BaCl2 Research Articles

Synthesis of BaCO3 particles tailored by carboxylated cellulose fibers

The present work deals with the use of carboxylated cellulose fibers, thereafter called Cellulose Nano Fibers (CNF), as eco-friendly materials and sustainable resources for remediation and valuation, of metal ions present in contaminated water. Barium divalent cation (Ba2+) is among the most common heavy metal pollutants found in water such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and mercury. Thus, CNFs containing carboxylate groups were first prepared by the oxidation of the cellulose fibers using the NaOCl-NaBr-TEMPO system, and thereafter, they were used as adsorbent for Ba2+ ions removal from BaCl2 aqueous solutions. Such Ba2+ removal was evidenced by the decrease of both the CNF surface charge and the CNF absorbance, upon the addition of the metal divalent cation, BaCl2 to the CNF aqueous dispersions. It is shown that the interaction occurring between the fiber carboxylic groups and the positively charged metal ions, Ba2+, occurs via electrostatic interactions and leads to the CNFs –Ba2+ complex formation. In the second part of this work, we investigated the effect of the CNFs on the crystallogenesis of barium carbonate particles, BaCO3. Thus, the CNFs aqueous solution was first added to barium chloride BaCl2 solution, and the mixture was stirred for a period of time (complexation time), prior the addition of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) solution. The precipitation of barium carbonate particles in the presence of CNFs occurred at ambient temperature, in a water-jacketed Pyrex glass vessel. Finally, the resulting Barium carbonate-CNFs composites were examined by various methods such as Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction. From the SEM data, two BaCO3 morphologies were observed, dendritic and bent or rods particles, respectively, in the absence and in the presence of the CNFs.

Endothelial Permeability Following Skeletal Muscle Injury in Males Versus Females Ages 4 weeks to 1 Year.

Capillary permeability following skeletal muscle injury is necessary for the entry of blood cells and plasma factors necessary for healing. However, it is unclear how aging and sex differences affect capillary permeability after muscle injury.PURPOSETo compare endothelial permeability 48 hours post skeletal muscle injury between male and female mice at 1, 3, 6 and 12s month of ag between male and female mice.METHODSBarium chloride (BaCl2) was injected into the left tibialis anterior(TA) to create a chemical injury and sodium chloride (NaCl) was injected into the right leg as a control. Evans Blue (EB) dye was injected through the lateral tail vein at 48 hours post‐injury. The mouse was sacrificed 30 min following EB injection and both TA’s were removed, weighed and soaked in formamide to remove extravasated EB from the muscles. Absorbance of extravasated EB was measured. To determine the effect of testosterone and estradiol on permeability, castrated and ovariectomized mice at 12 weeks of age were tested for permeability using Evan’s Blue dye injection 48 hours after injury.RESULTSPermeability 48 hours post‐injection was significantly elevated in the BaCl2 injected muscles of mice aged 4 weeks compared to NaCl Male: 6.53±0.1.25 vs. 16.68±8.712 ngEB/mgTA, p<0.001; Female: 2.435±1.56 vs. 9.411±2.799, p<0.01). Permeability 48 hours post‐injection was significantly elevated in the BaCl2 injected muscles of mice aged 12 weeks compared to NaCl Female: 3.02 + 2.43 vs. 16.425 ± 6.63, p<0.0001). Permeability 48 hours post‐injection was significantly elevated in the BaCl2 injected muscles of mice aged 6 months compared to NaCl Male: 2.2743 + .0.932 vs. 8.37 ± 81.66 ngEB/mgTA, p<0.01; Female: 1.593 ±.0.991 vs. 6.3 ± 4.846, p<0.001). Permeability 48 hours post‐injection was significantly elevated in the BaCl2 injected muscles of mice aged 12 months compared to NaCl Male: 1.55 ± 0.32 vs. 4.371 ± 0.299 ngEB/mgTA, p<0.01; Female: 2.78 + 0.79 vs.. 12.02 ± 2.84, p<0.0001). Following castration, permeability in male mice at 12 weeks was not significantly different than non‐castrated mice (5.64 ± 1.033; 7.505 ± 2.131vs 4.927 ± 0.549 vs. 7.505 ± 2.131, respectively). Following ovariectomy, permeability in female mice at 12 weeks was not significantly different than non‐ovariectomized mice (3.02 + 2.43 vs. 16.53 ± 6.63; 4.927 ± 0.549 vs. 9.152 ± 2.96, respectively)CONCLUSIONBoth age and gender contribute to permeability 48 hrs post‐skeletal muscle injury. This affect does not appear to be dependent on testosterone or estradiol.

