Suitable Buffer Research Articles

A phosphorene-graphene hybrid material as a high-capacity anode for sodium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries have recently attracted significant attention as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries because sodium sources do not present the geopolitical issues that lithium sources might. Although recent reports on cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries have demonstrated performances comparable to their lithium-ion counterparts, the major scientific challenge for a competitive sodium-ion battery technology is to develop viable anode materials. Here we show that a hybrid material made out of a few phosphorene layers sandwiched between graphene layers shows a specific capacity of 2,440 mA h g(-1) (calculated using the mass of phosphorus only) at a current density of 0.05 A g(-1) and an 83% capacity retention after 100 cycles while operating between 0 and 1.5 V. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy and ex situ X-ray diffraction techniques, we explain the large capacity of our anode through a dual mechanism of intercalation of sodium ions along the x axis of the phosphorene layers followed by the formation of a Na3P alloy. The presence of graphene layers in the hybrid material works as a mechanical backbone and an electrical highway, ensuring that a suitable elastic buffer space accommodates the anisotropic expansion of phosphorene layers along the y and z axial directions for stable cycling operation.

Integration of epitaxial Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 films on GaN/AlGaN/GaN/Si(111) substrates using rutile TiO2 buffer layers

The integration of ferroelectric layers on gallium nitride (GaN) offers a great potential for various applications. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT), in particular Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3, is an interesting candidate. For that a suitable buffer layer should be grown on GaN in order to prevent the reaction between PZT and GaN, and to obtain PZT with a preferred orientation and phase. Here, we study pulsed laser deposited (100) rutile titanium oxide (R-TiO2) as a potential buffer layer candidate for ferroelectric PZT. For this purpose, the growth, morphology and the surface chemical composition of R-TiO2 films were analyzed by reflection high-energy electron diffraction, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We find optimally (100) oriented R-TiO2 growth on GaN (0002) using a 675°C growth temperature and 2Pa O2 deposition pressure as process conditions. More importantly, the R-TiO2 buffer layer grown on GaN/Si substrates prevents the unwanted formation of the PZT pyrochlore phase. Finally, the remnant polarization and coercive voltage of the PZT film on TiO2/GaN/Si with an interdigitated-electrode structure were found to be 25.6μC/cm2 and 8.1V, respectively.

Study of Carbon Thin Film Deposition on Various Buffer Layer as Characterized by X-Ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy

Westudy the structural characteristic of carbon based thin filmprepared by DC unbalanced magnetron sputtering technique on different buffer layer such as γ-Al2O3, SnO2, and Cu. Sputtering parameters of carbon thin film were maintained identical for each buffer layer. Fe-doped carbon pellet and Argon gas have been used as sputtering target and to generate the sputtering plasma, respectively. The roles of buffer layer for the quality of carbon-based thin film have been investigated by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Raman spectra indicatethe formation of agoodquality carbon thin film with crystal-like structure on γ-Al2O3and Cu buffer layer, in contrast to the SnO2buffer layer case. Furthermore Raman spectra confirm thehoneycomb structure with fewer defects in γ-Al2O3 indicating that it is more suitable buffer layer than the other. We argue that γ-Al2O3 buffer layerprovide a good nucleation site and promote a better atomic arrangement for carbon atoms to form a few layergraphene-like structure. The atomic geometry of γ-Al2O3 supports the hexagonal atomic configurationfor carbon atom inthe formation of a few layers graphene. This study mightgive a new approach for the carbon based deposition towards the devices application.

