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2010-01-01
CdO doped (doping concentration 0, 1, 3 and 16wt%) ZnO nanostructured thin films are grown on quartz substrate by pulsed laser deposition and the films are annealed at temperature 500^oC. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the annealed films are systematically studied using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Micro-Raman spectra, UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra and open aperture z-scan. 1wt% CdO doped ZnO films are annealed at different temperatures viz., 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800^oC and the structural and optical properties of these films are also investigated. The XRD patterns suggest a hexagonal wurtzite structure for the films. Th...
(cadmium AND oxide AND incorporated)
... Nitric oxide/nitrogen oxides ... Respiratory ? Propylene oxide vapors are irritating to the eyes ... E., Silbergeld, E., Guallar, E., ?Lead, Cadmium, Smoking, and ...
Alkaline storage battery and process for making the same. [incorporation of Zn into CdO anode]
1963-12-27
An improvement in the process of manufacturing a storage battery of the permanently hermetically sealed alkaline type in which the storage battery contains a negative electrode comprising cadmium oxide is disclosed. The improvement comprises incorporating in the negative electrode, prior to assembling and sealing the battery, cadmium oxide and a quantity of metallic zinc which is in an amount equal to at least 5% by equivalent weight of the charge accepting capacity of the cadmium oxide.
Evaluation of the incorporation ratio of ZnO, PbO and CdO into cement clinker
2004-01-01
Zinc, lead, and cadmium are minor elements that might be brought by wastes to the cement kilns. This work studies the incorporation ratio of ZnO, PbO, and CdO when they are added to the clinker raw material. The cement raw material used in this work was prepared by mixing pure compounds, this choice was made to avoid the effect of other elements and provide a better understanding of the behavior of these metals during the clinkering process. The samples contained additions of 0.05, 0.10, 0.30, 0.50, 0.80 and 1.00 wt.% of a specific oxide (ZnO, PbO, or CdO) to the clinker raw-meal. The chlorine influence in the ZnO incorporation ratio was also evaluated. A device to simulate the thermal cycle imposed on the charge during the clinker production was used to evaluate the incorporation ratio of these oxides as well as thermogravimetric tests. The products of the tests in the simulator device ... >>
Raman and X-ray investigations of the incorporation of Ca2+ and Cd2+ in the ZrO2 structure
2007-01-01
The formation of solid solution and ZrO2 phase stabilization were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in calcium-containing and cadmium-containing zirconium oxide samples heated at 1073 K in air. The adopted preparation procedure led to the incorporation of calcium and cadmium in solid solution into the zirconia structure. The solid solution favored the tetragonal and cubic zirconia phases at the expense of the thermodynamically stable monoclinic modification. Combined macro- and micro-Raman spectroscopy disclosed that instead of forming a homogeneous phase tPrime, intermediate between the tetragonal tprime and the cubic phase, the tetragonal and cubic phases coexisted in the range 9.49-13.89 mol% for Ca and 11.88-17.23 mol% for Cd. At higher dopant contents the ...
2006-01-01
With specific annealing schemes applied to a neat polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (SE) and its composites with cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QD), we have observed microdomain structures and phase transitions in the system using temperature-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both TEM images and SAXS results show clearly that incorporation of surfactant-tethered CdS QD preferentially into PEO blocks leads to increases in thermal stabilities of both bcc-packed lattice (referred as long-range order) and microdomains themselves in the sphere-forming SE/CdS composites. The bcc-packed lattice in the SE/CdS composites sustains better than that in the neat SE, during a temperature elevation to 160degreeC, at which the bcc-packed SE/Cd...
2008-12-21
Thin films of cadmium doped zinc oxide (Cd : ZnO) with different cadmium concentrations have been prepared by the spray pyrolysis method on different substrates at 400 deg. C. The physical properties of the films were studied as a function of increasing cadmium dopant concentration (up to 25 wt%). The films were characterized by different methods to understand their structural, optical and electrical properties. Energy dispersive x-ray diffraction spectroscopy analysis showed that the Cd concentration in the solid film is slightly lower than that of the starting solution. The x-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the films are polycrystalline in nature having a hexagonal wurtzite type crystal structure with a preferred grain orientation in the (0 0 2) direction. Due to Cd doping, the degrees of polycrystallinity increased simultaneously and the orientation of the grains in the (0 0 2) axis is found to be deteriorated. Atomic force microscopy measurements reveal that the surface morphology of the films changes continuously with a decrease in the grain size due to Cd doping. Both photoluminescence and optical measurements showed that the band gap decreases from 3.12 to 2.96 eV with increasing Cd concentration. Increasing the Cd concentration also leads to the broadening of the emission peak and degrading the crystalline quality. The films are highly transparent in the visible region and the absorption edge showed a red shift. The sheet resistance of pure ZnO has been determined as 650 {omega} sq{sup -1} cm{sup -1} and is decreased for higher concentrations of Cd doping. The characterization studies clearly indicate the incorporation of Cd into ZnO; hence the observed decrease in the optical band gap and electrical resistivity can be directly attributed to the effect of Cd ion incorporation into the ZnO lattice.
Evaluation of the incorporation ratio of ZnO, PbO and CdO into cement clinker
2004-08-09
Zinc, lead, and cadmium are minor elements that might be brought by wastes to the cement kilns. This work studies the incorporation ratio of ZnO, PbO, and CdO when they are added to the clinker raw material. The cement raw material used in this work was prepared by mixing pure compounds, this choice was made to avoid the effect of other elements and provide a better understanding of the behavior of these metals during the clinkering process. The samples contained additions of 0.05, 0.10, 0.30, 0.50, 0.80 and 1.00 wt.% of a specific oxide (ZnO, PbO, or CdO) to the clinker raw-meal. The chlorine influence in the ZnO incorporation ratio was also evaluated. A device to simulate the thermal cycle imposed on the charge during the clinker production was used to evaluate the incorporation ratio of these oxides as well as thermogravimetric tests. The products of the tests in the simulator device were submitted to X-ray fluorescence chemical analysis or energy disperse scanning (EDS) microprobe analysis. The results led to the conclusions that the evaporation of Zn in cements kilns is due to the chlorine content and the Pb and Cd incorporation ratio stands around 50 wt.%.
Doping effect on the kinetics and mechanism of thermal oxidation of polycrystalline PbSe layers
2006-01-01
We have shown that the thermal oxidation (473–773 K) of polycrystalline lead selenide layers, undoped and doped with bismuth, cadmium, tin, and chlorine, has similar effects on their electrical properties, microstructure, and phase composition. The rate of oxygen diffusion and the formation kinetics of oxide phases depend on the nature and concentration of donors in the as-deposited layers; with decreasing doping level, oxygen diffuses more rapidly. In contrast to the diffusional mechanism of oxygen incorporation and gradual micro-structural changes in undoped and PbSe〈Bi〉 layers, iodine doping gives rise to drastic structural changes, including encapsulation of PbSe grains, which are accompanied by the formation of lead oxyselenites and almost instantaneous oxygen incorporation into...
2008-01-01
Transparent and highly conducting thin films of cadmium oxide (CdO) with titanium doping were synthesized by using radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique. The thin films were deposited on glass and silicon substrates with different percentages of titanium at a fixed substrate temperature 473 K and a fixed pressure of 0.1 mbar in Ar atmosphere. The deposited films were characterized by studying their crystallographic structure, optical and electrical properties. X-ray diffractometer, atomic force microscope, UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer were used for different characterizations. All the films have a rock-salt structure. A systematic increase in the optical bandgap was found for the CdO thin films with Ti doping, so that it can...
