Pb Interactions Research Articles

Strangeness production in light and intermediate size nucleus–nucleus collisions

Within the statistical model, the net strangeness conservation and incomplete total strangeness equilibration lead to the suppression of strange particle multiplicities. Furthermore, suppression effects appear to be stronger in small systems. By treating the production of strangeness within the canonical ensemble formulation we developed a simple model which allows to predict the excitation function of K+/π+ ratio in nucleus–nucleus collisions. In doing so we assumed that different values of K+/π+, measured in p + p and Pb + Pb interactions at the same collision energy per nucleon, are driven by the finite size effects only. These predictions may serve as a baseline for experimental results from NA61/SHINE at the CERN SPS and the future CBM experiment at FAIR.

Influences of the third and fourth nearest neighbouring interactions on the surface anisotropy of face-centred-cubic metals

The structure and the anisotropic properties of the surfaces of face-centred-cubic (FCC) metals have been studied using the broken-bond model while considering the third and fourth nearest neighbouring (3rd and 4th NN) interactions. The pair potential expressions are obtained using the Rose–Vinet universal potential equation. The model is suitable for calculation of the property of a surface with arbitrary crystallographic orientations and can provide absolute unrelaxed surface energy values using three input parameters, namely the lattice constant, bulk modulus and cohesive energy. These parameters are available for the majority of FCC metals. The numerical results for 7 FCC metals have been obtained and compared with these obtained from ab initio calculations and experimental measurements. Good agreement is observed between the two. Taking into account up to the 4th NN interactions, the overall surface energy anisotropy for FCC metals was found to be between 12% to 16%, and the ratio between the surface energies at (100) and (111) planes was found to be 1.05. These values are less than those reported by conventional calculations but more similar to experimental measurements. It is found that the strength of 3rd and 4th NN interactions differs from one element to another, the Ni and Cu interactions being the most significant while the Au, Pt and Pb interactions are the least significant. This suggests that the polar diagrams of the surface energy of Ni and Cu are different from those of Au, Pt and Pb by showing cusps of the unconventional {110} and high-index {210}, {311} and possibly {135} poles. This provides explanations to the recent experimental observations of the {110}, {210}, {311} and {135} facets in equilibrated Ni and Cu crystallines.

DNA Wrapped Metallic Single-walled Carbon Nanotube Sensor for Pb (II) Detection

Based on the interaction of Pb (II) ions with nucleic acid via phosphate groups and nucleic bases of the deoxyribonucleic acid structure, an electrochemical sensor with DNA wrapped metallic single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) has been fabricated for sensitive and selective detection of lead ion (Pb2+). The sensor shows a rapid differential pulse voltammetry signal response to the content of Pb2+, and a quantitative detection of Pb2+ has been established with an expanded linear responsive range from 1 × 10−9 to 1.0 × 10−8 mol L−1 (R = 0.9979) and a detection limit of 4.1 × 10−10 mol L−1 in buffer solution (pH 5.0). Furthermore, the sensor displayed a negligible differential pulse voltammetry signal response for other metal ions, indicating its high selectivity for Pb2+. The investigation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry in buffer solution demonstrated that metallic SWNTs played an important role in enlarging current response and increasing sensitivity of the sensor.

Interactions of Pb and Te atoms with graphene

PbTe nanocrystals were deposited onto the surface of graphene and used as a reservoir of Pb and Te atoms. Electron beam irradiation at 80 kV caused Pb and Te atoms to mobilize and disperse across the surface of graphene. We studied the dynamics of these atoms in real time using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. The Pb and Te atoms were found to attach to the surface layer of amorphous carbon that resides upon the graphene, as well as its edge. Pb and Te atoms were not found residing on pristine graphene, but were found to bond to the free edge states along graphene hole edges. Small PbTe nanoclusters tended to only form on the surface of the amorphous carbon regions and not on pristine graphene.

Partitioning of Pb(II) during goethite and hematite crystallization: Implications for Pb transport in natural systems

