Free Release Research Articles

Evaluation of thermal stimulation on gas production from depressurized methane hydrate deposits☆

Natural gas hydrates have gained worldwide attention asan important potential non-conventional fossil fuel resource. Understanding the gas production behavior from hydrate deposits is critical to the utilization of the gas hydrate resource. In this study, the hydrate dissociation reaction was induced by depressurization in conjunction with thermal stimulation. Profiles of temperature, pressure, gas production rate, and cumulative gas production during the gas production processes were analyzed. The results show that the gas production process upon ice generation can be divided into five main stages: (1) a free gas release, (2) hydrate dissociation along the equilibrium curve driven by the reservoir sensible heat, (3) hydrate dissociation driven by the exothermic ice generation reaction, (4) ice melting and hydrate dissociation under ambient heat transfer, and (5) hydrate dissociation under ambient heat transfer. During the gas production process, two thermal stimulation methods—ambient heat transfer and warm water injection—were employed to supply heat for hydrate dissociation. The larger the heat flux supplied by ambient heat transfer, the greater the gas production. During the warm water injection process, the gas production time decreased as the temperature of the injected water increased. These two methods can effectively promote gas production from gas hydrate deposits. The findings of this study can provide some insight for designing and implementing optimal production techniques for use of hydrate resources.

Proposal for the management strategy of metallic waste from the decommissioning of Kori Unit 1 by using melting and segmentation technology

The oldest commercial reactor in South Korea, Kori Unit 1 Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), will be permanently shut down starting in 2017. Since decommissioning of NPPs will generate a huge amount of radioactive metallic waste, proper treatment for decommissioning wastes is one of the key factors to decommission a plant successfully. Many studies have been conducted and experience accumulated for waste minimization and the reduction of disposal volume. Melting technology is one of the proven technologies for effectively managing the metallic waste and has been adopted by many countries. However, a licensed melting facility to dispose of metallic wastes from the NPP decommissioning has not been implemented in Korea.The purpose of this study is to establish a management plan for metallic waste and to evaluate the preliminary doses according to the acceptance criteria and operations at the facility. Based on the available research papers and empirical data from domestic and international experience, the operational concept and the melting technology principle were established and its dose and volume reduction effects were evaluated. The concept of operating a melting plant is to finally free release the ingots after melting or free release after a planned storage period. Based on this concept, the radioactive concentration of the scrap metal which can be treated was derived, demonstrating that melting can be applied to low level and very low level wastes above the clearance level. The RESRAD-RECYCLE computer code was used to assess worker doses and was rated within the regulatory limits in most scenarios, except for slag workers. Factors affecting the dose, such as methods of radiation protection, operating method and working time, will be important factors in establishing the melting facility and the radiological limits should also be determined accordingly.

The Effect of Astaxanthin-Rich Microalgae "Haematococcus pluvialis" and Wholemeal Flours Incorporation in Improving the Physical and Functional Properties of Cookies.

Marine-based food supplements can improve human nutrition. In an effort to modulate glycaemic response and enhance nutritional aspects, marine-derived algal food rich in astaxanthin was used in the formulation of a model food (wholemeal cookie). Astaxanthin substitution of cookies made from three flours (wheat, barley and oat) demonstrated a significant reduction in the rate of glucose released during in vitro digestion together with an increase in the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of the food. The significantly (p < 0.005) lower free glucose release was observed from cookies with 15% astaxanthin, followed by 10% and then 5% astaxanthin in comparison with control cookies of each flour. Total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value also notably increased with increase in astaxanthin content. The results evidence the potential use of microalgae to enhance the bioactive compounds and lower the glycaemic response of wholemeal flour cookie.

An antimicrobial peptide that inhibits translation by trapping release factors on the ribosome.