2005-02-01
One part of the project was an investigation of the mechanism and kinetics of the absorption of potassium and cadmium in kaolin. Addition of kaolin has been suggested as a method to decrease problems like ash sintering, fouling and corrosion. The results showed that kaolin binds potassium effectively, especially if it is present as chloride or hydroxide. Reducing atmosphere and the presence of water vapour favours the absorption. The products are mainly silicates with low solubility. Cadmium is also absorbed by kaolin in a similar way. In the second part of the project, the chemical forms of some metals present in fly ash from combustion of MSW and bio fuels were studied. The most common Cd-compounds found were sulphate, oxide, chloride and silicate. It was also shown that Cd often is incorporated in calcium minerals, such as calcium silicates, CaO and CaC0{sub 3}, due to the fact that the ions Ca{sup 2+} and Cd{sup 2+} are almost similar in size and charge.
http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/6184/1/6184_Clegg_et_al_2008.pdf
Uncharged complexes, formulated as trimeric metallocycles of type [M3(L1)3(Py)6] (where M = cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) and L1 is the doubly deprotonated form of a 1,4-phenylene linked bis-b-diketone ligand of type 1,4-bis(RC(O)CH2C(O))C6H4 (R = t-Bu)) have been synthesised, adding to related, previously reported complexes of these metals with L1 (R = Ph) and copper(II) with L1 (R = Me, Et, Pr, t-Bu, Ph). New lipophilic ligand derivatives with R = hexyl, octyl or nonyl were also prepared for use in solvent extraction experiments. The X-ray structures of H2L1 (R = t-Bu) and of its trinuclear (triangular) nickel(II) complex [Ni3(L1)3(Py)6]·3.5Py (R = t-Bu) are also presented. Electrochemical studies of H2L1, [Co3(L1)3(Py)6], [Ni3(L1)3(Py)6], [Cu3(L1)3], [Zn3(L1)3(Py)6] and [Fe4(L1)6] (all with R = t-Bu) show that oxidative processes for the complexes are predominantly irreversible, but several examples of quasireversible behaviour also occur and support the assignment of an anodic process, seen between +1.0 and +1.6 V, as involving metal-centred oxidations. The reduction behaviour for the respective metal complexes is not simple, being irreversible in most cases. Solvent extraction studies (water/chloroform) involving the systematic variation of the metal, bis-b-diketone and heterocyclic base concentrations have been performed for cobalt(II) and zinc(II) using a radiotracer technique in order to probe the stoichiometries of the respective extracted species. Significant extraction synergism was observed when 4-ethylpyridine was also present with the bis-b-diketone ligand in the chloroform phase. Competitive extraction studies demonstrated a clear uptake preference for copper(II) over cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II). Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry Format: application/pdf Other identifier: Clegg, Jack K., Bray, David J., Gloe, Kerstin, Gloe, Karsten, Jolliffe, Katrina A., Lawrance, Geoffrey A., Lindoy, Leonard F., Meehan, George V., and Wenzel, Marco (2008) Synthetic, structural, electrochemical and solvent extraction studies of neutral trinuclear Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) metallocycles and tetrahedral tetranuclear Fe(III) species incorporating 1,4-aryl-linked bis-beta-diketonato ligands. Dalton Transactions, 2008 . pp. 1331-1340. ISSN 1477-9234
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/43130
Uncharged complexes, formulated as trimeric metallocycles of type [M₃(L¹)₃(Py)₆] (where M = cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) and L¹ is the doubly deprotonated form of a 1,4-phenylene linked bis-β-diketone ligand of type 1,4-bis(RC(O)CH₂C(O))C₆H₄ (R = t-Bu)) have been synthesised, adding to related, previously reported complexes of these metals with L¹ (R = Ph) and copper(II) with L¹(R = Me, Et, Pr,t-Bu, Ph). New lipophilic ligand derivatives with R = hexyl,octyl or nonyl were also prepared for use in solvent extraction experiments. The X-ray structures of H₂L¹(R = t-Bu) and of its trinuclear (triangular) nickel(II) complex [Ni₃(L¹)₃(Py)₆] 3.5Py (R = t-Bu) are also presented. Electrochemical studies of H₂L¹,[Co₃(L¹)₃(Py)₆],[Ni₃(L¹)₃(Py)₆], [Cu₃(L¹)₃],[Zn₃(L¹)₃(Py)₆] and [Fe₄(L¹)₆] (all with R = t-Bu) show that oxidative processes for the complexes are predominantly irreversible, but several examples of quasireversible behaviour also occur and support the assignment of an anodic process, seen between +1.0 and +1.6V, as involving metal-centred oxidations. The reduction behaviour for the respective metal complexes is not simple, being irreversible in most cases. Solvent extraction studies (water/chloroform) involving the systematic variation of the metal, bis-β-diketone and heterocyclic base concentrations have been performed for cobalt(II) and zinc(II) using a radiotracer technique in order to probe the stoichiometries of the respective extracted species. Significant extraction synergism was observed when 4-ethylpyridine was also present with the bis-β-diketone ligand in the chloroform phase. Competitive extraction studies demonstrated a clear uptake preference for copper(II) over cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II). Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry Contributor: The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Science & Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences Relation: Dalton Transactions Issue 10, p. 1331-1340; 10.1039/b716653b Other identifier: ISSN:1477-9226 Language:
2009-07-01
We assessed 12 urine metals in tobacco smoke-exposed and not exposed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants. Our analysis included age, race/ethnicity, and poverty status. Gender...Full Text Available
2009-07-01
Full Text Available.We assessed 12 urine metals in tobacco smoke-exposed and not exposed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants. Our analysis included age, race/ethnicity, and poverty status. Gender and racial/ethnic differences in cadmium and lead and creatinine-adjusted and unadjusted data for group comparisons are presented. Smokers’ had higher cadmium, lead, antimony, and barium levels than nonsmokers. Highest lead levels were in the youngest subjects. Lead levels among adults with high second-hand smoke exposure equaled smokers. Older smokers had cadmium levels signaling the potential for cadmium-related toxicity. Given the potential toxicity of metals, our findings complement existing research on exposure to chemicals in tobacco smoke.
1994-09-01
This report describes work to develop and optimize radio-frequency (rf) sputtering for the deposition of thin films of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and related semiconductors for thin-film solar cells. Pulsed laser physical vapor deposition was also used for exploratory work on these materials, especially where alloying or doping are involved, and for the deposition of cadmium chloride layers. The sputtering work utilized a 2-in diameter planar magnetron sputter gun. The film growth rate by rf sputtering was studied as a function of substrate temperature, gas pressure, and rf power. Complete solar cells were fabricated on tin-oxide-coated soda-lime glass substrates. Currently, work is being done to improve the open-circuit voltage by varying the CdTe-based absorber layer, and to improve the short-circuit current by modifying the CdS window layer.
Many bacteria in the environment have adapted to the presence of toxic heavy metals. Over the last 30 years, this heavy metal tolerance was the subject of extensive research. The bacterium Cupriavidus...Full Text Available
Full Text Available.Many bacteria in the environment have adapted to the presence of toxic heavy metals. Over the last 30 years, this heavy metal tolerance was the subject of extensive research. The bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans strain CH34, originally isolated by us in 1976 from a metal processing factory, is considered a major model organism in this field because it withstands milli-molar range concentrations of over 20 different heavy metal ions. This tolerance is mostly achieved by rapid ion efflux but also by metal-complexation and -reduction. We present here the full genome sequence of strain CH34 and the manual annotation of all its genes. The genome of C. metallidurans CH34 is composed of two large circular chromosomes CHR1 and CHR2 of, respectively, 3,928,089 bp and 2,580,084 bp, and two megaplasmids pMOL28 and pMOL30 of, respectively, 171,459 bp and 233,720 bp in size. At least 25 loci for heavy-metal resistance (HMR) are distributed over the four replicons. Approximately 67% of the 6,717 coding sequences (CDSs) present in the CH34 genome could be assigned a putative function, and 9.1% (611 genes) appear to be unique to this strain. One out of five proteins is associated with either transport or transcription while the relay of environmental stimuli is governed by more than 600 signal transduction systems. The CH34 genome is most similar to the genomes of other Cupriavidus strains by correspondence between the respective CHR1 replicons but also displays similarity to the genomes of more distantly related species as a result of gene transfer and through the presence of large genomic islands. The presence of at least 57 IS elements and 19 transposons and the ability to take in and express foreign genes indicates a very dynamic and complex genome shaped by evolutionary forces. The genome data show that C. metallidurans CH34 is particularly well equipped to live in extreme conditions and anthropogenic environments that are rich in metals.
