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Abstract Background Clinical and experimental evidence shows lung fluid volume as a modulator of fetal lung growth with important value in treating fetal lung hypoplasia. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying these morphological dynamics has been the topic of multiple investigations with, however, limited results, partially due to the difficulty of capturing or recapitulating these movements in the lab. In this sense, this study aims to establish an ex vivo model allowing the study of lung fluid function in branching morphogenesis and identify the subsequent molecular/ cellular mechanisms. Methods Ex vivo lung explant culture was selected as a model to study branching morphogenesis, and intraluminal injections were performed to change the composition of lung fluid. Distinct chloride (Cl−) concentrations (5.8, 29, 143, and 715 mM) or Cl− channels inhibitors [antracene-9-carboxylic acid (A9C), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitor172 (CFTRinh), and calcium-dependent Cl− channel inhibitorA01 (CaCCinh)] were injected into lung lumen at two timepoints, day0 (D0) and D2. At D4, morphological and molecular analyses were performed in terms of branching morphogenesis, spatial distribution (immunofluorescence), and protein quantification (western blot) of mechanoreceptors (PIEZO1 and PIEZO2), neuroendocrine (bombesin, ghrelin, and PGP9.5) and smooth muscle [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and myosin light chain 2 (MLC2)] markers. Results For the first time, we described effective intraluminal injections at D0 and D2 and demonstrated intraluminal movements at D4 in ex vivo lung explant cultures. Through immunofluorescence assay in in vivo and ex vivo branching morphogenesis, we show that PGP9.5 colocalizes with PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 receptors. Fetal lung growth is increased at higher [Cl−], 715 mM Cl−, through the overexpression of PIEZO1, PIEZO2, ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA. In contrast, intraluminal injection of CFTRinh or CaCCinh decreases fetal lung growth and the expression of PIEZO1, PIEZO2, ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA. Finally, the inhibition of PIEZO1/PIEZO2 by GsMTx4 decreases branching morphogenesis and ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA expression in an intraluminal injection-independent manner. Conclusions Our results identify PIEZO1/PIEZO2 expressed in neuroendocrine cells as a regulator of fetal lung growth induced by lung fluid.

This paper studied the effect of sulfate on chloride diffusion behavior in coral aggregate concrete (CAC) in marine tide zone. Three water/binder ratios of CAC were designed for experimental analysis, and the mechanism of the effect of sulfate on chloride transport was investigated by different microscopic experimental methods. The test results show that the chloride content decreases with the decrease of water/binder ratio of CAC. At an equal number of drying-wetting cycles, the chloride content under the combined action of chloride and sulphate is lower than that under the sole action of chloride. The change of peak chloride content with time showed a linear function with the square root of erosion time, while the chloride diffusion coefficient gradually decreased with erosion time. Adding silica fume to CAC effectively reduced the chloride diffusion coefficient, with a decrease of 26.1%∼46.2%. The attenuation coefficient of CAC under chloride erosion was 16.4%∼38.1% higher than that under the combined action of chloride and sulfate. The chloride diffusion model was established, and the error between the calculated value of the model and the experimental value was within 16%. Microscopic observations revealed that in the early stage of erosion, the sulfate erosion products ettringite and gypsum had a compacting effect on the CAC, but in the late stage of erosion, they produced expansion cracks, which accelerated the deterioration of CAC.

Anthropogenic pressures, including urban and agricultural expansion, can negatively influence a lake's capacity to provide aquatic ecosystem services (ES). However, identifying lakes most at risk of losing their ES (i.e., higher vulnerability) requires integrating information on lake ecological state, global change threats, and ES use. Here, we provide a social–ecological framework that combines these features within a regional context by evaluating the ecological state of 659 lakes across Canada. Using the deviation of impacted lakes from reference ones, we identified much higher total nitrogen and chloride concentrations as the main indicators of an altered lake ecological state in all regions identified. Lake ecological state was mapped using an additive colour model along with regional scores of threat levels and recreational ES use. Urban and agriculturally developed areas were linked to higher lake vulnerability and ES loss. Lakes in Southern Ontario were most concerning, being highly altered, under threat, and heavily used. Lakes near coastal urban centers were altered and used, but less threatened, whereas those in the Prairies were altered and threatened, but less used. Our novel framework provides the first social–ecological geography of Canadian lakes, and is a promising tool to assess lake state and vulnerability at scales relevant for management.

Desalinated seawater (DSW) has emerged as a promising solution for irrigation in regions facing water scarcity. However, adopting DSW may impact the existing cultivation model, given the presence of potentially harmful elements, among other factors. A three-year experiment was carried out to assess the short-term effects of four irrigation waters—freshwater (FW), DSW, a mix 1:1 of FW and DSW (MW), and DSW with low boron (B) concentration (DSW–B)—on a ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit orchard. These irrigation waters exhibited varying levels of phytotoxic elements, some potentially harmful to citrus trees. Sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) concentrations exceeded citrus thresholds in all treatments, except in DSW−B, whilst B exceeded toxicity levels in DSW and MW treatments. Leaf concentrations of Cl− and Na+ remained low in all treatments, whereas B approached toxic levels only in DSW and MW–irrigated trees. The rapid growth of the trees, preventing excessive accumulation through a dilution effect, protected the plants from significant impacts on nutrition and physiology, such as gas exchange and chlorophyll levels, due to phytotoxic elements accumulation. Minor reductions in photosynthesis in DSW–irrigated trees were attributed to high B in leaves, since Cl− and Na+ remained below toxic levels. The accelerated tree growth effectively prevented the substantial accumulation of phytotoxic elements, thereby limiting adverse effects on tree development and yield. When the maturation of trees reaches maximal growth, the potential accumulation of phytotoxic elements is expected to increase, potentially influencing tree behavior differently. Further study until the trees reach maturity is imperative for comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of desalinated seawater irrigation.