Many antibiotics stop bacterial growth by inhibiting different steps of protein synthesis. However, no specific inhibitors of translation termination are known. Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides, a component of the antibacterial defense system of multicellular organisms, interfere with bacterial growth by inhibiting translation. Here we show that Api137, a derivative of the insect-produced antimicrobial peptide apidaecin, arrests terminating ribosomes using a unique mechanism of action. Api137 binds to the Escherichia coli ribosome and traps release factors 1 or 2 subsequent to release of the nascent polypeptide chain. A high-resolution cryo-EM structure of the ribosome complexed with release factor 1 and Api137 reveals the molecular interactions that lead to release factor trapping. Api137-mediated depletion of the cellular pool of free release factors causes the majority of ribosomes to stall at stop codons prior to polypeptide release, thereby resulting in a global shutdown of translation termination.

Crustacean zooplankton release copious amounts of dissolved organic matter as taurine in the ocean.

Taurine (Tau), an amino acid‐like compound, is present in almost all marine metazoans including crustacean zooplankton. It plays an important physiological role in these organisms and is released into the ambient water throughout their life cycle. However, limited information is available on the release rates by marine organisms, the concentrations and turnover of Tau in the ocean. We determined dissolved free Tau concentrations throughout the water column and its release by abundant crustacean mesozooplankton at two open ocean sites (Gulf of Alaska and North Atlantic). At both locations, the concentrations of dissolved free Tau were in the low nM range (up to 15.7 nM) in epipelagic waters, declining sharply in the mesopelagic to about 0.2 nM and remaining fairly stable throughout the bathypelagic waters. Pacific amphipod–copepod assemblages exhibited lower dissolved free Tau release rates per unit biomass (0.8 ± 0.4 μmol g−1 C‐biomass h−1) than Atlantic copepods (ranging between 1.3 ± 0.4 μmol g−1 C‐biomass h−1 and 9.5 ± 2.1 μmol g−1 C‐biomass h−1), in agreement with the well‐documented inverse relationship between biomass‐normalized excretion rates and body size. Our results indicate that crustacean zooplankton might contribute significantly to the dissolved organic matter flux in marine ecosystems via dissolved free Tau release. Based on the release rates and assuming steady state dissolved free Tau concentrations, turnover times of dissolved free Tau range from 0.05 d to 2.3 d in the upper water column and are therefore similar to those of dissolved free amino acids. This rapid turnover indicates that dissolved free Tau is efficiently consumed in oceanic waters, most likely by heterotrophic bacteria.

Car8 dorsal root ganglion expression and genetic regulation of analgesic responses are associated with a cis-eQTL in mice.

Carbonic anhydrase-8 (Car8 mouse gene symbol) is devoid of enzymatic activity, but instead functions as an allosteric inhibitor of inositol trisphosphate receptor-1 (ITPR1) to regulate this intracellular calcium release channel important in synaptic functions and neuronal excitability. Causative mutations in ITPR1 and carbonic anhydrase-8 in mice and humans are associated with certain subtypes of spinal cerebellar ataxia (SCA). SCA mice are genetically deficient in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) Car8 expression and display mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity and susceptibility to subacute and chronic inflammatory pain behaviors. In this report, we show that DRG Car8 expression is variable across 25 naïve-inbred strains of mice, and this cis-regulated eQTL (association between rs27660559, rs27706398, and rs27688767 and DRG Car8 expression; P < 1 × 10-11) is correlated with nociceptive responses in mice. Next, we hypothesized that increasing DRG Car8 gene expression would inhibit intracellular calcium release required for morphine antinociception and might correlate with antinociceptive sensitivity of morphine and perhaps other analgesic agents. We show that mean DRG Car8 gene expression is directly related to the dose of morphine or clonidine needed to provide a half-maximal analgesic response (r = 0.93, P < 0.00002; r = 0.83, P < 0.0008, respectively), suggesting that greater DRG Car8 expression increases analgesic requirements. Finally, we show that morphine induces intracellular free calcium release using Fura 2 calcium imaging in a dose-dependent manner; V5-Car8 WT overexpression in NBL cells inhibits morphine-induced calcium increase. These findings highlight the 'morphine paradox' whereby morphine provides antinociception by increasing intracellular free calcium, while Car8 and other antinociceptive agents work by decreasing intracellular free calcium. This is the first study demonstrating that biologic variability associated with this cis-eQTL may contribute to differing analgesic responses through altered regulation of ITPR1-dependent calcium release in mice.