1997-06-01
Short communication. 6 refs.
2006-01-01
In the present investigation, thin films of CdSnSe have been developed on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coated glasses by electrolytic deposition. The controlled incorporation of Sn in the semiconducting layer have been achieved by varying the concentration of Sn2+ from 5 to 22 g/l of SnCl2 in the deposition bath. The semiconductor film grown on the glass substrate consisted of n-type CdSnSe semiconductor compounds (alloyed and/or mixed type) in the form of highly dispersed, spherically shaped polycrystallites as detected from X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their optoelectronic properties were determined by spectroscopic analysis and electrochemical measurements. The performance characteristics of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell fabricated with the ... >>
Full Text Available.BackgroundThe aggregation of the baker's yeast prion Ure2p is at the origin of the [URE3] trait. The Q- and N-rich N-terminal part of the protein is believed to drive Ure2p assembly into fibrils of amyloid nature and the fibrillar forms of full-length Ure2p and its N-terminal part generated in vitro have been shown to induce [URE3] occurrence when introduced into yeast cells. This has led to the view that the fibrillar form of the N-terminal part of the protein is sufficient for the recruitment of constitutive Ure2p and that it imprints its amyloid structure to full-length Ure2p.ResultsHere we generate a set of Ure2p N-terminal fragments, document their assembly and structural properties and compare them to that of full-length Ure2p. We identify the minimal region critical for the assembly of Ure2p N-terminal part into amyloids and show that such fibrils are unable to seed the assembly of full length Ure2p unlike fibrils made of intact Ure2p.ConclusionOur results clearly indicate that fibrillar Ure2p shares no structural similarities with the amyloid fibrils made of Ure2p N-terminal part. Our results further suggest that the induction of [URE3] by fibrils made of full-length Ure2p is likely the consequence of fibrils growth by depletion of cytosolic Ure2p while it is the consequence of de novo formation of prion particles following, for example, titration within the cells of a specific set of molecular chaperones when fibrils made of Ure2p N-terminal domain are introduced within the cytoplasm.
BackgroundThe aggregation of the baker's yeast prion Ure2p is at the origin of the [URE3] trait. The Q- and N-rich N-terminal part of the protein...Full Text Available
Spectroscopic Analysis of Impurity Precipitates in CdS Films
1999-10-31
Impurities in cadmium sulfide (CdS) films are a concern in the fabrication of copper (indium, gallium) diselenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic devices. Devices incorporating chemical-bath-deposited (CBD) CdS are comparable in quality to devices incorporating purer CdS films grown using vacuum deposition techniques, despite the higher impurity concentrations typically observed in the CBD CdS films. In this paper, we summarize and review the results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Auger, electron microprobe, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analyses of the impurities in CBD CdS films. We show that these impurities differ as a function of substrate type and film deposition conditions. We also show that some of these impurities exist as 10{sup 2} micron-scale precipitates.
Solution-based nanoengineering of materials.
2005-02-01
Solution-based synthesis is a powerful approach for creating nano-structured materials. Although there have been significant recent successes in its application to fabricating nanomaterials, the general principles that control solution synthesis are not well understood. The purpose of this LDRD project was to develop the scientific principles required to design and build unique nanostructures in crystalline oxides and II/VI semiconductors using solution-based molecular self-assembly techniques. The ability to synthesize these materials in a range of different nano-architectures (from controlled morphology nanocrystals to surface templated 3-D structures) has provided the foundation for new opportunities in such areas as interactive interfaces for optics, electronics, and sensors. The homogeneous precipitation of ZnO in aqueous solution was used primarily as the model system for the project. We developed a low temperature, aqueous solution synthesis route for preparation of large arrays of oriented ZnO nanostructures. Through control of heterogeneous nucleation and growth, methods to predicatively alter the ZnO microstructures by tailoring the surface chemistry of the crystals were established. Molecular mechanics simulations, involving single point energy calculations and full geometry optimizations, were developed to assist in selecting appropriate chemical systems and understanding physical adsorption and ultimately growth mechanisms in the design of oxide nanoarrays. The versatility of peptide chemistry in controlling the formation of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles and zinc oxide/cadmium sulfide heterostructures was also demonstrated.
Silica-Based Nanoparticle Uptake and Cellular Response by Primary Microglia
2010-05-01
Full Text Available.BackgroundSilica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are being formulated for cellular imaging and for nonviral gene delivery in the central nervous system (CNS), but it is unclear what potential effects SiNPs can elicit once they enter the CNS. As the resident macrophages of the CNS, microglia are the cells most likely to respond to SiNP entry into the brain. Upon activation, they are capable of undergoing morphological and functional changes.ObjectiveWe examined the effects of SiNP exposure using primary rat microglia.MethodsWe observed microglial uptake of SiNPs using transmission electron and fluorescence confocal microscopy. Microglial functions, including phagocytosis, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), expression of proinflammatory genes, and cytokine release, were measured after SiNP exposure at different concentrations.ResultsMicroglia are capable of avidly taking up SiNPs at all concentrations tested. These same concentrations did not elicit cytotoxicity or a change in phagocytic activity. SiNPs did increase the productions of both intracellular ROS and RNS. We also observed a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression at all concentrations tested and a significant increase in COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) gene expression at the highest concentration of SiNPs. Analysis of cytokine release showed a detectable level of interleukin-1β.ConclusionsThis is the first study demonstrating the in vitro effects of SiNPs in primary microglia. Our findings suggest that very low levels of SiNPs are capable of altering microglial function. Increased ROS and RNS production, changes in proinflammatory genes, and cytokine release may not only adversely affect microglial function but also affect surrounding neurons.
Silica-Based Nanoparticle Uptake and Cellular Response by Primary Microglia
2010-05-01
BackgroundSilica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are being formulated for cellular imaging and for nonviral gene delivery in the central nervous system (CNS), but it is unclear what potential...Full Text Available
1997-12-31
As part of an ongoing project funded by a cooperative effort involving the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of Environmental Restoration (EM-40) of the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRC), distribution coefficient (K{sub d}) values are being compiled from the literature to develop provisional tables for cadmium, cesium, chromium, lead, plutonium, strontium, thorium, and uranium. The tables are organized according to important aqueous- and solid-phase parameters affecting the sorption of these contaminants. These parameters, which vary with contaminant, include pH and redox conditions; cation exchange capacity (CEC); presence of iron-oxide, aluminum-oxide, clay, and mica minerals; organic matter content; and solution concentrations of contaminants, competing ions, and complexing ligands. Sorption information compiled for strontium is used to illustrate our approach. The strontium data show how selected geochemical parameters (i.e., CEC, pH, and clay content) affect Strontium K{sub d} values and the selection of {open_quote}default{close_quote} K{sub d} values needed for modeling contaminant transport and risks at sites for which site specific data are lacking. Results of our evaluation may be used by site management and technical staff to assess contaminant fate, migration, and risk calculations in support of site remediation and waste management decisions.
2009-11-11
Inorganic, titanate-based sorbents are tested with respect to adsorption of a variety of sorbates under weakly acidic conditions (pH 3). Specifically, monosodium titanate (MST) and amorphous peroxotitanate (APT) sorption characteristics are initially probed through a screening process consisting of a pair of mixed metal solutions containing a total of 29 sorbates including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, metalloids and nonmetals. MST and APT sorption characteristics are further analyzed individually with chromium(III) and cadmium(II) using a batch method at ambient laboratory temperature, varying concentrations of the sorbents and sorbates and contact times. Maximum sorbate loadings are obtained from the respective adsorption isotherms.
Review of Photovoltaic Energy Production Using CdTe Thin-Film Modules: Extended Abstract Preprint
2008-09-01
CdTe has near-optimum bandgap, excellent deposition traits, and leads other technologies in commercial PV module production volume. Better understanding materials properties will accelerate deployment.
