Effect of dose rate on inactivation of microorganisms in spices by electron-beams and gamma-rays irradiation

Total aerobic bacteria in spices used in this study were determined to be 1 × 10⁶ to 6 × 10⁷ per gram. A study on the inactivation of microorganisms in spices showed that doses of 6–9kGy of EB (electron-beams) or γ-irradiation were required to reduce the total aerobic bacteria in many However, a little increase of resistance was observed on the inactivation of total aerobic bacteria in many spices in case of EB irradiation. These difference of radiation sensitivities between EB and γ-rays was explained by dose rate effect on oxidation damage to microorganisms from the results of radiation sensitivities of Bacillus pumilus and B. megaterium spores at dry conditions. On the other hand, these high dose rate of EB irradiation suppressed the increase of peroxide values in spices at high dose irradiation up to 80 kGy. However, components of essential oils in spices were not changed even irradiated up to 50 kGy with EB and γ-rays.     

Effect of gamma radiation on growth and survival of common seed-borne fungi in India

The present work describes radiation-induced effects of major seeds like Oryza sativa Cv-2233, Oryza sativa Cv-Shankar, Cicer arietinum Cv-local and seed-borne fungi like Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma sp. and Curvularia sp. ⁶⁰Co gamma source at 25 °C emitting gamma ray at 1173 and 1332 keV energy was used for irradiation. Dose of gamma irradiation up to 3 kGy (0.12 kGy/h) was applied for exposing the seed and fungal spores. Significant depletion of the fungal population was noted with irradiation at 1–2 kGy, whereas germinating potential of the treated grain did not alter significantly. However, significant differential radiation response in delayed seed germination, colony formation of the fungal spores and their depletion of growth were noticed in a dose-dependent manner. The depletion of the fungal viability (germination) was noted within the irradiation dose range of 1–2 kGy for Alternaria sp. and Aspergillus sp., while 0.5–1 kGy for Trichoderma sp. and Curvularia sp. However, complete inhibition of all the selected fungi was observed above 2.5 kGy.     

Radiochemical oxidation of an ethylene-propylene-hexadiene terpolymer

The γ ray initiated oxidation of an ethylene-propylene-hexadiene terpolymer (molar ratios 87/12/1) was studied by IR spectrophotometry in the 40–90°C temperature range, with dose rates varying from 10 to 2500 Gy h⁻¹ and integrated doses up to 100 kGy. Bulk (≈8 mm) and thin (≈0.1mm) samples were studied. It appears that the oxidation is diffusion controlled in the bulk samples and non diffusion controlled in thin films. A kinetic study of IR spectral changes in these latter reveals that vinylene groups of the hexadiene monomer unit disappear in the early period of exposure, presumably by addition reactions with peroxy radicals. A very simplified mechanistic scheme allows a satisfying modelling of this process whose rate is almost proportional to the dose rate (irradiation intensity).     

Electron beam irradiated polyamide-6,6 films—II: mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties and water absorption behavior

Electron beam irradiation of poly(iminohexamethylene-iminoadipoyl) (Polyamide-6,6) films was carried out over a range of irradiation doses (20–500 kGy) in air. The mechanical properties were studied and the optimum radiation dose was 200 kGy, where the ultimate tensile stress (UTS), 10% modulus, elongation at break (EB) and toughness showed significant improvement over the unirradiated film. At a dose of 200 kGy, the UTS was improved by 19%, the 10% modulus by 9% and the EB by 200% over the control. The dynamic mechanical properties of the films were studied in the temperature region 303–473 K to observe the changes in the glass transition temperature (T_g) and loss tangent (tan δ) with radiation dose. The storage modulus of the film receiving a radiation dose of 200 kGy was higher than the unirradiated film. The water uptake characteristics of the Polyamide-6,6 films were investigated. The water uptake was less for the films that received a radiation dose of 200 and 500 kGy than the unirradiated film. The role of crystallinity, crosslinking and chain scission in affecting the tensile, dynamic mechanical and water absorption properties was discussed.     

