX) are often used for empty and full capsid quantitation due to the ease of accessibility and familiarity among most biochemists, the resolution and sensitivity attained by sedimentation velocity (SV-AUC) in the formulation buffer and purification buffers is unmatched. Approaches for using SV-AUC to determine the empty-to-full capsid ratio have already been discussed by others; however, in this report, we focus on the importance of characterizing other impurities, such as free DNA, partially filled capsids, and aggregates that are recognized as species of concern for immunotoxicity. We also demonstrate the usefulness of applying multiple analyses (e.g., c(s), g(s*), WDA) in confirming the presence of and determining the hydrodynamic parameters of these various species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment cores collected from Lake Khanka (Xingkaihu) and Amur Bay were analyzed for concentrations of 137Cs and 210Pb, along with the detailed mineralogical and elemental composition. The depth distribution and specific activities of 137Cs in the sediment cores indicated that the investigated area is not contaminated. Maximum activity of 137Cs is 10 Bq/kg, and its inventory is 0.16 Bq/m2. Despite some variation in mineralogical profiles, the sedimentation process was uniform over the investigated period. The sedimentation rate in the eastern part of Lake Khanka (Xingkaihu) was estimated to be 1.6 mm/year, and 0.43–0.5 mm/year in Amur Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is a highly lethal type of cancer that has had an increase in incidence in the last decades. Nevertheless, current therapies lack effectiveness and have highly disabling side effects, which calls for new therapeutic strategies. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is an acid derivative with potential antitumor activity isolated from natural blister beetles. However, its solubility limitations restrict its use. To address this issue, we developed an oil-in-water nanoemulsion using commonly available cosmetic ingredients, which increased NCTD solubility 10-fold compared to water. The developed nanoemulsion showed a good droplet size and homogeneity, with adequate pH and viscosity for skin application. In vitro drug release studies showed a sustained release profile, ideal for prolonged therapeutic effects. Accelerated stability studies proved that the formulation was reasonably stable under stress conditions, with particle separation fingerprints, instability index, particle size, and sedimentation velocity analyses being conducted. To assess the therapeutic potential of the developed formulation, in vitro studies were conducted on melanoma B16F1 cells; results showed an IC50 of 1.026 +/− 0.370 mg/kg, and the cells' metabolic activity decreased after exposure to the NCTD nanoemulsion. Hence, a new "easy-to-make" nanoformulation with therapeutic potential on melanoma cells was developed, as a possible adjuvant for future melanoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector is a promising platform for in vivo gene therapy. The accurate assessment of distribution state of particles contained in AAV vector samples is one of the most important and challenging matters and is necessary because the product-related impurities with the capsid structure (empty particles, intermediate particles, and aggregates) could be a possible cause of reducing the therapeutic efficacy and enhancing the unfavorable immune response. In this study, we report an effective approach for size distribution analysis with component identification. A small amount of AAV vectors were used by the analytical zone centrifugation c (s) analysis of band sedimentation analytical ultracentrifugation (BS-AUC) with multiwavelength detection. Using PBS/H 2 18O, the concentration of each component could be determined in BS-AUC with high resolution. Compared with the sedimentation velocity AUC (SV-AUC), which generally requires 2 × 1012 vg of AAV vectors, BS-AUC could be performed with about 1/25 of the AAV vector amount at 260 nm detection and ideally with about 1/50 of the AAV vector amount at 230 nm detection (4 × 1010 vg), depending on the extinction coefficient of the AAV sample at each wavelength. According to the limit of quantification of this BS-AUC, 6.3 × 1011 cp mL−1 of empty particle (EP) and 4.4 × 1011 vg mL−1 of full particle (FP) could be quantified for 4 × 1010 vg in 15 µL of AAV8-CMV-EGFP. These results demonstrated that proposed BS-AUC approach we established here can compensate for the drawback in terms of the sample amount of SV-AUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This showed that the sedimentation yields of the GU watershed were similar to those of the TU watershed, even though there was substantially less runoff (19.27% of that in the TU watershed). Due to larger cropland area and lower landscape stability in the GU watershed than that in the TU watershed, the annual sedimentation for the two watersheds was similar, even though the annual runoff in the TU watershed was greater than that in the GU watershed. Keywords: land use/cover change; landscape; runoff; sedimentation; Loess Plateau EN land use/cover change landscape runoff sedimentation Loess Plateau 1688 13 11/17/22 20221101 NES 221101 1. [Extracted from the article]

