Mechanical-Chemical Activation of Cement-Ash Binders to Improve the Properties of Heat-Resistant Mortars.

The article demonstrates the effectiveness of the mechanochemical activation of a cement-ash binder by increasing the specific surface area of the ash and introducing a sodium fluorosilicate additive (NaSiF). It has been experimentally proved that the introduction of a NaSiF additive makes it possible to increase the degree of cement hydration, as well as the intensity of free CaO binding when heating the cement-ash binder in the range of 500 °C to 800 °C. Mechanochemical activation prevents a decrease in the strength of the preheated cement-ash binder.

The proton RBE and the distal edge effect for acute and late normal tissue damage in vivo.

Background And Purpose: In proton therapy, a relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 is used toreach an isoeffective biological response between photon and proton doses. However, the RBE varies with biological endpoints and linear energy transfer (LET), two key parameters in radiotherapy.

Bioactive Properties of Phosphate-Modified Silicon Oxycarbide Protective Coatings: Morphology and Functional Evaluation.

This article presents a study on the functional properties and morphology of coatings based on amorphous silicon oxycarbide modified with phosphate ions and comodified with aluminum and boron. The objective of this modification was to enhance the biocompatibility and bioactivity without affecting its protective properties. The comodification was aimed toward stabilization of phosphate in the structure.

Upscaling of Copper Slag-Based Geopolymer to 3D Printing Technology.

Additive manufacturing using cement has evolved rapidly in recent decades, revolutionizing the construction industry. This technology automates building structures through computer-aided design, offering benefits such as reduced material waste, optimized material distribution, and the ability to use composite materials. This paper aims to examine the potential of using copper-slag-based geopolymers in 3D printing.

Implementation and validation of a very-high-energy electron model in the matRad treatment planning system.

Background: While electron beams of up to 20 MeV are commonly used in radiotherapy, the use of very-high-energy electrons (VHEEs) in the range of 100-200 MeV is now becoming a realistic option thanks to the recent advancements in accelerator technology. Indeed, VHEE offers several clinically attractive features and can be delivered using various conformation methods (including scanning, collimation, and focussing) at ultra-high dose rates. To date, there is a lack of research tools for fast simulation of treatment plans using VHEE beams.

Proton- compared to X-irradiation leads to more acinar atrophy and greater hyposalivation accompanied by a differential cytokine response.

Proton therapy gives less dose to healthy tissue compared to conventional X-ray therapy, but systematic comparisons of normal tissue responses are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate late tissue responses in the salivary glands following proton- or X-irradiation of the head and neck in mice. Moreover, we aimed at investigating molecular responses by monitoring the cytokine levels in serum and saliva.

Raman microscopy allows to follow internalization, subcellular accumulation and fate of iron oxide nanoparticles in cells.

An important issue in the context of both potenial toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) and their medical applications is tracking of the internalization process of these nanomaterials into living cells, as well as their localization and fate within them. The typical methods used for this purpose are transmission electron microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy as well as light-scattering techniques including dark-field microscopy and flow cytometry. All the techniques mentioned have their advantages and disadvantages.

Investigating the Effects of the Physicochemical Properties of Cellulose-Derived Biocarbon on Direct Carbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance.

This paper presents a study of the characteristic effects of the physicochemical properties of microcrystalline cellulose and a series of biocarbon samples produced from this raw material through thermal conversion at temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 850 °C. Structural studies revealed that the biocarbon samples produced from cellulose had a relatively low degree of graphitization of the carbon and an isometric shape of the carbon particles. Based on thermal investigations using the differential thermal analysis/differential scanning calorimeter method, obtaining fully formed biocarbon samples from cellulose feedstock was possible at about 400 °C.

Crystal Clear: Metal-Organic Frameworks Pioneering the Path to Future Drug Detox.

The growing number of acute drug abuse overdoses demands the development of innovative detoxification strategies for emergency purposes. In this study, an innovative approach for the application of porous Zr-based metal-organic frameworks for the treatment of acute overdoses of popular drugs of abuse including amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA is presented. A comprehensive approach determining the efficacy and the kinetics of drug removal, considering dosage, adsorption time, and adsorption mechanisms, was tested and corroborated with density functional theory (DFT) modeling.

Proton FLASH: Impact of Dose Rate and Split Dose on Acute Skin Toxicity in a Murine Model.

Purpose: Preclinical studies have shown a preferential normal tissue sparing effect of FLASH radiation therapy with ultra-high dose rates. The aim of the present study was to use a murine model of acute skin toxicity to investigate the biologic effect of varying dose rates, time structure, and introducing pauses in the dose delivery.

Methods And Materials: The right hind limbs of nonanaesthetized mice were irradiated in the entrance plateau of a pencil beam scanning proton beam with 39.

Foaming and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Pastes Manufactured from Post-Metallurgical Recycled Slag.

This paper presents a research program aimed towards developing a method of producing lightweight, porous geopolymer composites for the construction industry based on industrial wastes. A direct method involving the addition of chemicals is currently most commonly used to produce the porous mineral structure of a geopolymer matrix. This relies on a reaction in a highly alkaline environment of the geopolymer to produce a gas (usually hydrogen or oxygen) that forms vesicles and creates a network of pores.

