外加偏置电场对类金刚石薄膜激光损伤形貌影响研究

研究了使用非平衡测控溅射技术沉积的类金刚石(DLC)薄膜其抗激光损伤能力;通过对比施加偏置电场前后薄膜的损伤情况,发现:DLC薄膜施加偏置电场后,薄膜的激光损伤区域内有大量丝状薄膜,损伤形貌存在明显不同,损伤面积减小;薄膜的激光损伤情况得到改善。实验结果显示,外加偏置电场对DLC薄膜的损伤有影响。认为:激光在DLC薄膜中激励产生的光生电子在电场的作用下产生快速漂移,间接降低了激光辐照区域内的局部能量密度,减缓了薄膜的石墨化,提高了DLC薄膜的抗激光损伤能力。     

C/C复合材料磷酸盐防氧化涂层

由涂刷法制备了四种不同配比的新型炭／炭（C／C）复合材料磷酸盐防氧化涂层，通过研究确定了优化涂层方案，涂覆有该涂层的C／C复合材料试样在700℃下空气中氧化100h后，失重率仅为0．952％，热震实验和浸海水恒温氧化实验证明该涂层仍具有良好的抗氧化性能。涂覆有该涂层的C／C复合材料在600℃～800℃时的Arrhenius曲线由两条折线组成，折点为700℃，在600℃～700℃下的氧化表观活化能为139kJ／mol；700oC～800℃下则为93kJ／mol。     

Indoor radon concentration and its possible dependence on ventilation rate and flooring type

The results of radon concentration measurements carried out in dwellings with natural ventilation for 1 y in Bangalore are reported. Measurements, covering three sessions of the day (morning, afternoon, night) were performed two times in a month for 1 y at a fixed place of each dwelling at a height of 1 m above the ground surface in selected dwellings. The low-level radon detection system (LLRDS), an active method, was used for the estimation of radon concentration. The measurements were aimed to understand the diurnal variation and the effect of ventilation rate and flooring type on indoor radon concentration. The geometric mean (± geometric standard deviation) of indoor radon concentration from about 500 measurements carried out in 20 dwellings is found to be 25.4 ± 1.54 Bq m?3. The morning, afternoon and night averages were found to be 42.6 ± 2.05, 15.3 ± 2.18 and 28.5 ± 2.2 Bq m?3, respectively. The approximate natural ventilation rates of the dwellings were calculated using the PHPAIDA--the on-line natural ventilation, mixed mode and air infiltration rate calculation algorithm and their effects on indoor radon concentrations were studied. The inhalation dose and the lung cancer risk due to indoor radon exposure were found to be 0.66 mSv y?1 and 11.9 per 10? persons, respectively. The gamma exposure rate was also measured in all the dwellings and its correlation with the inhalation dose rate was studied.     

Multifunctional Supramolecular Vesicles as Zn2+-Triggered Microglial Modulator Alleviates Alzheimer's Disease

Zn²⁺-induced β-amyloid protein (Aβ) aggregation and microglia activation are the predominant contributors in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Regulating intracephalic excessive Zn²⁺ is a promising therapeutic strategy for AD treatment. However, only inhibition of Zn²⁺ is hardly to repair continuous damages caused by activated microglia. Herein, an intelligent resveratrol-loaded supramolecular vesicles (RES-loaded vesicles) with zinc ion chelation function and responsive release capability are constructed to alleviate Aβ fibrillation, oxidative stress, and microglial dysfunction. The resveratrol encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency are calculated to be 49.67% and 7.87%, respectively. In vitro studies demonstrate that the RES-loaded vesicles can modulate Zn²⁺-dependent Aβ aggregation. More importantly, the cargoes will be released in zinc environment and further reprograms microglia from proinflammatory M1 phenotype toward anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which prevents spontaneous neuroinflammation and alleviates cytotoxicity of cultured cells from 29% to 12%. With the stereotactic or intranasal administration, RES-loaded vesicles can overcome the blood brain barrier, alleviate neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and ultimately ameliorate cognitive impairment in two AD mouse models. This work provides a new sight for taking advantage of Zn²⁺ to treat CNS disorders.     

Yields of strand breaks and base lesions induced by soft X-rays in plasmid DNA

The yields of soft-X-ray-induced DNA damages have been measured by using closed-circular plasmid DNA. Several DNA solutions with three kinds of radical scavenger capacity and also fully hydrated DNA samples were irradiated to compare the contribution by indirect reaction of diffusible water radicals, such as OH*, with those by direct action of secondary electrons. The yields of prompt single- (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs) decrease with increasing scavenging capacity. The SSB yields for soft X-rays are approximately midway those between gamma-ray and ultrasoft X-ray data previously reported. Heat labile sites are observed only in the low scavenger condition. The yields of the base lesions revealed by post irradiation treatment with base excision repair enzymes showed a similar value for Nth and Fpg protein except in the hydrated sample. These results indicate that the direct effect of soft X-rays induces the damages with different efficiency from those by indirect effect.     