Integrating waste and industrial by-products into concrete is an alternative way to reduce global cement consumption, enhancing its eco-friendliness. In this context, residues with fly ash have been increasingly utilised. Considering the vulnerability of concrete with fly ash to carbonation and, at the same time, its high resistance to chlorides, it is important to investigate the behaviour of these concretes under their combined actions. For this purpose, an experimental investigation was conducted, studying mortar and concrete specimens with 40% replacement of cement with fly ash. These specimens were subjected to a combination of actions (Cl− and CO2) in two phases: initially through immersion and drying tests, and subsequently through a combination of accelerated tests. Concerning the chloride impact study, free and total chloride profiles were studied. Concerning the impact of carbonation, colourimetric and chemical tests were used. The results demonstrate a significant influence of combined action not only on chloride penetration in cement-based materials with fly ash but also on the development of a carbonation front. Exposure of cement-based materials with fly ash to environments with high Cl− and CO2 content sequentially may lead, on the one hand, to an increase in carbonation resistance. However, on the other hand, it may result in a substantial reduction in chloride penetration resistance.

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are thought to be caused by dehydration and/or electrolyte losses. In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, the authors determined whether sweat rates (SRs), sweat electrolyte concentrations, or sweat electrolyte content differed in athletes with (i.e., crampers) and without (i.e., noncrampers) a history of EAMCs and whether these variables could predict EAMC-prone athletes. Male and female collegiate athletes (N = 350) from 11 sports with (n = 245) and without (n = 105) a self-reported history of EAMCs completed a typical exercise or conditioning session. SRs, calculated from body mass, and posterior forearm sweat were analyzed for sweat sodium concentration ([Na+]sw), sweat potassium concentration ([K+]sw), and sweat chloride concentration ([Cl-]sw). The authors used SRs and sweat electrolyte concentrations to calculate sweat electrolyte content lost. Within each gender, no differences in SRs (204 males, p = .92; 146 females, p = .24); [Na+]sw (191 males, p = .55; 126 females, p = .55); Na+sw content (191 males, p = .59; 126 females, p = .20); [K+]sw (192 males, p = .57; 126 females, p = .87); K+sw content (192 males, p = .49; 126 females, p = .03); [Cl-]sw (192 males, p = .94; 77 females, p = .57); and Cl-sw content (192 males, p = .55; 77 females, p = .34) occurred between crampers and noncrampers. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that sweat electrolyte content and SRs were predictive of EAMC-prone athletes in American football (area under curve = 0.65-0.72, p ≤ .005), but not in any other sport. EAMCs may not be solely caused by fluid or electrolyte losses in most athletes. Fluid and electrolyte replacement may help American footballers. Clinicians should individualize fluid and electrolyte replacement and understand different etiologies for EAMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A multi-factorial illness, diabetes mellitus has a significant impact on many bodily functions. Due to the direct impact of hyperglycemia on these electrolytes in diabetic patients, electrolyte imbalance is a significant issue. Material and Methods: It was a prospective study carried out at the Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Mandhana, Kanpur, in the biochemistry department. In this study, 50 patients with known diabetes and 50 healthy controls were both participants. Patients with known cases of diabetes mellitus, ranging in age from 35 to 60, were included in this study. Results: With a p value of 0.01, the mean FBS level in type 2 diabetics (156.52 ± 29.26mg/dl) was substantially greater than that in healthy controls (92.21±14.65mg/dl). Similar to this, type 2 diabetics' serum potassium levels (4.27± 1.72mmol/L) were considerably higher than those of the healthy control group (4.08 ±1.25mmol/L) (p=0.01). Additionally, a p value of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance for the mean difference in serum chloride levels between type 2 diabetic patients (108.73± 12.24) and healthy controls (105.54± 11.2). On the other hand, type 2 diabetics' mean blood sodium levels, which have a p value of 0.001, are considerably lower than healthy controls' (141.21 ±16.32mmol/L) (138.28 ±15.25mmol/L). Conclusion: The effects of diabetes mellitus on key cellular processes and events are quite diverse. Electrolyte imbalance is a serious issue for diabetes individuals because it affects how cells are distributed throughout cellular compartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride concentrations in surface and groundwater within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area of Minnesota are increasing and hand-sample monitoring is not sufficient to understand the scale and temporal nuance of chloride concentrations within the aquifer system. We explore the relationships between chloride concentration and specific conductance (SC) in regional aquifers as a mechanism to generate a larger quantity of data related to groundwater chloride concentrations at a higher temporal frequency. Paired measurements (N = 2,118) from 1,050 wells collected between 1972 and 2022 allow statistical relationships to be generated for several aquifer units that enable the use of SC as either a direct proxy or qualitative indicator of chloride concentration going forward. In the uppermost unconsolidated Quaternary aquifer and in the immediately underlying bedrock aquifer (Platteville Formation), correlation between chloride concentration and specific conductance imply that conductances of 1,350 and 3,800 μS/cm correspond to state chronic and acute exposure standards of 230 mg/L and 860 mg/L, respectively. SC values have increased through time in bedrock aquifers that provide the region’s largest volume of residential and industrial groundwater (the Prairie du Chien and Jordan aquifers) and interpreting these changes in detail requires consideration of the local hydrogeologic context.

Abstract We recently reported that strong activation of the optogenetic chloride pump, halorhodopsin leads to a secondary redistribution of K+ ions into the cell, through tonically open, “leak” K+ channels. Here we show that this effect is not unique to halorhodopsin but is also seen with activation of another electrogenic ion pump, archaerhodopsin. The two opsins differ however in the size of the rebound rise in extracellular potassium, [K+]o, after the end of activation, which is far larger with halorhodopsin than for archaerhodopsin activation. Multiple linear regression modeling indicates that the variance in the postillumination surge in [K+]o was explained both by the size of the preceding, illumination‐induced drop in [K+]o and also by the type of opsin. These data provide additional support for the hypothesis that intense chloride‐loading of cells, as occurs naturally following intense bursts of GABAergic synaptic bombardment, or artificially following halorhodopsin activation, is followed by extrusion of both Cl− and K+ coupled together. We discuss this with respect to the pattern of [K+]o rise that occurs at the onset of seizure‐like events.

