Sensors with the capability of multi-signal acquisition at the “same” site and “same” time draw abundant attention throughout the academic society. However, designing of multi-signal sensors is a challenging process. The goal of the study is to explore the design theories and methodologies for multi-signal sensors with current device manufacturing technologies. To achieve this goal, this study strives to meet the following two objectives: (1) define general design principles for such sensors, and (2) develop demonstration prototypes to prove the effectiveness of the design principle. The study takes two signals acquisition as a vehicle without loss of generality. For Objective 1, this study proposes three general design principles for multi-signal sensors. The first design principle is to acquire multiple signals through a stem signal. The second principle is to design the structure so that one signal can be accurately inferred while another signal can be directly measured. The third principle is to design an integral structure that inherently acquires two signals. For objective 2, prototypes for the second and third principles were built to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design principles. Contributions of this study to the field of composite materials and sensor design include: (1) findings of the three design principles for multi-signal acquisition, (2) proof-of-concept construction/application of two prototype multi-signal devices (one for temperature and pressure, and the other for temperature and pH), and (3) discovery of the highly linear relationship between the temperature and electrical resistivity with a carbon nanotube and polymer composite within the temperature range from room temperature to approximately 70 Celsius degrees.

In the overlay Cognitive Radio (CR) networks, the low priority Secondary Users (SUs) must constantly monitor the occupied spectrum to detect the possible appearances of the high priority Primary Users (PUs) within the same spectrum portion. On detection, the SUs must vacate the occupied spectrum portion without interfering with the PUs beyond a certain threshold duration and must opportunistically access another idle spectrum portion to guarantee their seamless communication. This mechanism is known as the spectrum handoff process. In this thesis, we first introduce a novel approach to model the CR channel which is capable of capturing a more realistic behavior of the spectrum occupancy by both user types and that is more suitable for modeling the spectrum handoff process as opposed to the existing approaches. Then using that as a base we focus on building analytical models to capture the various aspects of the spectrum handoff process in a realistic manner.

An electrochemical cell consisting of a flow-through yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) sensor and a flow-through Ag/AgCl reference electrode has been employed to measure pH of high-temperature acidic sulphate solutions relevant to the pressure acid leaching (PAL) of nickel laterites. In a previous study, this cell was used to measure pH of H2SO4, Al2(SO4)3-H2SO4 and MgSO4-Al2(SO4)3-H2SO4 solutions at 250oC. In this work, the solutions range in complexity from the binary MgSO4-H2SO4, NiSO4-H2SO4, and Al2(SO4)3-H2SO4, through the ternary MgSO4-Al2(SO4)3-H2SO4 and NiSO4-Al2(SO4)3-H2SO4, to the PAL process solutions, whereas the temperature ranges from 200oC to 250oC. The measured and theoretical pH values typically agree within less than 0.1 pH unit and 0.2 pH units in synthetic solutions and PAL solutions, respectively. This is an improvement over the results of the previous study in synthetic solutions, which show differences between theory and experiment as high as 0.4 pH units. The conversion of measured potentials into pH values is based on the new mixed-solvent electrolyte (MSE) speciation model of the OLI Systems software calibrated independently based on solubility measurements. Both Henderson’s equation and the exact definition of the diffusion potential were employed in treating the obtained experimental data. Experimental pH values calculated using the diffusion potentials evaluated by either approach are essentially the same. This finding suggests that Henderson’s equation, which is based on readily available limiting ionic mobilities, can be effectively used. Lithium chloride is found to be a suitable alternative to sodium chloride as the reference electrode solution for the measurement of pH of aluminium-containing solutions, because it did not induce precipitation of aluminium as an alunite-type compound. The experimental results indicate that the high-temperature behaviour of Ni, Co and Mn sulphates can be satisfactorily approximated with that of MgSO4. The experimental findings also support the postulation that acid should be added to a PAL process so that the solution pH is around 1 at the leach temperature, regardless of the feed composition. The cell can be used for hydrometallurgical process research and development on a laboratory scale with very satisfactory performance, provided that a well-behaved YSZ sensor is available.

