Decontamination Effectiveness of Ferrocyanides in Irradiated Rats Contaminated Internally with Radiocesium

The experiment was performed on 192 Wistar rats irradiated with 154.5 mC kg^?1. Therefore, the animals were divided into 5 groups and were treated as follows: group I, controls, with Cs-137; groups II and III with Cs-137 followed by 2-fold administration of ferric ferrocyanide (FF) and ammonium ferric-cyanoferrate (AFCF), respectively; groups IV and V with Cs-137 followed by 6-fold and 10-fold administration of FF and AFCF, respectively. Organ and muscle (16 samples) concentrations of Cs-137 in groups I–III were measured on days 1, 3, 5 and 7, and those of groups IV – V on day 7 after the contamination. The results indicated that in rats contaminated internally with Cs-137 one day post irradiation 2-fold treatment with FF and AFCF in the day resulted in a similar and significant decrease of Cs-137, whereas manyfold treatment (6× or 10×) with these agents did not increase their decontamination effectiveness.     

Behaviour of E. coli 0157:H7 strains in model system and in raw meat by hpp: Microbial and technological aspects

Abstract

Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) is an important pathogen which can cause serious illnesses in humans. It is of particular importance to the meat industry to be able to completely destroy E. coli. A technique used to destroy E. coli could be the high pressure process. For this reason a mixture of 8 strains of E. coli 0157:H7 was inoculated in raw minced meat and in broth. These samples were treated at pressures up to 700 MPa at WC, causing up to 5 decimal reductions. HP treatment is also effective in decreasing microbial contamination and increasing the shelf-life of raw minced meat under refrigerated conditions. The texture of raw minced meat improved with HP level, while the colour was less characteristic in HP-treated samples; a combined HP-treatment caused less colour change than an individual HP-treatment. No difference in colour of cooked minced meat was observed in untreated and HP-treated samples. The texture of cooked minced meat improved in HP-treated samples.     

Effects of Heavy Ion Irradiation on Short-Range Order of Fe–Cr–P–C Amorphous Alloys Investigated by Mössbauer and DSC Measurements

Rapidly quenched Fe–Cr–P–C amorphous alloys irradiated with 209 MeV energy ⁸⁴Kr ions were investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. Significant changes were found between Mössbauer spectra of the irradiated and non-irradiated amorphous alloys. The changes were analysed by the hyperfine field distribution method, too. The crystallisation temperature as well as the phase composition at a certain stage of crystallisation were found to be different in the non-irradiated and irradiated samples. These results reflect the changes in the short-range ordering due to the irradiation with energetic heavy ions.     

Influence of Ga+ ion irradiation on thermal relaxation of exchange bias field in exchange-coupled CoFe/IrMn bilayers

This paper reports that the CoFe/IrMn bilayers are deposited by magnetron sputtering on the surfaces of thermallyoxidized Si substrates.It investigates the thermal relaxations of both non-irradiated and Ga + ion irradiated CoFe/IrMn bilayers by means of holding the bilayers in a negative saturation field.The results show that exchange bias field decreases with the increase of holding time period for both non-irradiated and Ga + ion irradiated CoFe/IrMn bilayers.Exchange bias field is also found to be smaller upon irradiation at higher ion dose.This reduction of exchange bias field is attributed to the change of energy barrier induced by ion-radiation.     

Comparative Study of Electrodeposited and Ion Beam Mixed Fe-Ni-Cr Alloys

Electrodeposited Fe-Ni-Cr alloys irradiated with 209 MeV energy ⁸⁴Kr ions were investigated by conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. Significant dose dependent changes were found between Mössbauer spectra of the irradiated and non-irradiated deposits. These changes reflect the dose dependent transformation of the metastable ferromagnetic phase to the paramagnetic one.     

Observation of laser-light effect on <Superscript>137</Superscript>Cs radioactivity in colloidal gold: first results

Laser-light effects on γ-activities of the ¹³⁷Cs and ¹³⁴Cs water solutions containing gold nanoparticles are investigated at laser-light intensity on the order of 10¹² W/cm². The irradiation is found to reduce the radioactivities of both nuclides. Over the period of irradiation, no enhancement of the γ lines of spontaneous decays is detected. Possible mechanisms of the observed effect are discussed.     

Effects of high pressure treatment on the quality of cooked pork ham prepared with different levels of curing ingredients

The aim of this study was to define the effects of high-pressure treatment (600 MPa, 10 min, 20 °C) on the quality of cooked pork ham prepared with two different levels of curing ingredients in brine. Physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory tests were performed 24 h after high pressure processing (HPP), as well as after 6 and 8 weeks of storage in refrigerator conditions. The results indicate that HPP causes significant improvement of shelf life of vacuum packed ham, including the samples with reduced level of curing ingredients in brine to 8 weeks in refrigerator conditions (4–6 °C). HPP did not have significant effect on the texture or color of ham. However, it significantly increased the drip loss during storage in the packed samples. This may indicate that HPP has negative effects on water holding capacity of cooked products.     