Influence of initial degree of saturation on swell pressures of compacted Barmer bentonite specimens

Densely compacted bentonite or bentonite–sand mixture has been identified as suitable buffer in deep geological repositories as its exceptionally high swelling capacity enables tight contact between the waste canister and surrounding rock. The degree of saturation of the compacted bentonite buffer can increase upon ingress of groundwater from the surrounding rock mass or decrease from evaporation due to high temperature (50–210°C) derived from the waste canister. Available studies indicate that the influence of initial moisture content or degree of saturation on the swell pressure or swell potential of compacted bentonites is unclear. Some studies suggest that initial degree of saturation has an influence, while others suggest that it does not have bearing on the swell pressure of compacted bentonites. This paper examines the influence of initial degree of saturation in montmorillonite voids (termed, Sr,MF) on swell pressure of compacted Barmer bentonite–sand mixtures (dry density range: 1.4–2Mg/m3) from micro-structural considerations. The experimental results bring out that, constant dry density specimens that developed similar number of hydration layers upon wetting developed comparable swell pressures and were unaffected by variations in initial Sr,MF values. Comparatively, constant dry density specimens that developed dis-similar number of hydration layers upon wetting established different swell pressures and were responsive to variations in initial Sr,MF.

Fabrication and reliability evaluation of Yb0.3Co4Sb12/Mo–Ti/Mo–Cu/Ni thermoelectric joints

Joining p- and n-type thermoelectric materials with electrodes is the key technique to fabricate a thermoelectric device. Due to its large oxidation resistance and good weld adaptability, Ni is a good electrode material in practical applications. However, the diffusion between Ni and skutterudite thermoelectric materials limits its application in fabricating a skutterudite-based device. In this study, Mo–Cu and Mo–Ti alloys were designed as the buffer and barrier layers respectively to join Ni electrodes with Yb0.3Co4Sb12 by a one-step spark plasma sintering process. A thermal shock test between 25°C and 550°C allowed us to conclude that Mo55Cu45 alloy is the most suitable buffer layer, which can greatly reduce thermal residual stress. The influence of Mo content on the evolution of the Mo–Ti/Yb0.3Co4Sb12 interfacial microstructure and electrical contact resistance during the accelerated aging at 550°C was studied. After adding a small amount of Mo to Ti, the growth rate of the diffusion layer between Ti and Yb0.3Co4Sb12 decreased. The contact resistivity remained below 9μΩcm2 after 12 days of aging at 550°C, indicating that the joints had high thermal duration stability. However, excess Mo will lead to a CTE mismatch between Mo–Ti and Yb0.3Co4Sb12. Thus, it has been concluded that 5at% of Mo is the optimum composition.

Experimental Study on the Shock Absorption Performance of Combined Aluminium Honeycombs under Impact Loading

Shock absorption characteristics of combined aluminium honeycomb structures were studied experimentally. In the experiments, a testing platform was design to compare the shock absorption level of different honeycomb specimens quantitatively. The shock response curves of six test points mounted on the platform were recorded with acceleration sensors when the buffer was impacted by a bullet driven by high pressure gas. The maximum acceleration values in time domain and in specifically spectral domain were obtained based on spectral analysis. Comparing the data of combined aluminium honeycomb buffer and single aluminium honeycomb buffer, conclusion can be obtained that shock absorbing characteristic of combined aluminium honeycomb buffer is better. Furthermore, compression properties of three kinds of buffers were tested under quasi-static state. The energy absorption parameters were calculated. The results show suitable combined aluminium honeycomb buffer can smooth the stress and lower the energy applied to the testing platform.

Dialysis: a characterization method of aggregation tendency.

All researchers immersed in the world of recombinant protein production are in agreement that often the production and purification process of a protein can become a nightmare due to an unexpected behavior of the protein at different protocol stages. Once the protein is purified, scientists know that they still cannot relax. There is a decisive last step missing: performing a protein dialysis in a suitable buffer for subsequent experimental trials. Here is when we can find proteins that precipitate during dialysis by buffer-related factors (ionic strength, pH, etc.), which are intrinsic to each protein and are difficult to predict. How can we find the buffer in which a protein is more stable and with less tendency to precipitate? In this chapter we go over possible factors affecting the protein precipitation tendency during the dialysis process and describe a general dialysis protocol with tricks to reduce protein aggregation. Furthermore, we propose a fast method to detect the most appropriate buffer for the stability of a particular protein, performing microdialysis on a battery of different buffers to measure afterwards precipitation by a colorimetric method, and thus being able to choose the most suitable buffer for the dialysis of a given protein.

