Half-life Research Articles

Meta-Analysis and Machine Learning Models for Anaerobic Biodegradation Rates of Organic Contaminants in Sediments and Sludge.

Anaerobic biodegradation rates (half-lives) of organic chemicals are pivotal for environmental risk assessment and remediation. Traditional experimental evaluation, constrained by prolonged, oxygen-free conditions, struggles to keep pace with emerging contaminants. Data-driven machine learning (ML) models serve as promising complements. However, reported quantitative structure-biodegradation relationships or ML models on anaerobic biodegradation are mostly based on small data sets (<100 records) and neglect experimental conditions, usually achieving compromised predictions. This work aimed to develop ML models for predicting the biodegradation half-lives of organic pollutants in anaerobic environments (i.e., sediment/soil and sludge). Focusing on important features of both chemicals and experimental conditions, we first curated two data sets, one for sediment/soil (SED) and the other for sludge (SLD), covering 978 records for 206 chemicals from the literature, and then conducted a meta-analysis. Next, we built a binary classification (half-life of 30 days as the cutoff) model with an accuracy of 81% and a regression model with R2 of 0.56 for SED based on LightGBM (80% and 0.31 for SLD based on Extra tree, respectively). The model interpretations underscored the significance of experimental conditions (e.g., temperature and inoculum dosage), as evidenced by their high feature importance, and the models were found to correctly capture the effects of chemical substructures, for example, branched structures and aromatic rings prolonged half-lives while methyl group and ortho-substitution on rings shortened half-lives. The applicability domains of the models were also defined, resulting in reasonable prediction for the half-lives of 41% (SED) or 67% (SLD) of over 4000 persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals. Overall, this study pioneers ML models for predicting the anaerobic degradation half-lives, offering valuable support for future evaluation and implementation of chemical anaerobic biodegradation.

Effect of Yttrium doping on enhancing the photocatalytic performance of TiO2/GO nanocomposite

Pure and Yttrium doped Titania/Graphene oxide (YTGO) nanocomposites were synthesized by hydrothermal method. XRD analysis confirmed the crystal structure and anatase phase of TiO2 nanoparticles. The anatase phase of TiO2 has been retained in the composite as confirmed from the XRD pattern. SEM and TEM images revealed that the spherical TiO2 nanoparticles are embedded into sheet like structures of GO. The size of the spherical nanoparticles in the composites is relatively smaller than that of pure sample due to anchoring on the GO sheets. The photocatalytic performance of TiO2 has significantly increased in the Y-doped TiO2 with GO compared to pure TiO2 and TiO2/GO (TGO). Moreover, 0.7 % Y-doped TiO2/GO nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic performance with overall efficiency of 97 % compared to other samples. The 0.7 % Y-doped TiO2/GO nanocomposite shows higher rate constant and shorter half life time compared to other samples. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity of YTGO composites attributed to the combination of increased absorption due to the absorption edge shift and effective separation of photo generated carriers.

Inosine pranobex-derived coordination complexes for self-adjuvant, self-carrier, and self-assembled vaccines in cancer immunotherapy

Inosine pranobex (InP), an immunomodulatory drug approved for clinical use worldwide, is a potential adjuvant for cancer vaccines with a low clinical translation barrier. However, the administration of soluble InP agents in free format is associated with drawbacks of a short half-life period and limited efficacy. In this study, a rapid self-assembly approach was proposed for the synthesis of cancer vaccines due to the coordination interaction of ferric ion and acedoben (Ace) in InP. The self-assembled cancer vaccines can be readily adjusted from the microscale to the nanoscale, with shapes including rods, fibers, and spheres. Herein, Fe-Ace coordination complexes not only serve as carriers for tumor antigens, but also enhance antigen-specific antitumor immunity due to their intrinsic adjuvant properties. Nanofibrous self-assembled cancer vaccines based on Fe-Ace coordination complexes more effectively induced an antitumor immune response, exerted a remarkable therapeutic effect, and inhibited the tumor growth at distant site in vivo, compared to free InP and other self-assembled cancer vaccines. The presented work provides a promising strategy for the rapid manufacture of InP-derived self-adjuvant, self-carrier, and self-assembled vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.