High background radiation areas: the case of Villar de la Yegua village (Spain)

The starting point of the Spanish experience in the study of High Background Radiation Areas is the development of a nationwide indoor radon survey carried out in 1988. This campaign, belonging to the first Spanish Radon Framework, consisted of approximately 2000 indoor radon measurements which represented a valuable basis to face rigorously the radon issue in Spain. Together but indepently from this survey, since 1991 the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, the National Uranium Company and several Universities have developed the so-called MARNA project with the aim of estimating potential radon emission from external gamma dose rates, radium concentrations in soil and geological parameters. During the last decade, several regional surveys have also been conducted to determine exposure to natural sources of radiation in different highly populated background radiation areas. Among them, the surroundings of the village of Villar de la Yegua Town, located in the western province of Salamanca, is the most important area of Spain from a radiological point of view, with the highest indoor radon concentrations, of up to 15,000 Bq m(-3) being found there. Until now, the main result of the study in this area showed a geometric mean radon concentration of 818 Bq m(-3), which is 18 times higher than the national average. In this article, the results of the last survey, carried out in Villar de la Yegua during 2004 are summarised. A geometric mean radon concentration of 1356 Bq m(-3) was found. Dose estimation coming from radon inhalation is also shown.     

Radon dose calculation methodology for underground workers in the Czech Republic

The project focused on classifying the level of irradiation from natural ionising radiation sources for workers in publicly accessible caves and in caves used for speleotherapy, with applicability to other underground workplace. A correct and accurate procedure (and calculation) is defined for determining the effective dose that workers are exposed to in caves, based on the results of integral measurements of radon volume activity and on the length of time spent by workers in the caves. A review was made of various approaches for evaluating lung irradiation found in the literature. Experimental measurements of cave atmosphere characteristics (continuous measurement of radon volume activity, continuous and integral measurements of radon decay products, interior climatic parameters and aerosol spectra) were the main sources for the methodology.     

Determination of radon concentrations of the Dikili geothermal area in western Turkey

For this study, a geothermal area around Izmir-Dikili, located in the western part of Turkey, was chosen as a measuring site and the radon concentrations of environmental samples were determined. Indoor radon monitoring was performed for 3 months in dwellings located in different part of the region using passive CR-39 nuclear track detectors. The radon concentrations of water samples drawn from wells, municipal supplies, village fountains and spas in the area were measured using a liquid scintillation detector (Packard Tri-Carb 2770 TR/SL, A-277001). Soil samples collected from each location were analysed and (226)Ra concentrations were determined using a gamma ray spectrometer connected to an HPGe detector. Annual effective doses from radon inhalation and ingestion were calculated.     

Determination of equivalent dose rates and committed effective doses in the respiratory system from the inhalation of radon decay products by using SSNTD and a dosimetric compartmental model

Alpha activities per unit volume, due to radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their progenies, were evaluated inside different dwelling rooms by using CR-39 and LR-115 II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) and calculating their mean critical angles of etching. The influence of the ventilation rate and nature of the building material has been investigated. Equivalent dose rates and annual committed effective doses due to the inhalation of radon decay products have been determined in the respiratory system by using a dosimetric compartmental model. The influence of the deposition fraction, residual time and activity absorbed fraction of the respiratory system compartments for the radon daughters has been studied.     

Prediction of the variation in risks from exposure to radon at home or at work

On the basis of a review of recent epidemiology, the ICRP recently issued a statement outlining a new approach to radon. The ICRP indicates that the Publication 65 dose conversion convention will be replaced using the dosimetric approach currently used for other radionuclides. Moreover, the ICRP indicates that the dose conversion factor is expected to increase by about a factor of 2. This paper independently examines the risks associated with exposure to radon and decay products through estimation of lifetime excess absolute risks per WLM for a variety of epidemiological risk projection models and baseline cancer and mortality rates. This paper suggests that current ICRP dosimetric models do not reflect the effect of smoking and suggest that basic risk estimates and dose conversion factors be based on risks to non-smoking populations with recognition that lifestyle choices, especially smoking, have a large effect on the risk from exposure to radon.     

International standardisation work on the measurement of radon in air and water

Radon is considered to be the main source of human exposure to natural radiation. As stated by the World Health Organization, the exposure due to the inhalation of indoor radon is much greater than the one via the ingestion of water as radon degasses from water during handling. In response to these concerns about the universal presence of radon, environmental assessment studies are regularly commissioned to assess the radon exposure of public and workers. The credibility of such studies relies on the quality and reliability of radon analysis as well as on the sample representativeness of the radiological situation. The standard-setting approach, based on consensus, seemed to lend itself to a settlement of technical aspects of potential comparison. At present, two Working Groups of the International Standardization Organization are focussing on drafting standards on radon and its decay products measurement in air and water. These standards, which aim for a set of rigorous metrology practices, will be useful for persons in charge of the initial characterisation of a site with respect to natural radioactivity as well as to those performing the routine surveillance of specific sites.     