Avoiding acidic region streaking in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis: case study with two bacterial whole cell protein extracts.

Acidic region streaking (ARS) is one of the lacunae in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) of bacterial proteome. This streaking is primarily caused by nucleic acid (NuA) contamination and poses major problem in the downstream processes like image analysis and protein identification. Although cleanup and nuclease digestion are practiced as remedial options, these strategies may incur loss in protein recovery and perform incomplete removal of NuA. As a result, ARS has remained a common observation across publications, including the recent ones. In this work, we demonstrate how ultrasound wave can be used to shear NuA in plain ice-cooled water, facilitating the elimination of ARS in the 2DE gels without the need for any additional sample cleanup tasks. In combination with a suitable buffer recipe, IEF program and frequent paper-wick changing approach, we are able to reproducibly demonstrate the production of clean 2DE gels with improved protein recovery and negligible or no ARS. We illustrate our procedure using whole cell protein extracts from two diverse organisms, Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Our designed protocols are straightforward and expected to provide good 2DE gels without ARS, with comparable times and significantly lower cost.

Comparison experiments of neon and helium buffer gases cooling in trapped 199Hg+ ions linear trap

The influences of different buffer gas, neon and helium, on 199Hg+ clock transition are compared in trapped 199Hg+linear trap. By the technique of time domain's Ramsey separated oscillatory fields, the buffer gas pressure frequency shifts of 199Hg+ clock transition are measured to be (df/dPNe)(1/f) = 1.8 × 10−8 Torr−1 for neon and (df/dPHe)(1/f) = 9.1×10−8 Torr−1 for helium. Meanwhile, the line-width of 199Hg+ clock transition spectrum with the buffer gas neon is narrower than that with helium at the same pressure. These experimental results show that neon is a more suitable buffer gas than helium in 199Hg+ ions microwave frequency standards because of the 199Hg+ clock transition is less sensitive to neon variations and the better cooling effect of neon. The optimum operating pressure for neon is found to be about 1.0×10−5 Torr in our linear ion trap system.

Performance analysis of a low power low noise tunable band pass filter for multiband RF front end

This paper presents a low power tunable active inductor and RF band pass filter suitable for multiband RF front end circuits. The active inductor circuit uses the PMOS cascode structure as the negative transconductor of a gyrator to reduce the noise voltage. Also, this structure provides possible negative resistance to reduce the inductor loss with wide inductive bandwidth and high resonance frequency. The RF band pass filter is realized using the proposed active inductor with suitable input and output buffer stages. The tuning of the center frequency for multiband operation is achieved through the controllable current source. The designed active inductor and RF band pass filter are simulated in 180 nm and 45 nm CMOS process using the Synopsys HSPICE simulation tool and their performances are compared. The parameters, such as resonance frequency, tuning capability, noise and power dissipation, are analyzed for these CMOS technologies and discussed. The design of a third order band pass filter using an active inductor is also presented.

Optical pumping in a microfabricated Rb vapor cell using a microfabricated Rb discharge light source

Miniature (<few cm3) vapor-cell based devices using optical pumping of alkali atoms, such as atomic clocks and magnetometers, today mostly employ vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers as pump light sources. Here, we report on the demonstration of optical pumping in a microfabricated alkali vapor resonance cell using (1) a microfabricated Rb discharge lamp light source, as well as (2) a conventional glass-blown Rb discharge lamp. The microfabricated Rb lamp cell is a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) light source, having the same inner cell volume of around 40 mm3 as that of the resonance cell, both filled with suitable buffer gases. A miniature (∼2 cm3 volume) test setup based on the Mz magnetometer interrogation technique was used for observation of optical-radiofrequency double-resonance signals, proving the suitability of the microfabricated discharge lamp to introduce efficient optical pumping. The pumping ability of this light source was found to be comparable to or even better than that of a conventional glass-blown lamp. The reported results indicate that the micro-fabricated DBD discharge lamp has a high potential for the development of a new class of miniature atomic clocks, magnetometers, and quantum sensors.

