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At least 145 records · Page 8

Calcium Carbonate Cement: A Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technique

A novel calcium carbonate cement system that mimics the naturally occurring mineralization process of carbon dioxide to biogenic or geologic calcium carbonate deposits was developed utilizing carbon dioxide-containing flue gas and high-calcium industrial solid waste as raw materials. The calcium carbonate cement reaction is based on the polymorphic transformation from metastable vaterite to aragonite and can achieve >40 MPa compressive strength. Due to its unique properties, the calcium carbonate cement is well suited for building materials applications with controlled factory manufacturing processes that can take advantage of its rapid curing at elevated temperatures and lower density for competitive advantages. Examples of suitable applications are lightweight fiber cement board and aerated concrete. The new cement system described is an environmentally sustainable alternative cement that can be carbon negative, meaning more carbon dioxide is captured during its manufacture than is emitted.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Calcium kinetics with microgram stable isotope doses and saliva sampling

Studies of calcium kinetics require administration of tracer doses of calcium and subsequent repeated sampling of biological fluids. This study was designed to develop techniques that would allow estimation of calcium kinetics by using small (micrograms) doses of isotopes instead of the more common large (mg) doses to minimize tracer perturbation of the system and reduce cost, and to explore the use of saliva sampling as an alternative to blood sampling. Subjects received an oral dose (133 micrograms) of 43Ca and an i.v. dose (7.7 micrograms) of 46Ca. Isotopic enrichment in blood, urine, saliva and feces was well above thermal ionization mass spectrometry measurement precision up to 170 h after dosing. Fractional calcium absorptions determined from isotopic ratios in blood, urine and saliva were similar. Compartmental modeling revealed that kinetic parameters determined from serum or saliva data were similar, decreasing the necessity for blood samples. It is concluded from these results that calcium kinetics can be assessed with micrograms doses of stable isotopes, thereby reducing tracer costs and with saliva samples, thereby reducing the amount of blood needed.

Clinical Trial↗

Calcium Phosphate Catalysts for Ethanol Coupling to Butanol and Butadiene

The catalytic conversion of ethanol to butanol and butadiene at 633 K and atmospheric pressure (7 vol% ethanol) was studied over calcium phosphate materials pretreated over a wide temperature range. For calcium phosphate pretreated at or below 923 K, the resulting solid had an apatite structure identified by X-ray diffraction and strong acid sites probed by triethylamine (TEA) adsorption microcalorimetry. The low temperature pretreated materials were not effective at ethanol coupling reactions but instead were highly selective to acid-catalyzed products ethene and diethyl ether. Pretreatment of calcium phosphate at 973 K transformed the apatite structure to β-tricalcium phosphate, which exposed both acid and base sites evaluated by TEA and CO 2 adsorption microcalorimetry. In conclusion, high temperature pretreated calcium phosphate catalysts formed the coupling products butanol and butadiene during ethanol reaction. The butadiene selectivity was improved by supporting calcium phosphate on zirconia.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Process for the preparation of calcium superoxide

Calcium superoxide is prepared in high yields by spreading a quantity of calcium peroxide diperoxyhydrate on the surface of a container, positioning said container in a vacuum chamber on a support structure through which a coolant fluid can be circulated, partially evacuating said vacuum chamber, allowing the temperature of the diperoxyhydrate to reach the range of about 0 to about 40 C; maintaining the temperature selected for a period of time sufficient to complete the disproproriation of the diperoxyhydrate to calcium superoxide, calcium hydroxide, oxygen, and water; constantly and systematically removing the water as it is formed by sweeping the reacting material with a current of dry inert gas and/or by condensation of said water on a cold surface; backfilling the chamber with a dry inert gas; and finally, recovering the calcium superoxide produced.

