Tubular Type Research Articles

Ultrafiltration concentration of whey in a pilot plant

Experimental data on the retention coefficient and the output specific flow are obtained. The test solutions were goat and cow's milk whey after obtaining cheese. The description, general view and technological scheme of a pilot installation of a tubular type are given. The studies were carried out on semipermeable tubular type ultrafiltration membranes manufactured by AO "ZAVKOM". Based on the studies, graphical dependences of the retention coefficient on the specific output stream were constructed and analyzed. During the analysis, it was noted that with an increase in the output specific flow of the solvent, the retention coefficient decreases. The reason for this is the boundary layers of fat and protein formed in the near-membrane layers, which prevents the passage of protein molecules through the pores of the membrane. Also during the experiment, it was noted that goat milk serum has a more oily structure and requires prior separation. For the theoretical calculation of the retention coefficient and specific output stream, mathematical expressions are developed and numerical values of the values of empirical coefficients are obtained. The developed mathematical expressions describe the experimental data with good confidence. The obtained experimental and calculated data can be used with great reliability in the calculations of mass-transported flows of substances through semipermeable membranes, as well as in engineering methods for calculating and predicting the effectiveness of the use of membrane processes for the concentration of whey.

Colonic duplication presenting as a huge abdominal mass in an adult female

IntroductionDuplications of the alimentary tract are a rare congenital malformation. Most of the cases are symptomatic and diagnosed before 2 years of age. Here, we report a young female presented with a huge abdominal mass, and colonic duplication was confirmed during laparotomy.Case presentationA 29-year-old female had chronic constipation treated with laxative agents. She presented to the emergency room with abdominal cramping for 3 days, accompanied with intermittent fever and vomiting. A huge movable abdominal mass was noted during physical examination. Computerized tomography showed a long segmental dilated bowel lumen with stool impaction and bowel wall thickening of the dilated lumen in the left abdomen, highly suggestive of a long tubular colon duplication. The patient underwent subtotal colectomy. Specimen subsequently confirmed the diagnosis for colonic duplication from cecum to sigmoid colon, and the duplicated colon was found on the antimesenteric side of the native colon. She had a stable postoperative course and was discharged 9 days later.DiscussionDuplications of the alimentary tract are a rare congenital anomaly. Colonic duplication is an even more unusual malformation of this type. It can be classified into cystic or tubular type according to the gross morphology and may or may not be associated with other congenital anomalies. Most common presentation includes abdominal distention, refractory constipation, and bowel obstruction like many other colorectal conditions. Thus, its indistinct symptoms make it difficult to be diagnosed preoperatively. The recommended treatment is surgical resection of the duplicated lumen along with the attached native colon.

Pure Tubular Carcinoma of the Breast: Is Axillary Staging Necessary?

Pure tubular carcinoma (PTC) is a rare and well-differentiated tumor of the breast with high survival and low local recurrence rate. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is routinely used but still bears 5% risk of lymphedema. This study aims to investigate axillary involvement rate and necessity of axillary staging in clinically early PTCs. Thirty-seven PTCs in 36 patients between 2010 and 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Histopathological features, sentinel lymph node detection rate, axillary involvement, and adjuvant treatments were recorded. Median pathological tumor size was 8 (3–18) mm. Median follow-up was 58 (21–106) months. Three patients had multi-focal and one patient had multi-centric tumor. While none of the tumors exhibited lymphovascular invasion, all tumors presented ER+ and Her-2 negative. Thirty-three tumors presented PR+. Median Ki-67 was 6% (1–16%). Histologic grade was low except one patient, whereas nuclear grade was low in 12 (32%) patients and intermediate in 25 (68%) patients. SLNB was positive in two patients in whom both were micro-metastases. Thirteen tumors (35%) were found to have a tumor size of ≥ 10 mm, whereas 24 (65%) tumors were found to be < 1 cm. While axillary metastasis was not detected in patients with tumor < 1 cm, axillary involvement ratio was 15% in the patients with tumor PTC ≥ 1 cm. SLNB can be omitted for patients in whom PTC < 1 cm. However, SLNB is still recommended in suspicion of mixed tubular carcinoma or other types of invasive carcinomas, or PTC ≥ 1 cm in diameter.

