Diaphragm Cell Research Articles

Air bio-battery with a gas/liquid porous diaphragm cell for medical and health care devices

Powering future generations of medical and health care devices mandates the transcutaneous transfer of energy or harvesting energy from the human body fluid. Glucose-driven bio fuel cells (bio-batteries) demonstrate promise as they produce electrical energy from glucose, which is a substrate presents in physiological fluids. Enzymatic biofuel cells can convert chemical energy into electrical energy using enzymes as catalysts. In this study, an air bio-battery was developed for healthcare and medical applications, consisting of a glucose-driven enzymatic biofuel cell using a direct gas-permeable membrane or a gas/liquid porous diaphragm. The power generation characteristics included a maximum current density of 285μA/cm2 and maximum power density of 70.7μW/cm2 in the presence of 5mmol/L of glucose in solution. In addition, high-performance, long-term-stabilized power generation was achieved using the gas/liquid porous diaphragm for the reactions between oxygen and enzyme. This system can be powered using 5mmol/L of glucose, the value of which is similar to that of the blood sugar range in humans.

Measurement of tortuosity of porous Cu using a diffusion diaphragm cell

Open-cell porous metals have many potential applications, such as heat exchangers and flow batteries, due to good permeability for fluid flow. Porous metals manufactured by space holder methods have controllable porous structure, but the fluid pathways and channels are tortuous. The tortuosity can directly influence the fluid permeability and turbulence, which in turn affect the performance of the porous metal. This paper measured the tortuosity of porous Cu, manufactured by Lost Carbonate Sintering (LCS), directly by a diffusion method using a diaphragm cell. The tortuosity of the samples with pore sizes 250–1500µm and porosities 0.56–0.84 was in the range of 1.33–1.78. It decreased with porosity and increased with pore size. The measured values were comparable to those reported in literature, obtained by the acoustic absorption method.

Monitoring of Diaphragm Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants for Improved Safety and Performance

IntroductionSenSevere LLC (Pittsburgh, PA) has recently introduced new technologies for the monitoring critical diaphragm cell chlor-alkali plant metrics. We have developed a semiconductor-based sensor for the monitoring of hydrogen in chlorine and an RF-based sensor for the monitoring of brine level. These sensors, along with reporting temperature and voltage, have been engineered in conjunction with wireless data transmission such that a cell-by-cell graphical display of cell room parameters facilitates level adjustment, scheduling of maintenance, and the avoidance of unsafe operating conditions. Lessons learned during plant trials and commercialization are reviewed. Technology SenSevere’s chlor-alkali developments began with adapting an academic semiconductor-based H2 sensing technology to the problem of detecting H2 in wet Cl2 over the range 0 - 5 vol.%. Circumstances such tears in diaphragms from pressure fluctuations can lead to levels of hydrogen approaching the lower explosion limit. Lower levels can also result in dangerous conditions downstream in liquefaction. The monitoring of brine level is important for several reasons. If level is too high, brine flow will be too high resulting in low caustic strength. The steam requirements in the evaporator train will then be too high. If level is too low, high current density and low brine flow may result in cell overheating, additional loss of current to oxygen production, and, dangerously, the possibility of hydrogen crossover through unflooded portions of the diaphragm. “Seeing” through foam to establish a valid brine level has traditionally required guesswork. With the development of the hydrogen and brine monitors, and powering them from the voltage across each individual cell, simultaneous monitoring cell voltage and temperature became straightforward. The feasibility of 2.4 GHz wireless was demonstrated for cell room service and a customized intelligence system was developed that stores, processes, and presents the data in a simple actionable format. The solution offered displays simple green/yellow/red color-coded data in order to aid in scheduling cell cut-outs and maintenance. Lessons learnedOne of the core technologies arose during the course of Ph.D. research at Carnegie-Mellon University. As such, a license was required in order to secure freedom to operate. As is common, university research is more an indicator of feasibility than a ready-made solution set to go to market. It is important in licensing to recognize specific applications and a full understanding of plant conditions will dictate additional invention and adaptation. As such, licensing discussions must be clear as to what technologies are components, rather than complete systems, and value them as such. Royalty streams should decline, if not end prior to patent expiry, as academic patents are generally starting points soon superseded. It is important to find a plant location willing to host R&D and tolerate a flexible time line due to the number of iterations likely required. Numerous surprise practicalities will surface. Such a host plant should have a reasonably common cell room technology and be willing to share non-commercial data with other operators. Purposes must also be understood: most monitoring systems are meant to be strictly advisory. Liability issues need to be addressed. Straightforward visualization and reduction of data to actionable conclusions has been our goal. It is important not to overwhelm the client with unneeded data simply because it is possible. Agreeing a set of averaging algorithms and thresholds is critical so as to avoid alarming of the type that might undermine system credibility. Though in certain industries uncertainty remains over the security of wireless control systems, monitoring is often treated differently. Obtaining approval for wireless rather than 4-20 mA has proven key to minimizing disruption and moving forward. Every diaphragm cell plant is unique. Differences in cell technology can require modifications to sensing positions and fixturing. The result is that relationships are central to working sufficiently closely to tie the data obtained to known plant events. An engineer must be assigned to solve problems and help navigate plant culture. For small/unknown entities, it is important to form a win/win relationship with an established distributor who would benefit from new reasons to call on their customers. To this end, SenSevere formed a relationship with Industrie DeNora (Milan, Italy), a long-established supplier to the chlor-alkali industry. It is also important to gain an understanding of how plants purchase and who makes decisions. Is it easier to access an operating budget than a capital budget? Would the plant prefer a service? Is certification necessary prior to advance testing? StatusKey elements of the SenSevere monitoring system are now on test within four North American diaphragm cell chlor-alkali plants. Additional installations are being sought.