Effect of γ-radiation on ointment cold cream

In this paper, Co-60γ ray was used to irradiate the ointment cold cream at room temperature (25°C). We also used FTIR, GC and thin film chromatogram to analyse various irradiated samples. It was found that the ointment cold cream can be irradiated at dose of 5–35 kGy and at dose rate from 0.2 to 0.6 kGy/h at room temperature (25°C) without evident decomposition. At dose of 5–15 kGy, the number of bacteria can be reduced to hygienic standard value. The radiation sterilization is a safe method for killing the bacteria in the ointment cold cream.     

Radiation-induced precipitation of nickel ion in aqueous solution saturated with hydrogen gas

Ni²⁺ ion is proved to precipitate in a solution saturated with H₂ by the aid of ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiation. The amount of Ni precipitated increases in proportion to the total dose, where the G(Ni) is accounted for as 0.29. A log–log plot has revealed that precipitation increases linearly with dose rate under less than 1 kGy/h, followed by a subsequent levelling off. In regard to the effect of initial [Ni²⁺], the increase in [Ni²⁺] has incurred a reduction of precipitation rate of Ni.     

Dose response and post-irradiation characteristics of the Sunna 535-nm photo-fluorescent film dosimeter

Results of characterization studies on one of the first versions of the Sunna photo-fluorescent dosimeter™ have previously been reported, and the performance of the red fluorescence component described. This present paper describes dose response and post-irradiation characteristics of the green fluorescence component from the same dosimeter film (Sunna Model γ), which is manufactured using the injection molding technique. This production method may supply batch sizes on the order of 1 million dosimeter film elements while maintaining a signal precision (1σ) on the order of ±1% without the need to correct for variability of film thickness. The dosimeter is a 1 cm×3 cm polymeric film of 0.5-mm thickness that emits green fluorescence at intensities increasing almost linearly with dose. The data presented include dose response, post-irradiation growth, heat treatment, dosimeter aging, dose rate dependence, energy dependence, dose fractionation, variation of response within a batch, and the stability of the fluorimeter response. The results indicate that, as a routine dosimeter, the green signal provides a broad range of response at food irradiation (0.3–5 kGy), medical sterilization (5–40 kGy), and polymer cross-linking (40–250 kGy) dose levels.     

Radiation induced decomposition of halogenated organic compounds in water

Decomposition by ionizing radiations of p-chlorophenol and tetrachloroethylene in synthetic water samples at about 2 mg Cl L⁻¹, has been studied on laboratory-scale experiments. Bicarbonate/carbonate and nitrate ions, at two concentration levels (20 and 200 mg HCO₃⁻¹ and 1 and 50 mg NO₃⁻L⁻) were added to synthetic samples in order to evaluate their influence on decomposition yield. At 5 kGy γ dose level, a quantitative degradation of p-chlorophenol is obtained whereas only qualitative consideration can be drawn on tetracholoroethylene. Comparative study with respect to degradation of p-cholophenol solutions (about 2 mg Cl L⁻¹) by γ-rays and electron beam irradiation treatment at 0.5 kGy dose level, are in progress; preliminary results indicate that irradiation with γ-rays seems to be more efficient in terms of removal efficiency respect to electron beams source.     

The use of ESR spectroscopy for the investigation of dosimetric properties of egg shells

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the dosimetric properties of chicken egg shells. The ESR spectra of the irradiated egg shell were found to have an asymmetric absorption characterized by a major resonance at g=2.0019 and a minor resonance at g_||=1.9980. The study was carried out on g=2.0019 signal because of the accuracy of measurements and the possibility of using it as ESR dosimeter. The activation energy (E), frequency factor (k₀) and mean-life (τ) were calculated to be 1.50±0.10 eV, 2×10¹³ s⁻¹ and (4.4±0.4)×10⁴ year respectively. Dose–response was investigated between dose ranges of 1 Gy and 10 kGy for ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. Dose–response was found to be appropriate for dosimetry in the range 3 Gy to 10 kGy. The lower limit of observable doses for egg shell sample was about 3 Gy. The other ESR dosimetric parameters of egg shell samples, fading characteristic, light effect, dose-rate dependence and energy dependence, have also been studied in detail. Apart from its non-tissue equivalence, egg shell has very good dosimetric properties with insignificant fading, light independence, linearity in dose–response (3 Gy–10 kGy), dose-rate independence and independence from energy above 500 keV. It suggests that egg shell may be used as a retrospective γ radiation dosimetry after nuclear accidents or other short accidental radiation events.     