1999-01-01
Monothiocarbamates M(OSCNEt2)2 M = Cd (1) Zn (2) analogous to the dithiocarbamates (Et2NCS2)2M which have been extensively studied for metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD), have been prepared as alternative single-source precursors for depositing II-VI semiconducting materials. Structural analysis of (1) revealed a new, O-binucleating, bonding mode for the monothiocarbamato ligand resulting in polymeric chains which are co-aligned to give a distorted close-packed hexagonal array. The mixed alkyl zinc derivative [Et4Zn4(OSCNEt2)2(NEt2)2] is formed as the only isolable product from the reaction of EtZnNEt2 with carbonyl sulfide and also exhibits a second new bonding mode for the ... >>
Monothiocarbamates M(OSCNEt sub 2) sub 2 M = Cd (1) Zn (2) analogous to the dithiocarbamates (Et sub 2 NCS sub 2) sub 2 M which have been extensively studied for metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD), have been prepared as alternative single-source precursors for depositing II-VI semiconducting materials. Structural analysis of (1) revealed a new, O-binucleating, bonding mode for the monothiocarbamato ligand resulting in polymeric chains which are co-aligned to give a distorted close-packed hexagonal array. The mixed alkyl zinc derivative [Et sub 4 Zn sub 4 (OSCNEt sub 2) sub 2 (NEt sub 2) sub 2] is formed as the only isolable product from the reaction of EtZnNEt sub 2 with carbonyl sulfide and also exhibits a second new bonding mode for the monothiocarbamato ligand in which both the oxygen and sulfur atoms are binucleating. Uniform adherent films of CdS films with various morphologies were grown on GaAs(100) and glass at substrate temperatures between 350-450 deg C. No oxygen incorporation within the films was observed. Mechanistic studies into the decompositional behaviour of the monothiocarbamate precursors in comparison to the dithiocarbamate precursors were investigated by using pyrolysis GC-MS and EI-MS; with GC-MS conditions comparable to those usually used in MOCVD reactors. GC-MS analysis showed that the major decomposition product during the deposition of CdS is Et sub 2 NC(O)SC(O)NEt sub 2. Similar mechanistic studies into the deposition of MSe by MOCVD from the diselenocarbamates M(Se sub 2 CNEt sub 2) sub 2 M = Zn (3), Cd (4); M(Se sub 2 CNMe sup n Hex) sub 2 M = Zn (5), Cd (6); and EtZnSe sub 2 CNEt sub 2 (7) were carried out in an effort to determine why the symmetric selenocarbamates (3) and (4) deposit films heavily contaminated with selenium in comparison to the asymmetric analogues (5) and (6). The EI-MS of all five selenium compounds revealed similar decomposition pathways, which start with the loss of an alkyl group. However, stud
Potential effects of gallium on cladding materials
1997-10-01
This paper identifies and examines issues concerning the incorporation of gallium in weapons derived plutonium in light water reactor (LWR) MOX fuels. Particular attention is given to the more likely effects of the gallium on the behavior of the cladding material. The chemistry of weapons grade (WG) MOX, including possible consequences of gallium within plutonium agglomerates, was assessed. Based on the calculated oxidation potentials of MOX fuel, the effect that gallium may have on reactions involving fission products and possible impact on cladding performance were postulated. Gallium transport mechanisms are discussed. With an understanding of oxidation potentials and assumptions of mechanisms for gallium transport, possible effects of gallium on corrosion of cladding were evaluated. Potential and unresolved issues and suggested research and development (R and D) required to provide missing information are presented.
Particulate Matter Oxidative Potential from Waste Transfer Station Activity
2010-04-01
Full Text Available.BackgroundAdverse cardiorespiratory health is associated with exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM). The highest PM concentrations in London occur in proximity to waste transfer stations (WTS), sites that experience high numbers of dust-laden, heavy-duty diesel vehicles transporting industrial and household waste.ObjectiveOur goal was to quantify the contribution of WTS emissions to ambient PM mass concentrations and oxidative potential.MethodsPM with a diameter < 10 μm (PM10) samples were collected daily close to a WTS. PM10 mass concentrations measurements were source apportioned to estimate local versus background sources. PM oxidative potential was assessed using the extent of antioxidant depletion from a respiratory tract lining fluid model. Total trace metal and bioavailable iron concentrations were measured to determine their contribution to PM oxidative potential.ResultsElevated diurnal PM10 mass concentrations were observed on all days with WTS activity (Monday–Saturday). Variable PM oxidative potential, bioavailable iron, and total metal concentrations were observed on these days. The contribution of WTS emissions to PM at the sampling site, as predicted by microscale wind direction measurements, was correlated with ascorbate (r = 0.80; p = 0.030) and glutathione depletion (r = 0.76; p = 0.046). Increased PM oxidative potential was associated with aluminum, lead, and iron content.ConclusionsPM arising from WTS activity has elevated trace metal concentrations and, as a consequence, increased oxidative potential. PM released by WTS activity should be considered a potential health risk to the nearby residential community.
Particulate Matter Oxidative Potential from Waste Transfer Station Activity
2010-04-01
BackgroundAdverse cardiorespiratory health is associated with exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM). The highest PM concentrations in London occur in proximity to waste transfer...Full Text Available
Novel markers of peripheral arterial disease
2009-11-01
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a relatively common manifestation of atherosclerotic vascular disease, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although conventional risk factors...Full Text Available
Novel markers of peripheral arterial disease
2009-11-01
Full Text Available.Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a relatively common manifestation of atherosclerotic vascular disease, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although conventional risk factors contribute to the onset and progression of PAD, the role of ‘novel’ biomarkers in pathways of inflammation, thrombosis, lipoprotein metabolism, and oxidative stress in determining susceptibility to PAD is being increasingly recognized. Validation of novel risk factors for PAD may allow earlier detection, an improved understanding of disease etiology and progression, and the development of new therapies. In this review, we discuss available evidence for associations between novel circulating markers and several aspects of PAD including disease susceptibility, progression, functional limitation, and adverse outcomes.
2009-01-01
The free radical nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule in the gastrointestinal tract. Besides eukaryotic cells, gut microorganisms are also capable of producing NO. However, the exact...Full Text Available
2009-01-01
Full Text Available.The free radical nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule in the gastrointestinal tract. Besides eukaryotic cells, gut microorganisms are also capable of producing NO. However, the exact mechanism of NO production by the gut microorganisms is unknown. Microbial NO production was examined under in vitro conditions simulating the gastrointestinal ecosystem using L-arginine or nitrate as substrates. L-arginine did not influence the microbial NO production. However, NO concentrations in the order of 90 ng NO-N per L feed medium were produced by the fecal microbiota from nitrate. 15N tracer experiments showed that nitrate was mainly reduced to ammonium by the dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that gastrointestinal microbiota can generate substantial amounts of NO by DNRA and not by the generally accepted denitrification or L-arginine pathway. Further work is needed to elucidate the exact role between NO produced by the gastrointestinal microbiota and host cells.
New scintillators for X-ray computed tomography
1993-01-01
The conversion of X-ray radiation to visible light can be performed by luminescent materials. This effect finds an attractive application in X-ray computed tomography (XCT). The centre of the XCT system with a solid state detector arrangement is the luminescent material coupled to a photosensitive diode. The requirements for efficient luminescent materials are: high X-ray absorption, high light output, fast decay time, and low afterglow. The dominant single crystalline scintillators which meet these specifications, at least in part, are CsI:T1, CdWO4 and ZnWO4. Recently, polycrystalline scintillators such as rare earth-doped gadolinium oxysulphide, Gd2O2S:RE, and yttrium-gadolinium oxide, (Y,Gd)2O3:RE have been created. These scintillators exhibit high chemical stability. ... >>
New high-level waste management technology for IFR pyroprocessing wastes
1993-09-01
The pyrochemical electrorefining process for recovery of actinides in spent fuel from the Integral Fast Reactor accumulates fission product wastes as chlorides dissolved in molten LiCI-KCI and as metals, some of which are in molten cadmium. Pyrochemical processes are being developed to recover uranium and transuranium elements for return to the reactor, and to separate and immobilize fission products in suitable waste forms. Solvent cadmium is recycled within the process. Electrolyte salt is treated in a series of salt/cadmium extraction steps; it is also returned to the process. Salt-borne fission products are concentrated on a zeolite bed that is converted to a stable, leach-resistant mineral. Rare earth fission products from the salt, noble metal fission products, and cladding hulls are dispersed in a metal matrix.