Electro‐generation of NaOH–H2SO4 and simultaneous degradation of Acid orange 7 fromNa2SO4‐containing wastewater by Ti/IrO2 electrodes

AbstractBACKGROUNDElectro‐generation of NaOH and H2SO4 with organic compound‐free Na2SO4 wastewater has been known for many years, but actually, lots of Na2SO4 wastewater contains organic pollutants, such as black liquor, dyeing and sulphonating wastewater etc., therefore, there is a strong demand for investigations on performance and effect of the organic pollutants in electrochemically splitting Na2SO4 into H2SO4 and NaOH from these wastewaters.RESULTSCo‐electrolysis of Na2SO4 (1.13 mol L−1) and AO7 (50 ∼ 500 mg L−1) was investigated in a diaphragm cell with IrO2‐coated Ti electrodes. It was found that the concentrations of the resulting NaOH and H2SO4 could remain at about 0.73 mol L−1 and 0.36 mol L−1, respectively, although the COD removal was increased from 50.3 mg L−1 to 166.3 mg L−1 with the increase of AO7 concentration, for 120 min.CONCLUSIONIn a diaphragm cell with IrO2‐coated Ti electrodes, NaOH and H2SO4 could be effectively generated, and simultaneously, AO7 could also be degraded for the wastewater containing Na2SO4 and AO7. Interestingly, the electro‐generation of NaOH and H2SO4 was not significantly affected by the occurrence and degradation of AO7 in the range 0–500 mg L−1. The phenomenon of constant acid–base yield contributed to the independence of the main acid‐generating reactions on the electro‐oxidation of AO7. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Diffusion of sulfur-containing compounds in petroleum residue fractions I. Hindered diffusion through polycarbonate membranes at ambient conditions

Hindered diffusion of sulfur-containing compounds in Venezuela atmospheric residue fractions through pore of polycarbonate membranes was investigated by using a diaphragm cell at 298K. The results confirmed that residue fractions are all polydispersive mixtures. The sizes of membrane pore and fractions are the principal factors to diffusivities. In contrast to four fractions obtained by SFEF (supercritical fluid extraction and fraction) technique, there is a significant decrease in diffusion coefficients of maltenes and asphaltenes with increase of concentrations. Combining diffusivity variation of sulfur compounds in maltenes and asphaltenes with the study in literature, different aggregate degree was deduced for them over concentrations of 0.1–40g/L. The influence of aggregation on diffusion coefficients enlarged as fractions become heavier and membrane pores become narrower. Hindered diffusion shows significant effect on transfer of residue fractions across membrane pores, especially for heavier fractions with higher concentrations diffusing through 15nm membrane. Therefore, a number of large pores are required to provide sufficient channels for easy access of heavy components into active sites of catalyst. Comparisons between experimental results and theoretical prediction revealed that the actual hindered degree of sulfur-containing compounds in Venezuela residue fractions is more severe than that of predicted by the Renkin equation, which is due to the nonspherical structure of sulfide or thiophene derivatives.