Development and Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Recombinant Human Myelin Basic Protein Nano Therapeutic Vaccine in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice Animal Model

Recombinant human myelin basic protein (rhMBP) was previously produced in the milk of transgenic cows. Differences in molecular recognition of either hMBP or rhMBP by surface-immobilized anti-hMBP antibodies were demonstrated. This indicated differences in immunological response between rhMBP and hMBP. Here, the activity of free and controlled release rhMBP poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (NPs), as a therapeutic vaccine against multiple sclerosis (MS) was demonstrated in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model. Following optimization of nanoformulation, discrete spherical, rough-surfaced rhMBP NPs with high entrapment efficiency and controlled release pattern were obtained. Results indicated that rhMBP was loaded into and electrostatically adsorbed onto the surface of NPs. Subcutaneous administration of free or rhMBP NPs before EAE-induction reduced the average behavioral score in EAE mice and showed only mild histological alterations and preservation of myelin sheath, with rhMBP NPs showing increased protection. Moreover, analysis of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) in mice brains revealed that pretreatment with free or rhMBP NPs significantly protected against induced inflammation. In conclusion: i) rhMBP ameliorated EAE symptoms in EAE animal model, ii) nanoformulation significantly enhanced efficacy of rhMBP as a therapeutic vaccine and iii) clinical investigations are required to demonstrate the activity of rhMBP NPs as a therapeutic vaccine for MS.

Free actin impairs macrophage bacterial defenses via scavenger receptor MARCO interaction with reversal by plasma gelsolin.

Lung injury can release intracellular actin into the alveolar milieu and is also associated with increased susceptibility to secondary infections. We investigated the effect of free (extracellular) actin on lung macrophage host defense functions. Western blot analysis demonstrated free actin release into the lung lavage fluids of mouse models of ozone injury, influenza infection, and secondary pneumococcal pneumonia and in samples from patients following burn and inhalation injury. Using levels comparable with those observed in lung injury, we found that free actin markedly inhibited murine lung macrophage binding and uptake in vitro of S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and E. coli, (e.g., S. pneumoniae, mean %inhibition, actin vs. vehicle: 85 ± 0.3 (SD); n = 22, P < .001). Similar effects were observed on the ability of primary human macrophages to bind and ingest fluorescent Saureus (~75% inhibition). Plasma gelsolin (pGSN), a protein that functions to bind and cleave actin, restored bacterial binding and uptake by both murine and human macrophages. Scavenger receptor inhibitors reduced binding of fluorescent actin by murine macrophages [fluorescence index (×10-3) after incubation with vehicle, actin, or actin + polyinosinic acid, respectively: 0.8 ± 0.7, 101.7 ± 50.7, or 52.7 ± 16.9; n = 5-6, P < 0.05]. In addition, actin binding was reduced in a MARCO/SR-AI/II-deficient cell line and by normal AMs obtained from MARCO-/- mice. After release from injured cells during lung injury, free actin likely contributes to impaired host defense by blocking scavenger receptor binding of bacteria. This mechanism for increased risk of secondary infections after lung injury or inflammation may represent another target for therapeutic intervention with pGSN.

Determination of formaldehyde and TVOC emission behavior from interior use plywood using various post heat treatment processes

ABSTRACTTo reduce the formaldehyde/TVOC emissions from plywood with melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) resin, four heat treatment procedures were designed and applied. Five‐ply plywood was fabricated, and its formaldehyde/TVOC emissions and wet shear strength were tested. Results showed that a simple low/no pressure post heat treatment procedure was effective and practical to decrease the formaldehyde/TVOC emissions from plywood. This was attributed to completely cured of MUF resin, the breakage of unstable chemical bonds, the acceleration of free formaldehyde releasing, and the exposed surface of the plywood. Meanwhile, this process also balanced the interior force of the resultant plywood and improved its wet shear strength. Under a 12 h oven heat treatment procedure after hot press, the formaldehyde and TVOC emissions from plywood decreased to 0.020 and 0.036 ppm, respectively, while the surface and core layer wet shear strength of plywood was improved to 1.24 and 1.08 MPa. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44909.