Mechanically separated turkey meat (MSTM) is one of the cheapest sources of protein; however its use for production of further-processed poultry products is limited due to undesirable composition. pH-shifting extraction was applied to overcome the problems associated with MSTM. In the first study the effect of acid pH-shifting extraction with the aid of citric acid and calcium ions on lipids and heme pigments removal from MSTM was investigated. The maximum removal of total, neutral and polar lipids was achieved with addition of 4, 6 and 2 mmol/L of citric acid, respectively. Addition of 6 or 8 mmol/L of citric acid was the most efficient for total heme pigments removal. In the second and third studies chemical, functional and rheological properties of proteins isolated from MSTM were investigated as influenced by different (2.5, 3.5, 10.5 and 11.5) extraction pH. Gel-forming ability was found the highest for pH 3.5 extracted protein. / Food Science and Technology

Einfluss schwacher Säuren auf den intrazellulären pH-Wert oviner Pansenepithelzellen - Mechanismen der Gegenregulation Müller, Frank Veterinär-Physiologisches Institut der Veterinärmedizinischen Fakultät der Universität Leipzig Die Epithelzellen der Pansenwand sind einer permanenten und sehr hohen Belastung durch intraruminale Säuren und endogen anflutende Säuren ausgesetzt. Aufgrund der zahlreichen pH-sensiblen Enzyme im Zytoplasma hätte eine anhaltende intrazelluläre Übersäuerung letale Folgen für die Zelle. So müssen Pansenepithelzellen effektive pHi-regulierende Mechanismen exprimieren, um den intrazellulären pH-Wert stabil zu halten. Daher war es das Ziel der vorliegendenden Arbeit, zu untersuchen, wie Pansenepithelzellen auf Säurebelastungen reagieren und welche Mechanismen aktiviert werden, um die Zelle vor einer Übersäuerung zu schützen. Zu diesem Zweck wurden an kultivierten Pansenepithelzellen Versuchsserien mit unterschiedlichen Fragestellungen durchgeführt. Dazu wurden Pansenepithelzellen aus dem Pansenvorhof frisch geschlachteter Schafe isoliert und auf kollagenisierten Deckgläschen kultiviert. Der Nachweis, dass es sich um epitheliale Zellen handelt, wurde durch positive Zytokeratinfärbung erbracht. Für die pHi-Studien wurden die kultivierten Pansenepithelzellen mit dem pH-sensitiven Fluoreszenzfarbstoff BCECF beladen und der intrazelluläre pH-Wert mittels eines Lumineszenzspektrometers aufgezeichnet. Die Versuche des ersten Abschnitts sollten den Einfluss von Butyrat sowie die pHi-Regulation in Abwesenheit von HCO3- charakterisieren. Dabei wurden folgende Befunde erhoben: Die pHi-Gegenregulation nach intrazellulärer Ansäuerung mittels NH4+/NH3-Präpuls war durch EIPA (10 µM) oder HOE-694 (200 µM), spezifischen Hemmstoffen des Na+/H+-Austauschers, hemmbar. Butyrat (20 mM) führte zu einer schnellen intrazellulären Ansäuerung. Daraufhin erholte sich der intrazelluläre pH-Wert (Recovery). EIPA (10 µM) oder HOE-694 (200 µM) hemmten die pHi-Recovery nach butyratinduzierter intrazellulärer Azidifizierung.Die Untersuchungen des zweiten Abschnitts sollten die pHi-Regulation in Anwesenheit von CO2/HCO3- (5%/20 mM) charakterisieren und ergaben folgende Befunde: CO2 führte zu einer schnellen intrazellulären Ansäuerung, gefolgt von einer Erholung des pHi. Die pHi-Gegenregulation nach CO2-induzierter intrazellulärer Ansäuerung war durch 100 µM DIDS, einem Hemmstoff von HCO3--Transportsystemen, blockiert. Der letzte Versuchsabschnitt sollte klären, inwiefern der intrazelluläre pH-Wert durch Laktat, das im intrazellulären SCFA-Katabolismus entsteht, beeinflusst wird und welcher pHi-Regulationsmechanismus vorrangig an der Gegenregulation beteiligt ist. Die Untersuchungen brachten folgende Ergebnisse: Extrazellulär zugegebenes Laktat (20 mM) führte zu einer intrazellulären Ansäuerung. Nach