Preservation of fresh noodles by irradiation

At the present paper, it is studied to preserve fresh noodles by irradiation. The noodles which were irradiated by 10 kGy of ⁶⁰Co-γ rays and stored at room temperature (18–24°C). The appearance of the noodles was observed, the bacteria in the noodles were examines, and the acidity of the noodles was measured during 10 days after irradiation. The results showed that the number of bacteria and the extent of acidification of the noodles were in inverse proportion to radiation dose. When the absorbed dose was less than 8 kGy, the residual bacteria in the noodles could proliferate massively in several days and acidified the noodles. The pH of these noodles decreased from 6.2 to 5.0 or less and the noodles turned into sticky during storage. When the absorbed dose reached 8–10 kGy, most of bacteria were killed and the acidity of the noodles kept about pH 6.0. The appearance of the noodles looks fresh within 10 days after irradiation. They smelled as good as fresh ones.     

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of noble gas coordinated dipalladium–dioxygen complexes

The reaction products of palladium atoms with molecular oxygen in solid argon have been investigated using matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. In addition to the previously reported mononuclear palladium–dioxygen complexes: Pd(η²–O₂) and Pd(η²–O₂)₂, dinuclear palladium–dioxygen complexes: Pd₂(η²–O₂) and Pd₂(η²–O₂)₂ were formed under visible light irradiation and were identified on the basis of isotopic substitution and theoretical calculations. In addition, experiments doped with xenon in argon coupled with theoretical calculations suggest that the Pd(η²–O₂), Pd₂(η²–O₂) and Pd₂(η²–O₂)₂ complexes are coordinated by two argon or xenon atoms in solid argon matrix, and therefore, should be regarded as the Pd(η²–O₂)(Ng)₂, Pd₂(η²–O₂)(Ng)₂ and Pd₂(η²–O₂)₂(Ng)₂ (NgAr or Xe) complexes isolated in solid argon.     

Reactions of the cationic diruthenium carbonyl complex [Ru2(μ-dppm)2(CO)4(μ,η-O2CMe)] with bidentate ligands; intramolecularly assisted stereospecific synthesis via the second-sphere face-to-face π–π stacking interactions

The reactions of the diruthenium carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]X (X=BF₄⁻ (1a) or PF₆⁻ (1b)) with neutral or anionic bidentate ligands (L,L) afford a series of the diruthenium bridging carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-(L,L))₂]X_n ((L,L)=acetate (O₂CMe), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), acetylacetonate (acac), 8-quinolinolate (quin); n=0, 1, 2). Apparently with coordination of the bidentate ligands, the bound acetate ligand of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ either migrates within the same complex or into a different one, or is simply replaced. The reaction of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ (1) with 2,2′-bipyridine produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)₂] (2), [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-bpy)]⁺ (3), and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-bpy)₂]²⁺ (4). Alternatively compound 2 can be prepared from the reaction of 1a with MeCO₂H–Et₃N, while compound 4 can be obtained from the reaction of 3 with bpy. The reaction of 1b with acetylacetone–Et₃N produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-acac)] (5) and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-acac)₂] (6). Compound 2 can also react with acetylacetone–Et₃N to produce 6. Surprisingly [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-quin)₂] (7) was obtained stereospecifically as the only one product from the reaction of 1b with 8-quinolinol–Et₃N. The structure of 7 has been established by X-ray crystallography and found to adopt a cis geometry. Further, the stereospecific reaction is probably caused by the second-sphere π–π face-to-face stacking interactions between the phenyl rings of dppm and the electron-deficient six-membered ring moiety of the bound quinolinate (i.e. the N-included six-membered ring) in 7. The presence of such interactions is indeed supported by an observed charge-transfer band in a UV–vis spectrum.     