К проблеме водородного охрупчивания стали при каплеударной эрозии

Introduction. The work is devoted to the problem of the hydrogen saturation of steel parts skin at their high-speed impacts with a water-drop flow. A hypothesis of the water molecules dissociation at high-speed drop impacts was suggested in a number of papers. This hypothesis was confirmed by some experimental data. The effect of this dissociation is hydrogen embrittlement of the metal surface layer. The work objective is the calculation and experimental verification of the given mechanism of the erosion destruction of the steel surface. Materials and Methods. Energy equations of various ways of the water molecules dissociation are considered for the calculation-analytical estimates. The Tate and van der Waals equations are used with allowance for the change in the phase states of water at impact. Experimental data are obtained on the basis of spectral analysis using visible monochromatic (qualitative analysis) and infrared (quantitative analysis) emissions. Research Results. An improved calculation apparatus is proposed to determine the energy level of the water molecules dissociation and free hydrogen release with account for the compressibility of water at achievable impact speeds. The results of spectral studies of bubble tracks formed on the experimental steel samples under the bench erosion tests are presented. The spectral analysis shows that the tracks are composed of air bubbles. Free hydrogen is not detected in them. Discussion and Conclusions. The calculated and experimental data obtained in this paper do not give grounds for confirming the hypothesis of hydrogen dissociation under the water-drop impacts with a steel surface in the impact velocity range of 200-600 m / s. Therefore, the mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement, apparently, should be excluded from the number of additive components of the droplet impingement erosive wear.

ALKALI AND POTASSIUM ALMATES ARE PERSPECTIVE HYDROGEN SUBSTITUTES

The statistical theory of phase transformations of the potassium alanate KAlH4 temperature decomposition leading to the formation of a more complex alanate K3AlH6 and potassium hydride KH and to further dehydrogenation of the latter with free hydrogen release, pure potassium and aluminum was developed on the basis of molecular-kinetic concepts. The free energies values of the decay phases are calculated, dependence of the decay phases and temperature, pressure, composition on metals, hydrogen concentration, activity of its atoms and energy parameters are found. Bialkaline alanates K2MAlH6 (M = Na, Li) and Na2LiAlH6 were also studied. A number of literary experimental graphs of the thermal decomposition processes for the alanates are given, from which the averaged values of the temperatures for the phase transformations are estimated. Plots of the free energies values of the phases at the different temperatures are plotted vs the concentration of hydrogen, the minima of which determine the equilibrium states. The possibility of two such minima appearance corresponding to the stable and metastable states of the phase is established. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium concentration for hydrogen was found, its specificity in the region of hydrogen concentration c = 0.5 was revealed. The graphs of the temperature dependence of free hydrogen releasing from each phase are obtained and such a graph for all chemical reactions of the alanate decomposition that occur also. On the latter one, fractures were found at the points of phase transitions, which can be experimentally manifested in the form of bends. Isotherms of hydrogen absorption-desorption processes and hydrogen content isoplets in phases are also constructed. The possibility of hysteresis effect is established. The results of calculations are compared with the experimental data, their qualitative correspondence is obtained.

Monte Carlo optimization of shielding for novel industrial free release measurement facility

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were done for the optimization of shielding configuration of a novel industrial radionuclide-specific pre-selection free release measurement facility. The shielding is made from unique bricks of concrete with very low specific activity of natural radionuclides. The final configuration was selected as a compromise between shielding volume and the simulated 1461keV full-energy peak detector count rates of natural 40K.

Platelet Reactivity in Hemophilia a. Flow Cytometry Study to Detect the Hemorragic Phenotype

