Changes In Ionic Composition Research Articles

Influence of the RF-power on the etching yields and surface morphology in reactive ion beam etching of Si and photoresist

The change in ion energy distribution and composition of a reactive ion beam produced by an RF-excited ion beam source and operation with a mixture of CHF3 and O2 was investigated and correlated with the etching behavior. To this end, measurements were performed with an energy-selective mass spectrometer to determine ion energy distributions, current density measurements for the measurement of current density distributions of the ion beam, and tactile measurements to determine the etching rates of Si and photoresist. The morphology of the photoresist was measured with a scanning force microscope. In particular, alterations in the etching yield and surface morphology of the photoresist can be observed in response to changes in the applied RF-power. An increase in plasma density leads to an increase in fragmentation processes of the injected reactive gases, resulting in the formation of smaller fragments. These smaller fragments have a chemical impact on the substrate surface, which affects the etching performance. These effects can have significant consequences in the context of long-time reactive ion beam processing for patterning applications.

Physicochemical Characterization of Nanohydroxyapatite Powder in Simulated Body Fluid Immersion: A Pilot Study

Nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) has been widely used as a bone graft material. In contact with biological fluids, n-HA should be reactive, resorbable, form an bone-like apatite layer on their surfaces, and enhance osseointegration. The release of Ca, P, and O in SBF predicted the formation of bone-like apatite layer. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of nano-HA powder during the SBF immersion in vitro. The n-HA powder was immersed in SBF for 24, 48 hours, 7, 14, and 28 days. The swelling ratio, pH, FTIR, and SEM-EDX were analyzed pre- and post-SBF immersion. The n-HA powder showed excellent hydrophilicity and a stable pH, even though there was a pH decrease in 28 days. The carbonate and phosphate functional groups were found through FTIR, in line with the ion composition changes and increase of the Ca/P ratio shown on EDX. Both mean weight percentages (%) of Ca and P increased during 14 days of SBF immersion (16.15 to 27.27; and 8.57 to 11.68, respectively). The other functional groups on the n-HA are PO3 −, CO2 −, O-H, C=H, and COO. In conclusion, the n-HA powder presents good physicochemical properties that indicate the formation of an apatite bonelike layer and is promising as a bone graft material.

Conservation of the Charge in Signal from Drift Tube Ion Mobility Spectrometers.

Quantitative information obtained from drift tube detectors used in ion mobility spectrometry is contained in the area of peaks forming the drift time spectrum. The area of all peaks corresponds to the total charge of ions entering the drift section of the spectrometer. It was found that this charge is not conserved when the ion composition changes. This work is devoted to studying the causes of this phenomenon. Experimental research consisted of recording drift time spectra for 2-pentanone and n-heptanone, at various analyte concentrations and different opening times of the shutter grid. Measurements of the total ion current were also performed in static mode with an open grid. The research results indicated that the reasons for the lack of ion charge conservation in the drift time spectrum are ion recombination, mutual repulsion, and mobility-dependent transmission of ions through the shutter grid. The explanation of the relationships obtained experimentally was based on a simple theoretical model, which considered the phenomenon of ion transport along the reaction section and the penetration of ions through the shutter. The developed model provides a good description of the measurement results and allows the estimation of ion currents and ion concentrations in the reaction section upstream of the grid. This information is important for proper quantitative analysis as well as when the ion mobility spectrometer is used in quantitative studies of chemical ionization processes.

Generation of multiply charged metal ions in a high current short pulse vacuum arc

We have studied the plasma composition of a high current short pulse vacuum arc discharge with different cathode materials: lanthanum, gadolinium, lead, silver, and tin. We find that for optimal vacuum arc discharge parameters – arc current pulse duration about 2 μs and amplitude about 3 kA – the maximum ion charge state is 11+ and mean ion charge state from 7.8+ for tin to 9.6+ for lanthanum. The mean ion charge state for different materials depends on the discharge voltage and the energy required for ionization to maximum charge state. The cathode surface heats to a temperature of 700 °C–1100 °C in the course of the arc current pulse, depending on the cathode material, and the cathode surface of low melting point metals such as lead and tin melts to a depth of 5 μm and 10 μm, respectively. Surface melting does not lead to change in plasma ion composition, since the ion flux from the cathode considerably exceeds the evaporated atom flux.

Evaluation of Physical Properties in Carboxymethyl Chitosan Modified Glass Ionomer Cements and the Effect for Dentin Remineralization: SEM/EDX, Compressive Strength, and Ca/P Ratio.

