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Arene Candide Cave, a key site for Western Mediterranean prehistory, is famous for the discovery of the richly adorned Mid–Upper Palaeolithic burial of the 'Young Prince' and for its use as a burial site at the end of the Pleistocene (Late Epigravettian). In both contexts, red ochre was a conspicuous element of the burial practices. Unfortunately, few provenance studies and analytical data are available for the pigments recovered in the cave. Likewise, the geographical and geological origins of these colouring materials, which are naturally abundant in the Liguro‐Provençal Arc, have received little to no attention despite their technical and symbolic value. During the 2008–2013 archaeological excavation at Arene Candide Cave, micromorphological samples were collected from the Upper Palaeolithic portion of the 1940s stratigraphic profiles, permitting a first description of site formation processes during the Gravettian. This led to the recognition of a Late Gravettian layer characterized by poorly sorted sediment rich in very small ochre fragments. This study establishes the provenance of these ochre fragments through the combined use of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The results reveal a strong correspondence between the Arene Candide ochres and local ore sites, which were never considered before as potential sources. The mineralogical composition of the samples, characterized by the presence of barium sulphate and iron oxides, indicates that the Finalese area (NW Liguria) in which the site is located was the most likely source of the colouring pigments used by the Upper Palaeolithic hunter‐gatherers of the Arene Candide Cave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An intraluminal duodenal diverticulum (IDD) is an infrequent abnormality consisting of a sac-like projection within the duodenum secondary to a congenital web of the membrane in the second portion of the duodenum near the papilla of Vater, due to incomplete lumen recanalization of the embryological foregut, with a typical imaging appearance of a "windsock." The purpose is to present the radiological and tomographic findings characteristics of "IDD." Results: The IDD in barium upper gastrointestinal imaging and computed tomography (CT) was presented. On upper barium gastrointestinal examination, it is possible to detect an intraluminal duodenal image, that can be distended with gas or barium contrast and delimited by a thin wall (halo sign), mimicking a windsock or a double lumen. On CT, it is possible to identify a windsock sign on the duodenum, most often on the second part, distended by gas and contrast agent. Conclusion: IDD imaging in barium upper gastrointestinal imaging and CT is pathognomonic of this infrequent entity in adults that needs to be recognized by the radiologist. In our small series, IDD images of the windsock sign on barium studies and the characteristic presentation on CT can help to exclude another duodenal conditions, guiding appropriate management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, "sulfate-free" products have become increasingly common for most cosmetics and personal care products. With a boom in the number of sulfate-free claims, an analytical method for determining sulfate is certainly needed. Analysis of sulfate in cosmetic products can be difficult due to matrix interference and the complex nature of the ingredients used in the formulation. A simple and novel modified method for the determination of sulfate was developed by using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The procedure involved the precipitation of sulfate as barium sulfate and the removal of interference under controlled conditions, using different reagents such as acid, glycerol and ethanol. The method was optimized for the best conditions using response surface methodology. According to the experimental design, nitric acid and glycerol at 2% concentration yielded the maximum absorbance and the optimized method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection and limit of quantification. Fifteen market samples belonging to the shampoo and conditioner product types were analyzed to evaluate the performance of the optimized method. The results obtained were found to be satisfactory, and the proposed method is linear (R2—0.9971), accurate (89 to 92%), precise (%RSD < 4) and robust (% deviation < 5) with limit of detection (4.2 mg/l), limit of quantification (12.59 mg/l) and can be employed for the analysis of sulfate in cosmetics and personal care products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barium (Ba) dissolution and mobilization in groundwater are predominantly controlled by sulfate because of the low solubility of barium sulfate (BaSO4) minerals. Naturally present at low concentrations in groundwater, elevated concentrations of Ba can occur as a result of anthropogenic activities, including use of barite in drill operations, and geogenic sources such as leaching from geological formations. No toxicity data exist for Ba with groundwater organisms (stygofauna) to assess the risk of elevated Ba concentrations. The present study measured Ba toxicity to two stygobiont Cyclopoida species: one collected from Wellington and the other from Somersby, New South Wales, Australia. Toxicity was measured as cyclopoid survival over 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in waters of varying sulfate concentration (<1–100 mg SO4/L). When sulfate was present, dissolved Ba concentrations decreased rapidly in toxicity test solutions forming a BaSO4 precipitate until dissolved sulfate was depleted. Barium in excess of sulfate remained in the dissolved form. The toxicity of Ba to cyclopoids was clearly attributed to dissolved Ba. Precipitated Ba was not toxic to the Wellington cyclopoid species. Toxicity values for dissolved Ba for the Wellington and Somersby cyclopoid species included a (21‐day) no‐effect concentration of 3.3 mg/L and an effective concentration to cause 5% mortality of 4.8 mg/L (at 21 days). Elevated dissolved Ba concentrations due to anthropogenic and/or biogeochemical processes may pose a risk to groundwater organisms. Further toxicity testing with other stygobiont species is recommended to increase the data available to derive a guideline value for Ba that can be used in contaminant risk assessments for groundwaters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2501–2514. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth acid insoluble slag (REAIS) is a low-level radioactive slag that is stored in most enterprises nowadays. Because of the pressure from negative environmental consequences and stock saturation, it is imperative to reduced dispose of REAIS. In this paper, we propose a sodium hydroxide-assisted low-temperature roasting method for the conversion of barium sulfate in REAIS (approximately 25% of REAIS). And the effects of the mixing method, mass ratio, carbon dioxide flow rate, roasting temperature, and roasting time on the conversion of barium salt were investigated. The results showed that the optimized process, which included a slurry mixing with a REAIS/NaOH mass ratio of 1:1, roasting for 3 h at 425 °C, and a carbon dioxide flow rate of 3 L min−1, produced more than 96% conversion rate of barium salt, 33% efficiency of sodium hydroxide, and 65% reduction rate of REAIS. The efficient conversion of barium salts in the REAIS could lead to the recovery of barium resources. This has made a significant contribution to REAIS reduction, lessening the impact on the environment and public health, and has provided a directional guideline for the reduction of REAIS emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical tubing, particularly cardiovascular tubing, is a critical area of research where continuous improvements are necessary to advance medical devices and improve patient care. While polymers are fundamental for these applications, on their own they present several limitations such as insufficient X-ray contrasting capabilities. As such, polymer composites utilizing radiopaque fillers are a necessity for this application. For medical tubing in vivo, radiopacity is a crucial parameter that virgin polymers alone fall short in achieving due to limited