Loss of TRPV4 Function Suppresses Inflammatory Fibrosis Induced by Alkali-Burning Mouse Corneas

PubMed Central

Okada, Yuka; Shirai, Kumi; Miyajima, Masayasu; Reinach, Peter S.; Yamanaka, Osamu; Sumioka, Takayoshi; Kokado, Masahide; Tomoyose, Katsuo; Saika, Shizuya

2016-01-01

In humans suffering from pulmonary disease and a mouse model, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel activation contributes to fibrosis. As a corneal alkali burn induces the same response, we determined if such an effect is also attributable to TRPV4 activation in mice. Accordingly, we determined if the alkali burn wound healing responses in wild-type (WT) mice are different than those in their TRPV4-null (KO) counterpart. Stromal opacification due to fibrosis in KO (n = 128) mice was markedly reduced after 20 days relative to that in WT (n = 157) mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that increases in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophage infiltration declined in KO mice. Semi-quantitative real time RT-PCR of ocular KO fibroblast cultures identified increases in proinflammatory and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 chemoattractant gene expression after injury. Biomarker gene expression of fibrosis, collagen1a1 and α-smooth muscle actin were attenuated along with macrophage release of interleukin-6 whereas transforming growth factor β, release was unchanged. Tail vein reciprocal bone marrow transplantation between WT and KO chimera mouse models mice showed that reduced scarring and inflammation in KO mice are due to loss of TRPV4 expression on both corneal resident immune cells, fibroblasts and infiltrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. Intraperitoneal TRPV4 receptor antagonist injection of HC-067047 (10 mg/kg, daily) into WT mice reproduced the KO-phenotype. Taken together, alkali-induced TRPV4 activation contributes to inducing fibrosis and inflammation since corneal transparency recovery was markedly improved in KO mice. PMID:28030558

[Comparison of occupational and home accidents as a cause of severe burns. The experience of a large burn center in an industrial city].

PubMed

Romano, C; Arturi, L; Rubino, G F; Magliacani, G

1989-01-01

Among acute "traumatisms", occupational and domestic accidents chiefly share burn. To compare these two causes of severe burns, we examined clinical records of patients hospitalized from January 1986 to February 1989 in the "Grand Burns Center" at the C.T.O. hospital in Turin. Data exclusively refer to patients over 12 years old. 61 out of 313 cases (19%) were due to occupational burns, 221 (71%) to domestic ones (left cases including burns occurred in different surroundings). Males predominance was very high (95%) in the occupational settings, lower though still relevant (60%) in the domestic ones. The topographic distribution of the burns did not show any relevant difference. Similarly, the two groups did not differ as the affected percent of the body surface area (BSA) is concerned: in both cases burns extended cases. Decreased patients were fairly more numerous among the domestic burns (33%) as compared to the occupational ones (18%). The overwhelming majority (90.5%) of domestic burns were caused by fire; such a predominance, though present, was lower (68.8%) among occupational accidents. More in detail, domestic burns were caused as follows: alcohol spraying to stir a fire (26%), gas burst (25%), flammable substances exposed to heat sources (18%), hot water or different liquid (8%), fall over heating devices (6%), fires from cigarettes in bed (5%), kitchen stoves (with or without clothing fire) (5%), brushwood burning (4%), other (3%). It is worth noting that in as many as 40% of the cases of domestic burns patients were affected by a pre-existing neuro-psychic disorder, namely: personality disorders (15%), psychiatric disorders (%), epilepsy (9%), mental debility (7%).

Effect of Topically Applied Azithromycin on Corneal Epithelial and Endothelial Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Corneal Alkali Burn.

PubMed

Arikan, Sedat; Karaca, Turan; Ertekin, Yusuf Haydar; Comez, Arzu Taskiran; Ersan, Ismail; Demirtas, Selim; Elmas, Sait; Tufan, Hasan Ali; Turkon, Hakan

2016-04-01

To investigate the antiapoptotic effect of topically administered azithromycin (AZM) on corneal epithelial and endothelial cells in a rat model of corneal alkali burn. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups as pseudovehicle (group 1), control (group 2), alkali burned (group 3), and treatment (group 4) groups. Alkali injury was induced only in the right corneas of rats belonging to groups 3 and 4 using 1N NaOH. The rats in group 3 and the rats in group 4 were respectively treated either with an artificial tear gel or with 1.5% AZM eye drops for 5 days. At the fifth day of the experiment, the apoptosis in the corneal epithelium and endothelium of all rats was assessed using a terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) density in the corneal epithelium was measured in all rats. The mean numbers of TUNEL+ cells in the corneal epithelium and endothelium of rats in group 3 were 117.1 ± 23.8 and 34.6.± 11.3, respectively, whereas in group 4, they were 75.8 ± 15.7 and 14.7 ± 3.5, respectively. Also the mean TNF-α densities in the corneal epithelium in group 3 and group 4 were 2.65 ± 1.3 and 1.65 ± 1.1, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the mean number of TUNEL+ cells in the corneal epithelium and endothelium and in the mean TNF-α density in the corneal epithelium of rats in group 4, when compared with group 3. Topically applied AZM can decrease TNF-α-induced apoptosis in corneal alkali burn.

Short-term effects of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed low-level laser therapy on rabbit model of corneal alkali burn.

PubMed

Rezaei Kanavi, Mozhgan; Tabeie, Faraj; Sahebjam, Farzin; Poursani, Nima; Jahanbakhsh, Nazanin; Paymanpour, Pouya; AfsarAski, Sasha

2016-04-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of combining extremely low frequency-pulsed electromagnetic field (ELF-PEMF) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on alkali-burned rabbit corneas. Fifty alkali-burned corneas of 50 rabbits were categorized into five groups: ELF-PEMF therapy with 2 mT intensity (ELF 2) for 2 h daily; LLLT for 30 min twice daily; combined ELF-PEMF and LLLT (ELF + LLLT); medical therapy (MT); and control (i.e., no treatment). Clinical examination and digital photography of the corneas were performed on days 0, 2, 7, and 14. After euthanizing the rabbits, the affected eyes were evaluated by histopathology. The clinical and histopathologic results were compared between the groups. On days 7 and 14, no significant difference in the corneal defect area was evident between the ELF, LLLT, ELF + LLLT, and MT groups. Excluding the controls, none of the study groups demonstrated a significant corneal neovascularization in both routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry for CD31. Keratocyte loss was significantly higher in the MT group than in the ELF, LLLT, and ELF + LLLT groups. Moderate to severe stromal inflammation in the LLLT group was comparable with that in the MT group and was significantly lower than that in the other groups. In conclusion, combining LLLT and ELF was not superior to ELF alone or LLLT alone in healing corneal alkali burns. However, given the lower intensity of corneal inflammation and the lower rate of keratocytes loss with LLLT, this treatment may be superior to other proposed treatment modalities for healing alkali-burned corneas. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epidermal growth factor in alkali-burned corneal epithelial wound healing.

PubMed

Singh, G; Foster, C S

1987-06-15

We conducted a double-masked study to evaluate the effect of epidermal growth factor on epithelial wound healing and recurrent erosions in alkali-burned rabbit corneas. Epithelial wounds 10 mm in diameter healed completely under the influence of topical epidermal growth factor, whereas the control corneas did not resurface in the center. On reversal of treatment, the previously nonhealing epithelial defects healed when treated with topical epidermal growth factor eyedrops. Conversely, the epidermal growth factor-treated and resurfaced corneas developed epithelial defects when treatment was discontinued. Histopathologic examination disclosed hyperplastic epithelium growing over the damaged stroma laden with polymorphonuclear leukocytes when treated with epidermal growth factor eyedrops, but it did not adhere to the underlying tissue. Hydropic changes were seen intracellularly as well as between the epithelial cells and the stroma.

Therapeutic Effect of Topical Administration of SN50, an Inhibitor of Nuclear Factor-κB, in Treatment of Corneal Alkali Burns in Mice

PubMed Central

Saika, Shizuya; Miyamoto, Takeshi; Yamanaka, Osamu; Kato, Tadashi; Ohnishi, Yoshitaka; Flanders, Kathleen C.; Ikeda, Kazuo; Nakajima, Yuji; Kao, Winston W.-Y.; Sato, Misako; Muragaki, Yasuteru; Ooshima, Akira

2005-01-01

We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of topical administration of SN50, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB, in a corneal alkali burn model in mice. An alkali burn was produced with 1 N NaOH in the cornea of C57BL/6 mice under general anesthesia. SN50 (10 μg/μl) or vehicle was topically administered daily for up to 12 days. The eyes were processed for histological or immunohistochemical examination after bromodeoxyuridine labeling or for semiquantification of cytokine mRNA. Topical SN50 suppressed nuclear factor-κB activation in local cells and reduced the incidence of epithelial defects/ulceration in healing corneas. Myofibroblast generation, macrophage invasion, activity of matrix metalloproteinases, basement membrane destruction, and expression of cytokines were all decreased in treated corneas compared with controls. To elucidate the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in epithelial cell proliferation, we performed organ culture of mouse eyes with TNF-α, SN50, or an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and examined cell proliferation in healing corneal epithelium in TNF-α−/− mice treated with SN50. An acceleration of epithelial cell proliferation by SN50 treatment was found to depend on TNF-α/JNK signaling. In conclusion, topical application of SN50 is effective in treating corneal alkali burns in mice. PMID:15855640

Stromal fibroblasts are associated with collagen IV in scar tissues of alkali-burned and lacerated corneas.

PubMed

Ishizaki, M; Shimoda, M; Wakamatsu, K; Ogro, T; Yamanaka, N; Kao, C W; Kao, W W

1997-04-01

Corneal wound healing frequently leads to the formation of opaque scar tissue. We examined whether stromal fibroblastic cells of injured corneas express collagen IV and contributes to the formation of a basal lamina-like structure. Rabbits were anesthetized, and central corneal alkali burn (8 mm in diameter; 1 M NaOH, 1 min) or laceration (8 mm long) were produced. The injured corneas, which had healed for 1, 7, 21 and 45 days, were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical studies with goat anti-collagen IV antibodies, using light and electron microscopy, and in situ hybridization with an antisense digoxigenin-labeled riboprobe of collagen alpha 1(IV) mRNA. For comparison, twenty-day-old fetal corneas were subjected to immunohistochemical study and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM examinations revealed that the stromal collagenous matrix was organized in orthogonal lamellae during corneal development, whereas that of alkali-burned cornea, which had healed for 3 weeks, was disorganized. The stroma of twenty-day-old fetal cornea was not labeled by the anti-collagen IV antibodies. In contrast, one week after injury, specific collagen IV immunostaining was detected in the injured stroma. As the healing proceeded (21-45 days), the antibodies reacted with fibroblastic cells and the extracellular matrix of scar tissues located in the anterior portion of alkali-burned corneas, as well as the posterior portion of lacerated corneas. The middle portion of the stromal tissues was weakly labeled by the anti-collagen IV antibodies with the exception of the blood vessel wall. Immuno-electron microscopic study showed that collagen IV and fibronectin were closely associated with the fibroblastic cells. In situ hybridization demonstrated that epithelial and endothelial cells and fibroblastic cells in the wounded corneal stroma and retro-corneal membrane expressed alpha 1(IV) mRNA, whereas in normal corneas the expression of alpha 1(IV) mRNA was limited to

Topical Ophthalmic Formulation of Trichostatin A and SurR9-C84A for Quick Recovery Post-alkali Burn of Corneal Haze

PubMed Central

Roy, Kislay; Cheung, Chun Hei Antonio; Kanwar, Rupinder K.; Sandhir, Rajat; Kanwar, Jagat R.

2017-01-01

Alkali burn injury is a true ocular emergency of the conjunctiva and cornea that requires immediate precision. Lack of an immediate therapy can lead to a substantial damage in the ocular surface and anterior segment further causing visual impairment and disfigurement. We explored the regenerative capability of dominant negative survivin protein (SurR9-C84A) and histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin-A (TSA) in vivo, in a rat alkali burn model. A topical insult in rat eyes with NaOH led to degradation of the conjunctival and corneal epithelium. The integrity of the conjunctival and corneal tissue was increased by TSA and SurR9-C84A by improving the clathrin and claudin expressions. Wound healing was initiated by an increase in TGF-beta-1 and, increased endogenous survivin which inhibited apoptosis post-TSA and SurR9-C84A treatments. Protein expressions of fibronectin and alpha-integrin 5 were found to increase promoting corneal integrity. The cytokine analysis confirmed increased expressions of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, GMCSF, Rantes, and MMP-2 in injured cornea, which were found to be significantly downregulated by the combined treatment of SurR9-C84A and TSA. The ocular and systemic pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were measured post-topical ocular administration of TSA and SurR9-C84A. The SurR9-C84A and TSA sustained relatively longer in the cornea, conjunctiva, and aqueous humor than in the tear fluid and plasma. Our results confirmed that a combination of TSA with SurR9-C8A worked in synergy and showed a promising healing and anti-inflammatory effect in a very short time against alkali burn. Therefore, a combination of TSA and SurR9-C84A can fulfill the need for an immediate response to wound healing in alkali burnt cornea. We also synthesized ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles (USC-NPs) targeted with alpha-SMA antibodies that can be used for delivery of TSA and SurR9-C84A specifically to the ocular burn site. PMID:28529481

Alkali ocular burns in Martinique (French West Indies) Evaluation of the use of an amphoteric solution as the rinsing product.

PubMed

Merle, Harold; Donnio, Angélique; Ayeboua, Lucas; Michel, Franck; Thomas, Félix; Ketterle, Jeannine; Leonard, Christian; Josset, Patrice; Gerard, Max

2005-03-01

During the 4 years of this study, we noted 66 cases of alkali ocular burns, or approximately 16 cases per year, nearly half (45.5%) of which are due to an assault. For grade 1 and 2 burns the time elapsed to reepithelialization appears to be shorter when rinsed with Diphoterine* versus physiological solution. Comparison of the effectiveness of two rinsing solutions for emergency use: a physiological solution and an amphoteric solution (Diphoterine*, Laboratories Prevor, Valmondois, France). Description of the clinical and progressive characteristics of alkali burns treated at the University Hospital Center of Fort de France in Martinique (French West Indies). Prospective consecutive observational case series and nonrandomized comparative study. Sixty-six patients were included. The total number of burned eyes is 104. Forty-eight eyes (46%) were rinsed with physiological solution and 56 eyes (54%) with Diphoterine*. All patients benefited from an ocular rinse with 500ml of physiological solution or Diphoterine*, followed by a complete ophthalmologic exam. The ocular injuries were classified according to the Roper-Hall modification of the Hughes classification system. The same standardized therapeutic protocol was applied and adapted to the seriousness of the burn. Demographic data, time to corneal reepithelialization, final best corrected visual acuity and complications were analysed. Twenty-eight (42.4%) patients have a unilateral burn and 38 (57.6%) patients have bilateral burns. In decreasing order of frequency, the circumstances surrounding the injury are: assaults in 45.5% of cases (n=30), work-related accidents in 32% of cases (n=31), and domestic accidents in 23% of cases (n=15). For grade 1 and 2 burns the time elapsed to reepithelialization appears to be shorter when rinsed with Diphoterine* versus physiological solution (respectively): 1.9+/-1 days versus 11.1+/-1.4 days (p=10(-7)) and 5.6+/-4.9 days versus 10+/-9.2 days (p=0.02). For grade 3 and 4 burns

An ophthalmic solution of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist prevents corneal inflammation in a rat alkali burn model

PubMed Central

Uchiyama, Masaaki; Masuda, Yukinari; Nagasaka, Shinya; Fukuda, Yuh; Takahashi, Hiroshi

2013-01-01

Purpose We clarified the effects of an ophthalmic solution of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist on corneal inflammation and wound healing after alkali burn injury in rats. Methods After alkali exposure, either an ophthalmic solution with 0.1% pioglitazone hydrochloride (the PPARγ group) or vehicle (the vehicle group) was topically applied to the cornea until day 14. Histological, immunohistochemical, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed. Results After alkali injury, PPARγ expression increased, with the infiltration of many inflammatory cells. The infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages started from the corneal limbus within 6 h, and developed in the corneal center by day 7, with associated neovascularization. The accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts and the deposition of type III collagen were noted on day 14. The histological changes were suppressed significantly by treatment with the ophthalmic solution of the PPARγ agonist. In addition, the number of infiltrating M2 macrophages in the cornea was increased by PPARγ agonist treatment. In real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, the messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor beta 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A were decreased in the PPARγ group compared to the vehicle group in the early periods of corneal inflammation. Conclusions The ophthalmic solution of the PPARγ agonist inhibited inflammation, decreased the fibrotic reaction, and prevented neovascularization in the cornea from the early phase after alkali burn injury. The ophthalmic solution of the PPARγ agonist may provide a new treatment strategy with useful clinical applications for corneal inflammation and wound healing. PMID:24194635

Work-Related Burn Injuries Hospitalized in US Burn Centers: 2002 to 2011.

PubMed

Huang, Zhenna; Friedman, Lee S

2017-03-01

To develop a comprehensive definition to identify work-related burns in the National Burn Repository (NBR) based on multiple fields and describes injuries by occupation. The NBR, which is an inpatient dataset, was used to compare type and severity of burn injuries by occupation. Using the definition developed for this analysis, 22,969 burn injuries were identified as work-related. In contrast, the single work-related field intended to capture occupational injuries only captured 4696 cases. The highest numbers of burns were observed in construction/extraction, food preparation, and durable goods production occupations. Occupations with a mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned greater than 10% include transportation and material-moving, architecture and engineering, and arts/design/entertainment/sports/media occupations. The NBR dataset should be further utilized for occupational burn injury investigations and multiple fields should be considered for case ascertainment.

Management of chemical burns of the canine cornea

PubMed Central

Christmas, Richard

1991-01-01

Significant clinical signs and general principles of treatment for chemical burns of the canine cornea are presented using three typical case studies for illustration. Alkali burns are more common in dogs than acid burns. The sources of alkali in this study were soap, cement, and mortar dust. Common signs of chemical burns are ocular pain, corneal ulceration, tear film inadequacy, corneal edema, and marked corneal neovascularity. Successful treatment requires thorough ocular lavage, treatment for corneal ulceration, and adequate anti-inflammatory therapy when the corneal epithelium becomes intact. ImagesFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3.Figure 4.Figure 5. PMID:17423874

Neovascular growth in an experimental alkali corneal burn model.

PubMed

Figueroa-Ortiz, L C; Martín Rodríguez, O; García-Ben, A; García-Campos, J

2014-08-01

To analyse the length and area of corneal surface occupied by vessels, and their location in an experimental model of alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization. An injury to the central cornea of the right eye in 91 Sprague-Dawley rats was induced using a silver nitrate pencil. The rats were divided in 7 groups that were sacrificed 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 days post-injury, and then perfused with a mixture of Chinese ink in PBS -phosphate buffer saline-. Corneas were flat-mounted processed and divided in 4 quadrants. Corneal neovascular growth parameters (length and area) and the location of these vessels were performed blind. The results were statistically analysed. Neovascular growth was observed from day 2, reaching its maximum peak in length and area on the 12th day post-injury. A slight reduction in corneal neovascularization was observed after this day. The vessels were initially located in the middle third of the stroma and tended to be observed in the anterior third during the course of the experiment. Neovascularisation was observed on day 2 post-injury in all sectors of corneal surface. Neovascular growth was uniform during the experiment. Neovessels were located in the middle and anterior third of the cornea. Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

[The relationship between corneal lymphangiogenesis and inflammation index after corneal alkali injury].

PubMed

Ling, Shi-qi; Li, Wei-hua; Xu, Jian-gang; Kuang, Wen-hui; Li, Chao-yang

2010-11-01

To discuss the relationship between corneal lymphangiogenesis and inflammation index (IF) in alkali burned corneas. Experimental research. Rat corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were examined by 5'-nase-alkaline phosphatase (5'-NA-ALP) double enzyme-histochemistry and whole mount immunofluorescence at 1 day, 3 days, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 weeks after alkaline burns, and the blood vessel counting (BVC) and the lymphatic vessel counting (LVC) were recorded. The state of corneal inflammation was observed under the slit lamp and evaluated by inflammation index (IF) grading at the same time. Then, the association of LVC with IF was examined. In addition, eleven human alkali burned corneas were obtained from 11 patients undergoing corneal transplantation in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from January 2005 to June 2008. Corneal lymphangiogenesis was examined by lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor (LYVE-1) immunohistochemistry. The significance of the differences in IF, inflammatory cells counting, burn history, and age between two groups was analyzed by using paired student's t-test. New lymphatic vessels were present in rat alkali burned corneas. Corneal lymphangiogenesis developed 3 days after alkaline burns, reached the top 2 weeks after the injury, then decreased gradually, and disappeared at the end of the 5th week. Corneal lymphatics occurred behind corneal inflammation, but disappeared before corneal inflammation and hemangiogenesis. LVC was strongly and positively correlated with IF (r = 0.572, P < 0.01) after corneal alkaline burns. Among eleven human alkali burned corneas, corneal lymphatic vessels were present in 3 corneas. Compared with the other 8 cases without corneal lymphangiogenesis, the scores of IF was significantly higher (t = 3.28, P < 0.05), the inflammatory cells counting dramatically increased (t = 2.42, P < 0.05), but the age decreased significantly (t = 2.62, P < 0.05). However, the difference in burn history between two groups was

Sweet's syndrome mimicking alkali burn: a clinical conundrum.

PubMed

O'Halloran, E; Stewart, N; Vetrichevvel, T P; Rea, S; Wood, F

2013-06-01

Sweet's syndrome or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis presents most commonly on the hands, upper extremities and face. The disease is of clinical relevance to surgeons as it could mimic an infective aetiology but debridement negates such wounds. A 34-year-old man was referred from a peripheral hospital with suspected infected alkali burn to the hands. A builder by profession, he had been working outdoors with possible exposure to cement-concrete mix, 5 days previously. At presentation, the dorsal aspect of the thenar eminence appeared erythematous and oedematous, with pustules and blisters with central ulcerations. Haematological investigation revealed a neutrophilic leucocytosis and raised CRP. On the second day of admission the patient became febrile. He was treated with analgesia, IV Tazocin (Pipperacillin and Tazobactam) and the wounds were surgically debrided and covered using autologous cell therapy via the Recell kit. Two days following surgery, microbiology of wound swabs, tissue samples and blood cultures yielded no growth. The wound was noted to be extending beyond the zone of injury and a new area of erythema was evident on the neck. A diagnosis of idiopathic acral Sweet's syndrome was confirmed when histopathological investigation showed a moderate inflammatory cell infiltrate in the dermis. A rapid response to oral corticosteroids was clinically evident after 48 h and the lesions were completely healed at 4 weeks follow-up. We recommend thorough clinical history and examination, systematic wound review, tissue biopsy and culture in conjunction with dermatology opinion in cases of suspected Sweet's syndrome. Surgical debridement should be avoided as it has the potential to negate such wounds secondary to pathergy phenomenon. Copyright © 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occupational therapy and physiotherapy for the patient with burns: principles and management guidelines.

PubMed

Simons, M; King, S; Edgar, D

2003-01-01

Clinical practice guidelines are a tool to assist with clinical decision making. They provide information about the care for a condition and make recommendations based on research evidence, which can be adapted locally. A focus group within the Allied Health Interest Group of the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association has compiled the "Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for the Patient with Burns--Principles and Management Guidelines." These guidelines are designed as a practical guide to the relevant clinical knowledge and therapy intervention techniques required for effective patient management. Content areas include respiratory management, edema management, splinting and positioning, physical function (mobility, function, exercise), scar management, and psychosocial and mutual elements. The document has undergone extensive review by members of the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association to ensure clarity, internal consistency, and acceptability. The guidelines have been endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association. An abridged version of the guidelines is included in this article, with the full document available from www.anzba.org.au.

Modulation of the Early Inflammatory Microenvironment in the Alkali-Burned Eye by Systemically Administered Interferon-γ-Treated Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

PubMed Central

Javorkova, Eliska; Trosan, Peter; Zajicova, Alena; Krulova, Magdalena; Hajkova, Michaela

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemically administered bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on the early acute phase of inflammation in the alkali-burned eye. Mice with damaged eyes were either untreated or treated 24 h after the injury with an intravenous administration of fluorescent-dye-labeled MSCs that were unstimulated or pretreated with interleukin-1α (IL-1α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), or interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Analysis of cell suspensions prepared from the eyes of treated mice on day 3 after the alkali burn revealed that MSCs specifically migrated to the damaged eye and that the number of labeled MSCs was more than 30-times higher in damaged eyes compared with control eyes. The study of the composition of the leukocyte populations within the damaged eyes showed that all types of tested MSCs slightly decreased the number of infiltrating lymphoid and myeloid cells, but only MSCs pretreated with IFN-γ significantly decreased the percentage of eye-infiltrating cells with a more profound effect on myeloid cells. Determining cytokine and NO production in the damaged eyes confirmed that the most effective immunomodulation was achieved with MSCs pretreated with IFN-γ, which significantly decreased the levels of the proinflammatory molecules IL-1α, IL-6, and NO. Taken together, the results show that systemically administered MSCs specifically migrate to the damaged eye and that IFN-γ-pretreated MSCs are superior in inhibiting the acute phase of inflammation, decreasing leukocyte infiltration, and attenuating the early inflammatory environment. PMID:24849741

Chemical Burn-Induced Stromal Demarcation Line.

PubMed

Brosh, Koby; Rozenman, Yaacov

2016-02-01

A stromal demarcation line is a well-known sign after collagen cross-linking. It has been proposed that this line is the transition zone between cellular and acellular stroma, and thus it might reveal the depth of photochemical changes in the corneal stroma. We report 2 cases of a similar demarcation line after chemical alkali burns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a stromal demarcation line after a chemical burn. Two patients presented to the emergency department after an ocular alkali burn. At presentation, both had total corneal erosion, corneal edema, and limbal ischemia. After 12 to 15 days, a stromal line was apparent by both slit-lamp examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The stromal demarcation lines disappeared approximately 3 months after the injury. A stromal demarcation line may appear not only after collagen cross-linking but also after a chemical burn. The line depth may be associated with the severity of the injury, and therefore, may have prognostic significance. Patients with chemical burns should be examined for evidence of a stromal line in the cornea.

Viable placental allograft as a biological dressing in the clinical management of full-thickness thermal occupational burns

PubMed Central

Johnson, Eric L.; Tassis, Elisabet K.; Michael, Georgina M.; Whittinghill, Susan G.

2017-01-01

Abstract Rationale: Occupational burn injuries can be detrimental and difficult to manage. The majority of complex cases are referred and managed at regional burn centers where access to specialized care is available. As an alternative to hospitalization with staged surgical procedures, placental products may be used for outpatient medical management of these common burn injuries, especially if access to a regional burn center is limited or restricted. Fresh amnion has been a treatment of choice in burns for more than 100 years. As a biological covering with a broad scope of potential uses, human placental membranes represent a dressing that is particularly advantageous for burn therapy. Recent advances in tissue-preservation technology have allowed for the commercialization of placental amnion products. Patient concerns: To address several complications associated with burn injuries—contractures, scar formation, and pain—a viable cryopreserved placental membrane (vCPM) (Grafix—PRIME, Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., MD) retaining the anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antimicrobial properties of fresh placental tissues was chosen for clinical use in the 2 cases reported, where both patients had restricted access to the regional burn center. Diagnoses: Two cases of work-related extremity burns presented to a local rural hospital for immediate post-injury assessment. The 1st case was of a man who sustained a 55.4 cm2 full-thickness 3rd degree thermal burn with exposed bone and tendon, to the left dorsal forefoot after having an industrial pressure washer caught on his work boot. The 2nd case was of a female who sustained a 4.7 cm2 full-thickness 3rd degree crush burn to the dorsum extensor surface of her dominant hand's index finger after applying 80-pounds per square inch of heated pressure from a hydraulic press. Interventions: Both burn patients elected to continue their care at the outpatient-based wound and hyperbaric center, receiving a combination of

Molten metal burns: further evidence of industrial foundries' failure to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.

PubMed

Faulkner, B C; Drake, D B; Gear, A J; Watkins, F H; Edlich, R F

1997-01-01

The purpose of this report is to describe another case of a molten metal burn to the foot of a foundry worker. The foundry in which he worked failed to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations with regard to protective apparel. This injury could have been prevented with annual, unscheduled inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and with enforcement of additional regulations regarding protective apparel.

The molecular mechanisms of action of PPAR-γ agonists in the treatment of corneal alkali burns (Review)

PubMed Central

Zhou, Hongyan; Zhang, Wensong; Bi, Miaomiao; Wu, Jie

2016-01-01

Corneal alkali burns (CAB) are characterized by injury-induced inflammation, fibrosis and neovascularization (NV), and may lead to blindness. This review evaluates the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for CAB. The processes of cytokine production, chemotaxis, inflammatory responses, immune response, cell signal transduction, matrix metalloproteinase production and vascular factors in CAB are discussed. Previous evidence indicates that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) agonists suppress immune responses, inflammation, corneal fibrosis and NV. This review also discusses the role of PPAR-γ as an anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic agent in the treatment of CAB, as well as the potential role of PPAR-γ in the pathological process of CAB. There have been numerous studies evaluating the clinical profiles of CAB, and the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence regarding the treatment of CAB with PPAR-γ agonists. PMID:27499172

Chemical and Common Burns in Children.

PubMed

Yin, Shan

2017-05-01

Burns are a common cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in children. Thermal and chemical burns are the most common types of burns. Their clinical appearance can be similar and the treatment is largely similar. Thermal burns in children occur primarily after exposure to a hot surface or liquid, or contact with fire. Burns are typically classified based on the depth and total body surface area, and the severity and onset of the burn can also depend on the temperature and duration of contact. Chemical burns are caused by chemicals-most commonly acids and alkalis-that can damage the skin on contact. In children, the most common cause of chemical burns is from household products such as toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, detergents, and bleaches. Mild chemical burns generally cause redness and pain and can look similar to other common rashes or skin infections, whereas severe chemical burns are more extreme and may cause redness, blistering, skin peeling, and swelling.

Retinoic Acid Engineered Amniotic Membrane Used as Graft or Homogenate: Positive Effects on Corneal Alkali Burns.

PubMed

Joubert, Romain; Daniel, Estelle; Bonnin, Nicolas; Comptour, Aurélie; Gross, Christelle; Belville, Corinne; Chiambaretta, Frédéric; Blanchon, Loïc; Sapin, Vincent

2017-07-01

Alkali burns are the most common, severe chemical ocular injuries, their functional prognosis depending on corneal wound healing efficiency. The purpose of our study was to compare the benefits of amniotic membrane (AM) grafts and homogenates for wound healing in the presence or absence of previous all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) treatment. Fifty male CD1 mice with reproducible corneal chemical burn were divided into five groups, as follows: group 1 was treated with saline solution; groups 2 and 3 received untreated AM grafts or grafts treated with atRA, respectively; and groups 4 and 5 received untreated AM homogenates or homogenates treated with atRA, respectively. After 7 days of treatment, ulcer area and depth were measured, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were quantified. AM induction by atRA was confirmed via quantification of retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ), a well-established retinoic acid-induced gene. Significant improvements of corneal wound healing in terms of ulcer area and depth were obtained with both strategies. No major differences were found between the efficiency of AM homogenates and grafts. This positive action was increased when AM was pretreated with atRA. Furthermore, AM induced a decrease in VEGF and MMP-9 levels during the wound healing process. The atRA treatment led to an even greater decrease in the expression of both proteins. Amnion homogenate is as effective as AM grafts in promoting corneal wound healing in a mouse model. A higher positive effect was obtained with atRA treatment.

The overall patterns of burns

PubMed Central

Almoghrabi, A.; Abu Shaban, N.

2011-01-01

Summary Burn patterns differ across the whole world and not only in relation to lack of education, overcrowding, and poverty. Cultures, habits, traditions, psychiatric illness, and epilepsy are strongly correlated to burn patterns. However, burns may also occur because of specific religious beliefs and activities, social events and festivals, traditional medical practices, occupational activities, and war. PMID:22639565

Histochemical study of alkali-burned rabbit anterior eye segment in which severe lesions were prevented by aprotinin treatment.

PubMed

Cejková, J; Lojda, Z; Salonen, E M; Vaheri, A

1989-01-01

Activities of different enzymes (acid glycosidases, phosphatases, Na+ - K+ -dependent ATPase, proteases, dehydrogenases) and acid glycosaminoglycans were studied by histochemical methods in sections of rabbit anterior eye segments after experimental alkali burn and treatment with aprotinin, an inhibitor of plasmin and other serine proteinases. Solutions of sodium hydroxide (0.25-1.0 M) were applied on corneas using 12-mm-diameter plastic tube for 15-60 s. After wiping with cotton and rinsing with tap water aprotinin solutions were applied in saline (in experimental animals) and saline (in control animals) dropwise in 12-h intervals for a month. Within the first two weeks aprotinin was used at a concentration of 5000 IU/ml. During the subsequent two weeks the aprotinin concentration was reduced to 2500 IU/ml. Striking differences in enzyme activities and in the healing between treated and untreated eyes were found. Without aprotinin, ulcers developed in most corneas within 3 weeks and plasmin was regularly demonstrated in tears and in the aqueous. When aprotinin treatment was started within 24 h after the burn, the number of enzymatically active inflammatory cells was significantly lower, not only in the cornea itself but also in the whole anterior eye segment. With aprotinin treatment no ulcerations and no plasmin in tears and the aqueous were observed and the corneas healed within a month. The healing process started from the zone of enzymatically activated corneal cells in the unburned zone at the corneal periphery. In the regenerating epithelium and endothelium high activities of Na+ -K+ -dependent ATPase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate and succinate dehydrogenases appeared very soon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

First-principles study on interlayer state in alkali and alkaline earth metal atoms intercalated bilayer graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneko, Tomoaki; Saito, Riichiro

2017-11-01

Energetics and electronic structures of alkali metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) and alkaline earth metal (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) atoms intercalated bilayer graphene are systematically investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. Formation of alkali and alkaline earth metal atoms intercalated bilayer graphene is exothermic except for Be and Mg. The interlayer state between two graphene layers is occupied for K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Sr, and Ba. We find that the energetic position of the interlayer states between bilayer graphene monotonically shifts downward with increasing of interlayer distance. The interlayer distances of more than 4.5 Å and 4.0 Å, respectively, are necessary for the occupation of the interlayer state in bilayer graphene for alkali and alkaline earth metal atoms, which is almost independent of the intercalant metal species. We discuss the relevance to occurrence of superconductivity for the metal intercalated bilayer graphene in terms of the occupation of the interlayer state and the phonon frequency of metal ions.

[Grade IIb alkali burns of the lower extremities. Working with concrete].

PubMed

Hasenecker, J M H; Ruchholtz, S; Eming, R; Frangen, T M

2014-01-01

The irritating effects of concrete (calcium oxide) on skin have long been known. The effect by long-term skin exposure is not only irritating but also erosive and alkali skin erosion may result due to colliquative skin necrosis. A complicated course may ensue potentially necessitating plastic reconstructive treatment due to the development of unstable scars and defects. Correct interpretation of the skin trauma and adequate treatment are mandatory for functional restitution.

Protective Gel Composition for Treating White Phosphorus Burn Wounds.

DTIC Science & Technology

Water soluble hydrogels of alkali metal alginate and glycerin containing 0.01% to 1% cupric ( copper ) sulfate pentahydrate or silver salts such as...burns. Cupric sulfate pentahydrate of silver salts such as silver acetate, silver lactate monohydrate and silver nitrate in the gel reacts with the

MMP-8 Is Critical for Dexamethasone Therapy in Alkali-Burned Corneas Under Dry Eye Conditions.

PubMed

Bian, Fang; Wang, Changjun; Tukler-Henriksson, Johanna; Pflugfelder, Stephen C; Camodeca, Caterina; Nuti, Elisa; Rossello, Armando; Li, De-Quan; de Paiva, Cintia S

2016-11-01

Our previous studies have shown that Dexamethasone (Dex) reduced the expression of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs -1,-3,-9,-13), IL-1β and IL-6, while it significantly increased MMP-8 mRNA transcripts in a concomitant dry eye and corneal alkali burn murine model (CM). To investigate if MMP-8 induction is responsible for some of the protective effects of Dex in CM, MMP-8 knock out mice (MMP-8KO) were subjected to the CM for 2 or 5 days and topically treated either with 2 μl of 0.1% Dexamethasone (Dex), or saline QID. A separate group of C57BL/6 mice were topically treated with Dex or BSS and received either 100 nM CAM12 (MMP-8 inhibitor) or vehicle IP, QD. Here we demonstrate that topical Dex treated MMP-8KO mice subjected to CM showed reduced corneal clarity, increased expression of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, CXCL1, and MMP-1 mRNA) and increased neutrophil infiltration at 2D and 5D compared to Dex treated WT mice. C57BL/6 mice topically treated with Dex and CAM12 IP recapitulated findings seen with MMP-8KO mice. These results suggest that some of the anti-inflammatory effects of Dex are mediated through increased MMP-8 expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2506-2516, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Thermal effects in Cs DPAL and alkali cell window damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhdanov, B. V.; Rotondaro, M. D.; Shaffer, M. K.; Knize, R. J.

2016-10-01

Experiments on power scaling of Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers (DPALs) revealed some limiting parasitic effects such as alkali cell windows and gain medium contamination and damage, output power degradation in time and others causing lasing efficiency decrease or even stop lasing1 . These problems can be connected with thermal effects, ionization, chemical interactions between the gain medium components and alkali cells materials. Study of all these and, possibly, other limiting effects and ways to mitigate them is very important for high power DPAL development. In this talk we present results of our experiments on temperature measurements in the gain medium of operating Cs DPAL at different pump power levels in the range from lasing threshold to the levels causing damage of the alkali cell windows. For precise contactless in situ temperature measurements, we used an interferometric technique, developed in our lab2 . In these experiments we demonstrated that damage of the lasing alkali cell starts in the bulk with thermal breakdown of the hydrocarbon buffer gas. The degradation processes start at definite critical temperatures of the gain medium, different for each mixture of buffer gas. At this critical temperature, the hydrocarbon and the excited alkali metal begin to react producing the characteristic black soot and, possibly, some other chemical compounds, which both harm the laser performance and significantly increase the harmful heat deposition within the laser medium. This soot, being highly absorptive, is catastrophically heated to very high temperatures that visually observed as bulk burning. This process quickly spreads to the cell windows and causes their damage. As a result, the whole cell is also contaminated with products of chemical reactions.

Electrolytic method to make alkali alcoholates using ion conducting alkali electrolyte/separator

DOEpatents

Joshi, Ashok V [Salt Lake City, UT; Balagopal, Shekar [Sandy, UT; Pendelton, Justin [Salt Lake City, UT

2011-12-13

Alkali alcoholates, also called alkali alkoxides, are produced from alkali metal salt solutions and alcohol using a three-compartment electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an anolyte compartment configured with an anode, a buffer compartment, and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. An alkali ion conducting solid electrolyte configured to selectively transport alkali ions is positioned between the anolyte compartment and the buffer compartment. An alkali ion permeable separator is positioned between the buffer compartment and the catholyte compartment. The catholyte solution may include an alkali alcoholate and alcohol. The anolyte solution may include at least one alkali salt. The buffer compartment solution may include a soluble alkali salt and an alkali alcoholate in alcohol.

The utility of a video game system in rehabilitation of burn and nonburn patients: a survey among occupational therapy and physiotherapy practitioners.

PubMed

Fung, Vera; So, Ken; Park, Esther; Ho, Aileen; Shaffer, Jennifer; Chan, Elaine; Gomez, Manuel

2010-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate perceptions of occupational therapists and physiotherapists on the use of Nintendo Wii™ (Nintendo of America Inc., Redmond, WA) in rehabilitation. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists in a rehabilitation hospital trialed four Wii games that addressed physical movement, balance, coordination, and cognitive performance. Then, they completed an opinion survey on the utility of Wii in rehabilitation. The results were compared between burn care therapists (BTs) and nonburn care therapists, using chi(2) with a P < .05 considered significant. The participation rate was 79% (63/80), and they agreed that Wii was easy to set up (71%), operate (68%), and safe to use (76%). Participants agreed that Wii would be beneficial in outpatient (76%) and inpatient (65%) settings and that it could improve treatment compliance (73%). Participants recommended 15 to 30-minute Wii intervention (59%) daily (81%) and twice per week (43%). Participants believed that neurologic (71%), trauma (68%), burn (59%), and musculoskeletal (49%) patients would benefit from Wii intervention but not cardiac (43%) or organ transplant patients (18%). Participants believed that outcomes using Wii could be measured reliably (49%), and skills learned while playing could be transferable to daily function (60%). The significant differences between BTs and nonburn care therapists' perceptions are that BT-treated younger patients (21-40 years vs >60 years, P < .05) and BT favored the therapeutic benefit of Wii in rehabilitation (93% vs 58%, P = .02), specifically in burn rehabilitation (85% vs 39%, P = .001). Occupational therapists and physiotherapists favored the use of Wii in rehabilitation as an adjunct to traditional therapy because it is therapeutic, engaging, and may increase patient participation in rehabilitation.

Management of acid burns: experience from Bangladesh.

PubMed

Das, Kishore Kumar; Olga, Loren; Peck, Michael; Morselli, Paolo G; Salek, A J M

2015-05-01

Acid burn injuries in Bangladesh primarily occur as a result of intentional attacks although there are incidences of accidental acid burns in industry, on the street, and at home. A total of 126 patients with acid burns, 95 from attacks and 31 from accidents, were studied from July 2004 to December 2012. A diagnosis of acid burn was made from history, physical examination and in some cases from chemical analysis of the patients' clothing. Alkali burns were excluded from the study. In the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, we applied a slightly different protocol for management of acid burns, beginning with plain water irrigation of the wound, which effectively reduced burn depth and the requirement of surgical treatment. Application of hydrocolloid dressing for 48-72 h helped with the assessment of depth and the course of treatment. Early excision and grafting gives good results but resultant acid trickling creates a marble cake-like appearance of the wound separated by the vital skin. Excision with a scalpel and direct stitching of the wounds are often a good option. Observation of patients on follow-up revealed that wounds showed a tendency for hypertrophy. Application of pressure garments and other scar treatments were given in all cases unless the burn was highly superficial. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Occupational burns from oxygen resuscitator fires: the hazard of aluminum regulators.

PubMed

Hodous, Thomas K; Washenitz, Frank; Newton, Barry

2002-07-01

There have been over 30 incidents of oxygen resuscitator fires over the last 6 years, causing severe burns to a number of fire fighters, emergency medical service personnel, health care workers, and patients. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was requested to investigate three such incidents. NIOSH conducted site investigations of the incidents, and the requesters also sent the involved oxygen resuscitators to a forensic engineering company for a causal analysis. The investigated fires were associated with aluminum regulators, all from one manufacturer, on compressed pure oxygen cylinders. The investigations indicated that the cause of the fires was an initial small ignition in the high-pressure area of the aluminum regulator, which then consumed itself in a massive burnout. Aluminum regulators used with high-pressure oxygen systems are subject to rare, but potentially catastrophic combustion in normal use. Replacement of such regulators with those made of more fire-resistant materials or designs, as well as education and improved safety practices are needed to reduce this hazard.

Thermal burn and electrical injuries among electric utility workers, 1995-2004.

PubMed

Fordyce, Tiffani A; Kelsh, Michael; Lu, Elizabeth T; Sahl, Jack D; Yager, Janice W

2007-03-01

This study describes the occurrence of work-related injuries from thermal-, electrical- and chemical-burns among electric utility workers. We describe injury trends by occupation, body part injured, age, sex, and circumstances surrounding the injury. This analysis includes all thermal, electric, and chemical injuries included in the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Occupational Health and Safety Database (OHSD). There were a total of 872 thermal burn and electric shock injuries representing 3.7% of all injuries, but accounting for nearly 13% of all medical claim costs, second only to the medical costs associated with sprain- and strain-related injuries (38% of all injuries). The majority of burns involved less than 1 day off of work. The head, hands, and other upper extremities were the body parts most frequently injured by burns or electric shocks. For this industry, electric-related burns accounted for the largest percentage of burn injuries, 399 injuries (45.8%), followed by thermal/heat burns, 345 injuries (39.6%), and chemical burns, 51 injuries (5.8%). These injuries also represented a disproportionate number of fatalities; of the 24 deaths recorded in the database, contact with electric current or with temperature extremes was the source of seven of the fatalities. High-risk occupations included welders, line workers, electricians, meter readers, mechanics, maintenance workers, and plant and equipment operators.

Using multilevel spatial models to understand salamander site occupancy patterns after wildfire

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chelgren, Nathan; Adams, Michael J.; Bailey, Larissa L.; Bury, R. Bruce

2011-01-01

Studies of the distribution of elusive forest wildlife have suffered from the confounding of true presence with the uncertainty of detection. Occupancy modeling, which incorporates probabilities of species detection conditional on presence, is an emerging approach for reducing observation bias. However, the current likelihood modeling framework is restrictive for handling unexplained sources of variation in the response that may occur when there are dependence structures such as smaller sampling units that are nested within larger sampling units. We used multilevel Bayesian occupancy modeling to handle dependence structures and to partition sources of variation in occupancy of sites by terrestrial salamanders (family Plethodontidae) within and surrounding an earlier wildfire in western Oregon, USA. Comparison of model fit favored a spatial N-mixture model that accounted for variation in salamander abundance over models that were based on binary detection/non-detection data. Though catch per unit effort was higher in burned areas than unburned, there was strong support that this pattern was due to a higher probability of capture for individuals in burned plots. Within the burn, the odds of capturing an individual given it was present were 2.06 times the odds outside the burn, reflecting reduced complexity of ground cover in the burn. There was weak support that true occupancy was lower within the burned area. While the odds of occupancy in the burn were 0.49 times the odds outside the burn among the five species, the magnitude of variation attributed to the burn was small in comparison to variation attributed to other landscape variables and to unexplained, spatially autocorrelated random variation. While ordinary occupancy models may separate the biological pattern of interest from variation in detection probability when all sources of variation are known, the addition of random effects structures for unexplained sources of variation in occupancy and detection

Alkali silica reaction (ASR) in cement free alkali activated sustainable concrete.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-12-19

This report summarizes the findings of an experimental evaluation into alkali silica : reaction (ASR) in cement free alkali-activated slag and fly ash binder concrete. The : susceptibility of alkali-activated fly ash and slag concrete binders to dele...

Process to separate alkali metal salts from alkali metal reacted hydrocarbons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gordon, John Howard; Alvare, Javier; Larsen, Dennis

A process to facilitate gravimetric separation of alkali metal salts, such as alkali metal sulfides and polysulfides, from alkali metal reacted hydrocarbons. The disclosed process is part of a method of upgrading a hydrocarbon feedstock by removing heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals from the hydrocarbon feedstock composition. This method reacts the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and an upgradant hydrocarbon. The alkali metal reacts with a portion of the heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals to form an inorganic phase containing alkali metal salts and reduced heavy metals, and an upgraded hydrocarbon feedstock. The inorganic phasemore » may be gravimetrically separated from the upgraded hydrocarbon feedstock after mixing at a temperature between about 350.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for a time period between about 15 minutes and 2 hours.« less

Alkali-activated concrete with Serbian fly ash and its radiological impact.

PubMed

Nuccetelli, Cristina; Trevisi, Rosabianca; Ignjatović, Ivan; Dragaš, Jelena

2017-03-01

The present paper reports the results of a study on different types of fly ash from Serbian coal burning power plants and their potential use as a binder in alkali-activated concrete (AAC) depending on their radiological and mechanical properties. Five AAC mixtures with different types of coal burning fly ash and one type of blast furnace slag were designed. Measurements of the activity concentrations of 40 K, 226 Ra and 232 Th were done both on concrete constituents (fly ash, blast furnace slag and aggregate) and on the five solid AAC samples. Experimental results were compared by using the activity concentration assessment tool for building materials - the activity concentration index I, as introduced by the EU Basic Safety Standards (CE, 2014). All five designed alkali-activated concretes comply with EU BSS screening requirements for indoor building materials. Finally, index I values were compared with the results of the application of a more accurate index - I(ρd), which accounts for thickness and density of building materials (Nuccetelli et al., 2015a). Considering the actual density and thickness of each concrete sample index - I(ρd) values are lower than index I values. As an appendix, a synthesis of main results concerning mechanical and chemical properties is provided. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cologne burn centre experience with assault burn injuries.

PubMed

Theodorou, P; Spanholtz, T A; Amini, P; Maurer, C A; Phan, T Q V; Perbix, W; Lefering, R; Spilker, G

2009-12-01

To evaluate demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with assault burn injuries. Assault by burning demonstrates a rare but severe public health issue and accounts for unique injury characteristics in the burn intensive care unit (BICU). We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients with thermal injuries admitted to the BICU of a university hospital. The patient cohort was divided into two groups (ABI group: patients with assault burns, n=41; population of all other burned patients admitted to the BICU, n=1202). Bivariate and multivariate analyses including demographic and socioeconomic data were used to identify factors associated with assault burns. Forty-one assault-related burn victims were identified in the study period. This represents 3.3% of all significant burns admitted. Comparing battery victims with the control population, assault patients were more likely to be young (mean age 36.2 years vs. 42.2 years) and immigrants (41.5% vs. 15.1%). Furthermore, marital status (65.9% vs. 40.8% singles), employment status (36.6% vs. 9.7% unemployed) and insurance status (41.5% vs. 12.3% social insurance) were significantly different in the bivariate analysis. Logistic regression evaluation identified three variables that were independently associated with assault burns: younger age (< or =25 years) (odds ratio, 2.54 [95% confidence interval, 1.29-5.02]; p=0.007), ethnic minority (odds ratio, 3.71 [95% confidence interval, 1.91-7.20]; p<0.001) and unemployment (odds ratio, 4.02 [95% confidence interval, 2.03-7.97]; p<0.001). The high incidence of youngsters, unemployment and the great proportion of immigrants in victims of assault might provide several opportunities for community-based psychosocial and occupational programs. A multidisciplinary approach targeting issues specific to the violent nature of the injury and the socioeconomic background of the victims may be of benefit to improve their perspectives for rehabilitation.

Alkali metal nitrate purification

DOEpatents

Fiorucci, Louis C.; Morgan, Michael J.

1986-02-04

A process is disclosed for removing contaminants from impure alkali metal nitrates containing them. The process comprises heating the impure alkali metal nitrates in solution form or molten form at a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect precipitation of solid impurities and separating the solid impurities from the resulting purified alkali metal nitrates. The resulting purified alkali metal nitrates in solution form may be heated to evaporate water therefrom to produce purified molten alkali metal nitrates suitable for use as a heat transfer medium. If desired, the purified molten form may be granulated and cooled to form discrete solid particles of purified alkali metal nitrates.

Occupational PAH exposures during prescribed pile burns.