Ballou, E. V.↗

Prolonged weightlessness and calcium loss in man

Calcium losses occurring in men subjected to weightlessness in orbital space flight for periods of up to twelve weeks were determined, and the data are used to predict the long-term consequences of weightlessness upon the skeletal system. Loss of calcium increased exponentially from about 50 mg/d at the end of the first week to approximately 300 mg/d at the end of 12 weeks. Hypercalciuria reached a constant level within four weeks while fecal calcium losses continued to increase throughout the period of exposure. Calcium losses from the calcaneus were closely correlated with calcium imbalance, but no changes were detected in the mineral mass of the ulna and radius. It is suggested that the demineralization process may not be totally reversible

Rambaut, P. C.↗

Kinetics of copper ion absorption by cross-linked calcium polyacrylate membranes

The absorption of copper ions from aqueous copper acetate solutions by cross-linked calcium acrylate membranes was found to obey parabolic kinetics similar to that found for oxidation of metals that form protective oxide layers. For pure calcium polyacrylate membranes the rate constant was essentially independent of copper acetate concentration and film thickness. For a cross-linked copolymer film of polyvinyl alcohol and calcium polyacrylate, the rate constant was much greater and dependent on the concentration of copper acetate. The proposed mechanism in each case involves the formation of a copper polyacrylate phase on the surface of the membrane. The diffusion of the copper ion through this phase appears to be the rate controlling step for the copolymer film. The diffusion of the calcium ion is apparently the rate controlling step for the calcium polyacrylate. At low pH, the copper polyacrylate phase consists of the normal copper salt; at higher pH, the phase appears to be the basic copper salt.

Philipp, W. H.↗

Calcium Modulation of Plant Plasma Membrane-Bound Atpase Activities

The kinetic properties of barley enzyme are discussed and compared with those of other plants. Possibilities for calcium transport in the plasma membrane by proton pump and ATPase-dependent calcium pumps are explored. Topics covered include the ph phase of the enzyme; high affinity of barley for calcium; temperature dependence, activation enthalpy, and the types of ATPase catalytic sites. Attention is given to lipids which are both screened and bound by calcium. Studies show that barley has a calmodulin activated ATPase that is found in the presence of magnesium and calcium.

Caldwell, C.↗

Transduction of the Root Gravitropic Stimulus: Can Apical Calcium Regulate Auxin Distribution?

The hypothesis was tested that calcium, asymmetrically distributes in the root cap upon reorientation to gravity, affects auxin transport and thereby auxin distribution at the elongation zone. It is assumed that calcium exists in the root cap and is asymmetrically transported in root caps altered from a vertical to a horizontal position and that the meristem, the tissue immediately adjacent to the root cap and lying between the site of gravity perception and the site of gravity response, is essential for mediation of gravitropism. Tip calcium in root gravicurvature was implicated. The capstone evidence is that the root cap has the capacity to polarly translocate exogenous calcium downward when tissue is oriented horizontally, and that exogenous calcium, when supplied asymmetrically at the root tip, induces curvature and dictates the direction of curvature in both vertical and horizontal corn roots.

Edwards, K. L.↗

Maladjustment of kidneys to microgravity: Design of measures to reduce the loss of calcium

Losses of skeletal calcium and body fluids occur during prolonged exposure to microgravity. The kidney plays a major role in regulating the physiological functions involved. Relative to this regulatory function, the kidney performs three operations: filtration of blood plasma through the glomeruli, reabsorption, and secretion of fluid and electrolytes so that needed components are retained and only waste is eliminated in the urine. Using data published in Biomedical Results from Skylab, researchers performed new calculations that reflect more directly the operations of the kidney in the handling of calcium, sodium, chloride, potassium and phosphate during space flight. These calculations revealed that the fraction of filtered calcium that was rejected by renal tubules and excreted in the urine increased by 71 percent, from 1.77 percent (preflight) to 3.02 percent (inflight) of the filtered load. This represents a large absolute increase because the total filtered amount is huge. Because the tubular rejection fraction of other ions increased relatively less than that of calcium, researchers postulate the inflight development of a specific renal defect that causes an excessive loss of calcium in urine and thereby contributes to the weakening of bones.