Evaluation of ultrasound and microbubbles effect on pork meat during brining process

In this study combined effect of ultrasound-induced acoustic cavitation and microbubbles during meat brining on pork loin (Longissimus dorsi) was evaluated. Cylindrical shape (diameter 15 mm, height 80 mm) pork loin samples were cut and immersed in 200 g L^-1 NaCl brine and treated with the following brining methods for 180 min: static brining (SB), ultrasound assisted brining (US) and ultrasound combined with microbubbles in brine (USMB). Ultrasound was generated with 20 kHz frequency, 5,09 W/cm² maximum intensity and 100 W maximum power. Microbubbles in brine were produced by a gas–liquid mixing pump. Effect of ultrasound and microbbubles on NaCl content and diffusion in pork loin, mass balance, water binding capacity (WBC), protein denaturation and meat tissue microstructure were evaluated. The US and USMB brinings enhanced the NaCl diffusion into meat compared to meat brined under static conditions. The constant diffusion coefficient (D) model precisely described the NaCl diffusion kinetics during brinings. The ultrasound and microbbubles resulted in microscopic pores on the surface of myofibers. Decreasing WBC was observed for all brining methods. Myosin was not detectable in any of the brining methods. Denaturation temperature of actin showed a decreasing tendency with increasing brining time independently the brining methods.     

Photostimulated luminescence of corrugated fiberboard as an additional screening method for detecting radiated foods

In this study, PSL of non-irradiated and irradiated corrugated fiberboards (CFs) was investigated to evaluate the possibility that CFs can be used as alternative specimens for the screening detection method of food irradiation. The irradiation at a dose of only 0.15 kGy increased PSL signals of the CF over 1 order of magnitude. The PSL signals increased with increasing in gamma irradiation dose and became almost saturated at a dose of 5 kGy. The core of CFs showed PSL signals sufficient for distinguishing irradiated from non-irradiated at least 6 months after irradiation even though the CF was exposed to light and the environmental temperature increased to 50 °C. These results suggest that the PSL property of the core of CFs is useful for detecting irradiation. However, the large variation of PSL signals among CFs made it difficult to set a well-defined “positive” threshold limit to distinguish irradiated from non-irradiated completely. All of the non-irradiated CFs showed PSL signals above 10³ counts, which is much higher than that detected for foods. It is apparent that the threshold limit of EN 13751 is not applicable to detecting irradiated CFs. More detailed collaborative research with large number of samples is needed to establish new threshold limits involving “intermediate” classification.     

Deep levels in low‐energy electron‐irradiated 4H‐SiC

Deep levels introduced by low‐energy (200 keV) electron irradiation in n‐type 4H‐SiC epitaxial layers grown by chemical vapour deposition were studied by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and photoexcitation electron paramagnetic resonance (photo‐EPR). After irradiation, several DLTS levels, EH1, EH3, Z_1/2, EH5 and EH6/7, often reported in irradiated 4H‐SiC, were observed. In irradiated freestanding films from the same wafer, the EPR signals of the carbon vacancy in the positive and negative charge states, V_C⁺ and V_C^‐, respectively, can be observed simultaneously under illumination with light of certain photon energies. Comparing the ionization energies obtained from DLTS and photo‐EPR, we suggest that the EH6/7 (at ～E_C – 1.6 eV) and EH5 (at ～E_C – 1.0 eV) electron traps may be related to the single donor (+ | 0) and the double acceptor (1– | 2–) level of V_C, respectively. Judging from the relative intensity of the DLTS signals, the EH6/7 level may also be contributed to by other unidentified defects. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Diode laser irradiation effects on the sealing ability of root canal sealers

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that dentine alterations induced by 810 nm-diode laser may affect the interaction between root canal sealers and the dentin wall. Seventy-two single root human teeth were selected and root canals were enlarged with K-files. Dentine was treated with 0.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA-T and irradiated (laser group) by diode laser (810 nm/P = 2.5W/I = 1989 W/cm²) or remained non-irradiated (control group). Six samples per group were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining samples of each group were divided into three subgroups (n = 10) and sealed with one of the tested sealers (N-Rickert/AHPlus?/Apexit®). Apical leakage was estimated by evaluating penetration of 0.5% methylene-blue dye. SEM analysis revealed that dentine at the apical third in irradiated samples was melted and fusioned whereas non-irradiated samples exhibited opened dentinal tubules. Despite the morphological changes induced by irradiation, laser did not affect the sealing ability of N-Rickert and AHPlusTM sealers. However, the length of apical leakage in roots filled with Apexit® was lower in irradiated root canals than in non-irradiated samples (p < 0.05). Morphological changes of root canal walls promoted by diode laser irradiation may improve de sealing ability of Apexit®, a calcium hydroxide-based sealer, suggesting that improved sealing promoted by irradiation may represent an additional factor contributing to the endodontic clinical outcome.     