INTRODUCTIONHemophilia A (HA) is a rare inherited genetic disorder linked to the X chromosome, characterized by joint bleeding in patients with severe disease with <1% of factor VIII (FVIII)(White et al. Thromb Haemost 2001). However, there are cases of severe HA with less bleeding than usual and it has been postulated that there must be other contributors to the hemorrhagic phenotype, including a platelet dysfunction (Van Bladel et al. Haematologica 2011).In this study we analyzed platelet reactivity in a cohort of 16 male patients with severe HA in prophylactic treatment by flow cytometry. The control group was 15 healthy male subjects.METHODSA longitudinal prospective observational study cohort was conducted. The study was performed according to the Declaration of Helsinki of 1975 (revised 1983), and was approved by the Ethics Committee of our Institution. Sixteen HA male patients without FVIII inhibitor aged 9-39 years (mean 22,75 years, SD 11,428) and 15 adult male healthy volunteers aged 26-48 years (mean 36,4 years, SD 6,6) were included. All subjects had normal platelet counts (150-450x103/µl). The blood was collected by antecubital venipuncture and avoiding the use of tourniquet to minimize the spontaneous activation of platelets during extraction. For HA patients blood samples were taken immediately before FVIII infusion (basal sample, 72h without FVIII) and 15 minutes after the infusion of FVIII. Levels of factor FVIII in plasma were determined using a chromogenic method. We analyzed platelet responsiveness, using the thrombin receptor activator peptide-6 (TRAP-6) as agonist, measuring the expression of CD62P and CD63 by flow cytometry. For microparticles analysis, percentages and number of events positive for CD62P and CD41 were gated for Annexin-V+ subpopulation. Endothelial cell-derived microparticles were identified as CD144+CD41-. To calculate the absolute count we considered the final volumes of each tube and it was expressed in events/µL for each subpopulation (Annexin-V +, CD41+, CD144+ and CD62P+). For the analysis of cytoplasmic free calcium release, whole blood was labelled with PerCP-Cy5.5-human anti-CD61 and the calcium sensitive dye Fluo-4-AM for 15 min at room temperature. Following adjustment of the basal fluorescence, samples were stimulated with the agonists TRAP-6 or adenine-5«-diphosphate sodium salt (ADP) and analyzed for 5 min by flow cytometer. Ionophore A23187 was used as a positive control for calcium mobilization. Afterwards mean fluorescence intensity values were analysed with the Kaluza flow cytometry analysis software (Beckman Coulter).RESULTSStatistical analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical software version 19.0.All values were expressed as mean ± SD for each experimental group.To compare the results in HA patients before and after administration of FVIII we used the t-Student test for means related, to compare HA patients and the control group we used the t-student test for independent samples. Data of calcium were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer for multiple comparisons. The minimum acceptable level of significance wasp<0.05.Basal levels of FVIII in plasma were4,58 ± 6,4%.The mean fluorescence intensity for CD62P after stimulation with TRAP was significantly lower in HA patients after infusion of FVIII compared to basal levels (p<0,05)(Table 1). Regarding microparticles (MPs), we detected higher expression of CD41+ MPs in HA patients after infusion of FVIII compared to basal expression, but not for CD41+CD62P+ MPs. Also, percentage of CD144+ MPs were significantly lower in HA patients after FVIII infusion (Table 2). Moreover, we did not find statistically significant differences comparing the release of calcium between the different groups (Table 3).CONCLUSIONIn this study severe HA patients in prophylactic treatment displayed normal platelet activation and microparticles plasmatic levels. However, the platelet activation marker CD62P after TRAP agonist and the endothelial cell origin microparticles expression were lower 15 minutes after the infusion factor VIII.AcknowledgmentsWe wish to thank to Pfizer providing economic support to this project. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresMelero-Amor:Pfizer: Research Funding. García Candel:Pfizer: Research Funding. García:Pfizer: Research Funding. Romecin:Pfizer: Research Funding. Iyu:Pfizer: Research Funding. Cabañas-Perianes:Pfizer: Research Funding. Pérez:Pfizer: Research Funding. O´Connor:Pfizer: Research Funding. Moraleda:Pfizer: Research Funding. Marín:Pfizer: Research Funding. Blanquer Blanquer:Pfizer: Research Funding.

Butyrate attenuates lipolysis in adipocytes co-cultured with macrophages through non-prostaglandin E2-mediated and prostaglandin E2-mediated pathways.