The interaction (e.g., adsorption and incorporation) of Pb with iron(III) (oxyhydr)oxide minerals has a significant influence on its partitioning and transport in many natural systems (e.g., rivers). The incorporation of Pb during ferrihydrite crystallization to hematite and goethite at neutral and alkaline pH, in the presence and absence of sulphate SO42- has been studied using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), electron microscopic techniques and chemical extraction procedures. The XRD data showed that hematite and goethite were the end-products of crystallization at pH 5, whereas goethite was the sole product at pH 13. The Pb partitioning data revealed that upon crystallization at pH 5, ∼60% of the initially adsorbed Pb remained on the surface of the crystalline hematite/goethite, while ∼20% became incorporated with the remaining ∼20% released back into solution. Lead incorporation occurred primarily during the initial stage of ferrihydrite crystallization prior to hematite/goethite formation at pH 5. The presence of SO42- at pH 5 had little influence on the partitioning of Pb or mineral phases formed. At pH 13, 52% of the adsorbed Pb was incorporated during crystallization to goethite. Lead incorporation into this phase occurred over the entire crystallization process with adsorbed Pb incorporated during goethite crystal growth. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and unit cell size data demonstrated that Pb did not replace Fe within the structure of hematite or goethite, but was incorporated into defects or nanopores within the iron (oxyhydr)oxides.

Amending Soils With Phosphate As Means To Mitigate Soil Lead Hazard: A Critical Review Of The State Of The Science

Ingested soil and surface dust may be important contributors to elevated blood lead (Pb) levels in children exposed to Pb contaminated environments. Mitigation strategies have typically focused on excavation and removal of the contaminated soil. However, this is not always feasible for addressing widely disseminated contamination in populated areas often encountered in urban environments. The rationale for amending soils with phosphate is that phosphate will promote formation of highly insoluble Pb species (e.g., pyromorphite minerals) in soil, which will remain insoluble after ingestion and, therefore, inaccessible to absorption mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Amending soil with phosphate might potentially be used in combination with other methods that reduce contact with or migration of contaminated soils, such as covering the soil with a green cap such as sod, clean soil with mulch, raised garden beds, or gravel. These remediation strategies may be less expensive and far less disruptive than excavation and removal of soil. This review evaluates evidence for efficacy of phosphate amendments for decreasing soil Pb bioavailability. Evidence is reviewed for (1) physical and chemical interactions of Pb and phosphate that would be expected to influence bioavailability, (2) effects of phosphate amendments on soil Pb bioaccessibility (i.e., predicted solubility of Pb in the GIT), and (3) results of bioavailability bioassays of amended soils conducted in humans and animal models. Practical implementation issues, such as criteria and methods for evaluating efficacy, and potential effects of phosphate on mobility and bioavailability of co-contaminants in soil are also discussed.

Photoproduction of ρ0 in ultra–peripheral nuclear collisions at ALICE

Photoproduction of ρ0 mesons in ultra-peripheral Pb+Pb collisions has been studied by the ALICE Collaboration at the CERN LHC. The strong photon flux associated with relativistic charged nuclei leads to a very large cross section for exclusive photoproduction of ρ0 meson in interactions of the type Pb + Pb → Pb + Pb + ρ0. For a ρ0 produced at mid-rapidity at the LHC, the photon-nucleus center of mass energy is higher than in any previous experiment.The ALICE detector is a general purpose detector dedicated to study heavy-ion collisions. ALICE has excellent performance in the low pT region, and can reconstruct charged particle tracks with 0.1 GeV/c ≤ pT ≤ 100 GeV/c. In this analysis all tracks were required to be within ALICE's central barrel. Analysis of data from the first heavy ion run at the LHC in 2010 will be discussed in this paper.

Interaction between Cd and Pb in the soil-plant system: a case study of an arid oasis soil-cole system

The Hexi Corridor, our study area, is located in Northwest China and is also the most developed area of oasis farming in arid regions of Northwestern China. However, the rapid development of metallurgy and chemical industries in this region poses a great threat to the accumulation of heavy metals in crops. The objectives of this study are (1) to determine the influence of heavy metals on plant growth; (2) to assess the translocation capability of heavy metals in soil-plant system; and (3) to investigate the interaction between heavy metals. Pot experiments were conducted on cole (Brassica campestris L.) grown in the arid oasis soils singly and jointly treated with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Nine treatments were applied into the pots. Under the same planting conditions, three scenarios of Cd, Pb and Cd-Pb were designed to compare the interaction between Cd and Pb. The results showed that the response of cole weights to Cd, Pb and Cd-Pb treatments was slight, while Cd and Pb uptakes in cole were more sensitive to the single effects of Cd and Pb concentration in soils from the lower treatment levels. Under the influence of the single Cd, Pb and joint Cd-Pb treatments, Cd concentrations were lower in the cole roots than in the shoots, while for Pb, the results were opposite. Comparison studies revealed that the interaction of Cd and Pb could weaken the cole’s ability to uptake, concentrate and translocate heavy metals in arid oasis soils.

