Phase Behavior of Aqueous Na-K-Mg-Ca-CI-NO3 Mixtures: Isopiestic Measurements and Thermodynamic Modeling

A comprehensive model has been established for calculating thermodynamic properties of multicomponent aqueous systems containing the Na{sup +}, K{sup +}, Mg{sup 2+}, Ca{sup 2+}, Cl{sup -}, and NO{sub 3}{sup -} ions. The thermodynamic framework is based on a previously developed model for mixed-solvent electrolyte solutions. The framework has been designed to reproduce the properties of salt solutions at temperatures ranging from the freezing point to 300 C and concentrations ranging from infinite dilution to the fused salt limit. The model has been parameterized using a combination of an extensive literature database and new isopiestic measurements for thirteen salt mixtures at 140 C. The measurements have been performed using Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) previously designed gravimetric isopiestic apparatus, which makes it possible to detect solid phase precipitation. Water activities are reported for mixtures with a fixed ratio of salts as a function of the total apparent salt mole fraction. The isopiestic measurements reported here simultaneously reflect two fundamental properties of the system, i.e., the activity of water as a function of solution concentration and the occurrence of solid-liquid transitions. The thermodynamic model accurately reproduces the new isopiestic data as well as literature data for binary, ternary and higher-order subsystems. Because of its high accuracy in calculating vapor-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria, the model is suitable for studying deliquescence behavior of multicomponent salt systems

Investigation of possibility of recovery nonferrous metals and producing building materials from copper-nickel smelterslag

Pelletized slag of copper-nickel smelter ("Pechenganikel" combine, "Kola MMC" JSC) has been investigated as a potential technogenic deposit. It has been shown that nonferrous metals can be re-extracted from slag using flotation. The work presents the results of laboratory simulation of heap leaching of non-ferrous metals. Ceramic building materials from slag-based feed have been produced and their main properties have been studie

Exposure of luminous marine bacteria to low-dose gamma-radiation

The study addresses biological effects of low-dose gamma-radiation. Radioactive 137Cs-containing particles were used as model sources of gamma-radiation. Luminous marine bacterium Photobacterium phosphoreum was used as a bioassay with the bioluminescent intensity as the physiological parameter tested. To investigate the sensitivity of the bacteria to the low-dose gamma-radiation exposure (≤ 250 mGy), the irradiation conditions were varied as follows: bioluminescence intensity was measured at 5, 10, and 20°С for 175, 100, and 47 h, respectively, at different dose rates (up to 4100 μGy/h). There was no noticeable effect of gamma-radiation at 5 and 10°С, while the 20°С exposure revealed authentic bioluminescence inhibition. The 20°С results of gamma-radiation exposure were compared to those for low-dose alpha- and beta-radiation exposures studied previously under comparable experimental conditions. In contrast to ionizing radiation of alpha and beta types, gamma-emission did not initiate bacterial bioluminescence activation (adaptive response). As with alpha- and beta-radiation, gamma-emission did not demonstrate monotonic dose-effect dependencies; the bioluminescence inhibition efficiency was found to be related to the exposure time, while no dose rate dependence was found. The sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene did not reveal a mutagenic effect of low-dose gamma radiation. The exposure time that caused 50% bioluminescence inhibition was suggested as a test parameter for radiotoxicity evaluation under conditions of chronic low-dose gamma irradiation

РЕКОМЕНДАЦИИ ПО ВЕДЕНИЮ ПЕРВИЧНЫХ ПАЦИЕНТОВ С СИМПТОМАМИ ДИСПЕПСИИ

Aim: To develop evidence-based recommendations for primary care physicians and general practitioners (GP) on choosing the proper management tactics and making valuable & quick diagnostic decisions at outpatient phase for patients with symptoms of dyspepsia, and also reveal possible oncology on time. Summary of recommendations: Approximately 40% of the patients in Russia presenting to primary care with symptoms of dyspepsia. A doctor has to focus on the warning signs, which may require an urgent additional examination & the consultation with a surgeon/onco-surgeon or other specialists if required. With regard to a risk of cancer, a doctor should be more cautious in patients over 45 years of age. Early diagnosis of oncology depends mainly on cautiousness of GP, primary care physicians and their knowledge, future tactics with regard to the patients. From the mandatory diagnostic tests during the first visit, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H. pylori diagnostics helps to exclude any organic esophagus and stomach pathology, possible oncology. While waiting for endoscopy results, a physician should use the preliminary diagnoses “Uninvestigated Dyspepsia” (ICD-10 К 31.9) (disease of stomach and duodenum, unspecified). After exclusion of all warning signs, therapy of dyspepsia should be in accordance to the order of the Ministry of Health No 248 which gives an option to use proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole or rabeprazole 20 mg daily) in combination with prokinetic (domperidone 30 mg daily). Fixed drug combination of omeprazole 20 mg and modified-release domperidone 30 mg/daily (Omez® DSR) is medically reasonable. Conclusion: The introduction of this recommendation into clinical practice will help clinicians to prevent diagnostic mistakes, unreasonable use of expensive diagnostic examinations and inappropriate treatment leads to improvement in the overall prognosis and quality of life for the patients.Цель. Представить рекомендации диагностики и лечения пациентов с симптомами диспепсии на этапе амбулаторно-поликлинической помощи, обобщающие зарубежный и отечественный опыт ведения данной категории больных. Основная цель рекомендаций - помочь терапевту и врачу общей практики (ВОП) на амбулаторном этапе принять правильное решение о тактике ведения больного, и в максимально короткий срок поставить правильный диагноз, а также вовремя выявить у пациента наличие онкологической патологии. Основные положения. Около 40% обращений пациентов на амбулаторно-поликлиническом приеме в России связано с симптомами диспепсии. Врач, в первую очередь, должен исключить наличие «тревожных признаков», которые требуют незамедлительного дополнительного обследования пациента, привлечения хирурга и/или других специалистов и госпитализации больного. Доктор должен иметь онкологическую настороженность, особенно, при обращении пациентов в возрасте 45 лет и старше, так как ранняя диагностика злокачественных новообразований (ЗНО) зависит главным образом от онкологической настороженности терапевтов, врачей общей практики и их знаний, дальнейшей тактики в отношении больного. Эзофагогастродуоденоскопия и тесты на H. pylori являются обязательными методами исследования на этапе диагностического поиска и позволяют исключить органические заболевания пищевода и желудка, наличие онкологии. До получения результатов эндоскопического исследования следует выставлять предварительный диагноз «Диспепсия Неуточненная» и шифровать под рубрикой МКБ-10 К 31.9 (болезнь желудка и двенадцатиперстной кишки неуточненная). После исключения «тревожных признаков» терапия диспепсии проводится согласно Приказу МЗ РФ № 248 и включает назначение ингибиторов протонной помпы (омепразол или рабепразол 20 мг/сут) в комбинации с прокинетиком (домперидон 30 мг/сут). Оправдано применение фиксированной комбинации омепразола 20 мг с домперидоном модифицированного высвобождения 30 мг/сут (Омез® ДСР). Заключение. Внедрение рекомендаций в клиническую практику поможет врачу избежать ошибок при постановке диагноза, применения необоснованных и нередко дорогостоящих методов обследования, нерационального лечения, что позволит улучшить прогноз и качество жизни пациентов