BackgroundInteractions between adipocytes and macrophages are associated with metabolic disorders. Production of pro-inflammatory mediators and the release of free fatty acids (FFAs) increase when these cells are co-cultured; butyrate significantly diminishes these effects by suppressing both the macrophage inflammatory and adipocyte lipolysis pathways. Butyrate is known to up-regulate the expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Therefore, we hypothesized that PGE2 is associated with the suppression of lipolysis by butyrate in co-culture.MethodsUsing contact or transwell co-culture methods with differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages, we investigated the effects of butyrate on the release of PGE2 into the medium and on lipolysis in adipocytes. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we examined the effects of butyrate on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in co-cultured cells, and cyclic adenine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A type 1-α regulatory subunit (PRKAR1A) in co-cultured adipocytes. Silent interfering (si)RNA targeting of G-protein–coupled receptor (GPR)41 and 109A was employed to examine the effect on lipolysis in TNF-α–stimulated adipocytes.ResultsCo-culture increased PGE2 release into the medium, compared with cells cultured separately. Butyrate significantly increased PGE2 production. Co-culture elevated COX2 expression in macrophages and adipocytes, and butyrate further enhanced this effect. Co-culture enhanced cytosolic PLA2 activity in macrophages, which was further enhanced by butyrate. As for lipolysis, co-culture increased the release of FFAs and free glycerol into the medium, whereas butyrate (and to a lesser extent, PGE2) suppressed FFAs and free glycerol release. An inhibition study using a prostaglandin E receptor 3–selective antagonist suggested that approximately 40% of the suppressive effect of butyrate depends on the PGE2-mediated pathway, whereas 60% depends on a non-PGE2–mediated pathway. Co-culture increased cAMP and PRKAR1A levels in adipocytes, whereas butyrate restored the levels to those of the control. Similarly, in TNF-α–stimulated adipocytes, butyrate reduced FFAs and free glycerol release. siRNA inhibition of GPR41 and GPR109A suggested that the GPR109A-mediated pathway predominates, but the GPR41-mediated pathway also regulates the effect of butyrate on lipolysis in TNF-α–stimulated 3T3-L1 cells.ConclusionsButyrate attenuates lipolysis in adipocytes co-cultured with macrophages via non-PGE2–mediated and PGE2-mediated pathways.

Energy release rate and criticality of multiscale defects kinetics

Configuration mechanics of solid with defects (microcracks, microshears) was used for statistical description of multiscale defect interaction, presentation of out-of-equilibrium free energy release rate and defects kinetics, which reveals specific type of criticality—structural-scaling transition. According to this transition defects kinetics occurs as generation of collective modes of defects that have the nature of self-similar solutions for defects kinetic equations. It is showm using original “in-situ” experiments that spatial-temporal scenario of collective modes leads to specific fractographic pattern on fracture surface and self-similar material responses in wide range of load intensity.

Assessment of agricultural power take-off (pto) drive shafts guards in field conditions

The power take-off (PTO) shafts, is one of the main ways to transfer power from the tractor to drive implements. To avoid accidents the PTO shaft must be covered with a protective shield device which consists of: a) cones at each end of the driveshaft; b) a protective cover along the telescopic tube; c) restraining devices (chain or other type) and d) pictograms or safety signs. The aim of this study was to verify the conditions of use of the guards for drive shafts in farms of Sao Paulo. From 112 tractor-implement set analyzed, 77 showed some device featured as “protection” of the drive shaft. In this research, the cones, the tubes, the restraining devices and safety signs were observed to identify the condition (integrity, damage, absence) of each part. From components analyzed, the cones and the tubes showed to be the most damage (63.6 and 71.4%, respectively). The most common damage of cones was cracks, cuts and dents. Also lashing with wire or rope and improvisations with plastic containers were found. Some tubes were incomplete, cut and found rotating free release on the drive shaft. In the case of restraint devices (little chain) and of pictograms, the absence (50.6 and 53.2%, respectively) is the most critical situation. Also improvisations of the restraining device made with wires and ropes were noticed. The low percentage of the condition “intact” points out to the poor quality of the protective material, confirmed by claims of users who say that some guards last less than six months and that it does not encourage them to replace them when damaged.