Membrane surface properties and their effects on real waste oil-in-water emulsion ultrafiltration

Membrane surface properties and their effect on the efficiency of ultrafiltration (UF) of real waste oily emulsions was studied. Experiments were performed in cross-flow operation at total recycle condition in a lab-scale system. The ceramic UF membrane in the tubular type module was employed. During the experiments permeate flux was measured. The most important influential factors, such as temperature, TMP, and pH, were considered during the experiments. Zeta potential was measured in order to explain the phenomena on the membrane surface. The isoelectric point of the fouled membrane was shifted to the alkaline range. COD removal efficiency reached 89%. Gas chromatography measurements were performed in order to determine the composition of waste emulsions. SEM micrographs showed the formation of calcite on the membrane, which contributed to membrane fouling. Chemical cleaning was examined using alkaline and acid solutions, and a cleaning strategy was determined.

4-2-1 円筒型セルを用いた溶融炭酸塩型ダイレクトカーボン燃料電池の基礎特性

4-2-1 円筒型セルを用いた溶融炭酸塩型ダイレクトカーボン燃料電池の基礎特性

Infiltration of Rare Earth Oxide into NiO-YSZ Anode Substrate for the High Performance Micro-Tubular SOFC Using LSGM Electrolyte Film

Tubular type solid oxide fuel cells are considered as the advantage of short gas sealing line and higher thermal stability. A micro-tubular type solid oxide cell was prepared by using a tubular type NiO-Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (NiO-YSZ) fuel electrode substrate and La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3(LSGM) electrolyte film which was prepared by dip-coating and co-sintering method. Since IR loss and overpotential was still larger than those expected, the effects of insertion Ni-based fuel electrode functional layer on NiO-YSZ tubular substrate and rare earth oxide infiltration into NiO-YSZ tube was further studied. The result indicated that the cell using Ni-Fe functional layer and infiltration of CeO2 into the substrate shows a higher maximum power density. The electrolysis performance of the prepared tubular cell under reversible operation was also studied. The reasonably large current density was also realized in electrolysis mode on the optimized cell.

Fuel Production with a Cathode-Supported Honeycomb Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell

In recent years, the establishment of Power to Gas technology is in progress. Promising methods include steam electrolysis and co-electrolysis using the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC). We have developed a honeycomb electrolytic cell with a larger reactive area per unit volume than the conventional flat and tubular types. Thereby volumetric density of fuel production rate can be greatly improved, leading to a development of compact and high performance steam electrolysis systems. In this study, we address hydrogen production by steam electrolysis with an SOEC having a porous honeycomb support consisting of Ni-YSZ cathode. Current-voltage curves were measured with sampling the cathode outlet gas for gas chromatography. As the results, we confirmed that hydrogen concentration in the outlet increased as the current increased. The experimental results are useful to validate numerical models to design practical honeycomb cells.

Calculation of Ohmic Resistance Increase Induced by Phase Transformation of Zirconia Electrolyte in SOFC Cell by Raman Spectroscopy

In this study, the ohmic resistance due to the YSZ electrolyte in the flat tubular type SOFC cell which have the distribution of temperature and oxygen potential during operation corresponding to the position such as fuel inlet or outlet, or anode or cathode side is estimated based on the Raman spectroscopic analysis. The calculated value by analyzed the cell after operating 10000 hours with 0.2 Acm-2 at 750 oC is approximately same value with the observed value during operation. It was confirmed that the degradation degree by the phase transformation of YSZ electrolyte can be evaluated quantitatively by post analysis.

Inhibition of TGF-β1 Signaling by IL-15: A Novel Role for IL-15 in the Control of Renal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: IL-15 Counteracts TGF-β1-Induced EMT in Renal Fibrosis.