During brain and spinal cord development, GABA and glycine, the inhibitory neurotransmitters, cause depolarization instead of hyperpolarization in adults. Since glycine and GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are chloride (Cl–) ion channel receptor, the conversion of GABA/glycine actions during development is influenced by changes in the transmembrane Cl– gradient, which is regulated by Cl– transporters, NKCC1 (absorption) and KCC2 (expulsion). In immature neurons, inhibitory neurotransmitters are released in a non-vesicular/non-synaptic manner, transitioning to vesicular/synaptic release as the neuron matures. In other word, in immature neurons, neurotransmitters generally act tonically. Thus, the glycine/GABA system is a developmentally multimodal system that is required for neurogenesis, differentiation, migration, and synaptogenesis. The endogenous agonists for these receptors are not fully understood, we address taurine. In this review, we will discuss about the properties and function of taurine during development of neocortex. Taurine cannot be synthesized by fetuses or neonates, and is transferred from maternal blood through the placenta or maternal milk ingestion. In developing neocortex, taurine level is higher than GABA level, and taurine tonically activates GABAARs to control radial migration as a stop signal. In the marginal zone (MZ) of the developing neocortex, endogenous taurine modulates the spread of excitatory synaptic transmission, activating glycine receptors (GlyRs) as an endogenous agonist. Thus, taurine affects information processing and crucial developmental processes such as axonal growth, cell migration, and lamination in the developing cerebral cortex. Additionally, we also refer to the possible mechanism of taurine-regulating Cl– homeostasis. External taurine is uptake by taurine transporter (TauT) and regulates NKCC1 and KCC2 mediated by intracellular signaling pathway, with-no-lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) and its subsequent kinases STE20/SPS1-related proline-alanine-rich protein kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress response kinase-1 (OSR1). Through the regulation of NKCC1 and KCC2, mediated by the WNK-SPAK/OSR1 signaling pathway, taurine plays a role in maintaining Cl– homeostasis during normal brain development.

Intracellular chloride ion (Cl−) is known to have various roles in the cellular growth, modulation of cell cycles and volume, and in pathological disorders such as cancers, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Various methods employed to measure intracellular Cl− requires lengthy procedure and measurement duration, bulky and advanced instruments, or incapable to measure low to single-cell sample quantity. In this study, we report the measurement of intracellular chloride and other ions in mammalian cells using the FROZEN freeze-drying method for preparing adherent cell cultures for analysis. The sample preparation does not require chemical fixation and enables direct measurement by X-Ray analytical methods such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) or Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDS). Cell staining showed that the cells retained their content and location after preparation, which enables single-cell level analysis. Treatment of Furosemide to the cells disrupted the Cl−, K+ and Na+ transport, causing changes in the intracellular ions. Additionally, the intracellular Cl− of the dried cells was successfully measured, as low as 0.9 mM. The XRF and EDS measurements showed that treated cells displayed a significant reduction of intracellular Cl− on all tested cell lines. However, no significant changes were detected in intracellular K+. Furthermore, EDS analysis on single cells showed a significant decrease in intracellular Na+ in most cell lines. These results demonstrate the efficiency and simplicity of the proposed method in intracellular ion analysis, allowing quick and simple preparation to measure biological samples with high sensitivity for various intracellular ions, which may be applicable in the diagnosis of diseases.

AbstractSalinization in freshwater ecosystems has become an increasingly prevalent issue. Past studies indicate that increased salinity levels in lakes can impact biota, stimulate internal nutrient loading, and prevent seasonal turnover, potentially resulting in impairment to the lake ecosystem. Salt retention in soils and groundwater causes elevated salt concentrations in fresh water long after road salt was applied. We examined salt retention and release in soils collected near the tributaries flowing into and out of a salt-impacted urban lake. We distributed each soil sample into plastic trays and exposed them to three treatments, conducted in series: (1) non salt-contaminated water as a conditioning rinse; (2) salt-contaminated water to mimic salt de-icer runoff; and (3) non salt-contaminated water to determine salt release. We measured retention of chloride from each soil sample based on how much chloride was measured in water draining the soil (effluent). We observed considerable variability among sites presumably because of soil heterogeneity, although overall the soils in our study area retained a modest amount of chloride (mean of ∼29 mg/L) from simulated salt runoff events, even at short exposure times (