X-ray absorption. To address this shortcoming, inorganic radiopaque fillers such as barium sulphate (BaSO4) and bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) are incorporated into polymer matrices to increase the X-ray contrast of the manufactured tubing. It is also known, however, that the incorporation of these fillers can affect the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of the finished product. This research evaluated the impact of incorporating the two aforementioned fillers into Pebax® 6333 SA01 MED at three different loading levels (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) on the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composite. Composites were prepared by twin screw extrusion and injection molding followed by characterization of the mechanical (tensile, impact, and flexural), thermal (DSC), rheological (MFI), and physical (density and ash content) properties. The performed analysis shows that BiOCl enhanced the aesthetic properties, increased stiffness, and maintained flexibility while having minimal impact on the tensile and impact properties. When comparing BiOCl to BaSO4-filled composites, it was clear that depending on the application of the polymer composite, BiOCl may provide more desirable properties. The study highlights the importance of optimizing filler concentration and processing conditions to achieve desired composite properties for specific medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continued increase in the number of pieces of diagnostic medical radiography equipment being used, radiation shielding in radiology departments is becoming increasingly important. Lead is the most commonly used material for radiation protection; however, there are numerous disadvantages associated with the use of lead, including environmental hazards and harm to the human body. Alternative shielding materials that can be used as replacements include barium sulfate, tungsten, or bismuth. Among alternative materials, barium sulfate appears to be the most cost-effective and easiest to process. In the present study, before constructing shielding barriers, a barrier thickness program for lead-free barrier materials based on National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report No. 147 was used to determine the appropriate barrier thickness. The required thickness for lead-free boards for each type of diagnostic radiography room was calculated based on a tertiary general hospital in the Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ex vivo x‐ray angiography provides high‐resolution, three‐dimensional information on vascular phenotypes down to the level of capillaries. Sample preparation for ex vivo angiography starts with the removal of blood from the vascular system, followed by perfusion with an x‐ray dense contrast agent mixed with a carrier such as gelatine or a polymer. Subsequently, the vascular micro‐architecture of harvested organs is imaged in the intact fixed organ. In the present study, we present novel microscopic dual‐energy CT (microDECT) imaging protocols that allow to visualise and analyse microvasculature in situ with reference to the morphology of hard and soft tissue. We show that the spectral contrast of µAngiofil and Micropaque barium sulphate in perfused specimens allows for the effective separation of vasculature from mineralised skeletal tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrate the counterstaining of perfused specimens using established x‐ray dense contrast agents to depict blood vessels together with the morphology of soft tissue. Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) is used as a counterstain that shows excellent spectral contrast in both µAngiofil and Micropaque barium sulphate–perfused specimens. A novel Sorensen‐buffered PTA protocol is introduced as a counterstain for µAngiofil specimens, as the polyurethane polymer is susceptible to artefacts when using conventional staining solutions. Finally, we demonstrate that counterstained samples can be automatically processed into three separate image channels (skeletal tissue, vasculature and stained soft tissue), which offers multiple new options for data analysis. The presented microDECT workflows are suited as tools to screen and quantify microvasculature and can be implemented in various correlative imaging pipelines to target regions of interest for downstream light microscopic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional barium sulfate is characterized by large particle size, crude manufacturing processes, and inferior quality. Conversely, ultrafine barium sulfate offers significant enhancements in product quality and broadens its range of applications. To achieve industrial-scale production of high-quality ultrafine barium sulfate, characterized by reduced particle size and narrow particle size distribution, a high-throughput tubular reactor was employed. Ultrafine barium sulfate with small particle size and narrow distribution can be effectively prepared without amplification effects using a high-throughput tubular reactor. This study investigates the influence of reactant concentration and feed flow velocity on particle size. The particle size of ultrafine barium sulfate exhibits a trend of decreasing and then increasing with the increase in reactant concentration. A minimum particle size of 28.17 nm can be achieved when the concentration of the reactant material is 1.2 mol L−1. The particle size decrease with an increase in the flow velocity of the reaction material. A minimum particle size of 28.17 nm for ultrafine barium sulfate can be achieved at a flow velocity of 10.42 m s−1. Furthermore, the product's particle size and morphology were characterized utilizing a BET specific surface area analyzer and scanning electron microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of barium sulfate scale is a persistent and formidable challenge across various industrial processes. In order to effectively mitigate this problem, this study proposed the development of an innovative azacrown ether-based macrocycle descaling agent. Using density functional theory, an in-depth analysis of the surface energy of different barium sulfate crystal facets was carried out, together with a detailed investigation into the adsorption properties of the functional groups on the (001) surface. A further comprehensive investigation was carried out to determine how changes in the nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the crown ether framework influence its adsorption affinity to barium ions. In addition, a detailed analysis was carried out to elucidate the molecular interactions between crown ethers with pyridine carboxylic acid side chains and barium sulfate. The newly developed decalcifying macrocycle descaling agent exhibited superior adsorption performance, achieving an adsorption energy for barium ions approximately −4.1512 ev higher than that of conventional DTPA decalcifiers. This remarkable improvement is mainly attributed to the pivotal role of electrostatic forces in the coordination process between the macrocycle descaling agent and barium ions, with an electrostatic potential value reaching −143.37 kcal/mol. This discovery not only introduces a novel approach to the removal of barium sulfate scale but also highlights the significant potential of macrocycle chemistry in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoroelastomers (FKM) are used to manufacture seals and other rubber devices that can withstand harsh operating conditions, including aggressive media and extreme low and high temperatures. Even though nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and chromatographic techniques have been extensively used in the characterization of raw FKM molecules, the identification of cured compounds entails a characterization method that is able to overcome the complexity related to this kind of structure. In this sense, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy can outperform other characterization techniques because it does not require solubilization or any special preparation of the sample. In this study, 10 FKM compounds were produced in this study utilizing four commercial types of FKM and the fillers carbon black, barium sulfate, and iron