The Oseberg Viking ship burial is one of the most extensive collections of Viking wooden artefacts ever excavated in Norway. In the early twentieth century, many of these artefacts were treated with alum in order to preserve them, inadvertently leading to their current degraded state. It is therefore crucial to develop new bioinspired polymers which could be used to conserve these artefacts and prevent further disintegration. Two hydroxylated polymers were synthesised (TPA6 and TPA7), using α-pinene- and oleic acid-derived monomers functionalised with an acrylate moiety. Characterisation using biomolecular hydrodynamics (analytical ultracentrifugation and high precision viscometry) has shown that these polymers have properties which would potentially make them good wood consolidants. Conformation analyses with the viscosity increment (ν) universal hydrodynamic parameter and ELLIPS1 software showed that both polymers had extended conformations, facilitating in situ networking when applied to wood. SEDFIT-MSTAR analyses of sedimentation equilibrium data indicates a weight average molar mass Mw of (3.9 ± 0.8) kDa and (4.2 ± 0.2) kDa for TPA6 and TPA7 respectively. Analyses with SEDFIT (sedimentation velocity) and MultiSig however revealed that TPA7 had a much greater homogeneity and a lower proportion of aggregation. These studies suggest that both these polymers—particularly TPA7—have characteristics suitable for wood consolidation, such as an optimal molar mass, conformation and a hydroxylated nature, making them interesting leads for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methionine/valine polymorphism at position 129 of the human prion protein, huPrP, is tightly associated with the pathogenic phenotype, disease progress, and age of onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or Fatal Familial Insomnia. This raises the question of whether and how the amino acid type at position 129 influences the structural properties of huPrP, affecting its folding, stability, and amyloid formation behavior. Here, our detailed biophysical characterization of the 129M and 129V variants of recombinant full-length huPrP(23-230) by amyloid formation kinetics, CD spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and sedimentation velocity analysis reveals differences in their aggregation propensity and oligomer content, leading to deviating pathways for the conversion into amyloid at acidic pH. We determined that the 129M variant exhibits less secondary structure content before amyloid formation and higher resistance to thermal denaturation compared to the 129V variant, whereas the amyloid conformation of both variants shows similar thermal stability. Additionally, our molecular dynamics simulations and rigidity analyses at the atomistic level identify intramolecular interactions responsible for the enhanced monomer stability of the 129M variant, involving more frequent minimum distances between E196 and R156, forming a salt bridge. Removal of the N-terminal half of the 129M full-length variant diminishes its differences compared to the 129V full-length variant and highlights the relevance of the flexible N terminus in huPrP. Taken together, our findings provide insight into structural properties of huPrP and the effects of the amino acid identity at position 129 on amyloid formation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa milk is a popular milk -based drink, which its development can play a pivotal role in approaching the per capita dairy consumption in Iran. To sustain the product different stabilizers are used in the industry. The most common of which are carrageenan. Stabilizers are imported; therefore, they affect the finished product price.The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of stability of acetyl starch with Kapa and Utah carrageenan on pasteurized cacao milk in terms of the characteristics of milk cacao and rheology. Initial experiments concentrating on physicochemical properties of samples which have different levels of starch, kappa, and carrageenan (sample 1 (Starch:50, Kappa carrageenan :23.982, Uta carrageenan:26.018) Sample 2 (Starch: 37.775, Kappa carrageenan : 26.456, Uta carrageenan : 35.769) Sample 3 (Starch: 36.189, Kappa carrageenan: 36.116, Uta carrageenan : 27.696) Sample 4 ( Starch: 35.221, kappa carrageenan : 38.206, Uta carrageenan : 26.572)) have been done. Initial tests of cacao milk including PH, acidity, and fatty dry matter measurements as well as sensory evaluation on all samples have been carried out. A preliminary analysis of stability and sedimentation was performed using centrifuge. According to the results, 4 samples were selected with better sensory and physicochemical properties among 28 treatments and Rheological tests were performed on these specimens. To better examining the results Hustler -Balkillian, Ostwald and Bingham models were used. Herschel - Bulkley's model has better adjustment with the results. Finally, according to the results of rheology, a sample with a higher starch content was selected which contains 50% of starch in its stabilizing composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae (Chlorella sp. HS2) have a high potential as a new biomass filler resource. Microalgae suspension is investigated depending on pH condition, focusing on microscopic sedimentation and a rheological behavior in order to understand in-depth the behavior of Chlorella sp. HS2 for harvesting process design. In terms of sedimentation analysis, it is found that Chlorella sp. HS2 cells settle down due to high density of 1.56 gcm−3. Meanwhile due to its small size and dilute concentration, the settling velocity is too slow for harvesting by natural sedimentation. Chlorella sp. HS2 cells undergo weak aggregation in the medium depending on pH condition. When the Chlorella sp. HS2 suspension (pH 5.4) is adjusted at pH 2.5, the surfaces of the microalgal cells turn neutral and cells are aggregated by van der Waals force between cells, leading to relatively faster sedimentation compared to Chlorella sp. HS2 cells without pH adjustment. The aggregation of Chlorella sp. HS2 cells depending on pH condition is reflected in rheological properties of the suspension. At pH 2.5, shear viscosity of the Chlorella sp. HS2 suspension increases and the suspension shows shear thinning behavior, meaning that the neutralized surface of Chlorella sp. HS2 makes cells aggregation. However, the aggregation of microalgal HS2 cells is easily dissociated and aligned along shear flow. Therefore, for the successful