Chemiluminescence determination of chlorinated volatile organic compounds by conversion on nanometer TiO2

A novel method based on conversion of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) to chlorine using a new type of column packed with nanometer TiO2 coupled with chemiluminescence (CL) has been developed for determination of them in workplace air. CVOCs are converted to chlorine by nanometer TiO2 at 220 degrees C. The Cl2 that is produced is selectively enriched on the column and subsequently released from the column at 600 degrees C. The Cl2 that is released is determined using a postcolumn CL detector. The CL intensity was linear with CCl4 in the range of 0.1-380 ppm, and the detection limit was 40 ppb (S/N = 3). Higher sensitivity could be acquired by using a larger volume of enrichment A similar procedure could be used for the determination of other CVOCs. CL intensities of CH2Cl2, CHCl3, and CCl4 at the same concentration increased in the order CH2Cl2 < CHCl3 < CCl4. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of CCl4 in workplace air, where 0.15-150 ppm CCl4 would be detected. The possible mechanism for the long lifetime of the column packed with nanometer TiO2 was tested using Raman spectrometer, X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the column packed with nanometer TiO2 could be operated in the reversible mode for determination of CVOCs under the present conditions. The method would be potentially applied to the analysis of other chlorinated compounds in environment, such as persistent organic pollutants.     

Self-Propelled Ultrasmall AuNPs-Tannic Acid Hybrid Nanozyme with ROS-Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Activity for Drug-Induced Liver Injury Alleviation

Developing nanomedicines with superior reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capability has emerged as a promising strategy in treating ROS-related diseases, for example, drug-induced liver injury. However, designing nanoscavengers with the self-propelling ability to scavenge ROS actively remains challenging. Here, a self-propelled silica-supported ultrasmall gold nanoparticles-tannic acid hybrid nanozyme (SAuPTB) is designed that can effectively alleviate acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury by scavenging excessive ROS and regulating inflammation. SAuPTB exhibits multienzyme activity and displays significantly enhanced diffusion under hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This in vitro research shows that SAuPTB can effectively eliminate ROS, increasing the viability of H₂O₂-stimulated cells and reducing the cytotoxicity of APAP/H₂O₂-treated AML12 cells. The in vivo studies show that SAuPTB can accumulate at inflammatory sites in mouse liver, resulting in the decrease of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and ROS, reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, hence reduced hepatocyte necrosis, liver injury, and mortality. Furthermore, SAuPTB activates the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway to upregulate antioxidative genes and reduce oxidative stress. Finally, the liver shows decreased high mobility group box 1 and F4/80⁺ macrophages, suggesting an anti-inflammatory response. This work provides a novel design strategy of nanozymes for ROS-related disease treatment.     

Effective dose: a useful concept in diagnostic radiology

The long-term monitoring of soil radon variations was conducted at two reference sites in Ottawa. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single soil radon survey could provide a representative soil radon characteristic of the site. Results showed that during the normal field survey period from June to September in Canada, a single field survey with multiple measurements of soil gas radon concentrations at a depth of 80 cm can characterise the soil radon level of a site within a deviation of +/-30%. Direct in situ soil permeability measurements exhibited, however, large variations even within an area of only 10 x 10 m(2). Considering such large variations and the weight of the equipment, soil permeability can be determined by direct measurements whenever possible or by other qualitative evaluation methods for sites that are hard to access with heavy equipment.     

Analysis of radon concentration in drinking water in Baoji (China) and the associated health effects

This paper presents the results of radon concentration measurements in drinking water from the municipal water supply system and private wells located in Baoji, China. The measurements were carried out on 69 samples. The mean values of tap water and well water were found to be 12 kBq m(-3) with a maximum of 18 kBq m(-3) and 41 kBq m(-3) with a maximum of 127 kBq m(-3), respectively. The well water samples obtained from different depth-well (water-bearing levels), i.e. shallow well (well depth under 10 m) water, middle well (well depth 10-30 m) water and deep well water, have respective mean values of 24, 34 and 56 kBq m(-3). The contributions of the observed radon concentration in drinking water to indoor radon account for 2.8-13.2% of the mean value of Shaanxi indoor radon concentration and the effective dose to the dweller owing to inhalation of radon emanating from household water is 0.03-0.14 mSv y(-1).     