Comparison of Two Different Preparation Methods of Wet-Spun Carrageenan Fibers Directly from Chondrus Extractions.

In order to improve the characters of carrageenan fibers, two different process methods were presented in this study. Dopes prepared directly from Chondrus extraction by Route A—adding NaOH after Chondrus extraction—or Route B—using NaOH solution to extract Chondrus and carrageenan fibers (Fibers A and Fibers B)—were obtained using the wet spinning process using barium chloride as the coagulant at room temperature. The properties of dopes were studied by dynamic light scattering and gel permeation chromatography. The properties of Fibers A and Fibers B were comprehensively studied by Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, scanning electron microcopy, and tensile testing. The results showed that carrageenan with a larger molecule weight in Dope A and Fibers A showed higher intensity, better morphology, and stable thermal properties.

Microcirculation changes of three yin-meridians of hand in the forearm in rabbits with arrhythmia: a comparative study

To observe the microcirculation changes of three yin-meridians of hand in the forearm in rabbits with arrhythmia, and to compare the differences of responses among the three yin-meridians of hand. A total of 20 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a saline group and a model group, 10 rabbits in each one. The rabbits were anesthetized with intravenous injection of 20% ethyl carbamate (3.3 mL/kg) at ear vein; the saline group was injected with 0.9% sodium chloride solution (1 mL/kg), while the model group was injected with 0.4% barium chloride solution (1 mL/kg) to establish the arrhythmia model. The microcirculation changes of the three yin-meridians of hand were observed and analyzed by laser speckle blood flow imaging technique before and after the intervention. Compared before modeling, the microcirculation perfusion of the three yin-meridians of hand in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the reduction in the jueyin meridian was more significant than that in the shaoyin meridian (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the taiyin meridian and shaoyin meridian (P>0.05). There was a negative correlation between microcirculation perfusion and position (P<0.001), indicating the closer to the elbow, the more the microcirculation perfusion decreased. During arrhythmia in rabbits, the dysfunction of qi and blood existes in the three yin-meridians of hand in the forearm, particularly the jueyin meridian. In addition, the closer to the elbow, the more obvious the reaction of the three yin-meridians of hand is.

Analysis of the Degradation Process of Alginate-Based Hydrogels in Artificial Urine for Use as a Bioresorbable Material in the Treatment of Urethral Injuries

Hydrogels from natural polymers such as sodium alginate have great potential in regenerative medicine because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical properties, bioresorption ability, and relatively low cost. Sodium alginate, a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, is the most widely investigated and used biomaterial in biomedical applications. Alginate dressings are also useful as a delivery platform in order to provide a controlled release of therapeutic substances (e.g., pain-relieving, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agents). In our work, we aimed to analyze process of degradation of alginate hydrogels. We also describe an original hybrid crosslinking process by using not one, as usual, but a mixture of two crosslinking agents (calcium chloride and barium chloride). We proved that different crosslinking agents allow producing hydrogels with a spectrum of mechanical properties, similar to the urethra tissue. Hydrogels were formed using a dip-coating technique, and then examined by mechanical testing, FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and resorption on artificial urine. Obtained hydrogels have a different degradation rate in artificial urine, and they can be used as a material for healing of urethra injuries, especially urethra strictures, which significantly affect the quality of life of patients.

Searching for magnetic compass mechanism in pigeon retinal photoreceptors.

Migratory birds can detect the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field using the magnetic compass sense. However, the sensory basis of the magnetic compass still remains a puzzle. A large body of indirect evidence suggests that magnetic compass in birds is localized in the retina. To confirm this point, an evidence of visual signals modulation by magnetic field (MF) should be obtained. In a previous study we showed that MF inclination impacts the amplitude of ex vivo electroretinogram (ERG) recorded from isolated pigeon retina. Here we present the results of an analysis of putative MF effect on one component of ERG, the photoreceptor’s response, isolated from the total ERG by adding sodium aspartate and barium chloride to the perfusion solution. Photoresponses were recorded from isolated retinae of domestic pigeons Columba livia. The retinal samples were placed in MF that was modulated by three pairs of orthogonal Helmholtz coils. Light stimuli (blue and red) were applied under two inclinations of MF, 0° and 90°. In all the experiments, preparations from two parts of retina were used, red field (with dominant red-sensitive cones) and yellow field (with relatively uniform distribution of cone color types). In contrast to the whole retinal ERG, we did not observe any effect of MF inclination on either amplitude or kinetics of pharmacologically isolated photoreceptor responses to blue or red half-saturating flashes. A possible explanations of these results could be that magnetic compass sense is localized in retinal cells other than photoreceptors, or that photoreceptors do participate in magnetoreception, but require some processing of compass information in other retinal layers, so that only whole retina signal can reflect the response to changing MF.