Performance Analysis of Tunable Band Pass Filter and VCO for Multiband RF Front End

This paper presents a design and performance analysis of tunable RF front end circuits such as RF band pass filter and VCO for multiband applications. The tunable element is an active inductor, built by MOS transistors. It is attractive due to its tunable and larger inductance values. The RF band pass filter is realized using active inductor with suitable input and output buffer stages. The tuning of center frequency for multiband operation is achieved through the controllable current source of the active inductor. The tunable range of the band pass filter varies from 3.9 GHz to 12.3 GHz. The simulation results of band pass filter have minimum noise figure of 23 dB and has less power dissipation of 2.83mW. The simulated IIP3 is -9.6dBm for 1st and 3rd order frequency of 7.94 GHz and 7.93 GHz respectively. The VCO designed using active inductor has the tuning range of 0.384 GHz to 1.620 GHz with the phase noise of -139dBc/Hz at the offset of 1MHz. It consumes less power of 1.754mW with the figure of merit of 189dBc/Hz. The designed active inductor, RF band pass filter and VCO are simulated in 180nm CMOS process using Synopsys simulation tool.

Simultaneous determination of phenylethanoid glycosides and aglycones by capillary zone electrophoresis with running buffer modifier

Although the separation efficiency of capillary electrophoresis (CE) is much higher than that of other chromatographic methods, it is sometimes difficult to adequately separate the complex ingredients in biological samples. This article describes how one effective and simple way to develop the separation efficiency in CE is to add some modifiers to the running buffer. The suitable running buffer modifier β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was explored to fast and completely separate four phenylethanoid glycosides and aglycones (homovanillyl alcohol, hydroxytyrosol, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid, and caffeic acid) in Lamiophlomis rotata (Lr) and Cistanche by capillary zone electrophoresis with ultraviolet (UV) detection. It was found that when β-CD was used as running buffer modifier, a baseline separation of the four analytes could be accomplished in less than 20min and the detection limits were as low as 10−3mgL−1. Other factors affecting the CE separation, such as working potential, pH value and ionic strength of running buffer, separation voltage, and sample injection time, were investigated extensively. Under the optimal conditions, a successful practical application on the determination of Lr and Cistanche samples confirmed the validity and practicability of this method.

FtsZ Polymerization Assays: Simple Protocols and Considerations

During bacterial cell division, the essential protein FtsZ assembles in the middle of the cell to form the so-called Z-ring. FtsZ polymerizes into long filaments in the presence of GTP in vitro, and polymerization is regulated by several accessory proteins. FtsZ polymerization has been extensively studied in vitro using basic methods including light scattering, sedimentation, GTP hydrolysis assays and electron microscopy. Buffer conditions influence both the polymerization properties of FtsZ, and the ability of FtsZ to interact with regulatory proteins. Here, we describe protocols for FtsZ polymerization studies and validate conditions and controls using Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis FtsZ as model proteins. A low speed sedimentation assay is introduced that allows the study of the interaction of FtsZ with proteins that bundle or tubulate FtsZ polymers. An improved GTPase assay protocol is described that allows testing of GTP hydrolysis over time using various conditions in a 96-well plate setup, with standardized incubation times that abolish variation in color development in the phosphate detection reaction. The preparation of samples for light scattering studies and electron microscopy is described. Several buffers are used to establish suitable buffer pH and salt concentration for FtsZ polymerization studies. A high concentration of KCl is the best for most of the experiments. Our methods provide a starting point for the in vitro characterization of FtsZ, not only from E. coli and B. subtilis but from any other bacterium. As such, the methods can be used for studies of the interaction of FtsZ with regulatory proteins or the testing of antibacterial drugs which may affect FtsZ polymerization.