Entfernung des extrazellulären Laktats erholte sich der intrazelluläre pH-Wert. pCMBS (400 µM) oder Phloretin (20 µM), Hemmstoffe des H+/Monokarboxylat-Kotransporters, hemmten sowohl die laktatinduzierte intrazelluläre Ansäuerung als auch die pHi-Recovery nach Entfernung von extrazellulärem Laktat. Schlussfolgerungen: Um sich vor einer intrazellulären Übersäuerung mit letalen Folgen zu schützen, bilden die Epithelzellen des Pansens effektive Schutzmechanismen aus. So wird der Protoneneinstrom durch die hohe exogene Säureanflutung über einen Na+/H+-Austauscher, einen Na+-HCO3--Kotransporter und/oder einen Na+-HCO3-/Cl--Austauscher kompensiert. Dem Problem der endogenen Säurebelastung begegnen die Pansenepithelzellen durch Expression eines H+/Monokarboxylat-Kotransporters (MCT), der die Zelle von den Kataboliten des intrazellulären SCFA-Abbaus, d.h. von den Monokarboxylsäuren, befreit. / Effect of weak acids on intracellular pH in ovine ruminal epithelial cells - mechanisms of counter-regulation Frank Müller Department of Veterinary Physiology, Leipzig University, Ruminal epithelial cells are permanently exposed to enormous amounts of intraruminal and endogenous acids. Since the latter of cytoplasmic enzymes is highly pH-sensitive, a long lasting intracellular acidification might cause severe damage and cell death. To maintain a stable cytoplasmic pH, ruminal epithelial cells have to express effective pH-regulating systems. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of weak acids on intracellular pH in ruminal epithelial cells and the active mechanisms to prevent intracellular acidification. Therefore different experiments on cultivated ruminal epithelial cells were performed. Epithelial cells were isolated from the atrium of sheep rumen and cultivated on collagen-coated coverslips. The epithelial origin of the cells was determined by positive staining for cytokeratin. For measurement of intracellular pH, cells were loaded with the pH sensitive dye BCECF. Intracellular pH was recorded by using a luminescence spectrometer. In the first set of experiments, effect of butyrate as well as regulation of pHi in the absence of bicarbonate had to be established. The following results were obtained: pHi-counter-regulation following intracellular acidification by NH4+/NH3 prepulse was inhibited by EIPA (10 µM) or HOE-694 (200 µM), specific inhibitors of Na+/H+ exchange. Butyrate (20 mM) led to a rapid fall in pHi. Intracellular acidification was followed by a pHi recovery. pHi recovery from butyrate-induced acid load was inhibited by EIPA (10 µM) and HOE-694 (200 µM), respectively. In the second set of experiments, regulation of pHi in the presence of CO2/HCO3- (5%/20 mM) was characterized. The following results were obtained: CO2 led to a rapid intracellular acidification, followed by a recovery of pHi.pHi recovery from CO2-induced intracellular acidification was blocked by DIDS (100 µM), a known inhibitor of HCO3--transporting systems. In the last set of experiments, influence of lactate - derived from intracellular SCFA catabolism - on pHi was determined. It had also to be established, which mechanism is mainly expressed to extrude lactate. The following results were obtained: Extracellular lactate (20 mM) led to a intracellular acidification.Removing extracellular lactate induced a recovery of pHi. Both intracellular acidification and pHi recovery were blocked by pCMBS (400 µM) or phloretin (20 µM), known inhibitors of H+/monocarboxylate cotransporter (MCT). Conclusions: To prevent intracellular acidification and cell death, ruminal epithelial cells express effective protective mechanisms. A Na+/H transporter, a Na+-HCO3- cotransporter and/or a Na+-HCO3-/Cl- transporter compensate the great H+ influx evoked by exogenous acids. Monocarboxylates derived from intracellular SCFA catabolism can effectively be extruded by a H+/monocarboxylate cotransporter, a prerequisite for stabilizing pHi in ruminal epithelial cells.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Sveriges lantbruksuniv. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