Nechay, Bohdan R.↗

A coated-wire ion-selective electrode for ionic calcium measurements

A coated-wire ion-selective electrode for measuring ionic calcium was developed, in collaboration with Teknektron Sensor Development Corporation (TSDC). This coated wire electrode sensor makes use of advanced, ion-responsive polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane technology, whereby the electroactive agent is incorporated into a polymeric film. The technology greatly simplifies conventional ion-selective electrode measurement technology, and is envisioned to be used for real-time measurement of physiological and environment ionic constituents, initially calcium. A primary target biomedical application is the real-time measurement of urinary and blood calcium changes during extended exposure to microgravity, during prolonged hospital or fracture immobilization, and for osteoporosis research. Potential advanced life support applications include monitoring of calcium and other ions, heavy metals, and related parameters in closed-loop water processing and management systems. This technology provides a much simplified ionic calcium measurement capability, suitable for both automated in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-situ measurement applications, which should be of great interest to the medical, scientific, chemical, and space life sciences communities.

Hines, John W.↗

On the absolute abundance of calcium in solar flares

The abundance of calcium relative to hydrogen in soft X-ray-emitting solar flare plasmas is determined. Results were obtained for 25 flares. An average calcium-to-hydrogen abundance of about 5 x 10 exp -6, which is about a factor of 2 greater than measured for the photosphere, is found. This result is consistent with an enhancement of low first ionization elements in soft X-ray flare plasmas. For one flare, the calcium abundance was higher, at about 1.6 times the average results. It is inferred that the calcium abundance can vary among flares. Significant variations of the calcium abundance during the course of a flare were not detected.

Sterling, Alphonse C.↗

Calcium and Bone Homeostasis During 4-6 Months Space Flight

Bone and calcium homeostasis are altered by weightlessness. We previously reported calcium studies on three subjects from the first joint US/Russian mission to Mir. We report here data on an additional three male subjects, whose stays on Mir were 4 (n= 1) and 6 (n=2) mos. Data were collected before, during, and after the missions. Inflight studies were conducted at 2-3 mos. Endocrine and biochemical indices were measured, along with 3-wk calcium tracer studies. Percent differences are reported compared to preflight. Ionized calcium was unchanged (2.8 +/-2.1 %) during flight. Calcium absorption was variable inflight, but was decreased after landing. Vitamin D stores were decreased 35 +/-24% inflight, similar to previous reports. Serum PTH was decreased 59 +/-9% during flight (greater than we previously reported), while 1,25(OH)(sub 2)-Vitamin D was decreased in 2 of 3 subjects. Markers of bone resorption (e.g., crosslinks) were increased in all subjects. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was decreased (n=1) or unchanged (n=2), while osteocalcin was decreased 34 +/-23%. Previously presented data showed that inflight bone loss is associated with increased resorption and unchanged/decreased formation. The data reported here support these earlier findings. These studies will help to extend our understanding of space flight-induced bone loss, and of bone loss associated with diseases such as osteoporosis or paralysis.

Smith, Scott M.↗

Conversion coatings prepared or treated with calcium hydroxide solutions

A conversion coating process that forms a stable and corrosion-resistant oxide layer on metal or metal oxide substrates or layers. Particularly, the conversion coating process involves contacting the metal or metal oxide substrate or layer with the aqueous calcium hydroxide solutions in order to convert the surface of the substrate to a stable metal oxide layer or coating. According to the present invention, the calcium hydroxide solution is prepared by removing carbon dioxide from water or an aqueous solution before introducing the calcium hydroxide. In this manner, formation of calcium carbonate particles is avoided and the porosity of the conversion coating produced by the calcium hydroxide solution is reduced to below about 1%.