harvesting of biomass Chlorella sp. HS2, the flow and colloidal condition must be considered along with coagulation for rapid harvesting of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, lysosome-related organelles called mucocysts accumulate at the cell periphery where they secrete their contents in response to extracellular events, a phenomenon called regulated exocytosis. The molecular bases underlying regulated exocytosis have been extensively described in animals but it is not clear whether similar mechanisms exist in ciliates or their sister lineage, the Apicomplexan parasites, which together belong to the ecologically and medically important superphylum Alveolata. Beginning with a T. thermophila mutant in mucocyst exocytosis, we used a forward genetic approach to uncover MDL1 (Mucocyst Discharge with a LamG domain), a novel gene that is essential for regulated exocytosis of mucocysts. Mdl1p is a 40 kDa membrane glycoprotein that localizes to mucocysts, and specifically to a tip domain that contacts the plasma membrane when the mucocyst is docked. This sub-localization of Mdl1p, which occurs prior to docking, underscores a functional asymmetry in mucocysts that is strikingly similar to that of highly polarized secretory organelles in other Alveolates. A mis-sense mutation in the LamG domain results in mucocysts that dock but only undergo inefficient exocytosis. In contrast, complete knockout of MDL1 largely prevents mucocyst docking itself. Mdl1p is physically associated with 9 other proteins, all of them novel and largely restricted to Alveolates, and sedimentation analysis supports the idea that they form a large complex. Analysis of three other members of this putative complex, called MDD (for Mucocyst Docking and Discharge), shows that they also localize to mucocysts. Negative staining of purified MDD complexes revealed distinct particles with a central channel. Our results uncover a novel macromolecular complex whose subunits are conserved within alveolates but not in other lineages, that is essential for regulated exocytosis in T. thermophila. Author summary: All cells, whether single-celled protists or multicellular organisms, interact dynamically with their environments. One important mode of interaction is the release of molecules, a phenomenon called secretion, which can then modify the environment to promote the organism's well-being. Moreover, many cells have the capacity to rapidly adjust the pathways that underlie secretion, allowing them to tailor their secretory behavior in response to changes in their surroundings. A dramatic example of this is the capacity to synthesize and then store reservoirs of secretory molecules, whose eventual release is triggered when the cell senses specific environmental conditions. This phenomenon is called 'regulated exocytosis' and has been long studied in animals, because it serves as the basis for communication between different cells and tissues. Many single-celled organisms can also secrete via regulated exocytosis, and understanding the mechanisms involved could have practical consequences for developing therapies against several devastating human parasites. In this paper, we took a genetic approach to identifying factors involved in exocytosis in a single-celled protist, the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. We find that a novel gene, which appears to be present only in Tetrahymena and its relatively close evolutionary relatives, plays an important role in the pathway. Our results add another layer to recent findings that cells like Tetrahymena evolved unique mechanisms for regulated exocytosis, expanding our appreciation of cellular biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scale-up process of the high solid content (up to 67 wt%) emulsion polymerisation of vinyl acetate and Versa®10 from 1 L over 10 L to 100 L was investigated. An emulsion copolymerisation of vinyl acetate and neodecanoic acid vinyl ester in a molar ratio of 9:1 was carried out in a starved-fed semi-batch operation. As a radical source, a redox initiator system consisting of L-ascorbic acid, tert-butyl hydroperoxide and ammonium iron (III) sulphate was used. The process parameters, such as the required stirring speed and heat dissipation, were determined and adjusted beforehand via reaction calorimetry to ensure a successful scale-up without safety issues. In addition, the emulsion polymerisation was monitored inline by Raman (qualitative monomer accumulation), as well as Photon Density Wave spectroscopy (particle size and scattering coefficient) and temperature measurements. The data provided by Raman spectroscopy and temperature measurements revealed mixing difficulties due to an insufficient stirring rate, while the inline measurement with Photon Density Wave spectroscopy offered an insight into the development of the product properties. It proved to be reliable and precise throughout the entire scale-up process, especially compared to conventional offline methods, such as dynamic light scattering or sedimentation analysis by means of a disc centrifuge, both of which encountered issues when using higher polymer contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH both have a demonstrable ability as consolidants for archaeological wood. This makes them both potential treatment options for the Oseberg collection, which is one of the most important archaeological finds from the Viking era. Both Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH are soluble in organic solvents, offering a useful alternative to aqueous-based consolidants. Extensive characterisation studies were carried out on both of these polymers, with the use of analytical ultracentrifugation and viscometry, for the benefit of conservators wanting to know more about the physical properties of these materials. Short column sedimentation equilibrium analysis using SEDFIT-MSTAR revealed a weight-average molar mass (weight-average molecular weight) Mw of (54.0 ± 1.5) kDa (kg · mol−1) for Butvar B-98, while four samples of PDMS-OH siloxanes (each with a different molar mass) had an Mw of (52.5 ± 3.0) kDa, (38.8 ± 1.5) kDa, (6.2 ± 0.7) kDa and (1.6 ± 0.1) kDa. Sedimentation velocity confirmed that all polymers were heterogeneous, with a wide range of molar masses. All molecular species showed considerable conformational asymmetry from measurements of intrinsic viscosity, which would facilitate networking interactions as consolidants. It is anticipated that the accumulated data on these two consolidants will enable conservators to make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing which treatment to administer to archaeological artefacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the primary pathogen responsible for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The main virion component, the core (C) protein, has been linked to several aspects of HCV pathology, including oncogenesis, immune evasion and stress responses. We and others have previously shown that C expression in various cell lines activates Ca2+ signaling and alters Ca2+ homeostasis. In this study, we identified two distinct C protein regions that are required for the activation of Ca2+/NFAT signaling. In the basic N-terminal domain, which has been implicated in self-association of C, amino acids 1–68 were critical for NFAT activation. Sedimentation analysis of four mutants in this domain revealed that association of the C protein into nucleocapsid-like particles correlated with NFAT-activated transcription. The internal, lipid droplet-targeting domain was not required for NFAT-activated transcription. Finally, the C-terminal ER-targeting domain was required in extenso for the C protein to function. Our results indicate that targeting of HCV C to the ER is necessary but not sufficient for inducing Ca2+/NFAT signaling. Taken together, our data are consistent with a model whereby proteolytic intermediates of C with an intact transmembrane ER-anchor assemble into pore-like structures in the ER membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coking coal is widely used in the steel manufacturing industry for the preparation of coke, as it leaves very less ash after burning. In the present study, rheology, settling characteristics, and pH of coking coal and water slurry (CCWS) are investigated. CCWS is tested for lower mass concentrations of 20%, 25%, and 30% and higher mass concentrations of 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%, at different time intervals of 0 hours, 24 hours, 28 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Majority of the samples were found to be non-Newtonian and following the Herschel Bulkley model of rheology. Obtained results are used for numerical modeling of rheological parameters, i.e. the flow index (n), the flow consistency index (K), and the yield stress (τ0). Difference between the values predicted from the models with the values obtained from the experiments is within acceptable range. Static settled concentration of CCWS is obtained by performing sedimentation analysis for all the concentrations and found to be increasing with increasing concentration. pH of the CCWS is measured at all the concentrations. With the increase in concentration, pH of the CCWS is found to be decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have done a comparative analysis of quantitative parameters for Pleistocene sediments from pelagic zone of the Indian Ocean and submarine parts of its continental margins (for five key areas). The distribution areas, thicknesses, and volumes of main lithological types and groups have been analyzed. Dry sediment masses and their accumulation rates have been calculated. In the Neopleistocene compared to Eopleistocene, the fluxes (absolute masses) of all components of bottom sediments have been increased both in the pelagic zone and on the continental margins. Biogenic sedimentation was more important for facies structure of pelagic zone than (on average) for continental margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

αB-Crystallin (αB-Cr), one of the main crystalline lens proteins, along with other crystallins maintains lens transparency suppressing protein aggregation and thus preventing cataractogenesis. αB-Cr belongs to the class of molecular chaperones; being expressed in many tissues it has a dynamic quaternary structure, which is essential for its chaperone-like activity. Shift in the equilibrium between ensembles of oligomers of different size allows regulating the chaperone activity. Trehalose is known to inhibit protein aggregation in vivo and in vitro, and it is widely used in biotechnology. The results of studying the effect of trehalose on the chaperone-like activity of crystallins can serve as a basis for the design of drugs delaying cataractogenesis. We have studied the trehalose effect on the quaternary structure and anti-aggregation activity of αB-Cr using muscle glycogen phosphorylase b (Phb) as a target protein. According to the dynamic light scattering data, trehalose affects the nucleation stage of Phb thermal aggregation at 48°C, and an increase in the αB-Cr adsorption capacity (AC0) is the main effect of trehalose on the aggregation process in the presence of the protein chaperone (AC0 increases 1.5-fold in the presence of 66 mM trehalose). According to the sedimentation analysis data, trehalose stabilizes the dimeric form of Phb at the stages of denaturation and dissociation and enhances the interaction of αB-Cr with the target protein. Moreover, trehalose shifts the equilibrium between the αB-Cr oligomers towards the smaller forms. Thus, trehalose affects the quaternary structure of αB-Cr and increases its anti-aggregation activity at the nucleation stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel aqueous magnetorheological (MR) slurry is proposed for