PubMed

Robinson, M S; Anthony, T R; Littau, S R; Herckes, P; Nelson, X; Poplin, G S; Burgess, J L

2008-08-01

Wildland firefighters are exposed to particulate matter and gases containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which are known carcinogens. Our objective was to evaluate the extent of firefighter exposure to particulate and PAHs during prescribed pile burns of mainly ponderosa pine slash and determine whether these exposures were correlated with changes in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP), a PAH metabolite. Personal and area sampling for particulate and PAH exposures were conducted on the White Mountain Apache Tribe reservation, working with 21 Bureau of Indian Affairs/Fort Apache Agency wildland firefighters during the fall of 2006. Urine samples were collected pre- and post-exposure and pulmonary function was measured. Personal PAH exposures were detectable for only 3 of 16 PAHs analyzed: naphthalene, phenanthrene, and fluorene, all of which were identified only in vapor-phase samples. Condensed-phase PAHs were detected in PM2.5 area samples (20 of 21 PAHs analyzed were detected, all but naphthalene) at concentrations below 1 microg m(-3). The total PAH/PM2.5 mass fractions were roughly a factor of two higher during smoldering (1.06 +/- 0.15) than ignition (0.55 +/- 0.04 microg mg(-1)). There were no significant changes in urinary 1-HP or pulmonary function following exposure to pile burning. In summary, PAH exposures were low in pile burns, and urinary testing for a PAH metabolite failed to show a significant difference between baseline and post-exposure measurements.

Occupational PAH Exposures during Prescribed Pile Burns

PubMed Central

Robinson, M. S.; Anthony, T. R.; Littau, S. R.; Herckes, P.; Nelson, X.; Poplin, G. S.; Burgess, J. L.

2008-01-01

Wildland firefighters are exposed to particulate matter and gases containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which are known carcinogens. Our objective was to evaluate the extent of firefighter exposure to particulate and PAHs during prescribed pile burns of mainly ponderosa pine slash and determine whether these exposures were correlated with changes in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP), a PAH metabolite. Personal and area sampling for particulate and PAH exposures were conducted on the White Mountain Apache Tribe reservation, working with 21 Bureau of Indian Affairs/Fort Apache Agency wildland firefighters during the fall of 2006. Urine samples were collected pre- and post-exposure and pulmonary function was measured. Personal PAH exposures were detectable for only 3 of 16 PAHs analyzed: naphthalene, phenanthrene, and fluorene, all of which were identified only in vapor-phase samples. Condensed-phase PAHs were detected in PM2.5 area samples (20 of 21 PAHs analyzed were detected, all but naphthalene) at concentrations below 1 μg m−3. The total PAH/PM2.5 mass fractions were roughly a factor of two higher during smoldering (1.06 ± 0.15) than ignition (0.55 ± 0.04 μg mg−1). There were no significant changes in urinary 1-HP or pulmonary function following exposure to pile burning. In summary, PAH exposures were low in pile burns, and urinary testing for a PAH metabolite failed to show a significant difference between baseline and post-exposure measurements. PMID:18515848

Hydrothermal alkali metal recovery process

DOEpatents

Wolfs, Denise Y.; Clavenna, Le Roy R.; Eakman, James M.; Kalina, Theodore

1980-01-01

In a coal gasification operation or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein solid particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles by treating them with a calcium or magnesium-containing compound in the presence of water at a temperature between about 250.degree. F. and about 700.degree. F. and in the presence of an added base to establish a pH during the treatment step that is higher than would otherwise be possible without the addition of the base. During the treating process the relatively high pH facilitates the conversion of water-insoluble alkali metal compounds in the alkali metal residues into water-soluble alkali metal constituents. The resultant aqueous solution containing water-soluble alkali metal constituents is then separated from the residue solids, which consist of the treated particles and any insoluble materials formed during the treatment step, and recycled to the gasification process where the alkali metal constituents serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst. Preferably, the base that is added during the treatment step is an alkali metal hydroxide obtained by water washing the residue solids produced during the treatment step.

EXTINGUISHMENT OF ALKALI METAL FIRES

DTIC Science & Technology

low O2 partial pressures on alkali metal fires Extinguishment of alkali metal fires using in organic salt mixtures Extinguishment of alkali metal ... fires using inorganic salt foams Alkali metal jet stream ignition at various pressure conditions Bibliography

Refractories for high alkali environments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rau, A.W.; Cloer, F.

1996-12-31

Information on refractories for high alkali environments is outlined. Information is presented on: product gallery; alkali attack; chemical reactions; basic layout of alkali cup test; criteria for rating alkali cup test samples; and basic layout of physical properties test.

Psychiatric diagnoses after hospitalization with work-related burn injuries in Washington State.

PubMed

Anderson, Naomi J; Bonauto, David K; Adams, Darrin

2011-01-01

This study aims to describe workers who were hospitalized with work-related burn injuries and their psychiatric sequelae in Washington State. Psychiatric sequelae of interest were depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Workers' compensation claims meeting a definition for a hospitalized burn patient from Washington State from January 2001 through April 2008 were analyzed. The resulting claims were searched for the presence of certain psychiatric diagnoses or treatment codes, and descriptive analyses performed. In Washington State during the time period, the prevalence of claims with psychiatric diagnoses after hospitalization with burn injury was 19%. Claims with psychiatric diagnoses had higher medical costs and more days of time loss than those without these diagnoses. Workers with electrical burns in the construction industry and in construction and extraction occupations had a higher proportion of psychiatric sequelae. Burns are devastating yet preventable injuries. Workers who were hospitalized with work-related burn injuries, particularly those in certain industries and occupations and those with electrical burns, are at high risk for developing serious psychiatric sequelae with major costs to both the individual and the society.

Effects of fire on golden eagle territory occupancy and reproductive success

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kochert, Michael N.; Steenhof, Karen; Marzluff, J.M.; Carpenter, L.B.

1999-01-01

We examined effects of fire on golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) territory occupancy and reproductive success in southwestern Idaho because wildfires since 1980 have resulted in large-scale losses of shrub habitat in the Snake River Plain. Success (percentage of pairs that raised young) at burned territories declined after major fires (P = 0.004). Pairs in burned areas that could expand into adjacent vacant territories were as successful as pairs in unburned territories and more successful than pairs in burned territories that could not expand. Success at extensively burned territories was lowest 4-6 years after burning but increased 4-5 years later. The incidence and extent of fires did not help predict territories that would have low occupancy and success rates in postburn years. The presence of a vacant neighboring territory and the amount of agriculture and proportion of shrubs within 3 km of the nesting centroid best predicted probability of territory occupancy. Nesting success during preburn years best predicted the probability of a territory being successful in postburn years. Burned territories with high success rates during preburn years continued to have high success rates during postburn years, and those with low success in preburn years continued to be less successful after burning. In areas where much shrub habitat has been lost to fire, management for golden eagles should include active fire suppression and rehabilitation of burned areas.

Hydrothermal alkali metal catalyst recovery process

DOEpatents

Eakman, James M.; Clavenna, LeRoy R.

1979-01-01

In a coal gasification operation or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein solid particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles primarily in the form of water soluble alkali metal formates by treating the particles with a calcium or magnesium-containing compound in the presence of water at a temperature between about 250.degree. F. and about 700.degree. F. and in the presence of added carbon monoxide. During the treating process the water insoluble alkali metal compounds comprising the insoluble alkali metal residues are converted into water soluble alkali metal formates. The resultant aqueous solution containing water soluble alkali metal formates is then separated from the treated particles and any insoluble materials formed during the treatment process, and recycled to the gasification process where the alkali metal formates serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst. This process permits increased recovery of alkali metal constituents, thereby decreasing the overall cost of the gasification process by reducing the amount of makeup alkali metal compounds necessary.

[On-line analysis and mass concentration characters of the alkali metal ions of PM10 in Beijing].

PubMed

Zhang, Kai; Wang, Yue-Si; Wen, Tian-Xue; Liu, Guang-Ren; Hu, Bo; Zhao, Ya-Nan

2008-01-01

The mass concentration characters and the sources of water-soluble alkali metal ions in PM10 in 2004 and 2005 in Beijing were analyzed by using the system of rapid collection of particles. The result showed that the average concentration of Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ was 0.5-1.4, 0.5-2.5, 0.1-0.5 and 0.6-5.8 microg/m3, respectively. The highest and lowest concentration appeared in different seasons for the alkali metal ions, which was related to the quality and source. The concentration of alkali metal ions was no difference between the heating period and no heating period, which meant the heating was not the main source. Sea salt and soil were the important sources of Na+. The source of K+ came from biomass burning and vegetation. Soil was the large source of Mg2+ and Ca2+. The alkali metal ions appeared different daily variation in different seasons. Precipitation could decrease the concentration of Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, which was 10%-70%, 20%-80%, 10%-77%, 5%-80% respectively.

Thigh burns from exploding e-cigarette lithium ion batteries: First case series.

PubMed

Nicoll, K J; Rose, A M; Khan, M A A; Quaba, O; Lowrie, A G

2016-06-01

E-cigarette (EC) use has risen meteorically over the last decade. The majority of these devices are powered by re-chargeable lithium ion batteries, which can represent a fire hazard if damaged, over-heated, over-charged or stored inappropriately. There are currently no reports in the medical literature of lithium ion battery burns related to EC use and no guidance on the appropriate management of lithium ion battery associated injuries. We report two individual cases of burn resulting from explosion of EC re-chargeable lithium ion batteries. Both patients required in-patient surgical management. We provide evidence that lithium ion battery explosions can be associated with mixed thermal and alkali chemical burns, resulting from the significant discharge of thermal energy and the dispersal of corrosive lithium ion compounds. We would recommend, as with other elemental metal exposures, caution in exposing lithium ion battery burns to water irrigation. Early and thorough cleaning and debridement of such burns, to remove residual lithium contamination, may limit the risk of burn wound extension and potentially improve outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Alkali metal and alkali earth metal gadolinium halide scintillators

DOEpatents

Bourret-Courchesne, Edith; Derenzo, Stephen E.; Parms, Shameka; Porter-Chapman, Yetta D.; Wiggins, Latoria K.

2016-08-02

The present invention provides for a composition comprising an inorganic scintillator comprising a gadolinium halide, optionally cerium-doped, having the formula A.sub.nGdX.sub.m:Ce; wherein A is nothing, an alkali metal, such as Li or Na, or an alkali earth metal, such as Ba; X is F, Br, Cl, or I; n is an integer from 1 to 2; m is an integer from 4 to 7; and the molar percent of cerium is 0% to 100%. The gadolinium halides or alkali earth metal gadolinium halides are scintillators and produce a bright luminescence upon irradiation by a suitable radiation.

Apparatus enables accurate determination of alkali oxides in alkali metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dupraw, W. A.; Gahn, R. F.; Graab, J. W.; Maple, W. E.; Rosenblum, L.

1966-01-01

Evacuated apparatus determines the alkali oxide content of an alkali metal by separating the metal from the oxide by amalgamation with mercury. The apparatus prevents oxygen and moisture from inadvertently entering the system during the sampling and analytical procedure.

Ten-year epidemiology of chemical burns in western Zhejiang Province, China.

PubMed

Ye, Chunjiang; Wang, Xingang; Zhang, Yuanhai; Ni, Liangfang; Jiang, Ruiming; Liu, Liping; Han, Chunmao

2016-05-01

Chemical burns occur frequently in western Zhejiang Province. This study documents the epidemiology of chemical burns in the region using burn data from a local specialized hospital. Results from this analysis will assist in the planning of prevention strategies for high-risk occupations and groups. A 10-year retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients with chemical burns admitted to the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery from January 2004 to December 2013. Information obtained for each patient included demographics (gender, age, occupation and education), location of the burn, cause of the burn, and categories of chemicals. Data regarding the season of admittance, prehospital treatment, wound site/size (area, region, and depth), accompanying injuries, operations, length of hospital stay and mortality were also assessed. A total of 690 patients (619 males, 71 females; average age: 30.6±12.4 years) were admitted to the department for chemical burns. Over the 10-year period, the incidence of chemical burns showed an increasing tendency. Chemical burns occurred most frequently in patients aged 20-59 years (94.79%). Most of the chemical burns were work-related, primarily in private enterprises (47.97%) and state-owned enterprises (24.93%). Operations (68.99%) and machine problems (17.26%) were the main causes of chemical burns in the workplace. With regard to burns caused by chemicals, most were caused by acids (72.01%), with hydrofluoric acid and sulphuric acid causing 51.45%. Most chemical burns occurred in the summer and autumn seasons (61.02%). The burn size was <10% of the total body surface area (TBSA) for 445 patients (64.49%), while only 26 patients (3.76%) had burns covering >40% TBSA. The most common burn sites were the upper extremities (31.57%), lower extremities (19.86%), and head and neck (28.83%). Most patients (581 (84.20%)) received water washing treatment on site immediately after exposure. The most common accompanying injuries included

Pattern of burn injury in hang-glider pilots.

PubMed

Campbell, D C; Nano, T; Pegg, S P

1996-06-01

High-voltage electrical injury has been well documented in a number of situations, such as the occupational hazard of linesmen and construction workers, and in the context of overhead railway power lines. Two cases of hang-glider pilots contacting 11,000-volt power lines have recently been treated in the Royal Brisbane Hospital Burns Unit. They demonstrate an interesting pattern of injury, not described in current burns literature, involving both hand and lower abdominal burns. Both patients sustained full-thickness patches of burn injury, with underlying muscle damage and peripheral neurological injury. This distribution of injury seems to be closely related to the design of the hang glider.

Methods of recovering alkali metals

DOEpatents

Krumhansl, James L; Rigali, Mark J

2014-03-04

Approaches for alkali metal extraction, sequestration and recovery are described. For example, a method of recovering alkali metals includes providing a CST or CST-like (e.g., small pore zeolite) material. The alkali metal species is scavenged from the liquid mixture by the CST or CST-like material. The alkali metal species is extracted from the CST or CST-like material.

Wound management and outcome of 595 electrical burns in a major burn center.

PubMed

Li, Haisheng; Tan, Jianglin; Zhou, Junyi; Yuan, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Jiaping; Peng, Yizhi; Wu, Jun; Luo, Gaoxing

2017-06-15

Electrical burns are important causes of trauma worldwide. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, wound management, and outcome of electric burns. This retrospective study was performed at the Institute of Burn Research of the Third Military Medical University during 2013-2015. Data including the demographics, injury patterns, wound treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. A total of 595 electrical burn patients (93.8% males) were included. The average age was 37.3 ± 14.6 y, and most patients (73.5%) were aged 19∼50 years. Most patients (67.2%) were injured in work-related circumstances. The mean total body surface area was 8.8 ± 11.8% and most wounds (63.5%) were full-thickness burns. Operation times of high-voltage burns and current burns were higher than those of low-voltage burns and arc burns, respectively. Of the 375 operated patients, 83.2% (n = 312) underwent skin autografting and 49.3% (n = 185) required skin flap coverage. Common types of skin flaps were adjacent (50.3%), random (42.2%), and pedicle (35.7%). Amputation was performed in 107 cases (18.0%) and concentrated on the hands (43.9%) and upper limbs (39.3%). The mean length of stay was 42.9 ± 46.3 d and only one death occurred (0.2%). Current burns and higher numbers of operations were major risk factors for amputation and length of stay, respectively. Electrical burns mainly affected adult males with occupational exposures in China. Skin autografts and various skin flaps were commonly used for electric burn wound management. More standardized and effective strategies of treatment and prevention are still needed to decrease amputation rates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Alkali metal ion battery with bimetallic electrode

DOEpatents

Boysen, Dane A; Bradwell, David J; Jiang, Kai; Kim, Hojong; Ortiz, Luis A; Sadoway, Donald R; Tomaszowska, Alina A; Wei, Weifeng; Wang, Kangli

2015-04-07

Electrochemical cells having molten electrodes having an alkali metal provide receipt and delivery of power by transporting atoms of the alkali metal between electrode environments of disparate chemical potentials through an electrochemical pathway comprising a salt of the alkali metal. The chemical potential of the alkali metal is decreased when combined with one or more non-alkali metals, thus producing a voltage between an electrode comprising the molten the alkali metal and the electrode comprising the combined alkali/non-alkali metals.

Computational studies of solid-state alkali conduction in rechargeable alkali-ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Deng, Zhi; Mo, Yifei; Ong, Shyue Ping

2016-03-25

The facile conduction of alkali ions in a crystal host is of crucial importance in rechargeable alkali-ion batteries, the dominant form of energy storage today. In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of computational approaches to study solid-state alkali diffusion. We demonstrate how these methods have provided useful insights into the design of materials that form the main components of a rechargeable alkali-ion battery, namely the electrodes, superionic conductor solid electrolytes and interfaces. We will also provide a perspective on future challenges and directions. Here, the scope of this review includes the monovalent lithium- and sodium-ion chemistries that aremore » currently of the most commercial interest.« less

A study on the dynamic interfacial tension of acidic crude oil/alkali (alkali-polymer) systems--

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Y.; Yang, P.; Qin, T.

1989-01-01

This paper describes the investigation of dynamic interfacial tension (DIFT) between the acidic Liao-He crude oil and two types of brine: a simple alkali system and a combined alkali-polymer system. It was found that interfacial tension (IFT) changed markedly with time and that the history of DIFT depended upon the concentration of alkali in the brine. The experimental results also showed that the IFT dropped dramatically as soon as the fresh oil contacted brine causing spontaneous emulsification to occur. The steady-state value of DIFT {gamma} st can be lower with the combined alkali-polymer system than with the simple alkali system.more » The results indicate that biopolymer is more effective than partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPAM) for lowering {gamma} st and that Na{sub 2}Co{sub 1} causes a lower {gamma} st than NaOH in the combined alkali-polymer system. Optimized formulations containing Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} added biopolymer can reduce {gamma} st by two orders of magnitude, and PHPAM can reduce {gamma} st by one order of magnitude. The interaction between alkali and polymer in the combined alkali-polymer system is discussed.« less

EXTINGUISHMENT OF ALKALI METAL FIRES

DTIC Science & Technology

Contents: Effect of inert gas nket and ow O2 partial pressures on alkali metal fires Extinguishment of small scale fires Extinguishment of alkali... metal fires using inorganic salt foam Alkali metal jet stream ignition at various pressure conditions

Alkali resistant optical coatings for alkali lasers and methods of production thereof

DOEpatents

Soules, Thomas F; Beach, Raymond J; Mitchell, Scott C

2014-11-18

In one embodiment, a multilayer dielectric coating for use in an alkali laser includes two or more alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials, wherein an innermost layer includes a thicker, >500 nm, and dense, >97% of theoretical, layer of at least one of: alumina, zirconia, and hafnia for protecting subsequent layers of the two or more alternating layers of high and low index dielectric materials from alkali attack. In another embodiment, a method for forming an alkali resistant coating includes forming a first oxide material above a substrate and forming a second oxide material above the first oxide material to form a multilayer dielectric coating, wherein the second oxide material is on a side of the multilayer dielectric coating for contacting an alkali.

Alkali metal for ultraviolet band-pass filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mardesich, Nick (Inventor); Fraschetti, George A. (Inventor); Mccann, Timothy A. (Inventor); Mayall, Sherwood D. (Inventor); Dunn, Donald E. (Inventor); Trauger, John T. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

An alkali metal filter having a layer of metallic bismuth deposited onto the alkali metal is provided. The metallic bismuth acts to stabilize the surface of the alkali metal to prevent substantial surface migration from occurring on the alkali metal, which may degrade optical characteristics of the filter. To this end, a layer of metallic bismuth is deposited by vapor deposition over the alkali metal to a depth of approximately 5 to 10 A. A complete alkali metal filter is described along with a method for fabricating the alkali metal filter.

Alkali metal ionization detector

DOEpatents

Bauerle, James E.; Reed, William H.; Berkey, Edgar

1978-01-01

Variations in the conventional filament and collector electrodes of an alkali metal ionization detector, including the substitution of helical electrode configurations for either the conventional wire filament or flat plate collector; or, the substitution of a plurality of discrete filament electrodes providing an in situ capability for transferring from an operationally defective filament electrode to a previously unused filament electrode without removing the alkali metal ionization detector from the monitored environment. In particular, the helical collector arrangement which is coaxially disposed about the filament electrode, i.e. the thermal ionizer, provides an improved collection of positive ions developed by the filament electrode. The helical filament design, on the other hand, provides the advantage of an increased surface area for ionization of alkali metal-bearing species in a monitored gas environment as well as providing a relatively strong electric field for collecting the ions at the collector electrode about which the helical filament electrode is coaxially positioned. Alternatively, both the filament and collector electrodes can be helical. Furthermore, the operation of the conventional alkali metal ionization detector as a leak detector can be simplified as to cost and complexity, by operating the detector at a reduced collector potential while maintaining the sensitivity of the alkali metal ionization detector adequate for the relatively low concentration of alkali vapor and aerosol typically encountered in leak detection applications.

EXTINGUISHMENT OF ALKALI METAL FIRES

DTIC Science & Technology

was found to be effective on low temperature (1000F) fires and was useful on alkali metal fires on or under insulation. Organic liquids were not...particularly effective on alkali metal fires . A section is presented on a typical alkali metal system which might be used to generate electrical power in space.

Effect of alkali lignins with different molecular weights from alkali pretreated rice straw hydrolyzate on enzymatic hydrolysis.

PubMed

Li, Yun; Qi, Benkun; Luo, Jianquan; Wan, Yinhua

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effect of alkali lignins with different molecular weights on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose. Different alkali lignins fractions, which were obtained from cascade ultrafiltration, were added into the dilute acid pretreated (DAP) and alkali pretreated (AP) rice straws respectively during enzymatic hydrolysis. The results showed that the addition of alkali lignins enhanced the hydrolysis and the enhancement for hydrolysis increased with increasing molecular weights of alkali lignins, with maximum enhancement being 28.69% for DAP and 20.05% for AP, respectively. The enhancement was partly attributed to the improved cellulase activity, and filter paper activity increased by 18.03% when adding lignin with highest molecular weight. It was found that the enhancement of enzymatic hydrolysis was correlated with the adsorption affinity of cellulase on alkali lignins, and the difference in surface charge and hydrophobicity of alkali lignins were responsible for the difference in affinity between cellulase and lignins. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Select practices in management and rehabilitation of burns: a survey report.

PubMed

Holavanahalli, Radha K; Helm, Phala A; Parry, Ingrid S; Dolezal, Cynthia A; Greenhalgh, David G

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study is to document the organization and current practices in physical rehabilitation across burn centers. An online survey developed for the specific purposes of this study sought information regarding a) logistics of the burn center; b) inpatient and outpatient treatment of patients with burn injury; and c) specific protocols in the treatment of a few complications secondary to burn injuries. Of the 159 responses received, 115 were received from the United States, 20 from Australia, 16 from Canada, and 7 from New Zealand. The overall sample included responses from 76 physical therapists (PTs) and 78 occupational therapists. Seventy-three of those surveyed considered themselves primarily a burn therapist. Nurses (86%) were reported as primarily responsible for wound care of inpatients, followed by wound care technicians (24%). Ninety-seven percent of the therapists reported following their own treatment plans. The trunk and areas of head and neck were treated by both PTs and occupational therapists, whereas the lower extremities continue to be treated predominantly by PTs. Some common practices regarding treatment of a few complications secondary to burn injuries such as splinting to prevent contractures, treatment of exposed or ruptured extensor tendons, exposed Achilles tendons, heterotopic ossification, postoperative ambulation, conditioning, scar massage, and use of compression garments are described. Opportunities exist for 1) developing a common document for practice guidelines in physical rehabilitation of burns; and 2) conducting collaborative studies to evaluate treatment interventions and outcomes.

Feasibility of articulated arm mounted Oculus Rift Virtual Reality goggles for adjunctive pain control during occupational therapy in pediatric burn patients.

PubMed

Hoffman, Hunter G; Meyer, Walter J; Ramirez, Maribel; Roberts, Linda; Seibel, Eric J; Atzori, Barbara; Sharar, Sam R; Patterson, David R

2014-06-01

For daily burn wound care and therapeutic physical therapy skin stretching procedures, powerful pain medications alone are often inadequate. This feasibility study provides the first evidence that entering an immersive virtual environment using very inexpensive (∼$400) wide field of view Oculus Rift Virtual Reality (VR) goggles can elicit a strong illusion of presence and reduce pain during VR. The patient was an 11-year-old male with severe electrical and flash burns on his head, shoulders, arms, and feet (36 percent total body surface area (TBSA), 27 percent TBSA were third-degree burns). He spent one 20-minute occupational therapy session with no VR, one with VR on day 2, and a final session with no VR on day 3. His rating of pain intensity during therapy dropped from severely painful during no VR to moderately painful during VR. Pain unpleasantness dropped from moderately unpleasant during no VR to mildly unpleasant during VR. He reported going "completely inside the computer generated world", and had more fun during VR. Results are consistent with a growing literature showing reductions in pain during VR. Although case studies are scientifically inconclusive by nature, these preliminary results suggest that the Oculus Rift VR goggles merit more attention as a potential treatment for acute procedural pain of burn patients. Availability of inexpensive but highly immersive VR goggles would significantly improve cost effectiveness and increase dissemination of VR pain distraction, making VR available to many more patients, potentially even at home, for pain control as well as a wide range of other VR therapy applications. This is the first clinical data on PubMed to show the use of Oculus Rift for any medical application.

Purification of alkali metal nitrates

DOEpatents

Fiorucci, Louis C.; Gregory, Kevin M.

1985-05-14

A process is disclosed for removing heavy metal contaminants from impure alkali metal nitrates containing them. The process comprises mixing the impure nitrates with sufficient water to form a concentrated aqueous solution of the impure nitrates, adjusting the pH of the resulting solution to within the range of between about 2 and about 7, adding sufficient reducing agent to react with heavy metal contaminants within said solution, adjusting the pH of the solution containing reducing agent to effect precipitation of heavy metal impurities and separating the solid impurities from the resulting purified aqueous solution of alkali metal nitrates. The resulting purified solution of alkali metal nitrates may be heated to evaporate water therefrom to produce purified molten alkali metal nitrate suitable for use as a heat transfer medium. If desired, the purified molten form may be granulated and cooled to form discrete solid particles of alkali metal nitrates.

When a hero becomes a patient: firefighter burn injuries in the National Burn Repository.

PubMed

Matt, Sarah E; Shupp, Jeffery W; Carter, Elizabeth A; Flanagan, Katherine E; Jordan, Marion H

2012-01-01

Firefighters receive significant training and are outfitted with state-of-the-art protective equipment. However, given the unpredictable nature of their work environment, injuries still occur. The National Burn Repository (NBR) was viewed as a resource for defining the epidemiology of these injuries on a national level and to identify predictive factors for outcomes in this population. The NBR was queried for the occupation of "firefighter" for the years 1990-2008. Records were screened for completeness, and 597 patients were identified for analysis. Data examined included demographics, %TBSA burn, length of stay (LOS), injury circumstance, and disposition. Multiple linear regression models were created to determine factors related to outcome measures. The majority of patients were white (84%) and male (96%). The mean age was 35 years. Most injuries were caused by fire/flame (73%). Only six deaths (1%) were reported. Most injuries were work-related (86%), and most patients were discharged home (92%). Inhalation injury was documented in 9% of patients. The mean LOS was 6.5 ± 11.3 days (median 2 days), and few patients had critical care requirements. The average %TBSA was 6 ± 11.7%. Patients with larger injuries had increased LOS. The presence of inhalation injury, elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels, and advancing age were significantly associated with larger burns. From the NBR data, most firefighter burn injuries were small, and few firefighter burn patients required critical care resources or had significant disability. Firefighters comprise a small number of burn center admissions each year, yet they are an important population to consider for burn prevention efforts.

Alkali metal hafnium oxide scintillators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bourret-Courchesne, Edith; Derenzo, Stephen E.; Taylor, Scott Edward

The present invention provides for a composition comprising an inorganic scintillator comprising an alkali metal hafnate, optionally cerium-doped, having the formula A 2HfO 3:Ce; wherein A is an alkali metal having a valence of 1, such as Li or Na; and the molar percent of cerium is 0% to 100%. The alkali metal hafnate are scintillators and produce a bright luminescence upon irradiation by a suitable radiation.

Chemical effects of alkali atoms on critical temperature in superconducting alkali-doped fullerides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hetfleisch, F.; Gunnarsson, O.; Srama, R.; Han, J. E.; Stepper, M.; Roeser, H.-P.; Bohr, A.; Lopez, J. S.; Mashmool, M.; Roth, S.

2018-03-01

Alkali metal doped fullerides (A3C60) are superconductors with critical temperatures, Tc, extending up to 38 K. Tc is known to depend strongly on the lattice parameter a, which can be adjusted by physical or chemical pressure. In the latter case an alkali atom is replaced by a different sized one, which changes a. We have collected an extensive data base of experimental data for Tc from very early up to recent measurements. We disentangle alkali atom chemical effects on Tc, beyond the well-known consequences of changing a. It is found that Tc, for a fixed a, is typically increased as smaller alkali atoms are replaced by larger ones, except for very large a. Possible reasons for these results are discussed. Although smaller in size than the lattice parameter contribution, the chemical effect is not negligible and should be considered in future physical model developments.

Epidemiology of burns undergoing hospitalization to the National Burns Unit in the Sultanate of Oman: a 25-year review.

PubMed

Al-Shaqsi, Sultan; Al-Kashmiri, Ammar; Al-Bulushi, Taimoor

2013-12-01

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of burns admitted to the National Burns Unit (NBU) in the Sultanate of Oman between 1987 and 2011. This is a retrospective review of burn patients admitted to Oman's National Burns Unit (NBU) between 1987 and 2011. The data extracted from the national burn registry. The study describes the admission rate by gender and age groups, occupation, causes of burns, time-to-admission, length of stay and in-hospital mortality of burns between 1987 and 2011. During a 25-year from 1987 to 2011, there were 3531 burn patients admitted to the National Burns Unit in Oman. The average admission rate to NBU is 7.02 per 100,000 persons per year. On average, males were more likely to be admitted to the NBU than females during the study period (P value < 0.04). Patients aged 1-10 years old constituted 46.6% of caseload during the study period. Flames and scalds caused 88.4% of burns. About half of all patients admitted to the NBU have burns to more than 11% of total body surface area (TBSA). The average stay in hospital was estimated to be 15.3 days per patient. The average in-hospital mortality rate was estimated to be 8.2% per year (range 1.9-22%). Burns are significant public health issue in the Sultanate of Oman. Children are disproportionately over-represented in this study. Prevention programmes are urgently needed to address this "silent and costly epidemic." Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Alkali metal recovery from carbonaceous material conversion process

DOEpatents

Sharp, David W.; Clavenna, LeRoy R.; Gorbaty, Martin L.; Tsou, Joe M.

1980-01-01

In a coal gasification operation or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein solid particles containing alkali metal residues are produced in the gasifier or similar reaction zone, alkali metal constitutents are recovered from the particles by withdrawing and passing the particles from the reaction zone to an alkali metal recovery zone in the substantial absence of molecular oxygen and treating the particles in the recovery zone with water or an aqueous solution in the substantial absence of molecular oxygen. The solution formed by treating the particles in the recovery zone will contain water-soluble alkali metal constituents and is recycled to the conversion process where the alkali metal constituents serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst. Preventing contact of the particles with oxygen as they are withdrawn from the reaction zone and during treatment in the recovery zone avoids the formation of undesirable alkali metal constituents in the aqueous solution produced in the recovery zone and insures maximum recovery of water-soluble alkali metal constituents from the alkali metal residues.

The impact of oil burning on kraft recovery furnace SO sub 2 emissions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Someshwar, A.V.; Pinkerton, J.E.; Caron, A.L.

1991-04-01

Auxiliary fossil fuel, either natural gas or fuel oil, is burned in kraft recovery furnaces during furnace startups and shutdowns, furnace upsets, and periods of substantially reduced rates of black liquor firing. The efficiency of sulfur capture and retention during normal operation of a kraft recovery furnace is inherently high. Consequently, not all the SO{sub 2} from occasional burning of sulfur-containing fuel oil in the furnace would be expected to end up in the stack gases. However, the extent to which such SO{sub 2} is captured by the alkali fume generation processes has not been well documented. In this paper,more » the authors examines the impact that burning oil in kraft recovery furnaces has on the SO{sub 2} emissions. The work included analyses of long-term SO{sub 2} data from a continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) obtained for four furnaces that burned medium sulfur fuel oil as auxiliary fuel. It also included tests conducted on four furnaces in which varying amounts of oil were co-fired with black liquor.« less

Feasibility of Articulated Arm Mounted Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Goggles for Adjunctive Pain Control During Occupational Therapy in Pediatric Burn Patients

PubMed Central

Meyer, Walter J.; Ramirez, Maribel; Roberts, Linda; Seibel, Eric J.; Atzori, Barbara; Sharar, Sam R.; Patterson, David R.

2014-01-01

Abstract For daily burn wound care and therapeutic physical therapy skin stretching procedures, powerful pain medications alone are often inadequate. This feasibility study provides the first evidence that entering an immersive virtual environment using very inexpensive (∼$400) wide field of view Oculus Rift Virtual Reality (VR) goggles can elicit a strong illusion of presence and reduce pain during VR. The patient was an 11-year-old male with severe electrical and flash burns on his head, shoulders, arms, and feet (36 percent total body surface area (TBSA), 27 percent TBSA were third-degree burns). He spent one 20-minute occupational therapy session with no VR, one with VR on day 2, and a final session with no VR on day 3. His rating of pain intensity during therapy dropped from severely painful during no VR to moderately painful during VR. Pain unpleasantness dropped from moderately unpleasant during no VR to mildly unpleasant during VR. He reported going “completely inside the computer generated world”, and had more fun during VR. Results are consistent with a growing literature showing reductions in pain during VR. Although case studies are scientifically inconclusive by nature, these preliminary results suggest that the Oculus Rift VR goggles merit more attention as a potential treatment for acute procedural pain of burn patients. Availability of inexpensive but highly immersive VR goggles would significantly improve cost effectiveness and increase dissemination of VR pain distraction, making VR available to many more patients, potentially even at home, for pain control as well as a wide range of other VR therapy applications. This is the first clinical data on PubMed to show the use of Oculus Rift for any medical application. PMID:24892204

Calcium-Alkali Syndrome in the Modern Era

PubMed Central

Patel, Ami M.; Adeseun, Gbemisola A.; Goldfarb, Stanley

2013-01-01

The ingestion of calcium, along with alkali, results in a well-described triad of hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and renal insufficiency. Over time, the epidemiology and root cause of the syndrome have shifted, such that the disorder, originally called the milk-alkali syndrome, is now better described as the calcium-alkali syndrome. The calcium-alkali syndrome is an important cause of morbidity that may be on the rise, an unintended consequence of shifts in calcium and vitamin D intake in segments of the population. We review the pathophysiology of the calcium-alkali syndrome. PMID:24288027

Responses of pond-breeding amphibians to wildfire: Short-term patterns in occupancy and colonization

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hossack, B.R.; Corn, P.S.

2007-01-01

Wildland fires are expected to become more frequent and severe in many ecosystems, potentially posing a threat to many sensitive species. We evaluated the effects of a large, stand-replacement wildfire on three species of pond-breeding amphibians by estimating changes in occupancy of breeding sites during the three years before and after the fire burned 42 of 83 previously surveyed wetlands. Annual occupancy and colonization for each species was estimated using recently developed models that incorporate detection probabilities to provide unbiased parameter estimates. We did not find negative effects of the fire on the occupancy or colonization rates of the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum). Instead, its occupancy was higher across the study area after the fire, possibly in response to a large snowpack that may have facilitated colonization of unoccupied wetlands. Naïve data (uncorrected for detection probability) for the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris) initially led to the conclusion of increased occupancy and colonization in wetlands that burned. After accounting for temporal and spatial variation in detection probabilities, however, it was evident that these parameters were relatively stable in both areas before and after the fire. We found a similar discrepancy between naïve and estimated occupancy of A. macrodactylum that resulted from different detection probabilities in burned and control wetlands. The boreal toad (Bufo boreas) was not found breeding in the area prior to the fire but colonized several wetlands the year after they burned. Occupancy by B. boreas then declined during years 2 and 3 following the fire. Our study suggests that the amphibian populations we studied are resistant to wildfire and that B. boreas may experience short-term benefits from wildfire. Our data also illustrate how naïve presence–non-detection data can provide misleading results.

Factors affecting alkali jarosite precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutrizac, J. E.

1983-12-01

Several factors affecting the precipitation of the alkali jarosites (sodium jarosite, potassium jarosite, rubidium jarosite, and ammonium jarosite) have been studied systematically using sodium jarosite as the model. The pH of the reacting solution exercises a major influence on the amount of jarosite formed, but has little effect on the composition of the washed product. Higher temperatures significantly increase the yield and slightly raise the alkali content of the jarosites. The yield and alkali content both increase greatly with the alkali concentration to about twice the stoichiometric requirement but, thereafter, remain nearly constant. At 97 °C, the amount of product increases with longer retention times to about 15 hours, but more prolonged reaction times are without significant effect on the amount or composition of the jarosite. Factors such as the presence of seed or ionic strength have little effect on the yield or jarosite composition. The amount of precipitate augments directly as the iron concentration of the solution increases, but the product composition is nearly independent of this variable. A significant degree of agitation is necessary to suspend the product and to prevent the jarosite from coating the apparatus with correspondingly small yields. Once the product is adequately suspended, however, further agitation is without significant effect. The partitioning of alkali ions during jarosite precipitation was ascertained for K:Na, Na:NH4, K:NH4, and K:Rb. Potassium jarosite is the most stable of the alkali jarosites and the stability falls systematically for lighter or heavier congeners; ammonium jarosite is slightly more stable than the sodium analogue. Complete solid solubility among the various alkali jarosite-type compounds was established.

Rapid increases and time-lagged declines in amphibian occupancy after wildfire.

PubMed

Hossack, Blake R; Lowe, Winsor H; Corn, Paul Stephen

2013-02-01

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of drought and wildfire. Aquatic and moisture-sensitive species, such as amphibians, may be particularly vulnerable to these modified disturbance regimes because large wildfires often occur during extended droughts and thus may compound environmental threats. However, understanding of the effects of wildfires on amphibians in forests with long fire-return intervals is limited. Numerous stand-replacing wildfires have occurred since 1988 in Glacier National Park (Montana, U.S.A.), where we have conducted long-term monitoring of amphibians. We measured responses of 3 amphibian species to fires of different sizes, severity, and age in a small geographic area with uniform management. We used data from wetlands associated with 6 wildfires that burned between 1988 and 2003 to evaluate whether burn extent and severity and interactions between wildfire and wetland isolation affected the distribution of breeding populations. We measured responses with models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate occupancy during prefire (0-4 years) and different postfire recovery periods. For the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) and Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris), occupancy was not affected for 6 years after wildfire. But 7-21 years after wildfire, occupancy for both species decreased ≥ 25% in areas where >50% of the forest within 500 m of wetlands burned. In contrast, occupancy of the boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas) tripled in the 3 years after low-elevation forests burned. This increase in occupancy was followed by a gradual decline. Our results show that accounting for magnitude of change and time lags is critical to understanding population dynamics of amphibians after large disturbances. Our results also inform understanding of the potential threat of increases in wildfire frequency or severity to amphibians in the region. ©2012 Society for Conservation Biology.

Rapid increases and time-lagged declines in amphibian occupancy after wildfire

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hossack, Blake R.; Lowe, Winsor H.; Corn, Paul Stephen

2013-01-01

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of drought and wildfire. Aquatic and moisture-sensitive species, such as amphibians, may be particularly vulnerable to these modified disturbance regimes because large wildfires often occur during extended droughts and thus may compound environmental threats. However, understanding of the effects of wildfires on amphibians in forests with long fire-return intervals is limited. Numerous stand-replacing wildfires have occurred since 1988 in Glacier National Park (Montana, U.S.A.), where we have conducted long-term monitoring of amphibians. We measured responses of 3 amphibian species to fires of different sizes, severity, and age in a small geographic area with uniform management. We used data from wetlands associated with 6 wildfires that burned between 1988 and 2003 to evaluate whether burn extent and severity and interactions between wildfire and wetland isolation affected the distribution of breeding populations. We measured responses with models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate occupancy during prefire (0-4 years) and different postfire recovery periods. For the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) and Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris), occupancy was not affected for 6 years after wildfire. But 7-21 years after wildfire, occupancy for both species decreased ≥ 25% in areas where >50% of the forest within 500 m of wetlands burned. In contrast, occupancy of the boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas) tripled in the 3 years after low-elevation forests burned. This increase in occupancy was followed by a gradual decline. Our results show that accounting for magnitude of change and time lags is critical to understanding population dynamics of amphibians after large disturbances. Our results also inform understanding of the potential threat of increases in wildfire frequency or severity to amphibians in the region.

Occupational dermatoses in restaurant, catering and fast-food outlets in Singapore.

PubMed

Teo, Sylvia; Teik-Jin Goon, Anthony; Siang, Lee Hock; Lin, Gan Siok; Koh, David

2009-10-01

The restaurant industry is a rapidly growing sector in Singapore and workers in this industry are trained in culinary skills but not on recognition of safety and health hazards and their control measures. Anecdotal clinical evidence has suggested an increased prevalence of occupational dermatoses among restaurant workers. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for contact dermatitis and burns among restaurant, catering and fast-food outlet (FFO) staff. Workers were interviewed and then clinical examination and patch and/or prick tests were conducted in selected individuals. In total, 335 of 457 workers (73% response) were interviewed and 65 (19%) had occupational dermatitis or burns and were examined. Of these, contact dermatitis was the commonest diagnosis, with a 12-month period prevalence of 10% (35 workers) and 3-month period prevalence of 8% (26 workers). All 35 workers had irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and there were no cases of allergic contact dermatitis. The adjusted prevalence rate ratios of risk factors for ICD were 2.78 (95% CI 1.36-5.72) for frequent hand washing >20 times per day, 3.87 (95% CI 1.89-7.93) for atopy and 2.57 (95% CI 1.21-5.47) for contact with squid. The 3-month period prevalence for burns was 6% (20 workers). Ten workers had other occupational dermatoses such as work-related calluses, paronychia, heat rash and allergic contact urticaria to prawn and lobster. ICD and burns are common occupational skin disorders among restaurant, catering and FFO workers.

[Investigation of emergency capacities for occupational hazard accidents in silicon solar cell producing enterprises].

PubMed

Yang, D D; Xu, J N; Zhu, B L

2016-11-20

Objective: To investigate and analyze the influential factors of occupational hazard acci-dents, emergency facilities and emergency management in Silicon solar cell producing enterprises, then to pro-vide scientific strategies. Methods: The methods of occupationally healthy field investigating, inspecting of ven-tilation effectiveness, setup of emergency program and wearing chemical suit were used. Results: The mainly occupational hazard accidents factors in the process of Silicon solar cell producing included poisoning chemi-cals, high temperature, onizing radiation and some workplaces. The poisoning chemicals included nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, chlorine, phos-phorus oxychloride, phosphorus pentoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, silane, and so on; the workplaces in-cluded the area of producing battery slides and auxiliary producing area. Among the nine enterprises, gas detec-tors were installed in special gas supplying stations and sites, but the height, location and alarmvalues of gas detectors in six enterprises were not according with standard criteria; emergency shower and eyewash equip-ment were installed in workplaces with strong corrosive chemicals, but the issues of waste water were not solved; ventilation systems were set in the workplaces with ammonia and silane, but not qualified with part lo-cations and parameters in two enterprises; warehouses with materials of acid, alkali, chemical ammonia and phosphorus oxychloride were equipped with positive - pressure air respirator resuscitator and emergency cabi-nets, but with insufficient quantity in seven enterprises and expiration in part of products. The error rate of set-up emergency program and wearing chemical cloth were 30%~100% and 10%~30%, respectively. Among the nine enterprises, there were emergency rescue plans for dangerous chemical accidents, but without profession-al heatstroke and irradiation accident emergency plans

Paediatric burn unit in Portugal: Beds needed using a bed-day approach.

PubMed

Santos, João V; Viana, João; Amarante, José; Freitas, Alberto

2017-03-01

Despite the high burden of children with burns, there is not a paediatric burn unit (PBU) in Portugal. We aimed to estimate the Portuguese health care providing needs on paediatric burns. We performed a nation-wide retrospective study, between 2009 and 2013, among less than 16 years-old inpatients with burns that met the transfer criteria to a burn unit in Portugal. A bed-day approach was used, targeting an occupancy rate of 70-75%, and possible locations were studied. The primary outcome was the number of beds needed, and secondary outcomes were the overload and revenue for each possible number of beds in a PBU. A total of 1155 children met the transfer criteria to a burn unit, representing a total of 17,371 bed-days. Occupancy rates of 11-bed, 12-bed, 13-bed and 14-bed PBU were, respectively, 79.7%, 75.3%, 71.0% and 66.8%. The 13-bed PBU scenario would represent an overload of 523 bed-days, revenue of more than 5 million Euros and a ratio of 1 PBU bed per 123,409 children. Using a groundbreaking approach, the optimal number of PBU beds needed in Portugal is 13. However, as half of the patients who met burn transfer criteria are not transferred, this bed number might be overestimated if this pattern maintains, despite the underestimation with our method approach. If a PBU is to be created the preferable location is Porto. Cost-effectiveness studies should be performed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies on alkali borate glasses: evidence of mixed alkali effect.

PubMed

Padmaja, G; Kistaiah, P

2009-03-19

A lithium-potassium-borate glass system containing manganese and iron cations has been thoroughly investigated in order to obtain information about the mixed alkali effect and the structural role of both the manganese and iron in such glass hosts. Mixed alkali borate glasses of the (30 - x)Li(2)O - xK(2)O - 10CdO/ZnO - 59B(2)O(3) (x = 0, 10, 15, 20, and 30) doped with 1MnO(2)/1Fe(2)O(3) system were prepared by a melt quench technique. The amorphous phase of the prepared glass samples was confirmed from their X-ray diffraction. The spectroscopic properties of glass samples were studied using infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The density of all the prepared glasses was measured using Archimedes principle. Molar volumes were estimated from the density data. IR spectra of these glasses revealed a dramatic variation of three- and four-coordinated boron structures as a function of mixed alkali concentration. The vibrations due to Li-O, K-O, and MnO(4)/FeO(4) arrangements are consistent in all the compositions and show a nonlinear variation in the intensity with alkali content. Raman spectra of different alkali combinations with CdO and ZnO present drastic changes in the intensity of various Raman bands. The observation of disappearance and reappearance of IR and Raman bands as a function of various alkali concentrations is an important result pertaining to the mixed alkali effect in borate glasses. Acting as complementary spectroscopic techniques, both types of measurements, IR and Raman, revealed that the network structure of the studied glasses is mainly based on BO(3) and BO(4) units placed in different structural groups, the BO(3) units being dominant. The measured IR and Raman spectra of different glasses are used to clarify the optical properties of the present glasses correlating them with their structure and composition.

Method of handling radioactive alkali metal waste

DOEpatents

Wolson, Raymond D.; McPheeters, Charles C.

1980-01-01

Radioactive alkali metal is mixed with particulate silica in a rotary drum reactor in which the alkali metal is converted to the monoxide during rotation of the reactor to produce particulate silica coated with the alkali metal monoxide suitable as a feed material to make a glass for storing radioactive material. Silica particles, the majority of which pass through a 95 mesh screen or preferably through a 200 mesh screen, are employed in this process, and the preferred weight ratio of silica to alkali metal is 7 to 1 in order to produce a feed material for the final glass product having a silica to alkali metal monoxide ratio of about 5 to 1.

Method of handling radioactive alkali metal waste

DOEpatents

Wolson, R.D.; McPheeters, C.C.

Radioactive alkali metal is mixed with particulate silica in a rotary drum reactor in which the alkali metal is converted to the monoxide during rotation of the reactor to produce particulate silica coated with the alkali metal monoxide suitable as a feed material to make a glass for storing radioactive material. Silica particles, the majority of which pass through a 95 mesh screen or preferably through a 200 mesh screen, are employed in this process, and the preferred weight ratio of silica to alkali metal is 7 to 1 in order to produce a feed material for the final glass product having a silica to alkali metal monoxide ratio of about 5 to 1.

Treadmills: a preventable source of pediatric friction burn injuries.

PubMed

Maguiña, Pirko; Palmieri, Tina L; Greenhalgh, David G

2004-01-01

Treadmills are a burn risk for children. A child's hand can get trapped in the conveyor belt, causing friction burns to the underlying tissue. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the characteristics and treatment of treadmill-related burns in children from 1998 to 2002. Ten patients, at a mean age of 3.4 years, sustained injuries associated with treadmill use. Trapping of the hand between the conveyor belt and the base was the most frequent injury mechanism. Burn location was predominantly on fingers and palms. Four patients required operative intervention. All patients required specialized wound care as well as scar management and occupational therapy. Treadmills pose a danger to children. Current safety devices are ineffective for preventing serious hand injuries in children. New design modifications and public awareness are needed to improve child safety.

PROCESS OF RECOVERING ALKALI METALS

DOEpatents

Wolkoff, J.

1961-08-15

A process is described of recovering alkali metal vapor by sorption on activated alumina, activated carbon, dehydrated zeolite, activated magnesia, or Fuller's earth preheated above the vaporization temperature of the alkali metal and subsequent desorption by heating the solvent under vacuum. (AEC)

Method for the safe disposal of alkali metal

DOEpatents

Johnson, Terry R.

1977-01-01

Alkali metals such as those employed in liquid metal coolant systems can be safely reacted to form hydroxides by first dissolving the alkali metal in relatively inert metals such as lead or bismuth. The alloy thus formed is contacted with a molten salt including the alkali metal hydroxide and possibly the alkali metal carbonate in the presence of oxygen. This oxidizes the alkali metal to an oxide which is soluble within the molten salt. The salt is separated and contacted with steam or steam-CO.sub.2 mixture to convert the alkali metal oxide to the hydroxide. These reactions can be conducted with minimal hydrogen evolution and with the heat of reaction distributed between the several reaction steps.

Alkali-aggregate reactivity of typical siliceious glass and carbonate rocks in alkali-activated fly ash based geopolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Duyou; Liu, Yongdao; Zheng, Yanzeng; Xu, Zhongzi; Shen, Xiaodong

2013-08-01

For exploring the behaviour of alkali-aggregate reactivity (AAR) in alkali-activated geopolymeric materials and assessing the procedures for testing AAR in geopolymers, the expansion behaviour of fly ash based geopolymer mortars with pure silica glass and typical carbonate rocks were studied respectively by curing at various conditions, i.e. 23°C and 38°C with relative humidity over 95%, immersed in 1M NaOH solution at 80°C. Results show that, at various curing conditions, neither harmful ASR nor harmful ACR was observed in geopolymers with the criteria specified for OPC system. However, with the change of curing conditions, the geopolymer binder and reactive aggregates may experience different reaction processes leading to quite different dimensional changes, especially with additional alkalis and elevated temperatures. It suggests that high temperature with additional alkali for accelerating AAR in traditional OPC system may not appropriate for assessing the alkali-aggregate reactivity behaviour in geopolymers designed for normal conditions. On the other hand, it is hopeful to control the dimensional change of geopolymer mortar or concrete by selecting the type of aggregates and the appropriate curing conditions, thus changing the harmful AAR in OPC into beneficial AAR in geopolymers and other alkali-activated cementitious systems.

Alkali-aggregate reactivity (AAR) facts book.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This document provides detailed information on alkali-aggregate reactivity (AAR). It primarily discusses alkali-silica reaction (ASR), covering the chemistry, symptoms, test methods, prevention, specifications, diagnosis and prognosis, and mitigation...

