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

Dynamics of the number of aphids in 2021

Monitoring mszyc prowadzono od II dekady maja do końca sierpnia. Mszyce odławiano za pomocą żółtych szalek w 3 miejscowościach: Bonin, Szyldak i Czernikowo. We wszystkich miejscowościach mszyce nieziemniaczane nalatywały wcześniej niż ziemniaczane. Najliczniejsze naloty przypadły na III dekadę czerwca oraz II dekadę lipca, co mogło być spowodowane mroźną i śnieżną zimą i później rozpoczynającą się wiosną

The interrelationship between markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: modulation by inhaled steroids and antioxidant

SummaryBackground: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by both airway and systemic inflammation and by oxidative stress. This study aimed to characterise the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammatory components in induced sputum and blood.Material & methods: We studied blood and sputum samples from stable COPD patients (mean FEV1 60.5±7.5% predicted) at baseline (no treatment) and after 10 weeks treatment with either inhaled steroid, fluticasone propionate (FP) (1000μg/d) or 10 weeks treatment with N-acetylcysteine (600mg/d) (NAC). We assessed the inflammatory markers (IL-8, ECP, sICAM-1, NE) in sputum and serum and we compared them with blood markers of oxidative stress (SOD, GPx, TEAC, albumin, vitamin E and A).Results: At baseline blood sICAM-1 correlated with IL-8 levels (P<0.01, r=0.62) and negatively with GPx (P<0.01, r=-0.63) and with TEAC (P<0.05, r=-0.53). TEAC correlated positively with GPx (P<0.01, r=0.70).Correlation between sICAM and IL-8 disappeared after NAC treatment. The correlation between sICAM and GPx disappeared after FP treatment. The correlation between TEAC and GPx was maintained after both NAC and FP.Conclusions: The relationship between markers of inflammation, adhesion and antioxidant capacity is significantly modulated by treatment with N-acetylcysteine or inhaled corticosteroids