Simultaneous calibration of TLDs using the ICRU slab and photon beams

Adoption of the ICRU slab enables several dosimeters to be calibrated simultaneously. In order to allow use of identical conversion coefficients, these dosimeters should be exposed to the same irradiation conditions to within a given tolerance, account being taken of both incident and backscattered radiations. In the present study evaluation has been made of the variation in irradiation conditions for simultaneous irradiation of multiple numbers of TLDs, examination also being made of suitable gap sizes between TLDs. For simultaneous irradiation of four TLDs, a 5 cm gap is required to ensure approximate identical irradiation conditions. Approximate identical irradiation conditions have not been found possible when making simultaneous irradation of nine TLDs.     

Effects of a Single Exposure to UVB Radiation on the Activities and Protein Levels of Copper-Zinc and Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Cultured Human Keratinocytes

Abstract— Ultraviolet B irradiation has been believed to decrease or impair the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the skin. It has been recently reported that two isozymes of SOD, namely copper-zinc SOD (Cu-Zn SOD) and manganese SOD (Mn SOD), exist in mammalian cells and that the two enzymes play different roles in living systems. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in SOD activities and protein levels in cultured human keratinocytes after acute UVB irradiation. In addition, the protein levels of Cu-Zn SOD and Mn SOD were quantified separately. A single exposure to UVB irradiation produced an increase in SOD activity and protein level that peaked immediately after UVB irradiation, after which a decline was observed, with subsequent recovery to baseline levels 24 h after irradiation. In individual assays of Mn SOD and Cu-Zn SOD, the amount of Mn SOD protein decreased and then gradually recovered 24 h after irradiation. In contrast, the amount of Cu-Zn SOD protein increased immediately after UVB irradiation, and then gradually declined. To evaluate the mechanisms of these changes, we examined the effects of the cytokines, interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which can be secreted from keratinocytes after UVB irradiation, on the SOD activity and protein levels in keratinocytes. Interleukin-la and TNF-α enhanced both the SOD activity and protein level of Mn SOD, while these cytokines had no effect on Cu-Zn SOD protein levels in cultured human keratinocytes after incubation for 24 h. Furthermore, when neutralizing antibodies against IL-1α and TNF-α were added separately or together to the culture medium before UVB irradiation, the recovery of total SOD activity and Mn SOD protein level were markedly inhibited 24 h after irradiation. Our results suggest that significant increases in SOD activity and protein level occur as a cutaneous antioxidant defense mechanism that protects against the cytotoxicity as a result of UVB irradiation, and that this increase in SOD is attributed to Cu-Zn SOD. The Cu-Zn SOD and Mn SOD protein levels changed in a different manner after UVB irradiation. The former may participate in an early phase and the latter in a late phase defense mechanism directed against oxidant cytotoxicity through UVB irradiation. In addition, the recovery of Mn SOD to baseline levels 24 h after UVB irradiation seems to be mediated through cytokines such as IL-1α and TNF-α, which are secreted from keratinocytes.     

Determination of the spectral sensitivity and temperature dependence of polypropylene crack formation caused by UV-irradiation

For polypropylene of varied stabilization, spectral sensitivity as well as temperature dependence of irradiation caused crack formation was determined in artificial irradiation tests. UV radiant exposure H_UV necessary to generate crack formation was measured both in spectrally dispersed irradiation and artificial irradiation in a Fluorescent UV lamp device. Dependencies were fitted to a plateau function and an Arrhenius function, respectively, to describe the action of irradiation by response functions. Applied to weather data from Phoenix, the results were compared with respective outdoor exposure results.     