potential application in the planarization of dielectric substrates, eliminating the need for traditional polishing pads. The preparation of a stable MR slurry hinges on the dispersion properties of abrasives and magnetic responsive particles, particularly high-density carbonyl iron particles (CIP). This study focuses on investigating the dispersion stabilities of CIP and its modified form, SiO 2 -coated CIP (SiO 2 @CIP), with the addition of ammonium polyacrylic acid (PAA-NH 4) as a dispersant. Experimental measurements, including adsorption isotherms and zeta potential, combined with numerical simulations using density-functional theory, explore the adsorption behavior of PAA-NH 4 on CIP and SiO 2 @CIP. Rheological and sedimentation analyses confirm PAA-NH 4 's effectiveness in dispersing both particles. We elucidate the dispersion stabilization mechanism through calculations based on the Derjaguin−Landau−Verwey−Overbeek theory. In MR polishing, SiO 2 coating on CIP improves efficiency, reducing surface roughness from over 8 nm (using CIP) to less than 8 Å (using SiO 2 @CIP). The addition of PAA-NH 4 augments dispersion properties, leading to further enhancements in polishing efficiency, resulting in a surface roughness reduction to 2 Å and a simultaneous increase in material removal rate. We thoroughly examine the underlying factors driving these improvements. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and affordable method for preparing copper-containing tribological nanomaterials by thermolysis of copper(II) stearate at 300°C was developed. The materials produced were studied by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and sedimentation analysis. It was shown that the crystallite size does not depend on the thermolysis time. The tribological properties of lubricants with additives of the produced copper-containing nanomaterials (0.025–0.2%) were studied on an end-face friction test machine. At the optimum concentration of nanomaterials (0.05%), the coefficient of friction is the lowest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentation of atoms induced under strong gravitational field gives a tool for controlling elemental compositions in condensed matter. We performed a strong-gravity experiment (0.397 × 106G at 400 °C for 24 h) on a V2O5 polycrystal using the high-temperature ultracentrifuge to examine the composition change and further the structure change. The graded composition structure of V and O was formed along gravity direction, where V increases and O decreases with gravity. It was found by the x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering method that VO2 and V2O3 phases appeared and the amounts increased, while one of the V2O5 phase decreased gradually along gravity direction. The X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra analysis identified the chemical valency decrease (+5 to +3). The UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy addressed the shifting in center of major absorption peak to longer wavelength (red shift) with the increase in gravitational field. The tail absorption peak (band gap 2.09eV) at strong gravity region in the graded structure showed transparent conductive oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an easily accessible method for obtaining copper-containing tribological nanomaterials by thermolysis of copper(II) laurate at 300 °C was developed. The obtained nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and sedimentation analysis. The composition of nanoparticles and the size of crystallites are shown to depend on the thermolysis time. The tribological characteristics of copper-containing nanomaterials derived from copper(II) laurate were analyzed as additives to liquid paraffin using a pin-on-disc tribometer (additive concentration 0.025–0.2%, normal loads 49 and 96 N, rotation speed 200 rpm). The optimal concentration of nanomaterials at which the coefficient of friction is the lowest is determined. An increase in load to 98 N leads to a decrease in the coefficient of friction. The mechanism of friction in the presence of the studied nanolubricants is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a comparative study of nanomaterials formed during thermolysis at 300 °C of two representative metal carboxylates (copper capronate and valerate) was carried out. The obtained nanoparticles (NPs) were studied using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and sedimentation analysis. Copper(I) oxide and copper are the main decomposition products of copper capronate. The crystallite size of copper(I) oxide is from 20 to 30 nm, and that of Cu crystallites is from 11.2 to 11.3 nm and is practically independent of the thermolysis time. The decomposition of copper valerate produces copper(I) oxide with a size of 20 to 50 nm, and the dispersion of particles depends on the thermolysis time of the samples. Analysis of copper-containing nanomaterials as additives to lubricants (Ciatim-221 and liquid paraffin) was carried out in terms of their tribological behavior using a pin-on-disc and four-ball machine tribometers. The introduction of copper(I) oxide NPs reduces the friction coefficient of Ciatim-221 lubricant and liquid paraffin by 26% and 39%, respectively. The microstructure of the friction surface depends on the presence of copper oxide NPs in the lubricant and on the nature of the lubricant base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whey protein beta-lactoglobulin is the building block of amyloid fibrils which exhibit a great potential in various applications. These include stabilization of gels or emulsions. During biotechnological processing, high shear forces lead to fragmentation of fibrils and therefore to smaller fibril lengths. To provide insight into such processes, pure straight amyloid fibril dispersions (prepared at pH 2) were produced and sheared using the rotor stator setup of an Ultra