Study of structural,morphological and mechanical properties of PMMA,PVC and their blends

PMMA, PVC and their five blends in different compositions were irradiated by γ -rays of 2 Mrad dose. A comparative study of structural, morphological and mechanical properties of irradiated and non-irradiated samples was carried out. The structural changes that have taken place due to irradiation are seen in the FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. The ester group is mainly affected in PMMA and the blends. The XRD results have confirmed that the irradiated samples are more amorphous in nature than the non-irradiated ones. The DSC study reveals that some irradiated samples undergo cross-linking, whereas some of them undergo degradation. One of the irradiated blend compositions has become thermally more stable. The SEM study suggests that the irradiated samples have undergone curing. An improvement in the mechanical properties has been observed in some of the irradiated blend compositions.     

Decontamination of radioactivity from contaminated vegetables derived from the Fukushima nuclear accident

Many kinds of vegetables were contaminated by a huge amount of radioactivity, such as ¹³¹I or ¹³⁷Cs, derived from the Fukushima nuclear accident. The concentration of radioactivity in contaminated vegetables was higher than the value of the legal limit for shipment, therefore, we attempted to identify a simple and effective removal method for contaminated farm products to ensure the relief of farmers and the security of consumers. First, the radioactivity distribution and adhesion state of contaminated vegetables were investigated by an imaging plate (IP) image. As a result, there were two types of contamination, spot type or spread type, of vegetables. The removal of radioactivity by physical or chemical methods was investigated. As a result, radioactivity removal by water washing showed no significant difference between boiling water and cold water. There was no significant difference between hand washing and running water washing. The result of chemical removal showed that reducing agents removed radioactivity from vegetables by 70–80% for ¹³¹I and more than 80% for ¹³⁷Cs. In particular, ascorbic acid is promising as a safe and versatile option.     

The effect of ultrasound treatment on the interaction of brine with pork meat proteins

The objective of the study is to elucidate the effect of ultrasound treated salt solution on curing of pork meat. The interactions of salt (NaCl) solutions of 3 and 25% with the proteins of pork meat are studied. High intensity ultrasound operating at 20 kHz was used. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), NMR spin-spin relaxation time, unfrozen water and water diffusion coefficient measurements were carried out in meat cured with ultrasound treated and untreated salt solutions. The effect of ultrasonication was most evident from measured spin-spin relaxation times T₂₁, the rate of chemical exchange of water protons k and the amount of unfrozen water W_unf in the meat. The measured diffusion coefficient of water D_w in meat cured with ultrasound treated and control salt solution did not show significant difference. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation data, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the diffusion coefficient data reliably show that the possible action of ultrasound to salt solution was manifested on the first 2 days of the experiment with a 3% salt solution.     

A low temperature study of antiferromagnetic YbVO4 by NMR thermally detected by nuclear orientation

NMR-TDNO results using an external ⁶⁰CoCo (hcp) nuclear orientation thermometer for non-irradiated, single crystal, antiferromagnetic YbVO₄ are compared with those obtained earlier with neutron activated samples using both internal and external γ-ray thermometers. Detailed comparisons are made for the ¹⁷¹Yb (I=1/2, 14.31% abundant) stable nucleus. This strongly asymmetric, largely homogeneous, resonance lineshape was retained and is readily power broadened. Extremely broad, field-dependent homogeneous thermometric responses are observed in the expected frequency range for the quadrupolar stable nucleus ¹⁷³Yb (I=5/2, 16.13% abundant) for both irradiated and non-irradiated samples. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Structural and electronic properties of laser irradiated pure iron

The surface of a pure iron sample irradiated with a high power pulsed laser has been studied by UHV electron spectroscopies in the reflection mode (AES, EELS and EELFS) in order to verify the experimental hint of a laser induced non-crystalline surface layer.Our results point out that the local arrangement of atoms in the laser irradiated surface is not disorder-like: no significant differences in structural and electronic properties between irradiated and non-irradiated samples have been detected in the short-range limit (up to the fourth coordination shell).This result agrees with a theoretical computer calculation which predicts, for pure metals, a cooling rate of the order of 10¹⁰ K sec^?1 after the laser pulse, not sufficient to avoid recrystallization.     

