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High-resolution far-ultraviolet broadband Fourier-transform photoabsorption spectra of 32S16O, 33S16O, 34S16O, and 36S16O are recorded in a microwave discharge seeded with SO2. The B 3 Σ − (v = 4 − 30) ← X 3 Σ − (v = 0) and C 3 Π (v = 0 − 7) ← X 3 Σ − (v = 0) bands are observed or inferred in the 43,000 –51,000 cm−1 (196 to 233 nm) spectral range. This is the first experimental detection of a C 3 Π (v > 2) level and of any of these observed bands in an S-substituted isotopologue. Additional measurements of A 3 Π (v = 1 − 3) ← X 3 Σ − (v = 0) provide a calibration of the SO column density. Measured band profiles are fitted to an effective-Hamiltonian model of coupled excited B 3Σ− and C 3Π states along with their predissociation linewidths and absorption band strengths. Electronic-state potential-energy curves and transition moments are deduced. The end result is a list of line frequencies, f-values, and dissociation widths describing the far-ultraviolet photodissociation spectrum of SO that is accurate enough for computing atmospheric photolytic isotope-fractionation. Linelists, and photoabsorption and photodissociation cross sections are available as supplementary data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposed a new solution to do the plasma cleaning under low pressure based on a domestic microwave oven. A conical bottle was placed in the oven according to the electric field distribution calculated by finite element method and Helmholtz equation. A vacuum pump was employed to make a low pressure environment in the bottle to generate plasma. Experiments demonstrated that discharges in the domestic microwave oven under low pressures from 100 Pa to 300 Pa can be easily triggered and maintained when the working gases were argon and air. The lower the pressure was, the easier to trigger and generate plasma, and the more uniform the plasma inside the conical bottle was. Experiments also found that this low-pressure Ar plasma generated in the domestic microwave oven can efficiently clean up the oils on the metallic sheets or glass substrates without damaging them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinyl-siloxane (PVS) is a modified condensation silicon that has found applications in the field of dental impression materials thanks to its high biocompatibility and the ability to be modeled on solid surfaces with a micrometric resolution. Major concerns have been raised on the possibility to sterilize PVS without distorting its geometrical shape, as immersion in antibacterial solutions often results in swelling. As a possible alternative, both radiofrequency glow discharge and UV sterilization have been successfully applied. In this paper, we focus on the possible use of a cheap, bio-compatible ceramic reinforcement powder (BaTiO3) to obtain a higher resistance to colonization and contribute to the prevention of bacterial infections, not only for temporary applications but also long-term. We also use a vacuum treatment to transform the composite polymer into soft scaffolds with relative densities between 35 and 65%) with similar biological properties. Testing with fractions of ceramic reinforcement up to 25% has clearly shown a beneficial effect in terms of bacteria viability against Staphylococcus epidermidis, with potential for future applications as soft biomedical scaffolds, medical clothing, sanitary materials, and filters for the sterilization of air and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rational Formula (RF) is probably the most frequently applied equation in practical hydrology to compute the peak discharge, due to its simplicity and effective compromise between theory and data availability. Thus, after more than a century, the estimation of peak discharge through the RF is still an important and challenging issue in hydrology. The RF assumes response linearity and sometimes assumes that the return period does not depend on the runoff coefficient and neglects the time to ponding and the antecedent moisture condition. Moreover, the RF requires the critical duration of rainfall and the runoff coefficient to be estimated, both of which are highly controversial. This paper proposes an advanced RF that makes it possible to derive the peak discharge at the hillslope scale, where the above RF assumptions are mostly relaxed. Physically based runoff coefficient tables, which are not affected by subjectivity, are presented and application of the derived procedure is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate foetal impact of radiofrequencies (RFs) emitted from mobile phones in postnatal cord blood. The study carried on 149 pregnant women divided into four groups such as nonusers of mobile phone (n: 37; control group), 2-15 min/d (n: 39; group 1), 15-60 min/d (n: 37; group 2) and participants using mobile phone for more than 60 min/d (n: 36; group 3). Cord blood of the infants was taken in all groups for biochemical analyses immediately after birth. The results of the study showed that the biggest foetal impact was observed in the third study group which was pregnant exposed RFRs (RF radiation) more than 1 h/d (1 hour per day). AST (aspartat aminotransferaz), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), CK (creatine kinase), CK-MB (creatine kinase-miyocardial band), CRP (c-reactive protein), PCT (procalcitonin), TnT (troponin T), uric acid and lactate levels of third group were found higher than the other groups (p < 0.001). However, Mean platelet volume values of third group were found lower than the other groups (p < 0.001). Finally, this is the first human study which was performed on pregnant and infants because there is no previous work in this area. However, the results of this study revealed that long-term RFR exposure of pregnant may result in some biochemical changes in the infants. Therefore, our suggestion to pregnant is to avoid from RFR exposure emitted from mobile phones at least during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question whether intrinsic bioelectromagnetism exists within DNA or not is an important and so far unexplored area of biology. We carried out a study of isolated genetic material, utilizing both prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA, to measure any possible intrinsic electromagnetic effects or fields emanated within the molecules. Studies were carried out with extremely sensitive ultra-low-noise trans-impedance amplifiers and a high-precision data acquisition system to record any possible faintest electromagnetic signals from the concentrated, as well as diluted DNA, in vitro. Some experiments were performed to investigate any possible electromagnetic effects of high-frequency (HF) RF fields on the DNA under test. However, after extensive testing and careful measurements, we failed to detect any possible intrinsic or induced electromagnetic activity from the DNA as compared to simple water or empty chambers. We reached a conclusion that there does not seem to be any measurable intrinsic electromagnetic activity or fields present in the DNA material, whether in concentrated or diluted form, and if there were, any such activity or fields would be extremely minuscule to be detected with scientific precision by current human measurement methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review assesses microwaves (MW) coupled to advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for pollutants degradation, as well as the basic theory and mechanisms of MW dielectric heating. We addressed the following couplings: MW/H2O2, MW/UV/H2O2, MW/Fenton, MW/US, and MW/UV/TiO2, as well as few studies that tested alternative oxidants and catalysts. Microwave Discharge Electrodeless Lamps (MDELs) are being extensively used with great advantages over ballasts. In their degradation studies, researchers generally employed domestic ovens with minor adaptations. Non-thermal effects and synergies between UV and MW radiation play an important role in the processes. Published papers so far report degradation enhancements between 30 and 1,300%. Unfortunately, how microwaves enhance pollutants is still obscure and real wastewaters scarcely studied. Based on the results surveyed in the literature, MW/AOPs are promising alternatives for treating/remediating environmental pollutants, whenever one considers high degradation yields, short reaction times, and small costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]