O uso de composto de lixo (CL) e de lodo de esgoto (LE) na agricultura é uma alternativa viável para a melhor disposição destes resíduos urbanos em solos. Estudos de longo prazo podem melhorar o entendimento da dinâmica e as modificações que estes materiais ocasionam no solo e na resposta de plantas. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os efeitos residuais (aplicações entre 2002 e 2006) e imediatos (reaplicação em 2015, após pousio) dos resíduos CL e LE, em dois solos [Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico (LVd) e um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico (PVd)], quanto às modificações em atributos químicos do solo, elementos-traços (ET) e resposta de plantas de aveia (Avena sativa) e milho (Zea mays). O experimento consta de colunas de solo, com aplicação de duas doses dos resíduos, CL e LE, com base no suprimento de nitrogênio, sendo a maior repetida e enriquecida com ET (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb e Zn), além de tratamentos com adubação mineral e testemunha. Quanto aos efeitos residuais, na camada de 0-20 cm de ambos os solos, os resíduos promoveram maiores teores de C orgânico e P disponível e valores de CTC, porém o CL resultou em maiores valores de pH do solo. Com exceção do Cu, os teores de ET no solo diminuíram com o tempo. A produção de matéria seca de aveia diminuiu expressivamente após o longo período de pousio, possivelmente pela limitação em N. Os tratamentos com LE enriquecido com ET resultaram em maior acúmulo destes elementos na parte aérea da aveia. Após a reaplicação dos resíduos, o LE resultou em maior produção de matéria seca e maior acúmulo de macronutrientes (N, P, Ca e Mg) pelas plantas de milho em comparação ao CL. Os tratamentos com CL e LE enriquecidos determinaram nas plantas teores de ETS não essenciais considerados fitotóxicos. / The use of urban solid waste compost (SWC) and sewage sludge (SS) in agriculture is a viable alternative for better disposal of these urban residues in soils. Long-term studies may improve the understanding of the dynamic and changes caused by these materials in soils and plant responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate residual effects (applications from 2002 to 2006) and immediate effects (application in 2015, after a fallow time) of SWC and SS residues in two soils [Typic Haplorthox (LVd) and Arenic Paleudult (PVd)], regarding soil chemical attributes and trace elements (ET) and oat (Avena sativa) and corn (Zea mays) plant responses. The experiment is carried out in soil columns with application of two doses of both SWC and SS and also with the major dose enriched with ET (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), besides mineral fertilization and control treatments. Residue doses were established according N supply. Regarding residual effects in the 0-20 cm layer of both soils SWC and SS materials improved organic C and available P contents and CEC values, but soil pH was higher for SWC treatments. Except for Cu, soil ET contents decreases with time. Oat dry matter production was very small after the fallow time possibly due to low residual N supply. Treatments enriched with ET resulted in higher contents of these elements in oat shoots. After residue reapplication SS caused higher corn dry matter production and macronutrient (N, P, Ca and Mg) contents than SWC. Non-essential metal in levels possibly toxic for corn plants resulted from treatments with SWC and SS enriched with ET.