Controlled in-situ dissolution of an alkali metal

DOEpatents

Jones, Jeffrey Donald; Dooley, Kirk John; Tolman, David Donald

2012-09-11

A method for the controllable dissolution of one or more alkali metals from a vessel containing a one or more alkali metals and/or one or more partially passivated alkali metals. The vessel preferably comprising a sodium, NaK or other alkali metal-cooled nuclear reactor that has been used. The alkali metal, preferably sodium, potassium or a combination thereof, in the vessel is exposed to a treatment liquid, preferably an acidic liquid, more preferably citric acid. Preferably, the treatment liquid is maintained in continuous motion relative to any surface of unreacted alkali metal with which the treatment liquid is in contact. The treatment liquid is preferably pumped into the vessel containing the one or more alkali metals and the resulting fluid is extracted and optionally further processed. Preferably, the resulting off-gases are processed by an off-gas treatment system and the resulting liquids are processed by a liquid disposal system. In one preferred embodiment, an inert gas is pumped into the vessel along with the treatment liquid.

A population-based study of the epidemiology of acute adult burns in Ecuador from 2005 to 2014.

PubMed

Ortiz-Prado, Esteban; Armijos, Luciana; Iturralde, Ana Lucia

2015-05-01

To describe the demographic, risk factor, occupational, and morbidity and mortality characteristics of burns in adults in Ecuador using national data. These data are from the only specialized public hospital in Ecuador that has a 12-bed burn unit. The National Institute of Statistics and Census provided data from the burn unit of the Hospital Eugenio Espejo, in Quito. Three different datasets pertaining to burn deaths, burn unit inpatient admissions, and hospital discharge were analyzed. Patients who died or were discharged before entering the burn unit were not included in this analysis. During the 10-year period, 1106 patients were admitted to the burn unit, men represent 69.37% with 768 cases and women represent 30.62% with 337 patients; the number of patients per year was on average 123 cases; the average age was 33-34 years old, with a range between 16 and 96 years old. Heat (thermal) burns represent 65.78% followed by electrical with 30.53%, friction burns with 2.06%, and chemical burns with 1.62%. Domestic methane gas was the most frequent agent causing thermal burns and the most affected occupational groups are construction workers and people who stay at home. The overall mortality is 10.2% and the average length of stay was 23 days. Thermal burns are more frequent than any other cause of burns. Electrical burns are more frequent in Ecuador than anywhere else according to our research, meaning that control and prevention of workplace safety, urban planning, and home safety are scarce. The most affected groups are those dedicated to labor work. Finally, mortality in hospitalized patient is higher when compared with developed countries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology and outcome of burns at the Saud Al Babtain Burns, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Center, Kuwait: our experience over five years (from 2006 to 2010)

PubMed Central

Khashaba, H.A.; Al-Fadhli, A.N.; Al-Tarrah, K.S.; Wilson, Y.T.; Moiemen, N.

2012-01-01

Summary Aim To determine the epidemiology and clinical presentation, and any contributing factors responsible for burns and outcome of care in Kuwait over the 5-yr period January 2006 to December 2010. Patients and methods. The study reviewed 1702 burn patients admitted over the study period to the Saud Al Babtain Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Kuwait. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, type of burn, nationality, total body surface area (TBSA) burn, hospital stay in days, and mortality were recorded. Results. Seventy-one per cent of the 1702 burn patients admitted were males; 540 were children. The majority of patients (64%) had less than 15% TBSA burns and only 14% had more than 50% TBSA burns. Flame burns were the most common cause of burn injuries (60%), followed by scalds (29%). Scalds were most common in children. The mortality rate was 5.75%. Flame burn was the leading cause of mortality. Lethal dose 50 (% TBSA at which a certain group has a 50% chance of survival) for adults (16-40 yr) and for the elderly (>65 yr) was 76.5% and 41.8% TBSA respectively. Conclusion. Burn injury is an important public health concern and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Flame and scald burns are commonly a result of domestic and occupational accidents and they are preventable. Effective initial resuscitation, infection control, and adequate surgical treatment improve outcomes. PMID:23766750

Regenerable activated bauxite adsorbent alkali monitor probe

DOEpatents

Lee, S.H.D.

1992-12-22

A regenerable activated bauxite adsorber alkali monitor probe for field applications to provide reliable measurement of alkali-vapor concentration in combustion gas with special emphasis on pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (PFBC) off-gas. More particularly, the invention relates to the development of a easily regenerable bauxite adsorbent for use in a method to accurately determine the alkali-vapor content of PFBC exhaust gases. 6 figs.

Method of making alkali metal hydrides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pecharsky, Vitalij K.; Gupta, Shalabh; Pruski, Marek

A method is provided for making alkali metal hydrides by mechanochemically reacting alkali metal and hydrogen gas under mild temperature (e.g room temperature) and hydrogen pressure conditions without the need for catalyst, solvent, and intentional heating or cooling.

Effects of fire on spotted owl site occupancy in a late-successional forest

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roberts, Susan L.; van Wagtendonk, Jan W.; Miles, A. Keith; Kelt, Douglas A.

2011-01-01

The spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) is a late-successional forest dependent species that is sensitive to forest management practices throughout its range. An increase in the frequency and spatial extent of standreplacing fires in western North America has prompted concern for the persistence of spotted owls and other sensitive late-successional forest associated species. However, there is sparse information on the effects of fire on spotted owls to guide conservation policies. In 2004-2005, we surveyed for California spotted owls during the breeding season at 32 random sites (16 burned, 16 unburned) throughout late-successional montane forest in Yosemite National Park, California. Our burned areas burned at all severities, but predominately involved low to moderate fire severity. Based on an information theoretic approach, spotted owl detection and occupancy rates were similar between burned and unburned sites. Nest and roost site occupancy was best explained by a model that combined total tree basal area (positive effect) with cover by coarse woody debris (negative effect). The density estimates of California spotted owl pairs were similar in burned and unburned forests, and the overall mean density estimate for Yosemite was higher than previously reported for montane forests. Our results indicate that low to moderate severity fires, historically common within montane forests of the Sierra Nevada, California, maintain habitat characteristics essential for spotted owl site occupancy. These results suggest that managed fires that emulate the historic fire regime of these forests may maintain spotted owl habitat and protect this species from the effects of future catastrophic fires.

Evaluating the role of alternative therapy in burn wound management: randomized trial comparing moist exposed burn ointment with conventional methods in the management of patients with second-degree burns.

PubMed

Ang, E S; Lee, S T; Gan, C S; See, P G; Chan, Y H; Ng, L H; Machin, D

2001-03-06

Moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO), from China, has been said to revolutionize burn management. Our study was conducted to compare MEBO with conventional management (C) with respect to the rate of wound healing, antibacterial and analgesic effect, and hospital costs. This is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted between 1 March 1997 and 24 October 1998. The trial was conducted in a specialized burn facility located in a tertiary referral hospital in a developed and industrialized island-state in Southeast Asia. We randomly assigned 115 consecutive patients between the ages of 12 and 80 who had partial-thickness thermal burns covering less than 40% of body surface area (BSA) to receive either MEBO or C. Fifty-seven patients were assigned to MEBO and 58 patients to C. The latter group received twice-daily dressing changes; MEBO patients received MEBO every 4 hours. Patients were hospitalized until 75% BSA had healed. BSA was determined by visual inspection and charted on Lund and Browder charts regularly. Wound healing rate, bacterial infection rate, pain score, and hospitalization costs were recorded. The median time to 75% healing was 17.0 and 20.0 days with MEBO and C, respectively (HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.41-1.11, P =.11), suggesting similar efficacy between the 2 modalities. Bacterial infection rates were similar between the 2 groups (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.59-2.03, P =.76). MEBO imparted a greater analgesic effect in the first 5 days of therapy and reduced hospital costs by 8%. MEBO is as effective as conventional management but is not the panacea for all burn wounds. The use of MEBO eases the management of face and neck burns and facilitates early institution of occupational therapy in hand burns. It confers better pain relief such that fewer opiates are used during the first 5 days after burn injury.

Spill-Resistant Alkali-Metal-Vapor Dispenser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klipstein, William

2005-01-01

A spill-resistant vessel has been developed for dispensing an alkali-metal vapor. Vapors of alkali metals (most commonly, cesium or rubidium, both of which melt at temperatures slightly above room temperature) are needed for atomic frequency standards, experiments in spectroscopy, and experiments in laser cooling. Although the present spill-resistant alkali-metal dispenser was originally intended for use in the low-gravity environment of outer space, it can also be used in normal Earth gravitation: indeed, its utility as a vapor source was confirmed by use of cesium in a ground apparatus. The vessel is made of copper. It consists of an assembly of cylinders and flanges, shown in the figure. The uppermost cylinder is a fill tube. Initially, the vessel is evacuated, the alkali metal charge is distilled into the bottom of the vessel, and then the fill tube is pinched closed to form a vacuum seal. The innermost cylinder serves as the outlet for the vapor, yet prevents spilling by protruding above the surface of the alkali metal, no matter which way or how far the vessel is tilted. In the event (unlikely in normal Earth gravitation) that any drops of molten alkali metal have been shaken loose by vibration and are floating freely, a mesh cap on top of the inner cylinder prevents the drops from drifting out with the vapor. Liquid containment of the equivalent of 1.2 grams of cesium was confirmed for all orientations with rubbing alcohol in one of the prototypes later used with cesium.

Diode pumped alkali vapor fiber laser

DOEpatents

Payne, Stephen A.; Beach, Raymond J.; Dawson, Jay W.; Krupke, William F.

2007-10-23

A method and apparatus is provided for producing near-diffraction-limited laser light, or amplifying near-diffraction-limited light, in diode pumped alkali vapor photonic-band-gap fiber lasers or amplifiers. Laser light is both substantially generated and propagated in an alkali gas instead of a solid, allowing the nonlinear and damage limitations of conventional solid core fibers to be circumvented. Alkali vapor is introduced into the center hole of a photonic-band-gap fiber, which can then be pumped with light from a pump laser and operated as an oscillator with a seed beam, or can be configured as an amplifier.

Diode pumped alkali vapor fiber laser

DOEpatents

Payne, Stephen A [Castro Valley, CA; Beach, Raymond J [Livermore, CA; Dawson, Jay W [Livermore, CA; Krupke, William F [Pleasanton, CA

2006-07-26

A method and apparatus is provided for producing near-diffraction-limited laser light, or amplifying near-diffraction-limited light, in diode pumped alkali vapor photonic-band-gap fiber lasers or amplifiers. Laser light is both substantially generated and propagated in an alkali gas instead of a solid, allowing the nonlinear and damage limitations of conventional solid core fibers to be circumvented. Alkali vapor is introduced into the center hole of a photonic-band-gap fiber, which can then be pumped with light from a pump laser and operated as an oscillator with a seed beam, or can be configured as an amplifier.

Recovery of alkali metal constituents from catalytic coal conversion residues

DOEpatents

Soung, W.Y.

In a coal gasification operation (32) or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles by contacting them with water or an aqueous solution to remove water-soluble alkali metal constituents and produce an aqueous solution enriched in said constituents. The aqueous solution thus produced is then contacted with carbon dioxide to precipitate silicon constituents, the pH of the resultant solution is increased, preferably to a value in the range between about 12.5 and about 15.0, and the solution of increased pH is evaporated to increase the alkali metal concentration. The concentrated aqueous solution is then recycled to the conversion process where the alkali metal constituents serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst.

40 CFR 721.4660 - Alcohol, alkali metal salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Alcohol, alkali metal salt. 721.4660... Substances § 721.4660 Alcohol, alkali metal salt. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance generically identified as alcohol, alkali metal salt (PMN P-91-151) is...

Epidemiology and mortality of 162 major burns in Kuwait.

PubMed

Bang, R L; Ghoneim, I E

1996-09-01

The burns intensive care unit at IBN Sina Hospital reopened in July 1991, following the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and the Gulf War. Epidemiology and mortality of 162 burn patients with 30 per cent and over total body surface area (TBSA) burns, treated from July 1991 to December 1994, is presented. There were 91 males and 71 females with a ratio of 1.3 to 1. The median age was 30 years (range 4 months to 93 years) and 44 per cent of the patients were 15-40 years of age. 124 (76.5 per cent) accidents occurred at home and the flame burn was the commonest involving 131 (80.9 per cent) patients. The median burn surface area was 45.5 per cent and the majority of them sustained deep burns. The hospital stay of the surviving patients ranged from 11 to 174 days (median 38 days), while the day of the death was from 1 to 134 days. Forty-six deaths represent an overall mortality rate of 28.4 per cent amongst our patients. All the patients whose Baux score was 130 and above died. Burn shock was responsible for 10 deaths, and out of them eight were not actively resuscitated due to high Baux score. Sixteen deaths occurred within 48 h postburn. Septicaemia and its related effects were responsible for the majority of the deaths.

Recovery of alkali metal constituents from catalytic coal conversion residues

DOEpatents

Soung, Wen Y.

1984-01-01

In a coal gasification operation (32) or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles by contacting them (46, 53, 61, 69) with water or an aqueous solution to remove water-soluble alkali metal constituents and produce an aqueous solution enriched in said constituents. The aqueous solution thus produced is then contacted with carbon dioxide (63) to precipitate silicon constituents, the pH of the resultant solution is increased (81), preferably to a value in the range between about 12.5 and about 15.0, and the solution of increased pH is evaporated (84) to increase the alkali metal concentration. The concentrated aqueous solution is then recycled to the conversion process (86, 18, 17) where the alkali metal constituents serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst.

Alkali absorption and citrate excretion in calcium nephrolithiasis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakhaee, K.; Williams, R. H.; Oh, M. S.; Padalino, P.; Adams-Huet, B.; Whitson, P.; Pak, C. Y.

1993-01-01

The role of net gastrointestinal (GI) alkali absorption in the development of hypocitraturia was investigated. The net GI absorption of alkali was estimated from the difference between simple urinary cations (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) and anions (Cl and P). In 131 normal subjects, the 24 h urinary citrate was positively correlated with the net GI absorption of alkali (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). In 11 patients with distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA), urinary citrate excretion was subnormal relative to net GI alkali absorption, with data from most patients residing outside the 95% confidence ellipse described for normal subjects. However, the normal relationship between urinary citrate and net absorbed alkali was maintained in 11 patients with chronic diarrheal syndrome (CDS) and in 124 stone-forming patients devoid of RTA or CDS, half of whom had "idiopathic" hypocitraturia. The 18 stone-forming patients without RTA or CDS received potassium citrate (30-60 mEq/day). Both urinary citrate and net GI alkali absorption increased, yielding a significantly positive correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.0001), with the slope indistinguishable from that of normal subjects. Thus, urinary citrate was normally dependent on the net GI absorption of alkali. This dependence was less marked in RTA, confirming the renal origin of hypocitraturia. However, the normal dependence was maintained in CDS and in idiopathic hypocitraturia, suggesting that reduced citrate excretion was largely dietary in origin as a result of low net alkali absorption (from a probable relative deficiency of vegetables and fruits or a relative excess of animal proteins).

Interactions and low-energy collisions between an alkali ion and an alkali atom of a different nucleus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakshit, Arpita; Ghanmi, Chedli; Berriche, Hamid; Deb, Bimalendu

2016-05-01

We study theoretically interaction potentials and low-energy collisions between different alkali atoms and alkali ions. Specifically, we consider systems such as X + {{{Y}}}+, where X({{{Y}}}+) is either Li(Cs+) or Cs(Li+), Na(Cs+) or Cs(Na+) and Li(Rb+) or Rb(Li+). We calculate the molecular potentials of the ground and first two excited states of these three systems using a pseudopotential method and compare our results with those obtained by others. We derive ground-state scattering wave functions and analyze the cold collisional properties of these systems for a wide range of energies. We find that, in order to get convergent results for the total scattering cross sections for energies of the order 1 K, one needs to take into account at least 60 partial waves. The low-energy scattering properties calculated in this paper may serve as a precursor for experimental exploration of quantum collisions between an alkali atom and an alkali ion of a different nucleus.

Electrochemical devices utilizing molten alkali metal electrode-reactant

DOEpatents

Hitchcock, David C.; Mailhe, Catherine C.; De Jonghe, Lutgard C.

1986-01-01

Electrochemical cells are provided with a reactive metal to reduce the oxide of the alkali metal electrode-reactant. Cells employing a molten alkali metal electrode, e.g., sodium, in contact with a ceramic electrolyte, which is a conductor of the ions of the alkali metal forming the electrode, exhibit a lower resistance when a reactive metal, e.g., vanadium, is allowed to react with and reduce the alkali metal oxide. Such cells exhibit less degradation of the electrolyte and of the glass seals often used to joining the electrolyte to the other components of the cell under cycling conditions.

Electrochemical devices utilizing molten alkali metal electrode-reactant

DOEpatents

Hitchcock, D.C.; Mailhe, C.C.; De Jonghe, L.C.

1985-07-10

Electrochemical cells are provided with a reactive metal to reduce the oxide of the alkali metal electrode-reactant. Cells employing a molten alkali metal electrode, e.g., sodium, in contact with a ceramic electrolyte, which is a conductor of the ions of the alkali metal forming the electrode, exhibit a lower resistance when a reactive metal, e.g., vanadium, is allowed to react with and reduce the alkali metal oxide. Such cells exhibit less degradation of the electrolyte and of the glass seals often used to joining the electrolyte to the other components of the cell under cycling conditions.

Environmental decontamination following occupancy of a burns patient with multiple carbapenemase-producing organisms.

PubMed

Garvey, M I; Bradley, C W; Jumaa, P

2016-06-01

Over the last decade, carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) have spread worldwide, becoming a major public health concern. This article reports the authors' experience in dealing with a burns patient infected with CPOs, and the decontamination methods employed to render a burns shock room safe for re-use. The shock room was cleaned after being vacated, but environmental sampling cultured multiple CPOs. A second decontamination was undertaken comprising a detergent, steam and hypochlorite clean followed by hydrogen peroxide misting, and no CPOs were cultured after subsequent environmental sampling. A burns patient harbouring CPOs contaminates the surroundings heavily, so standard cleaning is insufficient to reduce the environmental bioburden. Copyright © 2016 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Skin cancer as occupational disease].

PubMed

Bauer, A

2016-11-01

The incidence of epithelial skin neoplasms, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma is significantly increasing worldwide. Leisure time solar UV exposure is causative in the overwhelming majority of cases in the general population; however, occupational exposure is responsible for a certain percentage of cases. Employees with a relevant exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soot, raw paraffin, coal tar, anthracene, pitch or similar substances, to sunlight in outdoor occupations as well as to arsenic and ionizing radiation have a significantly increased risk to develop occupational skin cancer compared to the general population. In the official occupational disease list in the appendix of the German by-law on occupational diseases, the following occupational diseases concerning skin cancer are listed: BK 5102 "skin cancer and carcinoma in situ caused by soot, raw paraffin, coal tar, anthracene, pitch or similar substances" (e.g. various solid paraffins, asphalt and mazut as well as mineral oils, grease, cylinder and drilling oils), BK 5103 "squamous cell carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis caused by natural UV radiation", BK 1108 "diseases caused by arsenic and its compounds" and BK 2402 "diseases caused by ionizing radiation". For further occupational exposure to carcinogenic substances and potential occupationally acquired skin tumors, no official lists are currently available. These cancers might be considered under a special opt out paragraph in the German Social Law (§ 9 para 2 SGB VII). Tumors in scars after occupational skin trauma or occupational burns are compensated as consequences of work accidents. The current official list of occupational skin cancers and new developments for expert opinions are described in this article.

Alkali Metal Handling Practices at NASA MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salvail, Patrick G.; Carter, Robert R.

2002-01-01

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is NASA s principle propulsion development center. Research and development is coordinated and carried out on not only the existing transportation systems, but also those that may be flown in the near future. Heat pipe cooled fast fission cores are among several concepts being considered for the Nuclear Systems Initiative. Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a capability to handle high-purity alkali metals for use in heat pipes or liquid metal heat transfer loops. This capability is a low budget prototype of an alkali metal handling system that would allow the production of flight qualified heat pipe modules or alkali metal loops. The processing approach used to introduce pure alkali metal into heat pipe modules and other test articles are described in this paper.

[Pay close attention to the quality of life of patients and look to the future of burn rehabilitation].

PubMed

Wu, Jun; Chen, Jian

2013-04-01

After 50 years' development, a rather comprehensive burn care system has been built up in China, and it has played key roles in wound healing and salvaging victims of burn trauma. Since survival is no longer the main priority of treatment, more efforts should be made to cut down the incidence of disabilities and to improve the quality of life of the survivors. The further progress on burn rehabilitation therapies, including functional improvement, psychological rehabilitation, aesthetic recovery, and occupational and social recuperation, would bring new perspectives to our burn care system.

Alkali elemental and potassium isotopic compositions of Semarkona chondrules

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alexander, C.M. O'D.; Grossman, J.N.

2005-01-01

We report measurements of K isotope ratios in 28 Semarkona chondrules with a wide range of petrologic types and bulk compositions as well as the compositions of CPX-mesostasis pairs in 17 type I Semarkona chondrules, including two chondrules with radial alkali zonation and 19 type II chondrules. Despite the wide range in K/Al ratios, no systematic variations in K isotopic compositions were found. Semarkona chondrules do not record a simple history of Rayleigh-type loss of K. Experimentally determined evaporation rates suggest that considerable alkali evaporation would have occurred during chondrule formation. Nevertheless, based on Na CPX-mesostasis distribution coefficients, the alkali contents of the cores of most chondrules in Semarkona were probably established at the time of final crystallization. However, Na CPX-mesostasis distribution coefficients also show that alkali zonation in type I Semarkona chondrules was produced by entry of alkalis after solidification, probably during parent body alteration. This alkali metasomatism may have gone to completion in some chondrules. Our preferred explanation for the lack of systematic isotopic enrichments, even in alkali depleted type I chondrule cores, is that they exchanged with the ambient gas as they cooled. ?? The Meteoritical Society, 2005.

Alkali-Resistant Mechanism of a Hollandite DeNOx Catalyst.

PubMed

Hu, Pingping; Huang, Zhiwei; Gu, Xiao; Xu, Fei; Gao, Jiayi; Wang, Yue; Chen, Yaxin; Tang, Xingfu

2015-06-02

A thorough understanding of the deactivation mechanism by alkalis is of great importance for rationally designing improved alkali-resistant deNOx catalysts, but a traditional ion-exchange mechanism cannot often accurately describe the nature of the deactivation, thus hampering the development of superior catalysts. Here, we establish a new exchange-coordination mechanism on the basis of the exhaustive study on the strong alkali resistance of a hollandite manganese oxide (HMO) catalyst. A combination of isothermal adsorption measurements of ammonia with X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra reveals that alkali metal ions first react with protons from Brønsted acid sites of HMO via the ion exchange. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction patterns and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectra coupled with theoretical calculations demonstrate that the exchanged alkali metal ions are subsequently stabilized at size-suitable cavities in the HMO pores via a coordination model with an energy savings. This exchange-coordination mechanism not only gives a wholly convincing explanation for the intrinsic nature of the deactivation of the reported catalysts by alkalis but also provides a strategy for rationally designing improved alkali-resistant deNOx catalysts in general.

40 CFR 721.1878 - Alkali metal alkyl borohydride (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alkali metal alkyl borohydride... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.1878 Alkali metal alkyl borohydride (generic). (a) Chemical substance... alkali metal alkyl borohydride (PMN P-00-1089) is subject to reporting under this section for the...

40 CFR 721.1878 - Alkali metal alkyl borohydride (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Alkali metal alkyl borohydride... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.1878 Alkali metal alkyl borohydride (generic). (a) Chemical substance... alkali metal alkyl borohydride (PMN P-00-1089) is subject to reporting under this section for the...

Psychosocial needs of burns nurses: a descriptive phenomenological inquiry.

PubMed

Kornhaber, Rachel Anne; Wilson, Anne

2011-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the psychosocial needs of nurses who care for patients with severe burn injuries. Burns nurses work in an emotionally challenging and confronting environment, for which they are in need of emotional and clinical support. Exposure to such high levels of stress in this occupational environment has implications for nurses' health and psychosocial well-being. Seven burns nurses were recruited in 2009 from a severe burn injury unit in New South Wales, Australia. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was used to construct themes depicting nurses' experiences. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling, and data were collected through in-depth individual semistructured interviews using open-ended questions. Data were analyzed with Colaizzi's phenomenological method of data analysis. The psychosocial needs of burns nurses were identified and organized into five categories: peer nursing support, informal support, lack of support, multidisciplinary team collaboration, and professional support. The findings clearly demonstrate that support and unity within the workplace are fundamental factors for the psychosocial well-being of nurses caring for patients who have sustained a severe burn injury. Support for nurses in the form of regular professional or collegial debriefing sessions and utilization of employee assistance programs could ease the impact of the stressful environment in which they operate, and could influence staff retention. However, a supportive workplace culture is necessary to encourage nurses to access these services.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey in alkali injury on the eyes of rabbits: Experimental animal study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Alkali injury is one of the most devastating injuries to the eye. It results in permanent unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Chemical eye injury is accompanied by an increase in the oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents play a major role in the treatment of chemical eye injuries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory (clinical and histopathological) and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey versus conventional treatment in alkali injury on the eyes of rabbits. Methods A preliminary study was carried out prior to the actual study to establish the alkali chemical injury on rabbit's cornea and we found that alkali chemical injury with 2 N NaOH showed severe clinical inflammatory features. In actual study, alkali injury with 2 N NaOH was induced in the right eye of 10 New Zealand White rabbits' cornea. The rabbits were divided into two groups, Group A was given conventional treatment and Group B was treated with both topical and oral Tualang honey. Clinical inflammatory features of the right eye were recorded at 12 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 5th day and 7th day post induction of alkali burn on the cornea. The histopathological inflammatory features of the right corneas of all rabbits were also evaluated on day-7. The level of total antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation products in the aqueous humour, vitreous humour and serum at day-7 were estimated biochemically. Fisher's Exact, Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney test were used to analyse the data. Results There was no statistically significant difference in clinical inflammatory features (p > 0.05) between honey treated and the conventional treated group at different times of examination. Histopathological examination of the cornea showed the number of polymorphonuclear leucocytes was below 50 for both groups (mild grade). There was also no significant difference in the level of total antioxidant status as well as lipid peroxidation products in aqueous

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey in alkali injury on the eyes of rabbits: experimental animal study.

PubMed

Bashkaran, Karuppannan; Zunaina, Embong; Bakiah, Shaharuddin; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah; Sirajudeen, Kns; Naik, Venkatesh

2011-10-09

Alkali injury is one of the most devastating injuries to the eye. It results in permanent unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Chemical eye injury is accompanied by an increase in the oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents play a major role in the treatment of chemical eye injuries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory (clinical and histopathological) and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey versus conventional treatment in alkali injury on the eyes of rabbits. A preliminary study was carried out prior to the actual study to establish the alkali chemical injury on rabbit's cornea and we found that alkali chemical injury with 2 N NaOH showed severe clinical inflammatory features. In actual study, alkali injury with 2 N NaOH was induced in the right eye of 10 New Zealand White rabbits' cornea. The rabbits were divided into two groups, Group A was given conventional treatment and Group B was treated with both topical and oral Tualang honey. Clinical inflammatory features of the right eye were recorded at 12 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 5th day and 7th day post induction of alkali burn on the cornea. The histopathological inflammatory features of the right corneas of all rabbits were also evaluated on day-7. The level of total antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation products in the aqueous humour, vitreous humour and serum at day-7 were estimated biochemically. Fisher's Exact, Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney test were used to analyse the data. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical inflammatory features (p > 0.05) between honey treated and the conventional treated group at different times of examination. Histopathological examination of the cornea showed the number of polymorphonuclear leucocytes was below 50 for both groups (mild grade). There was also no significant difference in the level of total antioxidant status as well as lipid peroxidation products in aqueous humour (p = 0.117, p = 0

The Favorable Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment on the Antioxidant Protective Mechanism in the Corneal Epithelium and Renewal of Corneal Optical Properties Changed after Alkali Burns.

PubMed

Cejka, Cestmir; Holan, Vladimir; Trosan, Peter; Zajicova, Alena; Javorkova, Eliska; Cejkova, Jitka

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or corneal limbal epithelial stem cells (LSCs) influence restoration of an antioxidant protective mechanism in the corneal epithelium and renewal of corneal optical properties changed after alkali burns. The injured rabbit corneas (with 0.25 N NaOH) were untreated or treated with nanofiber scaffolds free of stem cells, with nanofiber scaffolds seeded with bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs), with adipose tissue MSCs (Ad-MSCs), or with LSCs. On day 15 following the injury, after BM-MSCs or LSCs nanofiber treatment (less after Ad-MSCs treatment) the expression of antioxidant enzymes was restored in the regenerated corneal epithelium and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) were low. The central corneal thickness (taken as an index of corneal hydration) increased after the injury and returned to levels before the injury. In injured untreated corneas the epithelium was absent and numerous cells revealed the expressions of iNOS, MMP9, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and VEGF. In conclusion, stem cell treatment accelerated regeneration of the corneal epithelium, restored the antioxidant protective mechanism, and renewed corneal optical properties.

Salts of alkali metal anions and process of preparing same

DOEpatents

Dye, James L.; Ceraso, Joseph M.; Tehan, Frederick J.; Lok, Mei Tak

1978-01-01

Compounds of alkali metal anion salts of alkali metal cations in bicyclic polyoxadiamines are disclosed. The salts are prepared by contacting an excess of alkali metal with an alkali metal dissolving solution consisting of a bicyclic polyoxadiamine in a suitable solvent, and recovered by precipitation. The salts have a gold-color crystalline appearance and are stable in a vacuum at -10.degree. C. and below.

Upgrading platform using alkali metals

DOEpatents

Gordon, John Howard

2014-09-09

A process for removing sulfur, nitrogen or metals from an oil feedstock (such as heavy oil, bitumen, shale oil, etc.) The method involves reacting the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and a radical capping substance. The alkali metal reacts with the metal, sulfur or nitrogen content to form one or more inorganic products and the radical capping substance reacts with the carbon and hydrogen content to form a hydrocarbon phase. The inorganic products may then be separated out from the hydrocarbon phase.

Alkali Silicate Vehicle Forms Durable, Fireproof Paint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schutt, John B.; Seindenberg, Benjamin

1964-01-01

The problem: To develop a paint for use on satellites or space vehicles that exhibits high resistance to cracking, peeling, or flaking when subjected to a wide range of temperatures. Organic coatings will partially meet the required specifications but have the inherent disadvantage of combustibility. Alkali-silicate binders, used in some industrial coatings and adhesives, show evidence of forming a fireproof paint, but the problem of high surface-tension, a characteristic of alkali silicates, has not been resolved. The solution: Use of a suitable non-ionic wetting agent combined with a paint incorporating alkali silicate as the binder.

Process for the disposal of alkali metals

DOEpatents

Lewis, Leroy C.

1977-01-01

Large quantities of alkali metals may be safely reacted for ultimate disposal by contact with a hot concentrated caustic solution. The alkali metals react with water in the caustic solution in a controlled reaction while steam dilutes the hydrogen formed by the reaction to a safe level.

Long term mechanical properties of alkali activated slag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, J.; Zheng, W. Z.; Xu, Z. Z.; Leng, Y. F.; Qin, C. Z.

2018-01-01

This article reports a study on the microstructural and long-term mechanical properties of the alkali activated slag up to 180 days, and cement paste is studied as the comparison. The mechanical properties including compressive strength, flexural strength, axis tensile strength and splitting tensile strength are analyzed. The results showed that the alkali activated slag had higher compressive and tensile strength, Slag is activated by potassium silicate (K2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions for attaining silicate modulus of 1 using 12 potassium silicate and 5.35% sodium hydroxide. The volume dosage of water is 35% and 42%. The results indicate that alkali activated slag is a kind of rapid hardening and early strength cementitious material with excellent long-term mechanical properties. Single row of holes block compressive strength, single-hole block compressive strength and standard solid brick compressive strength basically meet engineering requirements. The microstructures of alkali activated slag are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hydration products of alkali-activated slag are assured as hydrated calcium silicate and hydrated calcium aluminate.

Ternary alkali-metal and transition metal or metalloid acetylides as alkali-metal intercalation electrodes for batteries

DOEpatents

Nemeth, Karoly; Srajer, George; Harkay, Katherine C; Terdik, Joseph Z

2015-02-10

Novel intercalation electrode materials including ternary acetylides of chemical formula: A.sub.nMC.sub.2 where A is alkali or alkaline-earth element; M is transition metal or metalloid element; C.sub.2 is reference to the acetylide ion; n is an integer that is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 when A is alkali element and 0, 1, or 2 when A is alkaline-earth element. The alkali elements are Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs) and Francium (Fr). The alkaline-earth elements are Berilium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), and Radium (Ra). M is a transition metal that is any element in groups 3 through 12 inclusive on the Periodic Table of Elements (elements 21 (Sc) to element 30 (Zn)). In another exemplary embodiment, M is a metalloid element.

Smoke exposure among firefighters at prescribed burns in the Pacific Northwest.

Treesearch

Timothy E. Reinhardt; Roger D. Ottmar; Andrew J.S. Hanneman

2000-01-01

Smoke exposure measurements among firefighters during prescribed burns in the Pacific Northwest between 1991 and 1994 showed that a small but significant percentage of workers experienced exposure to carbon monoxide and respiratory irritants that exceeded occupational exposure limits. This most often was caused by unfavorable winds or fire behavior and occurred mostly...

Improving burn care and preventing burns by establishing a burn database in Ukraine.

PubMed

Fuzaylov, Gennadiy; Murthy, Sushila; Dunaev, Alexander; Savchyn, Vasyl; Knittel, Justin; Zabolotina, Olga; Dylewski, Maggie L; Driscoll, Daniel N

2014-08-01

Burns are a challenge for trauma care and a contribution to the surgical burden. The former Soviet republic of Ukraine has a foundation for burn care; however data concerning burns in Ukraine has historically been scant. The objective of this paper was to compare a new burn database to identify problems and implement improvements in burn care and prevention in this country. Retrospective analyses of demographic and clinical data of burn patients including Tukey's post hoc test, analysis of variance, and chi square analyses, and Fisher's exact test were used. Data were compared to the American Burn Association (ABA) burn repository. This study included 1752 thermally injured patients treated in 20 hospitals including Specialized Burn Unit in Municipal Hospital #8 Lviv, Lviv province in Ukraine. Scald burns were the primary etiology of burns injuries (70%) and burns were more common among children less than five years of age (34%). Length of stay, mechanical ventilation use, infection rates, and morbidity increased with greater burn size. Mortality was significantly related to burn size, inhalation injury, age, and length of stay. Wound infections were associated with burn size and older age. Compared to ABA data, Ukrainian patients had double the length of stay and a higher rate of wound infections (16% vs. 2.4%). We created one of the first burn databases from a region of the former Soviet Union in an effort to bring attention to burn injury and improve burn care. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The utilization of alkali-treated melon husk by broilers.

PubMed

Abiola, S S; Amalime, A C; Akadiri, K C

2002-09-01

The effects of alkali treatment on chemical constituents of melon husk (MH) and performance characteristics of broilers fed alkali-treated MH (ATMH) diets were investigated. The chemical analysis showed that alkali treatment increased the ash content of MH (from 15.70% to 16.86%) and reduced the crude fibre content (from 29.00% to 14.00%). Result of feed intake was superior on 30% alkali diet with a value of 100.14 g/bird/day. Body weight gain decreased with increase in the level of ATMH in the diet. Highest dressing percentage of 66.33% and best meat/bone ratio of 2.57 were obtained on 10% and 20% alkali diets, respectively. Dietary treatments had significant effect (P < 0.05) on gizzard weight. Up to 20% of maize can be replaced with ATMH in broiler diets to produce good quality poultry carcases and chicken meat with favourable shelf life.

An unusual case of extensive self-inflicted cement burn.

PubMed

Catalano, F; Mariano, F; Maina, G; Bianco, C; Nuzzo, J; Stella, M

2013-03-31

Cement is a fine powder used to bind sand and stones into a matrix of concrete, making up the world's most frequently used building material in the construction industry. First described by Ramazzini in his book "De Morbis Artificia Diatriba" in 1700, the effect of cement on the skin was presumed to be due to contact dermatitis. The first cement burns case was published by Rowe and Williams in 1963. Cement handling has been found to be responsible for many cases of occupational burns (generally full-thickness) usually affecting a limited TBSA, rarely greater than 5%, with localization especially in the lower limbs. We describe an unusual case of a self-inflicted cement burn involving 75% TBSA. A 28-yr-old building worker attempted suicide by jumping into a cement mixer in a truck. Upon arrival at our burn centre, clinical examination revealed extensive burn (75% TBSA - 40% full-thickness) involving face, back, abdomen, upper limbs and circumferentially lower limbs, sparing the hands and feet. The patient was sedated, mechanically ventilated, and subjected to escharotomy of the lower limbs in the emergency room. The following day, the deep burns in the lower limbs were excised down to the fascia and covered with meshed allografts. Owing to probable intestinal and skin absorption of cement, metal toxicity was suspected and dialysis and forced diuresis were therefore initiated on day 3. The patient's clinical conditions gradually worsened and he died on day 13 from the multi-organ failure syndrome.

Hydration heat of alkali activated fine-grained ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jerman, Miloš; Černý, Robert

2017-07-01

Early-age hydration heat of alkali activated ceramic dust is studied as a function of silicate modulus. A mixture of sodium hydroxide and water glass is used as alkali activator. The measurements are carried out using a large-volume isothermal heat flow calorimeter which is capable of detecting even very small values of specific heat power. Experimental results show that the specific hydration heat power of alkali activated fine-ground ceramic is very low and increases with the decreasing silicate modulus of the mix.

Anti-neovascular effect of chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix on corneal alkaline burns in rabbits.

PubMed

Lee, Hye Sook; Lee, Ji Hyun; Kim, Chae Eun; Yang, Jae Wook

2014-06-01

We investigated the effect of a chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix (CDECM) on experimental corneal alkaline burns in rabbits. Corneal neovascularization (NV) was induced by applying an 8-mm filter paper soaked in 1 N NaOH to the right central corneas of rabbits for 1 minute. Ten days later, the rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: the alkaline burn group, the CDECM transplantation group, and the human amniotic membrane (HAM) transplantation group. The left eyes were used as controls. CDECM and HAM were transplanted onto the corneal surface to completely cover the resected area and were subsequently sutured. On the 10th day after transplantation, the structural changes of the cornea were analyzed histologically. We examined the effects of CDECM on clinical NV features and on the expression of corneal NV markers. The alkaline burn produced significant NV and increased the corneal thickness. On day 10 after transplantation, the thickness, NV and opacity of the cornea were markedly decreased in the CDECM group (p < 0.001). However, the HAM transplantation group did not exhibit improvements in these clinical parameters, and there were no significant differences relative to the burn group. In addition, the use of CDECM improved the healing of the cornea following the alkaline burn by disrupting the corneal epithelial proliferation and reducing the fibrotic changes of the stroma. The hallmarks of NV were significantly induced in the subepithelium by the alkaline burn, and these levels were also suppressed by CDECM. The CDECM suppressed corneal NV by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation by blocking the PKC and Akt signaling pathways. CDECM transplantation was markedly effective in healing alkali-burned corneas by modulating the translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus, thereby representing a promising material for the noninvasive treatment of ocular surface disease.

Electrical burns: The trend and risk factors in the Ghanaian population.

PubMed

Agbenorku, P; Agbenorku, E; Akpaloo, J; Obeng, G; Agbley, D

2014-12-31

The usefulness of electricity in daily life offers several advantages which cannot be underestimated. Electricity is needed by industries for manufacturing and also in homes for lighting, cooking, washing, etc. However, electricity can cause severe life-threatening complications. This study investigates the trend and mortality risk factors of electrical burn injuries at the Burns Intensive Care Unit (BICU) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. The Burns Registry at KATH BICU containing information on patients who were admitted for electrical burns was used. Data on the sex, age, occupation, cause of injury, Total Body Surface Area burned (TBSA) and outcome of admissions was obtained. GraphPad version 5 was used for the analysis. There were 13 (2.7%) electrical burns, suffered by 11 males (84.6%) and 2 females (15.4%) out of a total 487 BICU admissions over a 4-year period (July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2013); the mean age of the electrical burn victims was 37.8 years (range = 22-56); the TBSA ranged from 5.0% - 98.0%. Mortality risk factors identified were high voltage electrical burns, older age (P=0.0250) and TBSA>20% (P=0.048). Four cases (30.8%) were transferred to the Main Burns Ward (Ward D2C); 6 cases (46.1%) were discharged home; 3 patients (23.1%) died; all deaths were recorded in persons who had high voltage electrical burns. Electrical burns can be severe and can cause death. Even though the current study showed that a small population was affected by electrical burns, society has to be continually conscious of the detrimental effects of electrical energy and take the necessary precautions to minimize this type of accident.

Electrical burns: The trend and risk factors in the Ghanaian population

PubMed Central

Agbenorku, P.; Agbenorku, E.; Akpaloo, J.; Obeng, G.; Agbley, D.

2014-01-01

Summary The usefulness of electricity in daily life offers several advantages which cannot be underestimated. Electricity is needed by industries for manufacturing and also in homes for lighting, cooking, washing, etc. However, electricity can cause severe life-threatening complications. This study investigates the trend and mortality risk factors of electrical burn injuries at the Burns Intensive Care Unit (BICU) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. The Burns Registry at KATH BICU containing information on patients who were admitted for electrical burns was used. Data on the sex, age, occupation, cause of injury, Total Body Surface Area burned (TBSA) and outcome of admissions was obtained. GraphPad version 5 was used for the analysis. There were 13 (2.7%) electrical burns, suffered by 11 males (84.6%) and 2 females (15.4%) out of a total 487 BICU admissions over a 4-year period (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2013); the mean age of the electrical burn victims was 37.8 years (range = 22–56); the TBSA ranged from 5.0% - 98.0%. Mortality risk factors identified were high voltage electrical burns, older age (P=0.0250) and TBSA>20% (P=0.048). Four cases (30.8%) were transferred to the Main Burns Ward (Ward D2C); 6 cases (46.1%) were discharged home; 3 patients (23.1%) died; all deaths were recorded in persons who had high voltage electrical burns. Electrical burns can be severe and can cause death. Even though the current study showed that a small population was affected by electrical burns, society has to be continually conscious of the detrimental effects of electrical energy and take the necessary precautions to minimize this type of accident. PMID:26336364

Mineralization dynamics of metakaolin-based alkali-activated cements

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gevaudan, Juan Pablo; Campbell, Kate M.; Kane, Tyler; Shoemaker, Richard K.; Srubar, Wil V.

2017-01-01

This paper investigates the early-age dynamics of mineral formation in metakaolin-based alkali-activated cements. The effects of silica availability and alkali content on mineral formation were investigated via X-ray diffraction and solid-state 29Si magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 2, 7, 14, and 28 days. Silica availability was controlled by using either liquid- (immediate) or solid-based (gradual) sodium silicate supplements. Mineral (zeolitic) and amorphous microstructural characteristics were correlated with observed changes in bulk physical properties, namely shrinkage, density, and porosity. Results demonstrate that, while alkali content controls the mineralization in immediately available silica systems, alkali content controls the silica availability in gradually available silica systems. Immediate silica availability generally leads to a more favorable mineral formation as demonstrated by correlated improvements in bulk physical properties.

Electrochemical cell utilizing molten alkali metal electrode-reactant

DOEpatents

Virkar, Anil V.; Miller, Gerald R.

1983-11-04

An improved electrochemical cell comprising an additive-modified molten alkali metal electrode-reactant and/or electrolyte is disclosed. Various electrochemical cells employing a molten alkali metal, e.g., sodium, electrode in contact with a cationically conductive ceramic membrane experience a lower resistance and a lower temperature coefficient of resistance whenever small amounts of selenium are present at the interface of the electrolyte and the molten alkali metal. Further, cells having small amounts of selenium present at the electrolyte-molten metal interface exhibit less degradation of the electrolyte under long term cycling conditions.

Mixed Polyanion Glass Cathodes: Mixed Alkali Effect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kercher, A. K.; Chapel, A. S.; Kolopus, J. A.

2017-01-01

In lithium-ion batteries, mixed polyanion glass cathodes have demonstrated high capacities (200-500 mAh/g) by undergoing conversion and intercalation reactions. Mixed polyanion glasses typically have the same fundamental issues as other conversion cathodes, i.e.: large hysteresis, capacity fade, and 1st-cycle irreversible loss. A key advantage of glass cathodes is the ability to tailor their composition to optimize the desired physical properties and electrochemical performance. The strong dependence of glass physical properties (e.g., ionic diffusivity, electrical conductivity, and chemical durability) on the composition of alkali mixtures in a glass is well known and has been named the mixed alkali effect. The mixedmore » alkali effect on battery electrochemical properties is reported here for the first time. Depending on glass composition, the mixed alkali effect is shown to improve capacity retention during cycling (from 39% to 50% after 50 cycle test), to reduce the 1st-cycle irreversible loss (from 41% to 22%), and improve the high power (500 mA/g) capacity (from 50% to 67% of slow discharge capacity).« less

In situ alkali-silica reaction observed by x-ray microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurtis, K.E.; Monteiro, P.J.M.; Brown, J.T.

1997-04-01

In concrete, alkali metal ions and hydroxyl ions contributed by the cement and reactive silicates present in aggregate can participate in a destructive alkali-silica reaction (ASR). This reaction of the alkalis with the silicates produces a gel that tends to imbibe water found in the concrete pores, leading to swelling of the gel and eventual cracking of the affected concrete member. Over 104 cases of alkali-aggregate reaction in dams and spillways have been reported around the world. At present, no method exists to arrest the expansive chemical reaction which generates significant distress in the affected structures. Most existing techniques availablemore » for the examination of concrete microstructure, including ASR products, demand that samples be dried and exposed to high pressure during the observation period. These sample preparation requirements present a major disadvantage for the study of alkali-silica reaction. Given the nature of the reaction and the affect of water on its products, it is likely that the removal of water will affect the morphology, creating artifacts in the sample. The purpose of this research is to observe and characterize the alkali-silica reaction, including each of the specific reactions identified previously, in situ without introducing sample artifacts. For observation of unconditioned samples, x-ray microscopy offers an opportunity for such an examination of the alkali-silica reaction. Currently, this investigation is focusing on the effect of calcium ions on the alkali-silica reaction.« less

Burning Issue: Handling Household Burns

MedlinePlus

... hot objects or liquid, fire, friction, the sun, electricity, or certain chemicals. Each year, about a half- ... infant or elderly. the burn was caused by electricity, which can lead to “invisible” burns. Links Burns ...

Alkali (Li, K and Na) and alkali-earth (Be, Ca and Mg) adatoms on SiC single layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baierle, Rogério J.; Rupp, Caroline J.; Anversa, Jonas

2018-03-01

First-principles calculations within the density functional theory (DFT) have been addressed to study the energetic stability, and electronic properties of alkali and alkali-earth atoms adsorbed on a silicon carbide (SiC) single layer. We observe that all atoms are most stable (higher binding energy) on the top of a Si atom, which moves out of the plane (in the opposite direction to the adsorbed atom). Alkali atoms adsorbed give raise to two spin unpaired electronic levels inside the band gap leading the SiC single layer to exhibit n-type semiconductor properties. For alkaline atoms adsorbed there is a deep occupied spin paired electronic level inside the band gap. These finding suggest that the adsorption of alkaline and alkali-earth atoms on SiC layer is a powerful feature to functionalize two dimensional SiC structures, which can be used to produce new electronic, magnetic and optical devices as well for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction (HER and OER, respectively). Furthermore, we observe that the adsorption of H2 is ruled by dispersive forces (van der Waals interactions) while the O2 molecule is strongly adsorbed on the functionalized system.

Alkali oxide-tantalum oxide and alkali oxide-niobium oxide ionic conductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, R. S.; Parker, H. S.; Brower, W. S.; Minor, D.

1974-01-01

A search was made for new cationic conducting phases in alkali-tantalate and niobate systems. The phase equilibrium diagrams were constructed for the six binary systems Nb2O5-LiNbO3, Nb2O5-NaNbO3, Nb2O5-KNbO3, Ta2O5-NaTaO3, Ta2O5-LiTaO3, and Ta2O5-KTaO3. Various other binary and ternary systems were also examined. Pellets of nineteen phases were evaluated (by the sponsoring agency) by dielectric loss measurements. Attempts were made to grow large crystals of eight different phases. The system Ta2O5-KTaO3 contains at least three phases which showed peaks in dielectric loss vs. temperature. All three contain structures related to the tungsten bronzes with alkali ions in non-stoichiometric crystallographic positions.

Desulfurizing Coal With an Alkali Treatment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ravindram, M.; Kalvinskas, J. J.

1987-01-01

Experimental coal-desulfurization process uses alkalies and steam in fluidized-bed reactor. With highly volatile, high-sulfur bituminous coal, process removed 98 percent of pyritic sulfur and 47 percent of organic sulfur. Used in coal liquefaction and in production of clean solid fuels and synthetic liquid fuels. Nitrogen or steam flows through bed of coal in reactor. Alkalies react with sulfur, removing it from coal. Nitrogen flow fluidizes bed while heating or cooling; steam is fluidizing medium during reaction.

Chlor-Alkali Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Venkatesh, S.; Tilak, B. V.

1983-01-01

Chlor-alkali technology is one of the largest electrochemical industries in the world, the main products being chlorine and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) generated simultaneously by the electrolysis of sodium chloride. This technology is reviewed in terms of electrochemical principles and manufacturing processes involved. (Author/JN)

Alkali content of fly ash : measuring and testing strategies for compliance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-04-01

Sodium and potassium are the common alkalis present in fly ash. Excessive amounts of fly ash alkalis can cause efflorescence : problems in concrete products and raise concern about the effectiveness of the fly ash to mitigate alkali-silica reaction (...

Near atomically smooth alkali antimonide photocathode thin films

DOE PAGES

Feng, Jun; Karkare, Siddharth; Nasiatka, James; ...

2017-01-24

Nano-roughness is one of the major factors degrading the emittance of electron beams that can be generated by high efficiency photocathodes, such as the thermally reacted alkali antimonide thin films. In this paper, we demonstrate a co-deposition based method for producing alkali antimonide cathodes that produce near atomic smoothness with high reproducibility. Here, we calculate the effect of the surface roughness on the emittance and show that such smooth cathode surfaces are essential for operation of alkali antimonide cathodes in high field, low emittance radio frequency electron guns and to obtain ultracold electrons for ultrafast electron diffraction applications.

Near atomically smooth alkali antimonide photocathode thin films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feng, Jun; Karkare, Siddharth; Nasiatka, James

Nano-roughness is one of the major factors degrading the emittance of electron beams that can be generated by high efficiency photocathodes, such as the thermally reacted alkali antimonide thin films. In this paper, we demonstrate a co-deposition based method for producing alkali antimonide cathodes that produce near atomic smoothness with high reproducibility. Here, we calculate the effect of the surface roughness on the emittance and show that such smooth cathode surfaces are essential for operation of alkali antimonide cathodes in high field, low emittance radio frequency electron guns and to obtain ultracold electrons for ultrafast electron diffraction applications.