Searching for 76Ge neutrinoless double beta decay with the CDEX-1B experiment* *Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFA0402201, 2022YFA1604701, 2022YFA1605000) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12322511, 12175112, 12005111, 11725522)

We operated a p-type point contact high purity germanium (PPCGe) detector (CDEX-1B, 1.008 kg) in the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) for 500.3 days to search for neutrinoless double beta ( ) decay of 76Ge. A total of 504.3 kg day effective exposure data was accumulated. The anti-coincidence and the multi/single-site event (MSE/SSE) discrimination methods were used to suppress the background in the energy region of interest (ROI, 1989–2089 keV for this work) with a factor of 23. A background level of 0.33 counts/ (keV kg yr) was realized. The lower limit on the half life of 76Ge decay was constrained as , corresponding to the upper limits on the effective Majorana neutrino mass: 3.2–7.5 .

Photocatalytic Removal of the Endocrine Disruptor Chlorpyrifos using a ZnO.MoO3 Composite Supported on Al2O3

AbstractChlorpyrifos is an endocrine disruptor pesticide that induces breast cancer cell proliferation through Estrogen receptor alpha pathway in humans. It also has toxic effects on some beneficial insects like bees, wasps, and arthropods, even low levels of CP can kill fish in water. Thus, it is important to efficiently remove this compound from wastewaters to get rid of its hazardous effects. Al2O3 supported ZnO.MoO3 composite was prepared as an efficient material for photo‐degradation of chlorpyrifos under UV irradiation and characterized by SEM‐EDX, XRD and TG techniques. The XRD analysis showed the orthorhombic structures with band gap of 2.86 eV for ZnO.MoO3/Al2O3 which was 2.96 eV for MoO3/Al2O3. The kinetics of degradation depicted that ZnO.MoO3/Al2O3 afforded a complete degradation of chlorpyrifos with half life of only 3 minutes which otherwise was 24 minutes in the presence of MoO3/Al2O3. The complete mineralization of chlorpyrifos was confirmed by GC/MS analysis, where no peaks of intermediates were recorded. The prepared material also exhibited good recyclability without any leaching of Zn and Mo metals. Thus, ZnO.MoO3/Al2O3 is an efficient and cost effective material for removal of chlorpyrifos. Its potential may also be explored for the removal of other hazardous organic pollutants.

Application of therapeutic nucleic acids and RNA interference to create products for personalised medicine

INTRODUCTION. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are among the most promising types of therapeutic nucleic acids aiming at the inhibition of pathogenetically relevant gene expression through the RNA interference mechanism. However, the limited bioavailability and immunogenicity of siRNAs and imperfect delivery systems hinder the clinical potential and applicability of siRNA medicinal products.AIM. This study aimed to summarise recent advances in the development of siRNA medicinal products and the corresponding delivery systems, review clinical trial results, and outline future development prospects for these medicinal products.DISCUSSION. This article covers the molecular mechanisms underlying RNA interference, the considerations for siRNA development, and the techniques for effective siRNA delivery. The article dwells upon various systems for nucleic acid delivery to targeted cells. The most promising delivery systems are non-viral systems, including liposomes, exosomes, nanoparticles, polymers, cell-penetrating peptides, and GalNAc ligands. Their main advantages include their ease of complexation with nucleic acids, modification and functionalization potential, favourable safety profile, ability to cross biological barriers, and tropism to target tissues. The article summarises the information that has accumulated over the past few years in clinical trials of siRNA medicinal products for a range of conditions, including metabolic disorders, infections, and cancers, as well as hereditary, ophthalmic, renal, and hepatic diseases. Special attention is paid to siRNA medicinal products undergoing clinical trials (over 10 products) and approved for clinical use (6 products, including MIR 19, the first authorised Russian siRNA medicinal product).CONCLUSION. Ultimately, siRNA medicinal products are a promising tool for personalised medicine, exhibiting therapeutic potential for a wide range of pathological conditions. Further studies of siRNA medicinal products should aim at improving siRNA production technology to increase their bioavailability and half-life period. In addition, these studies should aim at enhancing delivery systems for these products to mitigate toxicity risks and maximise efficacy.