The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of modifying glass ionomer cement (GIC) with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) on surface morphology and remineralization outcomes by examining dentin morphology and calcium ion composition changes. Thirty holes in a cylindrical acrylic mold were filled with three groups of restorative materials: GIC, GIC modified with CMC (GIC-CMC) 5%, and GIC-CMC10%. The surface morphology of each group's materials was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compressive strength measurement was performed using a universal testing machine. The dentin remineralization process was performed by applying GIC, GIC-CMC5%, and GIC-CMC10% materials for 14 days on demineralized dentin cavities treated with 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 7 days. A morphological evaluation was conducted using SEM. The calcium ion composition and calcium-to-phosphorous (Ca/P) ratio were examined using an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare all four groups of calcium ions (p < 0.05). The modification of GIC with CMC affected the morphological changes in the materials in the form of reduced porosity and increased fractures. A significant difference was found in compressive strength between the GIC-CMC modification materials of GIC-CMC5% and GIC-CMC10% and the GIC control group. The dentin tubule morphology and surface changes were observed after applying GIC, GIC-CMC5%, and GIC-CMC10% materials for 14 days, as evaluated by SEM. The EDX examination showed an increase in calcium ion content and hydroxyapatite formation (Ca/P ratio) after applying the GIC-CMC10% material. The surface porosity of the GIC modification material with the addition of CMC tended to decrease. However, an increase in cracked surfaces that widened, along with the rise in CMC percentage, was found. This modification also reduced the compressive strength of the materials, with the lowest average yield at 10% CMC addition. Therefore, the modification of GIC with CMC affects changes in morphology, calcium ion composition, and Ca/P ratio in demineralized dentin.

Ionospheric responses to solar flares: An analysis of ion composition changes during Moderately High Solar Activity in January 2023

This set of reports analyzes the ionospheric composition and effects of solar flares in January 2023 during periods of moderate to high solar activity. On January 6th, the solar zenith angle was 109.5 degrees, solar radio flux F10.7 was 119.2, and sunspot number was 70.2. On January 9th, the solar zenith angle reached 166.9 degrees, F10.7 was 119.4, and sunspot number was 70.4. On January 10th, the solar zenith angle was 137.1 degrees, F10.7 measured 119.4, and sunspot number remained at 70.4. The ionospheric data reveals typical profiles dominated by molecular ions at lower altitudes and lighter atomic ions higher up. An O+ layer peaked around 180 km. Comparison to quiet conditions shows impacts from the M-class and X-class flares on these days, including an enhanced and broadened O+ layer, increased molecular ions at 400-600 km, and temporary depletions of lighter ions around 500 km. These ionospheric changes match the flare timing and can be explained by flare-driven reactions. Geomagnetic activity also increased, signaling solar-terrestrial coupling. Together, the data provides evidence of complex atmospheric changes from solar flares spanning the electromagnetic spectrum during periods of moderately high solar activity. Analysis of ion composition gives insights into fundamental ionospheric processes and improving space weather prediction capabilities.

Distinct Alterations in Oxygenation, Ion Composition and Acid-Base Balance in Cerebral Collaterals During Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke

PurposeDisturbances of blood gas and ion homeostasis including regional hypoxia and massive sodium (Na+)/potassium (K+) shifts are a hallmark of experimental cerebral ischemia but have not been sufficiently investigated for their relevance in stroke patients.MethodsWe report a prospective observational study on 366 stroke patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large-vessel occlusion (LVO) of the anterior circulation (18 December 2018–31 August 2020). Intraprocedural blood gas samples (1 ml) from within cerebral collateral arteries (ischemic) and matched systemic control samples were obtained according to a prespecified protocol in 51 patients.ResultsWe observed a significant reduction in cerebral oxygen partial pressure (−4.29%, paO2ischemic = 185.3 mm Hg vs. paO2systemic = 193.6 mm Hg; p = 0.035) and K+ concentrations (−5.49%, K+ischemic = 3.44 mmol/L vs. K+systemic = 3.64 mmol/L; p = 0.0083). The cerebral Na+:K+ ratio was significantly increased and negatively correlated with baseline tissue integrity (r = −0.32, p = 0.031). Correspondingly, cerebral Na+ concentrations were most strongly correlated with infarct progression after recanalization (r = 0.42, p = 0.0033). We found more alkaline cerebral pH values (+0.14%, pHischemic = 7.38 vs. pHsystemic = 7.37; p = 0.0019), with a time-dependent shift towards more acidotic conditions (r = −0.36, p = 0.055).ConclusionThese findings suggest that stroke-induced changes in oxygen supply, ion composition and acid-base balance occur and dynamically progress within penumbral areas during human cerebral ischemia and are related to acute tissue damage.

