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The combined use of electrokinetic remediation and phytoremediation to decontaminate metal-polluted soils: a laboratory-scale feasibility study.

The use of a combination of electrokinetic remediation and phytoremediation to decontaminate two metal-polluted soils has been demonstrated in laboratory-scale reactors. One soil was heavily contaminated with copper, the other with cadmium and arsenic (2500 microg g(-1) Cu; 300-400 microg g(-1) Cd and 230 microg g(-1) As, respectively). Test reactors with two separated chambers, each with a capacity of 5.25 kg soil, were constructed, then the respective chambers were filled with either a mixture of the polluted soil and a control topsoil (75:25) or topsoil alone. Reactors were sown with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv Elka) and a constant voltage of 30 V was applied continually across the soils in each reactor. Soil sampling took place at the start and the end of the test run, whilst plant foliage was sampled after approximately 3 weeks (both reactors) 6 weeks (Cd soil reactor only) and at the conclusion of each test run (98 days Cu soil, 80 days Cd soil). Soil and plant metal concentrations were measured, together with soil pH. Results showed that in both soils there was a significant re-distribution of metals from anode to cathode in the test reactors, coupled with an enhancement of plant Cu uptake in the cathode region for the Cu soil. Patterns of plant Cd uptake were less clear cut and were not as clearly related to the redistribution of Cd measured in the soil. There was significant acidification of soil at the anode in each test reactor, but soil pH in other parts of the reactor changed little during the course of the experiment. Plant growth was affected at the anode, but was not affected in other parts of the reactor. There was no visual evidence of metal toxicity in the ryegrass in either polluted soil. Some effects on soil fungi were apparent, with a stimulation of Fusarium infection of ryegrass in the cathode region of all reactors and the appearance of sporophores of Coprinus in the same location. It is concluded that the combination of the two techniques represents a very promising approach to the decontamination of metal polluted soils that now requires validation in field conditions.

Arsenic↗

The effects of low-level direct current therapy on a preclinical mammary carcinoma: tumour regression and systemic biochemical sequelae.

Low-level direct electric current has been shown to be capable of destroying tumour tissue. Using an early-passage subcutaneous murine mammary carcinoma, the relationships between the volume of tumour destruction, charge and polarity have been examined. The results revealed a direct correlation between charge passed and absolute volume regression when the intratumoral electrode was made either an anode or a cathode. Tumour destruction for a given charge was significantly greater following anodic than cathodic treatment. A direct correlation was also observed between the percentage volume of prompt treatment-induced regression and the in situ end point of tumour growth delay. During the course of these experiments, a highly reproducible toxic effect was discovered, which has not been previously reported for this modality. An anodic charge greater than 10.6 coulombs or a cathodic charge greater than 21.6 coulombs resulted in 100% mortality at 24-72 h, while lower charges had no influence on mortality. Quantitative assays of a number of blood parameters showed that mortality was associated with serum electrolyte imbalances and appeared to be the result of the metabolic load of tumour breakdown products. These effects are similar to the tumour lysis or surgical crush syndromes and should not constitute a significant problem in clinical practice, where the tumour mass to total body mass ratio will normally be much smaller.

Animals↗

On-demand release of corrosion-inhibiting ions from amorphous Al-Co-Ce alloys.

Controlled release technologies are often used to supply chemicals or drugs at given rates. Release often occurs on contact with solution. However, some applications, such as corrosion protection, require containment of the active species in a reservoir and their slow release when needed. Conductive polymers have been used as reservoirs for corrosion inhibitors whose triggered release occurs by galvanic reduction or ion exchange. This work shows one of the first examples of pH-controlled release of corrosion-inhibiting ions from an amorphous metallic coating where the pH change that triggers release is a consequence of the onset of corrosion. This corrosion-inhibition strategy provides further corrosion protection beyond the traditional roles of barrier and sacrificial cathodic protection using a metal coating. For instance, zinc galvanizing provides sacrificial cathodic protection and acts as a barrier, but does not supply inhibitor ions. In the coating described here, protection of an underlying structural alloy exposed at coating defects is demonstrated by inhibitor ion release in addition to barrier function and sacrificial cathodic protection.