Comparative impact assessment study of various hydrogen production methods in terms of emissions

A comparative environmental impact assessment is performed for different hydrogen production methods. The methods are characterised on the basis of different energy sources such as renewables and fossil fuel. Steam methane reforming (SMR) of natural gas is studied and is categorized under the fossil fuel based hydrogen production. Renewable based hydrogen production includes electrolysis using sodium chlorine cycle. Electrolytic hydrogen production is also compared using membrane cell, diaphragm cell and mercury cell. Wind and solar energy is utilized for electricity generation which is in turn used in electrolytic hydrogen production. The present study uses life cycle assessment (LCA), which is an analytical tool to identify and quantify environmentally critical phases during the life cycle of a system or a product and/or to evaluate and decrease the overall environmental impact of the system or product. The LCA results of the hydrogen production processes indicate that SMR of natural gas has the highest environmental impacts in terms of abiotic depletion, global warming potential, greenhouse gases and other impact categories. The abiotic depletion for SMR is found to be 0.131 kg Sb eq. which is the highest among all methods. The second highest abiotic depletion value is electrolysis using mercury cell which is 0.00786 kg Sb eq. However, thermodynamic results suggest-that SMR is the most efficient method of hydrogen production because the amount of hydrogen energy produced as output in the system is larger than any other method.

Performance evaluation of diaphragm electrolysis cell for alkali production

AbstractSeawater desalination technology is important for solving water shortage problems. RO desalination is the most frequently used process for obtaining fresh water from salt water. Electrolysis is also one way of reusing the enriched brine. Alkali-activated products can be made by producing NaOH after electrolysis. There are three kinds of brine electrolysis methods including diaphragm, membrane, and mercury methods. This study was conducted using a 200 mL electrolysis diaphragm cell. Tedlar bags were used in order to gather gases such as Cl2, O2, and H2. The head was less than 10 mm when a diaphragm with a 10 μm pore size was used. The data in this study was collected to analyze the relationships between concentration, chloride removal, and current density (CD). Our results showed that pore size influenced the head at the anode. Chloride removal was not high even when a high CD was applied. When the CD was 200 mA/cm2, the maximum NaOH concentration was 1.85%. However, the NaOH concentration was just...

Electrolytic manganese metal production from manganese carbonate precipitate

The recovery of manganese metal from manganese carbonate precipitate by leaching–purification–electrowinning was studied. The manganese carbonate precipitate from Baja Mining Corp.'s El Boleo project was readily leached into acidic ammonium sulfate solution. The manganese extraction reached 99.7%. The manganese leachate was purified using ammonium sulfide to remove harmful impurities (Ni, Co, Cd, Cu and etc.). Manganese electrowinning was conducted in a diaphragm cell designed to eliminate edge effects and improve manganese deposition. The addition of polyacrylamide polymer had a significant leveling effect on manganese electrodeposition. However it increased the deposit internal stress and even resulted in cracking of manganese deposits at a high dosage. With increasing polyacrylamide polymer concentration, current density, and pH, the manganese current efficiency first increased, reached a maximum value and finally decreased. The manganese current efficiency decreased with increasing deposition time as the deposit became rougher and the real current density deviated from its ideal value. A reasonable catholyte circulation rate is important to maintain the optimum manganese electrodeposition. The presence of chloride in solution has a little effect on manganese deposition in its concentration range from 0 to 2g/L. The diaphragm selection as an important part of the cell design was analyzed.

Effects of Operating Conditions on Improving Alkali and Electrical Efficiency in Chlor-Alkali Diaphragm Cell

Effects of Operating Conditions on Improving Alkali and Electrical Efficiency in Chlor-Alkali Diaphragm Cell

Polydisperse Size Distribution of Monomers and Aggregates of Sulfur-Containing Compounds in Petroleum Residue Fractions

Dimension of sulfur-containing compounds in a residue is crucial to hydrodesulfurization catalyst design. Size distributions of sulfur compounds in fractions of Venezuela atmospheric residue were determined from the bulk-phase diffusion coefficients, which were measured at 298 K by a diaphragm cell by using 200 nm polycarbonate membranes. Sulfur compounds in all fractions show obvious size polydispersity. The size of four narrow SFEF (supercritical fluid extraction and fraction) fractions varies slightly with the concentrations of 1 g/L to 40 g/L. However, maltenes and asphaltenes from the end-cut showed significant variation in size over concentrations of 0.1 g/L to 40 g/L, which indicates a coexistence of various monomers and aggregates. The monomers are dominated in maltenes, whereas aggregates dominated in asphaltenes. The hydrodynamic diameter of sulfur-containing monomers of four SFEF fractions ranges from 0.74 to 1.45 nm at a concentration of 1 g/L. The size of maltene monomers spans a range of 1.8...