An unusual case of extensive self-inflicted cement burn

PubMed Central

Catalano, F.; Mariano, F.; Maina, G.; Bianco, C.; Nuzzo, J.; Stella, M.

2013-01-01

Summary Cement is a fine powder used to bind sand and stones into a matrix of concrete, making up the world’s most frequently used building material in the construction industry. First described by Ramazzini in his book “De Morbis Artificia Diatriba” in 1700, the effect of cement on the skin was presumed to be due to contact dermatitis. The first cement burns case was published by Rowe and Williams in 1963. Cement handling has been found to be responsible for many cases of occupational burns (generally full-thickness) usually affecting a limited TBSA, rarely greater than 5%, with localization especially in the lower limbs. We describe an unusual case of a self-inflicted cement burn involving 75% TBSA. A 28-yr-old building worker attempted suicide by jumping into a cement mixer in a truck. Upon arrival at our burn centre, clinical examination revealed extensive burn (75% TBSA - 40% full-thickness) involving face, back, abdomen, upper limbs and circumferentially lower limbs, sparing the hands and feet. The patient was sedated, mechanically ventilated, and subjected to escharotomy of the lower limbs in the emergency room. The following day, the deep burns in the lower limbs were excised down to the fascia and covered with meshed allografts. Owing to probable intestinal and skin absorption of cement, metal toxicity was suspected and dialysis and forced diuresis were therefore initiated on day 3. The patient’s clinical conditions gradually worsened and he died on day 13 from the multi-organ failure syndrome. PMID:23966898

Alkali metal intercalates of molybdenum disulfide.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somoano, R. B.; Hadek, V.; Rembaum, A.

1973-01-01

Study of some of the physicochemical properties of compounds obtained by subjecting natural molybdenite and single crystals of molybdenum disulfide grown by chemical vapor transport to intercalation with the alkali group of metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) by means of the liquid ammonia technique. Reported data and results include: (1) the intercalation of the entire alkali metal group, (2) stoichiometries and X-ray data on all of the compounds, and (3) superconductivity data for all the intercalation compounds.

COMPLEX FLUORIDES OF PLUTONIUM AND AN ALKALI METAL

DOEpatents

Seaborg, G.T.

1960-08-01

A method is given for precipitating alkali metal plutonium fluorides. such as KPuF/sub 5/, KPu/sub 2/F/sub 9/, NaPuF/sub 5/, and RbPuF/sub 5/, from an aqueous plutonium(IV) solution by adding hydrogen fluoride and alkali-metal- fluoride.

The Psychological Impact of First Burn Camp in Nicaragua.

PubMed

Tropez-Arceneaux, Lisa L; Castillo Alaniz, Arlen Tatiana; Lucia Icaza, Ivette; Alejandra Murillo, Evelyn

Asociacion Pro-Ninos Quemados de Nicaragua (APROQUEN) is a comprehensive burn center that provides a holistic and integrated approach to treating burns. APROQUEN has set the standards internationally with acute treatment for burns, intensive care, reconstructive surgeries, nutritional care, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and psychological treatment. APROQUEN is excelling within Central and South America with life-saving techniques and quality of care. It is imperative that burn centers in Central America recognize that the treatment of a child with a burn injury surpasses physical care to include psychological treatment for the complete well-being of the child. It is necessary to provide the tools necessary to reintegrate the child back into their environment. APROQUEN developed and implemented the first burn camp in Latin America, "Confio en Mi" (I trust myself). The camp theme focused on self-esteem. The camp program included theory (educational) and practice (applied) components where the campers through "classroom type" activities had the opportunity to reflect and share with other campers and camp staff on self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Participants were children who survived major burns (N = 33; 58% women; ages 12-25; 61% <18) and were shown to have difficulty socializing. Comprehensive interviews were conducted to ensure fit for camp. Forty-two percent of the campers had not slept away from home since the burn injury. Mean TBSA = 20% and mean age at time of burn injury was 13. The majority of campers (46%) endured flame burn injuries, with 24% having scald injuries. Mean years postburn = 4.8 + 3.2. Most campers (40%) were enrolled in secondary school, 30% in elementary school, and 21% in college. Standardized measures (CDI-2 Parent Form and Child Form, Rosenberg Scale, APROQUEN Burn Camp Measure Parent and Child Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory) were given to all campers prior to attending camp. The same measures

Preparation and Properties of Alkali Activated Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer.

PubMed

Chen, Liang; Wang, Zaiqin; Wang, Yuanyi; Feng, Jing

2016-09-08

The effective activation and utilization of metakaolin as an alkali activated geopolymer precursor and its use in concrete surface protection is of great interest. In this paper, the formula of alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers was studied using an orthogonal experimental design. It was found that the optimal geopolymer was prepared with metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and water, with the molar ratio of SiO₂:Al₂O₃:Na₂O:NaOH:H₂O being 3.4:1.1:0.5:1.0:11.8. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were adopted to investigate the influence of curing conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructures of the geopolymers. The best curing condition was 60 °C for 168 h, and this alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymer showed the highest compression strength at 52.26 MPa. In addition, hollow micro-sphere glass beads were mixed with metakaolin particles to improve the thermal insulation properties of the alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymer. These results suggest that a suitable volume ratio of metakaolin to hollow micro-sphere glass beads in alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers was 6:1, which achieved a thermal conductivity of 0.37 W/mK and compressive strength of 50 MPa. By adjusting to a milder curing condition, as-prepared alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers could find widespread applications in concrete thermal protection.

Alkali element constraints on Earth-Moon relations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norman, M. D.; Drake, M. J.; Jones, J. H.

1994-01-01

Given their range of volatilities, alkali elements are potential tracers of temperature-dependent processes during planetary accretion and formation of the Earth-Moon system. Under the giant impact hypothesis, no direct connection between the composition of the Moon and the Earth is required, and proto-lunar material does not necessarily experience high temperatures. Models calling for multiple collisions with smaller planetesimals derive proto-lunar materials mainly from the Earth's mantle and explicitly invoke vaporization, shock melting and volatility-related fractionation. Na/K, K/Rb, and Rb/Cs should all increase in response to thermal volatization, so theories which derive the Moon substantially from Earth's mantle predict these ratios will be higher in the Moon than in the primitive mantle of the Earth. Despite the overall depletion of volatile elements in the Moon, its Na/K and K/Rb are equal to or less than those of Earth. A new model presented here for the composition of Earth's continental crust, a major repository of the alkali elements, suggests the Rb/Cs of the Moon is also less than that of Earth. Fractionation of the alkali elements between Earth and Moon are in the opposite sense to predictions based on the relative volatilities of these elements, if the Moon formed by high-T processing of Earth's mantle. Earth, rather than the Moon, appears to carry a signature of volatility-related fractionation in the alkali elements. This may reflect an early episode of intense heating on Earth with the Moon's alkali budget accreting from cooler material.

Electronic structure of semiconducting alkali-metal silicides and germanides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tegze, M.; Hafner, J.

1989-11-01

We present self-consistent linearized-muffin-tin-orbital calculations of the electronic structure of three alkali-metal germanides and silicides (KGe, NaGe, and NaSi). Like the alkali-metal-lead compounds investigated in our earlier work [M. Tegze and J. Hafner, Phys. Rev. B 39, 8263 (1989)] the Ge and Si compounds of the alkali metals form complex structures based on the packing of tetrahedral Ge4 and Si4 clusters. Our calculations show that all three compounds are narrow-gap semiconductors. The width of the energy gap depends on two main factors: the ratio of the intracluster to the intercluster interactions between the group-IV elements (which increases from Pb to Si) and the strength of the interactions between the alkali-metal atoms (which varies with the size ratio).

Comparative study of diode-pumped alkali vapor laser and exciplex-pumped alkali laser systems and selection principal of parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Wei; Tan, Rongqing; Li, Zhiyong; Han, Gaoce; Li, Hui

2017-03-01

A theoretical model based on common pump structure is proposed to analyze the output characteristics of a diode-pumped alkali vapor laser (DPAL) and XPAL (exciplex-pumped alkali laser). Cs-DPAL and Cs-Ar XPAL systems are used as examples. The model predicts that an optical-to-optical efficiency approaching 80% can be achieved for continuous-wave four- and five-level XPAL systems with broadband pumping, which is several times the pumped linewidth for DPAL. Operation parameters including pumped intensity, temperature, cell's length, mixed gas concentration, pumped linewidth, and output coupler are analyzed for DPAL and XPAL systems based on the kinetic model. In addition, the predictions of selection principal of temperature and cell's length are also presented. The concept of the equivalent "alkali areal density" is proposed. The result shows that the output characteristics with the same alkali areal density but different temperatures turn out to be equal for either the DPAL or the XPAL system. It is the areal density that reflects the potential of DPAL or XPAL systems directly. A more detailed analysis of similar influences of cavity parameters with the same areal density is also presented.

Self-Protection Mechanism of Hexagonal WO3-Based DeNOx Catalysts against Alkali Poisoning.

PubMed

Zheng, Li; Zhou, Meijuan; Huang, Zhiwei; Chen, Yaxin; Gao, Jiayi; Ma, Zhen; Chen, Jianmin; Tang, Xingfu

2016-11-01

A good catalyst for efficiently controlling NO x emissions often demands strong resistance against alkali poisoning. Although the traditional ion-exchange model, based on acid-base reactions of alkalis with Brønsted acid sites, has been established over the past two decades, it is difficult to be used as a guideline to develop such an alkali-resistant catalyst. Here we establish a self-protection mechanism of deNO x catalysts against alkali poisoning by systematically studying the intrinsic nature of alkali resistance of V 2 O 5 /HWO (HWO = hexagonal WO 3 ) that shows excellent resistance to alkali poisoning in selective catalytic reduction of NO x with NH 3 (SCR). Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopies demonstrate that V 2 O 5 /HWO has spatially separated catalytically active sites (CASs) and alkali-trapping sites (ATSs). During the SCR process, ATSs spontaneously trap alkali ions such as K + , even if alkali ions initially block CASs, thus releasing CASs to realize the self-protection against alkali poisoning. X-ray photoelectron spectra coupled with theoretical calculations indicate that the electronic interaction between the alkali ions and ATSs with an energy saving is the driving force of the self-protection. This work provides a strategy to design alkali-resistant deNO x catalysts.

Alkali-Activated Natural Pozzolan/Slag Binder for Sustainable Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najimi, Meysam

This study aimed to fully replace Portland cement (PC) with environmentally friendly binders capable of improving longevity of concrete. The new binders consisted of different proportions of natural Pozzolan and slag which were alkaline-activated with various combinations of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. A step-by-step research program was designed to (1) develop alkali-activated natural Pozzolan/slag pastes with adequate fresh and strength properties, (2) produce alkali-activated natural Pozzolan/slag mortars to assess the effects of dominant variables on their plastic and hardened properties, and (3) finally produce and assess fresh, mechanical, dimensional, transport and durability properties of alkali-activated natural Pozzolan/slag concretes. The major variables included in this study were binder combination (natural Pozzolan/slag combinations of 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70), activator combination (sodium silicate/sodium hydroxide combinations of 20/80, 25/75 and 30/70), and sodium hydroxide concentration (1, 1.75 and 2.5M). The experimental program assessed performance of alkali-activated natural Pozzolan/slag mixtures including fresh properties (flow and setting times), unit weights (fresh, demolded and oven-dry), mechanical properties (compressive and tensile strengths, and modulus of elasticity), transport properties (absorption, rapid chloride penetration, and rapid chloride migration), durability (frost resistance, chloride induced corrosion, and resistance to sulfuric acid attack), and dimensional stability (drying shrinkage). This study also compared the performance of alkali-activated natural Pozzolan/slag concretes with that of an equivalent reference Portland cement concrete having a similar flow and strength characteristics. The results of this study revealed that it was doable to find optimum binder proportions, activator combinations and sodium hydroxide concentrations to achieve adequate plastic and hardened properties. Nearly for all studied

Effects of Environment on Infection in Burn Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

medical archives; NSA, nurses’ station, acute-care patients ; NSB, nurses’ station, intermediate-care patients ; OT", occupational therapy section; QAP...Reprinted from the Archives of Surgery January 1986, Volume 121 Copyright 1986, American Medical Association 00 ’d". CD Y" E LE C; I Effects of...Environment on Infection in Burn Patients LTC Khan Z. Shirani, MC, USA; Albert T. McManus, PhD; LTC George M. Vaughan, MC, USA; COL William F. McManus, MC

Determination of the common and rare alkalies in mineral analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wells, R.C.; Stevens, R.E.

1934-01-01

Methods are described which afford a determination of each member of the alkali group and are successful in dealing with the quantities of the rare alkalies found in rocks and minerals. The procedures are relatively rapid and based chiefly on the use of chloroplatinic acid, absolute alcohol and ether, and ammonium sulfate. The percentages of all the alkalies found in a number of minerals are given.

40 CFR 721.5452 - Alkali metal salt of halogenated organoborate (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Alkali metal salt of halogenated... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5452 Alkali metal salt of halogenated organoborate (generic). (a... generically as alkali metal salt of halogenated organoborate (PMN P-00-0638) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.5452 - Alkali metal salt of halogenated organoborate (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alkali metal salt of halogenated... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5452 Alkali metal salt of halogenated organoborate (generic). (a... generically as alkali metal salt of halogenated organoborate (PMN P-00-0638) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.5985 - Fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5985 Fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal salt (generic). (a) Chemical... as a fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal salt (PMN P-99-0385) is subject to reporting under this...

40 CFR 721.5985 - Fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5985 Fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal salt (generic). (a) Chemical... as a fatty alkyl phosphate, alkali metal salt (PMN P-99-0385) is subject to reporting under this...

Moisturisers in scar management following burn: A survey report.

PubMed

Klotz, Tanja; Kurmis, Rochelle; Munn, Zachary; Heath, Kathryn; Greenwood, John

2017-08-01

Scar management is a recognised key component of rehabilitation following burn. Moisturising often combined with massage is commenced once healing tissue has gained sufficient strength to tolerate surface friction, with the aim being to hydrate the dry scar. The studies on various moisturisers and creams provide some guidance on moisturiser selection, but many are inconclusive. This survey aimed to determine the current expert opinion regarding moisturiser recommendations, including the basis for these recommendations, across the burns community. A brief web-based survey was distributed to burn therapists via mailing lists of the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA), and American Burn Association (ABA) 'Occupational and Physical Therapist Burn Special Interest Group'. The fifty three respondents indicated that there were 29 different moisturisers commonly recommended in practice. Three main themes were indicated as influencing recommendations for moisturiser: the perceived effects on the scar/skin (48%); the general properties of the moisturiser (38%); the ingredients (14%). Therapists reported that the principle stimuli determining their recommendations were patient feedback and the choice of the previous burn therapist in their service. Many were also guided by medical staff, pharmacists and sales representatives. Only three respondents were able to provide citations for published evidence supporting their recommendations. There is a paucity of evidence currently to support optimal moisturiser choice. This survey demonstrates that conflicting opinions are held on the ideal moisturiser brand, properties and ingredients. The recommendations made are based on low level evidence. Further research is required to inform clinicians which moisturiser to recommend to their clients. An ideal moisturiser should be one that is conducive to scar maturation, non- or minimally irritant, prevent skin drying, minimise transepidermal water loss and have no negative

40 CFR 721.4660 - Alcohol, alkali metal salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alcohol, alkali metal salt. 721.4660 Section 721.4660 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.4660 Alcohol, alkali metal sal...

Proteomic Analyses of Corneal Tissue Subjected to Alkali Exposure

PubMed Central

Parikh, Toral; Eisner, Natalie; Venugopalan, Praseeda; Yang, Qin; Lam, Byron L.

2011-01-01

Purpose. To determine whether exposure to alkaline chemicals results in predictable changes in corneal protein profile. To determine whether protein profile changes are indicative of severity and duration of alkali exposure. Methods. Enucleated bovine and porcine (n = 59 each) eyes were used for exposure to sodium, ammonium, and calcium hydroxide, respectively. Eyes were subjected to fluorescein staining, 5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) labeling. Excised cornea was subjected to protein extraction, spectrophotometric determination of protein amount, dynamic light scattering and SDS-PAGE profiling, mass spectrometric protein identification, and iTRAQ-labeled quantification. Select identified proteins were subjected to Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Results. Alkali exposure resulted in lower protein extractability from corneal tissue. Elevated aggregate formation was found with strong alkali exposure (sodium hydroxide>ammonium, calcium hydroxide), even with a short duration of exposure compared with controls. The protein yield after exposure varied as a function of postexposure time. Protein profiles changed because of alkali exposure. Concentration and strength of the alkali affected the profile change significantly. Mass spectrometry identified 15 proteins from different bands with relative quantification. Plexin D1 was identified for the first time in the cornea at a protein level that was further confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Conclusions. Exposure to alkaline chemicals results in predictable and reproducible changes in corneal protein profile. Stronger alkali, longer durations, or both, of exposure resulted in lower yields and significant protein profile changes compared with controls. PMID:20861482

Preparation and Properties of Alkali Activated Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer

PubMed Central

Chen, Liang; Wang, Zaiqin; Wang, Yuanyi; Feng, Jing

2016-01-01

The effective activation and utilization of metakaolin as an alkali activated geopolymer precursor and its use in concrete surface protection is of great interest. In this paper, the formula of alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers was studied using an orthogonal experimental design. It was found that the optimal geopolymer was prepared with metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and water, with the molar ratio of SiO2:Al2O3:Na2O:NaOH:H2O being 3.4:1.1:0.5:1.0:11.8. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were adopted to investigate the influence of curing conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructures of the geopolymers. The best curing condition was 60 °C for 168 h, and this alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymer showed the highest compression strength at 52.26 MPa. In addition, hollow micro-sphere glass beads were mixed with metakaolin particles to improve the thermal insulation properties of the alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymer. These results suggest that a suitable volume ratio of metakaolin to hollow micro-sphere glass beads in alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers was 6:1, which achieved a thermal conductivity of 0.37 W/mK and compressive strength of 50 MPa. By adjusting to a milder curing condition, as-prepared alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers could find widespread applications in concrete thermal protection. PMID:28773888

Utilization of Mineral Wools as Alkali-Activated Material Precursor

PubMed Central

Yliniemi, Juho; Kinnunen, Paivo; Karinkanta, Pasi; Illikainen, Mirja

2016-01-01

Mineral wools are the most common insulation materials in buildings worldwide. However, mineral wool waste is often considered unrecyclable because of its fibrous nature and low density. In this paper, rock wool (RW) and glass wool (GW) were studied as alkali-activated material precursors without any additional co-binders. Both mineral wools were pulverized by a vibratory disc mill in order to remove the fibrous nature of the material. The pulverized mineral wools were then alkali-activated with a sodium aluminate solution. Compressive strengths of up to 30.0 MPa and 48.7 MPa were measured for RW and GW, respectively, with high flexural strengths measured for both (20.1 MPa for RW and 13.2 MPa for GW). The resulting alkali-activated matrix was a composite-type in which partly-dissolved fibers were dispersed. In addition to the amorphous material, sodium aluminate silicate hydroxide hydrate and magnesium aluminum hydroxide carbonate phases were identified in the alkali-activated RW samples. The only crystalline phase in the GW samples was sodium aluminum silicate. The results of this study show that mineral wool is a very promising raw material for alkali activation. PMID:28773435

Assessing occupational mercury exposures and behaviours of artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Burkina Faso using passive mercury vapour badges.

PubMed

Black, Paleah; Richard, Myrianne; Rossin, Ricardo; Telmer, Kevin

2017-01-01

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a crucial economic activity in Burkina Faso, however it is associated with significant mercury exposure and health concerns. The aim of the present study was to assess the level of mercury (Hg) vapour exposures and occupational behaviours at a representative site using Hg vapour monitor badges and questionnaires. To our knowledge this is the first time that personal exposure to Hg vapour during ASGM activities has been reported. The study population were ASGM workers who completed a questionnaire (n=100) or participated with an occupational exposure assessment using commercially available passive Hg vapour samplers (n=44). Occupational exposure to Hg was high during open-air burn events with a time weighted average (TWA) exposure of 7026±6857µg/m 3 for burners, and 1412±2870µg/m 3 for bystanders. Most (82%) of the people present at the burn exceeded the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 100µg/m 3 , and 11% exceeded the level considered to be Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) of 10,000µg/m 3 . Even control workers who were not present at the burn exceeded the PEL (24%), likely due to legacy Hg contamination producing latent Hg releases to the atmosphere. Similarly, 86% of the miners at the burn and 59% of control workers had an 8-h TWA that exceeded the Recommended Exposures Limit (REL). Several occupational behaviours that may contribute to Hg exposures were documented. This study corroborates previous studies suggesting that Hg exposure during amalgam burning is very high, and demonstrates the plausibility of using passive vapour monitoring badges rather than costly and logistically difficult biomonitoring methods. Mercury reduction and elimination interventions are strongly needed to reduce Hg exposure in ASGM communities, particularly as countries come into compliance with the Minamata Convention. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Positron-alkali atom scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mceachran, R. P.; Horbatsch, M.; Stauffer, A. D.; Ward, S. J.

1990-01-01

Positron-alkali atom scattering was recently investigated both theoretically and experimentally in the energy range from a few eV up to 100 eV. On the theoretical side calculations of the integrated elastic and excitation cross sections as well as total cross sections for Li, Na and K were based upon either the close-coupling method or the modified Glauber approximation. These theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental measurements of the total cross section for both Na and K. Resonance structures were also found in the L = 0, 1 and 2 partial waves for positron scattering from the alkalis. The structure of these resonances appears to be quite complex and, as expected, they occur in conjunction with the atomic excitation thresholds. Currently both theoretical and experimental work is in progress on positron-Rb scattering in the same energy range.

Burns - resources

MedlinePlus

Resources - burns ... The following organizations are good resources for information on burns : Burns Recovered -- brsg.org Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center - Burn Model Systems -- www.msktc.org/burn http:// ...

A low-power reversible alkali atom source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Songbai; Mott, Russell P.; Gilmore, Kevin A.; Sorenson, Logan D.; Rakher, Matthew T.; Donley, Elizabeth A.; Kitching, John; Roper, Christopher S.

2017-06-01

An electrically controllable, solid-state, reversible device for sourcing and sinking alkali vapor is presented. When placed inside an alkali vapor cell, both an increase and decrease in the rubidium vapor density by a factor of two are demonstrated through laser absorption spectroscopy on 10-15 s time scales. The device requires low voltage (5 V), low power (<3.4 mW peak power), and low energy (<10.7 mJ per 10 s pulse). The absence of oxygen emission during operation is shown through residual gas analysis, indicating that Rb is not lost through chemical reaction but rather by ion transport through the designed channel. This device is of interest for atomic physics experiments and, in particular, for portable cold-atom systems where dynamic control of alkali vapor density can enable advances in science and technology.

Electrical resistivity of liquid Na-alkali alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malan, Rajesh C.; Vora, Aditya M.

2018-05-01

The electrical resistivity (ρ) has been investigated for the liquid Na-alkali alloys. An effort is made to extend the applicability of the potential suggested by Fiolhais and co-workers to the liquid range for alkali group. The universal parameters of the potential are used for the entire calculation. Eight different screening functions proposed by Hartree (H), Hubbard and Sham (HS), Vashishtha and Shingwi (VS), Taylor (T), Ichimaru and Utsumi (IU), Farid et al. (F), Sarkar et al. (S) and Nagy (N) are used to study the electrical resistivity (ρ) of liquid Na-alkali alloys with well-known Faber-Ziman theory along with Percus-Yevic hard sphere (PYHS) reference system. The results of electrical resistivity (ρ) are found in qualitative agreement with experimental data for the Na-K and Na-Rb alloys than those for Na-Li and Na-Cs alloys.

[Diversity of uncultured actinomycetes in saline-alkali soil from Jiuquan area of Hexi Corridor].

PubMed

Li, Hai-yun; Niu, Shi-quan; Kong, Wei-bao; Yan, Wei-ru; Geng, Hui; Han, Cai-hong; Da, Wen-yan; Zhang, Ai-mei; Zhu, Xue-tai

2015-09-01

In order to more accurately understand community structure and diversity of actinomycetes in saline-alkali soil from Jiuquan area of Hexi Corridor, the community structure and diversity from three kinds of soil samples (primary, secondary saline alkali soil and farmland soil) were analyzed using uncultured methods. The results showed that the 16S rDNA clone library of actinomycetales from the primary saline-alkali soil belonged to 19 OTUs, Micrococcineae, Propionibacterineae, Corynebacterineae, Frankineae, Pseudonocardineae and unknown groups of Actinomycetales; the 16S r DNA clone library of actinomycetales from the secondary saline-alkali soil belonged to 14 OTUs, Micrococcineae, Propionibacterineae, Corynebacterineae, Frankineae, Pseudonocardineae and unknown groups of Actinomycetales; the 16S rDNA clone library of farmland soil belonged to 7 OTUs, Micrococcineae, Propionibacterineae, Corynebacterineae, Frankineae, Pseudonocardineae and unknown groups of Actinomycetales; Micrococcineae was the common population in the three soils, and also was the dominant population in primary saline alkali soil and farmland soil. The diversity index and rarefaction curves analysis showed that actinomycetes species richness was in order of primary saline-alkali soil > secondary saline-alkali soil > farmland soil. The dilution curves of primary saline-alkali soil and secondary saline-alkali soil were not leveled off, which indicated the actinomycetes diversity in saline-alkali soil was more enriched than the actual. The rich and diverse actinomycetes resources in saline-alkali soil from Jiuquan area of Hexi Corridor provide important data on the actinomycetes ecology distribution research, exploitation and utilization in saline-alkali soil.

Suicidal burns in Samarkand burn centers and their consequences.

PubMed

Shakirov, B M; Ahmedov, Y M; Hakimov, E A; Tagaev, K R; Karabaev, B H

2013-12-31

Suicide is a global public health problem, particularly in Asia where few countries with large populations have high suicide rates accounting for the majority of the world's suicides. During a 14-year period, 76 individuals, aged 17 to 66 years, committed suicide from 1995 to 2008 and were included in this report. Data was collected on each patient including, age, sex, place of injury, patient occupation, accommodation, psychiatric illness, suicidal motives, flammable substances used, place of burn, season of the year, and total body surface area (TBSA) burnt. Most suicidal cases (55 out of 76) had a history of depressive episodes and emotional unstable disorders, and 18 of them had a known history of psychiatric illness. In 5 cases alcohol intoxication was present at the moment of suicide, and 3 patients had chronic alcohol dependence together with basic psychiatric disease. It is also evident from this study that the causes of suicide in females are mainly socio-economical and psychological.

Suicidal burns in Samarkand burn centers and their consequences

PubMed Central

Shakirov, B.M.; Ahmedov, Y.M.; Hakimov, E.A.; Tagaev, K.R.; Karabaev, B.H.

2013-01-01

Summary Suicide is a global public health problem, particularly in Asia where few countries with large populations have high suicide rates accounting for the majority of the world’s suicides. During a 14-year period, 76 individuals, aged 17 to 66 years, committed suicide from 1995 to 2008 and were included in this report. Data was collected on each patient including, age, sex, place of injury, patient occupation, accommodation, psychiatric illness, suicidal motives, flammable substances used, place of burn, season of the year, and total body surface area (TBSA) burnt. Most suicidal cases (55 out of 76) had a history of depressive episodes and emotional unstable disorders, and 18 of them had a known history of psychiatric illness. In 5 cases alcohol intoxication was present at the moment of suicide, and 3 patients had chronic alcohol dependence together with basic psychiatric disease. It is also evident from this study that the causes of suicide in females are mainly socio-economical and psychological. PMID:24799853

40 CFR 49.10411 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.10411 Section 49.10411 Protection of... for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. (a) Beginning...

[Surgical treatment of burns : Special aspects of pediatric burns].

PubMed

Bührer, G; Beier, J P; Horch, R E; Arkudas, A

2017-05-01

Treatment of pediatric burn patients is very important because of the sheer frequency of burn wounds and the possible long-term ramifications. Extensive burns need special care and are treated in specialized burn centers. The goal of this work is to present current standards in burn therapy and important innovations in the treatment of burns in children so that the common and small area burn wounds and scalds in pediatric patients in day-to-day dermatological practice can be adequately treated. Analysis of current literature, discussion of reviews, incorporation of current guidelines. Burns in pediatric patients are common. Improvement of survival can be achieved by treatment in burn centers. The assessment of burn depth and area is an important factor for proper treatment. We give an overview for outpatient treatment of partial thickness burns. New methods may result in better long-term outcome. Adequate treatment of burn injuries considering current literature and guidelines improves patient outcome. Rational implementation of new methods is recommended.

The effect of calcium hydroxide, alkali dilution and calcium concentration in mitigating the alkali silica reaction using palm oil fuel ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asrah, Hidayati; Mirasa, Abdul Karim; Bolong, Nurmin

2018-02-01

This study investigated the mechanism of how POFA mitigated the ASR expansion. Two types of POFA; the UPOFA and GPOFA with different fineness were used to replace the cement at 20% and 40% and their effects on the mortar bar expansion, calcium hydroxide, alkali dilution, and calcium concentration were investigated. The results showed that UPOFA has a significant ability to mitigate the ASR, even at a lower level of replacement (20%) compared to GPOFA. The mechanism of UPOFA in mitigating the ASR expansion was through a reduction in the calcium hydroxide content, which produced low calcium concentration within the mortar pore solution. Low pore solution alkalinity signified that UPOFA had good alkali dilution effect. Meanwhile, a higher dosage of GPOFA was required to mitigate the ASR expansion. An increase in the pore solution alkalinity of GPOFA mortar indicated higher penetration of alkalis from the NaOH solution, which reduced the alkali dilution effect. However, this was compensated by the increase in the cement dilution effect at higher GPOFA replacement, which controlled the mortar bar expansion below the ASTM limit.

Coupled channel effects on resonance states of positronic alkali atom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, Takuma; Kino, Yasushi

2018-01-01

S-wave Feshbach resonance states belonging to dipole series in positronic alkali atoms (e+Li, e+Na, e+K, e+Rb and e+Cs) are studied by coupled-channel calculations within a three-body model. Resonance energies and widths below a dissociation threshold of alkali-ion and positronium are calculated with a complex scaling method. Extended model potentials that provide positronic pseudo-alkali-atoms are introduced to investigate the relationship between the resonance states and dissociation thresholds based on a three-body dynamics. Resonances of the dipole series below a dissociation threshold of alkali-atom and positron would have some associations with atomic energy levels that results in longer resonance lifetimes than the prediction of the analytical law derived from the ion-dipole interaction.

Spectroscopic and Kinetic Measurements of Alkali Atom-Rare Gas Excimers

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-04

vapors – Exciplex molecules absorb over much greater bandwidth • Control of inherent high optical gain to minimize ASE and optimize laser oscillation... Exciplex assisted diode Pumped Alkali Laser (XPAL) • Education of a future generation of laser scientists VG09-227-2 Physical Sciences Inc. Novel Approach...This new laser exploits the optical properties of weakly-bound alkali/rare-gas exciplexes for pumping the 2P1/2, 3/2 alkali atomic excited states 4

High temperature alkali corrosion of ceramics in coal gas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pickrell, G.R.; Sun, T.; Brown, J.J.

1992-02-24

The high temperature alkali corrosion kinetics of SiC have been systematically investigated from 950 to 1100[degrees]C at 0.63 vol % alkali vapor concentration. The corrosion rate in the presence of alkaliis approximately 10[sup 4] to 10[sup 5] times faster than the oxidation rate of SiC in air. The activation energy associated with the alkali corrosion is 406 kJ/mol, indicating a highly temperature-dependent reaction rate. The rate-controlling step of the overall reaction is likely to be the dissolution of silica in the sodium silicate liquid, based on the oxygen diffusivity data.

Alkali Burn of the Ocular Surface Associated With a Commonly Used Antifog Agent for Eyewear: Two Cases and a Review of Previous Reports.

PubMed

Welling, John D; Pike, Evan C; Mauger, Thomas F

2016-02-01

To report 2 cases of ocular chemical burns associated with the use of a swim goggle antifog agent and to review the literature for this and similar antifog products. Case reports and systematic review of the medical literature, material safety data, product safety reports, and consumer reviews. Two males, one 46 years and the other 41 years, were referred to our clinic with chemical burns of the ocular surface after using the same goggle antifog agent while swimming in a triathlon. Both sustained significant epithelial defects. Fortunately, with prompt treatment, both of our patients returned to their baseline vision within a few weeks without suffering sight-threatening complications. These are the first cases of ocular chemical burn secondary to use of an eyewear antifog agent to be reported in the medical literature. Similar reports found in consumer forums suggest that our cases are not isolated and these products may have the potential to cause vision-threatening chemical burns.

Quantification of volatile organic compounds in smoke from prescribed burning and comparison with occupational exposure limits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romagnoli, E.; Barboni, T.; Santoni, P.-A.; Chiaramonti, N.

2014-05-01

Prescribed burning represents a serious threat to personnel fighting fires due to smoke inhalation. The aim of this study was to investigate exposure by foresters to smoke from prescribed burning, focusing on exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The methodology for smoke sampling was first evaluated. Potentially dangerous compounds were identified among the VOCs emitted by smoke fires at four prescribed burning plots located around Corsica. The measured mass concentrations for several toxic VOCs were generally higher than those measured in previous studies due to the experimental framework (short sampling distance between the foresters and the flame, low combustion, wet vegetation). In particular, benzene, phenol and furfural exceeded the legal short-term exposure limits published in Europe and/or the United States. Other VOCs such as toluene, ethybenzene or styrene remained below the exposure limits. In conclusion, clear and necessary recommendations were made for protection of personnel involved in fighting fires.

Thermal properties of alkali-activated aluminosilicates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florian, Pavel; Valentova, Katerina; Fiala, Lukas; Zmeskal, Oldrich

2017-07-01

The paper is focused on measurements and evaluation of thermal properties of alkali-activated aluminosilicates (AAA) with various carbon admixtures. Such composites consisting of blast-furnace slag, quartz sand, water glass as alkali activator and small amount of electrically conductive carbon admixture exhibit better electric and thermal properties than the reference material. Such enhancement opens up new practical applications, such as designing of snow-melting, de-icing or self-sensing systems that do not need any external sensors to detect current condition of building material. Thermal properties of the studied materials were measured by the step-wise transient method and mutually compared.

Hemicellulose and lignin removal on typha fiber by alkali treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikramullah; Rizal, Samsul; Thalib, Sulaiman; Huzni, Syifaul

2018-05-01

One of the methods commonly utilized to alter the surfaces of natural fibers for improving the interface compatibility among fiber and polymer matrix is by alkali treatment. Several natural fibers have been experimented with alkali treatments such as abaca, borassus and kenaf. There is a relatively few of literature that reports the FTIR investigation of Typha fibers. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of alkali treatment on Typha fiber. Two of three bundle fibers are immersed in a 5% NaOH solution for one and two hours. The chemical structure of alkali-treated and untreated fibers are both being analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) instrument. The emergence of peak at 1155.36 cm-1 in strong intensity denotes the C-O-C asymmetric stretching in cellulose compound. The lignin composition of the fiber is typified by the stretching band of C-O group at 1247 cm-1. Meanwhile, the peak at 1735.03 cm-1 wavenumber is allegedly C=O stretching evidencing the existence of hemicelluloses and pectin. The peaks which are suspected to be hemicellulose, lignin and pectin are no longer visible in alkali treated Typha fiber. Giving alkali treatment to Typha fiber has been successfully removed impurities (hemicelluloses and lignin), as approved by the FTIR analysis. This will lead to a better contact and bonding mechanism between fiber and polymer matrix.

Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon of Wildland Firefighters at Prescribed and Wildland Fires.

PubMed

Navarro, Kathleen M; Cisneros, Ricardo; Noth, Elizabeth M; Balmes, John R; Hammond, S Katharine

2017-06-06

Wildland firefighters suppressing wildland fires or conducting prescribed fires work long shifts during which they are exposed to high levels of wood smoke with no respiratory protection. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous air pollutants formed during incomplete combustion. Exposure to PAHs was measured for 21 wildland firefighters suppressing two wildland fires and 4 wildland firefighters conducting prescribed burns in California. Personal air samples were actively collected using XAD4-coated quartz fiber filters and XAD2 sorbent tubes. Samples were analyzed for 17 individual PAHs through extraction with dichloromethane and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer analysis. Naphthalene, retene, and phenanthrene were consistently the highest measured PAHs. PAH concentrations were higher at wildland fires compared to prescribed fires and were highest for firefighters during job tasks that involve the most direct contact with smoke near an actively burning wildland fire. Although concentrations did not exceed current occupational exposure limits, wildland firefighters are exposed to PAHs not only on the fire line at wildland fires, but also while working prescribed burns and while off-duty. Characterization of occupational exposures from wildland firefighting is important to understand better any potential long-term health effects.

Crystallized alkali-silica gel in concrete from the late 1890s

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peterson, Karl; Gress, David; Van Dam, Tom

The Elon Farnsworth Battery, a concrete structure completed in 1898, is in an advanced state of disrepair. To investigate the potential for rehabilitation, cores were extracted from the battery. Petrographic examination revealed abundant deposits of alkali silica reaction products in cracks associated with the quartz rich metasedimentary coarse aggregate. The products of the alkali silica reaction are variable in composition and morphology, including both amorphous and crystalline phases. The crystalline alkali silica reaction products are characterized by quantitative X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The broad extent of the reactivity is likely due to elevated alkali levelsmore » in the cements used.« less

Recovery of Ga(III) by Raw and Alkali Treated Citrus limetta Peels

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Alkali treated Citrus limetta peels were used for recovery of Ga(III) from its aqueous solution. The raw and alkali treated peels were characterized for functional groups. The efficiency of adsorption increased from 47.62 mg/g for raw peels to 83.33 mg/g for alkali treated peels. Between pH 1 and 3, the adsorption increased and thereafter decreased drastically. The adsorption followed pseudosecond order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm gave the best fit for the experimental data. Desorption studies showed 95.28% desorption after 3 cycles for raw peels while it was 89.51% for alkali treated peels. Simulated Bayer liquor showed 39.57% adsorption for gallium ions on raw peels which was enhanced to 41.13% for alkali treated peels. PMID:27382624

Alkali Metal/Salt Thermal-Energy-Storage Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Wayne W.; Stearns, John W.

1987-01-01

Proposed thermal-energy-storage system based on mixture of alkali metal and one of its halide salts; metal and salt form slurry of two immiscible melts. Use of slurry expected to prevent incrustations of solidified salts on heat-transfer surfaces that occur where salts alone used. Since incrustations impede heat transfer, system performance improved. In system, charging heat-exchanger surface immersed in lower liquid, rich in halide-salt, phase-charge material. Discharging heat exchanger surface immersed in upper liquid, rich in alkali metal.

Burns

MedlinePlus

... doing so puts you in danger as well. Chemical and Electrical Burns For chemical and electrical burns, call 911 or your local ... the power source has been turned off. For chemical burns: Dry chemicals should be brushed off the ...

40 CFR 49.11021 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.11021 Section 49.11021 Protection of... Reservation, Oregon § 49.11021 Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and...

40 CFR 49.10411 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.10411 Section 49.10411 Protection of... Tribe of Idaho § 49.10411 Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and...

40 CFR 49.10411 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.10411 Section 49.10411 Protection of... Tribe of Idaho § 49.10411 Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and...

40 CFR 49.10411 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.10411 Section 49.10411 Protection of... Tribe of Idaho § 49.10411 Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and...

40 CFR 49.10411 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.10411 Section 49.10411 Protection of... Tribe of Idaho § 49.10411 Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and...

Structure of xanthan gum and cell ultrastructure at different times of alkali stress

PubMed Central

de Mello Luvielmo, Márcia; Borges, Caroline Dellinghausen; de Oliveira Toyama, Daniela; Vendruscolo, Claire Tondo; Scamparini, Adilma Regina Pippa

2016-01-01

The effect of alkali stress on the yield, viscosity, gum structure, and cell ultrastructure of xanthan gum was evaluated at the end of fermentation process of xanthan production by Xanthomonas campestris pv. manihotis 280-95. Although greater xanthan production was observed after a 24 h-alkali stress process, a lower viscosity was observed when compared to the alkali stress-free gum, regardless of the alkali stress time. However, this outcome is not conclusive as further studies on gum purification are required to remove excess sodium, verify the efficiency loss and the consequent increase in the polymer viscosity. Alkali stress altered the structure of xanthan gum from a polygon-like shape to a star-like form. At the end of the fermentation, early structural changes in the bacterium were observed. After alkali stress, marked structural differences were observed in the cells. A more vacuolated cytoplasm and discontinuities in the membrane cells evidenced the cell lysis. Xanthan was observed in the form of concentric circles instead of agglomerates as observed prior to the alkali stress. PMID:26887232

Five-year epidemiology of liquefied petroleum gas-related burns.

PubMed

Jin, Ronghua; Wu, Pan; Ho, Jon Kee; Wang, Xingang; Han, Chunmao

2018-02-01

The incidence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-related burns has increased over recent years, and it has become a serious public health issue in developing countries such as India and Turkey. This paper aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of LPG-related burns to provide assistance and suggestions for planning prevention strategies. A 5-year retrospective study was conducted in patients with LPG-related burns admitted to the Department of Burns & Wound Care Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2015. Information obtained for each patient included age, gender, education status, occupation, medical insurance, average hospital cost, length of hospital stay, monthly distribution of incidence, place of burns, mechanism of burns, extent of burns, site of burns, accompanying injuries, and treatment outcomes. For the first 4 years (2011-2014), the yearly incidence of LPG-related burns was at approximately 10% of all burns; however, in the fifth year (2015) alone, there was a surge to 26.94%. A total of 1337 burn patients were admitted during this period. Of these, 195 patients were admitted because of 169 LPG-related accidents; there were 11 accidents involving more than one victim. LPG-related burns occurred most frequently in patients aged 21-60 years (73.85%). The majority of injuries occurred from May to August (56.41%), and the most common place was home (83.08%, 162 patients). Gas leak (81.03%) was the main cause of LPG-related burns, followed by inappropriate operation (7.69%) and cooking negligence (2.05%). The mean burn area was 31.32±25.40% of TBSA. The most common sites of burns were the upper extremities (37.47%), followed by the head/face and neck (24.80%) and lower extremities (19.95%). The most common accompanying injuries included inhalation injury (23.59%), shock (8.71%), and external injury (7.18%). The average hospital stay was 22.90±19.47days (range

Burns inflicted by self or by others--an 11 year snapshot.

PubMed

Malic, C C; Karoo, R O S; Austin, O; Phipps, A

2007-02-01

multidisciplinary approach. Their management requires significant medical, psychological occupational and social support. Increased awareness and education of those vulnerable individuals maybe of benefit to help prevent self inflicted injuries by burning.

Citrate, malate and alkali content in commonly consumed diet sodas: implications for nephrolithiasis treatment.

PubMed

Eisner, Brian H; Asplin, John R; Goldfarb, David S; Ahmad, Ardalanejaz; Stoller, Marshall L

2010-06-01

Citrate is a known inhibitor of calcium stone formation. Dietary citrate and alkali intake may have an effect on citraturia. Increasing alkali intake also increases urine pH, which can help prevent uric acid stones. We determined citrate, malate and total alkali concentrations in commonly consumed diet sodas to help direct dietary recommendations in patients with hypocitraturic calcium or uric acid nephrolithiasis. Citrate and malate were measured in a lemonade beverage commonly used to treat hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis and in 15 diet sodas. Anions were measured by ion chromatography. The pH of each beverage was measured to allow calculation of the unprotonated anion concentration using the known pK of citric and malic acid. Total alkali equivalents were calculated for each beverage. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Several sodas contained an amount of citrate equal to or greater than that of alkali and total alkali as a lemonade beverage commonly used to treat hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis (6.30 mEq/l citrate as alkali and 6.30 as total alkali). These sodas were Diet Sunkist Orange, Diet 7Up, Sprite Zero, Diet Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Sierra Mist Free, Diet Orange Crush, Fresca and Diet Mountain Dew. Colas, including Caffeine Free Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke with Lime, had the lowest total alkali (less than 1.0 mEq/l). There was no significant correlation between beverage pH and total alkali content. Several commonly consumed diet sodas contain moderate amounts of citrate as alkali and total alkali. This information is helpful for dietary recommendations in patients with calcium nephrolithiasis, specifically those with hypocitraturia. It may also be useful in patients with low urine pH and uric acid stones. Beverage malate content is also important since malate ingestion increases the total alkali delivered, which in turn augments citraturia and increases urine pH. Copyright

Electrochemical cell having an alkali-metal-nitrate electrode

DOEpatents

Roche, M.F.; Preto, S.K.

1982-06-04

A power-producing secondary electrochemical cell includes a molten alkali metal as the negative-electrode material and a molten-nitrate salt as the positive-electrode material. The molten material in the respective electrodes are separated by a solid barrier of alkali-metal-ion conducting material. A typical cell includes active materials of molten sodium separated from molten sodium nitrate and other nitrates in mixture by a layer of sodium ..beta..'' alumina.

Burning Mouth Syndrome and "Burning Mouth Syndrome".

PubMed

Rifkind, Jacob Bernard

2016-03-01

Burning mouth syndrome is distressing to both the patient and practitioner unable to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms. Burning mouth syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, which is used only after nutritional deficiencies, mucosal disease, fungal infections, hormonal disturbances and contact stomatitis have been ruled out. This article will explore the many causes and treatment of patients who present with a chief complaint of "my mouth burns," including symptomatic treatment for those with burning mouth syndrome.

Alkali metal vapors - Laser spectroscopy and applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stwalley, W. C.; Koch, M. E.

1980-01-01

The paper examines the rapidly expanding use of lasers for spectroscopic studies of alkali metal vapors. Since the alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium) are theoretically simple ('visible hydrogen'), readily ionized, and strongly interacting with laser light, they represent ideal systems for quantitative understanding of microscopic interconversion mechanisms between photon (e.g., solar or laser), chemical, electrical and thermal energy. The possible implications of such understanding for a wide variety of practical applications (sodium lamps, thermionic converters, magnetohydrodynamic devices, new lasers, 'lithium waterfall' inertial confinement fusion reactors, etc.) are also discussed.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of alkali metal deficiency and excess

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yung, C.Y.

1984-01-01

The alkali metals from the Group IA of the periodic table (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and francium) are reviewed. The neuropsychiatric aspects of alkali metal deficiencies and excesses (intoxications) are described. Emphasis was placed on lithium due to its clinical uses. The signs and symptoms of these conditions are characterized by features of an organic brain syndrome with delirium and encephalopathy prevailing. There are no clinically distinctive features that could be reliably used for diagnoses. Sodium and potassium are two essential alkali metals in man. Lithium is used as therapeutic agent in bipolar affective disorders. Rubidium has been investigatedmore » for its antidepressant effect in a group of psychiatric disorders. Cesium is under laboratory investigation for its role in carcinogenesis and in depressive illness. Very little is known of francium due to its great instability for experimental study.« less

Structural Investigation of Alkali Activated Clay Minerals for Application in Water Treatment Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bumanis, G.; Bajare, D.; Dembovska, L.

2015-11-01

Alkali activation technology can be applied for a wide range of alumo-silicates to produce innovative materials with various areas of application. Most researches focuse on the application of alumo-silicate materials in building industry as cement binder replacement to produce mortar and concrete [1]. However, alkali activation technology offers high potential also in biotechnologies [2]. In the processes where certain pH level, especially alkaline environment, must be ensured, alkali activated materials can be applied. One of such fields is water treatment systems where high level pH (up to pH 10.5) ensures efficient removal of water pollutants such as manganese [3]. Previous investigations had shown that alkali activation technology can be applied to calcined clay powder and aluminium scrap recycling waste as a foam forming agent to create porous alkali activated materials. This investigation focuses on the structural investigation of calcined kaolin and illite clay alkali activation processes. Chemical and mineralogical composition of both clays were determined and structural investigation of alkali activated materials was made by using XRD, DTA, FTIR analysis; the microstructure of hardened specimens was observed by SEM. Physical properties of the obtained material were determined. Investigation indicates the essential role of chemical composition of the clay used in the alkali activation process, and potential use of the obtained material in water treatment systems.

Work-related burns.

PubMed

Pruitt, Valerie M

2006-01-01

Work-related upper extremity burns often occur. The cause directs the course of action. Thermal burns should be assessed for system alterations, and depth of burn should be determined. Deep partial-thickness burns and more severe burns require a specialist evaluation. Chemical burns must be irrigated and the agent identified. Some chemical burns, such as those that involve phenols and metal fragments, require specific topical applications before water lavage. Hydrofluoric acid burns can cause life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities with a small, highly concentrated acid burn. The goal with any extremity burn is to provide the patient with a multidisciplinary team approach to achieve a functional, usable extremity.

Alkali-silica reactivity in Virginia.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-01-01

This project examined occurrences in Virginia of alkali-silica reactivity, which is a major cause of the deterioration of concrete. Concretes were studied to determine the mineral aggregates being affected, and test methods for identifying such aggre...

The influence of polycarboxylate-type super-plasticizers on alkali-free liquid concrete accelerators performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wenkang; Yin, Haibo; Wang, Shuyin; He, Zhifeng

2017-04-01

Through studying on the setting times, cement mortar compressive strength and cement mortar compressive strength ratio, the influence of alkali-free liquid accelerators polycarboxylate-type super-plasticizers on the performance of alkali-free liquid accelerators in cement-based material was investigated. The results showed that the compatibility of super-plasticizers and alkali-free liquid accelerators was excellent. However, the dosage of super-plasticizers had a certain impact on the performance of alkali-free liquid accelerators as follows: 1) the setting times of alkali-free liquid accelerators was in the inverse proportional relationship to the dosage of super-plasticizers; 2)the influence of super-plasticizers dosage on the cement mortar compressive strength of alkali-free liquid accelerators was related to the types of accelerators, where exist an optimum super-plasticizers dosage for cement mortar compressive strength at 28d; 3)the later cement mortar compressive strength with alkali-free liquid accelerators were decreasing with the increment of the super-plasticizers dosage. In the practical application of alkali-free liquid accelerators and super-plasticizer, the dosage of super-plasticizer must be determined by dosage optimization test results.

Influence of alkali metal cations/type of activator on the structure of alkali-activated fly ash - ATR-FTIR studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Król, M.; Rożek, P.; Chlebda, D.; Mozgawa, W.

2018-06-01

Coal fly ash as a secondary aluminosiliceous raw material that is commonly used in the so-called geopolymerization process has been activated with different alkali hydroxides solutions: LiOH, NaOH and KOH. Changes in the aluminosilicate structure of the material during alkali-activation have been analyzed in detail on the basis of ATR/FT-IR spectra. These changes mainly affect both the integral intensity and FWHM of bands in the range of 1200-950 cm-1, however dehydration and carbonation process can be also analyzed based on obtaining results.

Alkali content of fly ash : measuring and testing strategies for compliance : [tech transfer summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-04-01

This study investigated the test methods used to determine the : alkali content of fly ash. It also evaluated if high-alkali fly ash : exacerbates alkali-silica reaction in laboratory tests and field : concrete.

40 CFR 721.4663 - Fluorinated carboxylic acid alkali metal salts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... metal salts. 721.4663 Section 721.4663 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.4663 Fluorinated carboxylic acid alkali metal salts. (a) Chemical... fluorinated carboxylic acid alkali metal salts (PMNs P-95-979/980/981) are subject to reporting under this...