Crystal Structure of Metal-Organic Coordination Polymers Based on Potassium and Barium Cations with α-Cyclodextrin

In the interaction of aqueous solutions of potassium and barium hydroxides or barium chloride with α-cyclodextrin four layered coordination polymers are obtained and structurally characterized. The composition and structure of these compounds are determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Role of the potassium channels in vasorelaxant effect of asafoetida essential oil.

In a previous work, we showed that asafoetida essential oil (AEO), from oleo-gum resin of Ferula asafoetida L. from the Apiaceae family, has a vasodilatory effect. This effect was both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent. The present study was designed to determine whether potassium channels and intracellular calcium release contribute to AEO-induced vasodilation. Rats' thoracic aorta were isolated and denuded. Following induction of contraction by potassium chloride (60 mM), concentration-response curve was plotted by the cumulative addition of AEO (0.625-80 µl/l to the medium of rings. The vasodilatory effect of AEO was assessed before and after addition of phenylephrine and potassium channel blockers (including barium chloride (BC), 4-aminopyridine (4A) and glibenclamide (Gl)). AEO relaxed the precontracted rings in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50=23 µl/l). All potassium channel blockers significantly attenuated the vasodilatory activity of AEO when they were added to rings medium before addition of KCl (p<0.01, 4A and Gl groups and p< 0.001, BC group vs. control group) but not after that. In contrast to K channel blockers, adding AEO before or after phenylephrine, the tension was reduced significantly (p<0.05 vs. the control group). The findings of this study indicated that the vasodilatory effect of AEO on denuded-endothelium aortic ring was mediated through activation of potassium channels and reduced intracellular calcium release.

Cigarette Smoking Exacerbates Skeletal Muscle Injury without Compromising Its Regenerative Capacity.

Skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease negatively impacts quality of life and survival. Cigarette smoking (CS) is the major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and skeletal muscle dysfunction; however, how CS affects skeletal muscle function remains enigmatic. To examine the impact of CS on skeletal muscle inflammation and regeneration, male BALB/c mice were exposed to CS for 8 weeks before muscle injury was induced by barium chloride injection, and were maintained on the CS protocol for up to 21 days after injury. Barium chloride injection resulted in architectural damage to the tibialis anterior muscle, resulting in a decrease contractile function, which was worsened by CS exposure. CS exposure caused muscle atrophy (reduction in gross weight and myofiber cross-sectional area) and altered fiber type composition (31% reduction of oxidative fibers). Both contractile function and loss in myofiber cross-sectional area by CS exposure gradually recovered over time. Satellite cells are muscle stem cells that confer skeletal muscle the plasticity to adapt to changing demands. CS exposure blunted Pax7+ centralized nuclei within satellite cells and thus prevented the activation of these muscle stem cells. Finally, CS triggered muscle inflammation; in particular, there was an exacerbated recruitment of F4/80+ monocytic cells to the site of injury along with enhanced proinflammatory cytokine expression. In conclusion, CS exposure amplified the local inflammatory response at the site of skeletal muscle injury, and this was associated with impaired satellite cell activation, leading to a worsened muscle injury and contractile function without detectable impacts on the recovery outcomes.

Muscle regeneration in adiponectin knockout mice showed early activation of anti-inflammatory response with perturbations in myogenesis.