Alloys↗

Cell transport via electromigration in polymer-based microfluidic devices.

Electrokinetic transport of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) cells was evaluated in microfluidic devices fabricated in pristine and UV-modified poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC). Chip-to-chip reproducibility of the cell's apparent mobilities (micro(app)) varied slightly with a RSD of approximately 10%. The highest micro(app) for baker's yeast cells was observed in UV-modified PC with 0.5 mM PBS (pH = 7.4), and the lowest was measured in pristine PMMA with 20 mM PBS (pH = 7.4). Baker's yeast in all devices migrated toward the cathode because of their smaller electrophoretic mobility compared to the EOF. In 0.5 mM and 1 mM PBS, E. coli cells migrated toward the anode in all cases, opposite to the direction of the EOF due to their larger electrophoretic mobility. E. coli cells in 20 mM PBS migrated toward the cathode, which indicated that the electrophoretic mobility of E. coli cells decreased at higher ionic strengths. Observed differential migrations of E. coli and baker's yeast cells in appropriately prepared polymer microchips were used as the basis for selective introduction into microfluidic devices of only one type of cell. As a working model, experiments were performed with E. coli and RBCs (red blood cells). RBCs migrated toward the cathode in pristine PMMA with 1 mM and 20 mM PBS (pH = 7.4), opposite to the direction of the E. coli cells. By judicious choice of the buffer concentration in which the cell suspension was prepared and the polymer material, RBCs or E. coli cells were selectively introduced into the microdevice, which was monitored via laser backscatter signals.

Cells↗

Microfluidic discharge-based optical sources for detection of biochemicals.

This paper reports a discharge-based optical source for fluorescence of biochemicals in microfluidic systems. Its efficacy is demonstrated using a stacked microchip that integrates a microfluidic wavelength-tunable optical source, a biochemical sample reservoir and optical filters. It is shown to excite fluorescence in l-tryptophan and DNA samples labeled by SYBR green dye. The discharge is struck in ambient air, between a metal anode and a cathode cavity that is filled with an aqueous solution, which is doped with a metal salt selected for its emission characteristics. The characteristic line spectra, which arise from energetic transitions of the metal ions that are sputtered into the glow region of the discharge, are optically filtered and guided to the biochemical sample that resides in a separate on-chip reservoir. For DNA fluorescence, a barium chloride solution is used to emit light at 454 and 493 nm. For tryptophan fluorescence, the cathode contains lead (ii) nitrate solution to provide a 280 nm emission. The resulting fluorescence from the DNA and tryptophan samples is compared to reference data. This technique can also be used to excite other fluorophores by using appropriately doped liquid cathodes having the desired emission characteristics.

Benzothiazoles↗

Redox chemistry of the acetato-bridged clusters [M3(mu3-O)n(mu-O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]2+ (M = Mo, W, n = 1, 2): reversible redox between mono-micro3-oxo d8 M(III)2M(IV) and d9 M(III)3 forms.