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the final common pathway in end-stage renal disease and is characterized by aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components secreted by myofibroblasts. Tubular type 2 EMT, induced by TGF-β, plays an important role in renal fibrosis, by participating directly or indirectly in myofibroblasts generation. TGF-β1-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in experimental chronic murine kidney diseases are concomitantly associated with an intrarenal decreased expression of the IL-15 survival factor. Since IL-15 counteracts TGF-β1 effects in different cell models, we analyzed whether (1) human chronic inflammatory nephropathies evolving towards fibrosis could be also characterized by a weak intrarenal IL-15 expression and (2) IL-15 could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and excess matrix deposition in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTEC). Our data show that different human chronic kidney diseases are characterized by a strong decreased expression of intrarenal IL-15, which is particularly relevant in diabetic nephropathy, in which type 2 tubular EMT plays an important role in fibrosis. Moreover, primary epithelial tubular cultures deprived of growth supplements rapidly produce active TGF-β1 inducing a “spontaneous” EMT process characterized by the loss of membrane-bound IL-15 (mbIL-15) expression. Both “spontaneous” EMT and recombinant human (rh) TGF-β1-induced EMT models can be inhibited by treating RPTEC and HK2 cells with rhIL-15. Through a long-lasting phospho-c-jun activation, IL-15 inhibits rhTGF-β1-induced Snail1 expression, the master inducer of EMT, and blocks TGF-β1-induced tubular EMT and downstream collagen synthesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that intrarenal IL-15 could be a natural inhibitor of TGF-β in human kidney able to guarantee epithelial homeostasis and to prevent EMT process. Thus, both in vivo and in vitro an unbalance in intrarenal IL-15 and TGF-β1 levels could render RPTEC cells more prone to undergo EMT process. Exogenous IL-15 treatment could be beneficial in some human nephropathies such as diabetic nephropathy.

Basement membrane-like structures containing NTH α1(IV) are formed around the endothelial cell network in a novel in vitro angiogenesis model.

Angiogenesis is a process through which new blood vessels are formed by sprouting and elongating from existing blood vessels. Several methods have been used to replicate angiogenesis in vitro, including culturing vascular endothelial cells on Matrigel and coculturing with endothelial cells and fibroblasts. However, the angiogenesis elongation process has not been completely clarified in these models. We therefore propose a new in vitro model of angiogenesis, suitable for observing vascular elongation, by seeding a spheroid cocultured from endothelial cells and fibroblasts into a culture dish. In this model, endothelial cells formed tubular networks elongated from the spheroid with a lumen structure and were connected with tight junctions. A basement membrane (BM)-like structure was observed around the tubular network, similarly to blood vessels in vivo. These results suggested that blood vessel-like structure could be reconstituted in our model. Laminin and type IV collagen, main BM components, were highly localized around the network, along with nontriple helical form of type IV collagen α1-chain [NTH α1(IV)]. In an ascorbic acid-depleted condition, laminin and NTH α1(IV) were observed around the network but not the triple-helical form of type IV collagen and the network was unstable. These results suggest that laminin and NTH α1(IV) are involved in the formation of tubular network and type IV collagen is necessary to stabilize the network.

Nefropatías congénitas y hereditarias (I): tubulopatías

Tubulopathies comprise a set of inherited or acquired renal disorders presenting ionic abnormalities. According with renal tubule segment involved, tubulopathies are classified in: impairment of proximal tubule (glucosuria, aminoaciduria, phosphaturia, hypouricemia, proximal tubular acidosis type II or Fanconi syndrome which encompasses most of them in a complex way); impairment of Henle's loop and distal tubule (Bartter syndrome, Gitelman syndrome and magnesium depletion); impairment of collecting tubule (Liddle syndrome, tubular acidosis I and IV, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus). Overall, prognosis is favorable in the most of cases. Treatment requires fluid and electrolyte replacement.