FtsZ Polymerization Assays: Simple Protocols and Considerations

During bacterial cell division, the essential protein FtsZ assembles in the middle of the cell to form the so-called Z-ring. FtsZ polymerizes into long filaments in the presence of GTP in vitro, and polymerization is regulated by several accessory proteins. FtsZ polymerization has been extensively studied in vitro using basic methods including light scattering, sedimentation, GTP hydrolysis assays and electron microscopy. Buffer conditions influence both the polymerization properties of FtsZ, and the ability of FtsZ to interact with regulatory proteins. Here, we describe protocols for FtsZ polymerization studies and validate conditions and controls using Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis FtsZ as model proteins. A low speed sedimentation assay is introduced that allows the study of the interaction of FtsZ with proteins that bundle or tubulate FtsZ polymers. An improved GTPase assay protocol is described that allows testing of GTP hydrolysis over time using various conditions in a 96-well plate setup, with standardized incubation times that abolish variation in color development in the phosphate detection reaction. The preparation of samples for light scattering studies and electron microscopy is described. Several buffers are used to establish suitable buffer pH and salt concentration for FtsZ polymerization studies. A high concentration of KCl is the best for most of the experiments. Our methods provide a starting point for the in vitro characterization of FtsZ, not only from E. coli and B. subtilis but from any other bacterium. As such, the methods can be used for studies of the interaction of FtsZ with regulatory proteins or the testing of antibacterial drugs which may affect FtsZ polymerization.

Determination of Gallic acid by differential pulse polarography: Application to fruit juices

Phenolic compounds possess antioxidant, antitumor, antimutagenic, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic properties. Gallic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a natural phenolic compound; therefore, determination of trace gallic acid is very important. In this work, a novel, sensitive and reliable method was developed using differential pulse polarography. The most suitable buffer system was found to be Britton-Robinson (B-R) buffer, pH 10.0. The gallic acid peak in this medium appeared at about −160 mV, it responded well to standard additions, and high reproducibility was obtained. The calibration graph was linear in the concentration range of gallic acid from 1.0–50.0 μM with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were obtained as 0.3 and 1.0 μM, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of gallic acid in fruit juices. The influences of some other commonly found inorganic and organic salts on the determination were also examined. Some interferiences were eliminated by using complexing agents, e.g. EDTA.

Budding Yeast Protein Extraction and Purification for the Study of Function, Interactions, and Post-translational Modifications

Homogenization by bead beating is a fast and efficient way to release DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites from budding yeast cells, which are notoriously hard to disrupt. Here we describe the use of a bead mill homogenizer for the extraction of proteins into buffers optimized to maintain the functions, interactions and post-translational modifications of proteins. Logarithmically growing cells expressing the protein of interest are grown in a liquid growth media of choice. The growth media may be supplemented with reagents to induce protein expression from inducible promoters (e.g. galactose), synchronize cell cycle stage (e.g. nocodazole), or inhibit proteasome function (e.g. MG132). Cells are then pelleted and resuspended in a suitable buffer containing protease and/or phosphatase inhibitors and are either processed immediately or frozen in liquid nitrogen for later use. Homogenization is accomplished by six cycles of 20 sec bead-beating (5.5 m/sec), each followed by one minute incubation on ice. The resulting homogenate is cleared by centrifugation and small particulates can be removed by filtration. The resulting cleared whole cell extract (WCE) is precipitated using 20% TCA for direct analysis of total proteins by SDS-PAGE followed by Western blotting. Extracts are also suitable for affinity purification of specific proteins, the detection of post-translational modifications, or the analysis of co-purifying proteins. As is the case for most protein purification protocols, some enzymes and proteins may require unique conditions or buffer compositions for their purification and others may be unstable or insoluble under the conditions stated. In the latter case, the protocol presented may provide a useful starting point to empirically determine the best bead-beating strategy for protein extraction and purification. We show the extraction and purification of an epitope-tagged SUMO E3 ligase, Siz1, a cell cycle regulated protein that becomes both sumoylated and phosphorylated, as well as a SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase subunit, Slx5.