Stress-induced increase in the amounts of maysin and maysin derivatives in world premium natural compounds from centipedegrass

The red leaves of centipedegrass are known to produce compounds with stronger antibiotic effects than those produced by green leaves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify if stress methods (e.g., gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding) could effectively convert green leaves to red leaves, and thereby increase the production of maysin and maysin derivatives that have been known for antibiotic properties. Our results showed differential concentration changes for different compounds using these stress methods. The concentrations of luteolin increased from 0.014% to 0.019%, 0.022%, and 0.028% following gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively. The concentration of isoorientin increased from 0.898% to 1.938% and 2.538%, while the concentration of mixed rhamnosylisoorientin and orientin increased from 0.303% to 0.474% and 0.690%, following UV-B irradiation and wounding, respectively. Gamma irradiation produced concentrations of isoorientin, rhamnosylisoorientin, and orientin similar to those found in red leaves. The concentrations of derhamnosylmaysin increased from 0.004% to 0.009%, 0.015%, and 0.024% by gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively. The concentration of maysin increased from 0.515% to 0.714%, 0.583%, and 0.777% by gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively, while the concentration of luteolin-6-C-boivinopyranoside increased from 0.324% to 0.834%, 0.979%, and 1.493% by gamma irradiation, UV-B irradiation, and wounding, respectively. According to these results, wounding and gamma irradiation are promising methods for increasing the concentrations of maysin and maysin derivatives.     

Changes in physicochemical and mechanical properties of electron-beam irradiated polypropylene syringes as a function of irradiation dose

In the present study, the effect of electron-beam irradiation on physicochemical and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) syringes was studied. Three irradiation doses (30, 60 and 120 kGy) were applied to all samples. Non-irradiated PP syringes were used as control samples. Electron-beam irradiation caused an increase in the degree of yellowness and in the extractable radiolysis products. A decrease in compression strength and extension at break was the result of electron-beam irradiation on mechanical properties of PP syringes. Minor differences were observed in FTIR spectra, mainly in the region of 1720 cm⁻¹, corresponding to the absorption of carbonyl compounds. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis indicated the formation of a number of radiolysis compounds while a number of compounds initially present in non-irradiated syringes were destroyed by the irradiation. The degradation on polymer properties caused by electron-beam irradiation was less severe than that caused by gamma irradiation.     

Effect of electron beam irradiation on dynamic mechanical,thermal and morphological properties of LLDPE and PDMS rubber blends

The effect of electron beam irradiation on the blends of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly dimethyl siloxane rubber (PDMS) prepared over a wide range of compositions starting from 70:30 to 30:70 (LLDPE: PDMS) by varying the radiation doses from 50 to 300 kGy has been studied. The dynamic modulii and dielectric strength of the blends increase on irradiation at 100 kGy as compared to that for the unirradiated blends. Degree of crystallinity and melting behaviour remain unchanged upon irradiation upto a dose of 100 kGy, beyond which it decreases. Thermal stability increases with increase in the proportion of PDMS rubber in the blend as well as on irradiation at 100 kGy. The phase morphology of the blends examined under the SEM exhibit two phase morphology before electron beam irradiation, whereas single phase morphology is observed after electron beam irradiation due to intra- as well as inter-molecular crosslinking leading to a miscible system.     

The revival of electron beam irradiation curing of epoxy resin—materials characterization and supportive cure studies

Polymeric composite manufacturing is a large, rapidly growing and energy consuming industry, where there is an obvious and compelling need for innovative curing technologies conforming to energy efficiency and environmental protection trends. This has led to many research efforts to consider, or in some cases re‐consider, irradiation curing of polymer composites. However, there is still a stifling lack of knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms to obtain homogeneity in the irradiation curing of composites. The key issue of the irradiation curing process, i.e. homogeneous curing affected by electron beam dose and initiator concentration for an epoxy resin is the focus of this paper. The temperature profiles, microstructure, curing degree gradient, and thermomechanical properties of electron beam‐ irradiated epoxy resin were profiled and analyzed, and the results indicated that curing degree in the epoxy resin showed a relatively steady region and an accelerated decrease along the depth direction. It is revealed that there existed an optimal range of concentration of the initiator for irradiation curing of an epoxy resin system. The inhomogeneity in the irradiation‐induced crosslinking structure could be abated by adopting the properly applied irradiation energy and the matching between the irradiation dose and the concentration of the initiator. It can be deduced that for most of the composite products with large thickness, layer upon layer irradiation or irradiation from two sides could be more efficient to obtain a homogeneous crosslinking structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photo- and Radiation Creep and Durability of Polymers