oxide. All unfilled-FKM (as received) and their compounds were analyzed by ATR-FTIR with germanium crystal. Between 15 and 25 analyses were performed for all each FKM type sample and their respective compounds. All spectra were analyzed, and the bands were assigned. Findings regarding the interference of the fillers in the spectra were also reported. From relationships between the height of the spectral zones and the bands at 1397 and 1428 cm−1, it was possible to distinguish all sample compositions of FKM types 1, 2, 3, and 5. This study demonstrates that ATR-FTIR has the potential to be utilized as a technique to detect the type of FKM compounds, an important rubber used in harsh industrial applications. Replacing carbon with BaSO4 reduces the tensile at 50% strain of FKM types 1 and 2 composites. FKM types 3 and 5 composites filled with 30 phr of carbon black have a higher tensile at 50% strain than those of FKM type 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiopaque polyurethanes are extensively used in biomedical fields owing to their favorable balance of properties. This research aims to investigate the influence of particle concentration on various properties, including rheological, radiopacity, structural, thermal, and mechanical attributes, with a thorough analysis. The findings are benchmarked against a commercial product (PL 8500 A) that contains 10% weight barium sulfate. Two more thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) were formulated with two different concentrations of barium sulfate (10 wt.% and 20 wt.%) and compared to the commercially available product. FTIR demonstrated similar absorption bands among all samples, indicating that the fabrication method did not impact the TPU matrix. DSC indicated a predominantly amorphous structure for PL 8500 A compared to the other samples, while the kinetic degradation was more influenced by the higher barium sulfate content. The rheological analysis showed a decrease in the complex viscosity and storage modulus with the radiopacifier and an increase in the radiopacity, as demonstrated by the X-radiography. X-ray microtomography showed a more spherical particle format with a heterogeneous particle structure for PL 8500 A compared to the other polyurethanes. These findings enhance the comprehension of the structure–property relationships inherent in these materials and facilitate the development of customized materials for targeted applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Coatings & Protection / Tuceng yu Fanghu is the property of Coating & Protection Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Colonic stenosis is a rare postoperative complication of ovariohysterectomy in cats, leading to dyschezia and fecal diameter reduction. In cats, while there are reports of colonic stenosis after midline approach ovariohysterectomy, there are no specific reports of flank approach ovariohysterectomy. Case presentation: This report describes a severe case of a one-year-old British shorthair female cat presenting with gastrointestinal signs, including dyschezia and reduced fecal diameter, three weeks after flank approach ovariohysterectomy. Despite abdominal radiography, proctography with barium sulfate, colonoscopy, CT, and hematological analysis, the cause of colonic stenosis remained unclear. During exploratory laparotomy, an annular tissue band was found encircling the descending colon, resulting in severe local stenosis. After excision of the tissue band, the presenting clinical signs of the cat were rapidly improved. This result suggests that colonic stenosis caused by tissue band should be considered when diagnosing postoperative complications in flank approach ovariohysterectomy in cats. Conclusion: Colon stenosis due to annular tissue band restriction should be considered one of the differentials for postoperative complications in flank approach ovariohysterectomy in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a thermally comfortable living and working environment with renewable energy sources is crucial for human health. However, achieving temperature self-regulation in individual textiles without external interventions remains a challenge. Here, we present a dual-modal photonic textile capable of autonomously achieving both low-temperature solar heating and high-temperature radiative cooling under sunlight. This innovative textile is primarily composed of textile fibers that are functionalized with thermochromic microcapsules encapsulated in graphene and barium sulfate coatings, which exhibit approximately 80% visible light optical modulation when integrated into the fabric. We demonstrate that garment and tent (3.5 m × 2.9 m × 1.3 m) fabricated from these textiles can achieve temperature-adaptive, all-weather thermal management, expanding the thermal comfort range by 8.5°C. This research showcases notable potential for applications in fabric-related heat management and highlights the importance of exploring temperature-adaptive solutions for a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe2O3CaOTiO2BaSO4 system is established through miniature sintering experiments to reveal the mechanism of BaSO4 and vanadium‐titanium magnetite (VTM) with the help of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. The results show that in the absence of BaSO4, the phase of the sinter consists of CaFe2O4, TiO2, Fe2O3, CaTiO3, and CaFe2O5. When the content of BaSO4 is 1% and 2%, CaTiO3 decreases and the number of needle‐like CF increases. Some Ba2+ solidly dissolve into CF and CaTiO3 to form trace BaFe12O19 and BaTi2O5. When the content of BaSO4 increases to 4%, the CaSO4 phase appears, the formation of C2F is accelerated, and the content of CF and CaTiO3 continues to decline. The needle‐like calcium ferrate gradually transforms into columnar and lamellar. As the BaSO4 content continues to increase to 6% and 8%, although the trend of each phase is similar to that at 4%, it is almost entirely composed of columnar calcium ferrite, barium ferrite, and incomplete tetragonal and rhombic Fe2O3. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of VTM and barium‐containing iron ores in practical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents barium sulfate nanoparticles (BaSO4 NPs) synthesis and characterization using leaf extract from Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn. Various analytical techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to confirm the structural properties, crystallinity, surface morphology, chemical purity, and presence of organic compounds. The XRD analysis indicated the crystallinity of BaSO4 NPs with an average crystallite size of 7.8 nm, whereas SEM imaging revealed round morphology and EDX confirmed good chemical purity. FTIR spectroscopy provided evidence of both BaSO4 NPs and organic compounds from the leaf extract. The synthesized BaSO4 NP was then applied to degrade four different azo and azonium dyes, demonstrating effectiveness under various conditions. Furthermore, the impact of BaSO4 NP on the germination and growth of foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P.Beauv.) was investigated. Preliminary findings suggested that BaSO4 NPs promoted seed germination and growth of foxtail millet at low concentrations. However, caution is advised as higher concentrations may have a toxic effect. Overall, this study highlights the potential of bio‐forged BaSO4 NPs for environmental remediation (dye degradation) and agricultural applications (enhancement of seed germination and growth) while emphasizing the importance of dosage control due to potential toxicity at higher concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon black is a common powder for latent print development on nonporous surfaces. Black powders in general have been extensively and frequently researched. However, these powders cannot always be used depending on the contrast, texture, and composition of the surface that needs to be processed for latent prints. In these situations, a good alternative is to use a white or lighter-colored powder. One of these powders is lanconide, an inorganic mixture of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), barium sulfate (BaSO4), titanium oxide (TiO2), bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This