Minevski, Zoran↗

Calcium impregnation of coal enriched in CO.sub.2 using high-pressure techniques

Methods are described for impregnating coal with calcium carbonate by utilizing an aqueous phase ionic reaction between calcium acetate, calcium hydroxide, and water with CO.sub.2 contained within the coal. The coal is enriched in CO.sub.2 by contacting it with CO.sub.2 at high pressure, in either a continuous or pulsed mode. The inclusion of CO.sub.2 in the coal during the process does not involve evacuating the coal and subsequently absorbing CO.sub.2 onto the coal as in prior methods. Rather, the coal is treated with carbon dioxide at high pressure in a practical and viable approach. The impregnation of coal by calcium compounds not only reduces sulfur emissions by effectively tying up the sulfur as calcium sulfide or sulfate, but also increases the gasification or combustion rate. The invention also encompasses the use of other Group IIA elements, as well as the coal products resulting from the methods of treatment described.

Sharma, Pramod K.↗

Variations in Urine Calcium Isotope: Composition Reflect Changes in Bone Mineral Balance in Humans

Changes in bone mineral balance cause rapid and systematic changes in the calcium isotope composition of human urine. Urine from subjects in a 17 week bed rest study was analyzed for calcium isotopic composition. Comparison of isotopic data with measurements of bone mineral density and metabolic markers of bone metabolism indicates the calcium isotope composition of urine reflects changes in bone mineral balance. Urine calcium isotope composition probably is affected by both bone metabolism and renal processes. Calcium isotope. analysis of urine and other tissues may provide information on bone mineral balance that is in important respects better than that available from other techniques, and illustrates the usefulness of applying geochemical techniques to biomedical problems.

Skulan, Joseph↗

Calcium carbonate minerals as scavengers of metals and radionuclides: Their role in natural attenuation and remediation

Calcium carbonates (CaCO3) are ubiquitous naturally occurring minerals in subsurface sediments. Calcium carbonate coatings are common in many terrestrial environments and are known to coat a variety of reactive mineral surfaces in soils and sediments, altering their reactivity and chemical behavior. For these reasons, contaminant interactions with CaCO3 minerals are relevant to contaminant fate and transport. Significant advancements have been made recently toward identifying relevant contaminant (e.g., U, I, and Cr) attenuation mechanisms, which may also serve as a basis for in situ remediation strategies. Hence, the objective of this review paper is to 1) describe the state-of-knowledge of calcium carbonate minerals as universal scavengers of metals and radionuclides; 2) provide a state of the science of how calcium carbonate interactions affect contaminant fate and transport in the subsurface environmental systems; and 2) provide insights on the use of calcium carbonate natural attenuation mechanisms and their application to the remediation of complex sites. Knowledge gaps are also identified that, when closed, can advance the use of carbonate minerals for in situ remedy applications.

Qafoku, Nikolla↗

Calcium in the regulation of gravitropism by light

The red light requirement for positive gravitropism in roots of corn (Zea mays cv "Merit") provides an entry for examining the participation of calcium in gravitropism. Applications of calcium chelators inhibit the light response. Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, lanthanum) can also inhibit the light response, and a calcium ionophore, A23187, can substitute for light. One can substitute for red light by treatments which have elsewhere been shown to trigger Ca2+ influx into the cytosol, e.g. heat or cold shock. Agents which are known to be agonists of the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system (serotonin, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, deoxycholate) can each partially substitute for the red light, and Li+ can inhibit the light effect. These experiments suggest that the induction of positive gravitropism by red light involves a rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, and that a contribution to this end may be made by the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system.

NASA Discipline Number 40-10↗

Calcium fluoride as a dominating matrix for quantitative analysis by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS): A feasibility study

Here, calcium fluoride formed by the reaction between ammonium bifluoride and calcium chloride was investigated as a dominating matrix for quantitative analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Transformation from a solid sample to the calcium fluoride-based matrix permitted quantitative analysis based on calibration standards made from elemental standards. A low abundance stable calcium isotope, i.e. 44 Ca + , was monitored as the internal standard for quantitative analysis by LA-ICP-MS. Correlation coefficient factors for multiple elements were obtained with values over 0.999. The results for multiple elements in a certified reference material of soil (NIST SRM 2710a) agreed with the certified values in the range of expanded uncertainty, indicating the present method was valid for quantitation of elements in solid samples.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