The creep behavior of polycarbonate, polycaproamide, and polystyrene samples upon simultaneous and successive irradiation by fast electrons and optical-frequency radiation (photo- and radiation impact) was studied. The action of visible light in conjunction with electrons or immediately after electron irradiation leads to a dramatic increase in the creep rate. The absorbed doses of the onset of polymer degradation upon photo- and radiation impact are about an order of magnitude lower than those for electron irradiation alone. Macroradicals and stable radiolytic products absorbing light in a longer wavelength spectral region as compared with the initial polymers are assumed to be responsible for the photo- and radiation creep and durability of the polymers.     

Regulation of neurite outgrowth by intermittent irradiation of visible light

The effect of neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells on collagen-coated glass plates under intermittent light irradiation at 525 nm and 0.4 mW/cm2 of intensity was investigated. Neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells was significantly suppressed when PC12 cells were cultivated under intermittent light irradiation with a total irradiation time of more than 2 min/h. No temperature increase was observed in the culture medium under either continuous or intermittent light irradiation. Therefore, suppression of neurite outgrowth under light irradiation was not due to the increase of temperature in the culture medium, but rather the effect of light on the PC12 cells, especially the signal transmittance of light to PC12 cells. The light irradiation interval also affected the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells when the total irradiation time was constant. A high extension ratio of neurite outgrowth was observed under a long time interval of nonirradiation between light irradiations (1 min of irradiation every hour) as compared with frequent light irradiation intervals (5 s of irradiation every 5 min) with the same total irradiation period per hour. The neurite outgrowth ratio was thought to be dependent on the light intensity, the total time of light irradiation in the intermittent light irradiation, and the interval of light irradiation in the intermittent light irradiation.     

Phenolic compounds and the colour of oranges subjected to a combination treatment of waxing and irradiation

The effects of waxing, irradiation dose and storage on phenolics and colour of irradiated oranges were investigated. Mature oranges (Maroc late) waxed or unwaxed were treated with 0, 1 or 2 kGy radiation and stored up to 9 weeks at 20°C and 40–50% r.h. Colour of the oranges, total phenols and flavones in the peel were measured. Phenolic compounds increased with irradiation dose and storage time. Hue angle, value and chroma of the orange colour were more affected by waxing and storage time than the irradiation treatment. Changes in the phenolic compounds were linked with changes in the redness and saturation of the orange colour. Irradiation stimulated synthesis of flavones; waxing controlled changes induced by irradiation.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of UV irradiated collagen/chitosan thin films

The thermal and mechanical properties of collagen/chitosan blends before and after UV irradiation have been investigated using thermal analysis and mechanical (Instron) techniques. Comparisons were made with the thermal and mechanical properties of both collagen and chitosan films. Air-dried collagen, chitosan and collagen/chitosan films were exposed to UV irradiation (wavelength 254 nm) for different time intervals. Thermal properties of collagen/chitosan blends depend on the composition of the blend and are not significantly altered by UV irradiation.Mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength and ultimate percentage of elongation were much better for collagen films than for collagen/chitosan films. The results have shown that the mechanical properties of the blends were greatly affected by the duration of UV irradiation. Ultimate tensile strength and ultimate percentage elongation decreased after UV irradiation of the blend. Increasing UV irradiation leads to an increase in Young's modulus of the collagen/chitosan blend.     