Turrax. In the first part of this work, the sedimentation properties of fragmented amyloid fibrils sheared at different stress levels were analyzed with mulitwavelength analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). Sedimentation data analysis was carried out with the boundary condition that fragmented fibrils were of cylindrical shape, for which frictional properties are known. These results were compared with complementary atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. We demonstrate how the sedimentation coefficient distribution from AUC experiments is influenced by the underlying length and diameter distribution of amyloid fibrils. In the second part of this work, we show how to correlate the fibril size reduction kinetics with the applied rotor revolution and the resulting energy density, respectively, using modal values of the sedimentation coefficients obtained from AUC. Remarkably, the determined scaling laws for the size reduction are in agreement with the results for other material systems, such as emulsification processes or the size reduction of graphene oxide sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of the vibration on the stability and settling performance of the coal water slurry (CWS) was systematically investigated using a Turbiscan Lab analyzer. The results showed that the vibration played an important role in affecting the particle motion and enhancing or deteriorating the stability of the CWS was largely dependent upon the vibration strength. The sedimentation analysis implied that the periodic and slight strike could facilitate the settling process of particles on the top and thus deteriorated the stability. However, the strong strike would induce serious particle collision, which could not only put an obstacle to the sedimentation process of particles on the top (i.e., enhancing the stability) but also facilitate the particles in the middle settling to the bottom (i.e., deteriorating the stability). The results can provide a fundamental basis for the understanding of the behavior of particles motion under the vibration conditions. Unlabelled Image • The vertical vibration was applied to study the dynamic stability of CWS. • Slight strike facilitated the settling process of particles on the top. • Strong strike induced serious particle collision. • The collision put an obstacle to the settling process of particles on the top. • Also, the collision facilitated particles in the middle settling to the bottom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the method of electrical explosion of copper and silver wires in an argon atmosphere, Cu–94Ag, Cu–65Ag, and Cu–22Ag bimetallic nanoparticles are manufactured. The resulting nanoparticles are characterized by the methods of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. It is shown that irrespective of the component ratio all particles have spherical shapes, with copper and silver uniformly distributed in their volume. The phases identified in the samples correspond to silver- and copper-based solid solutions. The conditions for an ultrasonic dispersion of nanoparticle suspensions are selected. The sedimentation analysis data indicate that the minimal time of ultrasonic treatment at a power of 23 kW is 5min for Cu–65Ag and Cu–22Ag nanoparticles and 2 min for Cu–94Ag nanopowder. The fabricated nanoparticles are used as antibacterial modifiers of PMMA. The Ag–Cu/PMMA composites demonstrate a high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose  Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a widely used indicator of inflammation and a routinely done hematology investigation to monitor patients of autoimmune and infectious diseases. We aimed to compare the ESR results obtained by Roller 20LC automated instrument and standard reference Westergren method and analyzed the effect of anemia (hematocrit) on ESR measurements through the automated method. Methods  We analyzed 1377 random anemic OPD patients (hematocrit [HCT] < 35%) for ESR levels measured by Roller 20LC using EDTA blood and Westergren method using citrated blood for a one and half year period from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. Fabry's formula was used to correct the Westergren ESR. Results  The total number of samples after evaluation were divided into low (n = 232), intermediate (n = 417), high (n = 406), and very high range of ESR (≥100 mm/hr; n = 422). Mean difference between values of corrected and automated ESR for the low, intermediate, high and very high ESR range was 2.33 ± 5.03, 10.95 ± 8.04, 28.22 ± 19.11 and 43.3 ± 19.22 mm/hr, respectively. The 95% limit of agreement calculated by the Bland–Altmann analysis between the two methods for low-ESR range was −7.53 to 12.2 (highest correlation coefficient –0.65), while for very high ESR, range was −5.1 to 81.5 (least coefficient of 0.18) (p < 0.001). Conclusion  In laboratories with high-sample load and where manual measurement may be tedious, the automated method of ESR measurement can safely replace the Westergren method for low-ESR values in patients with low hematocrit. While for high-ESR values, validation by the standard Westergren method may be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small heat-shock proteins (sHSPs) are ubiquitously expressed molecular chaperones that inhibit amyloid fibril formation; however, their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. sHSPs comprise a conserved a-crystallin domain flanked by variable N- and C-terminal regions. To investigate the functional contributions of these three regions, we compared the chaperone activities of various constructs of human αB-crystallin (HSPB5) and heat-shock 27-kDa protein (Hsp27, HSPB1) during amyloid formation by α-synuclein and apolipoprotein C-II. Using an array of approaches, including thioflavin T fluorescence assays and sedimentation analysis, we found that the N-terminal region of Hsp27 and the