Mountain Captivity and Its Impact on the Marital, Family, and Religious Life of the North Caucasus Border Population in the First Half of the 19th Century

The article reveals the features of North Caucasian everyday life in the first half of the 19th century and the fate of people who suffered from the raids of the highlanders. The main attention is paid to the consequences of the destruction of families as a result of the loss of one of the spouses who was captured. The practice of entering into a new marriage and the attitudes of the Church to allowing a second wedding is shown. Based on the materials identified and first introduced into scientific circulation, the process of verifying the information presented in the petition for the conclusion of a new union, and the final result of such a procedure, is demonstrated. Participants in such proceedings included both men who had lost their wives and women who had forfeited their spouses and lost hope of their return from captivity in the mountains. The fate of children who found themselves in a foreign ethnic environment and over time left out their former national and religious identity is presented. Once acculturated, they often remained among their captors, adopting their lifestyle and mental attitudes. There were also examples of returning to one’s cultural roots, including in matters of faith. Religious affiliation was considered as the most important element of a person’s self-identification. The Church sought to preserve its flock and in this it found support from the official authorities.

POSSIBLE CONSTRUCTION FEATURES OF EQUIPMENT FOR RADONOMETRY OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS ON THE SEA SHELF DURING RESEARCH AT SHORE NPP SITES

Problem statement. Along with other natural gases that are freely discharged into the atmosphere in tectonic fault zones in Earth’s crust, the best-known one is the radioactive gas Radon (²²²Rn). The properties of this gas, namely inertness, short half-life period (up to 3.8 days) and availability of progeny distinguish it from other gases, such as methane, hydrogen, helium, etc. Another problem is determining the activity of tectonic faults identified by seismic exploration works in the waters near sites of future shore NPPs or those under construction. All the existing devices for offshore works were analyzed. Their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their suitability for radon research, have been revealed. Purpose of the article. In the paper, the need is substantiated to introduce radonometry for seismotectonic studies at shore NPP sites located in the sea and ocean shelf zones. Conclusions and results. As a result of analyzing the systems available for these purposes, it was deemed necessary to develop new types of devices different from the already existing ones and, for good measure, experimental prototypes. Moreover, there have been proposed their possible layout schemes. Layout schemes of specialized devices for radon research on the shelf, just as the need for such research, have been proposed and justified for the first time. Offshore radonometry conducted to identify the tectonic activity of revealed fault zones can become another additional factor that increases the operational reliability of future NPPs and, first of all, their hydraulic structures.

Comparative study of the quick action effect of multiple enzyme-based nano-emulsified oils in enhancing nitrate contamination remediation in groundwater

Emulsified vegetable oil (EVO), as a novel green slow-releasing substrate, has performed great potential in subsurface bioremediation due to its slow release and longevity. Nevertheless, the long time it takes to initiate this process still exposed some limitations. Herein, multiple enzyme-based EVOs (EN-EVOs) were developed to enhance the quick-acting effect in nitrate-contaminated bioremediation. This study demonstrated that EN-EVOs loaded with cellulose (c-EVO) and protein enzymes (p-EVO) performed best, not only did not change the advantages of traditional EVO, but also optimized the stability and particle size to the level of 0.8–0.9 and 247.95–252.25 nm, respectively. Nitrate (NO3–N) degradation further confirmed the superiority of c-EVO in rapidly initiating degradation and achieving stable denitrification. Compared with traditional EVO, the maximum start-up efficiency and the rapid achieving stable denitrification efficiency were improved by 37.6% and 1.71 times, respectively. In such situation, the corresponding NO3–N removal efficiency, kinetics rate constant (k1), and half-life period (t1/2) reached as high as 85.39%, as quick as 1.079 d−1, and as short as 0.64 d after 30-day cultivation. Meanwhile, the rapid conversion efficiency of NO2–N was observed (k2 = 0.083 d−1). High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the quick-acting process of NO3–N reduction coupled to c-EVO was mediated by microbial reducers (e.g., Ralstonia, Gulbenkiania, and Sphingobacterium) with regulations of narG, nirS and norB genes. Microorganisms with these genes could achieve quick-acting not only by enhancing microbial activity and the synthesis and metabolism of volatile fatty acids, but also by reducing the production and accumulation of loosely bound-extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS). These findings advance our understanding on fast-acting of NO3–N degradation supported by c-EVO and also offer a promising direction for groundwater remediation.