Mitochondrial behavior when things go wrong in the axon.

Axonal homeostasis is maintained by processes that include cytoskeletal regulation, cargo transport, synaptic activity, ionic balance, and energy supply. Several of these processes involve mitochondria to varying degrees. As a transportable powerplant, the mitochondria deliver ATP and Ca2+-buffering capabilities and require fusion/fission to maintain proper functioning. Taking into consideration the long distances that need to be covered by mitochondria in the axons, their transport, distribution, fusion/fission, and health are of cardinal importance. However, axonal homeostasis is disrupted in several disorders of the nervous system, or by traumatic brain injury (TBI), where the external insult is translated into physical forces that damage nervous tissue including axons. The degree of damage varies and can disconnect the axon into two segments and/or generate axonal swellings in addition to cytoskeletal changes, membrane leakage, and changes in ionic composition. Cytoskeletal changes and increased intra-axonal Ca2+ levels are the main factors that challenge mitochondrial homeostasis. On the other hand, a proper function and distribution of mitochondria can determine the recovery or regeneration of the axonal physiological state. Here, we discuss the current knowledge regarding mitochondrial transport, fusion/fission, and Ca2+ regulation under axonal physiological or pathological conditions.

Distinct Morphologies of Bone Apatite Clusters in Endochondral and Intramembranous Ossification.

Bone apatite crystals grow in clusters, but the microstructure of these clusters is unknown. This study compares the structural and compositional differences between bone apatite clusters formed in intramembranous (IO) and endochondral ossification (EO). Calvaria (IO) and femurs (EO) are isolated from mice at embryonic days (E) 14.5 to 15.5 and post-natal days (P) 6 to 7, respectively. Results show that the initially formed bone apatite clusters in EO (≅1.2µm2 ) are >10 times larger than those in IO (≅0.1µm2 ), without significant changes in ion composition. In IO (E14.5 calvarium), early minerals are formed inside matrix vesicles (MVs). In contrast, in EO (P6 femur epiphysis), no MVs are observed, and chondrocyte-derived plasma membrane nanofragments (PMNFs) are the nucleation site for mineralization. Apatite cluster size difference is linked with the different nucleation sites. Moreover, an alkaline pH and slow P supply into a Ca-rich microenvironment are suggested to facilitate apatite cluster growth, as demonstrated in a biomimetic mineralization system. Together, the results reveal for the first time the distinct and exquisite microstructures of bone apatite clusters in IO and EO, and provide insightful inspirations for the design of more efficient materials for bone tissue engineering and repair.

The Allelic Variant A391T of Metal Ion Transporter ZIP8 (SLC39A8) Leads to Hypotension and Enhanced Insulin Resistance.

The metal ion transporter ZIP8 (SLC39A8) mediates cellular uptake of vital divalent metal ions. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) showed that the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant A391T (rs13107325) is associated with numerous human traits, including reduced arterial blood pressure, increased body mass index and hyperlipidemia. We analyzed in vitro the transport properties of mutant ZIP8 A391T and investigated in vivo in mice the physiological effects of this polymorphism. In vitro, the intrinsic transport properties of mutant ZIP8 were similar to those of wild type ZIP8, but cellular uptake of zinc, cadmium and iron was attenuated due to reduced ZIP8 plasma membrane expression. We then generated the ZIP8 A393T mice (ZIP8KI) that carry the corresponding polymorphism and characterized their phenotype. We observed lower protein expression in lung and kidney membrane extracts in ZIP8KI mice. The ZIP8KI mice exhibited striking changes in metal ion composition of the tissues, including cobalt, palladium, mercury and platinum. In agreement with GWAS, ZIP8KI mice showed reduced arterial blood pressure. Body weight and plasma lipid composition remained unchanged, although these features were reported to be increased in GWAS. ZIP8KI mice also exhibited remarkable insulin resistance and were protected from elevated blood glucose when challenged by dietary sucrose supplementation. We showed that increased hepatic insulin receptor expression and decreased ZnT8 (slc30a8) metal ion transporter mRNA expression are associated with this phenotypic change. In conclusion, our data reveal that ZIP8 plays an important role in blood pressure regulation and glucose homeostasis.