A cyclic voltammogram of aqueous 0.1 mol dm(-3) triflic acid solutions of the d6 bioxo-capped M-M bonded cluster [Mo3(mu3-O)2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]2+ at a glassy carbon electrode at 25 degrees C gives rise to an irreversible 3e- cathodic wave to a d9 Mo(III)3 species at -0.8 V vs. SCE which on the return scan gives rise to two anodic waves at +0.05 V vs. SCE (E(1/2), 1e- reversible to d8 Mo(III)2Mo(IV)) and +0.48 V vs. SCE (2e- irreversible back to d6 Mo(IV)3). The number of electrons passed at each redox wave has been confirmed by redox titration and controlled potential electrolysis which resulted in 90% recovery of [Mo3(mu3-O)2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]2+ following electrochemical re-oxidation at +0.8 V. A corresponding CV study of the d8 monoxo-capped W(III)2W(IV) cluster [W3(mu3-O)(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]2+ gives rise to a reversible 1e- cathodic process at -0.92 V vs. SCE to give the d9 W(III)3 species [W3(mu3-O)(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]+; the first authentic example of a W(III) complex with coordinated water ligands. However the cluster is too unstable (O2/water sensitive) to allow isolation. Comparisons with the cv study on [Mo3(mu3-O)2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]2+ suggest irreversible reduction of this complex to monoxo-capped [Mo(III)3(mu3-O)(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]+ followed by reversible oxidation to its d8 counterpart [Mo3(mu3-O)(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]2+ (Mo(III)2Mo(IV)) and finally irreversible oxidation back to the starting bioxo-capped cluster. Exposing the d9 Mo(III)3 cluster to air (O2) however gives a different final product with evidence of break up of the acetate bridged framework. Corresponding redox processes on d6 [W3(mu3-O)2(O2CCH3)6(H2O)3]2+ are too cathodic to allow similar generation of the monoxo-capped W(III)3 and W(III)2W(IV) clusters at the electrode surface.

Journal Article↗

Interactions between extracellular stimuli and excitation waves in an atrial reentrant loop.

UNLABELLED: Extracellular Stimuli in an Atrial Reentrant Loop. INTRODUCTION: The interactions between extracellular stimuli and excitation waves propagating in a reentrant loop are a complex function of stimulus parameters, structural properties, membrane state, and timing. Here the goal was a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and frequencies of the major interactions between the advancing excitation wave and a single extracellular stimulus, separated from issues of anatomic or geometric complexity. METHODS AND RESULTS: A modernized computer model of a thin ring of uniform tissue that included a pair of extracellular stimulus electrodes (anode/cathode) was used to model one-dimensional cardiac reentry. Questions and results included the following: (1) What are the major interactions between a stimulus and the reentrant propagation wave, and are they induced near the cathode or near the anode; and, for each interaction, what are the initiating amplitude range and timing interval? At the cathode, the well-known mechanism of retrograde excitation terminated reentry; changes in timing or amplitude produced double-wave reentry or phase reset. At the anode, termination occurred at different cells depending on stimulus amplitude. (2) Relatively how often did termination occur at the anode? For most stimulus amplitudes, termination occurred more often at the anode than at the cathode, although not always at the same cell. (3) With random timing, what is the probability of terminating reentry? Stimulation for 5 msec terminated reentry with a probability from 0% to approximately 10%, as a function of increasing stimulus amplitude. CONCLUSION: A single extracellular stimulus can initiate major changes in reentrant excitation via multiple mechanisms, even in a simple geometry. Termination of reentry, phase shifts, or double-wave reentry each occurs over well-defined ranges of stimulus amplitude and timing.

Action Potentials↗

Spiral wave control by a localized stimulus: a bidomain model study.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that electrical stimulation can control spiral wave (SW) reentry. However, previous research does not account for the effects of stimulus-induced virtual electrode polarization (VEP) and the ensuing cathode-break (CB) excitation. The aim of the present study was to examine the interaction of VEP with SW reentry in a bidomain model of electrical stimulation and thus provide insight into the mechanistic basis of SW control. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted 3,168 simulations of localized stimulation during SW reentry in an anisotropic bidomain sheet. Unipolar cathodal 2-ms stimuli of strengths 4, 8, 16, and 24 mA were delivered at 99 locations in the sheet. The interaction between stimulus-induced VEP and SW reentry resulted in 1 of 3 possible outcomes: SW shift, SW breakup, or no effect. SW shift, which could be instrumental in SW termination at an anatomic or functional line of block, resulted from CB rather than cathode-make excitation. Stimulus timing, site, and strength all were important factors in VEP-mediated SW control. Furthermore, we found that the number of episodes of SW shift across the fibers was more sensitive to stimulus strength than that of SW shift along the fibers. SW shift can be explained by the interaction between the four VEP-induced wavebreaks and the wavebreak of the SW, ultimately resulting in termination of the original SW and the survival of one of the VEP-induced wavebreaks. This establishes a new SW reentry. CONCLUSION: This study provides new mechanistic insight into SW control.