One of the salting methods in cheese production implies salting the milk before coagulation used in making Domiati-type cheeses and a variety of autochthonous "Lički Škripavac" cheese. The most used sodium replacer is potassium. This study investigated the influence of different added salt concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) and NaCl to KCl ratios (100%, 50:50%, 25:75%) on the rennet coagulation and curd firmness in bovine milk. The milk coagulation parameters were determined with a computerized renneting meter, Lactodinamograph. The results showed significant interactions between the salt concentrations and NaCl to KCl ratios (p < 0.0001, α = 0.05) by prolonging the beginning of coagulation (10–20 min) and curd firming rate (1–5 min) by an increase in salt concentration for all treatments. The 50:50 treatment values (RCT, k20, a30, a60, amax) were closest to the control (without salt) and had the best results among all treatments in the lower (1%) and medium (1.5%) salt concentration (p > 0.0001, α = 0.05) while in the highest salt concentration (2%) the treatment effect was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). These results should help future studies make a lower sodium product appealing to consumers without losing quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of desalinated seawater (DSW) for irrigation in semi-arid regions is taking hold. Citrus tolerance to ions that predominate in DSW and water stress depends on the rootstock. Deficit irrigation was applied to DSW-irrigated lemon trees and grafted on rootstocks with different tolerance (Citrus macrophylla (CM) and sour orange (SO)). Plants were irrigated with DSW or Control treatment (distilled water), and, 140 days later, irrigation treatments were started: full irrigation (FI) or DI (50% of the volume applied to FI). After 75 days, differences between CM and SO plants irrigated with DSW and under DI were found. The higher concentrations of Cl− and Na+ in CM and B in SO were the main causes of shoot growth reduction. The osmotic adjustment of CM plants was made possible by the accumulation of Na+, Cl−, and proline, but SO failed to adjust osmotically. In CM and SO plants, photosynthesis reduction was due to lower chlorophyll levels, but also to stomatal factors (CM plants) or alterations of the photochemical machinery (SO plants). Finally, unlike CM, SO had a good antioxidant system. In the future, knowing the different responses of CM and SO under these stressful conditions could be useful in citrus-growing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cracks in reinforced concrete structures can accelerate structural deterioration and reduce service life. A numerical model was established to analyse steel bar corrosion in chloride-contaminated concrete with transverse cracks. In the model, the dynamic distinction between anode and cathode regions on the steel surface is considered by introducing an empirical formula for the anodic Tafel slope related to chloride concentration. The time-dependent characteristics of the corroded region were examined using the proposed corrosion prediction model and the corrosion process of steel bars in cracked concrete was revealed. The effects of crack width and crack spacing on steel corrosion were analysed in detail in terms of the corrosion area and corrosion rate. The results showed a variation in the corrosion area adjacent to cracks over time and a positive correlation between corrosion area and the square root of time. According to the micro-cell and macro-cell contributions to the corrosion rate, the process of steel bar corrosion was determined to occur in three stages. The effects of transverse cracks on the corrosion rate were found to vary with exposure time and to depend on the control steps of the micro- or macro-cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The published data were analyzed on the stability of 239Pu(VI, V, IV) in aerated solutions with pH > 1 up to pH 14 during long-term storage. Under the action of the products of α-radiolysis of water, mainly H2O2, plutonium (80–85%) converts into Pu(IV) hydroxide. Н2О2 partially oxidizes Pu(IV), which leads to a stationary concentration of Pu(V), while in a 0.1 M NO3– solution, to a stationary concentration of Pu(VI). In deaerated solutions of 0.1 M NaCl containing 0.1–0.4 mM 242Pu(VI), the decrease in Pu(VI) at pH 3.48 is 8%/day instead of the expected 0.1%/day. This fact is attainable with the presence of impurities in the solution. It is likely that impurities arise in the course of water purification from salts. In solutions with pH 7.30 and 9.56, Pu(VI) is stable, which contradicts other publications. In solutions of 1 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, H4Y) with pH 5.99–9.55, Pu(VI) in a complex with Y4– transforms into Pu(V) in 6 days. The resulting EDTA fragments convert Pu(V) to Pu(IV) completely in solution with pH 5.99 in 34 days, with pH 8.31 in 110 days, with pH 8.89 by 30% in 110 days, in solution with pH 9.55 Pu(IV) is not generated. Pu(III) in an EDTA solution after an induction period of 110 days is completely oxidized to Pu(IV) by H+ ions and water. The oxidation mechanism includes thermal excitation of PuIIIY–·mH2O, formation of a dimer from an excited and unexcited PuIIIY–·mH2O ion, and decomposition of the dimer into H2, Y4–, and hydrated PuO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of tetra(para-tolyl)stibonium chloride p-Tol4SbCl (I) with benzenesulfonic acid in water affords tetra(para-tolyl)stibonium benzenesulfonate p-Tol4SbOSO2Ph (II). According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data (CIF files CCDC nos. 2167562 and 2126493, respectively), compounds I and II have molecular structures with the distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination of the antimony atom. The geometric characteristics for molecules of compound I: angles CSbC 96.12(8)°−124.83(8)°, axial angle CSbCl 174.91(6)°, distances Sb–C and Sb−Cl 2.107(2)–2.170(2) and 2.7230(13) Å, respectively; for molecules of compound II angles CSbC 97.72(14)°−118.77(15)°, axial angle CSbCl 174.91(6)°, distances Sb–C and Sb−Cl 2.107(2)–2.170(2) and 2.7230(13) Å, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter deicers are a major source of chloride contamination to shallow aquifers in northern latitudes. In the greater Chicago area of northeast Illinois, chloride has been accumulating for decades and in many places now exceeds the United States Environmental Protection Agency secondary standard of 250 mg/L. MODFLOW‐NWT and MT3D‐USGS were used to simulate the accumulation of chloride with 30 years of data in the shallow aquifer of Will County in northeast Illinois. This aquifer is composed of unconsolidated sediments, largely from glacial deposits, overlying a fractured dolomite bedrock. To calibrate to observed heads and chloride, the model needed refined geologic features, higher chloride concentrations on cells representing commercial or industrial lands, lower chloride concentrations on cells representing roads, and point source areas to speed chloride's emergence in the aquifer. These point sources are locally significant and could represent different anthropogenic or geologic features, such as municipal stormwater infrastructure. Future simulations indicate that chloride is not at steady state in the shallow aquifer and wells are at risk of exceeding the secondary standard if winter deicing applications are not reduced. It may take decades for the full impacts of reduced deicing rates to be observed in wells, owing to the long residence time of water in the aquifer. This transient model calibration was possible because of the 30‐year dataset collected by communities and government agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilutional hyponatremia due to increased plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) is associated with liver cirrhosis. However, plasma AVP remains elevated despite progressive hypoosmolality. This study investigated changes to inhibitory control of supraoptic nucleus (SON) AVP neurons during liver cirrhosis. Experiments were conducted with adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Bile duct ligation was used as a model of chronic liver cirrhosis. An adeno‐associated virus containing a construct with an AVP promoter and either green fluorescent protein (GFP) or a ratiometric chloride indicator, ClopHensorN, was bilaterally injected into the SON of rats. After 2 weeks, rats received either BDL or sham