Submitted by Mendes Eduardo (dasilva@ufba.br) on 2012-03-21T00:26:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Cristiano.pdf: 656578 bytes, checksum: db814e7920e2705e9f75a1087e7d994b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-03-21T00:26:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Cristiano.pdf: 656578 bytes, checksum: db814e7920e2705e9f75a1087e7d994b (MD5) / Capes e Millennium Inorganics Chemicals / Buscou-se avaliar o potencial tóxico da redução do pH sobre o peixe Poecilia reticulata,através de ensaios de ecotoxicidade agudos, bem como avaliar como um aumento no pH da água da lagoa pode influenciar na sua toxicidade. Amostras de água da Lagoa de Dunas foram coletadas e testadas com os seguintes tratamentos: água in natura (pH ± 3,0) e amostras com pH alterados para 3,5, 3,8, 4,0, 4,3, 4,6, 5,0, 5,5, 6,0 e 6,5. Foram usadas ainda amostras da água de cultivo dos peixes, cujos valores de pH foram reduzidos para o mesmo da Lagoa de Dunas. Os resultados médios e respectivos intervalos de confiança do 96 h-LT50 da Lagoa de Dunas e da água de cultivo com pH reduzido foram 1,37 (1,18-1,56)h, e 1,04 (0,73-1,34) h, respectivamente, sem diferença estatística significativa (p ≥ 0,05).Para as amostras da Lagoa de Dunas com valores de pH elevados houve uma redução significativa da toxicidade, não sendo detectada toxicidade a partir do pH 6,0. Estes resultados demonstram que, nestas condições, o pH é o fator limitante para P. reticulata. / Salvador, Bahia

Master of Science / Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources / Jason Griffin / Chad T. Miller / Oak trees (Quercus L.) and river birch (Betula nigra L.) are two horticulturally significant crops widely used in landscapes but notorious for developing iron (Fe) induced interveinal foliar chlorosis (IFC) in alkaline soils. Variation in IFC has been observed between species of oak and provenances of river birch suggesting that species and provenances endemic to alkaline soils do not always display this chlorosis. Limited studies investigating the effect of elevated pH on oak and river birch have been conducted. More environmentally tolerant and aesthetically pleasing selections could be used if they are first screened to determine their adaptability to high pH soils. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate Texas red oak (Quercus buckleyi Nixon and Dorr) and Durand oak [Quercus sinuata Walter var. breviloba (Torr.) C.H. Mull.] with landscape collections of pin oak (Quercus palustris L.) to determine the extent of IFC when grown at elevated pH. When grown in an elevated pH substrate, pin oak was unable to maintain elevated leaf total leaf Fe concentrations, consistently developed IFC, and exhibited low total leaf chlorophyll concentrations compared to non-chlorotic pin oak seedlings in the control pH substrate. Texas red oak and Durand in the elevated substrate did not develop IFC and maintained high leaf chlorophyll concentrations compared to controls; they also sequestered greater amounts of substrate Fe in leaves compared to pin oak in the elevated substrates. Another crop of ornamental significance and widely planted in the landscape, river birch (Betula nigra L.), develops IFC in high pH soils. Two experiments evaluated river open- pollinated (OP) seedlings of Iowa provenances, OP ‘BNMTF, and clones from selected Iowa provenances, ‘BNMTF’, ‘Cully’ in an elevated pH substrate. A seed source from Bearbower Sand Prairie, Buchanan Co., IA (BSP3) had greater leaf chlorophyll than ‘BNMTF’OP, and a clone from Clemons Creek WMA, Washington Co., IA (CCWMA3) than the trade standard ‘Cully’. Although differences in total leaf chlorophyll were observed, all sources in elevated pH substrate did not sequester sufficient amounts of leaf Fe compared to their controls. Field evaluations with considerations of provenance performance in different hardiness zones should be used to determine the potential of these Iowa sources as more suitable selections for use in landscapes with alkaline soils.

This thesis deals with the evaluation of new growing characteristics PIWI varieties. The main objective was to determine whether the new interspecific varieties from other EU countries suitable for our conditions . Literary section discusses the intersection of interspecific varieties for registration of varieties and of tests for distinctness, uniformity, stability and value. The methodology describes selected varieties Solaris , Aletta , Johanniter , Hibernal , Saphira , Cabernet Cortis , Rösler , which are a prerequisite for its expansion in the country. The experiment was conducted in the vineyards of a private company that has these varieties planted in large areas and wineries already sold on the Czech market. The following describes the analytical method used to obtain the results . These results were summarized in tables and graphs. Based on the theoretical and practical knowledge has been discussed for each variety, their quantitative and qualitative terms.