Preparation for CeO2/Nanographite Composite Materials and Electrochemical Degradation of Phenol by CeO2/Nanographite Cathodes.

CeO2/nanographite (CeO2/nano-G) composite materials were got by chemical precipitation method with nanographite (nano-G) and cerous nitrate hexahydrate as raw materials. The microstructures of CeO2/nano-G composite materials were characterized by means of SEM, XRD, XPS and Raman. The cathodes were made by nano-G and CeO2/nano-G composite materials, respectively. The electrolysis phenol was conducted by the diaphragm cell prepared cathode and the Ti/RuO2 anode. The results indicated that the Cerium oxide is mainly in nanoscale spherical state, uniformly dispersed in the nanographite sheet surface, and there are two different oxidation states for elemental Ce, namely, Ce(III) and Ce(IV). In the diaphragm electrolysis system with the aeration conditions, the degradation rate of phenol reached 93.9% under 120 min's electrolysis. Ceria in the cathode materials might lead to an increase in the local oxygen concentration, which accelerated the two-electron reduction of O2 to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The removal efficiency of phenol by using the CeO2/nano-G composite cathode was better than that of the nano-G cathode.

Glucose diffusivity in cell culture medium

The diaphragm cell method (DCM) was applied to determine the self-diffusion of glucose in cell culture media (CCM) and water (reference fluid). For this purpose, a diffusion cell based on the DCM principle was constructed and the cell was calibrated with ethanol prior to carrying out the diffusion experiments. The results show that the diffusion coefficients of glucose in CCM are significantly smaller as compared to those for water which are due to the larger dynamic viscosity of CCM. This may also account for the presence of extra components and difference in fluid properties of CCM. The diffusivity values obtained from the present study are compared to values estimated from Stokes–Einstein equation and it appears that the agreement is fairly good.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: focus on abnormal muscle formation

BackgroundCDH is a major birth defect, characterized by high mortality. How the initial defective mesenchymal substructures affects muscle malformation is unclear. Defects of genes involved in diaphragmatic development, such as friend-of-GATA2 (Fog2), may play an important role in its pathogenesis. We investigated the expression of Fog2 and proteins of myogenesis in a series of CDH and in diaphragms at different fetal ages, in order to clarify the role of muscular components during diaphragmatic development in cases with CDH. Material and methodsSpecimen were obtained from seven diaphragms of CDH cases undergoing surgery, 3 entire diaphragms from non repaired CDH, 5 control diaphragms at different gestational ages (16, 17, 22, 32, and 40g.w.), and 3 biopsy samples of normal voluntary muscle. The thickness of diaphragms at the edge of the defect in CDH and in developing diaphragms was measured. All samples were processed for HE staining and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical expression of MyoD, Myf4, Pax7, Mib1 and Fog2 was evaluated. ResultsMean thickness at the edge of the defect was 4.14mm. Contralateral hemi-diaphragm in 3 autopsies and in controls at 32 and 40weeks measured 2.25mm; histology showed a higher density of desmin-positive muscular cells at the edge of defect. CDH displayed scattered Myf4-positive cells (range 0%–10%, mean 2.4%), numerous Pax7-positive cells (range 0%–24%, mean 12.1%) and less than 1% Mib1-positive cells. Controls showed a reduction of positive cell with the progression of gestational age for Myf4 (30% at 16weeks, 20% at 17weeks, 5% at 22weeks, 1% at 32 and 40weeks), Pax7 (85% at 16weeks and 17weeks, 35% at 22weeks, 11% at 32weeks) and Mib1 (20% at 16weeks, 8% at 17weeks, 7% at 22weeks, 2% at 32weeks). Fog-2 was diffusely positive in mesenchymal, mesothelial and muscular cells, in diaphragms from 16 to 22weeks, decreasing to 20% of positive muscular cells in 32-week diaphragm. In CDH only mesothelial and mesenchymal cells were positive. Stem cell markers were negative in cases and controls. CommentCDH shows a thick muscular border, with high number of mature muscle cells and significant increase of quiescent satellite cells (PAX7+, Mib1−). Abnormal architecture may affect the normal process of myogenesis and thus signaling and cell-cell interactions of myocytes. The expression of Fog2 in mesothelial and mesenchymal cells in CDH demonstrates the absence of a genetic defect involving Fog2 in our cases. Being Fog2 expressed in muscle cells at early stage supports the hypothesis that the altered diaphragmatic genesis may undermine also the muscular component instead of the only mesenchymal one.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Amino Derivatives of Biflavonoids