Immobilization of zirconium-modified activated carbon in an alginate matrix for the removal of atrazine: Preparation, performances and mechanisms

As an organic herbicide widely used in agriculture, atrazine has the characteristics of environmental persistence, high mobility and long half-life period, posing potential risks to the ecological environment. The materials commonly used to remove atrazine are powdered activated carbon and its modified materials, which have problems such as difficulty in recycling and secondary contamination. In order to solve the above problems, in this study, a new functional material EI-Zr@AC was prepared by immobilizing zirconium-modified activated carbon powder (Zr@AC) in an alginate matrix via the embedding immobilization (EI) technique, and was employed for removing atrazine in water. At the optimal preparation conditions of 2.5 % sodium alginate, 4.0 % CaCl2, 1.0 % Zr@AC and 2.0 % bentonite, the prepared EI-Zr@AC beads had the characteristics of high porosity, dense reticulation, and a large number of functional groups with optimal mechanical strength and mass transfer properties. When solution pH 3.0, temperature 25°C, and EI-Zr@AC dosage of 16 g/L, the removal efficiency of atrazine by EI-Zr@AC was 91.9 %. It showed that the atrazine removal by EI-Zr@AC was mainly the chemisorption and multimolecular layer adsorption. In addition, the EI-Zr@AC could be recycled after simple recycling method, and the removal of atrazine at 5.0 mg/L by the beads was still 55.5 % after five cycles, and the structure of the beads remained intact and Zr ion leaching rate was very low. The results showed that EI-Zr@AC was a kind of environmental remediation material with high application value.

Exogenous factors associated with legacy PFAS concentrations in the general U.S. population: NHANES 1999-2018

To reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure through legislation and other interventions, we must understand factors contributing to individual body burden. Identifying factors associated with serum perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) concentrations also aids in identifying groups at higher risk of adverse health outcomes due to elevated exposure. This exploratory analysis provides initial findings on exposure-related factors associated with legacy PFAS concentrations in the general United States (U.S.) population. We obtained National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets with individual serum PFAS measurements from cycle years 1999-2018 (N = 14,961), excluding the 2001-2002 cycle due to pooled sampling. Over 100 features were evaluated for associations with PFAS concentrations. Data were singly imputed using hot deck and predictive mean matching (PMM) methods, and model performance by imputation method was compared using elastic net regression (ENR) models. Hot-deck imputation explained the most variance in predictive models; thus, a dataset imputed via hot-deck was used for feature selection. ENR models were employed to identify the top variables associated with legacy PFAS concentrations, and selected features were put into linear mixed models to obtain beta estimates and standard errors. Survey year, demographic, income, place of birth and citizenship status, household size, dietary, health, food insecurity, general health and healthcare, housing, social and behavioral, and other characteristics were important factors associated with legacy PFAS concentrations in this nationally representative study population. A better understanding of exogenous factors associated with PFAS concentrations can influence future epidemiological studies, guiding decisions on adjustment for confounding, and advancing our understanding of factors that affect chemical half-lives and toxicokinetics.

Manganese Oxides with Different Morphologies In Situ Anchored onto Ti3C2Tx Nanosheets: Highly Effective Decontamination toward Sulfur Mustard Simulants.

Manganese oxides with porous structure and abundant active sites show potential in degrading sulfur mustard (HD). However, there is an interface effect between the oily liquid HD and nano oxides, and the powder is prone to agglomeration, which leads to incomplete contact and limited degradation ability. Here, we demonstrate a simple hydrothermal method for preparing MnO2/Ti3C2 composites to address this problem. The influence of morphology and crystal structure on performance are examined. Herein, flower-like MnO2 is loaded onto the surface or interlayer of Ti3C2-MXene nanosheets during in situ formation, significantly expanding the specific surface area. It also provides abundant acid-base sites and oxygen vacancies for the degradation of simulants 2-chloro-ethyl-ethyl thioether (2-CEES) without external energy, resulting in a reaction half-life as fast as 12.5 min. The relationship between structure and performance is clearly elaborated through temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analyses. Based on in situ attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the proposed degradation pathway of the 2-CEES molecule is a synergistic effect of hydrolysis, elimination, and oxidation. Furthermore, the products are nontoxic or low toxic. Metal oxide/MXene composites are first illustrated for their potential use in degrading sulfur mustard, suggesting new insights into these materials as novel decontamination for decomposing chemical warfare agents.