Food composition and acid-base balance: alimentary alkali depletion and acid load in herbivores.

PubMed

Kiwull-Schöne, Heidrun; Kiwull, Peter; Manz, Friedrich; Kalhoff, Hermann

2008-02-01

Alkali-enriched diets are recommended for humans to diminish the net acid load of their usual diet. In contrast, herbivores have to deal with a high dietary alkali impact on acid-base balance. Here we explore the role of nutritional alkali in experimentally induced chronic metabolic acidosis. Data were collected from healthy male adult rabbits kept in metabolism cages to obtain 24-h urine and arterial blood samples. Randomized groups consumed rabbit diets ad libitum, providing sufficient energy but variable alkali load. One subgroup (n = 10) received high-alkali food and approximately 15 mEq/kg ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) with its drinking water for 5 d. Another group (n = 14) was fed low-alkali food for 5 d and given approximately 4 mEq/kg NH4Cl daily for the last 2 d. The wide range of alimentary acid-base load was significantly reflected by renal base excretion, but normal acid-base conditions were maintained in the arterial blood. In rabbits fed a high-alkali diet, the excreted alkaline urine (pH(u) > 8.0) typically contained a large amount of precipitated carbonate, whereas in rabbits fed a low-alkali diet, both pH(u) and precipitate decreased considerably. During high-alkali feeding, application of NH4Cl likewise decreased pH(u), but arterial pH was still maintained with no indication of metabolic acidosis. During low-alkali feeding, a comparably small amount of added NH4Cl further lowered pH(u) and was accompanied by a significant systemic metabolic acidosis. We conclude that exhausted renal base-saving function by dietary alkali depletion is a prerequisite for growing susceptibility to NH4Cl-induced chronic metabolic acidosis in the herbivore rabbit.

Novel burn device for rapid, reproducible burn wound generation.

PubMed

Kim, J Y; Dunham, D M; Supp, D M; Sen, C K; Powell, H M

2016-03-01

Scarring following full thickness burns leads to significant reductions in range of motion and quality of life for burn patients. To effectively study scar development and the efficacy of anti-scarring treatments in a large animal model (female red Duroc pigs), reproducible, uniform, full-thickness, burn wounds are needed to reduce variability in observed results that occur with burn depth. Prior studies have proposed that initial temperature of the burner, contact time with skin, thermal capacity of burner material, and the amount of pressure applied to the skin need to be strictly controlled to ensure reproducibility. The purpose of this study was to develop a new burner that enables temperature and pressure to be digitally controlled and monitored in real-time throughout burn wound creation and compare it to a standard burn device. A custom burn device was manufactured with an electrically heated burn stylus and a temperature control feedback loop via an electronic microstat. Pressure monitoring was controlled by incorporation of a digital scale into the device, which measured downward force. The standard device was comprised of a heat resistant handle with a long rod connected to the burn stylus, which was heated using a hot plate. To quantify skin surface temperature and internal stylus temperature as a function of contact time, the burners were heated to the target temperature (200±5°C) and pressed into the skin for 40s to create the thermal injuries. Time to reach target temperature and elapsed time between burns were recorded. In addition, each unit was evaluated for reproducibility within and across three independent users by generating burn wounds at contact times spanning from 5 to 40s at a constant pressure and at pressures of 1 or 3lbs with a constant contact time of 40s. Biopsies were collected for histological analysis and burn depth quantification using digital image analysis (ImageJ). The custom burn device maintained both its internal

Novel burn device for rapid, reproducible burn wound generation

PubMed Central

Kim, J.Y.; Dunham, D.M.; Supp, D.M.; Sen, C.K.; Powell, H.M.

2016-01-01

Introduction Scarring following full thickness burns leads to significant reductions in range of motion and quality of life for burn patients. To effectively study scar development and the efficacy of anti-scarring treatments in a large animal model (female red Duroc pigs), reproducible, uniform, full-thickness, burn wounds are needed to reduce variability in observed results that occur with burn depth. Prior studies have proposed that initial temperature of the burner, contact time with skin, thermal capacity of burner material, and the amount of pressure applied to the skin need to be strictly controlled to ensure reproducibility. The purpose of this study was to develop a new burner that enables temperature and pressure to be digitally controlled and monitored in real-time throughout burn wound creation and compare it to a standard burn device. Methods A custom burn device was manufactured with an electrically heated burn stylus and a temperature control feedback loop via an electronic microstat. Pressure monitoring was controlled by incorporation of a digital scale into the device, which measured downward force. The standard device was comprised of a heat resistant handle with a long rod connected to the burn stylus, which was heated using a hot plate. To quantify skin surface temperature and internal stylus temperature as a function of contact time, the burners were heated to the target temperature (200 ± 5 °C) and pressed into the skin for 40 s to create the thermal injuries. Time to reach target temperature and elapsed time between burns were recorded. In addition, each unit was evaluated for reproducibility within and across three independent users by generating burn wounds at contact times spanning from 5 to 40 s at a constant pressure and at pressures of 1 or 3 lbs with a constant contact time of 40 s. Biopsies were collected for histological analysis and burn depth quantification using digital image analysis (ImageJ). Results The custom burn device

Burns education for non-burn specialist clinicians in Western Australia.

PubMed

McWilliams, Tania; Hendricks, Joyce; Twigg, Di; Wood, Fiona

2015-03-01

Burn patients often receive their initial care by non-burn specialist clinicians, with increasingly collaborative burn models of care. The provision of relevant and accessible education for these clinicians is therefore vital for optimal patient care. A two phase design was used. A state-wide survey of multidisciplinary non-burn specialist clinicians throughout Western Australia identified learning needs related to paediatric burn care. A targeted education programme was developed and delivered live via videoconference. Pre-post-test analysis evaluated changes in knowledge as a result of attendance at each education session. Non-burn specialist clinicians identified numerous areas of burn care relevant to their practice. Statistically significant differences between perceived relevance of care and confidence in care provision were reported for aspects of acute burn care. Following attendance at the education sessions, statistically significant increases in knowledge were noted for most areas of acute burn care. Identification of learning needs facilitated the development of a targeted education programme for non-burn specialist clinicians. Increased non-burn specialist clinician knowledge following attendance at most education sessions supports the use of videoconferencing as an acceptable and effective method of delivering burns education in Western Australia. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 49.11021 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.11021 Section 49.11021 Protection of... Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, Oregon § 49.11021 Permits for general open burning, agricultural...

40 CFR 49.11021 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.11021 Section 49.11021 Protection of... Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, Oregon § 49.11021 Permits for general open burning, agricultural...

40 CFR 49.11021 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.11021 Section 49.11021 Protection of... Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, Oregon § 49.11021 Permits for general open burning, agricultural...

40 CFR 49.11021 - Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Permits for general open burning, agricultural burning, and forestry and silvicultural burning. 49.11021 Section 49.11021 Protection of... Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, Oregon § 49.11021 Permits for general open burning, agricultural...

Effects of pH on frog gustatory responses to chloride salts of alkali-metal and alkali-earth-metal.

PubMed

Kumai, T; Nomura, H

1980-01-01

The pH effects on frog gustatory responses to alkali-metal and alkali-earth-metal chloride salts were examined using single fungi-form papilla preparations. Responses to 0.1-0.5 M NaCl were clearly dependent upon the pH of the stimulating solutions. The responses increased as the pH decreased from 6.5 to 4.5 and were almost completely suppressed at pH's above 6.5. There was no significant difference in the pH dependency of the response among alkali-metal chlorides. HCl solutions elicited only a poor response under conditions in which the water response was suppressed by the simultaneous presence of a low NaCl concentration. Responses to alkali-earth-metal chlorides varied in their pH dependency. Response to CaCl2 was slightly affected by pH changes from 4.5 to 9.0, response to SrCl2 was considerably suppressed in the alkaline region, and responses to BaCl2 and MgCl2 were strongly suppressed at pH's above 6.5. BeCl2 solutions showed less marked stimulating effects over the pH range tested. The differences in pH dependency described above suggest the existence of two kinds of receptor sites, one being pH-insensitive sites responsible for the calcium response and the other pH-sensitive sites responsible for the sodium response. A cross-adaptation test appeared to support this possibility. Assuming that the pH effect mentioned is related to changes in the state of ionization of the receptor molecule, the pKa of the ionizable group responsible for the sodium response was determined to be approximately 5.5.

Alkali-Resistant Quasi-Solid-State Electrolyte for Stretchable Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Tang, Qianqiu; Wang, Wenqiang; Wang, Gengchao

2016-10-05

Research on stretchable energy-storage devices has been motivated by elastic electronics, and considerable research efforts have been devoted to the development of stretchable electrodes. However, stretchable electrolytes, another critical component in stretchable devices, have earned quite little attention, especially the alkali-resistant ones. Here, we reported a novel stretchable alkali-resistant electrolyte made of a polyolefin elastomer porous membrane supported potassium hydroxide-potassium polyacrylate (POE@KOH-PAAK). The as-prepared electrolyte shows a negligible plastic deformation even after 1000 stretching cycles at a strain of 150% as well as a high conductivity of 0.14 S cm -1 . It also exhibits excellent alkali resistance, which shows no obvious degradation of the mechanical performance after immersion in 2 M KOH for up to 2 weeks. To demonstrate its good properties, a high-performance stretchable supercapacitor is assembled using a carbon-nanotube-film-supported NiCo 2 O 4 (CNT@NiCo 2 O 4 ) as the cathode and Fe 2 O 3 (CNT@Fe 2 O 3 ) as the anode, proving great application promise of the stretchable alkali-resistant electrolyte in stretchable energy-storage devices.

Method of assembling and sealing an alkali metal battery

DOEpatents

Elkins, Perry E.; Bell, Jerry E.; Harlow, Richard A.; Chase, Gordon G.

1983-01-01

A method of initially assembling and then subsequently hermetically sealing a container portion of an alkali metal battery to a ceramic portion of such a battery is disclosed. Sealing surfaces are formed respectively on a container portion and a ceramic portion of an alkali metal battery. These sealing surfaces are brought into juxtaposition and a material is interposed therebetween. This interposed material is one which will diffuse into sealing relationship with both the container portion and the ceramic portion of the alkali metal battery at operational temperatures of such a battery. A pressure is applied between these sealing surfaces to cause the interposed material to be brought into intimate physical contact with such juxtaposed surfaces. A temporary sealing material which will provide a seal against a flow of alkali metal battery reactants therethrough at room temperatures and is applied over the juxtaposed sealing surfaces and material interposed therebetween. The entire assembly is heated to an operational temperature so that the interposed material diffuses into the container portion and the ceramic portion to form a hermetic seal therebetween. The pressure applied to the juxtaposed sealing surfaces is maintained in order to ensure the continuation of the hermetic seal.

Alkali-explosion pretreatment of straw and bagasse for enzymic hydrolysis.

PubMed

Puri, V P; Pearce, G R

1986-04-01

Sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw were subjected to alkali treatment at 200 degrees C for 5 min and at 3.45 MPa gas pressure (steam and nitrogen), followed by an explosive discharge through a defibrating nozzle, in an attempt to improve the rate and extent of digestibility. The treatment resulted in the solubilization of 40-45% of the components and in the production of a pulp that gave saccharification yields of 80 and 65% in 8 h for bagasse and wheat straw, respectively. By comparison, alkali steaming at 200 degrees C (1.72 MPa) for 5 min gave saccharification yields of only 58 and 52% in 48 h. The increase in temperature from 140 to 200 degrees C resulted in a gradual increase in in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) for both the substrates. Also, the extent of alkalinity during pretreatment appears to effect the reactivity of the final product towards enzymes. Pretreatment times ranging from 5 to 60 caused a progressive decline in the IVOMD of bagasse and wheat straw by the alkali explosion method and this was accompanied by a progressive decrease in pH values after explosion. In the alkali-steaming method, pretreatment time had no apparent effect with either substrate. An analysis of the alkali-exploded products showed that substantial amounts of hemicellulose and a small proportion of the lignin were solubilized. The percentage crystallinity of the cellulose did not alter in either substrate but there was a substantial reduction in the degree of polymerization. The superiority of the alkali-explosion pretreatment is attributed to the efficacy of fiber separation and disintegration; this increases the surface area and reduces the degree of polymerization.

Alkali- and Sulfur-Resistant Tungsten-Based Catalysts for NOx Emissions Control.

PubMed

Huang, Zhiwei; Li, Hao; Gao, Jiayi; Gu, Xiao; Zheng, Li; Hu, Pingping; Xin, Ying; Chen, Junxiao; Chen, Yaxin; Zhang, Zhaoliang; Chen, Jianmin; Tang, Xingfu

2015-12-15

The development of catalysts with simultaneous resistance to alkalis and sulfur poisoning is of great importance for efficiently controlling NOx emissions using the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 (SCR), because the conventional V2O5/WO3-TiO2 catalysts often suffer severe deactivation by alkalis. Here, we support V2O5 on a hexagonal WO3 (HWO) to develop a V2O5/HWO catalyst, which has exceptional resistance to alkali and sulfur poisoning in the SCR reactions. A 350 μmol g(-1) K(+) loading and the presence of 1,300 mg m(-3) SO2 do not almost influence the SCR activity of the V2O5/HWO catalyst, and under the same conditions, the conventional V2O5/WO3-TiO2 catalysts completely lost the SCR activity within 4 h. The strong resistance to alkali and sulfur poisoning of the V2O5/HWO catalysts mainly originates from the hexagonal structure of the HWO. The HWO allows the V2O5 to be highly dispersed on the external surfaces for catalyzing the SCR reactions and has the relatively smooth surfaces and the size-suitable tunnels specifically for alkalis' diffusion and trapping. This work provides a useful strategy to develop SCR catalysts with exceptional resistance to alkali and sulfur poisoning for controlling NOx emissions from the stationary source and the mobile source.

Alkali-deficient tourmaline from the Sullivan Pb-Zn-Ag deposit, British Columbia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jiang, S.-Y.; Palmer, M.R.; Slack, J.F.

1997-01-01

Alkali-deficient tourmalines are found in albitized rocks from the hanging-wall of the Sullivan Pb-Zn-Ag deposit (British Columbia, Canada). They approximate the Mg-equivalent of foitite with an idealized formula D???(Mg2Al)Al6Si6O18(BO 3)3(OH)4. Major chemical substitutions in the tourmalines are the alkali-defect type [Na*(x) + Mg*(Y) = ???(X) + Al(Y)] and the uvite type [Na*(X) + Al(Y) = Ca(X) + Mg*(Y)], where Na* = Na + K, Mg* = Mg + Fe + Mn. The occurrence of these alkali-deficient tourmalines reflects a unique geochemical environment that is either alkali-depleted overall or one in which the alkalis preferentially partitioned into coexisting minerals (e.g. albite). Some of the alkali-deficient tourmalines have unusually high Mn contents (up to 1.5 wt.% MnO) compared to other Sullivan tourmalines. Manganese has a strong preference for incorporation into coexisting garnet and carbonate at Sullivan, thus many tourmalines in Mn-rich rocks are poor in Mn (<0.2 wt.% MnO). It appears that the dominant controls over the occurrence of Mn-rich tourmalines at Sullivan are the local availability of Mn and the lack of other coexisting minerals that may preferentially incorporate Mn into their structures.

THE ACTION OF ALKALIES ON PEPTIDES AND ON KETOPIPERAZINES

PubMed Central

Levene, P. A.; Pfaltz, M. H.

1925-01-01

1. The tripeptide glycyl-levo-alanyl-glycine in solution of either one or ten equivalents of alkali does not undergo racemization on standing. 2. The dipeptide levo-alanyl-glycine under the conditions given in (1) does not undergo racemization. 3. In ketopiperazines, levo-alanyl-glycine anhydride and in levo-prolyl-glycine anhydride under the influence of dilute alkalies, racemization takes place. 4. Racemization in the present experiments was never complete. The degree of racemization seems to depend, on the one hand, on the stability of the ketopiperazine ring; on the other, on the concentration of the alkali. 5. The significance of these observations will depend on the outcome of the work on a larger number of polypeptides and ketopiperazines. The work is now in progress in this laboratory. PMID:19872187

Alkali metal yttrium neo-pentoxide double alkoxide precursors to alkali metal yttrium oxide nanomaterials

DOE PAGES

Boyle, Timothy J.; Neville, Michael L.; Sears, Jeremiah Matthew; ...

2016-03-15

In this study, a series of alkali metal yttrium neo-pentoxide ([AY(ONep) 4]) compounds were developed as precursors to alkali yttrium oxide (AYO 2) nanomaterials. The reaction of yttrium amide ([Y(NR 2) 3] where R=Si(CH 3) 3) with four equivalents of H-ONep followed by addition of [A(NR 2)] (A=Li, Na, K) or A o (A o=Rb, Cs) led to the formation of a complex series of A nY(ONep) 3+n species, crystallographically identified as [Y 2Li 3(μ 3-ONep)(μ 3-HONep)(μ-ONep) 5(ONep) 3(HONep) 2] (1), [YNa 2(μ 3-ONep) 4(ONep)] 2 (2), {[Y 2K 3(μ 3-ONep) 3(μ-ONep) 4(ONep) 2(ηξ-tol) 2][Y 4K 2(μ 4-O)(μ 3-ONep) 8(ONep)more » 4]•η x-tol]} (3), [Y 4K 2(μ 4-O)(μ 3-ONep) 8(ONep) 4] (3a), [Y 2Rb 3(μ 4-ONep) 3(μ-ONep) 6] (4), and [Y 2Cs 4(μ 6-O)(μ 3-ONep) 6(μ 3-HONep) 2(ONep) 2(η x-tol) 4]•tol (5). Compounds 1–5 were investigated as single source precursors to AYOx nanomaterials following solvothermal routes (pyridine, 185 °C for 24h). The final products after thermal processing were found by powder X-ray diffraction experiments to be Y 2O 3 with variable sized particles based on transmission electron diffraction. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies indicated that the heavier alkali metal species were present in the isolated nanomaterials.« less

40 CFR 721.10097 - Disubstituted benzenesulfonic acid, alkali metal salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., alkali metal salt (generic). 721.10097 Section 721.10097 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... metal salt (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as disubstituted benzenesulfonic acid, alkali metal salt (PMN P...

40 CFR 721.10097 - Disubstituted benzenesulfonic acid, alkali metal salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., alkali metal salt (generic). 721.10097 Section 721.10097 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... metal salt (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as disubstituted benzenesulfonic acid, alkali metal salt (PMN P...

Impact of Early Inpatient Rehabilitation on Adult Burn Survivors' Functional Outcomes and Resource Utilization.

PubMed

Gomez, Manuel; Tushinski, Morris; Jeschke, Marc G

On July 2012, a rehabilitation hospital merged with a trauma center where the regional burn center is located. That rehabilitation center provides the only burn rehabilitation program in our region. The objective of this study was to determine if earlier initiation of inpatient rehabilitation after merger had an effect on burn survivors' functional outcomes and resource utilization. A retrospective review of electronic data of burn survivors' functional outcomes (functional independence measure [FIM] ratings on admission, at discharge, and percent change), and resource utilization (waiting time for rehab, burn center length of stay [LOS], rehab LOS, physiotherapy and occupational therapy rehabilitation workload [RehabWorkload], and discharge destination) was undertaken. Adult burn survivors who required inpatient rehabilitation and were transferred from the burn center to the inpatient rehabilitation service before the merger (July 2010-June 2012) were compared with those transferred after the merger (July 2012-June 2014). One hundred thirty-eight burn survivors were transferred from the burn center to the inpatient rehabilitation service during the study period. Sixty (43.5%) were transferred before and 78 (56.5%) were transferred after the merger. There were 97 (70.3%) men and 41 (29.7%) women with a mean age of 47.9 ± 17.9 years. TBSA burn was 24.2 ± 16.9%, and full thickness burn was 13.1 ± 16.4%. The etiology of these burns were flame (72.5%), scald (19.6%), electrical (5.1%), chemical (2.2%), and contact (0.7%). Patients in both groups had similar age, inhalation injury, TBSA, full thickness burn, FIM ratings, RehabWorkload, and burn etiology. Patients transferred before the merger had significantly more chemical burns (5% vs 0%, P = .046), and more work-related burns (26.7% vs 7.7%, P = .004). Patients transferred after the merger had significantly shorter burn center LOS (28.5 ± 20.9 days vs 38.8 ± 34.2 days, P = .043), and shorter

Global perspectives of emerging occupational and environmental lung diseases.

PubMed

Moitra, Subhabrata; Puri, Rajan; Paul, Devon; Huang, Yuh-Chin T

2015-03-01

New technologies continue to be introduced into the workplace and the environment. These novel technologies also bring in new hazards leading to evolving patterns of established occupational and environmental diseases, as well as novel conditions never before encountered. Many of these emerging conditions have appeared in media outlets or in the literature as case reports. These sentinel cases often serve as a warning sign for subsequent outbreaks. This review will discuss environmental and occupational lung diseases and exposures from a global perspective. These diseases and exposures include environmental exposure to asbestos and lung diseases, accelerated silicosis in sandblasting jean workers, coal worker's pneumoconiosis in surface coal miners, health effects of indoor air pollution from burning of biomass fuels and exposures to heavy metals and potential health effects from hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Other emerging conditions are also discussed, including smog in developing countries, sand storms in Asia and the Middle East and respiratory illnesses from nanoparticles and man-made fibres. Clinicians must remain vigilant for potential occupational and environmental exposures, especially when evaluating patients with unusual and unique presentation, so that occupational and environmental risk factors may be identified, and monitoring and preventive measures can be implemented early.

Biomass Burning

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2015-07-27

Projects:  Biomass Burning Definition/Description:  Biomass Burning: This data set represents the geographical and temporal distribution of total amount of biomass burned. These data may be used in general circulation models (GCMs) and ...

Experiment and simulation study on alkalis transfer characteristic during direct combustion utilization of bagasse.

PubMed

Liao, Yanfen; Cao, Yawen; Chen, Tuo; Ma, Xiaoqian

2015-10-01

Bagasse is utilized as fuel in the biggest biomass power plant of China, however, alkalis in the fuel created severe agglomeration and slagging problems. Alkalis transfer characteristic, agglomeration causes in engineering practice, additive improvement effects and mechanism during bagasse combustion were investigated via experiments and simulations. Only slight agglomeration occurs in ash higher than 800°C. Serious agglomeration in practical operation should be attributed to the gaseous alkalis evaporating at high temperature and condensing on the cooler grain surfaces in CFB. It can be speculated that ash caking can be avoided with temperature lower than 750°C and heating surface corrosion caused by alkali metal vapor can be alleviated with temperature lower than 850°C. Kaolin added into the bagasse has an apparent advantage over CaO additive both in enhancing ash fusion point and relieving alkali-chloride corrosion by locking alkalis in dystectic solid compounds over the whole temperature range. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of burn location and investigator on burn depth in a porcine model.

PubMed

Singer, Adam J; Toussaint, Jimmy; Chung, Won Taek; Thode, Henry C; McClain, Steve; Raut, Vivek

2016-02-01

In order to be useful, animal models should be reproducible and consistent regardless of sampling bias, investigator creating burn, and burn location. We determined the variability in burn depth based on biopsy location, burn location and investigator in a porcine model of partial thickness burns. 24 partial thickness burns (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm each) were created on the backs of 2 anesthetized pigs by 2 investigators (one experienced, one inexperienced) using a previously validated model. In one of the pigs, the necrotic epidermis covering each burn was removed. Five full thickness 4mm punch biopsies were obtained 1h after injury from the four corners and center of the burns and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome for determination of burn depth by a board certified dermatopathologist blinded to burn location and investigator. Comparisons of burn depth by biopsy location, burn location and investigator were performed with t-tests and ANOVA as appropriate. The mean (SD) depth of injury to blood vessels (the main determinant of burn progression) in debrided and non-debrided pigs pooled together was 1.8 (0.3)mm, which included 75% of the dermal depth. Non-debrided burns were 0.24 mm deeper than debrided burns (P<0.001). Burn depth increased marginally from cephalic to caudal in non-debrided burns, but showed no statistical differences for these locations, in debrided burns. Additionally, there were also no statistical differences in burn depths from midline to lateral in either of these burn types. Burn depth was similar for both investigators and among biopsy locations. Burn depth was greater for caudal locations in non-debrided burns and overall non-debrided burns were deeper than debrided burns. However, burn depth did not differ based on investigator, biopsy site, and medial-lateral location. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Gradient heating protocol for a diode-pumped alkali laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, He; Wang, You; Han, Juhong; Yu, Hang; Rong, Kepeng; Wang, Shunyan; An, Guofei; Wang, Hongyuan; Zhang, Wei; Wu, Peng; Yu, Qiang

2018-06-01

A diode-pumped alkali laser (DPAL) has gained rapid development in the recent years. Until now, the structure with single heater has been widely utilized to adjust the temperature of an alkali vapor cell in most of the literatures about DPALs. However, for an end-pumped DPAL using single heater, most pump energy is absorbed by the gain media near the entrance cell window because of the large absorption cross section of atomic alkali. As a result, the temperature in the pumping area around the entrance window will go up rapidly, especially in a case of high pumping density. The temperature rise would bring about some negative influences such as thermal effects and variations in population density. In addition, light scattering and window contamination aroused by the chemical reaction between the alkali vapor and the buffer gas will also affect the output performance of a DPAL system. To find a solution to these problems, we propose a gradient heating approach in which several heaters are tandem-set along the optical axis to anneal an alkali vapor cell. The temperature at the entrance window is adjusted to be lower than that of the other side. By using this novel scheme, one can not only achieve a homogeneous absorption of the pump energy along the cell axis, but also decrease the possibility of the window damage in a DPAL configuration. The theoretical simulation of the laser output features has been carried out for a configuration of multiple heaters. Additionally, the DPAL output performance under different gradient temperatures is also discussed in this paper. The conclusions might be helpful for development of a high-powered and high-beam-quality DPAL.

Method of assembling and sealing an alkali metal battery

DOEpatents

Elkins, P.E.; Bell, J.E.; Harlow, R.A.; Chase, G.G.

1983-03-01

A method of initially assembling and then subsequently hermetically sealing a container portion of an alkali metal battery to a ceramic portion of such a battery is disclosed. Sealing surfaces are formed respectively on a container portion and a ceramic portion of an alkali metal battery. These sealing surfaces are brought into juxtaposition and a material is interposed there between. This interposed material is one which will diffuse into sealing relationship with both the container portion and the ceramic portion of the alkali metal battery at operational temperatures of such a battery. A pressure is applied between these sealing surfaces to cause the interposed material to be brought into intimate physical contact with such juxtaposed surfaces. A temporary sealing material which will provide a seal against a flow of alkali metal battery reactants there through at room temperatures and is applied over the juxtaposed sealing surfaces and material interposed there between. The entire assembly is heated to an operational temperature so that the interposed material diffuses into the container portion and the ceramic portion to form a hermetic seal there between. The pressure applied to the juxtaposed sealing surfaces is maintained in order to ensure the continuation of the hermetic seal. 4 figs.

Communication: Dimensionality of the ionic conduction pathways in glass and the mixed-alkali effect.

PubMed

Novy, Melissa; Avila-Paredes, Hugo; Kim, Sangtae; Sen, Sabyasachi

2015-12-28

A revised empirical relationship between the power law exponent of ac conductivity dispersion and the dimensionality of the ionic conduction pathway is established on the basis of electrical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) measurements on crystalline ionic conductors. These results imply that the "universal" ac conductivity dispersion observed in glassy solids is associated with ionic transport along fractal pathways. EIS measurements on single-alkali glasses indicate that the dimensionality of this pathway D is ∼2.5, while in mixed-alkali glasses, D is lower and goes through a minimum value of ∼2.2 when the concentrations of the two alkalis become equal. D and σ display similar variation with alkali composition, thus suggesting a topological origin of the mixed-alkali effect.

Characterisation and properties of alkali activated pozzolanic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordeian, Georgeta Simona

Many of the waste materials produced from modem heavy industries are pozzalans, which develop cementitious properties when finely divided in the presence of free lime. This property allows a potential industrial use for this waste as a cement replacement material in concrete. An example of such a waste material is blast furnace slag from the smelting of iron and steel. The US produces 26 million tons of blast furnace slag annually. Most of the slag is slowly cooled in air and it makes a poor pozzolan. Only 1.6 million tons of the slag is available in the granulated form, which is suitable as a cementitious and pozzolanic admixture. Most European countries are well endowed with coal-fired power stations and this produces fly and bottom ash, flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) gypsum. However, less than 25% of the total ash from power stations has found an industrial use mainly in cement and concrete industry. This creates a massive waste-disposal problem. Disposal of unused fly ash in open tips and ponds, for example, creates pollution problems since the drainage of effluents from the ash in the deposit ponds threaten water supplies by polluting the ground water with traces of toxic chemicals.Recent research has concentrated on the alkali activation of waste pozzolanic materials, especially ground blast furnace slag. This thesis has investigated the alkali activation of low calcium fly ashes. These form very poor pozzolans and the alkali activation of the fly ash offers the opportunity for the large scale use of fly ash. Water glass was selected as a suitable activator for the fly ash. A comprehensive series of tests have been carried out to gain information on the effect of different parameters, such as proportion and composition of the constituent materials, curing conditions and casting methods, in developing high performance construction materials. Laboratory investigations were carried out to determine the following characteristics of alkali activated materials

40 CFR 721.10098 - Disubstituted benzoic acid, alkali metal salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... metal salt (generic). 721.10098 Section 721.10098 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10098 Disubstituted benzoic acid, alkali metal salt... identified generically as disubstituted benzoic acid, alkali metal salt (PMN P-03-643) is subject to...

40 CFR 721.10098 - Disubstituted benzoic acid, alkali metal salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... metal salt (generic). 721.10098 Section 721.10098 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10098 Disubstituted benzoic acid, alkali metal salt... identified generically as disubstituted benzoic acid, alkali metal salt (PMN P-03-643) is subject to...

Quantification of the volatile organic compounds in the smoke from prescribed burning and comparison with the occupational exposure limits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barboni, T.; Santoni, P.-A.

2013-11-01

Prescribed burning represents a serious threat to the personnel fighting fires because of smoke inhalation. This study aims to increase the knowledge about foresters exposure to the prescribed burning smoke by focusing on exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We initially assessed the methodology for smoke sampling. Then, we identified potentially dangerous molecules among the VOCs identified at 4 prescribed burning sites located around Corsica. The values measured were very high, exceeding the exposure limits, particularly for benzene, phenol, and furfural, whose concentrations were above short-term exposure limit (STEL) values. In conclusion, obvious but necessary recommendations were made for the protection of the personnel involved in fighting fires on a professional basis.

American Burn Association

MedlinePlus

... Quality Care Resources Prevention Prevention Resources Burn Prevention Poster Contest Burn Awareness Week Advocacy Education Annual Meeting ... Quality Care Resources Prevention Prevention Resources Burn Prevention Poster Contest Burn Awareness Week Advocacy Education Annual Meeting ...

Burning mouth syndrome.

PubMed

Crow, Heidi C; Gonzalez, Yoly

2013-02-01

Pain in the tongue or oral tissues described as "burning" has been referred to by many terms including burning mouth syndrome. When a burning sensation in the mouth is caused by local or systemic factors, it is called secondary burning mouth syndrome and when these factors are treated the pain will resolve. When burning mouth syndrome occurs in the absence of identified risk indicators, the term primary burning mouth syndrome is utilized. This article focuses on descriptions, etiologic theories, and management of primary burning mouth syndrome, a condition for which underlying causative agents have been ruled out. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Does nurses'perceived burn prevention knowledge and ability to teach burn prevention correlate with their actual burn prevention knowledge?

PubMed

Lehna, Carlee; Myers, John

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship among nurses'perceived burn prevention knowledge, their perceived ability to teach about burn prevention, and their actual burn prevention knowledge and to test if their actual burn knowledge could be predicted by these perceived measures. A two-page, anonymous survey that included a 10-item burn prevention knowledge test and an assessment of nurses'perceived knowledge of burn prevention and their perceived ability to teach burn prevention was administered to 313 nurses. Actual burn prevention knowledge was determined and the correlation among actual burn prevention knowledge, perceived knowledge, and perceived ability to teach was determined. Differences in these outcome variables based on specialty area were tested using analysis of variance techniques. Generalized linear modeling techniques were used to investigate which variables significantly predict a nurse's actual burn prevention knowledge. Test for interaction effects were performed, and significance was set at .05. Responding nurses (N = 265) described practicing in a variety of settings, such as pediatric settings (40.2%, n = 105), emergency departments (25.4%, n = 86), medical/surgical settings (8.4%, n = 22), and one pediatric burn setting (4.1%, n = 14), with all specialty areas as having similar actual burn prevention knowledge (P = .052). Seventy-seven percent of the nurses said they never taught about burn prevention (n = 177). Perceived knowledge and actual knowledge (r = .124, P = .046) as well as perceived knowledge and perceived ability were correlated (r = .799, P < .001). Significant predictors of actual knowledge were years in practice (beta = -0.063, P = .034), years in current area (beta = 0.072, P = .003), perceived knowledge (beta = 0.109, P = .042), and perceived ability (beta = 0.137, P = .019). All nurses, regardless of specialty area, have poor burn prevention knowledge, which is correlated with their perceived lack of

Scald Burns

MedlinePlus

Safety Tips & Info Scald Burns Thousands of scald burns occur annually, and ALL are preventable! The two high-risk populations are children under the age ... the single most important factor in preventing scald burns. Increased awareness is the key to scald prevention! ...

30 CFR 816.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES § 816.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or burned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 816.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES § 816.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or burned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 816.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES § 816.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or burned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 816.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES § 816.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or burned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 816.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-SURFACE MINING ACTIVITIES § 816.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or burned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

Assessment of the Alteration of Granitic Rocks and its Influence on Alkalis Release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferraz, Ana Rita; Fernandes, Isabel; Soares, Dora; Santos Silva, António; Quinta-Ferreira, Mário

2017-12-01

Several concrete structures had shown signs of degradation some years after construction due to internal expansive reactions. Among these reactions there are the alkali-aggregate reactions (AAR) that occur between the aggregates and the concrete interstitial fluids which can be divided in two types: the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR). The more common is the ASR which occurs when certain types of reactive silica are present in the aggregates. In consequence, an expansive alkali-silica gel is formed leading to the concrete cracking and degradation. Granites are rocks composed essentially of quartz, micas and feldspars, the latter being the minerals which contain more alkalis in their structure and thus, able to release them in conditions of high alkalinity. Although these aggregates are of slow reaction, some structures where they were applied show evidence of deterioration due to ASR some years or decades after the construction. In the present work, the possible contribution of granitic aggregates to the interstitial fluids of concrete by alkalis release was studied by performing chemical attack with NaOH and KOH solutions. Due to the heterogeneity of the quarries in what concerns the degree of alteration and/or fracturing, rock samples with different alteration were analysed. The alteration degree was characterized both under optical microscope and image analysis and compared with the results obtained from the chemical tests. It was concluded that natural alteration reduces dramatically the releasable alkalis available in the rocks.

Burn epidemiology and cost of medication in paediatric burn patients.

PubMed

Koç, Zeliha; Sağlam, Zeynep

2012-09-01

Burns are common injuries that cause problems to societies throughout the world. In order to reduce the cost of burn treatment in children, it is extremely important to determine the burn epidemiology and the cost of medicines used in burn treatment. The present study used a retrospective design, with data collected from medical records of 140 paediatric patients admitted to a burn centre between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2009. Medical records were examined to determine burn epidemiology, medication administered, dosage, and duration of use. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed for all variables; chi-square was used to examine the relationship between certain variables. It was found that 62.7% of paediatric burns occur in the kitchen, with 70.7% involving boiling water; 55.7% of cases resulted in third-degree burns, 19.3% required grafting, and mean duration of hospital stay was 27.5 ± 1.2 days. Medication costs varied between $1.38 US dollars (USD) and $14,159.09, total drug cost was $46,148.03 and average cost per patient was $329.63. In this study, the medication cost for burn patients was found to be relatively high, with antibiotics comprising the vast majority of medication expenditure. Most paediatric burns are preventable, so it is vital to educate families about potential household hazards that can be addressed to reduce the risk of a burn. Programmes are also recommended to reduce costs and the inappropriate prescribing of medication. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The interactions of sorbates with gallosilicates and alkali-metal exchanged gallosilicates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limtrakul, J.; Kuno, M.; Treesukol, P.

1999-11-01

Structures, energetics and vibrational frequencies of the interaction of adsorbates with H-aluminosilicates (H-AlZ), H-gallosilicates (H-GaZ), alkali-metal exchanged aluminosilicates (X-AlZ) and alkali-metal exchanged gallosilicates (X-GaZ), where X being Li, Na, or K, have been carried out at B3LYP and HF levels of theory with 6-31G(d) as the basis set. The charge compensating alkali-metal ions can affect the catalytically active site (Si-O-T where T=Al or Ga) by weakening the Si-O, Al-O, and Ga-O bonds as compared to their anionic frameworks. Comparing the net stabilization energies, Δ ENSE, of the naked alkali-metal/H 2O adducts with those of the alkali-metal exchanged zeolite/H 2O systems, the latter amounts only to about 50% of the former, which is partly due to the destabilizing role of the negative zeolitic oxygen frameworks surrounding the cations. The interaction of sorbates with the alkali-metal exchanged gallosilicates can be employed to probe the field strength inside the catalytic frameworks as indicated by the plot of the binding energy, Δ E, versus 1/ RX-O w2, with R(X-O w) being the distance between the cationic nucleus and the oxygen atom of the adsorbate. The IR spectra of H 2O adsorbed on Na-AlZ are calculated to be 3584, 3651, and 1686 cm -1. The obtained results are in excellent agreement with the very recent experimental IR spectra of water adsorbed on Na-ZSM-5 of Zecchina et al. (J. Phys. Chem., 100 (1996) 16 484). Other important features, i.e. the correlation between Δ νOH and, Δ E, R(X-O w) , and 1/ RX-O w2, cationic size, demonstrate that the interactions of sorbates with alkali-metal exchanged gallosilicates are well approximated by electrostatic contribution.

Burns

MedlinePlus

... occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead ... is. The burn is caused by chemicals or electricity. The person shows signs of shock . The person ...

The trends of burns epidemiology in a tropical regional burns centre.

PubMed

Hwee, Jolie; Song, Christopher; Tan, Kok Chai; Tan, Bien Keem; Chong, Si Jack

2016-05-01

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is a regional burns centre in Southeast Asia and is the only dedicated burns facility providing specialized burns care in Singapore. A cohort study was performed for burns patients admitted to SGH from 2011 to 2013. We compared our data with earlier studies and observed the trends of burns epidemiology in Singapore. Results were analyzed using the SPSS programme. 655 patients were admitted during this study period, a 35.9% increase from 2003 to 2005. Scalding by water and flame injury remain the top causes of burns and the mean extent of burn is 9.5%. TBSA correlates with the incidence of burn infection, bacteremia and mortality. Patients with ≥20% TBSA are at a higher risk of bacteremia, and ≥ 34% TBSA is a predictor of mortality. 4.9% (n=32) of our patients developed bacteremia. Bacteremia was associated with a surgical duration of ≥80min. Patients with bacteremia incurred longer hospitalization, and had higher mortality rates. Overall mortality rate of our burns patients has decreased from 4.5% to 2.7% (n=18). Key factors of mortality include inhalational injury, bacteremia and ≥20% TBSA. This is a large epidemiology study of a tropical region burns centre. A total of 655 burns cases over a 3-year period were analyzed. We analysed the key factors associated with adverse outcomes including burns infection, bacteremia and mortality, factors associated with mortality, and discussed strategies on the optimization of burns care. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Scattering of positrons and electrons by alkali atoms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, T. S.; Kauppila, W. E.; Kwan, C. K.; Lukaszew, R. A.; Parikh, S. P.; Wan, Y. J.; Zhou, S.; Dababneh, M. S.

1990-01-01

Absolute total scattering cross sections (Q sub T's) were measured for positrons and electrons colliding with sodium, potassium, and rubidium in the 1 to 102 eV range, using the same apparatus and experimental approach (a beam transmission technique) for both projectiles. The present results for positron-sodium and -rubidium collisions represent the first Q sub T measurements reported for these collision systems. Features which distinguish the present comparisons between positron- and electron-alkali atom Q sub T's from those for other atoms and molecules (room-temperature gases) which have been used as targets for positrons and electrons are the proximity of the corresponding positron- and electron-alkali atom Q sub T's over the entire energy range of overlap, with an indication of a merging or near-merging of the corresponding positron and electron Q sub T's near (and above) the relatively low energy of about 40 eV, and a general tendency for the positron-alkali atom Q sub T's to be higher than the corresponding electron values as the projectile energy is decreased below about 40 eV.

Burn Wound Infections

PubMed Central

Church, Deirdre; Elsayed, Sameer; Reid, Owen; Winston, Brent; Lindsay, Robert

2006-01-01

Burns are one of the most common and devastating forms of trauma. Patients with serious thermal injury require immediate specialized care in order to minimize morbidity and mortality. Significant thermal injuries induce a state of immunosuppression that predisposes burn patients to infectious complications. A current summary of the classifications of burn wound infections, including their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, is given. Early excision of the eschar has substantially decreased the incidence of invasive burn wound infection and secondary sepsis, but most deaths in severely burn-injured patients are still due to burn wound sepsis or complications due to inhalation injury. Burn patients are also at risk for developing sepsis secondary to pneumonia, catheter-related infections, and suppurative thrombophlebitis. The introduction of silver-impregnated devices (e.g., central lines and Foley urinary catheters) may reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections due to prolonged placement of these devices. Improved outcomes for severely burned patients have been attributed to medical advances in fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, pulmonary and burn wound care, and infection control practices. PMID:16614255

Theoretical study of the alkali and alkaline-earth monosulfides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Partridge, Harry; Langhoff, Stephen R.; Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.

1988-01-01

Ab initio calculations have been used to obtain accurate spectroscopic constants for the X2Pi and A2Sigma(+) states of the alkali sulfides and the X1Sigma(+), a3Pi, and A1Pi states of the alkaline-earth sulfides. In contrast to the alkali oxides, the alkali sulfides are found to have X2Pi ground states, due to the larger electrostatic interaction. Dissociation energies of 3.27 eV for BeS, 2.32 eV for MgS, 3.29 eV for CaS, and 3.41 eV for SrS have been obtained for the X1Sigma(+) states of the alkaline-earth sulfides, in good agreement with experimental results. Core correlation is shown to increase the Te values for the a3Pi and A1Pi states of MgS, CaS, and SrS.

MORBIDITY AND SURVIVAL PROBABILITY IN BURN PATIENTS IN MODERN BURN CARE

PubMed Central

Jeschke, Marc G.; Pinto, Ruxandra; Kraft, Robert; Nathens, Avery B.; Finnerty, Celeste C.; Gamelli, Richard L.; Gibran, Nicole S.; Klein, Matthew B.; Arnoldo, Brett D.; Tompkins, Ronald G.; Herndon, David N.

2014-01-01

Objective Characterizing burn sizes that are associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity is critical because it would allow identifying patients who might derive the greatest benefit from individualized, experimental, or innovative therapies. Although scores have been established to predict mortality, few data addressing other outcomes exist. The objective of this study was to determine burn sizes that are associated with increased mortality and morbidity after burn. Design and Patients Burn patients were prospectively enrolled as part of the multicenter prospective cohort study, Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury Glue Grant, with the following inclusion criteria: 0–99 years of age, admission within 96 hours after injury, and >20% total body surface area burns requiring at least one surgical intervention. Setting Six major burn centers in North America. Measurements and Main Results Burn size cutoff values were determined for mortality, burn wound infection (at least two infections), sepsis (as defined by ABA sepsis criteria), pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ failure (DENVER2 score >3) for both children (<16 years) and adults (16–65 years). Five-hundred seventy-three patients were enrolled, of which 226 patients were children. Twenty-three patients were older than 65 years and were excluded from the cutoff analysis. In children, the cutoff burn size for mortality, sepsis, infection, and multiple organ failure was approximately 60% total body surface area burned. In adults, the cutoff for these outcomes was lower, at approximately 40% total body surface area burned. Conclusions In the modern burn care setting, adults with over 40% total body surface area burned and children with over 60% total body surface area burned are at high risk for morbidity and mortality, even in highly specialized centers. PMID:25559438

Burns

MedlinePlus

A burn is damage to your body's tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. Scalds from hot ... and gases are the most common causes of burns. Another kind is an inhalation injury, caused by ...

Alkali-ion microsolvation with benzene molecules.

PubMed

Marques, J M C; Llanio-Trujillo, J L; Albertí, M; Aguilar, A; Pirani, F

2012-05-24

The target of this investigation is to characterize by a recently developed methodology, the main features of the first solvation shells of alkaline ions in nonpolar environments due to aromatic rings, which is of crucial relevance to understand the selectivity of several biochemical phenomena. We employ an evolutionary algorithm to obtain putative global minima of clusters formed with alkali-ions (M(+)) solvated with n benzene (Bz) molecules, i.e., M(+)-(Bz)(n). The global intermolecular interaction has been decomposed in Bz-Bz and in M(+)-Bz contributions, using a potential model based on different decompositions of the molecular polarizability of benzene. Specifically, we have studied the microsolvation of Na(+), K(+), and Cs(+) with benzene molecules. Microsolvation clusters up to n = 21 benzene molecules are involved in this work and the achieved global minimum structures are reported and discussed in detail. We observe that the number of benzene molecules allocated in the first solvation shell increases with the size of the cation, showing three molecules for Na(+) and four for both K(+) and Cs(+). The structure of this solvation shell keeps approximately unchanged as more benzene molecules are added to the cluster, which is independent of the ion. Particularly stable structures, so-called "magic numbers", arise for various nuclearities of the three alkali-ions. Strong "magic numbers" appear at n = 2, 3, and 4 for Na(+), K(+), and Cs(+), respectively. In addition, another set of weaker "magic numbers" (three per alkali-ion) are reported for larger nuclearities.

Solvent- and catalyst-free mechanochemical synthesis of alkali metal monohydrides

DOE PAGES

Hlova, Ihor Z.; Castle, Andra; Goldston, Jennifer F.; ...

2016-07-06

Alkali metal monohydrides, AH (A = Li–Cs) have been synthesized in quantitative yields at room temperature by reactive milling of alkali metals in the presence of hydrogen gas at 200 bar or less. The mechanochemical approach reported here eliminates problems associated with the malleability of alkali metals — especially Li, Na, and K — and promotes effective solid–gas reactions, ensuring their completion. This is achieved by incorporating a certain volume fraction of the corresponding hydride powder as a process control agent, which allows continuous and efficient milling primarily by coating the surface of metal particles, effectively blocking cold welding. Formationmore » of high-purity crystalline monohydrides has been confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and volumetric analyses of reactively desorbed H 2 from as-milled samples. The proposed synthesis method is scalable and particularly effective for extremely air-sensitive materials, such as alkali and alkaline earth metal hydrides. Furthermore, the technique may also be favorable for production in continuous reactors operating at room temperature, thereby reducing the total processing time, energy consumption and, hence, the cost of production of these hydrides or their derivatives and composites.« less

Compression-Driven Enhancement of Electronic Correlations in Simple Alkali Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabbris, Gilberto; Lim, Jinhyuk; Veiga, Larissa; Haskel, Daniel; Schilling, James

2015-03-01

Alkali metals are the best realization of the nearly free electron model. This scenario appears to change dramatically as the alkalis are subjected to extreme pressure, leading to unexpected properties such as the departure from metallic behavior in Li and Na, and the occurrence of remarkable low-symmetry crystal structures in all alkalis. Although the mechanism behind these phase transitions is currently under debate, these are believed to be electronically driven. In this study the high-pressure electronic and structural ground state of Rb and Cs was investigated through low temperature XANES and XRD measurements combined with ab initio calculations. The results indicate that the pressure-induced localization of the conduction band triggers a Peierls-like mechanism, inducing the low symmetry phases. This localization process is evident by the pressure-driven increase in the number of d electrons, which takes place through strong spd hybridization. These experimental results indicate that compression turns the heavy alkali metals into strongly correlated electron systems. Work at Argonne was supported by DOE No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. Research at Washington University was supported by NSF DMR-1104742 and CDAC/DOE/NNSA DE-FC52-08NA28554.

[Investigation of burn rehabilitation development of China in 2014].

PubMed

Ao, M; Wu, J; Chen, J

2017-05-20

able to provide at least one rehabilitation treatment for patients, among which body positioning, motion of joint exercise, infrared ray irradiation, hydrotherapy, function training, activities of daily life training, scar massage, and drug injection in scar were carried out well, while psychological therapy, music therapy, occupational rehabilitation, and social rehabilitation were mostly not carried out. (4) Only 9 (25.7%) burn treatment units started rehabilitation treatment for patients within 3 days after injury. (5) Twenty-seven (77.1%) burn treatment units could carry out body positioning in ICU. (6) Twenty-three burn treatment units had full-time rehabilitation treating personnel, and the units were divided into less than 500 cases group ( n =1), 501-1 000 cases group ( n =8), 1 001-1 500 cases group ( n =9), and more than 1 500 cases group ( n =5) according to the number of annual admitted patients. The ratio of beds to doctors of units in more than 1 500 cases group was significantly higher than that in 501-1 000 cases group ( t =2.810, P <0.05) and the ratios of beds to doctors of units in 501-1 000 cases group and 1 001-1 500 cases group were similar ( t =1.506, P >0.05). The ratios of beds to nurses and beds to full-time burn rehabilitation treating personnel in 4 groups were similar (with F values respectively 0.783 and 0.434, P values above 0.05). (7) Twenty burn treatment units had rehabilitation therapists with rehabilitation treatment related professional background (a total of 73 person, account for 76.0%), 80.8% (59/73) rehabilitation therapists with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions, 60.3% (44/73) with bachelor degree or above, and 87.7% (64/73) with primary and intermediate titles. Besides, 39.7% (29/73) rehabilitation therapists did physical therapy; 12.3% (9/73) rehabilitation therapists did occupational therapy; 38.4% (28/73) rehabilitation therapists did not have specific duties. (8) During the development of burn rehabilitation

Alkali production in the mouth and its relationship with certain patient's characteristics.

PubMed

Gordan, Valeria Veiga; McEdward, Deborah Landry; Ottenga, Marc Edward; Garvan, Cynthia Wilson; Harris, Pearl Ann

2014-01-01

To assess the relationships among alkali production, diet, oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene. Data from 52 subjects including demographics, diet, and oral hygiene scores were analyzed against the level of arginine and urea enzymes in plaque and saliva samples. An oral habit survey was completed that included: use of tobacco (TB), alcohol (AH), sugary drinks (SD), and diet. Alkali production through arginine deiminase (ADS) and urease activities were measured in smooth-surface supragingival dental plaque and un stimulated saliva samples from all subjects. ADS and urease activities were measured by quantification of the ammonia generated from the incubation of plaque or saliva samples. Spearman correlations were used to compute all associations. Participants in the lowest SES (Socio-economic status) group had the habit of consuming sugary drinks the most and had the highest rate of tobacco use. Males consumed significantly more alcohol than females. No significant relationship was found between age or gender and alkali production. Higher rates of sugary drink consumption and tobacco use were significantly related to lower alkali production. The study showed a relationship between alkali production and oral hygiene, diet, and certain oral health behaviors. Poor oral hygiene was significantly associated with age, lower SES, tobacco use, and alcohol, and sugary drinks consumption. Clinical relevance Certain oral health behaviors have an impact on oral hygiene and on alkali production; it is important to address these factors with patients as a strategy for caries control.