We demonstrated earlier that biflavonoids could be prepared electrochemically [1]. The broad spectrum of biological activity of flavonoids is related mainly to the ability of the hydroxyls to bond to various biological targets, acting as both H-bond acceptors and donors [2, 3]. Amines are known to possess similar properties [4]. In continuation of research on the electrochemistry of flavonoids, we studied the possible electrochemical synthesis of amino derivatives of biflavonoids. We used the flavonol isorhamnetin, which was isolated earlier by us from Alhagi pseudalhagi (M. Bieb.) Fisch. The amine sources were morpholine and dimethylamine. A solution of isorhamnetin (1 mmol), LiClO4 (100 mmol), and amine (6 mmol) in MeCN (100 mL) was electrolyzed in a diaphragm cell at anodic current density 5 mA/cm2 for 3.5 h. The anode was a Pt plate with working surface 2 cm2. About 90% of the MeCN was distilled from the anode compartment when the electrolysis was finished. The residue was placed on a column of silica gel (Porokvarts PKN-200) and eluted in gradient mode by CHCl3–EtOH at 5 mL/min. The EtOH concentration was varied in the range 10–30%. The principal products of recrystallization from Me2CO (0.29 0.01 g yield for electrolysis with morpholine and 0.22 0.01 g, with Me2NH) were red and yellow powders, the physicochemical and spectral characteristics of which were determined by known methods.

Preparation for Mn/nanographite materials and study on electrochemical degradation of phenol by Mn/nanographite cathodes.

Mn/nanographite (nano-G) materials were got by chemical redox reaction and using nano-G, potassium permanganate and manganese acetate as raw materials. The microstructures and properties of nano-G and Mn/nano-G sheets were characterized by means of SEM, XPS, XRD and Raman. The results showed that manganese oxide nanoscale rod inlaid on the graphite layer surface, the manganese valence of Mn/nano-G was +4 and existed in the form of the mix crystal of α-MnO2 and γ-MnO2. Moreover, Mn/nano-G represented the preferable electro-catalysis performance. The electrolysis of phenol was conducted by using self-made cathode and the Ti/IrO2/RuO2 anode in the diaphragm cell. In the diaphragm electrolysis system with the aeration conditions, under 120 min's electrolysis, the degradation rate of 100 mg/L phenol of Mn/nano-G cathode reached 97.2%. Compared with the nano-G cathode, the Mn/nano-G had higher catalytic activity and better degradation rate of phenolic organics.

Myogenin gene expression is not altered in the developing diaphragm of nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Pleuroperitoneal folds (PPFs) represent the only source of muscle precursors cells (MPCs) in the primordial diaphragm. However, the exact pathogenesis of malformed PPFs and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains unclear. The muscle-specific transcription factor myogenin plays a key role during development and muscularization of the fetal diaphragm. Although myogenin knockout mice lack skeletal muscle fibers, the diaphragmatic musculature is intact without any defects. It has further been demonstrated that proliferation and differentiation of MPCs in PPFs and developing diaphragms are normal in rodent CDH models. We hypothesized that myogenin gene expression is not altered in malformed PPFs, developing diaphragms and diaphragmatic musculature in the nitrofen-induced CDH model. Pregnant rats were exposed to nitrofen or vehicle on gestational day 9 (D9). Fetuses were harvested during PPF formation (D13), diaphragmatic development (D14-15) and muscularization (D18-21). Fetal PPFs, developing diaphragms and diaphragmatic musculature were dissected and divided into nitrofen and control groups. Myogenin mRNA levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate myogenin protein expression and distribution. Relative mRNA expression of myogenin was not significant different in PPFs (0.30±0.09 vs. 0.48±0.09; P=0.37), developing diaphragms (1.25±0.29 vs. 1.60±0.32; P=0.53) and diaphragmatic musculature (1.08±0.24 vs. 1.59±0.20; P = 0.15) of nitrofen-exposed fetuses compared to controls. Myogenin immunoreactivity was not altered in the muscular components of malformed PPFs, developing diaphragms and diaphragmatic musculature of nitrofen-exposed fetuses compared to controls. Myogenin gene expression is not altered in PPFs, developing diaphragms and diaphragmatic musculature in the nitrofen-induced CDH model, thus suggesting that diaphragmatic defects in this model develop independent of myogenic processes.