Organometallic complexes for nonlinear optics: Part 31. Cubic hyperpolarizabilities of ferrocenyl-linked gold and ruthenium complexes

The complexes [Fe{η-C₅H₄---(E)---CH=CH---4-C₆H₄CCX}₂] [X=SiMe₃ (1), H (2), Au(PCy₃) (3), Au(PPh₃) (4), Au(PMe₃) (5), RuCl(dppm)₂ (7), RuCl(dppe)₂ (8)] and [Fe{η-C₅H₄---(E)---CH=CH---4-C₆H₄CH=CRuCl(dppm)₂}₂](PF₆)₂ (6) have been prepared and the identities of 1 and 7 confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structural studies. Complexes 1–8 exhibit reversible oxidation waves in their cyclic voltammograms attributed to the Fe^II/III couple of the ferrocenyl groups, 6–8 also showing reversible (7, 8) or non-reversible (6) processes attributed to Ru-centered oxidation. Cubic nonlinearities at 800 nm by the Z-scan method are low for 1–5; in contrast, complexes 6 and 7 exhibit large negative γ_real and large γ_imag values. A factor of 4 difference in γ and two-photon absorption cross-section σ₂ values for 6 and 7 suggest that they have potential as protically switchable NLO materials.     

Thermoluminescence of contaminating minerals for the detection of radiation treatment of dried fruits

Several types of dry fruits (pistachio nut, dried apricot, almond and raisins) have been investigated for detection of their radiation treatment by gamma rays or electron beam using thermoluminescence (TL) measurements. These samples were irradiated to 1.0–3.0 kGy (gamma rays) or 0.75–3.9 kGy (10 MeV electron beam). Thermoluminescence glow curves for the contaminating minerals separated from the dry fruits were recorded between the temperature range of 50°C and 500°C. In all the cases, the intensity of TL signal for the irradiated dry fruits was 1–3 orders of magnitudes higher than the TL intensity of the corresponding unirradiated control samples allowing clear distinction between the irradiated and unirradiated samples. These results were normalized by re-irradiating the mineral grains with a gamma-ray dose of 1.0 kGy, and a second glow curve was recorded. The ratio of intensity of the first glow curve (TL₁) to that after the normalization dose (TL₂), i.e. (TL₁/TL₂) was determined and compared with the recommended threshold values. These parameters, together with comparison of the shape of the first glow curve, gave unequivocal results about the radiation treatment of the dry fruit samples.     

Radiation polymerization of thermo-sensitive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam)

Temperature-sensitive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam) both in water-soluble state and in gel was prepared by γ-radiation polymerization. The effects of radiation dose, radiation dose rate and monomer concentration on polymerization and the low critical solution temperature characteristics of the polymer were studied. The results show that the polymer prepared within certain radiation dose (beyond 2 kGy) and dose rate range (2–14 Gy/min) has good temperature sensitivity and uniformity.     

Comparative effects of gamma irradiation and phosphine fumigation on the quality of white ginseng

The hygienic, physicochemical, and organoleptic qualities of white ginseng were monitored during 6 months under accelerated conditions (40°C, 90% r.h.) by observing its microbial populations, disinfestation, and some quality attributes following either gamma irradiation at 2.5–10 kGy or commercial phosphine (PH₃) fumigation. In a comparative study, both treatments were found to be effective for disinfecting the stored samples. Phosphine showed no appreciable decontaminating effects on microorganisms contaminated including coliforms, while 5 kGy irradiation was sufficient to control all microorganisms related to the quality of the packed samples. Irradiation at 5 kGy caused negligible changes in physicochemical attributes of the samples, such as ginsenosides, amino acids, fatty acids, and organoleptic properties, whereas phosphine fumigation was found detrimental to sensory flavor (P<0.01). Quality deterioration occurred in the commercially-packed samples was in the following order: the control, 10 kGy-, phosphine-, and 2.5–5 kGy-treated samples. Accordingly, irradiation at <5 kGy was found to be an effective alternative to phosphine fumigation for white ginseng.     