surgery, and liver cirrhosis was allowed to develop for 4 weeks. In vitro, loose patch recordings of action potentials were obtained from GFP‐labeled and unlabeled SON neurons in response to a brief focal application of the GABAA agonist muscimol (100 μM). Changes to intracellular chloride ([Cl]i) following muscimol application were determined by changes to the fluorescence ratio of ClopHensorN. The contribution of cation chloride cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2 to changes in intracellular chloride was investigated using their respective antagonists, bumetanide (BU, 10 μM) and VU0240551 (10 μM). Plasma osmolality and hematocrit were measured as a marker of dilutional hyponatremia. The results showed reduced or absent GABAA‐mediated inhibition in a greater proportion of AVP neurons from BDL rats as compared to sham rats (100% inhibition in sham vs. 47% in BDL, p =.001). Muscimol application was associated with increased [Cl]i in most cells from BDL as compared to cells from sham rats (χ2 = 30.24, p <.001). NKCC1 contributed to the impaired inhibition observed in BDL rats (p <.001 BDL − BU vs. BDL + BU). The results show that impaired inhibition of SON AVP neurons and increased intracellular chloride contribute to the sustained dilutional hyponatremia in liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk stratification is important in patients with acute heart failure (AHF), and a simple risk score that accurately predicts mortality is needed. The aim of this study is to develop a user-friendly risk-prediction model using a machine-learning method. A machine-learning-based risk model using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was developed by identifying predictors of in-hospital mortality in the derivation cohort (REALITY-AHF), and its performance was externally validated in the validation cohort (NARA-HF) and compared with two pre-existing risk models: the Get With The Guidelines risk score incorporating brain natriuretic peptide and hypochloremia (GWTG-BNP-Cl-RS) and the acute decompensated heart failure national registry risk (ADHERE). In-hospital deaths in the derivation and validation cohorts were 76 (5.1 %) and 61 (4.9 %), respectively. The risk score comprised four variables (systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, serum chloride, and C-reactive protein) and was developed according to the results of the LASSO regression weighting the coefficient for selected variables using a logistic regression model (4 V-RS). Even though 4 V-RS comprised fewer variables, in the validation cohort, it showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) than the ADHERE risk model (AUC, 0.783 vs. 0.740; p = 0.059) and a significant improvement in net reclassification (0.359; 95 % CI, 0.10–0.67; p = 0.006). 4 V-RS performed similarly to GWTG-BNP-Cl-RS in terms of discrimination (AUC, 0.783 vs. 0.759; p = 0.426) and net reclassification (0.176; 95 % CI, −0.08–0.43; p = 0.178). The 4 V-RS model comprising only four readily available data points at the time of admission performed similarly to the more complex pre-existing risk model in patients with AHF. [Display omitted] • A risk score to predict mortality in acute heart failure was developed. • The newly developed 4 V-RS comprises four readily available variables. • The 4 V-RS performs equally to the more complex pre-existing risk models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potash fertilizer production is one of the most important economic activities. Historically, potash mining has had a significant impact on the environment, often with catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of studies on the environmental impact of potash mining using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. The deposit is located in the central part of the Solikamsk depression in the Pre-Ural foredeep (Perm Krai, Russia). All the main features and problems of underground mining of water-soluble ores and potassium fertilizer production are considered using the example of one of the world's largest potash deposits. This paper looks into the specifics of the material composition of waste, its disposal, underground mining issues associated with the solubility of salts, and the risks of groundwater inflow into the mine workings, which causes flooding of mines. The results of all surveys show that potash mining affects the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, soil, and vegetation. The most effective measure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoe Deposit is hydraulic backfilling of mine chambers, which protects the underground mines from flooding, minimizes ground subsidence, and reduces the area of potash waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With regard to concrete materials used in the infrastructure of high-speed railway (HSR), the properties and service life are influenced not only by the fatigue loads caused by the running train but also by the environmental actions including CO2 gas, chloride ions, freeze-thaw cycles and acid rain erosion, etc. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the service life prediction of concrete under the coupling effect of fatigue loads and environmental actions. Previous studies suggested that the deterioration rate of concrete by the coupling effect is accelerated compared with that by single fatigue loads or environmental actions, which lead to shorter service life. More studies are needed to clarify coupling mechanisms especially with respect to the concrete failure caused by fatigue or environmental attack, whichever is first. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion potentials can cause significant errors in corrosion-related investigations of reinforced concrete structures (half-cell potential mapping, potentiometric sensors). Therefore, an improved understanding of the diffusion potentials in cement-based materials is needed. This study investigates the permselective behavior and its implication for the arising diffusion potentials. A diffusion cell is used to study the diffusion potentials in hardened cement pastes with imposed NaCl gradients. The cement pastes consist of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and blast furnace cement (BFC) with water-cement ratios of 0.30–0.70. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is used to determine the concentration profiles of Cl, Na, K and Ca in the cement pastes with a high spatial resolution (100 µm). For the BFC pastes, considerable differences in the Cl− and Na+ mobilities are found, indicating their permselective behavior. Despite the permselective behavior, the measured diffusion potentials are small (− 6 to + 3 mV) for all investigated cement pastes due to the high pH levels (13–14) in the pore solutions. However, when using the diffusion cell, the pH differences interfere with the measured diffusion potentials. The interfering pH differences need to be considered for an accurate measurement of the diffusion potentials in cement pastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modified natural diffusion test (MT), artificial accelerated simulation test (AT) and field exposure test (FT) under the coastal chloride corrosion environment are carried out in this paper. Meanwhile, the system similarity Sa,b is proposed as an index in the concrete chloride corrosion test under different exposure environments. The results show that a convection zone of 2–6 mm deep exists on the concrete superficial surface under three different exposure conditions. The chloride diffusion coefficient decreases with the prolongation of corrosion time, and the age factors of MT, AT and FT are 0.93, 0.69 and 0.48, respectively. After exposing to the chloride environment for 120 d, the system similarity between MT and AT was 86.68%, and the system similarity between AT and FT was 85.3%. In the meantime, the system similarity between MT and FT was 87.5%. As the depth of the concrete cover of the FT increases, the system similarity of the FT with the MT and AT shows an exponential downward trend. In addition, as the concrete cover increases from 20 to 70 mm, the corresponding system similarities have decreased by almost 50%. The accelerated corrosion rate of the AT characterized by the proposed system similarity is about 26 times that of the FT, while the MT may not achieve the accelerated corrosion effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cameroon volcanic line (CVL) hosts numerous volcanic lakes whose internal processes and hydrological functioning remain poorly documented. A detailed understanding of these hydro‐systems is however essential, both for the consideration of these lakes as sentinels of the regional hydro‐climatic changes and for the calibration of palaeoenvironmental proxies. Here, we present a hydrological and geochemical investigation of five of these lakes (Mbalang, Tabere, Tizon, Gegouba and Baledjam) around Ngaoundere on the Adamawa Plateau, based on repeated sampling of water profiles and monthly monitoring of rain and lake water samples over two seasonal cycles. We show that each of these throughflow lakes bears a distinct geochemical and isotopic signature, despite quite similar morphometric characteristics and a common climatic regime, due to varying contribution of the watersheds to the water‐mass balance and different partitioning between evaporation (E) and outflow (Inflow minus E). We use these differences as a benchmark for a sensitivity analysis of the classical budget equations of conservative tracers. The results demonstrate that to reconcile chloride and stable isotope data with the standard single‐box steady state model would require unusual values of the physical parameters of Craig and Gordon's equation such as the n.