微波辐照方式对CdS和Bi2S3纳米粒子结晶度的影响

The effect of traveling microwave irradiation on the crystallinities of CdS nanoparticles and Bi₂S₃ nanorods was studied. Results showed that as compared with stationary microwave irradiation the crystallinities and the crystal growth of sulfide nanoparticles were improved. Traveling microwave irradiation can supply narrower frequency distribution and stronger power density of irradiation， CdS nanoparticles and Bi₂S₃ nanorods obtained are better in crystallinities and larger in size than under stationary microwave irradiation.     

Simultaneous Enhancement of Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber/Recycled Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber Blends by Electron Beam Irradiation

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of natural rubber/recycled ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (NR/R-EPDM) blends were simultanoeusly enhanced by electron beam (EB) irradiation. The cross-linking promoter, trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), was also introduced into the blends to induce the cross-linking. By applying EB irradiation, the tensile modulus, hardness, swelling, cross-link density, and storage modulus increased with increase in the irradiation dose; an irradiation dose of 50 kGy was efficient to gain optimum tensile strength. The formation of irradiation-induced cross-links after EB irradiation is a major concern for the enhancement of mechanical, swelling resistance, and dynamic mechanical properties of the blends.     

Synthesis and photochemistry of 1-iodocyclohexene: influence of ultrasound on ionic vs. radical behaviour

Simultaneous application of UV light and ultrasonic irradiation to a reaction mixture containing 1-iodocyclohexene is reported. The irradiation of 1-iodocyclohexene in methanol was carried out with or without addition of zinc. The effect of ultrasound or mechanical stirring on this solid-liquid system was also compared. The irradiation of 1-iodocyclohexene in methanol in the presence of zinc increases the yield of the nucleophilic trapping product, compared with the yield after irradiation in the absence of zinc. The photodegradation of 1-iodocyclohexene was slightly accelerated after addition of zinc. A rapid formation of radical product was accompanied by substantial decrease of 1-iodocyclohexene after application of ultrasound and irradiation without the zinc. The ultrasound significantly affects the photobehaviour of this reaction, predominantly its radical route. The joint application of ultrasound and zinc contributes positively to the production of radical and ionic products. The sonochemical stirring is more effective than mechanical stirring.     

Gamma irradiation of yellow and blue colorants in polystyrene packaging materials

The effect of 10- and 20-kGy gamma irradiation was studied on chromophtal yellow 2RLTS (Yellow 110-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrachloro-6-cyanobenzoic acid) and Irgalite Blue GBP (copper (II) phthalocyanine blue) colorants, which were added to polystyrene (PS) material used to package food prior to irradiation. Analytical results obtained suggest that irradiation did not generate any new chemicals in the PS polymer containing either yellow or blue colorant at a concentration of up to 1% (w/w). Both yellow and blue colorants are relatively stable to gamma irradiation.     

Effect of modified graphene and microwave irradiation on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate)/graphene nanocomposites

The effect of modified graphene (MG) and microwave irradiation on the interaction between graphene (G) and poly(styrene‐co‐methyl meth acrylate) [P(S‐co‐MMA)] polymer matrix has been studied in this article. Modification of graphene was performed using nitric acid. P(S‐co‐MMA) polymer was blended via melt blending with pristine and MG. The resultant nanocomposites were irradiated under microwave at three different time intervals (5, 10, and 20 min). Compared to pristine graphene, MG showed improved interaction with P(S‐co‐MMA) polymer (P) after melt mixing and microwave irradiation. The mechanism of improved dispersion and interaction of modified graphene with P(S‐co‐MMA) polymer matrix during melt mixing and microwave irradiation is due to the presence of oxygen functionalities on the surface of MG as confirmed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The formation of defects on modified graphene and free radicals on P(S‐co‐MMA) polymer chains after irradiation as explained by Raman spectroscopy and X‐Ray diffraction studies. The nanocomposites with 0.1 wt% G and MG have shown a 26% and 38% increase in storage modulus. After irradiation (10 min), the storage modulus further improved to 11.9% and 27.6% of nanocomposites. The glass transition temperature of nanocomposites also improved considerably after melt mixing and microwave irradiation (but only for polymer MG nanocomposite). However, at higher irradiation time (20 min), degradation of polymer nanocomposites occurred. State of creation of crosslink network after 10 min of irradiation and degradation after 20 min of irradiation of nanocomposites was confirmed from SEM studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