Molecular designing of precursors for chemical vapor deposition
2003-01-01
Both tin oxide and antimony oxide, can act as gas sensing material whose activity/selectivity is enhanced by the incorporation of a second metal. We are interested in the formation of bimetallic and trimetallic carboxylates and alkoxides which can be used as single source precursors for such mixed metal oxides. Sb(dmae)/sub 3/ (dmae=OCH/sub 2/CH/sub 2/(CH/sub 3/)sub 2/ has been prepared from Sb(OC/sub 2/H/sub 5/)/sub 3/ and Hdmae and used to generate the bimetallic materials Sb(dmae)/sub 3/Cd(acac)/sub 2/. Sn(acac)/sub 2/ hydrolyses to yield crystalline cage Sn/sub 4/O/sub 6/(dmae)/sub 4/. Sn(dmae)/sub 2/ can also be used to generate bimetallic materials such as [Sn(dmae)/sub 2/ Cd(acac)/sub 2/]/sub 2/]. Bimetallic and trimetallic carboxylates of general formula [R/sub 3/Ge-CHRCH/sub 2/COO]/sub 4-n/SnRn. [Where R=CH/sub 3/, C/sub 2/H/sub 5/, C/sub 6/H/sub 5/, ... >>
2009-03-01
Organophosphate poisoning in the context of self-harm is a common medical emergency in Asia. Prolonged muscle weakness is an important but poorly understood cause of morbidity and mortality of the poisoning....Full Text Available
2009-03-01
Full Text Available.Organophosphate poisoning in the context of self-harm is a common medical emergency in Asia. Prolonged muscle weakness is an important but poorly understood cause of morbidity and mortality of the poisoning. This study examined mitochondrial function and its modulation by nitric oxide in muscle weakness of rats exposed to an acute, oral (0.8LD50) dose of monocrotophos. Muscle mitochondrial ATP synthase activity was inhibited in the rat in acute exposure to monocrotophos while respiration per se was not affected. This was accompanied by decreased mitochondrial uptake of calcium and increased levels of nitric oxide. Reactive cysteine groups of ATP synthase subunits were reduced in number, which may contribute to decreased enzyme activity. The decrease in ATP synthase activity and reactive cysteine groups of ATP synthase subunits was prevented by treatment of animals with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-NG Nitroarginine methyl ester, at 12 mg/kg body weight for 9 days in drinking water, prior to monocrotophos exposure. This indicated a role for nitric oxide in the process. The alterations in mitochondrial calcium uptake may influence cytosolic calcium levels and contribute to muscle weakness of acute organophosphate exposure.
Mitochondria are the source of hydrogen peroxide for dynamic brain-cell signaling
2009-07-15
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is emerging as a ubiquitous small-molecule messenger in biology, particularly in the brain, but underlying mechanisms of peroxide signaling remain...Full Text Available
Mitochondria are the source of hydrogen peroxide for dynamic brain-cell signaling
2009-07-15
Full Text Available.Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is emerging as a ubiquitous small-molecule messenger in biology, particularly in the brain, but underlying mechanisms of peroxide signaling remain an open frontier for study. For example, dynamic dopamine transmission in dorsolateral striatum is regulated on a subsecond timescale by glutamate via H2O2 signaling, which activates ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels to inhibit dopamine release. However, the origin of this modulatory H2O2 has been elusive. Here we addressed three possible sources of H2O2 produced for rapid neuronal signaling in striatum: mitochondrial respiration; monoamine oxidase (MAO); and NADPH oxidase (Nox). Evoked dopamine release in guinea-pig striatal slices was monitored with carbon-fiber microelectrodes and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Using direct fluorescence imaging of H2O2 and tissue analysis of ATP, we found that co-application of rotenone (50 nM), a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, and succinate (5 mM), a complex II substrate, limited H2O2 production, but maintained tissue ATP content. Strikingly, co-application of rotenone and succinate also prevented glutamate-dependent regulation of dopamine release, implicating mitochondrial H2O2 in release modulation. By contrast, inhibitors of MAO or Nox had no effect on dopamine release, suggesting a limited role for these metabolic enzymes in rapid H2O2 production in the striatum. These data provide the first demonstration that respiring mitochondria are the primary source of H2O2 generation for dynamic neuronal signaling.
2009-10-28
Full Text Available.AIM: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of vardenafil against indomethacin-induced gastric damage.METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group 1 received saline only. Group 2 (indomethacin) received indomethacin. Rats in group 3 and 4 were pretreated with different doses of famotidine. Group 5 and 6 were pretreated with different doses of vardenafil. Rats in groups 3 to 6 received 25 mg/kg indomethacin 30 min after pretreatment. The animals were sacrificed 6 h later and their stomachs were opened. Gastric lesions were counted and measured. The stomach of each animal was divided in two parts for histopathological examinations and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays, respectively.RESULTS: There were no gastric mucosal lesion in the saline group but all rats in the indomethacin group had gastric mucosal ulcerations (ulcer count; 6.25 ± 3.49, and mean ulcer area; 21.00 ± 12.35). Ulcer counts were diminished with famotidine 5 mg/kg (4.12 ± 2.47, P > 0.05), 20 mg/kg (2.37 ± 4.43, P < 0.05), vardenafil 2 mg/kg (4.37 ± 3.06), and vardenafil 10 mgkg (1.25 ± 1.38, P < 0.05) compared to the indomethacin group. Gastric mucosal lesion areas were diminished with famotidine 5 mg/kg (8.62 ± 2.97, P < 0.001) , famotidine 20 mg/kg (0.94 ± 2.06, P < 0.001), vardenafil 2 mg/kg (6.62 ± 5.87, P < 0.001), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (0.75 ± 0.88, P < 0.001) compared to the indomethacin group. MDA levels were significantly higher in indomethacin group (28.48 ± 14.51), compared to the famotidine 5 mg/kg (6,21 ± 1.88, P < 0.05), famotidine 20 mg/kg (5.88 ± 1.60. P < 0.05), vardenafil 2 mg/kg (15.87 ± 3.93, P < 0.05), and vardenafil 10 mg/kg (10.97 ± 4.50, P < 0.05). NO concentration in gastric tissues of the famotidine groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05), but the NO increases in the vardenafil groups were not statistically significant. Histopathology revealed diminished gastric damage for pretreatment groups compared to the indomethacin group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Vardenafil affords a significant dose-dependent protection against indomethacin induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats.