A Case Study of the Induced Magnetosphere Boundary at the Martian Subsolar Region

Abstract One Martian induced magnetosphere boundary (IMB) crossing at the subsolar region is analyzed here with multiple instruments on board MAVEN. Properties of the magnetic field and particles around the IMB are evaluated. We find different trends of variation in magnetic field components at the two sides of an interface coincident with the previously defined ion composition boundary. This case shows the IMB at the Martian dayside could be divided into three parts: two regions (denoted as R1 and R2), with different field and plasma properties, and an interface between them. Currents found in R1 and R2 are flowing in antiparallel, and the current density in R2 (at lower altitude) is significantly larger than that in R1 (at higher altitude). Results indicate the interaction between Mars and the solar wind could induce strong currents in the IMB, which are with antiparallel current directions and separated by an interface where the ion composition changes. This could be a typical feature that occurred during the interaction between the solar wind and the nonmagnetized planets.

Application of Sol-Gels for Treatment of Gynaecological Conditions-Physiological Perspectives and Emerging Concepts in Intravaginal Drug Delivery.

Approaches for effective and sustained drug delivery to the female reproductive tract (FRT) for treating a range of gynaecological conditions remain limited. The development of versatile delivery platforms, such as soluble gels (sol–gels) coupled with applicators/devices, holds considerable therapeutic potential for gynaecological conditions. Sol–gel systems, which undergo solution-to-gel transition, triggered by physiological conditions such as changes in temperature, pH, or ion composition, offer advantages of both solution- and gel-based drug formulations. Furthermore, they have potential to be used as a suitable drug delivery vehicle for other novel drug formulations, including micro- and nano-particulate systems, enabling the delivery of drug molecules of diverse physicochemical character. We provide an anatomical and physiological perspective of the significant challenges and opportunities in attaining optimal drug delivery to the upper and lower FRT. Discussion then focuses on attributes of sol–gels that can vastly improve the treatment of gynaecological conditions. The review concludes by showcasing recent advances in vaginal formulation design, and proposes novel formulation strategies enabling the infusion of a wide range of therapeutics into sol–gels, paving the way for patient-friendly treatment regimens for acute and chronic FRT-related conditions such as bacterial/viral infection control (e.g., STDs), contraception, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), infertility, and cancer.

ELF/VLF Wave Radiation Experiment by Modulated Ionospheric Heating Based on Multi-Source Observations at EISCAT

Ground-based high-frequency modulated waves can periodically heat the ionosphere and create “virtual antennas”, which can radiate extremely low frequency (ELF, 0.3–3 kHz) or very low frequency (VLF, 3–30 kHz) waves for long-distance communication. Ionospheric X-mode and O-mode heating experiments using amplitude and beat-wave (BW) modulations were conducted on 21 November 2019. Experimental results were analyzed from multiple perspectives based on data from Dynasonde, a magnetometer, stimulated electromagnetic emissions, an ELF/VLF signal receiver, and ultra-high-frequency radar. The strongest excited ELF/VLF signals in previous BW modulation heating experiments were around 8–12 kHz; however, in this experiment, no signal excited in this frequency range was observed, and the signal with the highest signal/noise ratio was at the frequency of 3517 Hz, which will aid in understanding the best communication frequency under different ionospheric backgrounds. It is well-accepted that the electron temperature changes periodically with the modulation frequency. However, we noted that the electron temperature had insufficient cooling during the O-mode modulated heating process and then increased again, resulting in a continuous electron temperature increase. We found that this was related to the change in ion composition after analyzing ion-line spectra, which will be helpful in studying the effect of modulation heating on the ionosphere background.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors and Epilepsy: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are a group of ubiquitously expressed metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration/dehydration of CO2/HCO3. Thus, they are involved in those physiological and pathological processes in which cellular pH buffering plays a relevant role. The inhibition of CAs has pharmacologic applications for several diseases. In addition to the well-known employment of CA inhibitors (CAIs) as diuretics and antiglaucoma drugs, it has recently been demonstrated that CAIs could be considered as valid therapeutic agents against obesity, cancer, kidney dysfunction, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that dramatically affects people of all ages. It is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures that are related to a rapid change in ionic composition, including an increase in intracellular potassium concentration and pH shifts. It has been reported that CAs II, VII and XIV are implicated in epilepsy. In this context, selective CAIs towards the mentioned isoforms (CAs II, VII and XIV) have been proposed and actually exploited as anticonvulsants agents in the treatment of epilepsy. Here, we describe the research achievements published on CAIs, focusing on those clinically used as anticonvulsants. In particular, we examine the new CAIs currently under development that might represent novel therapeutic options for the treatment of epilepsy.

Carbon-Silica Composite as Adsorbent for Removal of Hazardous C.I. Basic Yellow 2 and C.I. Basic Blue 3 Dyes.