Method and composition for testing for the presence of an alkali metal

DOEpatents

Guon, Jerold

1981-01-01

A method and composition for detecting the presence of an alkali metal on the surface of a body such as a metal plate, tank, pipe or the like is provided. The method comprises contacting the surface with a thin film of a liquid composition comprising a light-colored pigment, an acid-base indicator, and a nonionic wetting agent dispersed in a liquid carrier comprising a minor amount of water and a major amount of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of the lower aliphatic alcohols, ketones and ethers. Any alkali metal present on the surface in elemental form or as an alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal carbonate will react with the acid-base indicator to produce a contrasting color change in the thin film, which is readily discernible by visual observation or automatic techniques.

Mass Spectrometric Analyses of Phosphatidylcholines in Alkali-Exposed Corneal Tissue

PubMed Central

Crane, Ashley M.; Hua, Hong-Uyen; Coggin, Andrew D.; Gugiu, Bogdan G.; Lam, Byron L.; Bhattacharya, Sanjoy K.

2012-01-01

Purpose. The aims were to determine whether exposure to sodium hydroxide results in predictable changes in phosphatidylcholine (PC) in corneal tissue and if PC profile changes correlate to exposure duration. PCs are major components of the cell membrane lipid bilayer and are often involved in biological processes such as signaling. Methods. Enucleated porcine (n = 140) and cadaver human eyes (n = 20) were exposed to water (control) and 11 M NaOH. The corneas were excised and lipids were extracted using the Bligh and Dyer method with suitable modifications. Class-specific lipid identification was carried out using a ratiometric lipid standard on a TSQ Quantum Access Max mass spectrometer. Protein amounts were determined using Bradford assays. Results. Control and alkali-treated corneas showed reproducible PC spectra for both porcine and human corneas. Over 200 PCs were identified for human and porcine control and each experimental time point. Several PC species (m/z values) consequent upon alkali exposure could not be ascribed to a recorded PC species. Control and treated groups showed 41 and 29 common species among them for porcine and human corneas, respectively. The unique PC species peaked at 12 minutes and at 30 minutes for human and porcine corneas followed by a decline consistent with an interplay of alkali penetration and hydrolyses at various time points. Conclusions. Alkali exposure dramatically changes the PC profile of cornea. Our data are consistent with penetration and hydrolysis as stochastic contributors to changes in PCs due to exposure to alkali for a finite duration and amount. PMID:22956606

Breakdown of ionic character of molecular alkali bromides in inner-valence photoionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpenko, A.; Iablonskyi, D.; Urpelainen, S.; Kettunen, J. A.; Cao, W.; Huttula, M.; Aksela, H.

2014-05-01

The inner-valence region of alkali bromide XBr (X=Li, Na, K, Rb) vapours has been studied experimentally by means of synchrotron radiation excited photoelectron spectroscopy. Experimental spectra were analyzed by comparing them with available theoretical results and previous experiments. Ionic character of alkali bromides is seen to change in the inner-valence region with increasing atomic number of the alkali atom. A mechanism involving mixing between Br 4s and Rb 4p orbitals has been suggested to account for the fine structure observed in inner-valence ionization region of RbBr.

Mechanism research on starting residual oil migration in ASP flooding with different Alkali concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Huifen; Pan, Junliang; Niu, Lijuan; Xu, Tianhan

2018-02-01

The results illustrate that under the condition of the same viscosity of ASP system, oil displacement efficiency is different while the ASP system with different alkali concentration has the same order of magnitude as the interfacial tension of oil. In this paper, the microscopic simulation visual model is used to study the mechanism of starting migration of residual oil by doing ASP flooding experiments with different alkali concentration. The results indicate that the migration of residual oil is different from that in the ASP systems with different alkali concentration. ASP system with high alkali concentration can start the migration by means of emulsifying residual oil into oil droplets and oil threads, on this account, increasing the alkali concentration can make the recovery degree of ASP system higher, which will finally be beneficial to the oil recovery.

Impact of a Newly Implemented Burn Protocol on Surgically Managed Partial Thickness Burns at a Specialized Burns Center in Singapore.

PubMed

Tay, Khwee-Soon Vincent; Chong, Si-Jack; Tan, Bien-Keem

2016-03-01

This study evaluated the impact of a newly implemented protocol for superficial to mid-dermal partial thickness burns which involves early surgery and rapid coverage with biosynthetic dressing in a specialized national burns center in Singapore. Consecutive patients with 5% or greater total body surface area (TBSA) superficial to mid-dermal partial thickness burns injury admitted to the Burns Centre at the Singapore General Hospital between August and December 2014 for surgery within 48 hours of injury were prospectively recruited into the study to form the protocol group. Comparable historical cases from the year 2013 retrieved from the burns center audit database were used to form the historical control group. Demographics (age, sex), type and depth of burns, %TBSA burnt, number of operative sessions, and length of stay were recorded for each patient of both cohorts. Thirty-nine burns patients managed under the new protocol were compared with historical control (n = 39) comparable in age and extensiveness of burns. A significantly shorter length of stay (P < 0.05) per TBSA burns was observed in the new protocol group (0.74 day/%TBSA) versus historical control (1.55 day/%TBSA). Fewer operative sessions were needed under the new protocol for burns 10% or greater TBSA burns (P < 0.05). The authors report their promising experience with a newly implemented protocol for surgically managed burns patients which involves early surgery and appropriate use of biosynthetic dressing on superficial to mid-dermal partial thickness burns. Clinically, shorter lengths of stay, fewer operative sessions, and decreased need for skin grafting of burns patient were observed.

Role of crystal field in mixed alkali metal effect: electron paramagnetic resonance study of mixed alkali metal oxyfluoro vanadate glasses.

PubMed

Honnavar, Gajanan V; Ramesh, K P; Bhat, S V

2014-01-23

The mixed alkali metal effect is a long-standing problem in glasses. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used by several researchers to study the mixed alkali metal effect, but a detailed analysis of the nearest neighbor environment of the glass former using spin-Hamiltonian parameters was elusive. In this study we have prepared a series of vanadate glasses having general formula (mol %) 40 V2O5-30BaF2-(30 - x)LiF-xRbF with x = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters of V(4+) ions were extracted by simulating and fitting to the experimental spectra using EasySpin. From the analysis of these parameters it is observed that the replacement of lithium ions by rubidium ions follows a "preferential substitution model". Using this proposed model, we were able to account for the observed variation in the ratio of the g parameter, which goes through a maximum. This reflects an asymmetric to symmetric changeover of the alkali metal ion environment around the vanadium site. Further, this model also accounts for the variation in oxidation state of vanadium ion, which was confirmed from the variation in signal intensity of EPR spectra.

Synthesis and Characterization of 5- and 6- Coordinated Alkali Pertechnetates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weaver, Jamie; Soderquist, Chuck; Gassman, Paul

ABSTRACT The local chemistry of technetium-99 ( 99Tc) in oxide glasses is important for understanding the incorporation and long-term release of Tc from nuclear waste glasses, both those for legacy defense wastes and fuel reprocessing wastes. Tc preferably forms Tc(VII), Tc(IV), or Tc(0) in glass, depending on the level of reduction of the melt. Tc(VII) in oxide glasses is normally assumed to be isolated pertechnetate TcO 4 -anions surrounded by alkali, but can occasionally precipitate as alkali pertechnetate salts such as KTcO 4and NaTcO 4when Tc concentration is high. In these cases, Tc(VII) is 4-coordinated by oxygen. A reinvestigation ofmore » the chemistry of alkali-technetium-oxides formed under oxidizing conditions and at temperatures used to prepare nuclear waste glasses showed that higher coordinated alkali Tc(VII) oxide species had been reported, including those with the TcO 5 -and TcO 6 -anions. The chemistry of alkali Tc(VII) and other alkali-Tc-oxides is reviewed, along with relevant synthesis conditions. Additionally, we report attempts to make 5- and 6-coordinate pertechnetate compounds of K, Na, and Li, i.e. TcO 5 -and TcO 6 -. It was found that higher coordinated species are very sensitive to water, and easily decompose into their respective pertechnetates. It was difficult to obtain pure compounds, but mixtures of the pertechnetate and other phase(s) were frequently found, as evidenced by x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), neutron diffraction (ND), and Raman spectroscopy. Low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements showed the possibility of Tc(IV) and Tc(VI) in Na 3TcO 5and Na 5TcO 6compounds. It was hypothesized that the smaller counter cation would result in more stable pertechnetates. To confirm the synthesis method, LiReO 4and Li 5ReO 6were prepared, and their Raman spectra match those in the literature. Subsequently, the Tc versions LiTcO 4and Li 5TcO 6were synthesized and characterized by ND, Raman spectroscopy

Binary Alkali-Metal Silicon Clathrates by Spark Plasma Sintering: Preparation and Characterization

PubMed Central

Veremchuk, Igor; Beekman, Matt; Antonyshyn, Iryna; Schnelle, Walter; Baitinger, Michael; Nolas, George S.; Grin, Yuri

2016-01-01

The binary intermetallic clathrates K8-xSi46 (x = 0.4; 1.2), Rb6.2Si46, Rb11.5Si136 and Cs7.8Si136 were prepared from M4Si4 (M = K, Rb, Cs) precursors by spark-plasma route (SPS) and structurally characterized by Rietveld refinement of PXRD data. The clathrate-II phase Rb11.5Si136 was synthesized for the first time. Partial crystallographic site occupancy of the alkali metals, particularly for the smaller Si20 dodecahedra, was found in all compounds. SPS preparation of Na24Si136 with different SPS current polarities and tooling were performed in order to investigate the role of the electric field on clathrate formation. The electrical and thermal transport properties of K7.6Si46 and K6.8Si46 in the temperature range 4–700 K were investigated. Our findings demonstrate that SPS is a novel tool for the synthesis of intermetallic clathrate phases that are not easily accessible by conventional synthesis techniques. PMID:28773710

Ab initio study of the alkali and alkaline-earth monohydroxides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.; Langhoff, S. R.; Partridge, H.

1986-01-01

A systematic study of the structures and dissociation energies of all the alkali and alkaline-earth monohydroxides is conducted. A theoretical model for determining accurate dissociation energies of ionic molecules is discussed. The obtained theoretical structures and dissociation energies of the alkali and alkaline-earth monohydroxides, respectively, are compared with experimental data. It is found that the theoretical studies of the bending potentials of BeOH, MgOH, and CaOH reveal the different admixture of covalent character in these systems. The BeOH molecule with the largest degree of covalent character is found to be bent (theta equals 147 deg). The MgOH is also linear. The theoretical dissociation energies for the alkali and akaline-earth hydroxides are thought to be accurate to 0.1 eV.

Satisfaction with life after burn: A Burn Model System National Database Study.

PubMed

Goverman, J; Mathews, K; Nadler, D; Henderson, E; McMullen, K; Herndon, D; Meyer, W; Fauerbach, J A; Wiechman, S; Carrougher, G; Ryan, C M; Schneider, J C

2016-08-01

While mortality rates after burn are low, physical and psychosocial impairments are common. Clinical research is focusing on reducing morbidity and optimizing quality of life. This study examines self-reported Satisfaction With Life Scale scores in a longitudinal, multicenter cohort of survivors of major burns. Risk factors associated with Satisfaction With Life Scale scores are identified. Data from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Burn Model System (BMS) database for burn survivors greater than 9 years of age, from 1994 to 2014, were analyzed. Demographic and medical data were collected on each subject. The primary outcome measures were the individual items and total Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) scores at time of hospital discharge (pre-burn recall period) and 6, 12, and 24 months after burn. The SWLS is a validated 5-item instrument with items rated on a 1-7 Likert scale. The differences in scores over time were determined and scores for burn survivors were also compared to a non-burn, healthy population. Step-wise regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of SWLS scores at different time intervals. The SWLS was completed at time of discharge (1129 patients), 6 months after burn (1231 patients), 12 months after burn (1123 patients), and 24 months after burn (959 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between these groups in terms of medical or injury demographics. The majority of the population was Caucasian (62.9%) and male (72.6%), with a mean TBSA burned of 22.3%. Mean total SWLS scores for burn survivors were unchanged and significantly below that of a non-burn population at all examined time points after burn. Although the mean SWLS score was unchanged over time, a large number of subjects demonstrated improvement or decrement of at least one SWLS category. Gender, TBSA burned, LOS, and school status were associated with SWLS scores at 6 months

A Case of Severe Airbag Related Ocular Alkali Injury

PubMed Central

Wong, William; Affeldt, John C

2012-01-01

While airbags have saved many lives and are clearly beneficial overall, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) powder produced by the inflation reaction can cause significant alkali ocular injury if not irrigated promptly. Here we report a case of severe airbag related ocular alkali injury as a way to bring attention to the need for prompt ocular irrigation following motor vehicle accidents (MVA) with airbag deployment. A 47-year-old man was involved in a MVA with airbag deployment in a rural setting. Attention was paid to several other life-threatening traumatic injuries, however, ocular irrigation was not performed until some 6–7 hours after the MVA. Over the course of 6 months, airbag related alkali injury caused severe limbal ischemia, conjunctivalization of the cornea, corneal epithelial defects, cicatricial scarring, haze, and corneal/limbal vascularization despite amniotic membrane graft. Awareness of the importance of ocular irrigation following airbag deployment must be raised both in the ophthalmology and emergency medicine communities. PMID:22900239

Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Alkali Treated Kenaf Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, S. A. S.; Zuhudi, N. Z. M.; Anuar, NIS; Isa, M. D.

2018-05-01

Research on bio composite for automotive and aerospace application has been extensive with the advancement of natural fiber yarn and woven technology. Malaysia has marked kenaf as its main crop commodity by 2020. Surface modification of natural fibers is one of the significant areas in current biocomposite research. Alkali treatment removes certain amount of lignin, hemicellulose, and wax on the surface of fiber, besides depolymerizing cellulose structure and increasing percentage of crystallinity. Surface modification with NaOH of 3%, 6% and 9% concentration with various lengths of immersion time was conducted. The effect of alkali treatment on the mechanical strength and thermal degradation of kenaf fibre were investigated by means of fiber bundle tensile test and thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). Alkali treatment strongly modifies the thermal behaviour of the fibers, being particularly effective in the removal of noncellulosic matter. In addition, the mechanical properties of kenaf fibers revealed higher tensile strength for NaOH treated fibers.

Thermodynamics of Liquid Alkali Metals and Their Binary Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakor, P. B.; Patel, Minal H.; Gajjar, P. N.; Jani, A. R.

2009-07-01

The theoretical investigation of thermodynamic properties like internal energy, entropy, Helmholtz free energy, heat of mixing (ΔE) and entropy of mixing (ΔS) of liquid alkali metals and their binary alloys are reported in the present paper. The effect of concentration on the thermodynamic properties of Ac1Bc2 alloy of the alkali-alkali elements is investigated and reported for the first time using our well established local pseudopotential. To investigate influence of exchange and correlation effects, we have used five different local field correction functions viz; Hartree(H), Taylor(T), Ichimaru and Utsumi(IU), Farid et al. (F) and Sarkar et al. (S). The increase of concentration C2, increases the internal energy and Helmholtz free energy of liquid alloy Ac1Bc2. The behavior of present computation is not showing any abnormality in the outcome and hence confirms the applicability of our model potential in explaining the thermodynamics of liquid binary alloys.

Theoretical study on the thermal and optical features of a diode side-pumped alkali laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Juhong; Liu, Xiaoxu; Wang, Hongyuan; Cai, He; An, Guofei; Zhang, Wei; Wang, You

2018-03-01

As one of the most hopeful candidates to achieve high power performances, a diode-pumped alkali laser (DPAL) has attracted a lot of attention in the last decade. Comparing with a diode end-pumped alkali laser (DEPAL), a diode side-pumped alkali laser (DSPAL) has great potentiality to realize an even-higher output of alkali lasers. However, there are few related researching studies concern DSPAL. In this paper, we introduce a theoretical model to investigate the physical features of a double-directions side-pumped alkali laser. The distributions of the population density, temperature, and absorption power at the cross section of a vapor cell are systematically studied. The analyses should be valuable for design of a steady high-powered DPAL.

Comparative metabolic responses and adaptive strategies of wheat (Triticum aestivum) to salt and alkali stress.

PubMed

Guo, Rui; Yang, Zongze; Li, Feng; Yan, Changrong; Zhong, Xiuli; Liu, Qi; Xia, Xu; Li, Haoru; Zhao, Long

2015-07-07

It is well known that salinization (high-pH) has been considered as a major environmental threat to agricultural systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between salt stress and alkali stress in metabolic profiles and nutrient accumulation of wheat; these parameters were also evaluated to determine the physiological adaptive mechanisms by which wheat tolerates alkali stress. The harmful effect of alkali stress on the growth and photosynthesis of wheat were stronger than those of salt stress. High-pH of alkali stress induced the most of phosphate and metal ions to precipitate; as a result, the availability of nutrients significantly declined. Under alkali stress, Ca sharply increased in roots, however, it decreased under salt stress. In addition, we detected the 75 metabolites that were different among the treatments according to GC-MS analysis, including organic acids, amino acids, sugars/polyols and others. The metabolic data showed salt stress and alkali stress caused different metabolic shifts; alkali stress has a stronger injurious effect on the distribution and accumulation of metabolites than salt stress. These outcomes correspond to specific detrimental effects of a highly pH environment. Ca had a significant positive correlation with alkali tolerates, and increasing Ca concentration can immediately trigger SOS Na exclusion system and reduce the Na injury. Salt stress caused metabolic shifts toward gluconeogenesis with increased sugars to avoid osmotic stress; energy in roots and active synthesis in leaves were needed by wheat to develop salt tolerance. Alkali stress (at high pH) significantly inhibited photosynthetic rate; thus, sugar production was reduced, N metabolism was limited, amino acid production was reduced, and glycolysis was inhibited.

Elemental mercury contamination survey in a chlor-alkali plant by the use of transplanted Spanish moss, Tillandsia usneoides (L.).

PubMed

Calasans, C F; Malm, O

1997-12-22

Atmospheric Hg0 contamination and the potential risk of occupational exposure were evaluated in a chlor-alkali facility by the use of transplanted Tillandsia usneoides. This plant species was selected since it presents some features that makes it useful for air monitoring purposes. After short-term exposure (15 days), control plants showed a mean concentration of 0.2 microgram Hg.g-1 whereas Hg values in transplants ranged from 1 to 10,400 micrograms.g-1. This latter value was observed near an elemental Hg spillage. Even after exposure to toxic conditions plant metabolism was still operative, allowing the transplant technique to be employed to assess both Hg taken up through the stomata and Hg associated with particles deposited on the biomonitor.

30 CFR 817.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES § 817.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or unburned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 817.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES § 817.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or unburned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 817.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES § 817.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or unburned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 817.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES § 817.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or unburned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

30 CFR 817.87 - Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste...-UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES § 817.87 Coal mine waste: Burning and burned waste utilization. (a) Coal mine... extinguishing operations. (b) No burning or unburned coal mine waste shall be removed from a permitted disposal...

Is Electronegativity a Useful Descriptor for the "Pseudo-Alkali-Metal" NH4?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whiteside, Alexander; Xantheas, Sotiris S.; Gutowski, Maciej S.

2011-11-18

Molecular ions in the form of "pseudo-atoms" are common structural motifs in chemistry, with properties that are transferrable between different compounds. We have determined the electronegativity of the "pseudo-alkali metal" ammonium (NH4) and evaluated its reliability as a descriptor in comparison to the electronegativities of the alkali metals. The computed properties of its binary complexes with astatine and of selected borohydrides confirm the similarity of NH4 to the alkali metal atoms, although the electronegativity of NH4 is relatively large in comparison to its cationic radius. We paid particular attention to the molecular properties of ammonium (angular anisotropy, geometric relaxation, andmore » reactivity), which can cause deviations from the behaviour expected of a conceptual "true alkali metal" with this electronegativity. These deviations allow for the discrimination of effects associated with the polyatomic nature of NH4.« less

Effects of microwave and alkali induced pretreatment on sludge solubilization and subsequent aerobic digestion.

PubMed

Chang, Chia-Jung; Tyagi, Vinay Kumar; Lo, Shang-Lien

2011-09-01

Individual and combined effects of microwave (MW) and alkali pretreatments on sludge disintegration and subsequent aerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) were studied. Pretreatments with MW (600W-85°C-2 min), conventional heating (520 W-80°C-12 min) and alkali (1.5 g NaOH/L - pH 12-30 min) achieved 8.5%, 7% and 18% COD solubilization, respectively. However, combined MW-alkali pretreatment synergistically enhanced sludge solubilization and achieved 46% COD solubilization, 20% greater than the additive value of MW alone and alkali alone (8.5+18%=26.5%). Moreover, the results of the batch aerobic digestion study on MW-alkali pretreated sludge showed 93% and 63% reductions in SCOD and VSS concentrations, respectively, at 16 days of SRT. The VSS reduction was 20% higher than that of WAS without pretreatment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Responses of pond-breeding amphibians to wildfire: Short-term patterns in occupancy and colonization

Treesearch

Blake R. Hossack; Paul Stephen Corn

2007-01-01

Wildland fires are expected to become more frequent and severe in many ecosystems, potentially posing a threat to many sensitive species. We evaluated the effects of a large, stand-replacement wildfire on three species of pond-breeding amphibians by estimating changes in occupancy of breeding sites during the three years before and after the fire burned 42 of 83...

High temperature alkali corrosion of ceramics in coal gas: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pickrell, G.R.; Sun, T.; Brown, J.J. Jr.

1994-12-31

There are several ceramic materials which are currently being considered for use as structural elements in coal combustion and coal conversion systems because of their thermal and mechanical properties. These include alumina (refractories, membranes, heat engines); silicon carbide and silicon nitride (turbine engines, internal combustion engines, heat exchangers, particulate filters); zirconia (internal combustion engines, turbine engines, refractories); and mullite and cordierite (particulate filters, refractories, heat exchangers). High temperature alkali corrosion has been known to cause premature failure of ceramic components used in advanced high temperature coal combustion systems such as coal gasification and clean-up, coal fired gas turbines, and highmore » efficiency heat engines. The objective of this research is to systematically evaluate the alkali corrosion resistance of the most commonly used structural ceramics including silicon carbide, silicon nitride, cordierite, mullite, alumina, aluminum titanate, and zirconia. The study consists of identification of the alkali reaction products and determination of the kinetics of the alkali reactions as a function of temperature and time. 145 refs., 29 figs., 12 tabs.« less

Recovery of Gallium from Secondary V-Recycling Slag by Alkali Fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Lei; Shi, Zhe; Zhang, Gui-fang

Secondary V-recycling slag, an industrial waste containing high gallium is being dumped continuously, which causes the loss of gallium. Thus, the alkali fusion process was employed to recover gallium from this slag. The effects factors on extraction of gallium such as roasting temperature, roasting time, alkali fusion agent concentration and CaO concentration were investigated in the paper. The experimental results indicated that excessive roasting temperature and roasting time is unfavorable to the recovery rate of gallium. The appropriate roasting temperature and duration are 1000°C and 2 hours, respectively; The appropriate proportioning of Na2CO3: NaOH is 2:1 when the concentration of alkali fusion agent weighs 0.4 times the mass of the slag; In order to remove SiO2 from the leaching liquor, CaO should be used as an additive in the roasting process. The appropriate concentration of CaO should weigh 0.2 times the mass of the slag. Employing these optimal alkali fusion conditions in the roasting process, gallium recovery is above 90%.

Report From the California Burn Registry—The Causes of Major Burns

PubMed Central

Bongard, Frederic S.; Ostrow, Louis B.; Sacks, Susan T.; McGuire, Andrew; Trunkey, Donald D.

1985-01-01

In its first four years of operation, the California Burn Registry recorded 3,332 cases of burns, of which 73.1% were in male and 26.9% were in female patients of all ages. The average total body surface area burned was 15.4±0.3%. Flame burns were the most common (31.4%). Other common sources included scalds (24.5%) and flammable liquids (12.9%). Several other causes were cited with less frequency. Burns taking place at home occurred more commonly than at all other locations combined. In all, 221 deaths (6.6%) were reported, most (66.1%) of which were due to flame burns. PMID:4013280

Under Pressure: Applying Practice-Based Learning and Improvement to the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Burns.

PubMed

Rapolti, Mihaela; Wu, Cindy; Schuth, Olga A; Hultman, Charles Scott

2017-10-01

Chronic neuropathic pain after burn injury may have multiple causes, such as direct nerve injury, nerve compression, or neuroma formation, and can significantly impair quality of life and limit functional recovery. Management includes a team-based approach that involves close collaboration between occupational and physical therapists, plastic surgeons, and experts in chronic pain, from neurology, anesthesia, psychiatry, and physiatry. Carefully selected patients with an anatomic cause of chronic neuropathic pain unequivocally benefit from surgical intervention. Self-reflection and analysis yield improvement in both efficiency and effectiveness when managing patients with burns with chronic neuropathic pain. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Process for carbonaceous material conversion and recovery of alkali metal catalyst constituents held by ion exchange sites in conversion residue

DOEpatents

Sharp, David W.

1980-01-01

In a coal gasification operation or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein solid particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered for the particles by contacting or washing them with an aqueous solution containing calcium or magnesium ions in an alkali metal recovery zone at a low temperature, preferably below about 249.degree. F. During the washing or leaching process, the calcium or magnesium ions displace alkali metal ions held by ion exchange sites in the particles thereby liberating the ions and producing an aqueous effluent containing alkali metal constituents. The aqueous effluent from the alkali metal recovery zone is then recycled to the conversion process where the alkali metal constituents serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst.

Deliberate and Accidental Gas-Phase Alkali Doping of Chalcogenide Semiconductors: Cu(In,Ga)Se2

PubMed Central

Colombara, Diego; Berner, Ulrich; Ciccioli, Andrea; Malaquias, João C.; Bertram, Tobias; Crossay, Alexandre; Schöneich, Michael; Meadows, Helene J.; Regesch, David; Delsante, Simona; Gigli, Guido; Valle, Nathalie; Guillot, Jérome; El Adib, Brahime; Grysan, Patrick; Dale, Phillip J.

2017-01-01

Alkali metal doping is essential to achieve highly efficient energy conversion in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) solar cells. Doping is normally achieved through solid state reactions, but recent observations of gas-phase alkali transport in the kesterite sulfide (Cu2ZnSnS4) system (re)open the way to a novel gas-phase doping strategy. However, the current understanding of gas-phase alkali transport is very limited. This work (i) shows that CIGSe device efficiency can be improved from 2% to 8% by gas-phase sodium incorporation alone, (ii) identifies the most likely routes for gas-phase alkali transport based on mass spectrometric studies, (iii) provides thermochemical computations to rationalize the observations and (iv) critically discusses the subject literature with the aim to better understand the chemical basis of the phenomenon. These results suggest that accidental alkali metal doping occurs all the time, that a controlled vapor pressure of alkali metal could be applied during growth to dope the semiconductor, and that it may have to be accounted for during the currently used solid state doping routes. It is concluded that alkali gas-phase transport occurs through a plurality of routes and cannot be attributed to one single source. PMID:28233864

Deliberate and Accidental Gas-Phase Alkali Doping of Chalcogenide Semiconductors: Cu(In,Ga)Se2.

PubMed

Colombara, Diego; Berner, Ulrich; Ciccioli, Andrea; Malaquias, João C; Bertram, Tobias; Crossay, Alexandre; Schöneich, Michael; Meadows, Helene J; Regesch, David; Delsante, Simona; Gigli, Guido; Valle, Nathalie; Guillot, Jérome; El Adib, Brahime; Grysan, Patrick; Dale, Phillip J

2017-02-24

Alkali metal doping is essential to achieve highly efficient energy conversion in Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGSe) solar cells. Doping is normally achieved through solid state reactions, but recent observations of gas-phase alkali transport in the kesterite sulfide (Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 ) system (re)open the way to a novel gas-phase doping strategy. However, the current understanding of gas-phase alkali transport is very limited. This work (i) shows that CIGSe device efficiency can be improved from 2% to 8% by gas-phase sodium incorporation alone, (ii) identifies the most likely routes for gas-phase alkali transport based on mass spectrometric studies, (iii) provides thermochemical computations to rationalize the observations and (iv) critically discusses the subject literature with the aim to better understand the chemical basis of the phenomenon. These results suggest that accidental alkali metal doping occurs all the time, that a controlled vapor pressure of alkali metal could be applied during growth to dope the semiconductor, and that it may have to be accounted for during the currently used solid state doping routes. It is concluded that alkali gas-phase transport occurs through a plurality of routes and cannot be attributed to one single source.

Tuning the electronic structure of graphene through alkali metal and halogen atom intercalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Sohail; Miró, Pere; Audiffred, Martha; Heine, Thomas

2018-04-01

The deposition, intercalation and co-intercalation of heavy alkali metals and light halogens atoms in graphene mono- and bilayers have been studied using first principles density-functional calculations. Both the deposition and the intercalation of alkali metals gives rise to n-type doping due to the formation of M+-C- pairs. The co-intercalation of a 1:1 ratio of alkali metals and halogens derives into the formation of ionic pairs among the intercalated species, unaltering the electronic structure of the layered material.

Pattern and profile of electric burn injury cases at a Burn centre.

PubMed

Cheema, Saeed Ashraf

2016-01-01

Electrical burns are quite different from thermal and chemical burns. This study is from a centre which deals with job related electric burn injuries alone and thus can give a pure account of the electric burns and discuss the related peculiarities. Study aims to highlight the differences in the mechanism of electric burn injury, its mode of presentation, morbidity, complications and thus the treatment strategies as compared to rest of the burn injuries. This is a descriptive case series study of first consecutive 61 electric burn victims treated at a Burn Unit and Plastic Surgery centre. Cases were admitted and resuscitated at the emergency, and further treated at burn unit. Thorough history, examination findings and operative procedures were recorded. Patients were photographed for record as well. Emergency operative procedures, wound management, soft tissue coverage procedures and complications during the hospital stay were recorded and studied. Twenty cases (33%) were in the fifth decade of life. High voltage electric burn injury was seen in 42 (69%) of the cases. Whereas only 9 cases were treated conservatively, other 52 cases had 24 fasciotomies and 71 debridements. Series witnessed 10 expiries, and 22 amputations and all these were result of high voltage electric burns. Twenty eight soft tissue coverage procedures were carried out. Electric burn injuries are altogether different from rest of the burn injuries and must be treated accordingly. These injuries are peculiar for ongoing damage, extensive trauma, complications and prolonged morbidity. Treatment requires a high degree of suspicion, more aggressive management to unfold and minimize the deep seated insult.

Chlor-alkali producers evaluate safer alternatives to asbestos

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stadig, W.

Until recently, 75% of all US capacity for producing chlor-alkali - more than 40% of the world's capacity - has used asbestos diaphragm-cell technology. Although the Environmental Protection Agency continues to exempt asbestos use in diaphragms from restrictions, producers are considering alternatives. In Germany, stringent regulations will ban asbestos in chlor-alkali production after 1994. Heavy fines were levied recently against some chlor-alkali producers in the United States when EPA inspectors found asbestos fibers in cell renewal areas. Restrictions on the mining of asbestos raise the cost of obtaining adequate amounts of high-quality asbestos and gradually raise the cost of transportingmore » and discarding spent diaphragms. Two alternatives are to use newly developed, non-asbestos diaphragms or to convert to existing ion-exchange membrane-cell technology. Only the former seems economical in the United States. The non-asbestos diaphragm is based on an inorganic polymer composite developed in 1988 as an asbestos substitute. The composite received Du Pont's Plunkett Award for Innovation with Teflon[trademark], landed on the National Development Association's 1991 Honor Roll and became a 1991 R D 100 Award winner. 6 figs.« less

The wound/burn guidelines - 6: Guidelines for the management of burns.

PubMed

Yoshino, Yuichiro; Ohtsuka, Mikio; Kawaguchi, Masakazu; Sakai, Keisuke; Hashimoto, Akira; Hayashi, Masahiro; Madokoro, Naoki; Asano, Yoshihide; Abe, Masatoshi; Ishii, Takayuki; Isei, Taiki; Ito, Takaaki; Inoue, Yuji; Imafuku, Shinichi; Irisawa, Ryokichi; Ohtsuka, Masaki; Ogawa, Fumihide; Kadono, Takafumi; Kawakami, Tamihiro; Kukino, Ryuichi; Kono, Takeshi; Kodera, Masanari; Takahara, Masakazu; Tanioka, Miki; Nakanishi, Takeshi; Nakamura, Yasuhiro; Hasegawa, Minoru; Fujimoto, Manabu; Fujiwara, Hiroshi; Maekawa, Takeo; Matsuo, Koma; Yamasaki, Osamu; Le Pavoux, Andres; Tachibana, Takao; Ihn, Hironobu

2016-09-01

Burns are a common type of skin injury encountered at all levels of medical facilities from private clinics to core hospitals. Minor burns heal by topical treatment alone, but moderate to severe burns require systemic management, and skin grafting is often necessary also for topical treatment. Inappropriate initial treatment or delay of initial treatment may exert adverse effects on the subsequent treatment and course. Therefore, accurate evaluation of the severity and initiation of appropriate treatment are necessary. The Guidelines for the Management of Burn Injuries were issued in March 2009 from the Japanese Society for Burn Injuries as guidelines concerning burns, but they were focused on the treatment for extensive and severe burns in the acute period. Therefore, we prepared guidelines intended to support the appropriate diagnosis and initial treatment for patients with burns that are commonly encountered including minor as well as moderate and severe cases. Because of this intention of the present guidelines, there is no recommendation of individual surgical procedures. © 2016 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Mixed alkali effect on the spectroscopic properties of alkali-alkaline earth oxide borate glasses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Srinivas, G., E-mail: srinu123g@gmail.com; Ramesh, B.; Shareefuddin, Md.

2016-05-06

The mixed alkali and alkaline earth oxide borate glass with the composition xK{sub 2}O - (25-x) Li{sub 2}O-12.5BaO-12.5MgO-50B{sub 2}O{sub 3} (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25mol %) and doped with 1mol% CuO were prepared by the melt quenching technique. From the optical absorption spectra the optical band gap, electronic polarizability(α{sub 0}2-), interaction parameter (A), theoretical and experimental optical basicity (Λ) values were evaluated. From the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectral data the number of spins (N) and susceptibility (χ) were evaluated. The values of (α{sub 0}2-), and (Λ) increases with increasing of K{sub 2}O content and electronicmore » polarizability and interaction parameter show opposite behaviuor which may be due to the creation of non-bridging oxygens and expansion of borate network. The reciprocal of susceptibility (1/χ) and spin concentration (N) as a function of K{sub 2}O content, varied nonlinearly which may be due to creation of non-bridging oxygens in the present glass system. This may be attributed to mixed alkali effect (MAE).« less

Electron detachment energies in high-symmetry alkali halide solvated-electron anions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anusiewicz, Iwona; Berdys, Joanna; Simons, Jack; Skurski, Piotr

2003-07-01

We decompose the vertical electron detachment energies (VDEs) in solvated-electron clusters of alkali halides in terms of (i) an electrostatic contribution that correlates with the dipole moment (μ) of the individual alkali halide molecule and (ii) a relaxation component that is related to the polarizability (α) of the alkali halide molecule. Detailed numerical ab initio results for twelve species (MX)n- (M=Li,Na; X=F,Cl,Br; n=2,3) are used to construct an interpolation model that relates the clusters' VDEs to their μ and α values as well as a cluster size parameter r that we show is closely related to the alkali cation's ionic radius. The interpolation formula is then tested by applying it to predict the VDEs of four systems [i.e., (KF)2-, (KF)3-, (KCl)2-, and (KCl)3-] that were not used in determining the parameters of the model. The average difference between the model's predicted VDEs and the ab initio calculated electron binding energies is less than 4% (for the twelve species studied). It is concluded that one can easily estimate the VDE of a given high-symmetry solvated electron system by employing the model put forth here if the α, μ and cation ionic radii are known. Alternatively, if VDEs are measured for an alkali halide cluster and the α and μ values are known, one can estimate the r parameter, which, in turn, determines the "size" of the cluster anion.

Global Burned Area and Biomass Burning Emissions from Small Fires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Randerson, J. T.; Chen, Y.; vanderWerf, G. R.; Rogers, B. M.; Morton, D. C.

2012-01-01

In several biomes, including croplands, wooded savannas, and tropical forests, many small fires occur each year that are well below the detection limit of the current generation of global burned area products derived from moderate resolution surface reflectance imagery. Although these fires often generate thermal anomalies that can be detected by satellites, their contributions to burned area and carbon fluxes have not been systematically quantified across different regions and continents. Here we developed a preliminary method for combining 1-km thermal anomalies (active fires) and 500 m burned area observations from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to estimate the influence of these fires. In our approach, we calculated the number of active fires inside and outside of 500 m burn scars derived from reflectance data. We estimated small fire burned area by computing the difference normalized burn ratio (dNBR) for these two sets of active fires and then combining these observations with other information. In a final step, we used the Global Fire Emissions Database version 3 (GFED3) biogeochemical model to estimate the impact of these fires on biomass burning emissions. We found that the spatial distribution of active fires and 500 m burned areas were in close agreement in ecosystems that experience large fires, including savannas across southern Africa and Australia and boreal forests in North America and Eurasia. In other areas, however, we observed many active fires outside of burned area perimeters. Fire radiative power was lower for this class of active fires. Small fires substantially increased burned area in several continental-scale regions, including Equatorial Asia (157%), Central America (143%), and Southeast Asia (90%) during 2001-2010. Globally, accounting for small fires increased total burned area by approximately by 35%, from 345 Mha/yr to 464 Mha/yr. A formal quantification of uncertainties was not possible, but sensitivity

Characterization of raw and alkali treated new natural cellulosic fiber from Coccinia grandis.L.

PubMed

Senthamaraikannan, P; Kathiresan, M

2018-04-15

The physical, chemical, tensile, crystalline, thermal, and surface morphological properties of raw and alkali treated Coccinia Grandis.L Fibers (CGFs) were characterized for the first time in this work. The results of the chemical analysis indicate that, after alkali treatment, the cellulose content of CGFs increased whereas hemicelluloses, lignin and wax contents decreased. This directly influenced the tensile strength, crystallinity index, thermal stability and the roughness of alkali-treated CGFs. The thermal stability and activation energy of the CGFs improved from 213.4 °C to 220.6 °C and 67.02 kJ/mol to 73.43 kJ/mol, respectively, due to alkali treatment. The statistical approach, Weibull distribution was adopted to analyze the tensile properties. The improved properties of the alkali treated CGF indicate that it could be an appropriate material for reinforcement in polymer composites. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 721.2565 - Alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide, alkali and amine salts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2565 Alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide, alkali and... substances identified as alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide, alkali salt (PMN P-93-352) and alkylated...

40 CFR 721.2565 - Alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide, alkali and amine salts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2565 Alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide, alkali and... substances identified as alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide, alkali salt (PMN P-93-352) and alkylated...

Resuscitation burn card--a useful tool for burn injury assessment.

PubMed

Malic, C C; Karoo, R O S; Austin, O; Phipps, A

2007-03-01

It is well recognised that the initial assessment of body surface area affected by a burn is often over estimated in Accident and Emergency Departments. A useful aide-memoir in the acute setting is Wallace's "rule of nines" or using the patients' palmar surface of the hand, which approximates 1% of the total body surface area, as a method of assessment. Unfortunately, as with every system, limitations apply. Factors such as patient size and the interpretation of what is exactly the 'palmar surface' may significantly influence burn size estimations and subsequently fluid resuscitation. Our aim is to develop a simple, quick and easy reproducible method of calculating burn injuries for medical professionals in the acute setting. Worldwide, the dimensions of a credit card are standardized (8.5 cm x 5.3 cm), thus producing a surface area of 45 cm2. We created a resuscitation burn card (RBC) using these exact same proportions, upon which a modified body surface area (BSA) nomogram was printed. Knowing the patient height and weight, we calculated the surface area of the card as percentage of total body surface area (TBSA). On the opposite site of the RBC, a Lund and Browder chart was printed, as well as the Parkland formula and a formula to calculate paediatric burn fluid requirements. The plastic, flexible RBC conformed well to the body contour and was designed for single use. We used the resuscitation burn card in the initial assessment of simulated burns in a Regional Burn Centre and in an Accident and Emergency Department. The information present on the card was found to be clear and straightforward to use. The evaluation of burn extent was found to be more accurately measured than the estimation obtained without the RBC. The resuscitation burn card can be a valuable tool in the hands of less experienced medical professionals for the early assessment and fluid resuscitation of a burn.

American Burn Association Practice Guidelines: Burn Shock Resuscitation

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

Ann Surg 1979;189: 546–52. 39. Jelenko C III, Williams JB, Wheeler ML, et al. Studies in shock and resuscitation, I: use of a hypertonic, albumin...SUMMARY ARTICLE American Burn Association Practice Guidelines Burn Shock Resuscitation Tam N. Pham, MD,* Leopoldo C . Cancio, MD,† Nicole S. Gibran...practice guidelines burn shock resuscitation 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Pham T. N., Cancio L. C

Detection of alkali-silica reaction swelling in concrete by staining

DOEpatents

Guthrie, G.D. Jr.; Carey, J.W.

1998-04-14

A method using concentrated aqueous solutions of sodium cobalt nitrite and rhodamine B is described which can be used to identify concrete that contains gels formed by the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). These solutions present little health or environmental risk, are readily applied, and rapidly discriminate between two chemically distinct gels; K-rich, Na-K-Ca-Si gels are identified by yellow staining, and alkali-poor, Ca-Si gels are identified by pink staining.

Detection of alkali-silica reaction swelling in concrete by staining

DOEpatents

Guthrie, Jr., George D.; Carey, J. William

1998-01-01

A method using concentrated aqueous solutions of sodium cobaltinitrite and rhodamine B is described which can be used to identify concrete that contains gels formed by the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). These solutions present little health or environmental risk, are readily applied, and rapidly discriminate between two chemically distinct gels; K-rich, Na--K--Ca--Si gels are identified by yellow staining, and alkali-poor, Ca--Si gels are identified by pink staining.

Is electronegativity a useful descriptor for the pseudo-alkali metal NH4?

PubMed

Whiteside, Alexander; Xantheas, Sotiris S; Gutowski, Maciej

2011-11-18

Molecular ions in the form of "pseudo-atoms" are common structural motifs in chemistry, with properties that are transferrable between different compounds. We have determined one such property--the electronegativity--for the "pseudo-alkali metal" ammonium (NH(4)), and evaluated its reliability as a descriptor versus the electronegativities of the alkali metals. The computed properties of ammonium's binary complexes with astatine and of selected borohydrides confirm the similarity of NH(4) to the alkali metal atoms, although the electronegativity of NH(4) is relatively large in comparison to its cationic radius. We have paid particular attention to the molecular properties of ammonium (angular anisotropy, geometric relaxation and reactivity), which can cause deviations from the behaviour expected of a conceptual "true alkali metal" with this electronegativity. These deviations allow for the discrimination of effects associated with the molecular nature of NH(4). Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nicotine-substitute gum-induced milk alkali syndrome: a look at unexpected sources of calcium.

PubMed

Swanson, Christine M; Mackey, Patricia A; Westphal, Sydney A; Argueta, Rodolfo

2013-01-01

This report describes a 64-year-old woman with recurrent hypercalcemia. Her laboratory evaluation was consistent with milk-alkali syndrome. It was eventually discovered that the source of the excessive calcium consumption was nicotine-replacement chewing gum and carbonated water. An extensive literature search was performed to see if milk-alkali syndrome due to nicotine-replacement gum and carbonated water has been previously reported. No prior report describing the association of milk alkali syndrome with nicotine-replacement gum and carbonated water was found. We present a unique case of milk-alkali syndrome due to nicotine-replacement gum and carbonated water. It serves as a lesson to evaluate other sources besides calcium supplements as the cause of excessive calcium intake.

Observation of Raman self-focusing in an alkali-metal vapor cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Proite, N. A.; Unks, B. E.; Green, J. T.; Yavuz, D. D.

2008-02-01

We report an experimental demonstration of Raman self-focusing and self-defocusing in a far-off resonant alkali-metal atomic system. The key idea is to drive a hyperfine transition in an alkali-metal atom to a maximally coherent state with two laser beams. In this regime, the two-photon detuning from the Raman resonance controls the nonlinear index of the medium.

Highly reproducible alkali metal doping system for organic crystals through enhanced diffusion of alkali metal by secondary thermal activation.

PubMed

Lee, Jinho; Park, Chibeom; Song, Intek; Koo, Jin Young; Yoon, Taekyung; Kim, Jun Sung; Choi, Hee Cheul

2018-05-16

In this paper, we report an efficient alkali metal doping system for organic single crystals. Our system employs an enhanced diffusion method for the introduction of alkali metal into organic single crystals by controlling the sample temperature to induce secondary thermal activation. Using this system, we achieved intercalation of potassium into picene single crystals with closed packed crystal structures. Using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, we confirmed that the resulting samples were uniformly doped and became K 2 picene single crystal, while only parts of the crystal are doped and transformed into K 2 picene without secondary thermal activation. Moreover, using a customized electrical measurement system, the insulator-to-semiconductor transition of picene single crystals upon doping was confirmed by in situ electrical conductivity and ex situ temperature-dependent resistivity measurements. X-ray diffraction studies showed that potassium atoms were intercalated between molecular layers of picene, and doped samples did not show any KH- nor KOH-related peaks, indicating that picene molecules are retained without structural decomposition. During recent decades, tremendous efforts have been exerted to develop high-performance organic semiconductors and superconductors, whereas as little attention has been devoted to doped organic crystals. Our method will enable efficient alkali metal doping of organic crystals and will be a resource for future systematic studies on the electrical property changes of these organic crystals upon doping.

Experimental studies of alunite: II. Rates of alunite-water alkali and isotope exchange

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stoffregen, R.E.; Rye, R.O.; Wasserman, M.D.

1994-01-01

Rates of alkali exchange between alunite and water have been measured in hydrothermal experiments of 1 hour to 259 days duration at 150 to 400??C. Examination of run products by scanning electron microscope indicates that the reaction takes place by dissolution-reprecipitation. This exchange is modeled with an empirical rate equation which assumes a linear decrease in mineral surface area with percent exchange (f) and a linear dependence of the rate on the square root of the affinity for the alkali exchange reaction. This equation provides a good fit of the experimental data for f = 17% to 90% and yields log rate constants which range from -6.25 moles alkali m-2s-1 at 400??C to - 11.7 moles alkali m-2s-1 at 200??C. The variation in these rates with temperature is given by the equation log k* = -8.17(1000/T(K)) + 5.54 (r2 = 0.987) which yields an activation energy of 37.4 ?? 1.5 kcal/mol. For comparison, data from O'Neil and Taylor (1967) and Merigoux (1968) modeled with a pseudo-second-order rate expression give an activation energy of 36.1 ?? 2.9 kcal/mol for alkali-feldspar water Na-K exchange. In the absence of coupled alkali exchange, oxygen isotope exchange between alunite and water also occurs by dissolution-reprecipitation but rates are one to three orders of magnitude lower than those for alkali exchange. In fine-grained alunites, significant D-H exchange occurs by hydrogen diffusion at temperatures as low as 100??C. Computed hydrogen diffusion coefficients range from -15.7 to -17.3 cm2s-1 and suggest that the activation energy for hydrogen diffusion may be as low as 6 kcal/mol. These experiments indicate that rates of alkali exchange in the relatively coarse-grained alunites typical of hydrothermal ore deposits are insignificant, and support the reliability of K-Ar age data from such samples. However, the fine-grained alunites typical of low temperature settings may be susceptible to limited alkali exchange at surficial conditions which could cause

DFT study of the interaction between DOTA chelator and competitive alkali metal ions.

PubMed

Frimpong, E; Skelton, A A; Honarparvar, B

2017-09-01

1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetracetic acid (DOTA) is an important chelator for radiolabeling of pharmaceuticals. The ability of alkali metals found in the body to complex with DOTA and compete with radio metal ions can alter the radiolabeling process. Non-covalent interactions between DOTA complexed with alkali metals Li + , Na + , K + and Rb + , are investigated with density functional theory using B3LYP and ωB97XD functionals. Conformational possibilities of DOTA were explored with a varying number of carboxylic pendant arms of DOTA in close proximity to the ions. It is found that the case in which four arms of DOTA are interacting with ions is more stable than other conformations. The objective of this study is to explore the electronic structure properties upon complexation of alkali metals Li + Na + , K + and Rb + with a DOTA chelator. Interaction energies, relaxation energies, entropies, Gibbs free energies and enthalpies show that the stability of DOTA, complexed with alkali metals decreases down the group of the periodic table. Implicit water solvation affects the complexation of DOTA-ions leading to decreases in the stability of the complexes. NBO analysis through the natural population charges and the second order perturbation theory, revealed a charge transfer between DOTA and alkali metals. Conceptual DFT-based properties such as HOMO/LUMO energies, ΔE HOMO-LUMO and chemical hardness and softness indicated a decrease in the chemical stability of DOTA-alkali metal complexes down the alkali metal series. This study serves as a guide to researchers in the field of organometallic chelators, particularly, radiopharmaceuticals in finding the efficient optimal match between chelators and various metal ions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Alkali metal/sulfur battery

DOEpatents

Anand, Joginder N.

1978-01-01

Alkali metal/sulfur batteries in which the electrolyte-separator is a relatively fragile membrane are improved by providing means for separating the molten sulfur/sulfide catholyte from contact with the membrane prior to cooling the cell to temperatures at which the catholyte will solidify. If the catholyte is permitted to solidify while in contact with the membrane, the latter may be damaged. The improvement permits such batteries to be prefilled with catholyte and shipped, at ordinary temperatures.

Use of fly ash, slag, or silica fume to inhibit alkali-silica reactivity.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-01-01

This study had two objectives: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of particular mineral admixtures when combined with portland cements of varying alkali content in preventing expansion due to alkali-silica reactivity (ASR), and (2) to determine if set...

Economics of pediatric burns.

PubMed

Bass, Michael J; Phillips, Linda G

2008-07-01

Sustaining a burn injury sets in motion a cycle of pain, disfigurement, and a search for survival. In pediatric burns, the injury extends to the parents where fear, ignorance, and helplessness forever change their lives. Pediatric burn injuries are caused by fire, hot liquids, clothing irons, hair curlers, caustic substances like drain cleaner, the grounding of an electrical source, and exposure to radiation. Efficiency in the delivery of pediatric burn care is critical. Maximizing resource utilization means continual self-evaluation and economic analysis of therapeutic modalities. Griffiths et al found that most childhood burns are due to scalds, which can be treated for $1061 per percent burn. Paddock et al reduced the cost of treating superficial pediatric burns and reduced the length of stay in hospital using silver-impregnated gauze over traditional methods. Barrett et al found improved cosmesis of skin grafts using cultured epithelial autografts but at a substantially increased cost. Corpron et al showed that pediatric burn units that treat burns >10% total body surface area and operative treatment of pediatric burns regardless of size generate positive revenue. There is a paucity of evidentiary pediatric burn economic data. More research is needed to address areas of pediatric burn care inefficiency. Improving knowledge of cost in all health care endeavors will create competition and drive down expenditures.