2009-10-28
AIM: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of vardenafil against indomethacin-induced gastric damage.METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group...Full Text Available
MOVPE growth optimisation of CdTe epitaxial layers for p-i-n diode X-ray detector fabrication
2006-01-01
We report on the atmospheric pressure metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy of both nominally undoped and iodine (I) donor doped CdTe layers on high resistivity (111)B CdTe substrates, as a preliminary step towards the fabrication of p-i-n diode X-ray detectors. CdTe epilayers were grown at 330 C after in-situ H2 heat treatment of the substrate for surface oxide removal. We show that the homoepitaxy of CdTe critically depends on in-situ heat treatment temperature (TA), best epilayer morphology and reduced surface roughness being obtained for TA=350 C. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of I-doped samples shows good dopant incorporation, which increases for Te:Cd precursor molar flow ratios in the vapour below unity. I-doped samples grown under the latter conditions have room temperature resistivity three orders of magnitude ... >>
2010-03-05
RationalePhosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)γ is expressed in hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells (ECs), and cardiomyocytes and regulates...Full Text Available
2010-03-05
Full Text Available.RationalePhosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)γ is expressed in hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells (ECs), and cardiomyocytes and regulates different cellular functions relevant to inflammation, tissue remodeling and cicatrization. Recently, PI3Kγ inhibitors have been indicated for the treatment of chronic inflammatory/autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine PI3Kγ contribution to the angiogenic capacity of ECs and the effect of PI3Kγ inhibition on healing of myocardial infarction (MI).Methods and ResultsHuman umbilical ECs were treated with a selective PI3Kγ inhibitor, AS605240, or a pan-phosphoinositide 3-kinases inhibitor, LY294002. Both inhibitory treatments and small interfering RNA–mediated PI3Kγ knockdown strongly impaired ECs angiogenic capacity, because of suppression of the PI3K/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Constitutive activation of Akt rescued the angiogenic defect. Reparative angiogenesis was studied in vivo in a model of MI. AS605240 did not affect MI-induced PI3Kγ upregulation, whereas it suppressed Akt activation and downstream signaling. AS605240 strongly reduced inflammation, enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and impaired survival and proliferation of ECs in peri-infarct zone, which resulted in defective reparative neovascularization. As a consequence, AS605240-treated MI hearts showed increased infarct size and impaired recovery of left ventricular function. Similarly, PI3Kγ-deficient mice showed impaired reparative neovascularization, enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and marked deterioration of cardiac function following MI. Mice expressing catalytically inactive PI3Kγ also failed to mount a proper neovascularization, although cardiac dysfunction was similar to wild-type controls.ConclusionsPI3Kγ expression and catalytic activity are involved at different levels in reparative neovascularization and healing of MI.
Investigations of organic light emitting diodes with CdSe(ZnS) quantum dots
2008-01-01
In this study, we report results on investigation of bilayer light emitting diodes made of organic capped CdSe(ZnS) core/shell type nanocrystals and poly[2-phenyl-3-(9,9-dihexyl-fluoren-2-yl) phenylene vinylene]-co-[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy) phenylene vinylene] (FP-PPV-co-MEH-PPV) electroluminescent co-polymer. Light emitting diodes of structure: indium-tin-oxide (ITO)/polyethylene dioxythiophene: polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/FP-PPV-co-MEH-PPV/Ca/Al devices have been fabricated and studied. The co-polymer device emits a yellow light with a maximum brightness of 3949 cd/m2 and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 0.27 cd/A at 10 V. Incorporation of CdSe(ZnS) quantum dots into the active polymer film resulted in an increase in device brightness, which reached 8192 cd/m2 and in external quantum ... >>
Interactions of fission product vapours with aerosols
1996-12-01
Reactions between structural and reactor materials aerosols and fission product vapours released during a severe accident in a light water reactor (LWR) will influence the magnitude of the radiological source term ultimately released to the environment. The interaction of cadmium aerosol with iodine vapour at different temperatures has been examined in a programme of experiments designed to characterise the kinetics of the system. Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) is a technique that is particularly amenable to the study of systems involving elemental iodine because of the high intensity of the fluorescence lines. Therefore this technique was used in the experiments to measure the decrease in the concentration of iodine vapour as the reaction with cadmium proceeded. Experiments were conducted over the range of temperatures (20-350{sup o}C), using calibrated iodine vapour and cadmium aerosol generators that gave well-quantified sources. The LIF results provided information on the kinetics of the process, whilst examination of filter samples gave data on the composition and morphology of the aerosol particles that were formed. The results showed that the reaction of cadmium with iodine was relatively fast, giving reaction half-lives of approximately 0.3 s. This suggests that the assumption used by primary circuit codes such as VICTORIA that reaction rates are mass-transfer limited, is justified for the cadmium-iodine reaction. The reaction was first order with respect to both cadmium and iodine, and was assigned as pseudo second order overall. However, there appeared to be a dependence of aerosol surface area on the overall rate constant, making the precise order of the reaction difficult to assign. The relatively high volatility of the cadmium iodide formed in the reaction played an important role in determining the composition of the particles. (author) 23 figs., 7 tabs., 22 refs.
2009-08-01
Loosening of cell walls is an important developmental process in key stages of the plant life cycle, including seed germination, elongation growth, and fruit ripening. Here, we report direct in vivo...Full Text Available
2009-08-01
Full Text Available.Loosening of cell walls is an important developmental process in key stages of the plant life cycle, including seed germination, elongation growth, and fruit ripening. Here, we report direct in vivo evidence for hydroxyl radical (·OH)-mediated cell wall loosening during plant seed germination and seedling growth. We used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to show that ·OH is generated in the cell wall during radicle elongation and weakening of the endosperm of cress (Lepidium sativum; Brassicaceae) seeds. Endosperm weakening precedes radicle emergence, as demonstrated by direct biomechanical measurements. By 3H fingerprinting, we showed that wall polysaccharides are oxidized in vivo by the developmentally regulated action of apoplastic ·OH in radicles and endosperm caps: the production and action of ·OH increased during endosperm weakening and radicle elongation and were inhibited by the germination-inhibiting hormone abscisic acid. Both effects were reversed by gibberellin. Distinct and tissue-specific target sites of ·OH attack on polysaccharides were evident. In vivo ·OH attack on cell wall polysaccharides were evident not only in germinating seeds but also in elongating maize (Zea mays; Poaceae) seedling coleoptiles. We conclude that plant cell wall loosening by ·OH is a controlled action of this type of reactive oxygen species.
While expectations and applications of nanotechnologies grow exponentially, little is known about interactions of engineered nanoparticles with multicellular organisms. Here we propose the transparent...Full Text Available
Full Text Available.While expectations and applications of nanotechnologies grow exponentially, little is known about interactions of engineered nanoparticles with multicellular organisms. Here we propose the transparent roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a simple but anatomically and biologically well defined animal model that allows for whole organism analyses of nanoparticle-bio-interactions. Microscopic techniques showed that fluorescently labelled nanoparticles are efficiently taken up by the worms during feeding, and translocate to primary organs such as epithelial cells of the intestine, as well as secondary organs belonging to the reproductive tract. The life span of nanoparticle-fed Caenorhabditis elegans remained unchanged, whereas a reduction of progeny production was observed in silica-nanoparticle exposed worms versus untreated controls. This reduction was accompanied by a significant increase of the ‘bag of worms’ phenotype that is characterized by failed egg-laying and usually occurs in aged wild type worms. Experimental exclusion of developmental defects suggests that silica-nanoparticles induce an age-related degeneration of reproductive organs, and thus set a research platform for both, detailed elucidation of molecular mechanisms and high throughput screening of different nanomaterials by analyses of progeny production.
Ideally rechargeable cadmium electrodes for alkaline storage batteries
1985-05-01
Cd/Cd(OH)/sub 2/ electrodes based on sintered nickel substrate were developed that show a stabilized capacity utilization of 96 +/- 2% pf the theoretical value even at the end of fifty cycles of deep discharge at ambient temperatures. Simultaneously, the extent of cadmium migration into the separator on extended cycling or storage was found to be practically negligible. These improvements were realized by the incorporation of an alkali-stable colloidal surfactant into the electrode during its fabrication so that both the crystal growth and migration of cadmium hydroxide are suppressed by a protective-colloid action of the surfactant. 7 references, 2 figures.
Geotoxic materials in the surface environment
1981-12-07
The toxicology and natural occurrence of several recognized geotoxic elements including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, selenium, uranium, and vanadium is reviewed. The behavior of these elements in the environment and in biological systems is examined. The properties of these eight toxic elements are summarized and presented in a toxicity matrix. The toxicity matrix identifies each of the elements in terms of average crustal abundance, average soil concentration, drinking water standards, irrigation water standards, daily human intake, aquatic toxicity, phytotoxicity, mammalian toxicity, human toxicity, and bioaccumulation factors for fish. Fish are the major aquatic environment contribution to the human diet and bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems has been demonstrated to be an important factor in the cycling of elements in aquatic ecosystems. The toxicity matrix is used as a first approximation to rank the geotoxicity of elements for the purpose of focusing future efforts. The ranking from highest to lowest toxicity with respect to the toxicity parameters being discussed is as follows: arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium, chromium, vanadium, nickel, and uranium.