terminal regions of aBcrystallin are important for delaying amyloid fibril nucleation and for disaggregating mature apolipoprotein C-II fibrils. We further show that the terminal regions are required for stable fibril binding by both sHSPs and for mediating lateral fibril– fibril association, which sequesters preformed fibrils into large aggregates and is believed to have a cytoprotective function. We conclude that although the isolated a-crystallin domain retains some chaperone activity against amyloid formation, the flanking domains contribute additional and important chaperone activities, both in delaying amyloid formation and in mediating interactions of sHSPs with amyloid aggregates. Both these chaperone activities have significant implications for the pathogenesis and progression of diseases associated with amyloid deposition, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical centrifugation (AC) has recently shown great potential for the accurate determination of particle size distributions. The well‐established LUMiSizer(R) is customized by a new design allowing for higher rotor speeds, improved thermal insulation, and measurement cell assembly. The latter enables sedimentation analysis of nanoparticles (NPs) in sector‐shaped centerpieces. The measurement window of AC experiments is assessed by the Peclet (Pe) number. It is shown that at low Pe numbers (0.7 < Pe < 30), sedimentation, and diffusion can be accurately and simultaneously analyzed from the sedimentation boundaries within one experiment. Moreover, sedimentation properties can be reliably determined up to Pe numbers of 4000. The thermal characteristic throughout the sedimentation analysis is validated by measuring polystyrene particles at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the performance of the setup is demonstrated by determining the sedimentation properties of SiO2 NPs at intermediate Pe numbers in excellent agreement with results from analytical ultracentrifugation experiments. Finally, for the first time, an accurate analysis of the core–shell properties of Au NPs via AC is presented. By combining the analysis of sedimentation and diffusional properties at low Pe numbers, the shell thickness of the stabilizer cetyltrimethylammonium bromide alongside the core diameter distribution of the Au NPs is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the matter of the environmental reconstruction of laminated lacustrine sediments from the Younger Dryas through to the present day, in particular in respect of microlithofacial analysis and sedimentation rate. Lake Jelonek is located within the Tuchola Pine Forest of northern Poland (at 53°45'58N, 18°23'30E). It occupies a subglacial channel immediately adjacent to the Wda Valley. The lake covers 19.9 ha and has a maximum depth of 13.8 m. In 2014, overlapping sediment cores JEL14 (14.23 m) were collected from that deepest part, in order for a full sediment profile including the younger Dryas and the Holocene to be created. Most of the sediment is found to be laminated. Sedimentation rate was reconstructed for the lake, along with microlithofacial variability of different sections of the sediment. The results obtained were related to an age depth model based on 14 AMS radiocarbon dates, varve chronology and the Askja AD 1875 cryptotephra; and was correlated with pollen profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia is a country with its sea area four times greater than its land area. Indonesia also has many islands. Therefore, Indonesia is known as a maritime and archipelagic country. Due to those conditions, coastal areas become the important part in Indonesia. Coastal area is an area of transition from terrestrial to marine ecosystems. Coastal activities can affect its physical conditions, especially sedimentation. Sedimentation pattern can be represented by Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC) parameter. Satellite remote sensing is an effective source of information to monitor SSC in the coastal area. This study intends to analyse sedimentation patterns on the north and west coasts of Madura Island by extracting SSC values from Landsat-8 imagery. Modelling of currents and sediment transport is also performed in this study to analyse sedimentation pattern. From the analysis it was found that the value of SSC in the rainy season tended to be higher than in the dry season. The tendency of SSC is to gather in the estuary area of rivers, bays, and beaches which protected by the construction of coastal buildings. Whereas through modelling of current and sediment transport, Arosbaya Sub district is the most dynamic sub district due to the meeting of currents from and into the Madura Strait which carrying sedimentary material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we studied the phosphor sedimentation effect in white phosphor-converted light-emitting diode packages by modeling the multi-layer phosphors with gradient concentrations. The essence of phosphor sedimentation can attribute to the variation of phosphor concentrations. By modifying the Kubelka-Munk theory, we built a multi-layer phosphor model with considering the light scattering, light absorption, and light conversion process simultaneously. With a brief review of Kubelka-Munk theory, multi-layer phosphors were modeled on the basis of single-layer phosphor model. The phosphor sedimentation effect was characterized by modeling multi-layer phosphors with gradient concentrations, whereas keeping the total amount of phosphors at the same level. It is found from the five calculation cases that phosphor sedimentation will cause the drop of light extraction efficiency (LEE) by 13.04%. Furthermore, the phosphor layer with inverse-gradient concentrations will enhance the LEE 16.56%. To figure out the reasons, the light losses were calculated, and it is proved that the light loss is enhanced when phosphor sedimentation