Knowledge, attitude, and belief regarding burn first aid among caregivers attending pediatric emergency medicine departments.

PubMed

Alomar, Mohammed; Rouqi, Faisal Al; Eldali, Abdelmoneim

2016-06-01

Emergency departments witness many cases of burns that can be prevented with various first-aid measures. Immediate and effective burn first aid reduces morbidity and determines the outcome. Thus, it is imperative that measures of primary burn prevention and first-aid knowledge be improved. This descriptive study determines the current level of knowledge, attitude, and belief regarding burn first aid among caregivers. Caregivers attending four pediatric emergency departments answered a structured questionnaire for demographic information, knowledge, and the burn first aid they provide including two case scenarios. Applying cold water for 15-20min, smothering burning clothes, and covering the pot of oil on fire with a wet cloth were considered appropriate responses. The main outcome measure was the proportion of caregivers who were aware of burn first aid and did not use inappropriate remedies. Additional questions regarding the best means of educating the public on burn first aid were included. Individual chi-squared tests and univariate logistic regressions were performed to correlate knowledge with demographic features, history of burns, and first-aid training. The 408 interviewed caregivers (55% women) reflected a wide range of age, occupation, and educational level. Sixty percent (60%) of respondents had a large family, with 52% reporting a history of burns. Overall, 41% treated burns with cool or cold water, although 97% had inappropriate or no knowledge of the duration. Further, 32% treated burns with nonscientific remedies alone or in combination, including honey, egg white, toothpaste, white flour, tomato paste, yogurt, tea, sliced potato, butter, or ice. Only 15% had first-aid training. While 65% of caregivers covered a pot of oil on fire with a wet cloth, only 24% reported smothering burning clothes. Participants preferred learning more of first aid for burns via social media (41%), hospital visits (30%), and television (TV) (16%). No significant

Forty-Year Follow-up of Full-Thickness Skin Graft After Thermal Burn Injury to the Volar Hand.

PubMed

Weeks, Dexter; Kasdan, Morton L; Wilhelmi, Bradon J

2016-01-01

The hands are commonly affected in severe thermal burn injuries. Resulting contractures lead to significant loss of function. Burn contracture release and skin grafting are necessary to restore hand function. We report a case in which surgical reconstruction of a volar hand burn was performed with full-thickness skin grafting. The patient had a 40-year follow-up to assess the function and cosmesis of the repaired hand. We report a case in which a 15-month-old boy presented after receiving third-degree burns to the left volar hand, including the flexural aspects of the index, long, and ring fingers by placing it on a hot kitchen stove burner. The patient subsequently underwent scar contracture release and full-thickness skin grafting. Eleven years after reconstruction, further contractures developed associated with the patient's growth, which were reconstructed with repeat full-thickness skin graft from the inguinal region. No recurrence was witnessed afterward and 40 years after initial injury, the patient maintains full activities of daily living and use of his hand in his occupation. There is debate regarding the superiority of split-thickness versus full-thickness grafts during reconstruction. Our case strengthens the argument for durability of a full-thickness skin graft following thermal burn injury.

Comparing the reported burn conditions for different severity burns in porcine models: a systematic review.

PubMed

Andrews, Christine J; Cuttle, Leila

2017-12-01

There are many porcine burn models that create burns using different materials (e.g. metal, water) and different burn conditions (e.g. temperature and duration of exposure). This review aims to determine whether a pooled analysis of these studies can provide insight into the burn materials and conditions required to create burns of a specific severity. A systematic review of 42 porcine burn studies describing the depth of burn injury with histological evaluation is presented. Inclusion criteria included thermal burns, burns created with a novel method or material, histological evaluation within 7 days post-burn and method for depth of injury assessment specified. Conditions causing deep dermal scald burns compared to contact burns of equivalent severity were disparate, with lower temperatures and shorter durations reported for scald burns (83°C for 14 seconds) compared to contact burns (111°C for 23 seconds). A valuable archive of the different mechanisms and materials used for porcine burn models is presented to aid design and optimisation of future models. Significantly, this review demonstrates the effect of the mechanism of injury on burn severity and that caution is recommended when burn conditions established by porcine contact burn models are used by regulators to guide scald burn prevention strategies. © 2017 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Multi-quantum excitation in optically pumped alkali atom: rare gas mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galbally-Kinney, K. L.; Rawlins, W. T.; Davis, S. J.

2014-03-01

Diode-pumped alkali laser (DPAL) technology offers a means of achieving high-energy gas laser output through optical pumping of the D-lines of Cs, Rb, and K. The exciplex effect, based on weak attractive forces between alkali atoms and polarizable rare gas atoms (Ar, Kr, Xe), provides an alternative approach via broadband excitation of exciplex precursors (XPAL). In XPAL configurations, we have observed multi-quantum excitation within the alkali manifolds which result in infrared emission lines between 1 and 4 μm. The observed excited states include the 42FJ states of both Cs and Rb, which are well above the two-photon energy of the excitation laser in each case. We have observed fluorescence from multi-quantum states for excitation wavelengths throughout the exciplex absorption bands of Cs-Ar, Cs-Kr, and Cs-Xe. The intensity scaling is roughly first-order or less in both pump power and alkali concentration, suggesting a collisional energy pooling excitation mechanism. Collisional up-pumping appears to present a parasitic loss term for optically pumped atomic systems at high intensities, however there may also be excitation of other lasing transitions at infrared wavelengths.

Temperature dependent mobility measurements of alkali earth ions in superfluid helium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putlitz, Gisbert Zu; Baumann, I.; Foerste, M.; Jungmann, K.; Riediger, O.; Tabbert, B.; Wiebe, J.; Zühlke, C.

1998-05-01

Mobility measurements of impurity ions in superfluid helium are reported. Alkali earth ions were produced with a laser sputtering technique and were drawn inside the liquid by an electric field. The experiments were carried out in the temperature region from 1.27 up to 1.66 K. The temperature dependence of the mobility of Be^+-ions (measured here for the first time) differs from that of the other alkali earth ions Mg^+, Ca^+, Sr^+ and Ba^+, but behaves similar to that of He^+ (M. Foerste, H. Günther, O. Riediger, J. Wiebe, G. zu Putlitz, Z. Phys. B) 104, 317 (1997). Theories of Atkins (A. Atkins, Phys. Rev.) 116, 1339 (1959) and Cole (M.W. Cole, R.A. Bachmann Phys. Rev. B) 15, 1388 (1977) predict a different defect structure for He^+ and the alkali earth ions: the helium ion is assumed to form a snowball like structure whereas for the alkali earth ions a bubble structure is assumed. If the temperature dependence is a characteristic feature for the different structures, then it seems likely that the Be^+ ion builds a snowball like structure.

Alkalis in Coal and Coal Cleaning Products / Alkalia W Węglu I Productach Jego Wzbogacania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bytnar, Krzysztof; Burmistrz, Piotr

2013-09-01

In the coking process, the prevailing part of the alkalis contained in the coal charge goes to coke. The content of alkalis in coal (and also in coke) is determined mainly by the content of two elements: sodium and potasium. The presence of these elements in coal is connected with their occurrence in the mineral matter and moisture of coal. In the mineral matter and moisture of the coals used for the coke production determinable the content of sodium is 26.6 up to 62. per cent, whereas that of potassium is 37.1 up to 73.4 per cent of the total content of alkalis. Major carriers of alkalis are clay minerals. Occasionally alkalis are found in micas and feldspars. The fraction of alkalis contained in the moisture of the coal used for the production of coke in the total amount of alkalis contained there is 17.8 up to 62.0 per cent. The presence of sodium and potassium in the coal moisture is strictly connected with the presence of the chloride ions. The analysis of the water drained during process of the water-extracting from the flotoconcentrate showed that the Na to K mass ratio in the coal moisture is 20:1. Increased amount of the alkalis in the coal blends results in increased content of the alkalis in coke. This leads to the increase of the reactivity (CRI index), and to the decrease of strength (CSR index) determined with the Nippon Steel Co. method. W procesie koksowania przeważająca część zawartych we wsadzie węglowym alkaliów przechodzi do koksu. Zawartość alkaliów w węglu, a co za tym idzie i w koksie determinowana jest głównie zawartością dwóch pierwiastków: sodu i potasu. Obecność tych pierwiastków w węglu wiąże się z występowaniem ich w substancji mineralnej i wilgoci węgla. W substancji mineralnej oraz wilgoci węgli stosowanych do produkcji koksu, oznaczona zawartość sodu wynosi od 26.6 do 62.9%, a zawartość potasu od 37.1 do 73.4% alkaliów ogółem. Głównymi nośnikami alkaliów w substancji mineralnej są minera

Preparation of Partial-Thickness Burn Wounds in Rodents Using a New Experimental Burning Device.

PubMed

Sakamoto, Michiharu; Morimoto, Naoki; Ogino, Shuichi; Jinno, Chizuru; Kawaguchi, Atsushi; Kawai, Katsuya; Suzuki, Shigehiko

2016-06-01

The manual application of hot water or hot metal to an animal's skin surface is often used to prepare burn wound models. However, manual burn creation is subject to human variability. We developed a new device that can control the temperature, time, and pressure of contact to produce precise and reproducible animal burn wounds and investigated the conditions required to prepare various burn wounds using our new device. We prepared burn wounds on F344 rats using 3 contact times 2, 4, and 10 seconds using a stamp heated to 80°C. We observed the wound-healing process macroscopically and histologically and evaluated the burn depth using a laser speckle contrast-imaging device, which evaluated the blood flow of the wound. The changes in the burned area over time, tissue perfusion of the burn wounds, histological evaluation of the burn depth by hematoxylin-eosin and azocarmine and aniline blue staining, and the epithelialization rate (the ratio of the epithelialized area to the wound length) were evaluated on histological sections. Results indicated that the burn wounds prepared with contact times of 2, 4, and 10 seconds corresponded to superficial dermal burns, deep dermal burns, and full-thickness burns, respectively. We demonstrated that partial- and full-thickness burn wounds can be precisely and reproducibly created with our new automated burning device.

Can we make an early 'do not resuscitate' decision in severe burn patients?

PubMed

Yüce, Yücel; Acar, Hakan Ahmet; Erkal, Kutlu Hakan; Tuncay, Erhan

2017-03-01

The present study was conducted to examine topic of issuing early do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order at first diagnosis of patients with severe burn injuries in light of current law in Turkey and the medical literature. DNR requires withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in event of respiratory or cardiac arrest and allowing natural death to occur. It is frequently enacted for terminal cancer patients and elderly patients with irreversible neurological disorders. Between January 2009 and December 2014, 29 patients (3.44%) with very severe burns were admitted to burn unit. Average total burn surface area (TBSA) was 94.24% (range: 85-100%), and in 10 patients, TBSA was 100%. Additional inhalation burns were present in 26 of the patients (89.65%). All of the patients died, despite every medical intervention. Mean survival was 4.75 days (range: 1-24 days). Total of 17 patients died within 72 hours. Lethal dose 50 (% TBSA at which certain group has 50% chance of survival) rate of our burn center is 62%. Baux indices were used for prognostic evaluation of the patients; mean total Baux score of the patients was 154.13 (range: 117-183). It is well known that numerous problems may be encountered during triage of severely burned patients in Turkey. These patients are referred to burn centers and are frequently transferred via air ambulance between cities, and even countries. They are intubated and mechanical ventilation is initiated at burn center. Many interventions are performed to treat these patients, such as escharotomy, fasciotomy, tangential or fascial excision, central venous catheterization and tracheostomy, or hemodialysis. Yet despite such interventions, these patients die, typically within 48 to 96 hours. Integrity of the body is often lost as result of aggressive intervention with no real benefit, and there are also economic costs to hospital related to use of materials, bed occupancy, and distribution of workforce. For these reasons, as well as patient comfort

Critical issues in burn care.

PubMed

Holmes, James H

2008-01-01

Burn care, especially for serious burn injuries, represents a considerable challenge for the healthcare system. The American Burn Association has established a number of strategies for the management of burn patients and dedicates its efforts and resources to promoting and supporting burn-related research, education, care, rehabilitation, and prevention, often in collaboration with other organizations. The American Burn Association has recommended that patients with serious burns be referred to a designated burn center, ie, a hospital outfitted with specialized personnel and equipment dedicated to burn care. Burn centers have been operational for over 50 years, but the complexity and costs of providing specialized burn care have given rise to a number of critical administrative and political issues. These include logistical limitations imposed by the uneven national distribution of burn centers and a potential shortage of burn beds, both during everyday conditions and in the event of a mass disaster. Burn surgeon shortages have also been identified, stemming, in part, from a lack of specialized burn care training opportunities. There is currently a lack of quality outcome data to support evidence-based recommendations for burn care, and burn care centers are compromised by problems obtaining reimbursement for the care of uninsured and publicly insured out-of-state burn patients. Initiatives are underway to maintain efficient burn care facilities that are fully funded, easily accessible, and most importantly, provide optimal, evidence-based care on a daily basis, and are well-equipped to handle a surge of patients during a disaster situation.

The Additive Coloration of Alkali Halides

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jirgal, G. H.; and others

1969-01-01

Describes the construction and use of an inexpensive, vacuum furnace designed to produce F-centers in alkali halide crystals by additive coloration. The method described avoids corrosion or contamination during the coloration process. Examination of the resultant crystals is discussed and several experiments using additively colored crystals are…

Occupational dermatoses by type of work in Greece.

PubMed

Zorba, Eleni; Karpouzis, Antony; Zorbas, Alexandros; Bazas, Theodore; Zorbas, Sam; Alexopoulos, Elias; Zorbas, Ilias; Kouskoukis, Konstantinos; Konstandinidis, Theodoros

2013-09-01

To elucidate the relationship between seven occupational dermatoses (ODs) and 20 types of work in Greece. This was a prevalence epidemiologic study of certain ODs among 4,000 workers employed in 20 types of enterprise, in 104 companies, in 2006-2012, using data from company medical records, questionnaires, occupational medical, and special examinations. The χ(2) test was applied to reveal statistically significant relationships between types of enterprises and occurrence of ODs. A high percentage (39.9%) of employees included in the study population suffered from ODs. The highest prevalence rates were noted among hairdressers (of contact dermatitis: 30%), cooks (of contact dermatitis: 29.5%), bitumen workers (of acne: 23.5%), car industry workers (of mechanical injury: 15%), construction workers (of contact urticaria: 29.5%), industrial cleaning workers (of chemical burns: 13%), and farmers (of malignant tumors: 5.5%). We observed several statistical significant correlations between ODs (acute and chronic contact dermatitis, urticaria, mechanical injury, acne, burns, skin cancer) and certain types of enterprises. There was no statistically significant correlation between gender and prevalence of ODs, except for dermatoses caused by mechanical injuries afflicting mainly men [χ(2) (1) = 13.40, p < 0.001] and for chronic contact dermatitis [χ(2) (1) = 5.53, p = 0.019] afflicting mainly women. Prevalence of ODs is high in Greece, contrary to all official reports by the Greek National Institute of Health. There is a need to introduce a nationwide voluntary surveillance system for reporting ODs and to enhance skin protection measures at work.

Welding related occupational eye injuries: a narrative analysis.

PubMed

Lombardi, D A; Pannala, R; Sorock, G S; Wellman, H; Courtney, T K; Verma, S; Smith, G S

2005-06-01

To determine the activities and circumstances proximal to a welding related occupational eye injury, a hybrid narrative coding approach derived from two well developed classification systems was developed to categorize and describe the activity, initiating process, mechanism of injury, object and/or substance, and the use of protective eyewear from the narrative text data reported for each injury. Routinely collected workers' compensation claims over a one year period (2000) were analyzed from a large US insurance provider. An index term search algorithm of occupation, incident, and injury description fields identified 2209 potential welding related eye injury claims. After detailed review of these claims, 1353 welders and 822 non-welders were analyzed. During 2000, eye(s) as the primary injured body part accounted for 5% (n = 26 413) of all compensation claims. Eye injuries accounted for 25% of all claims for welders. Subjects were mainly male (97.1%) and from manufacturing (70.4%), service (11.8%), or construction (8.4%) related industries. Most injuries were foreign body (71.7%) or burn (22.2%) and 17.6% were bilateral. Common activities include welding (31.9%) and/or grinding (22.5%). Being struck by an airborne object occurred in 56.3% of cases. Non-welders showed similar patterns except that burns (43.8%) were more frequent and more often initiated by another worker (13.9%). Narrative injury text provides valuable data to supplement traditional epidemiologic analyses. Workers performing welding tasks or working nearby welders should be trained to recognize potential hazards and the effective use of proper safety equipment to prevent ocular injury.

Efficacy of moist exposed burn ointment on burns.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong-Qi; Yip, Tsui-Pik; Hui, Irene; Lai, Vincy; Wong, Ann

2005-01-01

In this study, we sought to test the medical efficacy of a Chinese medical herb product, moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO), on wound healing rate and infection control in burn injury. Standardized deep burn wounds were created on the back skin of rats by applying a hot brass bar for 12 to 18 seconds. MEBO was applied four times per day and compared with petroleum jelly, silver sulfadiazine, and dry exposure therapy. Under such a controlled setting, although MEBO had a better wound healing rate than the dry exposure treatment, it did not show the medical advantage statistically, as has been claimed, over the other two treatments (P > .05), either in terms of wound healing rate or bacterial control. We conclude that the MEBO is not suitable for deep burn wound treatment, particularly when infection is a concern.

Educational Materials - Burn Wise

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Burn Wise outreach material. Burn Wise is a partnership program of that emphasizes the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the right wood-burning appliance to protect your home, health, and the air we breathe.

Adverse effects of mineral-alkali reactions in alkaline flooding: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thornton, S.D.

1988-01-01

Two slim-tube experiments and supporting bottle tests were performed for a study of sandstone-alkali reactions. The two samples of reservoir sandstone used are from oilfields in the People's Republic of China. The first sandstone contains 16 percent clay and is from the Gu-Dao oilfield. The second sandstone contains 12 percent clay and is from the Liao-He oilfield. These two sandstones were allowed to react with alkaline solutions in 6-month bottle tests. Each sandstone consumed the most alkali from 0.5 N NaOH solution, an intermediate amount of alkali from 0.5 N Na/sub 2/SiO/sub 3/ solution, and the least amount of alkalimore » from 0.5 N Na/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ solution. 59 refs., 14 figs., 20 tabs.« less

Macroscopic and mesoscopic approach to the alkali-silica reaction in concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grymin, Witold; Koniorczyk, Marcin; Pesavento, Francesco; Gawin, Dariusz

2018-01-01

A model of the alkali-silica reaction, which takes into account couplings between thermal, hygral, mechanical and chemical phenomena in concrete, has been discussed. The ASR may be considered at macroscopic or mesoscopic scale. The main features of each approach have been summarized and development of the model for both scales has been briefly described. Application of the model to experimental results for both scales has been presented. Even though good accordance of the model has been obtained for both approaches, consideration of the model at the mesoscopic scale allows to model different mortar mixes, prepared with the same aggregate, but of different grain size, using the same set of parameters. It enables also to predict reaction development assuming different alkali sources, such as de-icing salts or alkali leaching.

Occupational injury and illness in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

PubMed

McCurdy, S A; Schenker, M B; Lassiter, D V

1989-01-01

Two thousand nine hundred and ninety-four reports of OSHA-reportable occupational injury or illness cases in 1984 from member companies of a national trade association of semiconductor manufacturing firms were analyzed. The 37 participating manufacturing facilities represented 16 companies employing over 95,000 persons, or approximately one-third of the U.S. work force for this industry in 1984. The annual incidence rate for all reportable injuries and illnesses was 2.7 per 100 full-time employees (FTE) for men and 3.7 per 100 FTE for women. Strains, sprains, or dislocations were the most frequently reported incidents (N = 956 [31.9%]), followed by cuts, lacerations, punctures, scratches, and abrasions (N = 445 [14.9%]), and chemical burns (N = 401 [13.4%]). Increased work-loss days per case were associated with manufacturing sites that did not have an employee health clinic on the premises, with custodial occupations, and with female gender.

Feasibility of supersonic diode pumped alkali lasers: Model calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barmashenko, B. D.; Rosenwaks, S.

The feasibility of supersonic operation of diode pumped alkali lasers (DPALs) is studied for Cs and K atoms applying model calculations, based on a semi-analytical model previously used for studying static and subsonic flow DPALs. The operation of supersonic lasers is compared with that measured and modeled in subsonic lasers. The maximum power of supersonic Cs and K lasers is found to be higher than that of subsonic lasers with the same resonator and alkali density at the laser inlet by 25% and 70%, respectively. These results indicate that for scaling-up the power of DPALs, supersonic expansion should be considered.

Minor burns - aftercare

MedlinePlus

... Larger than 2 inches (5 cm) On the hand, foot, face, groin, buttocks, hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, or wrist First aid for Minor Burns First, calm and reassure the person who is burned. If clothing is not stuck to the burn, remove it. ...

[Occupational dermatitis in the agriculture-food industry environment].

PubMed

Tripodi, Dominique; Géraut, Christian

2002-09-01

The agricultural and food professions are those that touch agriculture, but also the restoration, the kitchens, and the employees of slaughterhouses. Various occupational skin diseases touch these salaried employees or craftsmen: eczemas or contact hives with plants or meats and fleshes of animals and all chemical substances that are added: pesticides, food additives and various preservatives. Irritation contact dermatitis or real skin burns are observed with housekeeping products imposed by the sanitary norms, increasingly powerful, but as increasingly caustic. Infectious illnesses transmitted from the animal to the man are sometimes observed especially among the breeders and employees of slaughterhouses.

Normalized burn ratios link fire severity with patterns of avian occurrence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rose, Eli T.; Simons, Theodore R.; Klein, Rob; McKerrow, Alexa

2016-01-01

ContextRemotely sensed differenced normalized burn ratios (DNBR) provide an index of fire severity across the footprint of a fire. We asked whether this index was useful for explaining patterns of bird occurrence within fire adapted xeric pine-oak forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains.ObjectivesWe evaluated the use of DNBR indices for linking ecosystem process with patterns of bird occurrence. We compared field-based and remotely sensed fire severity indices and used each to develop occupancy models for six bird species to identify patterns of bird occurrence following fire.MethodsWe identified and sampled 228 points within fires that recently burned within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We performed avian point counts and field-assessed fire severity at each bird census point. We also used Landsat™ imagery acquired before and after each fire to quantify fire severity using DNBR. We used non-parametric methods to quantify agreement between fire severity indices, and evaluated single season occupancy models incorporating fire severity summarized at different spatial scales.ResultsAgreement between field-derived and remotely sensed measures of fire severity was influenced by vegetation type. Although occurrence models using field-derived indices of fire severity outperformed those using DNBR, summarizing DNBR at multiple spatial scales provided additional insights into patterns of occurrence associated with different sized patches of high severity fire.ConclusionsDNBR is useful for linking the effects of fire severity to patterns of bird occurrence, and informing how high severity fire shapes patterns of bird species occurrence on the landscape.

Modifier constraint in alkali borophosphate glasses using topological constraint theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiang; Zeng, Huidan; Jiang, Qi; Zhao, Donghui; Chen, Guorong; Wang, Zhaofeng; Sun, Luyi; Chen, Jianding

2016-12-01

In recent years, composition-dependent properties of glasses have been successfully predicted using the topological constraint theory. The constraints of the glass network are derived from two main parts: network formers and network modifiers. The constraints of the network formers can be calculated on the basis of the topological structure of the glass. However, the latter cannot be accurately calculated in this way, because of the existing of ionic bonds. In this paper, the constraints of the modifier ions in phosphate glasses were thoroughly investigated using the topological constraint theory. The results show that the constraints of the modifier ions are gradually increased with the addition of alkali oxides. Furthermore, an improved topological constraint theory for borophosphate glasses is proposed by taking the composition-dependent constraints of the network modifiers into consideration. The proposed theory is subsequently evaluated by analyzing the composition dependence of the glass transition temperature in alkali borophosphate glasses. This method is supposed to be extended to other similar glass systems containing alkali ions.

Electron- and Photon-stimulated Desorption of Alkali Atoms from Lunar Sample and a Model Mineral Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yakshinskiy, B. V.; Madey, T. E.

2003-01-01

We report recent results on an investigation of source mechanisms for the origin of alkali atoms in the tenuous planetary atmospheres, with focus on non-thermal processes (photon stimulated desorption (PSD), electron stimulated desorption (ESD), and ion sputtering). Whereas alkaline earth oxides (MgO, CaO) are far more abundant in lunar samples than alkali oxides (Na2O, K2O), the atmosphere of the Moon contains easily measurable concentrations of Na and K, while Ca and Mg are undetected there; traces of Ca have recently been seen in the Moon's atmosphere (10-3 of Na). The experiments have included ESD, PSD and ion sputtering of alkali atoms from model mineral surface (amorphous SiO2) and from a lunar basalt sample obtained from NASA. The comparison is made between ESD and PSD efficiency of monovalent alkalis (Na, K) and divalent alkaline earths (Ba, Ca).The ultrahigh vacuum measurement scheme for ESD and PSD of Na atoms includes a highly sensitive alkali metal detector based on surface ionization, and a time-of-flight technique. For PSD measurements, a mercury arc light source (filtered and chopped) is used. We find that bombardment of the alkali covered surfaces by ultraviolet photons or by low energy electrons (E>4 eV) causes desorption of hot alkali atoms. This results are consistent with the model developed to explain our previous measurements of sodium desorption from a silica surface and from water ice: electron- or photon-induced charge transfer from the substrate to the ionic adsorbate causes formation of a neutral alkali atom in a repulsive configuration, from which desorption occurs. The two-electron charge transfer to cause desorption of divalent alkaline eath ions is a less likely process.The data support the suggestion that PSD by UV solar photons is a dominant source process for alkalis in the tenuous lunar atmosphere.

Comparison of Ion Balance and Nitrogen Metabolism in Old and Young Leaves of Alkali-Stressed Rice Plants

PubMed Central

Wang, Huan; Wu, Zhihai; Han, Jiayu; Zheng, Wei; Yang, Chunwu

2012-01-01

Background Alkali stress is an important agricultural contaminant and has complex effects on plant metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the alkali stress has different effects on the growth, ion balance, and nitrogen metabolism in old and young leaves of rice plants, and to compare functions of both organs in alkali tolerance. Methodology/Principal Findings The results showed that alkali stress only produced a small effect on the growth of young leaves, whereas strongly damaged old leaves. Rice protected young leaves from ion harm via the large accumulation of Na+ and Cl− in old leaves. The up-regulation of OsHKT1;1, OsAKT1, OsHAK1, OsHAK7, OsHAK10 and OsHAK16 may contribute to the larger accumulation of Na+ in old leaves under alkali stress. Alkali stress mightily reduced the NO3 − contents in both organs. As old leaf cells have larger vacuole, under alkali stress these scarce NO3 − was principally stored in old leaves. Accordingly, the expression of OsNRT1;1 and OsNRT1;2 in old leaves was up-regulated by alkali stress, revealing that the two genes might contribute to the accumulation of NO3 − in old leaves. NO3 − deficiency in young leaves under alkali stress might induce the reduction in OsNR1 expression and the subsequent lacking of NH4 +, which might be main reason for the larger down-regulation of OsFd-GOGAT and OsGS2 in young leaves. Conclusions/Significance Our results strongly indicated that, during adaptation of rice to alkali stress, young and old leaves have distinct mechanisms of ion balance and nitrogen metabolism regulation. We propose that the comparative studies of young and old tissues may be important for abiotic stress tolerance research. PMID:22655071

Acoustic emission strand burning technique for motor burning rate prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christensen, W. N.

1978-01-01

An acoustic emission (AE) method is being used to measure the burning rate of solid propellant strands. This method has a precision of 0.5% and excellent burning rate correlation with both subscale and large rocket motors. The AE procedure burns the sample under water and measures the burning rate from the acoustic output. The acoustic signal provides a continuous readout during testing, which allows complete data analysis rather than the start-stop clockwires used by the conventional method. The AE method helps eliminate such problems as inhibiting the sample, pressure increase and temperature rise, during testing.

Burns - Multiple Languages

MedlinePlus

... Burn Care - العربية (Arabic) Bilingual PDF Health Information Translations Chinese, Simplified (Mandarin dialect) (简体中文) Expand Section Burn ... Chinese, Simplified (Mandarin dialect)) Bilingual PDF Health Information Translations Chinese, Traditional (Cantonese dialect) (繁體中文) Expand Section Burn ...

California Burn Scars

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2014-05-15

article title:  Burn Scars Across Southern California     ... California between October 21 and November 18, 2003. Burn scars and vegetation changes wrought by the fires are illustrated in these ... and Nov 18, 2003 Images:  California Burn Scars location:  United States region:  ...

The use of video capture virtual reality in burn rehabilitation: the possibilities.

PubMed

Haik, Josef; Tessone, Ariel; Nota, Ayala; Mendes, David; Raz, Liat; Goldan, Oren; Regev, Elli; Winkler, Eyal; Mor, Elisheva; Orenstein, Arie; Hollombe, Ilana

2006-01-01

We independently explored the use of the Sony PlayStation II EyeToy (Sony Corporation, Foster City, CA) as a tool for use in the rehabilitation of patients with severe burns. Intensive occupational and physical therapy is crucial in minimizing and preventing long-term disability for the burn patient; however, the therapist faces a difficult challenge combating the agonizing pain experienced by the patient during therapy. The Sony PlayStation II EyeToy is a projected, video-capture system that, although initially developed as a gaming environment for children, may be a useful application in a rehabilitative context. As compared with other virtual reality systems the EyeToy is an efficient rehabilitation tool that is sold commercially at a relatively low cost. This report presents the potential advantages for use of the EyeToy as an innovative rehabilitative tool with mitigating effects on pain in burn rehabilitation. This new technology represents a challenging and motivating way for the patient to immerse himself or herself in an alternate reality while undergoing treatment, thereby reducing the pain and discomfort he or she experiences. This simple, affordable technique may prove to heighten the level of patient cooperation and therefore speed the process of rehabilitation and return of functional ability.

Tweens feel the burn: "salt and ice challenge" burns.

PubMed

Roussel, Lauren O; Bell, Derek E

2016-05-01

To review our institution's experience with frostbite injury secondary to "salt and ice challenge" (SIC) participation. We conducted a retrospective analysis of intentional freezing burns from 2012 to 2014. Demographics, depth and location of burn, total body surface area of burn, treatment, time to wound healing, length of stay, complications, and motives behind participation were analyzed. Five patients were seen in the emergency department for intentional freezing burns that resulted from SIC (all females; mean age: 12.3 years; range age: 10.0-13.2 years). Mean total body surface area was 0.408%. Salt and ice was in contact with skin for >10 min for two patients, >20 min for two patients, and an unknown duration for one patient. Complications included pain and burn scar dyschromia. Four patients cited peer pressure and desire to replicate SIC as seen on the Internet as their motivation in attempting the challenge. SIC has become a popular, self-harming behavior among youths. Increased public education, and provider and parent awareness of SIC are essential to address this public health concern.

Impact of Work Task-Related Acute Occupational Smoke ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Objective: A repeated measures study was used to assess the effect of work tasks on select proinflammatory biomarkers in firefighters working at prescribed burns. Methods: Ten firefighters and two volunteers were monitored for particulate matter and carbon monoxide on workdays, January-July 2015. Before and after work-shift dried blood spots were analyzed for inflammatory mediators using the Meso Scale Discovery assay, while blood smears were used to assess leukocyte parameters. Results: Firefighters lighting with drip-torches had higher cross-work-shift increases in interleukin-8, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A compared to holding, a task involving management of fire boundaries. A positive association between interleukin-8 and segmented-neutrophil was observed. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that intermittent occupational diesel exposures contribute to cross-work-shift changes in host systemic innate inflammation as indicated by elevated interleukin-8 levels and peripheral blood segmented-neutrophils. The decision whether to perform a prescribed burn balances land use, risk of fire and potential health impacts. Understanding the latter requires a quick non intrusive assay which can be used to monitor the health of those exposed to smoke. This is first study to use blood smears to assess changes in systemic differential leukocyte cell populations following wood smoke exposure from prescribed burn. This research is useful for understandi

Burns and military clothing.

PubMed

McLean, A D

2001-02-01

Burn injury is a ubiquitous threat in the military environment. The risks during combat are well recognised, but the handling of fuel, oil, munitions and other hot or flammable materials during peacetime deployment and training also imposes an inherent risk of accidental burn injury. Over the last hundred years, the burn threat in combat has ranged from nuclear weapons to small shoulder-launched missiles. Materials such as napalm and white phosphorus plainly present a risk of burn, but the threat extends to encompass personnel in vehicles attacked by anti-armour weapons, large missiles, fuel-air explosives and detonations/conflagrations on weapons platforms such as ships. Large numbers of burn casualties were caused at Pearl Harbor, in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Vietnam, during the Arab/Israeli Wars and in the Falkland Islands conflict. The threat from burns is unlikely to diminish, indeed new developments in weapons seek to exploit the vulnerability of the serviceman and servicewoman to burns. Clothing can be a barrier to some types of burn--both inherently in the properties of the material, but also by trapping air between clothing layers. Conversely, ignition of the clothing may exacerbate a burn. There is hearsay that burnt clothing products within a wound may complicate the clinical management, or that materials that melt (thermoplastic materials) should not be worn if there is a burn threat. This paper explores the incidence of burn injury, the mechanisms of heat transfer to bare skin and skin covered by materials, and the published evidence for the complication of wound management by materials. Even light-weight combat clothing can offer significant protection to skin from short duration flash burns; the most vulnerable areas are the parts of the body not covered--face and hands. Multilayered combat clothing can offer significant protection for short periods from engulfment by flames; lightweight tropical wear with few layers offers little protection. Under

Monte Carlo simulation of the mixed alkali effect with cooperative jumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habasaki, Junko; Hiwatari, Yasuaki

2000-12-01

In our previous works on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3), it has been shown that the long time behavior of the lithium ions in Li2SiO3 has been characterized by the component showing the enhanced diffusion (Lévy flight) due to cooperative jumps. It has also been confirmed that the contribution of such component decreases by interception of the paths in the mixed alkali silicate (LiKSiO3). Namely, cooperative jumps of like ions are much decreased in number owing to the interception of the path for unlike alkali-metal ions. In the present work, we have performed a Monte Carlo simulation using a cubic lattice in order to establish the role of the cooperative jumps in the transport properties in a mixed alkali glass. Fixed particles (blockage) were introduced instead of the interception of the jump paths for unlike alkali-metal ions. Two types of cooperative motions (a pull type and a push type) were taken into account. Low-dimensionality of the jump path caused by blockage resulted in a decrease of a diffusion coefficient of the particles. The effect of blockage is enhanced when the cooperative motions were introduced.

Alkali-Activated Aluminium-Silicate Composites as Insulation Materials for Industrial Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dembovska, L.; Bajare, D.; Pundiene, I.; Bumanis, G.

2015-11-01

The article reports on the study of thermal stability of alkali-activated aluminium- silicate composites (ASC) at temperature 800-1100°C. ASC were prepared by using calcined kaolinite clay, aluminium scrap recycling waste, lead-silicate glass waste and quartz sand. As alkali activator, commercial sodium silicate solution modified with an addition of sodium hydroxide was used. The obtained alkali activation solution had silica modulus Ms=1.67. Components of aluminium scrap recycling waste (aluminium nitride (AlN) and iron sulphite (FeSO3)) react in the alkali media and create gases - ammonia and sulphur dioxide, which provide the porous structure of the material [1]. Changes in the chemical composition of ASC during heating were identified and quantitatively analysed by using DTA/TG, dimension changes during the heating process were determined by using HTOM, pore microstructure was examined by SEM, and mineralogical composition of ASC was determined by XRD. The density of ASC was measured in accordance with EN 1097-7. ASC with density around 560 kg/m3 and heat resistance up to 1100°C with shrinkage less than 5% were obtained. The intended use of this material is the application as an insulation material for industrial purposes at elevated temperatures.

Acid and alkali effects on the decomposition of HMX molecule: a computational study.

PubMed

Zhang, Chaoyang; Li, Yuzhen; Xiong, Ying; Wang, Xiaolin; Zhou, Mingfei

2011-11-03

The stored and wasted explosives are usually in an acid or alkali environment, leading to the importance of exploring the acid and alkali effects on the decomposition mechanism of explosives. The acid and alkali effects on the decomposition of HMX molecule in gaseous state and in aqueous solution at 298 K are studied using quantum chemistry and molecular force field calculations. The results show that both H(+) and OH(-) make the decomposition in gaseous state energetically favorable. However, the effect of H(+) is much different from that of OH(-) in aqueous solution: OH(-) can accelerate the decomposition but H(+) cannot. The difference is mainly caused by the large aqueous solvation energy difference between H(+) and OH(-). The results confirm that the dissociation of HMX is energetically favored only in the base solutions, in good agreement with previous HMX base hydrolysis experimental observations. The different acid and alkali effects on the HMX decomposition are dominated by the large aqueous solvation energy difference between H(+) and OH(-).

Removal of oxides from alkali metal melts by reductive titration to electrical resistance-change end points

DOEpatents

Tsang, Floris Y.

1980-01-01

Alkali metal oxides dissolved in alkali metal melts are reduced with soluble metals which are converted to insoluble oxides. The end points of the reduction is detected as an increase in electrical resistance across an alkali metal ion-conductive membrane interposed between the oxide-containing melt and a material capable of accepting the alkali metal ions from the membrane when a difference in electrical potential, of the appropriate polarity, is established across it. The resistance increase results from blocking of the membrane face by ions of the excess reductant metal, to which the membrane is essentially non-conductive.

Characterization of alkali treated and untreated new cellulosic fiber from Saharan aloe vera cactus leaves.

PubMed

A N, Balaji; K J, Nagarajan

2017-10-15

The aim of this study is to examine the use of new natural fibers, which are extracted from the Saharan aloe vera cactus plant leaves as reinforcement in polymer composites. The physicochemical, mechanical and thermal properties of the Saharan Aloe Vera Cactus Leaves (SACL) fibers are investigated, through the effect of alkali treatment. The contents of α-cellulose, hemicellulose, wax and moisture present in SACL fibers were characterized by standard test methods The mechanical properties of SACL fibers were measured through single fiber tensile test. The interfacial strength between the fiber and matrix was estimated by the fiber pull-out test. These results ensure that the chemical and mechanical properties of the fibers are improved after the alkali treatment. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis confirms that the alkali treatment process has removed certain amount of amorphous materials from the fibers. XRD analysis results show that the alkali treatment has enhanced the Crystallinity Index and Crystalline Size of the fibers. Thermal behavior of the fibers was analyzed by using TGA. The thermal stability and the thermal degradation temperature increases after the alkali treatment of fibers. The morphologies of fibers were analyzed by SEM and prove that the fiber surfaces become rough after alkali treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Elastic properties and optical absorption studies of mixed alkali borogermanate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taqiullah, S. M.; Ahmmad, Shaik Kareem; Samee, M. A.; Rahman, Syed

2018-05-01

First time the mixed alkali effect (MAE) has been investigated in the glass system xNa2O-(30-x)Li2O-40B2O3- 30GeO2 (0≤x≤30 mol%) through density and optical absorption studies. The present glasses were prepared by melt quench technique. The density of the present glasses varies non-linearly exhibiting mixed alkali effect. Using the density data, the elastic moduli namely Young's modulus, bulk and shear modulus show strong linear dependence as a function of compositional parameter. From the absorption edge studies, the values of optical band gap energies for all transitions have been evaluated. It was established that the type of electronic transition in the present glass system is indirect allowed. The indirect optical band gap exhibit non-linear behavior with compositional parameter showing the mixed alkali effect.

Zirconium and hafnium fractionation in differentiation of alkali carbonatite magmatic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogarko, L. N.

2016-05-01

Zirconium and hafnium are valuable strategic metals which are in high demand in industry. The Zr and Hf contents are elevated in the final products of magmatic differentiation of alkali carbonatite rocks in the Polar Siberia region (Guli Complex) and Ukraine (Chernigov Massif). Early pyroxene fractionation led to an increase in the Zr/Hf ratio in the evolution of the ultramafic-alkali magmatic system due to a higher distribution coefficient of Hf in pyroxene with respect to Zr. The Rayleigh equation was used to calculate a quantitative model of variation in the Zr/Hf ratio in the development of the Guli magmatic system. Alkali carbonatite rocks originated from rare element-rich mantle reservoirs, in particular, the metasomatized mantle. Carbonated mantle xenoliths are characterized by a high Zr/Hf ratio due to clinopyroxene development during metasomatic replacement of orthopyroxene by carbonate fluid melt.

Lightning burns.

PubMed

Russell, Katie W; Cochran, Amalia L; Mehta, Sagar T; Morris, Stephen E; McDevitt, Marion C

2014-01-01

We present the case of a lightning-strike victim. This case illustrates the importance of in-field care, appropriate referral to a burn center, and the tendency of lightning burns to progress to full-thickness injury.

Internal friction and vulnerability of mixed alkali glasses.

PubMed

Peibst, Robby; Schott, Stephan; Maass, Philipp

2005-09-09

Based on a hopping model we show how the mixed alkali effect in glasses can be understood if only a small fraction c(V) of the available sites for the mobile ions is vacant. In particular, we reproduce the peculiar behavior of the internal friction and the steep fall ("vulnerability") of the mobility of the majority ion upon small replacements by the minority ion. The single and mixed alkali internal friction peaks are caused by ion-vacancy and ion-ion exchange processes. If c(V) is small, they can become comparable in height even at small mixing ratios. The large vulnerability is explained by a trapping of vacancies induced by the minority ions. Reasonable choices of model parameters yield typical behaviors found in experiments.

Alkali Halide FLIR Lens Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-01

in the atmosphere. The main emphasis in this 3 report has been development of protective coatings for potassium bromide lenses. The most favorable...placed onto the bottom electrode. Pieces of single-crystalline potassium chloride of approximately the same thickness as coated alkali halide samples...none of the samples appeared to be degraded by the high humidity associated with the exposure. 2. UNITS TESTED Four coated potassium bromide lenses

Laser-Induced Photofragmentation Fluorescence Imaging of Alkali Compounds in Flames.

PubMed

Leffler, Tomas; Brackmann, Christian; Aldén, Marcus; Li, Zhongshan

2017-06-01

Laser-induced photofragmentation fluorescence has been investigated for the imaging of alkali compounds in premixed laminar methane-air flames. An ArF excimer laser, providing pulses of wavelength 193 nm, was used to photodissociate KCl, KOH, and NaCl molecules in the post-flame region and fluorescence from the excited atomic alkali fragment was detected. Fluorescence emission spectra showed distinct lines of the alkali atoms allowing for efficient background filtering. Temperature data from Rayleigh scattering measurements together with simulations of potassium chemistry presented in literature allowed for conclusions on the relative contributions of potassium species KOH and KCl to the detected signal. Experimental approaches for separate measurements of these components are discussed. Signal power dependence and calculated fractions of dissociated molecules indicate the saturation of the photolysis process, independent on absorption cross-section, under the experimental conditions. Quantitative KCl concentrations up to 30 parts per million (ppm) were evaluated from the fluorescence data and showed good agreement with results from ultraviolet absorption measurements. Detection limits for KCl photofragmentation fluorescence imaging of 0.5 and 1.0 ppm were determined for averaged and single-shot data, respectively. Moreover, simultaneous imaging of KCl and NaCl was demonstrated using a stereoscope with filters. The results indicate that the photofragmentation method can be employed for detailed studies of alkali chemistry in laboratory flames for validation of chemical kinetic mechanisms crucial for efficient biomass fuel utilization.

Effect of alkali treatment on surface morphology of titanium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tan, K. J., E-mail: gd130056@siswa.uthm.edu.my; Wahab, M. A. A., E-mail: cd110006@siswa.uthm.edu.my; Mahmod, S., E-mail: cd110201@siswa.uthm.edu.my

2015-07-22

Alkali and heat treatments were first introduced by Kim et al. to prepare a bioactive surface on titanium. This method has been proven very effective and widely used in other studies to promote titanium osteointegration. This study aims to investigate further the effect of alkali treatment on surface morphology of high purity titanium. High purity titanium foils were immersed in NaOH aqueous solutions of 0.5 M, 5 M and 15 M at 60°C and 80 °C for 1, 3 and 7 days. The surface morphology was examined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The obtained phases were analysed usingmore » Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in the spectra range of 4000-600 cm{sup −1} at 4 cm{sup −1} resolution and 50 scans. At the same soaking temperature and soaking time, a thicker porous network was observed with increasing concentration of NaOH. At the same soaking temperature, a much porous structure was observed with increasing soaking time. At constant alkali concentration, more homogenously distributed porous surface structure was observed with increasing soaking temperature.« less

Burns in mobile home fires--descriptive study at a regional burn center.

PubMed

Mullins, Robert F; Alarm, Badrul; Huq Mian, Mohammad Anwarul; Samples, Jancie M; Friedman, Bruce C; Shaver, Joseph R; Brandigi, Claus; Hassan, Zaheed

2009-01-01

Death from fires and burns are the sixth most common cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. More than (3/4) of burn deaths occurring in the United States are in the home. Mobile home fires carry twice the death rate as other dwellings. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of deaths and injuries in mobile home fire admitted in a regional Burn Center and to identify possible risk factors. A cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out among all burn patients admitted to a regional Burn Center between January 2002 and December 2004 (3469 patients). The study included patients who suffered a burn injury from a mobile home fire. The demographic characteristics of the patients, location of mobile home, associated inhalation injury, source of fire, comorbidity of the victims, employment status, insurance status, family history of burns, and outcomes of the treatment were incorporated in a data collection record. There were 65 burn patients in mobile home fires admitted to the Burn Center during the studied period. The average age of the patients was 39 years (ranging from 2 to 81 years, SD=16.06), 77% were male, 67% were white, and 79% were the residents in the suburban areas of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. The average TBSA of burns was about 21% (ranging from 1 to 63%, SD=17.66), 63% of the patients had associated inhalation, three inhalation injury only, and 69% patients required ventilator support. The average length of stay per TBSA percentage of burn was 1.01 days (P=0.00), controlling for age, preexisting medical comorbidities, and inhalation injury. About 88% of the patients had preexisting medical comorbid conditions, 74% were smokers, 64% reported as alcoholic, and 72% had at least some form of health insurance coverage. In 40% of the cases, the cause of the fire was unknown, 31% were caused by accidental explosions, such as electric, gasoline, or kerosene appliances, and 29% were due to other

The inter-rater reliability of estimating the size of burns from various burn area chart drawings.

PubMed

Wachtel, T L; Berry, C C; Wachtel, E E; Frank, H A

2000-03-01

The accuracy and variability of burn size calculations using four Lund and Browder charts currently in clinical use and two Rule of Nine's diagrams were evaluated. The study showed that variability in estimation increased with burn size initially, plateaued in large burns and then decreased slightly in extensive burns. The Rule of Nine's technique often overestimates the burn size and is more variable, but can be performed somewhat faster than the Lund and Browder method. More burn experience leads to less variability in burn area chart drawing estimates. Irregularly shaped burns and burns on the trunk and thighs had greater variability than less irregularly shaped burns or burns on more defined anatomical parts of the body.

Electrical properties of alkali-activated slag composite with combined graphite/CNT filler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rovnaník, P.; Míková, M.; Kusák, I.

2017-10-01

Alkali-activated industrial by-products such as blast furnace slag are known to possess properties which are comparable to or even better than those observed for ordinary Portland cement. The combination of alkali-activated slag matrix with conductive filler introduces new functionalities which are commonly known for self-sensing or self-heating concrete. The present paper discusses the effect of the mixture of two different conductive fillers, graphite powder and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), on the electrical properties of alkali-activated slag mortars. Prepared samples were also tested for their mechanical properties and microstructure was investigated by means of mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The percolation threshold for the resistance was reached for the mixture containing 0.1% CNTs and 8% graphite powder.

Burn Wise

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Burn Wise is a partnership program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that emphasizes the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the right appliance to protect your home, health, and the air we breathe.

Effects of alkali stress on growth, free amino acids and carbohydrates metabolism in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis).

PubMed

Zhang, Pingping; Fu, Jinmin; Hu, Longxing

2012-10-01

Soil alkalization is one of the most prominent adverse environmental factors limiting plant growth, while alkali stress affects amino acids and carbohydrates metabolism. The objective of this study was conducted to investigate the effects of alkali stress on growth, amino acids and carbohydrates metabolism in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Seventy-day-old plants were subjected to four pH levels: 6.0 (control), 8.0 (low), 9.4 (moderate) and 10.3 (severe) for 7 days. Moderate to severe alkali stress (pH >9.4) caused a significant decline in turf quality and growth rate in Kentucky bluegrass. Soluble protein was unchanged in shoots, but decreased in roots as pH increased. The levels of amino acids was kept at the same level as control level at 4 days after treatment (DAT) in shoots, but greater at 7 DAT, when plants were subjected to severe (pH 10.3) alkali stress. The alkali stressed plants had a greater level of starch, water soluble carbohydrate and sucrose content, but lower level of fructose and glucose. Fructan and total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) increased at 4 DAT and decreased at 7 DAT for alkali stressed plants. These results suggested that the decrease in fructose and glucose contributed to the growth reduction under alkali stress, while the increase in amino acids, sucrose and storage form of carbohydrate (fructan, starch) could be an adaptative mechanism in Kentucky bluegrass under alkali stress.

Thermal inactivation of alkali phosphatases under various conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atyaksheva, L. F.; Tarasevich, B. N.; Chukhrai, E. S.; Poltorak, O. M.

2009-02-01

The thermal inactivation of alkali phosphatases from bacteria Escherichia coli (ECAP), bovine intestines (bovine IAP), and chicken intestines (chicken IAP) was studied in different buffer solutions and in the solid state. The conclusion was made that these enzymes had maximum stability in the solid state, and, in a carbonate buffer solution, their activity decreased most rapidly. It was found that the bacterial enzyme was more stable than animal phosphatases. It was noted that, for ECAP, four intermediate stages preceded the loss of enzyme activity, and, for bovine and chicken IAPs, three intermediate stages were observed. The activation energy of thermal inactivation of ECAP over the range 25-70°C was determined to be 80 kJ/mol; it corresponded to the dissociation of active dimers into inactive monomers. Higher activation energies (˜200 kJ/mol) observed at the initial stage of thermal inactivation of animal phosphatases resulted from the simultaneous loss of enzyme activity caused by dimer dissociation and denaturation. It was shown that the activation energy of denaturation of monomeric animal alkali phosphatases ranged from 330 to 380 kJ/mol depending on buffer media. It was concluded that the inactivation of solid samples of alkali phosphatases at 95°C was accompanied by an about twofold decrease in the content of β structures in protein molecules.

Insights into the hierarchical structure and digestion rate of alkali-modulated starches with different amylose contents.