θ term that would have to be significantly lower than its usual value (n.θ = 0.5). We also show that the data can be simulated more easily by including the inflow from the watershed while assuming that transpiration exceeds evaporation for this compartment. Using this conceptualization of the throughflow lakes, we were able to constrain the different fluxes. Transpiration from the watershed and evaporation from the lake are on the same order of magnitude, or slightly in favour of transpiration. While providing evaporation and transpiration rates which are in general in the right order of magnitude, the system of equations remains underdetermined at this stage. Only direct measurements of the isotopic composition of the atmosphere, possible by laser mass spectrometry, would allow to reduce the range of under‐determination of this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lines between natural areas and human habitats have blurred as urbanization continues, creating a need for the study of ecosystems at all levels of development. This need is particularly acute for exurban environments, which have low population density but are rapidly changing and have a dynamic mix of natural and human-dominated features. We examined long-term (1998–2018) trends in nitrate and chloride concentrations and fluxes in forested and exurban streams in Baltimore County, Md USA. Concentrations and fluxes of nitrate and chloride were an order of magnitude higher in the exurban stream than the forested stream and were increasing even though snowfall and road salt use did not increase over the study period. In the forested stream, concentrations and fluxes of chloride increased from 1998 to 2008, but decreased from 2008 to 2018 due to unquantified factors. Concentrations of nitrate decreased in the forested stream, likely due to decreases in atmospheric deposition. These decreases in atmospheric deposition, and efforts to reduce fertilizer use by county governments, do not appear to have affected nitrate concentrations and fluxes in the exurban watershed. Any efforts to reduce the concentrations and fluxes of chloride and nitrate in exurban streams will likely benefit substantially from further understanding of the mechanisms underlying the temporal patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymer is a novel cementitious material with low carbon properties produced by chemical activation, which has great potential to partially replace cement. The pore structure of metakaolin-slag geopolymer paste and mortar was characterized by mercury intrusion porosimetry tests. The effects of liquid-solid ratio and sand volume fraction on pore structure properties were analyzed, the correlation between pore structure properties and surface fractal dimension was clarified, and the permeability resistance of metakaolin-slag geopolymer paste and mortar was investigated using chloride unsteady electromigration test, unsteady natural diffusion test and moisture diffusion test. The correlation between liquidsolid ratio, sand volume fraction, pore surface fractal dimension, and slurry media transport performance was analyzed. The results show that with the increase of liquid-solid ratio, the porosity and the most available pore size of geopolymer paste increase and the permeability resistance decreases. The permeability resistance of geopolymer mortar is superior to that of cement mortar. The most available pore size and media transfer coefficient of geopolymer mortar decrease first and then increase with the increase of sand volume fraction, and the permeability resistance increases first and then decreases. Furthermore, the pore surface fractal dimension can well characterize the pore structure properties of geopolymer slurry and has a good correlation with permeability resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sodium and chloride disturbances have attracted increasing attention in recent years. Many pathophysiological effects are associated with hyperchloremia, including reduction in mean arterial pressure and acute renal disease. Pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation are at risk of developing various electrolyte and biochemical abnormalities, with an impact on their postoperative outcomes. Objective: To analyze the impacts of serum sodium and chloride levels on prognosis of Pediatric Liver Transplant receptors. Methods: This was a retrospective analytical observational study performed in a single transplant reference center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Included patients were pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation between January 2015 and July 2019. Statistical regression analysis and General Estimating Equations analysis were performed to evaluate the impacts of sodium and chloride disturbances on the development of acute renal failure and mortality. Results: A total of 143 patients were included in this study. The main diagnosis was Biliary Atresia (62.9%). Twenty-seven patients died (18.9%), and graft dysfunction was the main cause of death (29.6%). The only variable individually associated with 28-days mortality was PIM-3 score (HR 1.59, CI 95% 1.165–2.177, p = 0.004). Forty-one patients (28.6%) developed moderate or severe AKI. PIM-3 score (OR 3.052, 95% CI 1.56–5.97, p = 0.001), hypernatremia (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.32–9.23, p = 0.012), and hyponatremia (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.52–11.85, p = 0.006) were independently associated with the development of moderate/severe AKI. Conclusions: In pediatric patients after liver transplantation, PIM-3 score, and abnormal serum sodium levels were correlated with AKI development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges to reinforced concrete slabs in bridges is deterioration due to rebar corrosion by deicing salts. In order to simulate a concrete slab subjected to deicing salt penetration from the top surface of the bridge slab during winter, high-strength steam-cured concrete with double-layer reinforcements was exposed to 10% sodium chloride solution to investigate rebar corrosion. Five concrete mix proportions were prepared, including high early strength concrete and concrete containing fly ash and blast furnace slag as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). For both the high early strength and fly ash concretes, alkali active andesite in the pessimum proportion was mixed with coarse aggregates to investigate the effect of alkali–silica reaction (ASR) on rebar corrosion. It was found that the combined effects of chloride attack and ASR adversely affected the corrosion resistance of high early strength concrete. Fly ash concrete had excellent performance as to corrosion resistance and ASR mitigation. Results also showed that a widely used electrochemical technique known as the half-cell potential test can satisfactorily diagnose corrosion of double-layer reinforced concrete. Concrete specimens containing SCMs with no ASR threat showed no signs of steel bar corrosion and significantly low chloride diffusion coefficients after 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the American Institute for Conservation is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd 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.)