Treatment of wastewaters containing hazardous substances such as dyes from the textile, paper, plastic and food industries is of great importance. Efficient technique for the removal of highly toxic organic dyes is adsorption. In this paper, adsorptive properties of the carbon-silica composite (C/SiO2) were evaluated for the cationic dyes C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) and C.I. Basic Yellow 2 (BY2). The sorption capacities were determined as a function of temperature (924.6–1295.9 mg/g for BB3 and 716.3-733.2 mg/g for BY2 at 20–60 °C) using the batch method, and the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were applied for the equilibrium data evaluation using linear and non-linear regression. The rate of dye adsorption from the 100 mg/L solution was very fast, after 5 min. of phase contact time 98% of BB3 and 86% of BY2 was removed by C/SiO2. Presence of the anionic (SDS), cationic (CTAB) and non-ionic (Triton X-100) surfactants in the amount of 0.25 g/L caused decrease in BB3 and BY2 uptake. The electrokinetic studies, including determination of the solid surface charge density and zeta potential of the composite suspensions in single and mixed adsorbate systems, were also performed. It was shown that presence of adsorption layers changes the structure of the electrical double layer formed on the solid surface, based on the evidence of changes in ionic composition of both surface layer and the slipping plane area. The greatest differences between suspension with and without adsorbates was obtained in the mixed dye + SDS systems; the main reason for this is the formation of dye-surfactant complexes in the solution and their adsorption at the interface.

IonoBiology: The functional dynamics of the intracellular metallome, with lessons from bacteria.

Metal ions are essential for life and represent the second most abundant constituent (after water) of any living cell. While the biological importance of inorganic ions has been appreciated for over a century, we are far from a comprehensive understanding of the functional roles that ions play in cells and organisms. In particular, recent advances are challenging the traditional view that cells maintain constant levels of ion concentrations (ion homeostasis). In fact, the ionic composition (metallome) of cells appears to be purposefully dynamic. The scientific journey that started over 60 years ago with the seminal work by Hodgkin and Huxley on action potentials in neurons is far from reaching its end. New evidence is uncovering how changes in ionic composition regulate unexpected cellular functions and physiology, especially in bacteria, thereby hinting at the evolutionary origins of the dynamic metallome. It is an exciting time for this field of biology, which we discuss and refer to here as IonoBiology.

Effect of changes in ionic composition induced by different diafiltration media on deposited layer properties and separation efficiency in milk protein fractionation by microfiltration

Milk protein fractionation for casein/whey protein separation by microfiltration in diafiltration mode was investigated using washing waters differing in pH, calcium content and ionic strength. Properties of the deposit layer and process efficiency were assessed as functions of diafiltration progress and deposited layer structures were analysed. Results were compared with findings obtained in crossflow mode with a gradual change from milk to diafiltration medium. Deionised water as well as softened water induced a significant increase of deposited casein layer hydration, thereby increasing flux levels and separation efficiency. Dependent on water hardness, tap water was found to induce fewer changes to the deposit hydration and process performance indicating less change of casein micelles. These findings are consistent with the generic colloidal behaviour of casein micelles as previously determined through laboratory experiments. Therefore, waters with a certain degree of hardness could be recommended as the most suitable diafiltration medium not requiring pre-treatment.

Ion-Induced Volume Transition in Gels and Its Role in Biology.

Incremental changes in ionic composition, solvent quality, and temperature can lead to reversible and abrupt structural changes in many synthetic and biopolymer systems. In the biological milieu, this nonlinear response is believed to play an important functional role in various biological systems, including DNA condensation, cell secretion, water flow in xylem of plants, cell resting potential, and formation of membraneless organelles. While these systems are markedly different from one another, a physicochemical framework that treats them as polyelectrolytes, provides a means to interpret experimental results and make in silico predictions. This article summarizes experimental results made on ion-induced volume phase transition in a polyelectrolyte model gel (sodium polyacrylate) and observations on the above-mentioned biological systems indicating the existence of a steep response.

Satellite Observations of Strong Plasma Wave Emissions With Frequency Shifts Induced by an Engine Burn From the Cygnus Spacecraft

AbstractA new discovery was made using the radio receiver instrument on the Canadian enhanced polar outflow probe (e‐POP) showing that strong plasma wave emissions (SPWE) are seen near 17 kHz and 300 Hz. The frequency of these emissions are affected by small injections of neutral gas from the Cygnus spacecraft. The technique of using a 150 g/s thruster to change frequencies and intensities of plasma waves has provided evidence that a finite kz lower hybrid mode may the source of the SPWE waves. SPWE observations in space are a sensitive diagnostic tool to measure both natural and manmade changes in the earth's ion composition.

Change of ionic composition of blood in cows before and after calving on the background of the use of BAS

Change of ionic composition of blood in cows before and after calving on the background of the use of BAS