study removed one of these six compounds per trial to create seven different lanconide compositions to pre- liminarily assess performance with sebum-charged latent prints deposited by one donor. Overall, the literature lanconide powder was effective for print development, but the highest quality prints resulted when TiO2 was removed. As such, this compound could be obstructing print development, possibly due to its nonhygroscopic nature. TiO2 has also been identified as a possible carcinogen when inhaled, so removing titanium oxide from lanconide recipes creates a safer composition while still effectively enhancing latent fingerprint development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few studies have assessed trochanteric vascularity despite its implications for bone healing and surgical approaches. This study aimed to assess the regional arterial contributions of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) versus the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) to trochanteric vascularity. Methods: Ten adult human cadaveric pelvises to mid‐femur specimens were obtained. One hip was randomly assigned experimental (either MFCA or LFCA MRI‐contrast infusion) and contralateral as control (MFCA and LFCA magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]‐contrast infusion). Vascular dissection was performed for MFCA and LFCA cannulation. Pre‐ and post‐contrast 3T MRI was completed, and intra‐osseous contributions were quantified by region: greater trochanter (GT), intertrochanteric (IT), lesser trochanter (LT) and subtrochanteric (ST). A polyurethane compound mixed with barium sulfate was injected into the LFCA cannula, and into the MFCA cannula for the contralateral hip. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was completed to assess terminal branch locations. Results: MFCA provided the majority of arterial contributions to the full trochanteric region (68.5% MFCA, 31.5% LFCA; standard deviation [SD]: 10.7%, p < 0.001). Over 70% of arterial contributions to ST, LT and IT regions are derived from MFCA. GT contributions were more balanced (52.5% MFCA, 47.5% LFCA; SD: 33.7%; p = 0.853). Significant differences were found between MFCA and LFCA contributions in all regions except for the GT. CT revealed multiple consistent MFCA and LFCA trochanteric terminal branches. Conclusions: MFCA provided the dominant trochanteric arterial supply, which highlights MFCA's importance to overall hip vascularity. LFCA's trochanteric contribution was smaller but still provided trochanteric contributions, especially the GT region. Knowledge of trochanteric arterial contributions can be beneficial for optimizing surgical approaches and fixation to protect terminal branches during trochanteric fracture, nonunion treatment and trochanteric osteotomies. Level of Evidence: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Since the advent of radiotherapy, the success rate of head and neck cancer treatment has increased significantly. However, when the tissue tolerance level is exceeded, unnecessary and uncontrolled exposure to radiation is considered detrimental. Such problems remain difficult to prevent and manage. The aim of the study to evaluate and compare the degree of attenuation of therapeutic radiation using four different radiation shielding materials of varying thickness. Study Setting and Design: In vitro experimental study. Materials and Methods: The samples were divided into four groups based on the different radiation shielding materials of thickness 3mm and 5mm. The materials are Lead (Pb), Silver-tin alloy (Ag-Sn) with Polyvinylsiloxane (PVS), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with Barium sulphate (BaSO4), and a combination of Ag-Sn with PVS and PMMA with BaSO4 which was exposed to radiation. The radiation dose measurements were recorded and the radiation attenuation properties of the shielding materials were evaluated. Among all of the shielding materials the most efficient material under consideration is determined. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc test was used to compare the means of all four groups. Results: A statistically significant difference between groups was found by a one-way ANOVA with a P = 0.001. In the post hoc test, statistically significant findings were obtained with a P = 0.05 when comparing the variation values of 3mm and 5mm thickness between each group and other groups. Conclusion: The shielding materials results in significant reductions in radiation dosage. It was concluded that the combinations of Ag-Sn alloy with PVS, and PMMA with BaSO4 of thickness 5 mm had a good shielding effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barium sulfate crystals are minerals responsible for scaling in piping systems. Controlling the growth of these crystals can use additives (FeCl2 and SrCl2) and varying agitation speeds. The research was to optimize the impact of additives and agitation speed on the results of crystal form using RSM through Minitab 19 with Box-Behnken Design. The optimum conditions using additive FeCl2 at a concentration of 25 ppm, a stirring speed of 120 rpm for 30 minutes, and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 90.995 provided 0.4485 gr of barium sulfate crystals. The optimum conditions, however, used SrCl2 additives at a concentration of 20.2049 ppm and a stirring speed of 459.394 rpm for 30 minutes, yielding 0.4345 g of barium sulfates with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 91.41%. The results of crystallizing barium sulfate without additives appear to be superior to those obtained with additives in terms of production. In contrast, additives of FeCl2 and SrCl2 can inhibit barium sulfate formation, resulting in a reduction in crystal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the X‐ray shielding properties and mechanical properties of barium sulfate (BaSO4) composites based on a biodegradable matrix composed of glycerol and starch. In addition, tannic acid (TA) is used for surface modification of the BaSO4. Increasing the amount of BaSO4 is necessary to improve the composite's X‐ray shielding properties; however, as the amount of BaSO4 increases, the composite becomes harder. The purpose of this research is to prepare a flexible X‐ray‐shielding composite even when a large amount of filler is added. TA easily coats the BaSO4 surface, and its presence is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Elongation of the composites composed of glycerol, starch, and BaSO4 is increased by 50% because of the formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of glycerol and starch and those of TA. Consequently, the fracture behavior changed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture. However, the X‐ray shielding properties are not changed by the surface modification with TA. The use of glycerol, starch, and BaSO4 is a new approach to the development of biodegradable radiation shielding materials. In addition, as a surface‐modification agent, TA is environmentally friendly. All of the composites are prepared from natural materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Oilfield Chemistry is the property of Sichuan University, Oilfield Chemistry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To ensure the safety of medical personnel in healthcare organizations, radiation-shielding materials like protective clothing are used to protect against low-dose radiation, such as scattered rays. The extremities, particularly the hands, are the most exposed to radiation. New materials that can be directly coated onto the skin would be more cost-effective, efficient, and convenient than gloves. We developed protective creams using eco-friendly shielding materials, including barium sulfate, bismuth oxide, and ytterbium oxide, to avoid harmful effects of heavy metals like lead, and tested their skin-protective effects. Particularly, the radiation-shielding effect of ytterbium oxide was compared with that of the other materials. As shielding material dispersion and layer thickness greatly affect the efficacy of radiation-shielding creams, we assessed dispersion in terms of the weight percentage (wt%). The effective radiation energy was reduced by 20% with a 1.0-mm increase in cream thickness. Ytterbium oxide had a higher radiation-shielding rate than the other two materials. A 28% difference in protective effect was observed with varying wt%, and the 45 wt% cream at 63.4 keV radiation achieved a 61.3% reduction rate. Higher content led to a more stable incident energy-reducing effect. In conclusion, ytterbium oxide shows potential as a radiation-shielding material for creams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visualizing (micro)vascular structures remains challenging for researchers and clinicians due to limitations in traditional radiological imaging methods. Exploring the role of vascular development in craniofacial malformations in experimental settings can enhance understanding of these processes, with the effectiveness of high-resolution imaging techniques being crucial for successful research in this field. Micro-CT imaging offers 3D microstructural insights, but requires contrast-enhancing staining agents (CESAs) for visualizing (micro)-vascular tissues, known as contrast-enhanced micro-CT (CECT). As effective contrast agents are crucial for optimal visualization, this review focuses on comparative studies investigating such agents for micro-vascular tissue imaging using micro-CT. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utilization of B-Lugol solution as a promising contrast agent for acquiring high-quality micro-CT images of (micro)vascular structures in human embryonic samples. Method: This scoping review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols. PubMed database provided relevant articles, screened initially by title and abstract. Inclusion and exclusion criteria defined outcomes of interest. Results: From an initial search, 273 records were identified, narrowed down to 9 articles after applying our criteria. Additionally, two articles were added through citation searching. This, a total of 11 articles were incorporated in this study. Conclusion: This micro-CT contrast agent review underscores the need for tailored choices based on research goals. Both Barium sulfate and Iodine-based agents showing excellent results, providing high resolution (micro) vascular content, especially in ex-vivo specimens. However, careful consideration of protocols and tissue characteristics remains imperative for optimizing the effectiveness of micro-CT imaging for the study of cranio-facial vascular development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bedded barite, Fe-Zn-Pb sulfides, carbonates, and cherts within Ediacaran (Dalradian Supergroup) graphitic metasediments near Aberfeldy in Scotland have previously been interpreted as chemical sediments precipitated from hydrothermal fluids episodically exhaled into marine basins filled with organic-rich mud, silt, and sand. Lithological variation and compositional diversity in pyrite and sphalerite reflect varied redox environments and proximity to hydrothermal discharges. Thick beds (>2 m) of barite have relatively uniform δ34S of +36 ± 1.5‰, considered to represent contemporaneous seawater sulfate, as negative Δ17O indicates incorporation of atmospheric oxygen during precipitation in the water column. However, certain features suggest that diagenetic processes involving microbial sulfate reduction modified the mineralogy and isotopic composition of the mineralization. Barite bed margins show decimeter-scale variation in δ34S (+32 to +41‰) and δ18O (+8 to +21‰), attributed to fluid-mediated transfer of dissolved barium and sulfate between originally porous barite and adjacent sediments, in which millimetric sulfate crystals grew across sedimentary lamination. Encapsulated micron-sized barium carbonates indicate early diagenetic barite dissolution with incorporation of sulfur into pyrite, elevating pyrite δ34S. Subsequently, sulfidation reactions produced volumetrically minor secondary barite with δ34S of +16 to +22‰. Overall, these processes affected small volumes of the mineralization, which originally formed on the seafloor as a classic SEDEX deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In radiology it is necessary to use protective devices in radiological work to reduce the negative health effects of radiation. The objective of this study is to investigate an alternative lead-free radiation shielding material from PLA composite with BaSO4 and assess its efficacy in providing radiation protection. The findings indicate that the PLA composite containing 30% BaSO4 exhibited the most effective radiation absorption properties, with percentages of 92.15%, 89.26%, and 86.04% at X-ray energies of 40, 60, and 80 kVp, respectively. Moreover, the PLA composites containing BaSO4 are environmentally friendly providing suitable protection against low-dose radiation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filler components play a crucial role as thermo‐mechanical reinforcement to the epoxy‐based solder mask, ensuring effective insulation and passivation. This study investigates the impact of different inorganic filler types (talc, silica (SiO2), boron nitride (BN) and barium sulfate (BaSO4)) and loadings (5 and 15 wt%) on the tensile and thermal properties of the epoxy composites. The composites were blended, cast and thermally cured. Of these composites, only 15 wt% SiO2/epoxy composite exhibits notable increments in both tensile strength and modulus, surpassing unfilled epoxy by 11.65% and 31.9%, respectively. It also displays the highest elongation at break, supported by small particle size, high specific surface area and minimal void volume fraction. For thermal tests, the addition of all fillers increases the storage modulus in both glassy and rubbery regions, especially 15 wt% talc/epoxy composite with 30.09% increment at 25 °C. Additionally, all fillers raise the glass transition temperature (Tg), notably improving it by 9 °C in the 15 wt% BN/epoxy composite. Moreover, their inclusion generally enhances the onset decomposition temperature (Tonset) and reduces weight loss during decomposition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Dysphagia can lead to morbidity including weight loss and aspiration pneumonia. Effective triage of patients and streamlining of pathways to expedite diagnosis and treatment is therefore imperative. Objectives: The goals of this research were to measure the referral to treatment time for dysphagia patients in a newly established pathway and compare with existing UK national and local referral to treatment times, and to evaluate patient feedback. Methods: Speech and language therapy advanced clinical practitioners were trained in nasendoscopy and assessment of swallow. Referral to treatment times were measured and patient satisfaction questionnaires completed. Results: A decrease in triage to treatment time (from 24 to 6 weeks). Patients reported high understanding of the condition and minimal discomfort during assessments. Radiation exposure was reduced (2 per cent of patients undergoing soluble contrast swallows, previously 100 per cent). Conclusion: The new pathway expedites treatment and achieves high patient satisfaction. It empowers speech and language therapy in efficiently managing low-complexity cases and supports multidisciplinary care for dysphagia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precipitation mode of barium sulphate (BaSO4) in the presence of mineral additives plays an important role in many industrial processes. Therefore, in this paper, a study of the precipitation reaction of a saturated barium sulphate solution in the presence of metal ions Fe3+ and Mn2+, found in industrial waters and in the geochemical evolutions of paleoenvironments, is presented. XRD, conductivity, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM were used to investigate the barite precipitation reaction in the presence of a known amount of Fe3+ and Mn2+ ions. Conductivity measurements showed that the presence of Fe3+ accelerated both induction and crystal growth stages. On the other hand, adding Mn2+ ions did not affect the kinetics of the precipitation reaction. Solid analysis showed that the barite lattice was doped with low levels of manganese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the physical, mechanical, and structural characteristics of handmade paper samples derived from cellulose extracted from grass clippings using two distinct methods as follows: (1) alkali treatment and (2) alkali treatment followed by bleaching, coupled with the incorporation of barium sulfate as a mineral filler. Our investigation revealed that the handmade paper samples' densities, moisture contents, and thicknesses varied within the ranges of 0.436 to 0.549 g/cm3, 5.60 to 2.51%, and 0.41 to 0.50 mm, respectively. The tensile strength and folding endurance of the papers produced through alkali treatment with barium sulfate were notably superior to those produced from bleached pulp and barium sulfate. Our analysis indicates that several critical factors, including paper density, thickness, the crystallinity index, and the microfibrillar structure of cellulose, intricately influence the mechanical and strength properties of the samples. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, we identified characteristic cellulose bonds and examined cellulose's crystalline and amorphous phases. Additionally, the crystallinity index of the samples was determined using both the Segal and peak deconvolution methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed interconnected networks of cellulose fibers with varying thicknesses and lengths, along with incorporated mineral filler within the cellulose fiber structure. Variations in mineral particle retention were attributed to the presence or absence of cellulose microfibrils. These findings contribute to our understanding of the observed strength characteristics of the paper samples and underscore the potential applications of cellulose derived from grass clippings, especially when combined with barium sulfate as a mineral filler in paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation shielding materials have been researched using Pb and metal oxide particles, and composites of resin and barium sulfate (BaSO4) have been reported. In addition, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have often been used as a nanomaterial to improve the mechanical strength of resin–BaSO4 composites. The literature includes no examples of these two materials—BaSO4 and MWCNTs—being used at the interface of composites. We effectively modified the surface of BaSO4 by a simple process involving strong electrostatic interaction between positively charged barium and negatively charged functional groups on the MWCNT surface. The process is simple and can form large amounts of MWCNTs that coat BaSO4 surfaces. As a result, MWCNTs remained on the BaSO4 surface even after the MWCNT‐coated BaSO4 was washed with a solvent and subjected to melt mixing. The physical anchoring of MWCNTs onto the BaSO4 surface improved the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of the resultant composites. The originality of this research is that MWCNTs can be coated onto the surface by only electrostatic interaction without using a polymer adhesive. In addition, the x‐ray shielding performance of the MWCNT‐containing composites was the same as that of composites prepared without the MWCNTs. Highlights: MWCNTs were coated onto the surface of BaSO4 by electrostatic interaction.Interfacial adhesion of PS composites was improved by coating MWCNTs.The MWCNTs did not affect the x‐ray shielding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High‐resolution brain positron emission tomography (PET) scanner is emerging as a significant and transformative non‐invasive neuroimaging tool to advance neuroscience research as well as improve diagnosis and treatment in neurology and psychiatry. Time‐of‐flight (TOF) and depth‐of‐interaction (DOI) information provide markedly higher PET imaging performance by increasing image signal‐to‐noise ratio and mitigating spatial resolution degradation due to parallax error, respectively. PET detector modules that utilize light sharing can inherently carry DOI information from the multiple timestamps that are generated per gamma event. The difference between two timestamps that are triggered by scintillation photons traveling in opposite directions signifies the event's depth‐dependent optical photon TOF (oTOF). However, light leak at the crystal‐readout interface substantially degrades the resolution of this oTOF‐based depth encoding. Purpose: We demonstrate the feasibility of oTOF‐based depth encoding by mitigating light leak in single‐ended‐readout Prism‐PET detector modules using tapered crystals. Minimizing light leak also improved both energy‐based DOI and coincidence timing resolutions. Methods: The tapered Prism‐PET module consists of a 16 ×$\times$ 16 array of 1.5 ×$\times$ 1.5 ×$\times$ 20 mm3${\rm {mm}}^3$ lutetium yttrium oxyorthosillicate (LYSO) crystals, which are tapered down to 1.2 ×$\times$ 1.2 mm2${\rm {mm}}^2$ at the crystal‐readout interface. The LYSO array couples 4‐to‐1 to an 8 ×$\times$ 8 array of 3 ×$\times$ 3 mm2${\rm {mm}}^2$ silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) pixels on the tapered end and to a segmented prismatoid light guide array on the opposite end. Performance of tapered and non‐tapered Prism‐PET detectors was experimentally characterized and evaluated by measuring flood histogram, energy resolution, energy‐, and oTOF‐based DOI resolutions, and coincidence timing resolution. Sensitivities of scanners using different Prism‐PET detector designs were simulated using Geant4 application for tomographic emission (GATE). Results: For the tapered (non‐tapered) Prism‐PET module, the measured full width at half maximum (FWHM) energy, timing, energy‐based DOI, and oTOF‐based DOI resolutions were 8.88 (11.18)%, 243 (286) ps, 2.35 (3.18) mm, and 5.42 (13.87) mm, respectively. The scanner sensitivities using non‐tapered and tapered crystals, and 10 rings of detector modules, were simulated to be 30.9 and 29.5 kcps/MBq, respectively. Conclusions: The tapered Prism‐PET module with minimized light leak enabled the first experimental report of oTOF‐based depth encoding at the detector module level. It also enabled the utilization of thinner (i.e., 0.1 mm) inter‐crystal spacing with barium sulfate as the reflector while also improving energy‐based DOI and timing resolutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research applied a concurrent activation and surface modification (CAM) process to synthesize palm kernel shell‐derived activated carbon (PKSdAC) to obtain CO2 affinity surface functionalization. The CAM process is a simplified activated carbon activation process that is cost‐effective. The CAM process used in this study integrates sulphuric acid activation and barium chloride functionalization. The formation of barium sulphate is targeted to incorporate barium through a reduction process with carbon‐containing material at elevated temperatures into PKSdAC to obtain basic metal surfaces functional group for chemical adsorption. The optimal temperature for CAM‐PKSdAC CO2 adsorption performance was at 40–60 °C, established through temperature‐programmed desorption of CO2 (TPD‐CO2) analysis. The CAM‐PKSdAC adsorption performance was tested using a lab‐scale adsorption system. The bed CO2 content was determined using gas chromatography coupled with a thermal conductivity detector (GC‐TCD) by manual syringe injection. CAM‐PKSdAC exhibited a high CO2 adsorption capacity of 0.89 mmol g−1 from TPD‐CO2, and 1.91 mmol g−1 from GC‐TCD at 40 °C and 1 bar. It showed comparable CO2 adsorption capacity to conventional surface modified‐activated PKSdAC (1.96 mmol g−1) while higher than commercial and modified ACs (1.14–1.60 mmol g−1), but lower than potassium hydroxide modified ACs (1.81–2.10 mmol g−1) at 40 °C and 1 bar. Barium promoted chemisorption of CO2 as supplementary reaction, which increases adsorption capacity. The non‐linear Dubinin Radushkevich model strongly correlates with the experimental adsorption data for CAM‐PKSdAC adsorption, indicating the physisorption process via micropore filling on CAM‐PKSdAC. CAM‐PKSdAC showed moderate reusability with negligible variation in adsorption capacity after 10 adsorption–desorption cycles. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to introduce a novel technique of a double-scan protocol with marker-free registration and compare it to the already-used techniques regarding the accuracy of registration. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine fully edentulous patients underwent double-scan procedures by three different methods: the barium sulfate method for 11 patients; the gutta-percha method for 26 patients; and the marker-free method for 22 patients. Point-to-point registration of the two scans was followed by a voxel-based surface "best fit" registration. The mean registration error of each case was digitally recorded. Differences in registration error between groups were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The accuracy of the registration showed no significant differences according to the method (P = .719). Conclusion: The marker-free procedure was presented as a novel technique for registration of the scans in the double-scan protocol. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the registration between the three techniques: marker-free, gutta-percha markers, and fully radiopaque barium sulfate scan appliance. Therefore, the marker-free technique might be a viable option for the double-scan protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Organs as well as cancer require a supply of nutrients and oxygen and removal of waste products. These tasks are carried out by the vascular system. Knowledge of the vascular properties in organs and tumors is key for understanding normal and abnormal function. For cancer, vascular function is also highly relevant to understand response to treatment, metastasis, and tumor progression. In this study, we use various techniques to characterize the vascular tree and flow in kidneys with kidney cancer. We connected kidneys to a perfusion system and used barium sulphate contrast to visualize the vascular architecture contact microangiography. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize the vessels in relation to perfusion. The vascular resistance was measured using the radioactive microspheres and in cases that were feasible, we used micro-CT to characterize the vascular tree. This work aims to suggest the use of these techniques for any organ or tumor available for ex vivo perfusion. This work describes a comprehensive study of the vascular tree and perfusion characteristics of normal kidney and renal cell carcinoma. Methods: Nephrectomy specimens were perfused ex-vivo, and the regional blood flow was determined by infusion of radioactive microspheres. The vascular architecture was characterized by micronized barium sulphate infusion. Kidneys were subsequently sagitally sectioned, and autoradiograms were obtained to show the perfusate flow in relation to adjacent contact X-ray angiograms. Vascular resistance in defined tissue compartments was quantified, and finally, the tumor vasculature was 3D reconstructed via the micro-CT technique. Results show that the vascular tree of the kidney could be distinctly defined, and autoradiograms disclosed a high cortical flow. The peripheral resistance unit of the whole perfused specimen was 0.78 ± 0.40 (n = 26), while that of the renal cortex was 0.17 ± 0.07 (n = 15 with 114 samples). Micro-CT images from both cortex and medulla defined the vascular architecture. Angiograms from the renal tumors demonstrated a significant vascular heterogeneity within and between different tumors. A dense and irregular capillary network characterized peripheral tumor areas, whereas central parts of the tumors were less vascularized. Despite the dense capillarity, low perfusion through vessels with a diameter below 15 µm was seen on the autoradiograms. We conclude that micronized barium sulphate infusion may be used to demonstrate the vascular architecture in a complex organ. The vascular resistance was low, with little variation in the cortex of the normal kidney. Tumor tissue showed a considerable vascular structural heterogeneity with low perfusion through the peripheral nutritive capillaries and very poor perfusion of the central tumor, indicating intratumoral pressure exceeding the perfusion pressure. The merits and shortcomings of the various techniques used are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study is presented on the possibility of using the fluorescence from organic dyes as a broadband light source together with a monochromator for applications in excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. A high-power single-chip light-emitting diode (LED) was chosen as an excitation source with a central output wavelength at 365 nm to excite a fluorescent solution of Coumarin 1 dye dissolved in ethanol. Two excitation configurations were investigated: direct excitation from the LED and excitation through an optical-fiber-coupled LED. A Czerny–Turner monochromator with a diffraction grating was used for the spectral tuning of the fluorescence. A simple method was investigated for increasing the efficiency of the excitation as well as the fluorescence signal collection by using a diffuse reflector composed of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). As research objects, extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), Coumarin 6 dye, and Perylene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), were used. The results showed that the light-emitting-diode-induced fluorescence was sufficient to cover the losses on the optical path to the monochromator output, where a detectable signal could be obtained. The obtained results reveal the practical possibility of applying the fluorescence from dyes as a light source for food system analysis by EEM fluorescence spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of stable carrageenan nanoparticles connected to the sulfate functional group of carrageenan and barium ion for the use of selectively targeting cancer cell and imaging contrast to help with diagnosis (tracing/imaging) is the concern of the present research. This study provides an overview of ion substitution chemistry, highlighting the role of ions and how they affect the applicability of carrageenan. The characteristic of barium sulfate, which is widely used as radiopaque to provide contrast for diagnostic radiographic examinations in the gastrointestinal mucosa, is provided by its linkage with the barium ion despite K+'s natural binding with carrageenan. The additional role of the Ba ion linked carrageenan was found highly selective for cancer cell through the in vitro cell line assay; however, the nonattachability to the normal cell makes useful to trace and treat the cancer cell. The tracing is possible because of the barium sulfate functional group and its nanosize molecule, which shows precision medicine, fluorescence, and X-ray/CT imaging character, to be utilized as the diagnostic purpose, especially to tumor cell. The apoptosis from the Ba2+ ion by the inhibition of outflux of K+ to disturb the osmosis of cell and selectivity of the molecules because of high pKa (Logarithms of acid dissociation constant) value, which makes the drug more active anionic (nonpolar) form in the cancer cell and ionic form (polar) in the normal cell, which avoids the interaction with normal cell and facilitate the interaction with cancer cell. In conclusion, the cancer cell selectivity with fluorescence and radiopaque properties of Ba ion linked carrageenan makes the molecule useful for tracing, imaging, and treating cancer cell with high selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding neonates and infants, the videofluoroscopy swallowing study is always conducted with liquids impregnated with a radiopaque material in varied proportions and thickenings. Variations in thickening and barium concentration are known to change the swallowing function. The present study aimed to analyze the rheological and macroscopic properties of barium contrast and liquids commonly used in Brazil with infants under six months old. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee under certificate number 63361616.2.0000.5482. Rheological measurements were performed on samples of breast milk and infant formulas, pure, with thickener, impregnated with liquid barium sulfate, as well as a pure barium sulfate sample. The data collected showed similar viscosity rates between breast milk and the infant formulas Aptamil and Enfamil. Impregnating them with 20% and 33% liquid barium sulfate increased their viscosity. However, they remained in the same classification, despite the quantitative differences in their apparent viscosity. The regular products, in formulation with thickener and thickener plus 20% barium, showed an increase in apparent viscosity close or twice to that of Enfamil A.R. impregnated with 33% barium sulfate. The study allowed a more in-depth understanding of how the products behave at strain rates consistent with the conditions when swallowing. The results indicated in this study confirm the need for knowledge and care in preparing liquids to be offered in videofluoroscopy swallowing studies with neonates and infants. They also emphasize the importance of objectively measuring the viscosities of videofluoroscopic fluids, matching them with the liquids to be prescribed in their diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel sulfates supported binary RuIrO x be synthesized. • A strong catalyst-support interaction between RuIrO x and BaSrSO 4. • The RuIrO x /BSS exhibits a high OER mass activity of only 324 mV overpotential at 1000 A/g Ru + Ir. • It shows outstanding CER activity and stability. Electrolysis for producing hydrogen powered by renewable electricity can be dramatically expanded by adapting different electrolytes (brine, seawater or pure water), which means the anode materials must stand up to complex electrolyte conditions. Here, a novel catalyst/support hybrid of binary Ru 3.5 Ir 1 O x supported by barium strontium sulfate (BaSrSO 4) was synthesized (RuIrO x /BSS) by exchanging the anion ligands of support. The as-synthesized RuIrO x /BSS exhibits compelling oxygen evolution (OER) and chlorine evolution (CER) performances, which affords to 10 mA cm−2 with only overpotential of 244 mV and 38 mV, respectively. The performed X-ray adsorption spectra clearly indicate the presence of an interface charge transfer effect, which results in the assignment of more electrons to the d orbitals of the Ru and Ir sites. The theoretical calculations demonstrated that the electronic structures of the catalytic active sites were modulated to give a lower overpotential, confirming the intrinsically high OER and CER catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical studies of water show that there is currently an encrusting trend in 24 oil fields in Colombia. This implies that the water has a tendency to precipitate different scales, mainly calcium carbonate and barium sulfate. Emerging the need to implement tools that allow avoiding or delaying precipitation and deposition, through the design and optimization of squeeze treatments. Therefore, a mathematical model applicable to sandstone formations was selected, which was validated for linear and radial flow through literature, laboratory and field, allowing to estimate the distribution of the inhibitor along the plug during adsorption, and its subsequent related release with the desorption phenomenon. This methodology was analyzed under conditions of pressure and flow rates present in the field, allowing the prediction of the useful life of the treatment to be estimated, and the effect of the injected pore volumes and production flow rate on the duration of treatment, concluding that high flow rates have a negative effect on the duration of squeeze treatments. Furthermore, the designed tool allows modeling of adsorption and desorption of inhibitors and constitutes a significant contribution to the prevention of damage to the formation caused by inorganic scales, since there is currently no free software for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This qualitative study explored the practices of hospital-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) conducting modified barium swallow studies (MBS) for infants at risk for dysphagia. Specifically, this research aimed to determine whether or not SLPs use side-lying position during MBS, to examine possible differences in the use of positioning, and to better understand SLPs' perceptions and experiences in this practice. Using a constructivist view, research questions guiding this inquiry were as follows: What is the current practice of hospital-based pediatric SLPs in regard to the use of side-lying position during infant MBS? What is the experience of the hospital-based SLP in their use of side-lying position during MBS? How do SLPs report perceived barriers or benefits to using side-lying position during MBS? Method: Employing a purposive-convenience sampling technique, data were collected using semistructured interviews of SLPs serving at-risk infants with dysphagia. All participants were practicing in Level-III or -IV neonatal intensive care units. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, loaded into NVivo, and coded using initial and consensus coding. Themes achieved saturation following six interviews. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) variations in practice patterns, (b) factors influencing clinical practice, and (c) items that SLPs identified as needs to facilitate change in their clinical practice. Conclusions: Although SLPs acknowledged the importance of MBS replicating an infant's typical feeding, some SLPs who consistently use side-lying position during feeding do not assess feeding in side-lying position during MBS. This inconsistency in practice results from SLPs' perceived barriers, including lack of experience, concern over interdisciplinary conflict, need for MBS protocols, and lack of research on the potential impacts of side-lying positioning on swallowing. Participants reported the need for research to determine whether side-lying position alters, possibly improves, swallow functions and safety (e.g., airway protection) for at-risk infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior of carbon steel covered with coating films containing Al2(SO4)3, CaO, and BaO was examined under a sulfuric acid mist environment containing chloride. CaSO4･2H2O and BaSO4 were formed as the corrosion products in the coating film and prevented the penetration of corrosives, in particular BaSO4 was highly effective. Furthermore, the rust layer containing CaCO3 adhered to the carbon steel substrate suppressed the penetration of chloride. The formation of these corrosion products suppressed the anodic reaction, resulting in higher corrosion resistance of the carbon steel in the chloride‐containing acid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation is useful but can be harmful to humans if used carelessly. Therefore, radiation protection equipment is necessary for workers. In this paper, we aim to study a cement composite with BaSO4/Bi2O3 for protection against X-rays and gamma rays. The shielding ability was measured using a diagnostic X-ray with energies of 60–120 keV and gamma rays of Cs-137, Ba-133, Co-57 and the morphology structure was determined including radiation protection properties. The results showed that Portland cement with a high concentration of BaSO4/Bi2O3 had the ability to absorb radiation from X-rays in the range of 95.54–99.87% and gamma energy in the range of 93.37–98.88%. Moreover, the composite of BaSO4/Bi2O3 induced a homogenous structure of Portland cement possibly affecting the strength of the material. In addition, Portland shielding can be designed for use in related applications in various energy ranges including ones that are environmentally friendly and suitable for the development of radiation protection in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The work presents the study of synergistic effects in changing of 1) the diffuse reflectance spectra within 0.2-2.2 µm and 2) the solar absorptance of barium sulfate (nBaSO4) modified by silicon dioxide nanoparticles under separate and simultaneous irradiation with 30 keV electrons and 5 keV protons. The spectra were recorded before and after each irradiation period in vacuum at the site of irradiation (in situ). It was found that the change in optical properties of the powder under simultanous irradiation is larger in comparison with the total change under separate irradiation, with the values of electron fluence varying up to Fе=9•1016 cm-2 and the values of proton fluence varying up to Fр=6•1016 cm-2. The difference reaches 1.24 times. The work provides the description of formation and accumulation of absorption centers under separate and sumultaneous irradiation of nBaSO4.