Atrial Fibrillation↗

Selective and asymmetric molecular transport across electroporated cell membranes.

Transport of a divalent cation (Ca2+) and three DNA indicators [ethidium bromide (EB), propidium iodide (PI), and ethidium homodimer (EthD-1)] across electroporated membranes of several mammalian cell lines was found to be selective and asymmetrical. In low salt medium, Ca2+ and EB were preferentially transported across the anodefacing cell membrane while PI and EthD-1 predominately entered at the site facing the cathode. In high salt medium, the entry site for Ca2+ and EB was reversed to the cathode-facing hemisphere while it remained unchanged for PI and EthD-1. In all these experiments, the observed transport patterns remained unaffected whether the dyes (or ion) were present during or added after the electroporating pulse. The data suggest that asymmetric pores are created on both sides of the membrane facing the electrodes, with smaller pore size (but greater in number) on the anode side and larger pores (with a lower population) on the cathode side. Furthermore, the rate of resealing of the membrane pores is significantly enhanced in high ionic strength medium, thus affecting the entry site. The asymmetric transport pattern is neither caused by electrophoresis induced by the externally applied electric field nor due to one-sided membrane breakdown as previously believed.

3T3 Cells↗

Effects of the electrode arrangements on reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene in an electro-enhanced iron wall.

This study examined the factors that influence the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE) when direct current is externally supplied to a laboratory scale iron wall. Experimental results indicated that an anode electrode was placed in contact with the iron filling near the inlet of the column, and then a cathode was located on the top of the column. Excellent TCE degradation efficiency was displayed. The surface of the iron particles was acid-washed by H+, owing to water oxidation around the anode, and large quantities of Fe2+ were produced as a reductant which enhanced the TCE degradation, due to iron corrosion caused by the supply of external electrons. The cathode should be placed in sand fill atop the iron filling in order to avoid the formation of iron (hydr) oxide precipitates on the surface of the iron particles when the pH increases as a result of the release of OH+ around the cathode. Due to more H+ being released, which benefited the acid-washing of the iron filling, the TCE removal efficiency increased from 32% to 100% when the electric potential increased to 60V. However, black precipitates of iron (hydr) oxide were observed coated on the iron surface, causing the blocking of pores in the iron wall with the increase in the electric potential application. The efficiency of TCE degradation was almost equal regardless of groundwater velocity when direct current was applied to the iron wall. Based on observations of TCE degradation during long-term operations, the TCE removal efficiency in the effluent reached 100% after seven days of operation and maintained this high level after 25 days of operation. Thus, iron wall by electroremediation displayed excellent potential for development in long-term operations.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Electric field distribution within normal cat spinal cord.

Electric currents of small magnitude have been used successfully to induce regrowth of injured spinal cord fibers. The purpose of this study was to determine the potentials and current density distributions on the surface, as well as within the spinal cord, after the application of exogenous electric fields. A 10 microA DC current was applied epidurally to the spinal cord using two different electrode configurations. The two electrode configurations studied were: anode and cathode dorsal (D-D) and anode ventral and cathode dorsal (V-D). Two types of recording electrodes were used to map the potentials on the surface and within the spinal cord. The recording system consisted of glass microelectrodes connected to differential amplifiers. The output was recorded on a polygraph. The current density was more localized on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord for the D-D configuration. In contrast, in the V-D configuration, the current density was greater near the anode on the ventral surface and near the cathode on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord. As a result of the anode being located ventrally, there was a more uniform current density distribution within the spinal cord.

Animals↗

A new evaluation method of electron optical performance of high beam current probe forming systems.