Basite petromagnetic legend of the Tungus syneclise Eastern board

During its formation, Tungus syneclise basits, according to the physical and geological laws of formation, generated in bodies (sills, dikes, etc.) petromagnetic taxa (PMT) which are characterized by the certain statistical values of density and magnetic parameters. According to the nature of their distribution, PMT are subdivided on petromagnetic groups (PMG) and petromagnetic heterogeneities (PMHs). In its turn, PMT is composed of petromagnetic complexes (PMC), conforming to the magmatic phases of the basits intrusion. PMT allows more securely zoning of the Yakut diamondiferous province closed by the trap areas in order to develop a methodology of prospecting for primary diamond deposits, as well as isolating structural and tubular types of anomalies over kimberlite pipes based on gravity-magnetic exploration materials.

Incidental Detection of Precancerous and Malignant Gall Bladder Lesions in Routine Cholecystectomy Specimens

Background & Objectives: Gallbladder dysplasia (GBD) and adenoma are premalignant lesions, which may progress to carcinoma through different pathways. Gall bladder (GB) neoplasms are relatively uncommon and are usually asymptomatic during early stages. We analyzed the clinico-pathological features of precancerous and malignant gallbladder lesions in routine cholecystectomy specimens and studied the association of mucosal metaplasia and gall stones with GB adenoma, dysplasia and carcinoma. Materials & Methods: This is a 3 year retrospective study where histopathology proven cases of GBD, adenomas and carcinomas were retrieved from Pathology database from January 2012 to December 2014. The clinical details and histopathological features of these cases were studied and analyzed. Results: Out of total 2200 cholecystectomy specimen studied, 7 cases of GBD, 5 cases of adenoma and 10 gallbladder carcinomas (GBC) were identified. Out of total 22 patients, 11 were females. Predominant clinical feature was pain in 86% cases. On ultrasonography (USG), majority showed cholelithiasis. Cholecystectomy was performed in all predominantly due to cholecystitis and lithiasis. On microscopy, 43% cases of dysplasia showed high grade features, 60% cases of adenoma showed tubular type with pyloric metaplasia and 50% of GBC were moderately differentiated. Associated dysplasia in GBC was noted in 50% and associated metaplasia in 60% cases. Follow up ranged from 2-4.5 years. 40% GBC showed lymph node involvement and 20% showed distant metastasis. Conclusion: All cholecystectomy specimens should definitely be sent for histopathologic evaluation to detect unapparent GB lesions. Early detection of these lesions may lead to good prognosis and prolonged survival.

Mitochondrial Rich Proton Pumping Cells in the Kidney and Epididymis are Highly Glycolytic

The kidney collecting duct (CD) has a crucial role in regulating acid‐base balance. Alpha intercalated cells (ICs) of the CD maintain acid‐base homeostasis by acidifying the urine, via apical V‐ATPase H+ pumps. ICs are characterized in appearance by a very high density of mitochondria, but remarkably little is known about metabolism in these cells, due to a lack of suitable techniques to study this and the inability to generate a stable IC cell line. By using different innovative imaging techniques, we aimed to better understand how metabolism might be adapted in ICs to their specialized H+ pumping function.Using multiphoton microscopy of intact murine kidney slices, we have found that mitochondria in ICs have some highly unusual features compared with other tubular cells. IC mitochondria are considerably more mobile and dynamic, and display a high NADH signal but low uptake of voltage dependent dyes. Moreover, they are energized by a pH gradient that is functionally coupled to the proton pumping activity of the V‐ATPase. However, high resolution confocal microscopy and 3D electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) in fixed mouse kidney tissue revealed that the mitochondria and V‐ATPase expressing vesicles were distant from each other, reducing the likelihood that the mitochondria are the only energy source for the V‐ATPase H+ pumps in ICs. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of respiratory chain complex V (ATP synthase) is lower in ICs than in surrounding cells, implying reduced oxidative capacity. Conversely, expression of enzymes in the glycolytic pathway, including lactate dehydrogenase, was markedly higher in ICs, consistent with high anaerobic ATP‐generating capacity. Interestingly, expression of glycolytic enzymes was also high in clear cells in the epididymis, suggesting that this is a common feature of proton pumping cells.As a surrogate of cellular ATP levels, we imaged cytosolic Ca2+ in kidney slices using a fluorescent reporter (GcaMP6s), and found that inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production with cyanide produced striking rises in Ca2+ in all tubular cell types except ICs. However, Ca2+ also increased in ICs when glycolysis was simultaneously inhibited. Finally, direct functional measurement of V‐ATPase function in microperfused isolated outermedullary collecting ducts (OMCDs) revealed that inhibition of glycolysis leads to a significant decrease in H+ pumping in ICs.In summary, we have provided several lines of evidence that mitochondrial rich cells in the kidney and epididymis are surprisingly glycolytic, and that glycolysis is functionally important for V‐ATPase activity. These findings provide new insights into coupling of transport and metabolism in proton pumping cells.Support or Funding InformationThis research is supported by The Swiss National Centre for Competence in Research Kidney Control of Homeostasis.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Spermatogenesis and lobular cyst type of testes organization in marine gastropod Littorina saxatilis (Olivi 1792).