Activation, proliferation, and differentiation of satellite cells can be influenced by extracellular factors, such as adiponectin. This adipokine has been proposed as a regulator of in vitro myogenesis, but its action on in vivo regeneration is not still elucidated. We used C57BL/6 (wild-type [WT]) and adiponectin knockout (AdKO) mice injured with barium chloride at periods of 3, 7, and 14 days after injury. The AdKO presented a higher number of centralized nuclei after 7 days, and a reduction in myogenic genes was observed after 3 days. Moreover, these mice presented an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines after 3 and 7 days, and an increase in the M2 gene marker and proinflammatory cytokines after 7 days. The WT demonstrated an increase in adiponectin messenger RNA after 7 days. These results demonstrate that adiponectin is important in tissue remodeling during regeneration and that its deficiency does not compromise the maturation of muscle fibers, due to an increase in anti-inflammatory response; however, there is a possible impairment in proinflammatory response and an increase in centralized myonuclei.

Vasorelaxant effect of 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (resveratrol) and its underlying mechanism

Resveratrol is found in numerous plant-based foods and beverages and is known to have an impact on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of resveratrol and its underlying mechanisms by employing an aortic ring assay model. Resveratrol caused relaxation of aortic rings that had been precontracted with phenylephrine in the presence of endothelium or with potassium chloride in endothelium-intact aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect was decreased in the absence of an endothelium. The mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxant effect of resveratrol were determined through the addition of antagonists. In the presence of the endothelium, indomethacin (a nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), methylene blue (cyclic guanosine monophosphate lowering agent), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), tetraethylammonium (TEA, nonselective calcium activator potassium channel blocker), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker), barium chloride (BaCl2, inwardly rectifying K+ channel blocker), glibenclamide (non-specific ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker) and propranolol (β-adrenergic receptor blocker) led to a significant reduction in the vasorelaxation effect induced by resveratrol. Resveratrol was also found to reduce Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and block calcium channels. In conclusion, resveratrol targets multiple signalling pathways for exerting its vasorelaxant effects in the rat aortic ring model in both the presence and absence of endothelium.

Eucalyptol reduces airway hyperresponsiveness in rats following cigarette smoke-exposed

BackgroundCigarette smoke is the major cause of airway inflammatory disease, including airway hyperresponsiveness. Eucalyptol (EUC), also named 1.8-cineole, is a monoterpenoid found in essential oil of medicinal plants, showing several biological effects. Hypothesis/purposeBased in the eucalyptol protective activity in respiratory diseases as asthma, our hypothesis is that eucalyptol is able to reduce the airway hyperresponsiveness and the respiratory mechanic parameters in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Study designWistar rats were divided into control and cigarettes smoke (CS) groups. CS group was daily subjected to cigarette smoke and treated by inhalation for 15 min/day with EUC (1 mg/mL) or vehicle during 30 days. After treatment, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected to analyze the inflammatory profile, and tracheal rings were isolated for evaluation of the airway smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness. Lung function was analyzed in vivo. MethodsThe inflammatory profile was evaluated by optical microscopy performing total (Neubauer chamber) and differential leukocyte count (smear slides stained in H&E). The hyperresponsiveness was evaluated in tracheal rings contracted with potassium chloride (KCl) carbamoylcholine (CCh), or Barium chloride (BaCl2) in presence or absence of nifedipine. The lung function (Newtonian resistance-RN) was evaluated by bronco stimulation with methacholine (MCh). ResultsBAL from CS group increased the influx of leukocyte, mainly neutrophils and macrophages compared to control group. EUC reduced by 71% this influx. The tracheal contractions induced by KCl, CCh or BaCl2 were reduced by EUC in 59%, 42% and 26%, respectively. The last one was not different of nifedipine activity. Newtonian resistance (RN) was also reduced in 37% by EUC compared to CS group. ConclusionEUC reduces the hyperresponsiveness and the airway inflammatory profile, recovering the lung function.

Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding Generates Donor-Cell-Derived Muscle Fibers that Express Desmin and Dystrophin.

The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of donor-cell-derived myogenesis achieved by a novel surgical technique known as Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding (MIME). Through MIME, we implanted a single extensor digitorum longus muscle from donor mice (N=2) that expressed a red fluorescent protein (RFP), into the left tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of immunodeficient host mice (N=4) that expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP). Soon after MIME, we injected a myotoxin (barium chloride), into the host TA muscle, to trigger concerted muscle degeneration and regeneration. In lieu of MIME, we performed a SHAM procedure on the right TA muscle of the same set of animals. In MIME-treated muscles, 22%±7% and 78%±7% muscle fibers were RFP+ and GFP+, respectively (mean±standard deviation); and all RFP+ fibers were positive for desmin and dystrophin. Conclusion. We conclude that MIME helps generate muscle fibers of donor origin, in host muscle.