The durability performance of geopolymer concrete against severe environmental conditions is important for implementing geopolymer binders as alternatives to ordinary portland cement (OPC). In this experimental investigation, the impact of adding graphene on the durability characteristics of geopolymer concrete was examined. Graphene was added at 0.5% by weight of aluminosilicate precursors in geopolymer concrete. Permeability, salt ponding, capillary sorptivity, and immersion in chemical agents were performed to assess the durability characteristics of geopolymer concrete without and with graphene, which were also compared with the durability characteristics of OPC concrete without and with graphene. It was found that the addition of graphene in geopolymer concrete reduced the permeable voids by 12% and water absorption by 9%, and improved the resistance against chloride penetration and sulfuric acid exposure. The compressive strength of geopolymer concrete increased by 20% with the addition of graphene. Also, an approximately 70% reduction in the initial and final rate of water absorption was observed in geopolymer concrete with the addition of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources / Kuangchan Zonghe Liyong is the property of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources 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.)

Copyright of Bulletin of the Chinese Ceramic Society is the property of Bulletin of the Chinese Ceramic Society 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.)

Stormwater with low temperatures and elevated salinity, common in areas where deicing salt is used, might affect the removal of heavy metals by plants in stormwater treatment systems such as floating treatment wetlands. This short-term study evaluated the effects of combinations of temperature (5, 15, and 25 °C) and salinity (0, 100, and 1000 mg NaCl L−1) on the removal of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn (1.2, 68.5, 78.4, and 559 μg L−1) and Cl− (0, 60, and 600 mg Cl− L−1) by Carex pseudocyperus, C. riparia, and Phalaris arundinacea. These species had previously been identified as suitable candidates for floating treatment wetland applications. The study found high removal capacity in all treatment combinations, especially for Pb and Cu. However, low temperatures decreased the removal of all heavy metals, and increased salinity decreased the removal of Cd and Pb but had no effect on the removal of Zn or Cu. No interactions were found between the effects of salinity and of temperature. Carex pseudocyperus best removed Cu and Pb, whereas P. arundinacea best removed Cd, Zu, and Cl−. The removal efficacy for metals was generally high, with elevated salinity and low temperatures having small impacts. The findings indicate that efficient heavy metal removal can also be expected in cold saline waters if the right plant species are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Effects of different pretreatments on the properties of MSWIFA were studied. • Emission of NH 3 (gas), apart from H 2 (gas), was detected during the washing process. • A set of system for collecting H 2 (gas) and NH 3 (gas) was devised. • Pretreatments reduced the leaching toxicities of MSWIFA and removed anions. • Pretreatments enhanced the pozzolanic activity of MSWIFA. Swelling caused by gas generated from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) when it is mixed with alkali limits its uses. Besides, the leaching of anion salts and heavy metals contained in MSWIFA poses a high risk to environment. This study presents the feasibility of a one-step alkaline washing, one-step thermal quenching and two-step combination of alkaline washing and thermal quenching pretreatment methods in altering the key properties of MSWIFA for promoting its reusability. It was found that apart from H 2 (gas), NH 3 (gas) was also generated during the alkaline washing of the MSWIFA. Besides, pretreatments led to the reduction in particle size, the increase in pore volume and specific surface area of the MSWIFA, as well as the removal of chloride and sulfate anions. All the pretreatment methods were effective in reducing leaching of heavy metals to below levels of nonhazardous waste except Cd and Pb with alkaline washing. Furthermore, both the chemical Frattini test and the mechanical activity index test showed improvement in pozzolanic activities of the MSWIFA after the pretreatments. Overall, the combined pretreatment method was most effective in eliminating gas emission, and reducing leaching of metal ions and anions from the ash, while enhancing the pozzolanic activity of the ash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synaptic inhibition plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability, which is the foundation of nervous system function. This inhibition is largely mediated by the neurotransmitters GABA and glycine that activate Cl-- permeable ion channels, which means that the strength of inhibition depends on the Cl- gradient across the membrane. In neurons, the Cl- gradient is primarily mediated by two secondarily active cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs), NKCC1 and KCC2. CCC-mediated regulation of the neuronal Cl- gradient is critical for healthy brain function, as dysregulation of CCCs has emerged as a key mechanism underlying neurological disorders including epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and autism spectrum disorder. This review begins with an overview of neuronal chloride transporters before explaining the dependent relationship between these CCCs, Cl- regulation, and inhibitory synaptic transmission. We then discuss the evidence for how CCCs can be regulated, including by activity and their protein interactions, which underlie inhibitory synaptic plasticity. For readers who may be interested in conducting experiments on CCCs and neuronal excitability, we have included a section on techniques for estimating and recording intracellular Cl-, including their advantages and limitations. Although the focus of this review is on neurons, we also examine how Cl- is regulated in glial cells, which in turn regulate neuronal excitability through the tight relationship between this nonneuronal cell type and synapses. Finally, we discuss the relatively extensive and growing literature on how CCC-mediated neuronal excitability contributes to neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on metabolic alkalosis and its understanding through traditional (bicarbonate) and physiochemical (Stewart) approaches to acid-base disturbances. It discusses the main causes of metabolic alkalosis commonly encountered in anaesthesia and intensive care unit (ICU) practice and their treatment. It further aims to identify the constituents of mixed acid-base disturbances.