Halofuginone improves muscle-cell survival in muscular dystrophies

Halofuginone has been shown to prevent fibrosis via the transforming growth factor-β/Smad3 pathway in muscular dystrophies. We hypothesized that halofuginone would reduce apoptosis—the presumed cause of satellite-cell depletion during muscle degradation—in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Six-week-old mdx mouse diaphragm exhibited fourfold higher numbers of apoptotic nuclei compared with wild-type mice as determined by a TUNEL assay. Apoptotic nuclei were found in macrophages and in Pax7-expressing cells; some were located in centrally-nucleated regenerating myofibers. Halofuginone treatment of mdx mice reduced the apoptotic nuclei number in the diaphragm, together with reduction in Bax and induction in Bcl2 levels in myofibers isolated from these mice. A similar effect was observed when halofuginone was added to cultured myofibers. No apparent effect of halofuginone was observed in wild-type mice. Inhibition of apoptosis or staurosporine-induced apoptosis by halofuginone in mdx primary myoblasts and C2 myogenic cell line, respectively, was reflected by less pyknotic/apoptotic cells and reduced Bax expression. This reduction was reversed by a phosphinositide-3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase inhibitors, suggesting involvement of these pathways in mediating halofuginone's effects on apoptosis. Halofuginone increased apoptosis in α smooth muscle actin- and prolyl 4-hydroxylase β-expressing cells in mdx diaphragm and in myofibroblasts, the major source of extracellular matrix. The data suggest an additional mechanism by which halofuginone improves muscle pathology and function in muscular dystrophies.

A Disease-causing Mutation Illuminates the Protein Membrane Topology of the Kidney-expressed Prohibitin Homology (PHB) Domain Protein Podocin

Mutations in the NPHS2 gene are a major cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, a severe human kidney disorder. The NPHS2 gene product podocin is a key component of the slit diaphragm cell junction at the kidney filtration barrier and part of a multiprotein-lipid supercomplex. A similar complex with the podocin ortholog MEC-2 is required for touch sensation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Although podocin and MEC-2 are membrane-associated proteins with a predicted hairpin-like structure and amino and carboxyl termini facing the cytoplasm, this membrane topology has not been convincingly confirmed. One particular mutation that causes kidney disease in humans (podocin(P118L)) has also been identified in C. elegans in genetic screens for touch insensitivity (MEC-2(P134S)). Here we show that both mutant proteins, in contrast to the wild-type variants, are N-glycosylated because of the fact that the mutant C termini project extracellularly. Podocin(P118L) and MEC-2(P134S) did not fractionate in detergent-resistant membrane domains. Moreover, mutant podocin failed to activate the ion channel TRPC6, which is part of the multiprotein-lipid supercomplex, indicative of the fact that cholesterol recruitment to the ion channels, an intrinsic function of both proteins, requires C termini facing the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the carboxyl terminus of podocin/MEC-2 has to be placed at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane to mediate cholesterol binding and contribute to ion channel activity, a prerequisite for mechanosensation and the integrity of the kidney filtration barrier.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STABILITY OF CELLULAR RETAINING STRUCTURE FOR SATURETED SOILS

Series of laboratory tests have been carried out on one (single) circular and diaphragm cells of different width to height ratio (0.75, 1.00), to study the stability of cellular retaining structures in saturation soils. The tests include the following factors, such as the effect of berm ratios (back fill of cell) (0.2H, 0.4H) , embedment depth ratios (0.2H, 0.4H ), other factors such as cell width and soil type were studied too. Three types of soils are used subbase, sand passing sieve No.4 and river sand. Where used models statistically to find out relationship between the berm, embedment depth, and horizontal displacement after applying failure load .

Role of Ionic Transport in the Electrochemical Activation of Water Solutions

The change in electrical conductivity of water solutions during electrochemical activation in a stationary diaphragm cell was studied. It is shown that the chemical composition of solutions and processing time have an important influence on the activation process. Method of operational control of the electrochemical activation process based on an analysis of the value of the current passing through the cell at a constant voltage on the electrodes was proposed.