happens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of antigens to the surface of 2 commonly used insoluble adjuvants, aluminum phosphate and aluminum hydroxide, has been well characterized. In spite of the pharmaceutical benefits, alum-based vaccine formulations can present challenges in redispersion of the final product after storage. Inability to resuspend alum-based vaccines during administration results in inadequate dosing, thus rendering the product unusable. Here, the influence of formulation conditions on the resuspendability of aluminum adjuvant–containing vaccines was investigated. Particle size analysis by Micro-Flow Imaging (MFI™), zeta potential measurement, and sedimentation analysis by Turbiscan® were used to characterize suspension properties. Ionic strength, pH, and antigen concentration were found to significantly influence sedimentation behavior, particle size, and redispersion. Increasing ionic strength increased the sedimentation rate of adjuvants favoring resuspendability. The addition of bovine serum albumin to aluminum phosphate reduced resuspendability more significantly than the addition of lysozyme. Decreased resuspendability correlated with an increase in fine-to-large particle ratio and decrease in sedimentation rate. In summary, resuspendability of adjuvant drug product is favored by increased flocculation, decrease in fine-to-large particle ratio, and reduction in surface charge of antigen and adjuvant. A careful balance of these formulation conditions can therefore be an effective means to mitigate challenges of alum adjuvant redispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis can recover from injury after highhydrostatic- pressure (HHP) treatment at 250 MPa. DNA microarray analysis revealed that substantial numbers of ribosomal genes and translation-related genes (e.g., translation initiation factors) were upregulated during the growth arrest phase after HHP treatment. The transcript levels of cold shock-responsive genes, whose products play key roles in efficient translation, and heat shock-responsive genes, whose products mediate correct protein folding or degrade misfolded proteins, were also upregulated. In contrast, the transcript level of hpf, whose product (Hpf) is involved in ribosome inactivation through the dimerization of 70S ribosomes, was downregulated during the growth arrest phase. Sucrose density gradient sedimentation analysis revealed that ribosomes were dissociated in a pressure-dependent manner and then reconstructed. We also found that cell growth after HHP-induced injury was apparently inhibited by the addition of Mn2+ or Zn2+ to the recovery medium. Ribosome reconstruction in the HHP-injured cells was also significantly delayed in the presence of Mn2+ or Zn2+. Moreover, Zn2+, but not Mn2+, promoted dimer formation of 70S ribosomes in the HHP-injured cells. Disruption of the hpf gene suppressed the Zn2+-dependent accumulation of ribosome dimers, partially relieving the inhibitory effect of Zn2+ on the growth recovery of HHP-treated cells. In contrast, it was likely that Mn2+ prevented ribosome reconstruction without stimulating ribosome dimerization. Our results suggested that both Mn2+ and Zn2+ can prevent ribosome reconstruction, thereby delaying the growth recovery of HHP-injured B. subtilis cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentation process of columnar ice crystals was evaluated using data obtained by the lattice Boltzmann method. The data used correspond to columnar ice crystals with maximum dimension less than 100 μm and aspect ratios between 1 and 3. The terminal velocity was computed for different ice‐crystal bulk densities and for three falling orientations. The analysis corresponds to ice crystals falling in viscous flow regimes, where theoretical formulations overestimate the terminal velocity. Different characteristic lengths of columnar ice crystals and different theoretical proposals for the sedimentation process were tested in order to find the best representation of the data. Characteristic lengths reported in the literature do not represent the sedimentation process for all the falling orientations used in this study. Thus, it was not possible to obtain a unique relation between the Best and Reynolds numbers. In particular, columnar ice crystals falling with their longer dimension parallel to the vertical direction show a large dispersion that it does not seem possible to reduce. The theoretical and semi‐empirical formulations of the terminal velocity evaluated show large deviations in the computed velocity, with a strong dependence on ice‐crystal aspect ratio. The dispersion observed seems to be intrinsically related to the dimensionless variables used to parametrize the terminal velocity. To derive a unique scale law that could represent the sedimentation process of ice crystals, geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarities are required. However, these conditions are not fulfilled in the sedimentation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—Lithological-facies mapping of Pleistocene sediments of pelagic zone and ten key areas of the Pacific submarine margins allowed us to compile the review maps of the Neo- and Eopleistocene sediments for almost 90% of ocean basin area. The comparative analysis of quantitative sedimentation parameters for the Pleistocene sediments of the pelagic and continental margins revealed an increase of absolute mass of lithogenic matter on continental margins by more than eight times, while СаСО3 and biogenic opal, by less than five times. The increasing trend of lithogenic and СаСО3 fluxes in both megafacies zones was proved. Pelagic zone demonstrates an increase of biogenic opal accumulation in the Neopleistocene compared to the Eopleistocene, while fluxes of biogenic opal on the seafloor of continental margins were higher in the Eopleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]