Antiarrhythmic Mechanisms of Chinese Herbal Medicine Dingji Fumai Decoction.

Background Dingji Fumai decoction (DFD) is used to treat ventricular arrhythmia, and it has provided a very good curative effect. However, its cellular electrophysiological mechanism is unknown. Methods Electrocardiogram was recorded, and oxidative stress response and ion-channel-related molecules were detected in rats with barium chloride- and aconitine-induced ventricular arrhythmia. Moreover, whole-cell patch-clamp assay was used to investigate the inhibitory effect of DFD on Nav1.5 in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Results DFD prolonged the occurrence time and shortened the duration of ventricular arrhythmia, decreased the malondialdehyde and increased the superoxide dismutase, and alleviated the activation of Na+-K+-ATPase and connexin-43. DFD suppressed Nav1.5dose-dependently with an IC50 of 24.0 ± 2.4 mg/mL. Conclusions The clinical antiarrhythmic mechanisms of DFD are based on its antioxidant potential, alleviation of Na+-K+-ATPase and connexin-43, and class I antiarrhythmic properties by suppressing Nav1.5dose-dependently with an IC50 of 24.0 ± 2.4 mg/mL.

Astrocyte-Selective Volume Increase in Elevated Extracellular Potassium Conditions Is Mediated by the Na+/K+ ATPase and Occurs Independently of Aquaporin 4.

Astrocytes and neurons have been shown to swell across a variety of different conditions, including increases in extracellular potassium concentration (^[K+]o). The mechanisms involved in the coupling of K+ influx to water movement into cells leading to cell swelling are not well understood and remain controversial. Here, we set out to determine the effects of ^[K+]o on rapid volume responses of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and stratum radiatum astrocytes using real-time confocal volume imaging. First, we found that elevating [K+]o within a physiological range (to 6.5 mM and 10.5 mM from a baseline of 2.5 mM), and even up to pathological levels (26 mM), produced dose-dependent increases in astrocyte volume, with absolutely no effect on neuronal volume. In the absence of compensating for addition of KCl by removal of an equal amount of NaCl, neurons actually shrank in ^[K+]o, while astrocytes continued to exhibit rapid volume increases. Astrocyte swelling in ^[K+]o was not dependent on neuronal firing, aquaporin 4, the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir 4.1, the sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1, , or the electroneutral cotransporter, sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter type 1 (NKCC1), but was significantly attenuated in 1 mM barium chloride (BaCl2) and by the Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor ouabain. Effects of 1 mM BaCl2 and ouabain applied together were not additive and, together with reports that BaCl2 can inhibit the NKA at high concentrations, suggests a prominent role for the astrocyte NKA in rapid astrocyte volume increases occurring in ^[K+]o. These findings carry important implications for understanding mechanisms of cellular edema, regulation of the brain extracellular space, and brain tissue excitability.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ КОРРОЗИОННОЙ СТОЙКОСТИ ЦЕМЕНТНЫХ КОМПОЗИТОВ АКТИВНЫМИ ДОБАВКАМИ

The object of the study is cement composites with active mineral additives. Additives promoting corrosion resistance of composites are considered. Some are active to cement dough, others - to aggressive environments. Additives active to aggressive media can crop out to the surface of composites and react with penetrating media. The results of the research revealed possible mechanisms of physical and chemical interaction of additives with aggressive media. The samples were cured by steaming and under normal conditions. Examples of results of acid resistance study of cement composites with additives are given. The acid resistance of cement stone with the product of cement decay in sulfuric acid was compared with the results obtained in the test of cement stone with 10% marshalite content. And the index of resistance of fine-grained concrete with aggressive additives, with barium chloride and stroncium, was compared with the results of testing concrete without additive and containing diatomite. According to the studies carried out cement stone with marshall has higher initial strength. However, cement stone with the addition of corrosion product has higher strength and resistance after exposure in aggressive media. It has been shown that the corrosion resistance of the steamed cement stone in 2% sulfuric acid solution, both with and without additive, is significantly higher than that of the normal hardening stone.

