Thermally induced behavior of the K-exchanged erionite. A further step in understanding the structural modifications of the erionite group upon heating

Fibrous erionite is a naturally occurring zeolite considered to be highly carcinogenic upon inhalation, even more than crocidolite. Since no iron is typically present in erionite, its toxicity has been attributed to ion-exchanged Fe participating in Fenton chemistry. Recently, a study aimed at investigating possible fiber inactivation routes surprisingly showed that, despite having completely occluded all available pores with K ions, the erionite-Na sample preserved the property to upload Fe (II) within the structure. In this work, the thermal behavior of the K-exchanged erionite-Na was investigated by TG/ DSC and in situ XRPD analyses in order to provide relevant information for modeling the thermally induced behavior of the erionite group. Rietveld refinement results evidenced a general trend of cell parameters and volume with temperature similar to that observed for erionite-K from Rome (Oregon, USA). However, the dependence of Tdehydrand Tbreakfrom Si/Si+Al ratio observed in zeolites (high Si content favours a lower Tdehydrand a higher Tbreak) is not observed, possibly due to the effect of the relevant amount of large K ions dispersed within the erionite cage, acting as reinforcing blocks for the framework. Heating produces a progressive emptying of the Ca sites, common effect previously observed in erionite samples showing different chemistry. In addition, K1 s.s. remains unchanged evidencing the absence of any “internal ion exchange” process, whereas s.s. at K2 increases in the range 438-573 K and then slowly decreases in the range 700-1218 K. Both Rietveld and DSC data suggest the motion of K ions from OW sites toward the walls of the erionite cavity during dehydration

Kaon physics with the KLOE detector

In this paper we discuss the recent finalized analyses by the KLOE experiment at DA$\Phi$NE: the CPT and Lorentz invariance test with entangled $K^0 \bar{K}^0$ pairs, and the precision measurement of the branching fraction of the decay ${ K^+} \rightarrow \pi^+\pi^-\pi^+(\gamma)$. We also present the status of an ongoing analysis aiming to precisely measure the $K^{\pm}$ mass

Primary cosmic ray spectrum in the 10 to the 12th power - 10 to the 16th power eV energy range from the NUSEX experiment

A primary cosmic ray spectrum was derived which fits both experimental multiple muon rates and the all-nucleon flux derived from the single muon intensities underground. In the frame of the interaction model developed by Gaisser, Elbert and Stanev, it is possible to reproduce NUSEX muon data with a primary composition in which the iron spectrum is only slightly flatter than the proton one. This result rules out the popular idea that the primary composition varies drastically with increasing energy, leading to the dominance of heavier nuclei at energies 10 to the 15th power to 10 to the 16th power eV

Experimental and theoretical evaluations on Oleuropein as a natural origin corrosion inhibitor for copper in acidic environment

none5siCopper corrosion in acidic cleaning solutions is a major worry for heat exchangers. Corrosion inhibitors derived from natural sources might be a viable option. The isolation of Oleuropein compound from olive leaf and investigation of its anticorrosion potential for copper in 1.0 M H2SO4 solution are reported here. All experimental results from LC-MS, FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR characterizations support the molecular structure of Oleuropein. Electrochemical and gravimetric tests were used to evaluate the corrosion inhibition capabilities of Oleuropein. According to polarization investigation, Oleuropein is a mixed-type inhibitor. Oleuropein's inhibitory efficacy increases with concentration, attaining an optimum value (98.92%) at 100 mg L-1. At high temperatures, Oleuropein can be considered an efficient inhibitor. Thermodynamic variables for the activation operation and copper dissolution were computed and addressed as well. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) examinations revealed that Oleuropein produced an outer layer on the copper surface, shielding it from severe acid damage. Quantum chemical simulations were employed to propose molecular explanations for Oleuropein's inhibitory actions.Deyab, M A; Mohsen, Q; Bloise, E; Lazzoi, M R; Mele, GDeyab, M A; Mohsen, Q; Bloise, E; Lazzoi, M R; Mele,

Advances in Nanomaterials Based on Cashew Nut Shell Liquid

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), obtained as a byproduct of the cashew industry, represents an important natural source of phenolic compounds, with important environmental benefits due to the large availability and low cost of the unique renewable starting material, that can be used as an alternative to synthetic substances in many industrial applications. The peculiarity of the functional groups of CNSL components, such as phenolic hydroxyl, the aromatic ring, acid functionality, and unsaturation(s) in the C15 alkyl side chain, permitted the design of interesting nanostructures. Cardanol (CA), anacardic acid (AA), and cardol (CD), opportunely isolated from CNSL, served as building blocks for generating an amazing class of nanomaterials with chemical, physical, and morphological properties that can be tuned in view of their applications, particularly focused on their bioactive properties

Bio-based benzoxazines synthesized in a deep eutectic solvent: A greener approach toward vesicular nanosystems

A green synthesis of benzoxazines, based upon reaction of cardanol with formaldehyde and primary amines, is achieved in high yields using choline chloride-urea mixture as deep eutectic solvent. Then, it is demonstrated how the cardanol-based benxoxazines can be employed as only component for the preparation of a nanovesicular systems

Metastatic melanoma patients treated with Braf and Mek inhibitors: Patterns of progression. An Italian Melanoma Intergroup study

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Altered umbilical cord blood nutrient levels, placental cell turnover and transporter expression in human term pregnancies conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (Icsi)

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may increase risk for abnormal placental development, preterm delivery and low birthweight. We investigated placental morphology, transporter expression and paired maternal/umbilical fasting blood nutrient levels in human term pregnancies conceived naturally (n = 10) or by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; n = 11). Maternal and umbilical vein blood from singleton term (>37 weeks) C-section pregnancies were assessed for levels of free amino acids, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides. We quantified placental expression of GLUT1 (glucose), SNAT2 (amino acids), P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) (drug) transporters, and placental morphology and pathology. Following ICSI, placental SNAT2 protein expression was downregulated and umbilical cord blood levels of citrulline were increased, while FFA levels were decreased at term (p < 0.05). Placental proliferation and apoptotic rates were increased in ICSI placentae (p < 0.05). No changes in maternal blood nutrient levels, placental GLUT1, P-gp and BCRP expression, or placental histopathology were observed. In term pregnancies, ICSI impairs placental SNAT2 transporter expression and cell turnover, and alters umbilical vein levels of specific nutrients without changing placental morphology. These may represent mechanisms through which ICSI impacts pregnancy outcomes and programs disease risk trajectories in offspring across the life course