Oxygen Enhancement Ratio-Weighted Dose Quantitatively Describes Acute Skin Toxicity Variations in Mice After Pencil Beam Scanning Proton FLASH Irradiation With Changing Doses and Time Structures.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate the ability of a biological oxygen enhancement ratio-weighted dose, D, to describe acute skin toxicity variations observed in mice after proton pencil beam scanning irradiations with changing doses and beam time structures.

Methods And Materials: In five independent experiments, the right hind leg of a total of 621 CDF1 mice was irradiated previously in the entrance plateau of a pencil beam scanning proton beam. The incidence of acute skin toxicity (of level 1.

Evaluation of in vitro irradiation setup: Designed for the horizontal beamline at the Danish Centre for Particle Therapy.

Background: Radiobiological experimental setups are challenged by precise sample positioning along depth dose profile, scattering conditions, and practical difficulties that must be addressed in individual designs. The aim of this study was to produce cell survival curves with several irradiation modalities, by using a setup designed at the Danish Centre for Particle Therapy (DCPT) for in vitro proton irradiations using a horizontal beam line and thereby evaluating the setups use for in vitro irradiations experiments.

Materials And Methods: The setup is a water phantom suitable for in vitro research with multiple irradiation modalities, in particular the pencil scanning proton beam available from a horizontal experimental beamline.

CdSe/ZnS quantum dots as a booster in the active layer of distributed ternary organic photovoltaics.

Organic solar cells are a promising candidate for practical use because of their low material cost and simple production procedures. The challenge is selecting materials with the right properties and how they interrelate in the context of manufacturing the device. This paper presents studies on CdSe/ZnS nanodots as dopants in a polymer-fullerene matrix for application in organic solar cells.

Mechanical Properties and Water Permeability of Textile-Reinforced Reactive Powder Concrete with Lightweight Aggregate.

This paper focuses on the development of thin-walled panels with specific properties for applications such as water-tight structures. The authors propose the use of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) as a composite material and highlight its advantages, which include high tensile strength, improved crack resistance, and design flexibility. The study presents a novel approach which combines TRC with reactive powder concrete (RPC) as a matrix and a lightweight aggregate.

Proton Compared to X-Irradiation Induces Different Protein Profiles in Oral Cancer Cells and Their Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound particles released from cells, and their cargo can alter the function of recipient cells. EVs from X-irradiated cells have been shown to play a likely role in non-targeted effects. However, EVs derived from proton irradiated cells have not yet been studied.

Acute normal tissue responses in a murine model following fractionated irradiation of the head and neck with protons or X-rays.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate acute normal tissue responses in the head and neck region following proton- or X-irradiation of a murine model.

Materials And Methods: Female C57BL/6J mice were irradiated with protons (25 or 60 MeV) or X-rays (100 kV). The radiation field covered the oral cavity and the major salivary glands.

Methods to Increase or Decrease Resistance to Photodegradation and Biodegradation of Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate (PU/PIR) Foams.

Two series of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PU/PIR) foams were obtained. They were modified using powder fillers, such as industrial food cocoa (K5-K15 foam) and instant freeze-dried coffee (KR-KR15) added in amounts of 5, 10 and 15 wt.%.

An experimental setup for proton irradiation of a murine leg model for radiobiological studies.

Background: The purpose of this study was to introduce an experimental radiobiological setup used for irradiation of a mouse leg target in multiple positions along a proton beam path to investigate normal tissue- and tumor models with varying linear energy transfer (LET). We describe the dosimetric characterizations and an acute- and late-effect assay for normal tissue damage.

Methods: The experimental setup consists of a water phantom that allows the right hind leg of three to five mice to be irradiated at the same time.

Experimental Determination of the Charge Carrier Transport Models for Improving the Simulation of the HR GaAs:Cr Detectors' Response.

The response of Timepix3 detectors with 300 µm and 500 µm thick HR GaAs:Cr sensors was studied with particle beams at the Danish Centre for Particle Therapy in Aarhus, Denmark. Therefore, the detectors were irradiated at different angles with protons of 240 MeV. The precise per-pixel time and energy measurements were exploited in order to determine the charge carrier transport properties.

Using immunotherapy to enhance the response of a C3H mammary carcinoma to proton radiation.

Background: The benefit of combining immunotherapy with photon irradiation has been shown pre-clinically and clinically. This current pre-clinical study was designed to investigate the anti-tumour action of combining immunotherapy with protons.

Materials And Methods: Male CDF1 mice, with a C3H mammary carcinoma inoculated on the right rear foot, were locally irradiated with single radiation doses when tumours reached 200mm.

Infrared spectroscopy: the key to elucidating the sorption mechanism of surfactants, dyes and pharmaceuticals on mineral composite material.

There is a global problem with the effective purification of wastewater containing organic compounds, including dyes, pharmaceuticals and surfactants. Therefore, technologies for the removal of pollutants are still being explored. One of the promising methods could be the application of mineral sorbent composite based on lignite and bentonite.