Participation of Catalase in Voluntary Ethanol Consumption in Perinatally Low‐Level Lead‐Exposed Rats

Environmental lead (Pb) exposure and alcohol abuse pose significant public health problems for our society. One of the proposed mechanisms of action of the developmental neurotoxicant Pb is related to its ability to affect antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT). Ethanol's (EtOH) motivational effects are postulated to be mediated by the CAT-dependent acetaldehyde generated in the brain. The current study sought to investigate the role of this enzyme in the elevated EtOH intake previously reported in perinatally Pb-exposed rats. Thirty-five-day-old male Wistar rats exposed to 220 ppm Pb during gestation and lactation were offered escalating EtOH solutions (2 to 10%) or water, 2 h/d for 28 days. Once baseline 10% EtOH intake was achieved, they were injected with (i) saline (SAL), (ii) 3-amino 1,2,4 triazole (aminotriazole [AT], a CAT inhibitor, 250 mg/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.], 5 hours before the last 8 EtOH intake sessions), or (iii) 3-nitropropionic acid (3NPA; a CAT activator, 20 mg/kg subcutaneously [s.c.], 45 minutes before the last 4 EtOH intake sessions). Rats were then sacrificed, blood collected, and brain regions harvested for CAT activity determination. Additional studies evaluated EtOH intake and CAT activity in response to 10 and 30 mg/kg 3NPA. Both 3NPA and AT were evaluated for striatal cytotoxicity. We observed that AT pretreatment blunted the increased EtOH intake, as well as the elevated CAT activity in blood, cerebellum, and hippocampus evidenced in the developmentally Pb-exposed rats that have consumed EtOH. Conversely, 20 mg/kg 3NPA further increased voluntary EtOH intake in these animals as compared with controls, concomitantly with a slight elevation in CAT activity both in blood and in the striatum, associated with no changes in striatal cytotoxicity. These results suggest a participation of CAT, and possibly acetaldehyde, in Pb-induced high EtOH intake, and open up new avenues to elucidate the mechanism that underlies the Pb and EtOH interaction.

Synthesis of stable diphenyl-di(germylene) and diphenyl-di(plumbylene)

Reaction of the 3,3′,4,4′tetra(alkylamino) diphenyl 2 with 2 equiv of Ge[N(TMS)2]2 or Pb[N(TMS)2]2 lead to the formation of the rigid ditopic digermylene 3 and diplumbylene 4, respectively. The molecular structures of 3 and 4 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods revealing intermolecular E⋯Ar (E = Ge, Pb) interactions.

Conformational analysis and intramolecular interactions in monosubstituted phenylboranes and phenylboronic acids

A 1TSJF,H(O) coupling pathway, dictated by a hydrogen bond, in some 2-fluorobenzoic acids has been observed, while such an interaction does not occur in 2-fluorophenol. Thus, this work reports the conformational analysis of 2-fluorophenylboronic acid (1), in order to evaluate a possible intramolecular OH∙∙∙F hydrogen bond in comparison to an nF→pB interaction, which mimics the quantum nF→σ*OH hydrogen bond that would be expected in 2-fluorophenol. 2-Fluorophenylborane (3), which does not experience hydrogen bonding, was used to verify whether nF→pB interaction governs the conformational equilibrium in 1 due to a predominant OH∙∙∙F hydrogen bond or to other effects. A series of 2-X-phenylboranes (X = Cl, Br, NH2, PH2, OH and SH) were further computationally analyzed to search for electron donors to boron, capable of influencing the conformational equilibrium. Overall, the intramolecular OH∙∙∙F hydrogen bond in 1 is quite stabilizing and dictates the 1hJF,H(O) coupling constant. Moreover, electron donation to the empty p orbital of boron (for noncoplanar BH2 moiety relative to the phenyl ring) is also significantly stabilizing for the NH2 and PH2 derivatives, but not enough to make the corresponding conformers appreciably populated, because of steric effects and the loss of πCC→pB resonance. Thus, the results found earlier for 2-fluorophenol about the lack of intramolecular hydrogen bonding are now corroborated.

Cadmium and lead bioavailability and their effects on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons biodegradation by spent mushroom substrate

Bioremediation of mixed metal-organic soil pollution constitutes a difficult task in different ecosystems all around the world. The aims of this work are to determine the capacity of two spent mushroom substrates (Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus) to immobilize Cd and Pb, to assess the effect of these metals on laccase activity, and to determine the potential of spent A. bisporus substrate to biodegrade four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH): fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene, when those toxic heavy metals Cd and Pb are present. According to adsorption isotherms, spent P. ostreatus and A. bisporus substrates showed a high Pb and Cd adsorption capacity. Pb and Cd interactions with crude laccase enzyme extracts from spent P. ostreatus and A. bisporus substrates showed Cd and Pb enzyme inhibition; however, laccase activity of A. bisporus presented lower inhibition. Spent A. bisporus substrate polluted with PAH and Cd or Pb was able to biodegrade PAH, although both metals decrease the biodegradation rate. Spent A. bisporus substrate contained a microbiological consortium able to oxidize PAH with high ionization potential. Cd and Pb were immobilized during the bioremediation process by spent A. bisporus substrate. Consequently, spent A. bisporus substrate was adequate as a multi-polluted soil bioremediator.