In the present study twelve samples were collected from industrial effluent from drains in Doaba Region of Punjab. Some physico-chemical characteristics namely pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, sulphates, chloride, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS were analyzed using standard procedures. The results indicate that the drains are carrying heavily loaded water which needs to be checked to combat the rising crisis of environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital fabrication methods with concrete have been rapidly developing, with many problems related to component production and material control being solved in recent years. These processes produce inherently layered cementitious components that are anisotropic, and in many cases, produces a weak interface between layers, which are generally referred to as cold joints. While material strength at these interfaces has been well studied in recent years, durability has received less attention, even though cold joints can function as channels for aggressive agents, such as chlorides. This work presents a method using micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to image chloride ingress into layer interfaces of 3D printed fine-grained concrete specimens produced with varying layer deposition time intervals, and also compares it to neutron imaging of moisture uptake. The results show that cold joints formed after a 1 day time interval are highly susceptible to chloride ingress, and that curing conditions play a major role in how quickly interfacial transport can take place. The μXRF method is also shown to be useful for study of transport of chlorides in cold joints, due to its spatial resolution and direct analysis of an aggressive species of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide is a corrosive species responsible for the deterioration of metals and alloys in marine environment. In this study, the electrochemical performance of the 90/10 Cu–Ni alloy in stagnant and aerated 3.5% sodium chloride (equivalent chloride concentration in seawater) containing 0.01 M Na2S was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization technique at 23, 50, and 80°C. The surface examination and morphological studies were also employed. Polarization measurements in sulfide-infested environments revealed that 90/10 Cu–Ni alloys are adversely sensitive to the sulfide presence and exhibit very high corrosion rates at higher electrolyte temperatures in accordance with an exponential fashion. In addition, the confirmation of a corrosion attack evidencing a pitting type corrosion appearing after the metallographic characterization was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural lands using plastic mulch will be an issue of major environmental concern in meeting the sustainable development goals (SGDs) of the near future. This research work aims at identifying and removal of MPs from rainfall runoff water (RRW) from MP-contaminated agricultural lands using the novel electrochemical coagulation (ECC) treatment technology. The MPs were extracted from the soil samples before identification. The pH, moisture content, MP abundance in soil, and particle size were determined. The RRW from the agricultural land loaded with MPs was treated using stainless steel (SS) electrodes in an electrochemical reactor. The removal efficiency of MPs, COD, chloride, and TDS at 45 min electrolyzing time was 98%, 46%, and 48%, respectively. Higher percentages of MP removal were achieved for increased MP concentrations in RRW. The difference in dry sludge generated during ECC for raw RRW and MP-loaded RRW was 2.42–4.09 kg/m3 of RRW treated. SEM, EDS, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis revealed the disintegration pattern of MPs into nano-sized particles. EDS of agricultural soil showed 8.2% carbon and 48.1% oxygen, whereas MP particles showed 62–64% carbon and 20–22% oxygen, respectively. The ATR-FTIR spectra for both spiked and extracted MP particle from the contaminated soil showed C–H stretch, CH2 bends, etc.; the MP particle was identified as LDPE-type plastic mulch. The EDS of ECC sludge showed loads of MPs with 47% C, 35% O, 1.6–2.3% Al, 2–2.6% Si and 10.3–12.9% Fe. The ECC process showed its effectiveness in 98% MP removal from the RRW in a short hydraulic retention time (HRT) of < 45 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum seria Zootechnica is the property of West Pomeranian University of Technology 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.)

A corrosion inhibitor was widely used to improve corrosion resistance of steel bar in reinforcement concrete structure. A kind of multi-component corrosion inhibitor, which is composed of organic and inorganic substances, was developed in this research. This corrosion inhibitor was comparatively studied with various other inhibitors by using open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) methods. The results show that the OCP values and charge transfer resistance (calculated by EIS curves) of the multi-component corrosion inhibitor remain, respectively, as high as −0.45 V and 932.19 kΩ·cm−2 after 60 days immersion, which are significantly better than other groups. Wide passivation interval and various peaks in cyclic voltammograms (CV) were applied to analyze the mechanism of adsorption (organic substance) and oxidation–reduction reactions (inorganic substance). The functional groups -OH in triethanolamine (TEA) and tri-isopropanolamine (TIPA) bond to the steel bar surface quickly, behaving as an adsorbent of organic substance in early age. An additional protective precipitate related to the reactions of Fe3+ was formed by inorganic substances (Fe2(MoO4)3 and FePO4), which is consistent with the EIS results and equivalent electrochemical circuits. As an eco-friendly substitute, multi-component corrosion inhibitors possess similar or even better protecting effects on steel bars in comparison to calcium nitrite. In addition, the concept of a "multi-functional protective film" was proposed, providing a new insight to achieve modified anti-corrosion capacity of inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure of humans to Cd exerts adverse human health effects at low chronic exposure doses, but the underlying biomolecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. To gain insight into the toxicologically relevant chemistry of Cd2+ in the bloodstream, we employed an anion-exchange HPLC coupled to a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) using a mobile phase of 100 mM NaCl with 5 mM Tris-buffer (pH 7.4) to resemble protein-free blood plasma. The injection of Cd2+ onto this HPLC-FAAS system was associated with the elution of a Cd peak that corresponded to [CdCl3]−/[CdCl4]2− complexes. The addition of 0.1–10 mM L-cysteine (Cys) to the mobile phase significantly affected the retention behavior of Cd2+, which was rationalized by the on-column formation of mixed CdCysxCly complexes. From a toxicological point of view, the results obtained with 0.1 and 0.2 mM Cys were the most relevant because they resembled plasma concentrations. The corresponding Cd-containing (~30 μM) fractions were analyzed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and revealed an increased sulfur coordination to Cd2+ when the Cys concentration was increased from 0.1 to 0.2 mM. The putative formation of these toxicologically relevant Cd species in blood plasma was implicated in the Cd uptake into target organs and underscores the notion that a better understanding of the metabolism of Cd in the bloodstream is critical to causally link human exposure with organ-based toxicological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride-induced crevice corrosion (ER,CREV) of alloys UNS N06059 and UNS N06686 was studied at different temperatures in 0.1, 1 and 10 M chloride solutions. Crevice corrosion occurred several degrees below the reported critical crevice temperatures obtained through standard immersion tests. The repassivation potential of the tested alloys as a function of temperature and chloride concentration was given by ER,CREV = (A + BT)log[Cl−] + CT + D for a range of environmental conditions. When temperature and chloride concentration increased ER,CREV showed a lesser dependence on the environmental variables. The repassivation potential of Ni–Cr–Mo–(W) alloys was described by a new proposed equation in terms of [Cl−], T, Cr, Mo and W, alloys in wt%. The dependence of ER,CREV with the weight % of main alloying elements was 5–6 mV/%Cr, 17–18 mV/%Mo and ∼9 mV/%W, at 85 °C in chloride solutions. An optimal main alloying elements relationship was noted that maximizes the ER,CREV value. The optimal alloy ratio would be 1:3.3:1.65 for wt%Cr, wt%Mo and wt%W, the same factors as in the PRE equation. The optimal alloying ratio would be independent of the alloy composition since it is not a function of the content of main elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]