Fundamentals of zinc oxide as a semiconductor
2009-01-01
In the past ten years we have witnessed a revival of, and subsequent rapid expansion in, the research on zinc oxide (ZnO) as a semiconductor. Being initially considered as a substrate for GaN and related alloys, the availability of high-quality large bulk single crystals, the strong luminescence demonstrated in optically pumped lasers and the prospects of gaining control over its electrical conductivity have led a large number of groups to turn their research for electronic and photonic devices to ZnO in its own right. The high electron mobility, high thermal conductivity, wide and direct band gap and large exciton binding energy make ZnO suitable for a wide range of devices, including transparent thin-film transistors, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes and laser diodes that operate in the blue and ultraviolet region of the spectrum. In spite of the recent rapid ... >>
Evidence for a Potential Role of Metallothioneins in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
2009-01-01
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic, relapsing, immune-mediated disorders of the intestine, including Crohn's disease and...Full Text Available
Evidence for a Potential Role of Metallothioneins in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
2009-01-01
Full Text Available.Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic, relapsing, immune-mediated disorders of the intestine, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Recent studies underscore the importance of the damaged epithelial barrier and the dysregulated innate immune system in their pathogenesis. Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of small proteins with a high and conserved cysteine content that are rapidly upregulated in response to an inflammatory stimulus. Herein, we review the current knowledge regarding the expression and potential role of MTs in IBD. MTs exert a central position in zinc homeostasis, modulate the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and serve as antioxidants. In addition, MTs could be involved in IBD through their antiapoptotic effects or through specific immunomodulating extracellular effects. Reports on MT expression in IBD are contradictory but clearly demonstrate a deviant MT expression supporting the idea that these aberrations in IBD require further clarification.
Erythropoietin, Forkhead Proteins, and Oxidative Injury: Biomarkers and Biology
Full Text Available.Oxidative stress significantly impacts multiple cellular pathways that can lead to the initiation and progression of varied disorders throughout the body. It therefore becomes imperative to elucidate the components and function of novel therapeutic strategies against oxidative stress to further clinical diagnosis and care. In particular, both the growth factor and cytokine erythropoietin (EPO), and members of the mammalian forkhead transcription factors of the O class (FoxOs), may offer the greatest promise for new treatment regimens, since these agents and the cellular pathways they oversee cover a range of critical functions that directly influence progenitor cell development, cell survival and degeneration, metabolism, immune function, and cancer cell invasion. Furthermore, both EPO and FoxOs function not only as therapeutic targets, but also as biomarkers of disease onset and progression, since their cellular pathways are closely linked and overlap with several unique signal transduction pathways. Yet, EPO and FoxOs may sometimes have unexpected and undesirable effects that can raise caution for these agents and warrant further investigations. Here we present the exciting as well as the complex role that EPO and FoxOs possess to uncover the benefits as well as the risks of these agents for cell biology and clinical care in processes that range from stem cell development to uncontrolled cellular proliferation.
Erythropoietin, Forkhead Proteins, and Oxidative Injury: Biomarkers and Biology
Oxidative stress significantly impacts multiple cellular pathways that can lead to the initiation and progression of varied disorders throughout the body. It therefore becomes imperative to...Full Text Available
2010-07-01
Full Text Available.Antiretroviral drugs are ineffective at treating viral infection in the brain because they cannot freely diffuse across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, HIV-1 viral replication persists in the central nervous system (CNS) and continues to augment the neuropathogenesis process. Nanotechnology can play a pivotal role in HIV-1 therapeutics as it can increase drug solubility, enhance systemic bioavailability, and at the same time offer multifunctionality. Moreover, following conjugation with transferrin (Tf), these drug-loaded nanoformulations can permeate across biological barriers such as the blood brain barrier (BBB) via a receptor mediated transport mechanism. In the current study, we have stably incorporated the antiviral drug, Saquinavir, within Tf-conjugated quantum rods (QRs), which are novel nanoparticles with unique optical properties. We have evaluated the transversing ability of the QR-Tf-Saquinavir nanoformulation across an in vitro model of BBB. In addition, we have analyzed the subsequent antiviral efficacy of this targeted nanoformulation in HIV-1 infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which are cultured on the basolateral end of the in vitro BBB model. Our results show a significant uptake of QR-Tf-Saquinavir by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs), which constitute the BBB. In addition, we observed a significant enhancement in the transversing capability of QR-Tf-Saquinavir across the BBB, along with a marked decrease in HIV-1 viral replication in the PBMCs. These observations indicate that drug-loaded nanoparticles can deliver therapeutics across the BBB. These results highlight the potential of this nanoformulation in the treatment of Neuro-AIDS and other neurological disorders.
2010-07-01
Antiretroviral drugs are ineffective at treating viral infection in the brain because they cannot freely diffuse across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, HIV-1 viral replication persists...Full Text Available
Electrosynthesis and characterization of Fe doped CdSe thin films from ethylene glycol bath
2007-01-01
The CdSe and Fe doped CdSe (Fe:CdSe) thin films have been electrodeposited potentiostatically onto the stainless steel and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates, from ethylene glycol bath containing (CH3COO)2.Cd.2H2O, SeO2, and FeCl3 at room temperature. The doping concentration of Fe is optimized by using (photo) electrochemical (PEC) characterization technique. The deposition mechanism and Fe incorporation are studied by cyclic voltammetry. The structural, surface morphological and optical properties of the deposited CdSe and Fe:CdSe thin films have been studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical absorption techniques respectively. The PEC study shows that Fe:CdSe thin films are more photosensitive than that of undoped CdSe thin films. The X-ray ... >>
Efficiency improvement in thin-film solar cell devices with oxygen-containing absorber layer
2005-01-01
The CdTe/CdS solar cell devices were grown using a dry process consisting of sputtering for the transparent conducting oxide and CdS window layers, and close-space sublimation for CdTe absorber layer. These devices were back contacted using Mo/Sb2Te3 sputtered layers following the CdCl2 activation process carried out in air. It was shown that when oxygen is intentionally introduced in the CdTe layer during its growth, this leads to a significant improvement in all the device parameters yielding an efficiency of 14% compared to 11.5% for devices fabricated in the same conditions but without intentional oxygen incorporation in CdTe. The data obtained were not altered following a light soaking. The devices were investigated by quantitative secondary ion mass spectrometry, which allowed insight into the distribution and amount of ... >>
ENHANCEMENT OF STRUCTURAL FOAM MATERIALS BY INCORPORATION OF GASIFIER SLAG
2006-03-15
As advanced gasification technology is increasingly adopted as an energy source, disposal of the resulting slag will become a problem. We have shown that gasifier slag can be incorporated into foamed glass, which is currently being manufactured as an abrasive and as an insulating material. The slag we add to foamed glass does not simply act as filler, but improves the mechanical properties of the product. Incorporation of gasifier slag can make foamed glass stronger and more abrasion resistant.
1998-09-01
This paper begins with a review of the modeled performance of transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) as a function of their free-carrier concentration, mobility, and film thickness. It is shown that it is vital to make a film with high mobility to minimize the width and height of the free-carrier absorption band, and to optimize the optical properties. The free-carrier concentration must be kept sufficiently small that the absorption band does not extend into that part of the spectrum to which the solar cell responds. Despite this consideration, a high electrical conductivity is essential to minimize series resistance losses. Hence, a high mobility is vital for these materials. The fabrication of thin-films of cadmium stannate is then discussed, and their performance is compared with that of tin oxide, both optically and as these materials influence the performance of CdTe solar cells.