Dynamics of 137Cs content in higher aquatic plants of Kyiv and Kaniv Reservoirs

The study aimed to determine the temporal parameters of 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of Kyiv and Kaniv reservoirs. Parameters characterizing the dynamics of 137Cs content for hydrophytes (Potamogeton perfoliatus and Ceratophyllum demersum) and helophytes (Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia) were determined based on the results of 137Cs specific activity determination in the aboveground plant organs. Plant samples were collected in 1989–2021 from a polygonal area in the upper part of Kyiv reservoir (shallow waters near Strakholyssia village) and in 2000–2021 from a polygonal area in the middle part of the Kaniv reservoir (shallow waters near Rzhyschiv and the Borispol islands). A model of specific activity of aquatic organisms was substantiated (or developed) in case of exponential decrease in radionuclide levels in the environment. The main parameter of the model is the period of resulting halving of organism specific activity due to the decrease in radionuclide concentration in water, its irreversible fixation in bottom sediments, and radioactive decay. During 1989–2021, the half-life period of 137Cs specific activity in Potamogeton perfoliatus, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Phragmites australis of Kyiv reservoir was 5.4 years. Two time intervals were identified, characterized by different intensities of radionuclide specific activity decrease. During the periods of 1989–1996 (1998), the specific activity of 137Cs in the studied plant species decreased by half in approximately 2 years. For the time interval of 2011(2012)–2021, the half-life period of 137Cs content in Potamogeton perfoliatus and Ceratophyllum demersum increased on average to 12 years. A tendency towards a slowdown in the rate of specific activity decrease was observed for Phragmites australis. During 1987–1996, the half-life period of maximum 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of Kaniv reservoir was 2.1 years. Thus, during the first decade after the accident, the rates of 137Cs content decrease in plants of Kyiv and Kaniv reservoirs did not differ. In 2000–2021, the rate of 137Cs specific activity decrease in Potamogeton perfoliatus and Ceratophyllum demersum of Kaniv reservoir corresponded on average to a half-life period of about 20 years. For Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia, only a tendency to decrease in 137Cs activity was noted, corresponding to a half-life period of about 40 years. Over time, the half-life period of 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of Kyiv and Kaniv reservoirs increases, which is explained by the slowdown in the rate of decrease in volumetric activity of 137Cs in the waters of the Dnipro and Pripyat rivers. A model of 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of reservoirs for periods exceeding 20 years after accidental radionuclide entry into ecosystems of large plain reservoirs has been proposed. The parameters of the model describing the dynamics of 137Cs specific activity can be used for predictive assessments of 137Cs content in higher aquatic plants in the event of accidental radionuclide entry into ecosystems of large plain reservoirs.

The rate of the astrophysical 48Cr(p,γ)49Mn reaction and its influence on the potential A = 48 waiting point in the rp process

We have performed a detailed γ-ray spectroscopy study of the nucleus, 49Mn, using the GRETINA tracking array and FMA recoil separator. With this powerful new setup, low-spin excited states, which are most relevant for astrophysical processes, have been identified for the first time, including four proton-unbound levels, corresponding to key astrophysical resonances in the 48Cr(p,γ)49Mn reaction. Of these four levels, two were found to dominate the 48Cr(p,γ)49Mn reaction for temperatures, T = 0.2 − 1.4 GK, and uncertainties in the rate have been reduced by more than 3 orders of magnitude. Specifically, γ decays were observed from 1/2+ and 3/2− excited states at Ex = 2570.9(26) keV and 2595.8(21) keV, corresponding to an ℓ = 0 and ℓ = 1 resonance in the 48Cr + p system at Er = 482.9(84) keV and 507.9(83) keV, respectively. Present simulations of Type-I X-ray burst nucleosynthesis indicate that the newly defined 48Cr(p,γ) reaction rate is sufficiently fast to drive the flow of material towards higher masses in such environments. Consequently, despite the relatively long half life of 48Cr, we now do not expect a strong waiting point in the rp process at A = 48.

CONTINUOUS LEFT STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK DURING VT ABLATION TO SLOW VT AND IMPROVE ABLATION OUTCOME