Although individual stages of spermatogenesis in Littorina saxatilis are well studied at the electron microscopic level, the gonad structure and the spatial localization of gametes at different stages of maturation remain unclear. Using differential-interference contrast (DIC) for observations of fresh tissue we show that the mature testis consists of numerous ovoid lobules forming larger lobes. The lobules of intact mature testes of L. saxatilis are filled with randomly arranged multicellular cysts containing gametes at different stages of maturation. Gametes within a cyst are highly synchronized in respect of the differentiation degree. At the same time, no spatial gradient in the arrangement of cysts according to the maturation degree of gametes in them was observed in any of the studied lobules. The male gonads contain cysts with early spermatids, mid, late spermatids, and spermatozoa. Using silver-staining, DAPI, and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, we identify 20 main types of nucleus organization in differentiating sperm. Premature and mature male gonads contain cysts with a mosaic arrangement as well as rare solitary cyst cells, goniablast cysts, or separate spermatogonia in between them. Our data indicate that the testis structure in L. saxatilis cannot be attributed to the tubular type, as previously thought. It corresponds to the lobular cyst type but individual lobules contain cysts with gametes at the same stage of development. It is similar to the testis structure of several fishes, amphibians, and Drosophila melanogaster. This type of the gonad organization has never been described in gastropods before.

Seismic behavior of self-centering concrete-filled square steel tubular (CFST) Column Base

Traditional column base connections typically designed as fully restrained moment connections are questionable to be applied in self-centering seismic resisting structural systems. In this study, three types of self-centering concrete-filled square steel tubular (CFST) column base connections, i.e., Type I and Type II fabricated with post-tensioned (PT) strands and sandwiched energy dissipaters constructed in opposite and the same directions respectively and Type III fabricated PT strands and sandwiched energy dissipaters in orthogonal direction are proposed. Results shed light on the influence of these bases on seismic performance, beginning with a cyclic experimental investigation on three 3/4 scaled of Type I test specimens. Findings demonstrate that all test specimens exhibited typical flag-shaped hysteretic loops with the expected deformation mode, stable energy dissipated and good self-centering ability with 0.14% of the maximum recorded residual drift at 2% drift. Under 4% drift, the buckling restrained steel (BRS) plates yielded while the column and strands remained elastic, creating no damage to the main structural elements. Moreover, an analytical model of three types of self-centering CFST column base connections was developed, which are able to predict the column base connections moments reasonably.

Synthesis of surface-replicated ultra-thin silica hollow nanofibers using structurally different carbon nanofibers as templates

Ultra-thin silica hollow nanofibers were successfully synthesized using three kinds of well-defined carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with different surface structures as effective templates via pyrolysis of polycarbomethylsilane-coated CNFs. The prepared silica hollow nanofibers replicated the characteristic surface morphologies of the CNFs, such as herringbone, platelet, and tubular types with edge or basal planes. Especially, the unique HCNF template, with tiny fibril aggregates on the surface, was the most effective template material for synthesizing ultra-thin silica hollow nanofibers with uniform and hierarchical meso-pores and high surface areas (over than 680 m2/g). The chemical and physical properties of the silica nanofibers were evaluated with various analytical techniques, such as TGA, HR-TEM, FE-SEM, XRD, XPS, and N2 adsorption/desorption, and discussed in detail.