A new numerical simulation method is presented for the electron optical property analysis of probe forming systems with point cathode guns such as cold field emitters and the Schottky emitters. It has long been recognized that the gun aberrations are important parameters to be considered since the intrinsically high brightness of the point cathode gun is reduced due to its spherical aberration. The simulation method can evaluate the 'threshold beam current I(th)' above which the apparent brightness starts to decrease from the intrinsic value. It is found that the threshold depends on the 'electron gun focal length' as well as on the spherical aberration of the gun. Formulas are presented to estimate the brightness reduction as a function of the beam current. The gun brightness reduction must be included when the probe property (the relation between the beam current l(b) and the probe size on the sample, d) of the entire electron optical column is evaluated. Formulas that explicitly consider the gun aberrations into account are presented. It is shown that the probe property curve consists of three segments in the order of increasing beam current: (i) the constant probe size region, (ii) the brightness limited region where the probe size increases as d approximately I(b)(3/8), and (iii) the angular current intensity limited region in which the beam size increases rapidly as d approximately I(b)(3/2). Some strategies are suggested to increase the threshold beam current and to extend the effective beam current range of the point cathode gun into micro ampere regime.

Journal Article↗

Effect of high-voltage pulsed current and alternating current on macromolecular leakage in hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Electrical stimulation (ES) is supposed to affect edema formation by inhibiting macromolecular leakage from microvessels. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of various forms of ES on macromolecular leakage from microvessels. SUBJECTS: Fifty-three hamsters were randomly assigned to one of seven groups: a control group (histamine only); groups that received histamine with cathodal high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) at intensities of 90%, 50%, and 10% of visible motor threshold (VMT); groups that received anodal HVPC at intensities of 90% and 50% of VMT; and a group that received alternating current (AC) at 90% of VMT. METHODS: Anesthetized animals were injected with fluorescein-labeled dextran. Macromolecular leakage was determined by computer analysis of fluorescence microscopy images for 5 minutes after treatment. RESULTS: When compared with controls, leakage was less in groups treated with cathodal HVPC at 90% and 50% of VMT and anodal HVPC at 90% of VMT. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Cathodal and anodal HVPC, but not AC, curb macromolecular leakage from the microvessels of histamine-treated hamsters. [Taylor K, Mendel FC, Fish DR, et al. Effect of high-voltage pulsed current and alternating current on macromolecular leakage in hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.

Animals↗

The feasibility of gastrothoracic ventricular pacing during transesophageal echocardiography.

UNLABELLED: We evaluated whether ventricular pacing is possible using pacing electrodes attached to a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe in 20 patients undergoing elective cardiovascular surgery. A bipolar pacing lead was fixed with silicone adhesive anteriorly to the TEE probe with the distal electrode 25 mm from the TEE probe tip. The TEE probe was positioned to obtain a transgastric short-axis view of the left ventricle. The distal or proximal electrode on the TEE probe was the cathode; the chest electrode placed at the V5 lead position was the anode. Gastrothoracic ventricular pacing (GVP) was performed at 100 bpm at 30- or 50-ms pulse duration. Transgastric ventricular pacing (TVP) was also attempted using both TEE probe electrodes alternately as cathode/anode. Maximal generator output was 32 mA. GVP with the distal electrode as cathode was successful in 75% and 80% of patients at 30- and 50-ms pulse durations and 23.3+/-5.8 mA and 22.6+/-5.8 mA threshold currents, respectively. However, success rates (20% and 25%, respectively) were significantly lower with the proximal electrode as cathode using the same pulse durations and 14.4+/-5.3 mA and 16.7+/-6.8 mA threshold currents. The TVP success rate was significantly lower than that for GVP. With optimization, this system could become an available technique for intraoperative emergency ventricular pacing. IMPLICATIONS: Using an endocardial pacing lead attached to a transesophageal echocardiography probe, gastrothoracic ventricular pacing can be performed successfully without complications in 75%-80% of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Adult↗

Partial hydrolysis of cow's milk proteins by human trypsins and elastases in vitro.