Metal accumulation kinetics by the estuarine macroalga, Fucus ceranoides

The kinetics of Cu, Cd and Pb accumulation by the macroalga, Fucus ceranoides, was studied under simulated estuarine conditions. Accumulation of Cu and Pb proceeded via a pseudo-first-order reaction that was reversible, suggesting desorption or efflux of accumulated metal, with forward rate constants on the order of 0.1 h−1. For both metals, reaction reversibility increased and the equilibrium constant decreased with increasing salinity (from 1 to 33.5) and system response times were <10 h throughout. Accumulation of Cd proceeded via a first-order reaction that was irreversible, suggesting little desorption or efflux of metal, with rate constants that decreased with increasing salinity (from 0.023 to 0.015 h−1) and reaction half-lives ranging from approximately 30–50 h. Inorganic equilibrium speciation calculations suggest that interactions of Cu, Cd and Pb principally involve the respective free ions, but that additional ions (e.g. CdCl+) and biotic processes may also be significant.

Alteration of the structure and function of photosystem I by Pb2+

The toxic effects of Pb2+ on photosynthetic electron transport were studied in photosystem I (PSI) submembrane fractions isolated from spinach. Structural and spectroscopic analysis using FTIR, fluorescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that Pb2+ binds with proteins via oxygen and nitrogen atoms with an overall binding constant of KPb-PSI=4.9×103 (±0.2) M−1 and the number of bound Pb2+ cation was 0.9 per PSI complex. Pb2+ binding altered the protein conformation indicating a partial protein destabilization. Electron transport and P700 photooxidation/reduction measurements showed that the interaction of Pb2+ cations with PSI produced a donor side limitation of electron transport presumably due to Pb2+ binding to or in the vicinity of plastocyanin.

Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Plant Growth and Content of Heavy Metals in Arugula Cultivated in Nutritive Solution

A greenhouse assay using an arugula (Eruca sativa L.) hydroponics system was carried out to evaluate the following effects of increasing amounts of cadmium and lead in nutritive solution: (a) production; (b) translocation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) throughout the plants; (c) possible interactions of Cd and Pb with other mineral elements, transition metals, essential to plants; (d) tolerance limits to Cd and Pb with regard to production; and (e) chelating interaction of Cd and Pb with root substances. The absorption of Cd and Pb increased with increasing dosages in solution. Roots accumulated larger amounts of metals than shoots. Plants develop better with less than 0.025 mg L−1 of Cd, with a damaging Cd concentration of 1 mg L−1. The tolerable Pb concentration was up to 10 mg L−1. Cadmium and Pb translocate poorly in plants and their deleterious effect is due to the deposit of very stable chelates in roots.

Gribovʼs inelastic screening in high energy nucleus–nucleus interaction

We show that at LHC energies an accounting for the Gribovʼs screenings in the framework of the quasi-eikonal approach generalized for nucleus–nucleus interactions leads to a significant (∼19%) decrease in the number of participating nucleons and intra-nuclear collision multiplicity for Pb+Pb interactions. Predictions for other energies and interactions are given also.

Protective role of N-Acetyl L-Cysteine against reproductive toxicity due to interaction of lead and cadmium in male Wistar rats