Glucose buffer is suitable for blood group conversion with α-N acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase.

It is well known that the buffer plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction involved in blood group conversion. In previous study, we showed that a glycine buffer is suitable for A to O or B to O blood group conversion. In this study, we investigated the use of 5% glucose and other buffers for A to O or B to O blood group conversion by α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase or α-galactosidase. We compared the binding ability of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase/α-galactosidase with red blood cells (RBC) in different reaction buffers, such as normal saline, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a disodium hydrogen phosphate-based buffer (PCS), and 5% commercial glucose solution. The doses of enzymes necessary for the A/B to O conversion in different reaction buffers were determined and compared. The enzymes' ability to bind to RBC was evaluated by western blotting, and routine blood typing and fluorescence activated cell sorting was used to evaluate B/A to O conversion efficiency. The A to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.06 mg/mL pRBC). B to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was also similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.005 mg/mL pRBC). Most enzymes could bind with RBC in glycine or glucose buffer, but few enzymes could bind with RBC in PBS, PCS, or normal saline. These results indicate that 5% glucose solution provides a suitable condition for enzymolysis, especially for enzymes combining with RBC. Meanwhile, the conversion efficiency of A/B to O was similar in glucose buffer and glycine buffer. Moreover, 5% glucose solution has been used for years in venous transfusion, it is safe for humans and its cost is lower. Our results do, therefore, suggest that 5% glucose solution could become a novel suitable buffer for A/B to O blood group conversion.

Hydro-mechanical characterization of Barmer 1 bentonite from Rajasthan, India

The conceptual model for deep geological disposal of high level nuclear waste (HLW) is based on multiple barrier system consisting of natural and engineered barriers. Buffer/backfill material is regarded as the most important engineered barrier in HLW repositories. Due to large swelling ability, cation adsorption capacity, and low permeability bentonite is considered as suitable buffer material in HLW repositories. Japan has identified Kunigel VI bentonite, South Korea – Kyungju bentonite, China – GMZ bentonite, Belgium – FoCa clay, Sweden – MX-80 bentonite, Spain – FEBEX bentonite and Canada – Avonseal bentonite as candidate bentonite buffer for deep geological repository program. An earlier study on Indian bentonites by one of the authors suggested that bentonite from Barmer district of Rajasthan (termed Barmer 1 bentonite), India is suited for use as buffer material in deep geological repositories. However, the hydro-mechanical properties of the Barmer 1 bentonite are unavailable. This paper characterizes Barmer 1 bentonite for hydro-mechanical properties, such as, swell pressure, saturated permeability, soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and unconfined compression strength at different dry densities. The properties of Barmer 1 bentonite were compared with bentonite buffers reported in literature and equations for designing swell pressure and saturated permeability coefficient of bentonite buffers were arrived at.

Heterologous expression and purification of an active human TRPV3 ion channel

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) cation channel is widely expressed in human tissues and has been shown to be activated by mild temperatures or chemical ligands. In spite of great progress in the TRP-channel characterization, very little is known about their structure and interactions with other proteins at the atomic level. This is mainly caused by difficulties in obtaining functionally active samples of high homogeneity. Here, we report on the high-level Escherichia coli expression of the human TRPV3 channel, for which no structural information has been reported to date. We selected a suitable detergent and buffer system using analytical size-exclusion chromatography and a thermal stability assay. We demonstrate that the recombinant purified protein contains high α-helical content and migrates as dimers and tetramers on native PAGE. Furthermore, the purified channel also retains its current inducing activity, as shown by electrophysiology experiments. The ability to produce the TRPV3 channel heterologously will aid future functional and structural studies.