Decommissioning of the pool reactor Thetis in Ghent, Belgium

Abstract The Thetis research pool reactor (with a nominal power of 150 kW) of the Ghent University was operational from 1967 till December 2003. The first phase of the decommissioning of the reactor, the removal of the spent fuel from the site, took place in 2010. The cumulative dose received was only 404 man · μSv. During the second phase, the transition period between the removal of the spent fuel in 2010 and the start of the decommissioning phase in March 2013, 3-monthly internal inspections and inspections by Bel V, were performed. The third and final decommissioning phase started on March 18, 2013. The total dose received between March 2013 and August 2013 was 1561 man · μSv. The declassification from a Class I installation to a Class II installation was possible by the end of 2015. The activated concrete in the reactor pool will remain under regulatory control until the activation levels are lower than the limits for free release.

Hot β-scission of radicals formed via hydrogen abstraction

Often, the first step of fuel combustion is the formation of fuel radicals. These radicals can be formed via hydrogen abstraction and are typically rovibrationally excited due to the energy release from the reaction. These excitations increase the population at high energies, thus increase the probability for β-scission of the fuel radical. Hot β-scission of such non-thermal radicals can be interpreted as well-skipping reaction from the bimolecular hydrogen abstraction reactants to the dissociation products.In the present study, the impact of non-Boltzmann radical distributions on β-scission kinetics is screened for several hundred fuels. For that purpose, the free energy release between stable stationary points is predicted using group contribution theory. Based on that screening, fuel radicals with potentially pronounced β-scission of rovibrationally excited fuel radicals are picked for more detailed study.Hot β-scission is found to significantly contribute to the CO2 loss reactions of formate radicals formed via hydrogen abstraction. Especially for methyl formate, β-scission of non-thermal radicals is found to dominate over a wide range of temperature and pressure. This reveals the need for including the origin of reactants of β-scission reactions.

Evaluation of the efficacy of paclitaxel with curcumin combination in ovarian cancer cells.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of paclitaxel combined with curcumin (CUR) against drug resistance in ovarian cancer cells. PLGA-phospholipid-PEG nanoparticles were prepared using the nano precipitation method. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were determined using a transmission electron microscope and particle size analyzer. The encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles was determined using the ultrafiltration centrifugation method. The dialysis method was used to study the release of PLGA-phospholipid-PEG nanoparticles. ADM was used to induce the A2780 cell line (human ovarian cancer cell line) to establish the model of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) cell line, and the protein activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the A2780 cell line and A2780/ADM resistant cell line was determined using western blot analysis. The results showed that, the prepared nanoparticles were uniform in size, with a size of approximately 100 nm, and round in shape. Additionally, the nanoparticles had a more gentle and slow release than the free drug release. The results of the protein trace printing experiment showed that the P-gp content of the drug-resistant cell line was significantly reduced by the CUR nanoparticles. In conclusion, PLGA-phospholipid nanoparticles containing taxol and CUR have improved solubility and stability together with a slow release effect. In addition, CUR was able to overcome the MDR of tumor cells by elevating the paclitaxel concentration in the tumor cells to improve the antitumor activity of this combination.

High pressure CO2 CCS pipelines: Comparing dispersion models with multiple experimental datasets

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) presents the short-term option for significantly reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. Enabling CCS requires the development of capture, storage and transport methodologies. The safe transport of CO2 in CCS scenarios can be achieved through pipelines or by shipping. Either way, transport and temporary storage of pressurised liquid CO2 will be required and subject to quantitative risk assessment, which includes the consideration of the low-risk, low-probability puncture or rupture scenario of such a pipeline, ship or storage facility. In this work, we combine multiple experimental datasets all concerned with the atmospheric free release of pure and impure liquid CO2 from CCS-transport-chain-relevant high pressure reservoirs and perform the first multiple dataset comparison to numerical models for both pure and impure CO2 jets in dry ambient air with no water vapour. The results validate the numerical approach adopted and for the prediction of such releases, highlight the significance of the mixture fraction at the release point, over the mixture composition itself. A new method for impure CO2 dispersion modelling is introduced and limited preliminary comparisons of impure CO2 data and predictions are performed. No clear difference between pure and impure releases is found for the cases considered.