Electrolytic production and characterization of nickel-rhenium alloy coatings

Electrolytic Ni–Re alloy coatings were obtained in galvanostatic conditions from nickel–rhenium baths with different contents of ammonium rhenate(vii) (0.5, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 g·L−1). The surface morphology, chemical, and phase composition of the obtained materials were determined. The coatings’ corrosion resistance tests were carried out in a 5% NaCl solution. Based on the tests, it was found that the highest corrosion resistance characterizes the coating with the highest rhenium content (37%). This material can be recommended for practical use as a protective coating. The density of the deposited Ni–37Re alloy was determined, and its specific surface area was assessed. The melting point, hardness, and electrical conductivity were also determined

Forward K+ production in subthreshold pA collisions at 1.0 GeV

K+ meson production in pA (A = C, Cu, Au) collisions has been studied using the ANKE spectrometer at an internal target position of the COSY-Juelich accelerator. The complete momentum spectrum of kaons emitted at forward angles, theta < 12 degrees, has been measured for a beam energy of T(p)=1.0 GeV, far below the free NN threshold of 1.58 GeV. The spectrum does not follow a thermal distribution at low kaon momenta and the larger momenta reflect a high degree of collectivity in the target nucleus.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Analiza chodu u dzieci po wydłużeniu kończyny dolnej metodą Ilizarowa

INTRODUCTION: Distraction osteogenesis for the correction of axial deformities and short lower limbs is a long-term process which adversely affects the functional state of the locomotor system and the child's emotions. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyse the spatiotemporal parameters of gait, and to compare the results of treatment in children after lengthening the tibia or femur by the Ilizarov technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in 40 children with lower limb asymmetry treated in the Department of Clinical Orthopaedics in Sosnowiec in 2000–2006. Each child was subjected to osteodistraction treatment using the Ilizarov technique. The subjects were divided into two subgroups: group 1 consisted of 20 children who had Ilizarov tibial lengthening, and group 2 consisted of 20 children who had Ilizarov femoral lengthening. Gait analysis was carried out using a dedicated system from Zebris, in which the patient is expected to walk along an approx. 2-metre long marked trajectory. The treadmill platform responded to the load, which enabled evaluation of the ground reaction force and the spatiotemporal parameters of gait. After completing measurements, the system produced a report with values of the tested parameters. RESULTS: The study shows that both in children with a lengthened femur or tibia, three of the five subphases of the stance phase in the operated on limb and unoperated on limb were longer, and two shorter as compared to the normal values reported by J. Perry. The subphases of initial contact, loading response and midstance were longer, while the terminal stance and preswing were shorter. CONCLUSIONS: In children with a short lower limb treated with the Ilizarov technique, a better outcome was achieved after lengthening the femur compared to the tibia. The gait cycle in children after limb elongation is different from normal.WSTĘP: Osteogeneza dystrakcyjna, jako metoda leczenia zaburzeń osi i skrótów kończyn dolnych, jest procesem długotrwałym, co niekorzystnie wpływa na stan funkcjonalny narządu ruchu oraz psychikę dziecka. W związku z powyższym celem pracy była analiza parametrów czasoprzestrzennych chodu oraz porównanie wyników leczenia u dzieci po wydłużeniu goleni i uda metodą Ilizarowa. MATERIAŁ I METODY: Badania wykonano u 40 dzieci z asymetrią kończyn dolnych leczonych w Katedrze i Oddziale Klinicznym Ortopedii w Sosnowcu w latach 2000–2006. U każdego dziecka wykonano zabieg osteogenezy dystrakcyjnej metodą Ilizarowa. Grupa została podzielona na dwie podgrupy: grupę I stanowiło 20 dzieci po wydłużeniu goleni metodą Ilizarowa, grupę II stanowiło 20 dzieci po wydłużeniu uda metodą Ilizarowa. Analiza chodu została przeprowadzona przy użyciu systemu do analizy ruchu firmy Zebris i polegała na przejściu po wytyczonej ścieżce o długości ok. 2 metrów. Platforma reagowała na nacisk, dzięki czemu można było oceniać reakcje sił podłoża oraz parametry czasoprzestrzenne chodu. Po zakończonym pomiarze otrzymano raport zawierający dane badanych parametrów. WYNIKI: Z przeprowadzonych badań wynika, że zarówno u dzieci z wydłużanym udem, jak i golenią trzy z pięciu subfaz fazy podporu kończyną operowaną i nieoperowaną uległy wydłużeniu a dwie skróceniu w stosunku do norm wg J. Perry. Subfazy, które zostały wydłużone, to: zapoczątkowanie kontaktu, przejęcie ciężaru, przygotowanie przenoszenia, natomiast skrócenie czasu trwania poszczególnych subfaz odnotowano w pełnym podporze oraz fazie odbicia. WNIOSKI: Lepsze wyniki uzyskano po wydłużeniu uda niż goleni metodą Ilizarowa u dzieci ze skróceniem kończyny dolnej. Stereotyp chodu u dzieci po wydłużeniu kończyn odbiega od normy

Five questions on how biochemistry can combat climate change

Global warming is caused by human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels, which produces high levels of greenhouse gasses. As a consequence, climate change impacts all organisms and the greater ecosystem through changing conditions from weather patterns to the temperature, pH and salt concentrations found in waterways and soil. These environmental changes fundamentally alter many parameters of the living world, from the kinetics of chemical reactions and cellular signaling pathways to the accumulation of unforeseen chemicals in the environment, the appearance and dispersal of new diseases, and the availability of traditional foods. Some organisms adapt to extremes, while others cannot. This article asks five questions that prompt us to consider the foundational knowledge that biochemistry can bring to the table as we meet the challenge of climate change. We approach climate change from the molecular point of view, identifying how cells and organisms – from microbes to plants and animals – respond to changing environmental conditions. To embrace the concept of “one health” for all life on the planet, we argue that we must leverage biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biophysics and genetics to fully understand the impact of climate change on the living world and to bring positive change