1998-01-01
In this work we did studies to determinate the oxidation site and incorporation mechanism of oxygen to Cd Te, when preparing Cd Te:O thin films by r f reactive magnetron sputtering, using a Cd Te target and a controlled plasma of Ar-N2O. We study the influence in the oxygen content in films due to the variation of N2O partial pressure, plasma power and substrate position. We monitored the process in situ by mass spectrometry to determinate the variation of present compounds when varying the N2O partial pressure and plasma power. Thin films composition was determined by Auger electron spectroscopy and their structure by X-ray diffraction. We demonstrate that oxygen incorporation has place mainly in the substrate, forming an amorphous Cd Te:O film. We found that exists Cd Te oxidation without using nitrous oxide, may be due to residual ... >>
2009-10-01
The cadmium/zinc hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens is sensitive toward copper (Cu) toxicity, which is a problem for phytoremediation of soils with mixed contamination. Cu levels...Full Text Available
2009-10-01
Full Text Available.The cadmium/zinc hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens is sensitive toward copper (Cu) toxicity, which is a problem for phytoremediation of soils with mixed contamination. Cu levels in T. caerulescens grown with 10 μm Cu2+ remained in the nonaccumulator range (<50 ppm), and most individuals were as sensitive toward Cu as the related nonaccumulator Thlaspi fendleri. Obviously, hyperaccumulation and metal resistance are highly metal specific. Cu-induced inhibition of photosynthesis followed the “sun reaction” type of damage, with inhibition of the photosystem II reaction center charge separation and the water-splitting complex. A few individuals of T. caerulescens were more Cu resistant. Compared with Cu-sensitive individuals, they recovered faster from inhibition, at least partially by enhanced repair of chlorophyll-protein complexes but not by exclusion, since the content of Cu in their shoots was increased by about 25%. Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements on frozen-hydrated leaf samples revealed that a large proportion of Cu in T. caerulescens is bound by sulfur ligands. This is in contrast to the known binding environment of cadmium and zinc in the same species, which is dominated by oxygen ligands. Clearly, hyperaccumulators detoxify hyperaccumulated metals differently compared with nonaccumulated metals. Furthermore, strong features in the Cu-EXAFS spectra ascribed to metal-metal contributions were found, in particular in the Cu-resistant specimens. Some of these features may be due to Cu binding to metallothioneins, but a larger proportion seems to result from biomineralization, most likely Cu(II) oxalate and Cu(II) oxides. Additional contributions in the EXAFS spectra indicate complexation of Cu(II) by the nonproteogenic amino acid nicotianamine, which has a very high affinity for Cu(II) as further characterized here.
Chemical aspects of pellet-cladding interaction in light water reactor fuel elements
1982-01-01
In contrast to the extensive literature on the mechanical aspects of pellet-cladding interaction (PCI) in light water reactor fuel elements, the chemical features of this phenomenon are so poorly understood that there is still disagreement concerning the chemical agent responsible. Since the earliest work by Rosenbaum, Davies and Pon, laboratory and in-reactor experiments designed to elucidate the mechanism of PCI fuel rod failures have concentrated almost exclusively on iodine. The assumption that this is the reponsible chemical agent is contained in models of PCI which have been constructed for incorporation into fuel performance codes. The evidence implicating iodine is circumstantial, being based primarily upon the volatility and significant fission yield of this element and on the microstructural similarity of the failed Zircaloy specimens exposed to iodine in laboratory stress corrosion cracking (SCC) tests to cladding failures by PCI.
2008-01-01
CdTe oxide films were grown by radio frequency sputtering in Ar-N2O plasma at different N2O partial pressures. The film oxygen content determined by Auger electron spectroscopy ranged from 15 to 60 at.%. The free O2 production during film deposition was monitored by in situ mass spectroscopy and it was found that it increases linearly over a critical N2O pressure approx 4.7 x 10-3 Pa alike the oxygen in the films. Film microstructure was studied by Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Evidence of bands related to terminal Te-O vibrations was found in films prepared below the N2O critical pressure, becoming predominant in films with higher oxygen content. The morphology and roughness evolution of the films confirm that they consist of a mixture of phases. Surface structures of ... >>
2008-01-01
Thin films of cadmium doped zinc oxide (Cd : ZnO) with different cadmium concentrations have been prepared by the spray pyrolysis method on different substrates at 400 deg. C. The physical properties of the films were studied as a function of increasing cadmium dopant concentration (up to 25 wt%). The films were characterized by different methods to understand their structural, optical and electrical properties. Energy dispersive x-ray diffraction spectroscopy analysis showed that the Cd concentration in the solid film is slightly lower than that of the starting solution. The x-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the films are polycrystalline in nature having a hexagonal wurtzite type crystal structure with a preferred grain orientation in the (0 0 2) direction. Due to Cd doping, the degrees of polycrystallinity increased simultaneously and the orientation of the ... >>
Arsenic transport by zebrafish aquaglyceroporins
Full Text Available.BackgroundArsenic is one of the most ubiquitous toxins and endangers the health of tens of millions of humans worldwide. It is a mainly a water-borne contaminant. Inorganic trivalent arsenic (AsIII) is one of the major species that exists environmentally. The transport of AsIII has been studied in microbes, plants and mammals. Members of the aquaglyceroporin family have been shown to actively conduct AsIII and its organic metabolite, monomethylarsenite (MAsIII). However, the transport of AsIII and MAsIII in in any fish species has not been characterized.ResultsIn this study, five members of the aquaglyceroporin family from zebrafish (Danio rerio) were cloned, and their ability to transport water, glycerol, and trivalent arsenicals (AsIII and MAsIII) and antimonite (SbIII) was investigated. Genes for at least seven aquaglyceroporins have been annotated in the zebrafish genome project. Here, five genes which are close homologues to human AQP3, AQP9 and AQP10 were cloned from a zebrafish cDNA preparation. These genes were named aqp3, aqp3l, aqp9a, aqp9b and aqp10 according to their similarities to the corresponding human AQPs. Expression of aqp9a, aqp9b, aqp3, aqp3l and aqp10 in multiple zebrafish organs were examined by RT-PCR. Our results demonstrated that these aquaglyceroporins exhibited different tissue expression. They are all detected in more than one tissue. The ability of these five aquaglyceroporins to transport water, glycerol and the metalloids arsenic and antimony was examined following expression in oocytes from Xenopus leavis. Each of these channels showed substantial glycerol transport at equivalent rates. These aquaglyceroporins also facilitate uptake of inorganic AsIII, MAsIII and SbIII. Arsenic accumulation in fish larvae and in different tissues from adult zebrafish was studied following short-term arsenic exposure. The results showed that liver is the major organ of arsenic accumulation; other tissues such as gill, eye, heart, intestine muscle and skin also exhibited significant ability to accumulate arsenic. The zebrafish larvae also accumulate considerable amounts of arsenic.ConclusionThis is the first molecular identification of fish arsenite transport systems and we propose that the extensive expression of the fish aquaglyceroporins and their ability to transport metalloids suggests that aquaglyceroporins are the major pathways for arsenic accumulation in a variety of zebrafish tissues. Uptake is one important step of arsenic metabolism. Our results will contribute to a new understanding of aquatic arsenic metabolism and will support the use of zebrafish as a new model system to study arsenic associated human diseases.
Arsenic transport by zebrafish aquaglyceroporins
BackgroundArsenic is one of the most ubiquitous toxins and endangers the health of tens of millions of humans worldwide. It is a mainly a water-borne contaminant. Inorganic trivalent...Full Text Available
Advanced nickel-cadmium battery cell design
An advanced Ni-Cd aerospace cell design is described based on incorporation of Ni-H/sub 2/ cell design technology. Test results demonstrate improved oxygen/hydrogen gas recombination rates and increased electrolyte levels. It is anticipated that these improvements will result in increased operational ranges and increased life.
Incorporation of trace metals and radionuclides into goethite
1985-01-01
The elements Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd and Th can be incorporated into the structure of goethite in greater amounts that U (as UO22+). These elements cause significant changes in the morphology and d-spacing of the goethite. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Th in the goethite were analysed by X-ray spectroscopic analysis in the electron microscope
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