Introduction:One of the target organs of heavy metals is testis and many authors proposed that oxidative stress could be responsible to induce their toxicity. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) toxicity, their toxicodynamic interaction and to evaluate therapeutic potential of N-Acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) against the reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.Material and methods:rats were randomly divided into 8 groups comprising of 6 rats in each. Group 1 and 2 were syam and NAC control, Group 3, 4 and 5 were kept as toxic control groups such as lead, cadmium and lead + cadmium respectively, where as Group 6, 7 and 8 were therapeutic groups with NAC. The experiment scheduled for 3 months. Body weights, anti-oxidant profile (GSH, GST, TBARS and protein carbonyls) in testis, testis weight, testicular LDH, sperm count and histopathology were conducted. And also, interaction of Pb and Cd with zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in testis was assessed.Results:The present study revealed significant alterations in body weights, anti-oxidant profile, weights of testes, testicular LDH, sperm count, and concentration of Zn and Cu in toxic control groups 3, 4 and 5 as compared to control and NAC-treated groups. The toxic combination (Pb+Cd) group 5 showed significant alterations in protein carbonyls, GST levels and testicular LDH as compared to Pb and Cd alone administered groups and these results are substantiated with marked changes in the histopathology. All the NAC-treated groups revealed significant improvement in all the parameters.Conclusion:The results of the investigation revealed that Pb, Cd and their combination induces toxicity to the biological system due to the excess generation of free radicals and impairment of anti-oxidant defenses. Toxic effects were more pronounced in the group that received a combination of Pb and Cd, suggesting positive toxicodynamic interaction. Use of NAC countered the adverse effects of Pb and Cd induced toxicity to a major extent suggesting its anti-oxidant potential owing to replenishment of tissue pool of GSH. Further, NAC administration reduced the extent of accumulation of Pb and Cd in various tissues.

Removal of Hg and Pb in Aqueous Solution using Coal Fly Ash Adsorbent

Hg and Pb are considered as toxic metals. They cause serious environmental problem when pollute aquatic system, on the other hand there are many wastes from coal combustion activity especially from thermal power plant. To protect environment, adsorption of Hg and Pb using coal fly ash was proposed. This work purposed to determine the capability of coal fly ash to remove Hg and Pb in aqueous solution. Several laboratory experiments were performed during this work. Isotherm adsorption was done using Hg and Pb concentration in the range of 1-100ppm for fixed mass of coal fly ash.Characterisation of coal fly ash (before and after interaction with Hg and Pb) was done by FTIR to reveal the interaction of Hg and Pb -coal fly ash. The result showed that coal fly ash had capability to remove Hg and Pb. Characterisation of coal fly ash using FTIR revealed the mode ofHg and Pb bond to coal flyash.

Detection of lead (II) with a “turn-on” fluorescent biosensor based on energy transfer from CdSe/ZnS quantum dots to graphene oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) sheets are mixed with the aptamer-functionalized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). Consequently, the aptamer-conjugated QDs bind to the GO sheets to form a GO/aptamer-QD ensemble, which enables the energy transfer from the QDs to the GO sheets, quenching the fluorescence of QDs. The GO/aptamer–QD ensemble assay acts as a “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for Pb2+ detection. When Pb2+ ions are present in the assay, the interaction of Pb2+ with the aptamer induces a conformational change in the aptamer, leading to the formation of a G-quadruplex/Pb2+ complex. As a result, the QDs that are linked to the G-quadruplex/Pb2+ complex are detached from the GO sheet, which “turns on” the fluorescence of the QDs. This sensor exhibits a limit of detection of 90pM and excellent selectivity toward Pb2+ over a wide range of metal ions. The experiments have provided direct evidence that the fluorescence of QDs is quenched by GO via the nano-metal surface energy transfer (NSET) mechanism rather than the conventional Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process.

The Effects of Iron Deficiency on Lead Accumulation in Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Seedlings

Understanding the effects of root Fe deficiency on the uptake and translocation of toxic metals can be important for improving the phytoremediation strategies of polluted soils. The present study investigated how Fe nutritional status affects the uptake and root-to-shoot-translocation of Pb in hydroponically grown seedlings of (Mill.) Swingle. The interactions of Fe deficiency and Pb were assessed by measuring the root Fe(III) reductase activity, carboxylic acids concentration in root exudates, root and shoot biomass, and accumulation of Pb and other metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) in roots and leaves of Fe-sufficient (+Fe) and Fe-deficient (-Fe) plants. The results indicate that Fe deficiency induced 18-fold higher Fe(III) reductase activity in roots compared with +Fe plants, which was followed by increased root exudation of citric acid (28.2 ± 1.39 in +Fe and 498 ± 256.4 μmol g DW 2 h in -Fe plants). Iron deficiency also induces a significant decrease of root and shoot dry weight compared with the control +Fe plants, whereas 2-wk Pb (20 μM) treatment did not influence root and shoot growth. Iron-sufficient plants accumulated more Pb (56.8 ± 17.29 μg g) in leaves than -Fe plants (21.5 ± 8.10 μg g). Two weeks of exposure to Pb significantly decreased Fe(III) reductase activity and accumulation of Fe, Zn, and Mn in the roots of -Fe plants. It is hypothesized that 2 wk of root exposure to Pb blocks functioning of a specific Fe transport system activated under Fe deficiency.