Abstract Introduction Perioperative management of advanced patients with indication to ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is complex. A PAINESD score ≥ 15 was proposed to identify those who might benefit from pre–emptive mechanical cardiopulmonary support (MCS). We present a case successfully managed with continuous percutaneous left stellate ganglion block (C–PLSGB). Case A 71–year–old diabetic man with severe post–ischemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF 24%, NYHA Class III) and chronic pulmonary disease was admitted for electrical storm with multiple ICD shocks due to poorly tolerated monomorphic VT (MMVT) at 176 bpm resistant to anti–tachycardia pacing (ATP), despite ongoing chronic oral therapy with amiodarone and carvedilol. Poorly tolerated and ATP–resistant MMVTs at 170–180 bpm recurred despite intravenous (iv) amiodarone and lidocaine (20 mcg/kg/min) and oral propranolol. Ultrasound guided C–PLSGB was therefore started; lidocaine was chosen for the continuous infusion due to the short half–life, at the initial dose of 10 mg/h; 6 hours later, his poorly tolerated MMVT recurred at 167 bpm. Therefore, at first we increased iv lidocaine to 30 mcg/kg/min, without benefit, then we increased C–PLSGB at 37.5 mg/h and decreased iv lidocaine to 20 mcg/kg/min due to neurological symptoms. With this regimen, the patient stayed VT free for 2 hours, then the clinical VT recurred at 130 bpm, with good hemodynamic tolerability and ATP–response. C–PLSGB infusion was than increased to 75 mg/h, with no more VT. Endocardial VT ablation was planned. Despite a very high PAINESD score (31) we decided to avoid pre–emptive MCS. We stopped lidocaine (both iv and as C–PLSGB) 2 hours before ablation. As soon as the patient came in the EP room (before instrumentation), the clinical MMVT recurred at 133 bpm. C–PLSGB was then resumed (initially at 100 mg/h for 30 minutes, then at 37.5 mg/h). The MMVT then spontaneously recurred at 133 bpm: it was mapped and ablated in the medio–apical anterior wall, with acute VT interruption. A second VT morphology then appeared, that was mapped and ablated at a more basal site, despite a partial epicardial component of the circuit was identified. C–PLSGB was then stopped and no more VT occurred nor were induced 1 hour later. At 8 months the patient is still alive with no more VT. Conclusion C–PLSGB with individually tailored infusion rates could be used during VT ablation as a mean to reduce VT cycle length and allow for mapping without MCS.

Preparation and properties of carbon dioxide foamed concrete using nanoparticles as foam stabilizer and pre–carbonated cement slurry

The stability of carbon dioxide (CO2) foam is critical for preparation and performance of CO2 foamed concrete (CFC). This study evaluated the effectiveness of nanoparticles for stabilizing CO2 foam and pre–carbonation of cement slurry for mitigating CO2 foam loss during CFC preparation, and conducted a comparative study of CO2 foam, pre-carbonized slurry and CFC, aiming at preparing CFC with excellent performance. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of nano–silica can significantly enhance the stability of CO2 foam, with an improved half–life and diameter distribution. The pre–carbonation process optimized consistency and alkalinity of cement slurry and increased the retention rate of CO2 foam after its introduction into cement slurry, thereby facilitating the production of low–density CFC. CFC exhibits high compressive strength and early internal temperature, and has a low water absorption. The presence of CO2 within pores and their subsequent formation of potential negative pressure via carbonation reaction contributed to a much lower thermal conductivity of CFC compared to air foamed concrete. Moreover, a thin layer of calcium carbonate was formed on the inner wall, which can densify the microstructure and modify the pores. Although the carbonation degree of CFC may be lower compared to that of conventional carbonation–cured foamed concrete, the internal and uniform carbonation within CFC greatly enhanced material strength. The non–destructive nuclear magnetic resonance results show that CFC has a more concentrated pore size distribution with fewer fine pores and a smaller pore throat radius.

Evaluating the influence of unpaired nucleon on alpha clusterization in heavy Nuclei with N at 126

The determination of preformation factor was successively done for 343 nuclei: 212Po, 105 even-even, 85 odd-even, 78 even-odd and 75 odd-odd nuclei using the representation of clusterization states (RCS) and cluster-formation model (CFM) (Saleh Ahmed, 2017). As CFM well described the alpha clustering of the ground states of the nuclei, it was considered as bases of describing the effect of the last unpaired nucleon. The typical nucleus 212Po and the nuclei 213Po, 213At and 214At, or Po isoalpha group, which have the same alpha cluster were chosen to evaluate the hindrance of alpha clustering by their last unpaired nucleons. The hindrance was expressed in an initiated factor, named “alpha clustering hindrance factor”. The results agreed with others that have preformation factor using different methods and used to reproduce more accurate alpha decay half lives using Viola-Seaborg semiempirical formula for odd-even Po isotopes The alpha-formation hindrance factor showed an interesting behaviour that plays an important role in the provision of more information about the nuclear structure.

Survival of transfused red blood cells from a donor with alpha-thalassemia trait in a recipient with sickle cell disease.