Treatment of Petroleum and Flowstation Wastewater Using Combined Coagulants

Performance and effectiveness of single and combined coagulants in the treatment of petroleum and flow station wastewater has been studied. In this study, samples of petroleum and flowsation were treated separated with Barium Chloride, Iron (ii) sulphate, Magnesium Oxide and then with mixtures of different chemicals. Standard methods for examination of water and wastewater was used in the analysis of some important physico-chemical parameters. The results of the analysis of all the parameters in the petroleum and flow station wastewater samples treated with six different types of coagulants shows significant changes and variations in the level of virtually all the parameters in the treated samples when compared with that of the blank.The combined chemical coagulants exhibited a high capacity to reduce the pollutants to recommended effluent limits with the mixture of Magnesium Hydroxide and Iron (ii) Sulphate been the most effective coagulants. The result revealed that average value of all selected parameters showed variation from points A to F. However, these variations are not statistically significant with F (0.068019) being less than Fcritical Keywords : Petroleum, Flow station, Wastewater, Coagulants, ANOVA DOI : 10.7176/CPER/62-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Fireworks: Requisite for Forensics Evolution from Conventional to Green Crackers in India - A Perspective

Social life in India is enriched with festivals, traditions and cultural events, often, associated with bursting crackers during celebration. Firework exhibition and bursting crackers are a symbol of jubilation. The hazardous effects of fireworks are often obscured by the cloud of smoke and amusement ultimately breeding root cause to severe accidental injuries. Fire accidents occur due to surpassing supervisory measures while handling fireworks [1-3]. The illicit production, sale, illegal trade of crackers is another major direct challenge for criminal judiciary system and regulatory authorities [4-6]. Television, print and social media are crammed with evidences apart from actual incident data where crackers played a major role in crime. The chemistry of conventional fireworks has not much transmuted since archaic times. Common constituents in fireworks are carbon centered fuel, a reducing agent and an amalgamation of metal salts functioning as oxidant and colourants. The lightening of fireworks commences with an exothermic process engendering smoke as a by-product holding gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, as well as suspended particulate matter between PM2.5-PM10. Conventional fireworks also integrate hazardous chemicals like nitrates of strontium, sodium and barium, carbonates of strontium, calcium, barium and copper, sulphates of strontium and calcium, chlorides of calcium and barium, aluminium and magnesium salts, sodium oxalate, copper oxide, iron dust powder and potassium perchlorate, which act as stabilizers, oxidizers and colorants [7]. Both metals and radicals determine the presence of explosive material. All these residues are hazardous in nature

Microfluidic flow-through reactor and 3D Raman imaging for in situ assessment of mineral reactivity in porous and fractured porous media.

An in-depth understanding of dissolution and precipitation of minerals in porous and fractured porous media and the complex feedback on the transport of fluids is essential for various subsurface applications. In this context, we developed a novel non-destructive "lab-on-chip" approach for quantitative in situ assessments of mineralogical changes in porous media. Our experimental approach involves a microfluidic flow-through reactor of reactive homogeneous and heterogeneous (fractured) porous media coupled with high-resolution imaging. Here, the reactive medium consists of compacted celestine grains seeded in a reservoir within the microfluidic chip. This medium reacts with a barium chloride solution injected into the microreactor at a constant flow rate, leading to the dissolution of celestine and growth of barite. Various seeding processes of the mineral grains allow the creation of homogeneous reactive porous media or the introduction of large heterogeneities such as fractures. Hence, our approach enables high-resolution investigations of reactive transport in fractured porous media. The use of confocal Raman spectroscopic techniques enables the spatio-temporal visualization of the mineral transformation at the pore-scale in two- and three-dimensions. Moreover, advanced pore-scale modelling correlates the hydrological heterogeneities to the geochemical observations in the micro-reactor, which explains the observed discrepancies between homogeneous and heterogeneous reactive media. Eventually, the proposed methodology can be applied to other chemical systems to provide new insights into hydro-geochemical coupling in porous and fractured porous media as well as high-fidelity datasets to benchmark reactive transport codes that are currently under development.

Evaluation of Three Non-Invasive Pregnancy Diagnosis Tests (Modified Seed Germination Inhibition Test, Urine Barium Chloride Test and Milk Copper Sulphate Test) in Buffalo

Evaluation of Three Non-Invasive Pregnancy Diagnosis Tests (Modified Seed Germination Inhibition Test, Urine Barium Chloride Test and Milk Copper Sulphate Test) in Buffalo