Effective dose assessment for workers in caves in the Czech Republic: experiments with passive radon detectors

The new RAMARN system for radon volume activity measurement was developed in 2003 and has been in use since then. RAMARN system consists of a plastic chamber that is conically cylindrical in shape and about 0.5 l in volume; a bare Kodak LR 115 is located on the bottom of this diffusion chamber. The size was chosen to avoid the influence of deposited decay products of radon. Kodak has a spectrometric character-the tracks are visualized only for alphas with energies between 1 and 3 MeV that touch the foil; thus the effective volume has a lens shape. The response therefore corresponds to diffused radon and half of (218)Po born by radon gas decay. The experiments described below were conducted as one part of a routine methodology control, focused on classifying worker irradiation from natural ionizing radiation sources in show caves and in caves used for speleotherapy.     

Uranium and thorium series radionuclides in drinking water from drilled bedrock wells: correlation to geology and bedrock radioactivity and dose estimation

Natural radioactivity in drinking water from 328 drilled wells was studied in correlation to source parameters. Poor correlation to both aquifer geology and bedrock radioactivity was observed. Concentrations of 238U, 226Ra, 228Ra, 222Rn and 210Po in groundwater samples was in the ranges <0.027-5.3, <0.016-4.9, <0.014-1.24, 5-8105 and <0.05-0.947 Bq.l(-1) respectively. In about 80% of the sites the radon concentration exceeds the Nordic recommended exemption level for radon in drinking water and 15% of the sites exceed the action limit. The effective doses from ingestion were calculated and presented in association with geology. Doses due to ingestion ranged between 0.05 and 20.4 mSv.y(-1), where the average contribution from 222Rn amounted to 75%. In comparison, the effective doses from inhalation of indoor 222Rn ranged between 0.2 and 20 mSv.y(-1). The average contribution from inhalation of 222Rn in air to the total effective dose (ingestion+inhalation) was 58 +/- 22%, 73 +/- 18% and 77 +/- 16% (1 SD) for the age categories 1 y, 10 y and adults respectively.     

Interaction of alpha particles at the cellular level--implications for the radiation weighting factor

Since low dose effects of alpha particles are produced by cellular hits in a relatively small fraction of exposed cells, the present study focuses on alpha particle interactions in bronchial epithelial cells following exposure to inhaled radon progeny. A computer code was developed for the calculation of microdosimetric spectra, dose and hit probabilities for alpha particles emitted from uniform and non-uniform source distributions in cylindrical and Y-shaped bronchial airway geometries. Activity accumulations at the dividing spur of bronchial airway bifurcations produce hot spots of cellular hits, indicating that a small fraction of cells located at such sites may receive substantially higher doses. While presently available data on in vitro transformation frequencies suggest that the relative biological effectiveness for alpha particles ranges from about 3 to 10, the effect of inhomogeneous activity distributions of radon progeny may slightly increase the radiation weighting factor relative to a uniform distribution. Thus a radiation weighting factor of about 10 may be more realistic than the current value of 20, at least for lung cancer risk following inhalation of short-lived radon progeny.     

Radon exposure in uranium mining industry vs. exposure in tourist caves

There is a fairly general consensus among health physicists and radiation professionals that exposure to radon progeny is the largest and most variable contribution to the population's exposure to natural sources of radiation. However, this exposure is the subject of continuing debate concerning the validity of risk assessment and recommendations on how to act in radon-prone areas. The purpose of this contribution is to situate the radon issue in Spain in two very different settings. The first is a uranium mining industry located in Saelices el Chico (Salamanca), which is under strict control of the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN). We have measured radon concentrations in different workplaces in this mine over a five-year period. The second setting comprises four tourist caves, three of which are located in the province of Cantabria and the fourth on the Canary Island of Lanzarote. These caves are not subject to any administrative control of radiation exposure. Measured air 222Rn concentrations were used to estimate annual effective doses due to radon inhalation in the two settings, and dose values were found to be from 2 to 10 times lower in the uranium mine than in the tourist caves. These results were analysed in the context of the new European Basic Safety Standards Directive (EU-BSS, 1996).     

Are radon gas measurements adequate for epidemiological studies and case control studies of radon-induced lung cancer?

The lung dose derived from radon is not attributed to the radon gas itself, but instead to its short-lived progeny. However, in many epidemiological studies as well as in case control studies of the radon risk, the excess number of cancers are related to the radon gas exposure, and not to the radon progeny exposure. A justification for such an approach has resorted to the assumption that there is self-compensation between the radiation doses from the unattached and attached fractions. In the present study, we used the Jacobi model to calculate the radon progeny concentrations in a room by varying the attachment rate and then calculated the resulting lung dose. It was found that self-compensation was not fully realised, and the effective dose can vary by a factor up to approximately 2 for the same radon gas concentration. In conclusion, the radon gas concentration alone does not provide adequate information on the effective dose.