The hydrolysis of bovine alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and casein by human anodal and cathodal trypsins and elastases was studied with the aid of electroimmunoassay and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The rate of hydrolysis of the various proteins by cathodal elastase exceeded that by anodal or cathodal trypsin and anodal elastase. Casein was hydrolyzed more efficiently than alpha-lactalbumin or beta-lactoglobulin. The hydrolysis of the three proteins occurred at a considerably slower rate when present in crude form, as in cow's milk, than when in purified form.

Animals↗

VUV absorption spectroscopy measurements of the role of fast neutral atoms in a high-power gap breakdown

The maximum power achieved in a wide variety of high-power devices, including electron and ion diodes, z pinches, and microwave generators, is presently limited by anode-cathode gap breakdown. A frequently discussed hypothesis for this effect is ionization of fast neutral atoms injected throughout the anode-cathode gap during the power pulse. We describe a newly developed diagnostic tool that provides a direct test of this hypothesis. Time-resolved vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy is used to directly probe fast neutral atoms with 1-mm spatial resolution in the 10-mm anode-cathode gap of the SABRE 5 MV, 1 TW applied-B ion diode. Absorption spectra collected during Ar RF glow discharges and with CO2 gas fills confirm the reliability of the diagnostic technique. Throughout the 50-100 ns ion diode pulses no measurable neutral absorption was seen, setting upper limits of (0.12-1.5)x10(14) cm(-3) for ground-state fast neutral atom densities of H, C, N, O, and F. The absence of molecular absorption bands also sets upper limits of (0.16-1.2)x10(15) cm(-3) for common simple molecules. These limits are low enough to rule out ionization of fast neutral atoms as a breakdown mechanism. Breakdown due to ionization of molecules is also found to be unlikely. This technique can now be applied to quantify the role of neutral atoms in other high-power devices.

Journal Article↗

Apparent secondary-electron emission coefficient and the voltage-current characteristics of argon glow discharges.

The accuracy of secondary-electron emission coefficients, that are used as input data of discharge models, seriously influences the calculated discharge characteristics. As it is very difficult to consider all possible electron emission processes of a cold cathode separately, in most of the recent models an apparent secondary coefficient gamma is applied, which is often assumed to be constant, even for a wide range of discharge conditions. In contrast with this common assumption, the present calculations-based on a heavy-particle hybrid model-show that in abnormal glow discharges gamma varies considerably with changing discharge conditions: a factor of 3 change of gamma has been found in the range of reduced current densities (0.04 mA cm(-2) Torr(-2)< or =j/p(2)< or =4 mA cm(-2) Torr(-2)) covered in this study. The present simulations also confirm that ionization by heavy particles plays a significant role in the ion production at the abnormal cathode fall. Moreover, it is shown, that the fast heavy particles reflected from the cathode surface play the dominant role in the gas heating.

Journal Article↗

Excitation in low-current discharges and breakdown in He at low pressures and very high electric field to gas density ratios E/N.

We investigate optical emission from low-current discharges in He at very high electric field to gas density ratios E/N between parallel plate electrodes. We also determine the electrical breakdown and the voltage-current behavior at low currents. The E/N are 300 Td to 9 kTd (1 Td = 10(-21) V m2) at pressures times electrode separations p(0)d from 3 to 0.9 Torr cm. Absolute optical emission probabilities versus distance are determined for the 501.6 nm line (3 (1)P -->2 (1)S) and for the 587.6 nm line (3 (3)D -->2 (3)P) by reference to Boltzmann calculations at our lowest E/N and to published pressure dependent electron beam experiments. At E/N below 1 kTd, the emission follows the exponential growth of the electron density, while at above 7 kTd heavy particle excitation is evident near the cathode. Collisional transfer of excitation from the singlet to the triplet system dominates the 587.6 nm excitation. Comparisons of models with experiments show the importance of excitation and of electron production at the cathode by fast He atoms produced by charge transfer collisions of He+ with He. The breakdown voltage versus p(0)d is multivalued for p(0)d approximately 1.5 Torr cm. At currents below 100 microA and our lower E/N, the discharge voltage decreases linearly with current as expected for an increasing electron yield with ion energy and E/N at the cathode.

Journal Article↗