Study of evaporating the irradiated graphite in equilibrium low-temperature plasma

The paper describes a problem of accumulation of irradiated graphite due to operation of uranium-graphite nuclear reactors. The main noncarbon contaminants that contribute to the overall activity of graphite elements are iso-topes ¹³⁷Cs, ⁶⁰Co, ⁹⁰Sr, ³⁶Cl, and ³H. A method was developed for processing of irradiated graphite ensuring the volu-metric decontamination of samples. The calculation results are presented for equilibrium composition of plasma-chemical reactions in systems “irradiated graphite?argon” and “irradiated graphite?helium” for a wide range of tem-peratures. The paper describes a developed mathematical model for the process of purification of a porous graphite surface treated by equilibrium low-temperature plasma. The simulation results are presented for the rate of sublimation of radioactive contaminants as a function of plasma temperature and plasma flow velocity when different plasma-forming gases are used. The extraction coefficient for the contaminant ¹³⁷Cs from the outer side of graphite pores was calculated. The calculations demonstrated the advantages of using a lighter plasma forming gas, i.e., helium.     

A study of the effect of gamma and laser irradiation on the thermal,optical and structural properties of CR-39 nuclear track detector

A comparative study of the effect of gamma and laser irradiation on the thermal, optical and structural properties of the CR-39 diglycol carbonate solid state nuclear track detector has been carried out. Samples from CR-39 polymer were classified into two main groups: the first group was irradiated by gamma rays with doses at levels between 20 and 300 kGy, whereas the second group was exposed to infrared laser radiation with energy fluences at levels between 0.71 and 8.53 J/cm². Non-isothermal studies were carried out using thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis to obtain activation energy of decomposition and transition temperatures for the non-irradiated and all irradiated CR-39 samples. In addition, optical and structural property studies were performed on non-irradiated and irradiated CR-39 samples using refractive index and X-ray diffraction measurements. Variation in the onset temperature of decomposition T _o, activation energy of decomposition E _a, melting temperature T _m, refractive index n and the mass fraction of the amorphous phase after gamma and laser irradiation were studied.

It was found that many changes in the thermal, optical and structural properties of the CR-39 polymer could be produced by gamma irradiation via degradation and cross-linking mechanisms. Also, the gamma dose has an advantage of increasing the correlation between thermal stability of the CR-39 polymer and bond formation created by the ionizing effect of gamma radiation. On the other hand, higher laser-energy fluences in the range 4.27–8.53 J/cm² decrease the melting temperature of the CR-39 polymer and this is most suitable for applications requiring molding of the polymer at lower temperatures.     

Gamma-irradiation effect on a commercial composite anticorrosive pigment and acidity-to-alkalinity conversion

A commercial composite anticorrosive pigment based on aluminum dihydrogen tripolyphosphate was studied after exposure to gamma irradiation (Co⁶⁰, 0, 20, 50, 100 and 150?kGy) using FTIR, XRD, TGA and acid-base titration technologies. Although the FTIR spectra showed that the effect of the irradiation on functional groups in the pigments was not obvious, the decrease in the crystal lattice parameters of the irradiated pigments was observed in the XRD spectra compared to the non-irradiated sample. But the extent of the lattice parameter decrease monotonically with the increase of absorbed dose from 20 to 150?kGy, which was attributed to the decomposition of water and the simultaneous occurrence of lattice damage when the pigments were exposed to gamma rays. Of particular significance was the displayed basicity of the aqueous solutions of the irradiated pigments compared to the acidity of the solution of the non-irradiated pigment, which was attributed to the decomposition of P-OH groups (combined water).     

Electron-irradiated n+-Si as hole injection tunable anode of organic light-emitting diode

Traditionally, n-type silicon is not regarded as a good anode of organic light emitting diode (OLED) due to the extremely low hole concentration in it; however, when doped with Au element which acts as carrier generation centers, it can be, as shown in our previous work. In this study, we demonstrate a new kind of carrier generation centers in n⁺-type silicon, which are the defects produced by 5 MeV electron irradiation. The density of carrier generation centers in the irradiated n⁺-Si anode can be controlled by tuning the electron irradiation time, and thus hole injection current in the OLEDs with the irradiated n⁺-Si anode can be optimized, leading to their much higher maximum efficiencies than those of the OLEDs with non-irradiated n⁺-Si anode. For a green phosphorescent OLED with the irradiated n⁺-Si anode, the current efficiency and power efficiency reach up to 12.1 cd/A and 4.2 lm/W, respectively.