Formation of (η-R5C5)Ru(NO)X2 by the nitrosylation of (η-R5C5)Ru(CO)2X under irradiation

The ruthenium(II) complexes (η-R₅C₅)Ru(CO)₂X with R = H, CH₃ and X = Cl, Br, I undergo a facile reaction with nitric oxide under UV irradiation to afford ruthenium(IV) nitrosyl derivatives of the general type (η-R₅C₅)Ru(NO)X₂.     

Comparison of the effects of visible femtosecond laser pulses and continuous wave laser radiation of low average intensity on the clonogenicity of Escherichia coli.

To evaluate the contribution of local pulsed heating of light-absorbing microregions to biochemical activity, irradiation of Escherichia coli was carried out using femtosecond laser pulses (λ = 620 nm, τ_p=3 × 10⁻¹³ s, f_p = 0.5 Hz, E_p = 1.1 × 10⁻³J cm⁻², I_av = 5.5 × 10⁻⁴ W cm⁻², I_p = 10⁹ W cm⁻²) and continuous wave (CW) laser radiation (λ = 632.8 nm, I = 1.3 W cm⁻²). The irradiation dose required to produce a similar biological effect (a 160%–190% increase in the clonogenic activity of the irradiated cells compared with the non-irradiated controls) is a factor of about 10³ lower for pulsed radiation than for CW radiation (3.3 × 10⁻¹ and 7.8 × 10² J cm⁻² respectively). The minimum size of the microregions transiently heated on irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses is estimated to be about 10 Å, which corresponds to the size of the chromophores of hypothetical primary photoacceptors—respiratory chain components.     

Reactivity studies of [Pd2(μ-X)2(PBu3)2] (X = Br, I) with CNR (R = 2,6-dimethylphenyl), H2 and alkynes

Improved syntheses for the dimeric compounds [Pd₂(μ-X)₂(PBu^t₃)₂] (X = Br, I) have been developed and the X-ray crystal structure for the dimer with X = 1 is reported. The reactions of these dimers with CNR (R = 2,6-dimethylphenyl), H₂ and a series of terminal and substituted alkynes are also reported. The dimer with X = Br is an initiator for the catalytic polymerisation of phenylacetylene. The product of the dimers with disubstituted alkynes results in the synthesis of trimeric species with formula [Pd₃(μ-X){ν²-C₄(CO₂R)₄}₂][PBu^t₃)Me]₂ (X = Br, I; R = Me, Et). The X-ray crystal structure of one of these compounds (when R = Et and X = I) is presented, demonstrating that the palladium dimers assist the C---C coupling of the alkynes.     

Tautomeric properties, conformations and structure of N-(2-hydroxy-5-chlorophenyl) salicylaldimine

The crystal structure of N-(2-hydroxy-5-chlorophenyl) salicylaldimine (C₁₃H₁₀NO₂Cl) was determined by X-ray analysis. It crystallizes orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁ with a=12.967(2) Å, b=14.438(3) Å, c=6.231(3) Å, V=1166.5(6) Å³, Z=4, D_c=1.41 g cm⁻³ and μ(MoK)=0.315 mm⁻¹. The title compound is thermochromic and the molecule is nearly planar. Both tautomeric forms (keto and enol forms in 68(3) and 32(3)%, respectively) are present in the solid state. The molecules contain strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds, N1–H1O1/O2 (2.515(1) and 2.581(2) Å) for the keto form and O1–H01N1 for the enol one. There is also strong intermolecular O2–HO1 hydrogen bonding (2.599(2) Å) between neighbouring molecules. Minimum energy conformations AM1 were calculated as a function of the three torsion angles, θ₁(N1–C7–C6–C5), θ₂(C8–N1–C7–C6) and θ₃(C9–C8–N1–C7), varied every 10°. Although the molecule is nearly planar, the AM1 optimized geometry of the title compound is not planar. The non-planar conformation of the title compound corresponding to the optimized X-ray structure is the most stable conformation in all calculations.