One dimensional liner temperature prediction in a tubular combustor

Liner cooling can be optimized in the preliminary design phase by using one-dimensional heat transfer analysis in scope of the gas turbine combustor liner durability. So it is important to understand heat transfer process in the combustor liner for an effective prediction of liner wall temperatures. In this study, one –dimensional liner wall temperature predictions of an experimental tubular combustor have been performed for different operating conditions. Experimental tests have been obtained by the combustor atmospheric rig tests over a range of inlet temperature from 400 to 475 K and inlet mass flow rates of 0.035–0.050 kg/s at 6 different axial locations representing the primary zone, film cooled area, secondary zone and dilution zone. A tubular type combustor with air-blast fuel injections has been used for the experimental study. By the help of this architecture, it was possible to get more axially symmetrical temperature distribution compared to an annular combustor. Predictions shows that a maximum 85 K error in primary zone. It has been predicted more accurate results in the other zones.

Electromagnetic Characteristics of Permanent Magnet Linear Generator (PMLG) Applied to Free-Piston Engine (FPE)

The electromagnetic characteristics of the permanent magnet linear generator (PMLG), which is the key components of the free-piston engine (FPE), are studied in this paper. First of all, the velocity, displacement, and output voltage of the flat-type linear generator used in the experimental platform in the half-motion cycle are simulated by the model of 3D electromagnetic field and verified by experiment, and the relation curves of the output voltage to running velocity are found. Then, the PMLG is re-designed as a tubular type with two different structures of the permanent magnet on the steel backing of the mover: rectangular and the I-shaped. Third, the new PMLGs are modeled, and the models are used to do a simulation to investigate the influence of the structure of permanent magnet on the electromagnetic characteristics under no-load and load conditions. It is found that the fundamental wave amplitude of the flux density in the air gap of I-shaped PMLG is 0.93 T, greater than the rectangular one (0.87 T), and the proportion of the fundamental wave is higher. The waveform of the no-load induced electromotive force of the I-shaped PMLG is much better than that of the rectangular one, and the voltage total harmonic distortion (VTHD) is only 3.05%. The detent force analysis shows that the permanent magnet shape has a great influence on the detent force, and the peak value of detent force between I-shaped and rectangular PMLGs is significantly decreased from 25.4 to 7.75N. Moreover, the relation of the generator output power-velocity and efficiency-velocity under different loads is found. When the load is constant, with the velocity increases, the difference of output power between the I-shaped and rectangular structures becomes bigger. The optimum range of running velocity of the generator with the higher efficiency under different loads is presented. In conclusion, the I-shaped structure of the permanent magnet is a better choice for FPE.

Molecular analysis of Ulva compressa (Chlorophyta, Ulvales) reveals its morphological plasticity, distribution and potential invasiveness on German North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts

ABSTRACTTo resolve historical misinterpretations of species descriptions and to comprehend the morphological diversity together with the distribution of Ulva compressa Linnaeus in northern Germany, a morphological and molecular study was undertaken of recently collected specimens and herbarium vouchers. Phylogenetic analyses from sequences of the plastid encoded tufA gene confirmed that U. compressa is abundant along the German Baltic Sea and North Sea coasts. We were able to genetically confirm the presence of U. compressa in the Baltic Sea below salinities of 15 PSU. However, we detected morphologies agreeing with the attached and branched tubular type material only in the North Sea, while U. compressa on Baltic Sea coasts indiscriminately exhibited a very distinct morphology of sheet-like thalli that were always unattached, with the exception of one collection site. Drifting forms were also frequently detected in the Wadden Sea, but not on the island of Helgoland. The tufA sequences of attached and tubular forms of U. compressa from the German Wadden Sea were identical to the drifting sheets found in the Wadden and Baltic Seas and the sequence divergence was extremely small at ≤0.9%. The proliferating, blade-like thalli of U. compressa appear as a nuisance ecotype that is able to form massive accumulations associated with oxygen depletion. Mass accumulations were observed to cause severe damage and increased mortality of habitat forming Zostera and Ruppia populations.