紫外光照射对掺铝氧化锌薄膜导电和透光性质的影响

本文采用光助溶胶—凝胶法制备了掺铝氧化锌(AZO)透明导电薄膜.研究了紫外光照射对薄膜导电性和透光性质的影响.结果表明:光照使薄膜的导电性显著提高,且光照后薄膜方阻的降低幅度随薄膜晶粒尺寸的减小而逐渐增加;而随着紫外光照射时间延长,薄膜的紫外吸收边蓝移,近红外区透光率降低.以上实验现象可能与表面吸附氧解吸引起的载流子浓度增加、迁移率升高以及分层退火处理形成的薄膜结构有关.     

Irradiation application for color removal and purification of green tea leaves extract

Gamma irradiation was introduced to develop a new processing method for brighter-colored green tea leaves extract without changes of physiological activities. Dried green tea leaves were purchased and extracted by 70% ethanol solution and irradiated at 0, 5, 10, and 20 kGy with gamma rays. Hunter color L-value increased and a- and b-value decreased by irradiation, resulting in bright yellow from dark brown. There was no difference in radical scavenging and tyrosinase inhibition effect by irradiation. The irradiation effect in the solution disappeared during storage for 3 weeks at room temperature but vitamin C addition was effective in reducing the color change. Results indicated that irradiation may be a good technology to remove undesirable color in green tea leaves extract.     

Crosslinking and Oxidation of 1, 2-Polybutadiene by UV Irradiation

Photoinduced crosslinking and oxidation of 1, 2-poly-butadiene film were carried out with UV irradiation in vacuo and in air. A small amount of the structures of trans-vinylene, diene, and triene were observed in the infrared spectrum of the nonirradiated film, and bands attributable to conjugated double bond (230, 280 nm) were also observed in ultraviolet spectrum. In the film irradiated in vacuo, intensities of the bands assigned to trans-vinylene, methylene, and methyl groups increased with the increase in irradiation time, but the intensity of the band of pendent vinyl group decreased. With irradiation in air, the formation of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups and ether linkages was observed. Formation of H₂ with the irradiation in vacuo and of H₂ O with the irradiation in air was observed. The gel fraction increased with an increase in irradiation time in the absence and presence of oxygen. The gel fraction and the formation of carbonyl groups were markedly accelerated by irradiation with UV rays of wavelength near 280 nm and increased with decreasing concentration of pendent vinyl groups. Postreaction of the irradiated film took place in the dark. The gel fraction and the intensity of the carbonyl group increased by radical reaction with α, α'-azobisisobutyronitrile. On the basis of these results, mechanisms of photoinduced crosslinking and oxidation of 1, 2-polybutadiene were discussed.     

UV and IR photoisomerization of acetylacetone trapped in a nitrogen matrix

UV- and IR-induced photoisomerization of acetylacetone trapped in a nitrogen matrix at 4.3 K have been carried out using a tunable optical parametric oscillator type laser, or a mercury vapor lamp, coupled with Fourier Transform IR and UV spectroscopies. After deposition, the main form present in the cryogenic matrix is that chelated (enol). Upon UV irradiation, the intramolecular H bond is broken leading to nonchelated isomers among seven possible open forms. These forms have then been irradiated by resonant pi* <-- pi UV irradiation, or by resonant nuOH irradiation. The selective UV irradiation allows us to suggest a first vibrational assignment while the nuOH irradiation leads us to observe interconversions between the nonchelated isomers. In order to support our vibrational assignment, we have carried out theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory. This study shows that only five isomers are observed among eight postulated.