Post-transfusion survival of donor red blood cells (RBCs) is important for effective chronic transfusion therapy in conditions including sickle cell disease (SCD). Biotin labeling RBCs allows direct in vivo measurement of multiple donor RBC units simultaneously post-transfusion. In an observational trial of patients with SCD receiving monthly chronic transfusion therapy, aliquots of RBCs from one transfusion episode were biotin-labeled and infused along with the unlabeled RBC units. Serial blood samples were obtained to measure RBC survival. Donor units were tested for RBC indices, hemoglobin fractionation, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity. For microcytic donor RBCs (MCV < 70 fL), HBA1 and HBA2 genetic testing was performed on whole blood. We present one recipient, a pediatric patient with SCD and splenectomy who received two RBC units with aliquots from each unit labeled at distinct biotin densities (2 and 18 μg/mL biotin). One donor unit was identified to have microcytosis (MCV 68.5 fL after biotinylation); whole blood sample obtained at a subsequent donation showed 2-gene deletion alpha-thalassemia trait (ɑ-3.7kb/ɑ-3.7kb) and normal serum ferritin. G6PD activity was >60% of normal mean for both. The RBCs with alpha-thalassemia RBC had accelerated clearance and increased surface phosphatidylserine post-transfusion, as compared with the normocytic RBC (half life 65 vs. 86 days, respectively). Post-transfusion RBC survival may be lower for units from donors with alpha-thalassemia trait, although the impact of thalassemia trait donors on transfusion efficacy requires further study.

Tetra-Ln3+-Implanted Tellurotungstates Covalently Modified by dl-Malic Acid: Proton Conduction and Photochromic Properties.

Three unique dl-malic acid covalently modified tetra-Ln3+-implanted tellurotungstates [H2(CH3)2]9NaH9[Ln4(H2O)14W6O13(OH)5(Mal)2(B-α-TeW9O33)4]·48H2O [Ln = La3+ (1), Ce3+ (2), Pr3+ (3); H3Mal = dl-malic acid] were fabricated by reacting Na2TeO3, Na2WO4·2H2O, Mal, and LnCl3·6H2O with dimethylamine hydrochloride in an aqueous solution. The most prominent architectural feature of these compounds is the covalent connection mode of an organic ligand and a polyoxometallate backbone, which is relatively rare in the realm of polyoxotungstates. The tetrameric polyanion can be deemed as four [TeW9O33]8- fragments fused together via an intriguing hexanuclearity [W6O13(OH)5(Mal)2Ln4(H2O)14]13+ cluster. Impedance measurements manifest that all three complexes display splendid proton conduction properties, with an exceptional conductivity for 2 up to 2.48 × 10-2 S·cm-1 under 85 °C and 95% relative humidity. Moreover, compounds 1 and 3 exhibited fast reversible photochromic properties with allochroic half-life periods t1/2 of 1.046 and 0.544 min, respectively.

Chemical kinetics and thermodynamics of PPO activity, colour changes and microbial degradation during blanching of the sugarcane billets.

Sugarcane juice, which has a short shelf life, is a popular thirst-quenching and rejuvenating beverage worldwide. The limited shelf life is a result of changes in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, total plate count (TPC) and color attributes (L*, a* and b*-values). We hypothesized that chemical kinetics and thermodynamics of blanched sugarcane cane juice causing alterations in PPO, TPC, and L, a* and b*-values will address the challenges of sugarcane juice preservation. Sugarcane billets were blanched at variable time-temperature combinations in the range 0-20 min and 70-90 °C. Reaction rates increased with increasing temperature; PPO activity, TPC and colour followed first-order kinetics. PPO activity had an activation energy (Ea) of 81 kJ mol-1. The half life (t½) dropped from 16.5 to 3.47 min and decimal reduction time (D-values) dropped from 54.83 to 11.52 min. Thus reactions were temperature-sensitive. Thermodynamic studies indicated an endothermic (positive enthalpy values, ΔH > 0; 78.10 kJ mol-1) and reversible process (negative entropy values ΔS < 0; -0.044 kJmol-1 K-1). Michaeli-Menten constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) of PPO activity were determined by adding variable lemon juice concentrations in sugarcane juice. As the Km values increased (from 5.53 to 15.81 mm) and Vmax values decreased (from 666.67 to 384.61 UmL-1), a Lineweaver-Burk plot suggested decreased PPO affinity of sugarcane juice. The results of the present study indicate that studies on chemical kinetics and thermodynamics (PPO, TPC and L, a* and b*-values) of blanched sugarcane cane juice shall mitigate challenges of sugarcane juice preservation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.