PubMed

Qiao, Dongling; Yu, Long; Liu, Hongsheng; Zou, Wei; Xie, Fengwei; Simon, George; Petinakis, Eustathios; Shen, Zhiqi; Chen, Ling

2016-06-25

Combined analytical techniques were used to explore the effects of alkali treatment on the multi-scale structure and digestion behavior of starches with different amylose/amylopectin ratios. Alkali treatment disrupted the amorphous matrix, and partial lamellae and crystallites, which weakened starch molecular packing and eventually enhanced the susceptibility of starch to alkali. Stronger alkali treatment (0.5% w/w) made this effect more prominent and even transformed the dual-phase digestion of starch into a triple-phase pattern. Compared with high-amylose starch, regular maize starch, which possesses some unique structure characteristics typically as pores and crystallite weak points, showed evident changes of hierarchical structure and in digestion rate. Thus, alkali treatment has been demonstrated as a simple method to modulate starch hierarchical structure and thus to realize the rational development of starch-based food products with desired digestibility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adding nickel formate in alkali lignin to increase contents of alkylphenols and aromatics during fast pyrolysis.

PubMed

Geng, Jing; Wang, Wen-Liang; Yu, Yu-Xiang; Chang, Jian-Min; Cai, Li-Ping; Shi, Sheldon Q

2017-03-01

The composition of pyrolysis vapors obtained from alkali lignin pyrolysis with the additive of nickel formate was examined using the pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Characterization of bio-chars was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that the nickel formate significantly increased liquid yield, simplified the types of alkali lignin pyrolysis products and increased individual component contents. The additive of nickel formate increased contents of alkylphenols and aromatics from alkali lignin pyrolysis. With an increase in temperature, a greater amount of the relative contents can be achieved. The nickel formate was thermally decomposed to form hydrogen, resulting in hydrodeoxygenation of alkali lignin during pyrolysis. It was also found that Ni is in favor of producing alkylphenols. The analysis based on the experimental result provided evidences used to propose reaction mechanism for pyrolysis of nickel formate-assisted alkali lignin. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Outcomes of burns in the elderly: revised estimates from the Birmingham Burn Centre.

PubMed

Wearn, Christopher; Hardwicke, Joseph; Kitsios, Andreas; Siddons, Victoria; Nightingale, Peter; Moiemen, Naiem

2015-09-01

Outcomes after burn have continued to improve over the last 70 years in all age groups including the elderly. However, concerns have been raised that survival gains have not been to the same magnitude in elderly patients compared to younger age groups. The aims of this study were to analyze the recent outcomes of elderly burn injured patients admitted to the Birmingham Burn Centre, compare data with a historical cohort and published data from other burn centres worldwide. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients ≥65 years of age, admitted to our centre with cutaneous burns, between 2004 and 2012. Data was compared to a previously published historical cohort (1999-2003). 228 patients were included. The observed mortality for the study group was 14.9%. The median age of the study group was 79 years, the male to female ratio was 1:1 and median Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned was 5%. The incidence of inhalation injury was 13%. Median length of stay per TBSA burned for survivors was 2.4 days/% TBSA. Mortality has improved in all burn size groups, but differences were highly statistically significant in the medium burn size group (10-20% TBSA, p≤0.001). Burn outcomes in the elderly have improved over the last decade. This reduction has been impacted by a reduction in overall injury severity but is also likely due to general improvements in burn care, improved infrastructure, implementation of clinical guidelines and increased multi-disciplinary support, including Geriatric physicians. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Secondary cell with orthorhombic alkali metal/manganese oxide phase active cathode material

DOEpatents

Doeff, Marca M.; Peng, Marcus Y.; Ma, Yanping; Visco, Steven J.; DeJonghe, Lutgard C.

1996-01-01

An alkali metal manganese oxide secondary cell is disclosed which can provide a high rate of discharge, good cycling capabilities, good stability of the cathode material, high specific energy (energy per unit of weight) and high energy density (energy per unit volume). The active material in the anode is an alkali metal and the active material in the cathode comprises an orthorhombic alkali metal manganese oxide which undergoes intercalation and deintercalation without a change in phase, resulting in a substantially linear change in voltage with change in the state of charge of the cell. The active material in the cathode is an orthorhombic structure having the formula M.sub.x Z.sub.y Mn.sub.(1-y) O.sub.2, where M is an alkali metal; Z is a metal capable of substituting for manganese in the orthorhombic structure such as iron, cobalt or titanium; x ranges from about 0.2 in the fully charged state to about 0.75 in the fully discharged state, and y ranges from 0 to 60 atomic %. Preferably, the cell is constructed with a solid electrolyte, but a liquid or gelatinous electrolyte may also be used in the cell.

Secondary cell with orthorhombic alkali metal/manganese oxide phase active cathode material

DOEpatents

Doeff, M.M.; Peng, M.Y.; Ma, Y.; Visco, S.J.; DeJonghe, L.C.

1996-09-24

An alkali metal manganese oxide secondary cell is disclosed which can provide a high rate of discharge, good cycling capabilities, good stability of the cathode material, high specific energy (energy per unit of weight) and high energy density (energy per unit volume). The active material in the anode is an alkali metal and the active material in the cathode comprises an orthorhombic alkali metal manganese oxide which undergoes intercalation and deintercalation without a change in phase, resulting in a substantially linear change in voltage with change in the state of charge of the cell. The active material in the cathode is an orthorhombic structure having the formula M{sub x}Z{sub y}Mn{sub (1{minus}y)}O{sub 2}, where M is an alkali metal; Z is a metal capable of substituting for manganese in the orthorhombic structure such as iron, cobalt or titanium; x ranges from about 0.2 in the fully charged state to about 0.75 in the fully discharged state, and y ranges from 0 to 60 atomic %. Preferably, the cell is constructed with a solid electrolyte, but a liquid or gelatinous electrolyte may also be used in the cell. 11 figs.

Mechanism and preparation of liquid alkali-free liquid setting accelerator for shotcrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Ying; Ding, Bei; Gan, Jiezhong; Guo, Zhaolai; Zheng, Chunyang; Jiang, Haidong

2017-03-01

A new alkali-free liquid accelerator for shotcrete was prepared through normal temperature drop process by using the nano activated alumina and the modified alcohol amine as the main raw materials. The effect of alkali-free liquid accelerator on the cement setting time and the mechanical properties of mortar, the effect of the penetration strength on the shotcrete rebound were investigated. And the accelerating mechanism of the as-prepared alkali-free liquid accelerator was also analyzed via XRD and SEM characterization methods. The experimental results indicated that the hydration of C3A was accelerated by the polyamine complexation of accelerator, resulting in forming a large number of acicular ettringite and reducing the amount of Ca(OH)2 crystal, which would not affect the later hydration of cement. When the content of alkali-free liquid accelerator was 6%, the initial setting time and final setting time were less than 3min and 8min respectively, and 1d and 28d compressive strength ratios reached 207.6% and 114.2% respectively; beside that, the shotcrete rebound was very low because of the high penetration strength within 30min.

The structure of liquid alkali nitrates and nitrites

DOE PAGES

Wilding, Martin C.; Wilson, Mark; Ribeiro, Mauro C. C.; ...

2017-07-26

State of the art high energy X-ray diffraction experiments and simulation models (employing a description of charge transfer) are applied to pure molten alkali nitrates and nitrites and uncover significant emerging structure.

[Effects of clipping on nitrogen allocation strategy and compensatory growth of Leymus chinensis under saline-alkali conditions].

PubMed

Zheng, Cong Cong; Wang, Yong Jing; Sun, Hao; Wang, Xin Yu; Gao, Ying Zhi

2017-07-18

Soil salinization and overgrazing are two main factors limiting animal husbandry in the Songnen Grassland. Leymus chinensis is a dominant rhizome grass, resistant to grazing as well as to-lerant to salt stress. Foliar labeled with 15 N-urea was used to study the nitrogen allocation strategy and compensatory growth response to clipping under saline-alkali conditions. The results showed that the total absorbed 15 N allocated to the aboveground part was more than 60%. Compared with the control treatment (no saline-alkali, no clipping), saline-alkali increased the distribution of 15 N by 5.1% in root; the 15 N distribution into aboveground in the moderate clipping and saline-alkali treatment was 11.6% higher than that of the control, exhibiting over-compensatory growth of aboveground biomass and total biomass, however, 15 N allocated to stem base was significantly increased by 9.5% under severe clipping level and saline-alkali addition, showing under-compensatory growth of shoot, root and total biomass. These results suggested that L. chinensis adapted to mode-rate clipping by over-compensatory growth under salt-alkali stress condition. However, L. chinensis would take a relatively conservative growth strategy through the enhanced N allocation to stem base for storage under severe saline-alkali and clipping conditions.

Spectroscopic studies of transition-metal ions in molten alkali-metal carboxylates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maroni, V.A.; Maciejewski, M.L.

This paper presents the results of electronic absorption and /sup 13/C-NMR measurements on molten alkali metal formates and acetates and on solutions of selected 3d transition metal ions therein. These studies provide a unique opportunity to explore (1) the highly ordered nature of alkali carboxylates, (2) the ligand field properties of acetate and formate ions, and (3) the coordination chemistry of the 3d transition metals in molten carboxylates. 1 figure, 2 tables.

Burning Mouth Syndrome.

PubMed

Kamala, K A; Sankethguddad, S; Sujith, S G; Tantradi, Praveena

2016-01-01

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is multifactorial in origin which is typically characterized by burning and painful sensation in an oral cavity demonstrating clinically normal mucosa. Although the cause of BMS is not known, a complex association of biological and psychological factors has been identified, suggesting the existence of a multifactorial etiology. As the symptom of oral burning is seen in various pathological conditions, it is essential for a clinician to be aware of how to differentiate between symptom of oral burning and BMS. An interdisciplinary and systematic approach is required for better patient management. The purpose of this study was to provide the practitioner with an understanding of the local, systemic, and psychosocial factors which may be responsible for oral burning associated with BMS, and review of treatment modalities, therefore providing a foundation for diagnosis and treatment of BMS.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

PubMed Central

Kamala, KA; Sankethguddad, S; Sujith, SG; Tantradi, Praveena

2016-01-01

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is multifactorial in origin which is typically characterized by burning and painful sensation in an oral cavity demonstrating clinically normal mucosa. Although the cause of BMS is not known, a complex association of biological and psychological factors has been identified, suggesting the existence of a multifactorial etiology. As the symptom of oral burning is seen in various pathological conditions, it is essential for a clinician to be aware of how to differentiate between symptom of oral burning and BMS. An interdisciplinary and systematic approach is required for better patient management. The purpose of this study was to provide the practitioner with an understanding of the local, systemic, and psychosocial factors which may be responsible for oral burning associated with BMS, and review of treatment modalities, therefore providing a foundation for diagnosis and treatment of BMS. PMID:26962284

The modified polymethyl methacrylate-silicone keratoprosthesis in rabbit model.

PubMed

Sun, Heng; Hu, Zhu-Lin

2018-05-01

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a modified polymethyl methacrylate-silicone keratoprosthesis and its operation method in alkali-burned rabbit model. The polymethyl methacrylate-silicone keratoprostheses were implanted into seven alkali-burned rabbit corneas by a special operation method using autologous graft as the keratoprosthesis (Kpro) carrier. The long-term postoperative outcomes were evaluated. During a postoperative study period of 16 months, except for one Kpro extruded at 3 months, all Kpros were in good position and were kept transparent without Kpro extrusion, keratolysis, infection, endophthalmitis, or retinal detachment. The postoperative complications included elevated intraocular pressure in two cases and temporary retroprosthetic membrane formation in two cases. The modified polymethyl methacrylate-silicone Kpro and its operation method is a relatively safe and effective choice for alkali-burned rabbit eyes. Elevated intraocular pressure is the main complication needing to be resolved.

Assessment of burn-specific health-related quality of life and patient scar status following burn.

PubMed

Oh, Hyunjin; Boo, Sunjoo

2017-11-01

This study assessed patient-perceived levels of scar assessment and burn-specific quality of life (QOL) in Korean burn patients admitted to burn care centers and identified differences in scar assessment and QOL based on various patient characteristics. A cross-sectional descriptive study using anonymous paper-based survey methods was conducted with 100 burn patients from three burn centers specializing in burn care in South Korea. Mean subject age was 44.5 years old, and 69% of the subjects were men. The overall mean QOL was 2.91 out of 5. QOL was lowest for the work subdomain (2.25±1.45) followed by the treatment regimen subdomain (2.32±1.16). The subjects' mean total scar assessment score was 35.51 out of 60, and subjects were most unsatisfied with scar color. Subjects with low income, flame-source burns, severe burns, visible scars, and scars on face or hand reported significantly lower QOL. Subjects with severe burn degree and burn range perceived their burn scar condition to be worse than that of others. The results show that burn subjects experience the most difficulties with their work and the treatment regimen. Subjects with severe burn and visible scarring have a reduced QOL and a poor scar status. Scar management intervention may improve QOL of burn patients especially those with severe burn and visible scars. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the relationship between scar assessment and QOL. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Process for preparing higher oxides of the alkali and alkaline earth metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadhukhan, P.; Bell, A. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

High purity inorganic higher oxides of the alkali and alkaline earth metals are prepared by subjecting the hydroxide of the alkali and alkaline earth metal to a radio frequency discharge sustained in oxygen. The process is particulary adaptable to the production of high purity potassium superoxide by subjecting potassium hydroxide to glow discharge sustained in oxygen under the pressure of about 0.75 to 1.00 torr.

Hall Determination of Atomic Radii of Alkali Metals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houari, Ahmed

2008-01-01

I will propose here an alternative method for determining atomic radii of alkali metals based on the Hall measurements of their free electron densities and the knowledge of their crystal structure. (Contains 2 figures.)

Occupational Dermatoses by Type of Work in Greece

PubMed Central

Zorba, Eleni; Karpouzis, Antony; Zorbas, Alexandros; Bazas, Theodore; Zorbas, Sam; Alexopoulos, Elias; Zorbas, Ilias; Kouskoukis, Konstantinos; Konstandinidis, Theodoros

2013-01-01

Background To elucidate the relationship between seven occupational dermatoses (ODs) and 20 types of work in Greece. Methods This was a prevalence epidemiologic study of certain ODs among 4,000 workers employed in 20 types of enterprise, in 104 companies, in 2006–2012, using data from company medical records, questionnaires, occupational medical, and special examinations. The χ2 test was applied to reveal statistically significant relationships between types of enterprises and occurrence of ODs. Results A high percentage (39.9%) of employees included in the study population suffered from ODs. The highest prevalence rates were noted among hairdressers (of contact dermatitis: 30%), cooks (of contact dermatitis: 29.5%), bitumen workers (of acne: 23.5%), car industry workers (of mechanical injury: 15%), construction workers (of contact urticaria: 29.5%), industrial cleaning workers (of chemical burns: 13%), and farmers (of malignant tumors: 5.5%). We observed several statistical significant correlations between ODs (acute and chronic contact dermatitis, urticaria, mechanical injury, acne, burns, skin cancer) and certain types of enterprises. There was no statistically significant correlation between gender and prevalence of ODs, except for dermatoses caused by mechanical injuries afflicting mainly men [χ2 (1) = 13.40, p < 0.001] and for chronic contact dermatitis [χ2 (1) = 5.53, p = 0.019] afflicting mainly women. Conclusion Prevalence of ODs is high in Greece, contrary to all official reports by the Greek National Institute of Health. There is a need to introduce a nationwide voluntary surveillance system for reporting ODs and to enhance skin protection measures at work. PMID:24106644

Welding related occupational eye injuries: a narrative analysis

PubMed Central

Lombardi, D; Pannala, R; Sorock, G; Wellman, H; Courtney, T; Verma, S; Smith, G

2005-01-01

Objective: To determine the activities and circumstances proximal to a welding related occupational eye injury, a hybrid narrative coding approach derived from two well developed classification systems was developed to categorize and describe the activity, initiating process, mechanism of injury, object and/or substance, and the use of protective eyewear from the narrative text data reported for each injury. Methods: Routinely collected workers' compensation claims over a one year period (2000) were analyzed from a large US insurance provider. An index term search algorithm of occupation, incident, and injury description fields identified 2209 potential welding related eye injury claims. After detailed review of these claims, 1353 welders and 822 non-welders were analyzed. Results: During 2000, eye(s) as the primary injured body part accounted for 5% (n = 26 413) of all compensation claims. Eye injuries accounted for 25% of all claims for welders. Subjects were mainly male (97.1%) and from manufacturing (70.4%), service (11.8%), or construction (8.4%) related industries. Most injuries were foreign body (71.7%) or burn (22.2%) and 17.6% were bilateral. Common activities include welding (31.9%) and/or grinding (22.5%). Being struck by an airborne object occurred in 56.3% of cases. Non-welders showed similar patterns except that burns (43.8%) were more frequent and more often initiated by another worker (13.9%). Conclusions: Narrative injury text provides valuable data to supplement traditional epidemiologic analyses. Workers performing welding tasks or working nearby welders should be trained to recognize potential hazards and the effective use of proper safety equipment to prevent ocular injury. PMID:15933411

Bi-alkali antimonide photocathode growth: An X-ray diffraction study

DOE PAGES

Schubert, Susanne; Wong, Jared; Feng, Jun; ...

2016-07-21

Bi-alkali antimonide photocathodes are one of the best known sources of electrons for high current and/or high bunch charge applications like Energy Recovery Linacs or Free Electron Lasers. Despite their high quantum efficiency in visible light and low intrinsic emittance, the surface roughness of these photocathodes prohibits their use as low emittance cathodes in high accelerating gradient superconducting and normal conducting radio frequency photoguns and limits the minimum possible intrinsic emittance near the threshold. Also, the growth process for these materials is largely based on recipes obtained by trial and error and is very unreliable. In this paper, using X-raymore » diffraction, we investigate the different structural and chemical changes that take place during the growth process of the bi-alkali antimonide material K 2 CsSb. Our measurements give us a deeper understanding of the growth process of alkali-antimonide photocathodes allowing us to optimize it with the goal of minimizing the surface roughness to preserve the intrinsic emittance at high electric fields and increasing its reproducibility.« less

Pediatric burns: Kids' Inpatient Database vs the National Burn Repository.

PubMed

Soleimani, Tahereh; Evans, Tyler A; Sood, Rajiv; Hartman, Brett C; Hadad, Ivan; Tholpady, Sunil S

2016-04-01

Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young children. The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and National Burn Repository (NBR) are two large national databases that can be used to evaluate outcomes and help quality improvement in burn care. Differences in the design of the KID and NBR could lead to differing results affecting resultant conclusions and quality improvement programs. This study was designed to validate the use of KID for burn epidemiologic studies, as an adjunct to the NBR. Using the KID (2003, 2006, and 2009), a total of 17,300 nonelective burn patients younger than 20 y old were identified. Data from 13,828 similar patients were collected from the NBR. Outcome variables were compared between the two databases. Comparisons revealed similar patient distribution by gender, race, and burn size. Inhalation injury was more common among the NBR patients and was associated with increased mortality. The rates of respiratory failure, wound infection, cellulitis, sepsis, and urinary tract infection were higher in the KID. Multiple regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders demonstrated similar mortality rate but significantly longer length of stay for patients in the NBR. Despite differences in the design and sampling of the KID and NBR, the overall demographic and mortality results are similar. The differences in complication rate and length of stay should be explored by further studies to clarify underlying causes. Investigations into these differences should also better inform strategies to improve burn prevention and treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Occupational Hydrofluoric Acid Injury from Car and Truck Washing--Washington State, 2001-2013.

PubMed

Reeb-Whitaker, Carolyn K; Eckert, Carly M; Anderson, Naomi J; Bonauto, David K

2015-08-21

Exposure to hydrofluoric acid (HF) causes corrosive chemical burns and potentially fatal systemic toxicity. Car and truck wash cleaning products, rust removers, and aluminum brighteners often contain HF because it is efficient in breaking down roadway matter. The death of a truck wash worker from ingestion of an HF-based wash product and 48 occupational HF burn cases associated with car and truck washing in Washington State during 2001-2013 are summarized in this report. Among seven hospitalized workers, two required surgery, and all but one worker returned to the job. Among 48 injured workers, job titles were primarily auto detailer, car wash worker, truck wash worker, and truck driver. Because HF exposure can result in potentially severe health outcomes, efforts to identify less hazardous alternatives to HF-based industrial wash products are warranted.

Burn-associated bloodstream infections in pediatric burn patients: Time distribution of etiologic agents.

PubMed

Devrim, İlker; Kara, Ahu; Düzgöl, Mine; Karkıner, Aytaç; Bayram, Nuri; Temir, Günyüz; Şencan, Arzu; Sorguç, Yelda; Gülfidan, Gamze; Hoşgör, Münevver

2017-02-01

Infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with burns in burn units. Bloodstream infections (BSIs) in patients with burns may result from burn wound infection, use of invasive devices such as central venous catheters, and translocation of the gastrointestinal flora. In this study, we investigated the distribution and antimicrobial drug resistance of causative pathogens in children with burns and the durational changes of microorganisms in the distribution of BSIs in children. This study was conducted at the Pediatric Burn Unit (PBU) of Dr. Behçet Uz Children Research and Training Hospital during the period of November 2008-April 2015. The study subjects were all the patients admitted to the PBU, in whom microorganisms were isolated at least from one of the cultures, including blood and catheter cultures. Gram-positive bacteria were the most common causative agents of BSI in patients with burns (66.4%), followed by gram-negative bacteria (22.1%) and fungi (11.5%). The median duration of development of BSIs caused by gram-positive bacteria from the time of burn was 5 days (ranging from 2 to 54 days of burn), which was significantly shorter than that of BSIs caused by gram-negative bacteria (12 days) and fungal pathogens (13 days). The etiologic agents of BSIs in children may differ from those in adults. Gram-negative drug-resistant bacteria such as multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were important agents of BSI in patients with burns, especially in the long term; however, gram-positive bacteria should also be considered while deciding the antimicrobial therapy, especially in the early periods of burn. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Photoacoustic diagnosis of burns in rats: two-dimensional photo-acoustic imaging of burned tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, Mutsuo; Sato, Shunichi; Saito, Daizo; Okada, Yoshiaki; Kurita, Akira; Kikuchi, Makoto; Ashida, Hiroshi; Obara, Minoru

2003-06-01

We previously reported that for rat burn models, deep dermal burns and deep burns can be well differentiated by measuring the propagation time of the photoacoustic signals originated from the blood in the healthy skin tissue under the damaged tissue layer. However, the diagnosis was based on point measurement in the wound, and therefore site-dependent information on the injuries was not obtained; such information is very important for diagnosis of extended burns. In the present study, we scanned a photoacoustic detector on the wound and constructed two-dimensional (2-D) images of the blood-originated photoacoustic signals for superficial dermal burns (SDB), deep dermal burns (DDB), deep burns (DB), and healthy skins (control) in rats. For each burn model, site-dependent variation of the signal was observed; the variation probably reflects the distribution of blood vessels in the skin tissue. In spite of the variation, clear differentiation was obtained between SDB, DDB, and DB from the 2D images. The images were constructed as a function of post burn time. Temporal signal variation will be also presented.

Nanoscale Charge-Balancing Mechanism in Alkali-Substituted Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate Gels.

PubMed

Özçelik, V Ongun; White, Claire E

2016-12-15

Alkali-activated materials and related alternative cementitious systems are sustainable technologies that have the potential to substantially lower the CO 2 emissions associated with the construction industry. However, these systems have augmented chemical compositions as compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which may impact the evolution of the hydrate phases. In particular, calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) gel, the main hydrate phase in OPC, is likely to be altered at the atomic scale due to changes in the bulk chemical composition, specifically via the addition of alkalis (i.e., Na or K) and aluminum. Here, via density functional theory calculations, we reveal the presence of a charge balancing mechanism at the molecular level in C-S-H gel (as modeled using crystalline 14 Å tobermorite) when alkalis and aluminum atoms are introduced into the structure. Different structural representations are obtained depending on the level of substitution and the degree of charge balancing incorporated in the structures. The impact of these substitutional and charge balancing effects on the structures is assessed by analyzing the formation energies, local bonding environments, diffusion barriers and mechanical properties. The results of this computational study provide information on the phase stability of alkali/aluminum containing C-S-H gels, shedding light on the fundamental atomic level mechanisms that play a crucial role in these complex disordered materials.

Cost analysis of acute burn patients treated in a burn centre: the Gulhane experience

PubMed Central

Sahin, I.; Ozturk, S.; Alhan, D.; Açikel, C.; Isik, S.

2011-01-01

Summary Even if calculating the exact cost of burn treatment is a very hard task, the study of cost analysis provides financial perspective. We performed a cost analysis study in our burn centre to respond to questions about total patient treatment cost and the length of hospital stay. We reviewed all patients admitted to the Gulhane Military Medical Academy Burn Centre in Ankara, Turkey, between March 2005 and August 2008. Forty-three patients with major burns were identified on the basis of the study criteria. The data regarding total treatment cost and the length of hospital stay for each type of burn (flame, scald, electric) were collected at the end of the study. The average total body surface area burned was 36 ± 7%.. The average duration of hospital stay was 73 ± 33 days. Patients with electrical burns stayed longer in hospital than patients with other types of burn injuries. Each one per cent of burn corresponded to a mean hospital stay of two days. The overall mean total cost was $US 15,250. The mean total cost of electrical burns was the highest, with $US 22,501 ± 24,039. Even if the costs associated with burn injury are higher than some other well-known health-related problems, they have not been much studied. Reports have produced different results, but it should be kept in mind that although the results of cost analysis studies may vary they must be performed in all newly established burn centres in order to form a financial overview. PMID:21991233

Advances in high temperature components for AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, R.M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Underwood, M.L.

1991-12-31

Long lifetimes are required for AMTEC (or sodium heat engine) components for aerospace and terrestrial applications, and the high heat input temperature as well as the alkali metal liquid and vapor environment places unusual demands on the materials used to construct AMTEC devices. In addition, it is important to maximize device efficiency and power density, while maintaining a long life capability. In addition to the electrode, which must provide both efficient electrode kinetics, transport of the alkali metal, and low electrical resistance, other high temperature components of the cell face equally demanding requirements. The beta{double_prime} alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), themore » seal between the BASE ceramic and its metallic transition to the hot alkali metal (liquid or vapor) source, and metallic components of the device are exposed to hot liquid alkali metal. Modification of AMTEC components may also be useful in optimizing the device for particular operating conditions. In particular, a potassium AMTEC may be expected to operate more efficiently at lower temperatures.« less

Advances in high temperature components for AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, R.M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Underwood, M.L.

1991-01-01

Long lifetimes are required for AMTEC (or sodium heat engine) components for aerospace and terrestrial applications, and the high heat input temperature as well as the alkali metal liquid and vapor environment places unusual demands on the materials used to construct AMTEC devices. In addition, it is important to maximize device efficiency and power density, while maintaining a long life capability. In addition to the electrode, which must provide both efficient electrode kinetics, transport of the alkali metal, and low electrical resistance, other high temperature components of the cell face equally demanding requirements. The beta{double prime} alumina solid electrolyte (BASE),more » the seal between the BASE ceramic and its metallic transition to the hot alkali metal (liquid or vapor) source, and metallic components of the device are exposed to hot liquid alkali metal. Modification of AMTEC components may also be useful in optimizing the device for particular operating conditions. In particular, a potassium AMTEC may be expected to operate more efficiently at lower temperatures.« less

Biodegradable organic acid-crosslinked alkali-treated gelatins with anti-thrombogenic and endothelialization properties

PubMed Central

Inoue, Motoki; Sasaki, Makoto; Taguchi, Tetsushi

2012-01-01

Gelatins were crosslinked with organic acids and treated with alkali to impart to them endothelialization and anti-thrombogenic properties. These matrices were characterized by biochemical and physicochemical techniques. The amounts of residual amino groups in the matrices decreased with increasing crosslinker concentration. The matrices with the highest crosslinking densities showed excellent endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, the adhesion of platelets and formation of fibrin networks on the matrices were suppressed with increasing crosslinker concentration. The matrices also exhibited excellent biodegradability, and the degradation rate decreased with increasing crosslinking density. All the organic acid-crosslinked alkali-treated gelatins showed excellent anti-thrombogenic and endothelialization properties, superior to those of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked alkali-treated gelatins. PMID:27877542

Ab Initio Modeling of Structure and Properties of Single and Mixed Alkali Silicate Glasses.

PubMed

Baral, Khagendra; Li, Aize; Ching, Wai-Yim

2017-10-12

A density functional theory (DFT)-based ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) has been applied to simulate models of single and mixed alkali silicate glasses with two different molar concentrations of alkali oxides. The structural environments and spatial distributions of alkali ions in the 10 simulated models with 20% and 30% of Li, Na, K and equal proportions of Li-Na and Na-K are studied in detail for subtle variations among the models. Quantum mechanical calculations of electronic structures, interatomic bonding, and mechanical and optical properties are carried out for each of the models, and the results are compared with available experimental observation and other simulations. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data. We have used the novel concept of using the total bond order density (TBOD), a quantum mechanical metric, to characterize internal cohesion in these glass models. The mixed alkali effect (MAE) is visible in the bulk mechanical properties but not obvious in other physical properties studied in this paper. We show that Li doping deviates from expected trend due to the much stronger Li-O bonding than those of Na and K doping. The approach used in this study is in contrast with current studies in alkali-doped silicate glasses based only on geometric characterizations.

A mild alkali treated jute fibre controlling the hydration behaviour of greener cement paste

PubMed Central

Jo, Byung-Wan; Chakraborty, Sumit

2015-01-01

To reduce the antagonistic effect of jute fibre on the setting and hydration of jute reinforced cement, modified jute fibre reinforcement would be a unique approach. The present investigation deals with the effectiveness of mild alkali treated (0.5%) jute fibre on the setting and hydration behaviour of cement. Setting time measurement, hydration test and analytical characterizations of the hardened samples (viz., FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, and free lime estimation) were used to evaluate the effect of alkali treated jute fibre. From the hydration test, the time (t) required to reach maximum temperature for the hydration of control cement sample is estimated to be 860 min, whilst the time (t) is measured to be 1040 min for the hydration of a raw jute reinforced cement sample. However, the time (t) is estimated to be 1020 min for the hydration of an alkali treated jute reinforced cement sample. Additionally, from the analytical characterizations, it is determined that fibre-cement compatibility is increased and hydration delaying effect is minimized by using alkali treated jute fibre as fibre reinforcement. Based on the analyses, a model has been proposed to explain the setting and hydration behaviour of alkali treated jute fibre reinforced cement composite. PMID:25592665

Improved Survival of Patients With Extensive Burns: Trends in Patient Characteristics and Mortality Among Burn Patients in a Tertiary Care Burn Facility, 2004-2013.

PubMed

Strassle, Paula D; Williams, Felicia N; Napravnik, Sonia; van Duin, David; Weber, David J; Charles, Anthony; Cairns, Bruce A; Jones, Samuel W

Classic determinants of burn mortality are age, burn size, and the presence of inhalation injury. Our objective was to describe temporal trends in patient and burn characteristics, inpatient mortality, and the relationship between these characteristics and inpatient mortality over time. All patients aged 18 years or older and admitted with burn injury, including inhalation injury only, between 2004 and 2013 were included. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the relationship between admit year and inpatient mortality. A total of 5540 patients were admitted between 2004 and 2013. Significant differences in sex, race/ethnicity, burn mechanisms, TBSA, inhalation injury, and inpatient mortality were observed across calendar years. Patients admitted between 2011 and 2013 were more likely to be women, non-Hispanic Caucasian, with smaller burn size, and less likely to have an inhalation injury, in comparison with patients admitted from 2004 to 2010. After controlling for patient demographics, burn mechanisms, and differential lengths of stay, no calendar year trends in inpatient mortality were detected. However, a significant decrease in inpatient mortality was observed among patients with extensive burns (≥75% TBSA) in more recent calendar years. This large, tertiary care referral burn center has maintained low inpatient mortality rates among burn patients over the past 10 years. While observed decreases in mortality during this time are largely due to changes in patient and burn characteristics, survival among patients with extensive burns has improved.

An assessment of burn prevention knowledge in a high burn-risk environment: restaurants.

PubMed

Piazza-Waggoner, Carrie; Adams, C D; Goldfarb, I W; Slater, H

2002-01-01

Our facility has seen an increase in the number of cases of children burned in restaurants. Fieldwork has revealed many unsafe serving practices in restaurants in our tristate area. The current research targets what appears to be an underexamined burn-risk environment, restaurants, to examine server knowledge about burn prevention and burn care with customers. Participants included 71 local restaurant servers and 53 servers from various restaurants who were recruited from undergraduate courses. All participants completed a brief demographic form as well as a Burn Knowledge Questionnaire. It was found that server knowledge was low (ie, less than 50% accuracy). Yet, most servers reported that they felt customer burn safety was important enough to change the way that they serve. Additionally, it was found that length of time employed as a server was a significant predictor of servers' burn knowledge (ie, more years serving associated with higher knowledge). Finally, individual items were examined to identify potential targets for developing prevention programs.

Civilian blast-related burn injuries

PubMed Central

Patel, J.N.; Tan, A.; Dziewulski, P.

2016-01-01

Summary There is limited English literature describing the experience of a civilian hospital managing blast-related burn injuries. As the largest regional burn unit, we reviewed our cases with the aim of identifying means to improve current management. A 6-year retrospective analysis of all patients coded as sustaining blast-related burns was conducted through the unit’s burns database. Medical case notes were reviewed for information on burn demographics, management and outcomes. 42 patients were identified. Male to female ratio was 37:5. Age range was 12-84 years, (mean=33 years). Total body surface area (%TBSA) burn ranged from 0.25% to 60%, (median=1%). The most common burn injury was flame (31/42, 73.8%). Gas explosions were the most common mechanism of injury (19 cases; 45.2%). 7/42 cases (16.7%) had full ATLS management pre-transfer to the burns unit. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) ranged from 0-43 (median=2). 17/42 (40.4%) patients required admission. 37/36 (88.1%) patients were managed conservatively of which 1 patient later required surgery due to deeper burns. 5/42 (11.9%) patients required surgical management at presentation and these were noted to be burns with >15% TBSA requiring resuscitation. One case required emergency escharotomies and finger amputations. All patients survived their burn injuries. Blast-related burn injuries are generally uncommon in the civilian setting. Following proper assessment, most of these cases can be deemed as minor injuries and managed conservatively. Improvement in burns management education and training at local emergency departments would provide efficient patient care and avoid unnecessary referrals to a burns unit. PMID:27857651

Alkali Halide Microstructured Optical Fiber for X-Ray Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeHaven, S. L.; Wincheski, R. A.; Albin, S.

2014-01-01

Microstructured optical fibers containing alkali halide scintillation materials of CsI(Na), CsI(Tl), and NaI(Tl) are presented. The scintillation materials are grown inside the microstructured fibers using a modified Bridgman-Stockbarger technique. The x-ray photon counts of these fibers, with and without an aluminum film coating are compared to the output of a collimated CdTe solid state detector over an energy range from 10 to 40 keV. The photon count results show significant variations in the fiber output based on the materials. The alkali halide fiber output can exceed that of the CdTe detector, dependent upon photon counter efficiency and fiber configuration. The results and associated materials difference are discussed.

[Occupational risks among public safety and security forces].

PubMed

Candura, S M; Verni, P; Minelli, C M; Rosso, G L; Cappelli, M I; Strambi, S; Martellosio, V

2006-01-01

The present paper tries to identify the occupational risk factors (physical, chemical, biological, psychological), variable depending on jobs and tasks, to which the heterogeneous public safety/security workers are exposed. The fight against criminality and public order maintenance imply (sometimes fatal) traumatic risks, and expose to psychophysical and sensorial tiring, unfavourable macro- and microclimatic conditions, the risk of baropathy (air navigation, underwater activities), noise (generated by firearms and several other sources), vibrations and shakings (automatic weapons, transport vehicles), the risk of electric injury, ionizing (X and gamma rays) and non-inonizing (ultraviolet rays, microwaves and radiofrequencies, electromagnetic fields) radiations. Chemical hazards include carbon monoxide and other combustion products (fires, urban traffic), substances released in chemical accidents, tear gases, lead (firing grounds, metal works, environmental pollution), solvents, lubrificants and cutting oils (mechanic repair and maintenance), laboratory materials and reagents, irritant and/or sensitizing agents contained in gloves. The main biological risks are tetanus, blood-borne diseases (viral hepatitis, AIDS), aerogenous diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, Legionnaire's disease, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis), dog- or horse-transmitted zoonosis. Finally, emotional, psychosomatic and behavioural stress-related disorders (e.g., burn-out syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder) are typically frequent. The presence of numerous and diversified hazards among public safety/security forces imposes the adoption of occupational medicine measures, including risk assessment, health education, technical and environmental prevention, personal protective devices, sanitary surveillance and biological monitoring, clinical interventions (diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation of occupational accidents and illnesses), prompt medico-legal evaluation of occupational

[Combined burn trauma in the array of modern civilian and combat burns].

PubMed

Ivchenko, E V; Borisov, D N; Golota, A S; Krassiĭ, A B; Rusev, I T

2015-02-01

The current article positions the combined burn and non-burn injuries in the general array of civilian and combat burns. For that purpose the official state statistics and scientific medical publications, domestic as well as foreign, have been analyzed. It has been shown that in peace time the combined burn/trauma injuries are infrequent. But the same type of injury becomes routine especially among the civilian population in the conditions of the modern so called "hybrid war". And the medical service should be prepared for it.

Chlor-Alkali Industry: A Laboratory Scale Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanchez-Sanchez, C. M.; Exposito, E.; Frias-Ferrer, A.; Gonzalez-Garaia, J.; Monthiel, V.; Aldaz, A.

2004-01-01

A laboratory experiment for students in the last year of degree program in chemical engineering, chemistry, or industrial chemistry is presented. It models the chlor-alkali process, one of the most important industrial applications of electrochemical technology and the second largest industrial consumer of electricity after aluminium industry.

Stabilized Alkali-Metal Ultraviolet-Band-Pass Filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mardesich, Nick; Fraschetti, George A.; Mccann, Timothy; Mayall, Sherwood D.; Dunn, Donald E.; Trauger, John T.

1995-01-01

Layers of bismuth 5 to 10 angstrom thick incorporated into alkali-metal ultraviolet-band-pass optical filters by use of advanced fabrication techniques. In new filters layer of bismuth helps to reduce surface migration of sodium. Sodium layer made more stable and decreased tendency to form pinholes by migration.

Computer simulations of alkali-acetate solutions: Accuracy of the forcefields in difference concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahlstrand, Emma; Zukerman Schpector, Julio; Friedman, Ran

2017-11-01

When proteins are solvated in electrolyte solutions that contain alkali ions, the ions interact mostly with carboxylates on the protein surface. Correctly accounting for alkali-carboxylate interactions is thus important for realistic simulations of proteins. Acetates are the simplest carboxylates that are amphipathic, and experimental data for alkali acetate solutions are available and can be compared with observables obtained from simulations. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations of alkali acetate solutions using polarizable and non-polarizable forcefields and examined the ion-acetate interactions. In particular, activity coefficients and association constants were studied in a range of concentrations (0.03, 0.1, and 1M). In addition, quantum-mechanics (QM) based energy decomposition analysis was performed in order to estimate the contribution of polarization, electrostatics, dispersion, and QM (non-classical) effects on the cation-acetate and cation-water interactions. Simulations of Li-acetate solutions in general overestimated the binding of Li+ and acetates. In lower concentrations, the activity coefficients of alkali-acetate solutions were too high, which is suggested to be due to the simulation protocol and not the forcefields. Energy decomposition analysis suggested that improvement of the forcefield parameters to enable accurate simulations of Li-acetate solutions can be achieved but may require the use of a polarizable forcefield. Importantly, simulations with some ion parameters could not reproduce the correct ion-oxygen distances, which calls for caution in the choice of ion parameters when protein simulations are performed in electrolyte solutions.

Cement Type Influence on Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete with Crushed Gravel Aggregate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutkauskas, A.; Nagrockienė, D.; Skripkiūnas, G.

2017-10-01

Alkali-silica reaction is one of the chemical reactions which have a significant influence for durability of concrete. During alkali and silica reaction, silicon located in aggregates of the concrete, reacts with high alkali content. This way in the micropores of concrete is forming hygroscopic gel, which at wet environment, expanding and slowly but strongly destroying concrete structures. The goal of this paper- to determine the influence of cement type on alkali-silica reaction of mortars with crushed gravel. In the study crushed gravel with fraction 4/16 mm was used and four types of cements tested: CEM I 42.5 R; CEM I 42.5 SR; CEM II/A-S 42.5; CEM II/A-V 52.5. This study showed that crushed gravel is low contaminated on reactive particles containing of amorphous silica dioxide. The expansion after 14 days exceed 0.054 %, by RILEM AAR-2 research methodology (testing specimen dimension 40×40×160 mm). Continuing the investigation to 56 days for all specimens occurred alkaline corrosion features: microcracking and the surface plaque of gel. The results showed that the best resistance to alkaline corrosion after 14 days was obtained with cement CEM I 42.5 SR containing ash additive, and after 56 days with cement CEM II/A-V 52.5 containing low alkali content. The highest expansion after 14 and 56 days was obtained with cement CEM I 42.5 R without active mineral additives.

Paediatric electrical burn injuries: experience from a tertiary care burns unit in North India

PubMed Central

Srivastava, S.; Patil, A.N.; Bedi, M.; Tawar, R.S.

2017-01-01

Summary Electrical burn injuries in the paediatric age group constitute a small proportion of all burn cases and cause significant morbidity and long-term psychosocial impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate various aspects of electrical burn injuries in the paediatric age group in our region. A retrospective review was done of all paediatric electrical burns admitted to a tertiary care burns unit over a period of 12 months (January 2016 to December 2016). There were 77 cases of electrical burns under the age of 16 years. High voltage burns predominated and older age groups were more frequently affected. Male:female ratio was 4.1:1. Amputations were required in 18 (23%), skin grafting in 52 (67%) and flap cover in 29 (37%) patients. There were unfavourable outcomes in 32% patients with a mortality rate of 7.8%. Significant association was found between unfavourable outcomes and high voltage burn injuries and length of hospital stay. The impact of electrical burn injuries is substantial and can be reduced by simple preventive measures such as educating parents, improving health infrastructure and adherence to safety regulations.

[Prevention of occupational solar UV radiation-induced epithelial skin cancer].

PubMed

Bauer, A; Beissert, S; Knuschke, P

2015-03-01

Malignancies of the skin, with an incidence of more than 200,000 newly registered cases/year, are the most frequently notified malignances in Germany. In Europe, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) account for about 30 cases/100,000 persons and 50-100 cases/100,000 persons, respectively. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the main risk factor to induce these cancers. Increased incidence rates were shown for persons having red/blonde hair as well as light eye colour, acquire sun burns easily, hardly tan and develop freckles. The majority of the malignancies and precursor lesions are acquired by UV exposure in leisure time. However, in highly occupationally UV-exposed outdoor workers, UV monitoring revealed that exposure levels are 2-3 times higher compared to the general population. Occupations likely to be highly exposed are farmers, forestry workers, gardeners, landscapers, fishermen and seafarers, construction workers, builders, tin smiths, sport teachers, mountain guides, etc. Recent metaanalyses showed that occupational UV exposure is a relevant and independent risk factor for SCC and to a lesser extent also for BCC. To prevent occupationally caused malignancies of the skin a significant reduction of occupationally acquired UV dosages in outdoor workers is mandatory. Relevant factors influencing the cumulative sun exposure in outdoor workers are the amount of UV exposure, the specific tasks to be performed in the sun as well as the UV protection habits of the workers. Besides adequate behavior, textile protection by headgear and clothing as well as the regular use of sunscreens and sun glasses are important.

Acid and alkali doped PBI electrolyte in electrochemical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Baozhong

In this work the conductivity of blank PBI membrane, acid doped PBI and alkaline doped PBI was systematically studied. A new methodology for sorption kinetics study in electrolyte solution has been established by monitoring the conductivity change during the sorption process. The model of the doping process and mechanism of conductivity are proposed. The performance of PBI (doped under optimum conditions) in fuel cell as PEM was evaluated. The experimental results show that the blank PBI in acid solution is an ionic insulator. It clarified the long time confusion in this area. The acid doped PBI membrane is an ionic conductor. The conductivity increases with the concentration of the acid solution. In high concentration acid solution, the conductivity increases with the type of acid in the order: H2SO 4 > H3PO4 > HClO4 > HNO3 > HCl. The kinetics of the doping process was studied, by a continuous method. The ionic conductivity mechanism was established. The PBI membranes doped with H2SO4 and H3PO4 exhibit better performance than NafionRTM. The doped FBI has more resistance to CO poison. 3% CO in H2 has little effect on the H3PO 4 doped PBI membrane at 185°C. The conductivity of the alkali doped PBI membrane changes with the concentration of the alkaline solution and the type of the alkalis. The conductivity has a maximum in KOH and NaOH solution. The maximum conductivity in KOH is higher than in NaOH and LiOH. It is about 5 times of that of NafionRTM in alkaline solution. The two-step sorption process in alkaline solution was observed. The first step is the permeation process of the alkalis in the PBI membrane. The permeation is the results of diffusion and interaction. It is concluded that the permeation process is controlled by the rate of interaction between the alkali and PBI molecule. The second step is the relaxation process in the membrane. This step contributes more to the conductivity for the membrane than the first step. The ionic conductivity mechanism

Influence of Exposure Conditions on the Efficacy of Lithium Nitrate in Mitigating Alkali Silica Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapała-Sławeta, Justyna; Owsiak, Zdzisława

2017-10-01

Lithium nitrate is known to have the highest potential to inhibit alkali silica reaction in concrete. It is well soluble in water and does not increase the pH of concrete pore solution. The extent to which the alkali silica reaction is mitigated is affected by the amount of the applied lithium ions, exposure conditions and by the kind of reactive aggregate. It is known that some lithium compounds such as lithium carbonate or lithium fluoride, when used in insufficient amount, may increase expansion due to alkali silica reaction. This effect was not detected in the presence of lithium nitrate. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lithium nitrate on alkali silica reaction in mortars exposed to different conditions. Expansion studies were conducted in accordance with the accelerated mortar bar test (ASTM C1260) and the standard mortar bar test (ASTM C227). It was observed that the long-term expansion results are different from the values obtained in the accelerated mortar bar test. Lithium nitrate does not reduce ASR-induced expansion when mortars are stored under conditions specified in ASTM C 227. The microstructure of the mortar samples exposed to different conditions was examined and X-ray microanalysis was performed. The microstructure and compositions of the alkali-silica reaction products varied. The amount of alkali silica gel in mortars with lithium nitrate in which the expansion was high was greater than that in the mortar bars tested by accelerated method.

Burn Safety Awareness on Playgrounds: Thermal Burns from Playground Equipment

MedlinePlus

... Safety Awareness on Playgrounds Thermal Burns from Playground Equipment The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC wants ... of the risk of thermal burns from playground equipment. You may remember the metal slides of your ...

CHARACTERIZATION OF MERCURY EMISSIONS AT A CHLOR-ALKALI PLANT, VOLUME II. APPENDICES F-J

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a characterization of mercury (Hg) emissions at a chlor-alkali plant. Up to 160 short tons (146 Mg) of Hg is consumed by the chlor-alkali industry each year. Very little quantitative information is currently available however, on the actual Hg losses f...

Survival after burn in a sub-Saharan burn unit: challenges and opportunities.

PubMed

Tyson, Anna F; Boschini, Laura P; Kiser, Michelle M; Samuel, Jonathan C; Mjuweni, Steven N; Cairns, Bruce A; Charles, Anthony G

2013-12-01

Burns are among the most devastating of all injuries and a major global public health crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In developed countries, aggressive management of burns continues to lower overall mortality and increase lethal total body surface area (TBSA) at which 50% of patients die (LA50). However, lack of resources and inadequate infrastructure significantly impede such improvements in developing countries. This study is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the burn center at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi between June 2011 and December 2012. We collected information including patient age, gender, date of admission, mechanism of injury, time to presentation to hospital, total body surface area (TBSA) burn, comorbidities, date and type of operative procedures, date of discharge, length of hospital stay, and survival. We then performed bivariate analysis and logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with increased mortality. A total of 454 patients were admitted during the study period with a median age of 4 years (range 0.5 months to 79 years). Of these patients, 53% were male. The overall mean TBSA was 18.5%, and average TBSA increased with age--17% for 0-18 year olds, 24% for 19-60 year olds, and 41% for patients over 60 years old. Scald and flame burns were the commonest mechanisms, 52% and 41% respectively, and flame burns were associated with higher mortality. Overall survival in this population was 82%; however survival reduced with increasing age categories (84% in patients 0-18 years old, 79% in patients 19-60 years old, and 36% in patients older than 60 years). TBSA remained the strongest predictor of mortality after adjusting for age and mechanism of burn. The LA50 for this population was 39% TBSA. Our data reiterate that burn in Malawi is largely a pediatric disease and that the high burn mortality and relatively low LA50 have modestly improved over the past two decades. The lack of financial

Survival after burn in a sub-Saharan burn unit: Challenges and opportunities

PubMed Central

Tyson, Anna F.; Boschini, Laura P.; Kiser, Michelle M.; Samuel, Jonathan C.; Mjuweni, Steven N.; Cairns, Bruce A.; Charles, Anthony G.

2013-01-01

Background Burns are among the most devastating of all injuries and a major global public health crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In developed countries, aggressive management of burns continues to lower overall mortality and increase lethal total body surface area (TBSA) at which 50% of patients die (LA50). However, lack of resources and inadequate infrastructure significantly impede such improvements in developing countries. Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the burn center at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi between June 2011 and December 2012. We collected information including patient age, gender, date of admission, mechanism of injury, time to presentation to hospital, total body surface area (TBSA) burn, comorbidities, date and type of operative procedures, date of discharge, length of hospital stay, and survival. We then performed bivariate analysis and logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with increased mortality. Results A total of 454 patients were admitted during the study period with a median age of 4 years (range 0.5 months to 79 years). Of these patients, 53% were male. The overall mean TBSA was 18.5%, and average TBSA increased with age—17% for 0–18 year olds, 24% for 19–60 year olds, and 41% for patients over 60 years old. Scald and flame burns were the commonest mechanisms, 52% and 41% respectively, and flame burns were associated with higher mortality. Overall survival in this population was 82%; however survival reduced with increasing age categories (84% in patients 0–18 years old, 79% in patients 19–60 years old, and 36% in patients older than 60 years). TBSA remained the strongest predictor of mortality after adjusting for age and mechanism of burn. The LA50 for this population was 39% TBSA. Discussion Our data reiterate that burn in Malawi is largely a pediatric disease and that the high burn mortality and relatively low LA50 have modestly improved

Minor burn management: potions and lotions

PubMed Central

Hyland, Ela J; Connolly, Siobhan M; Fox, Jade A; Harvey, John G

2015-01-01

Summary The first aid for burns is to run cold water over the burn for 20 minutes. This is effective for up to three hours after the injury. Assess the affected body surface area using the rule of nines. Consult a burn unit if more than 5% of the total body surface area is burnt in a child or if more than 10% in an adult. Extensive or deep burns and burns to special areas, such as the hands, should be referred. Chemical or electrical burns should also be assessed by a burn unit. For minor burns, antimicrobial dressings are recommended, but oral antibiotics should be avoided unless there are signs of infection. As burns are tetanus prone, check the patient’s immunisation status. Burns that become infected or are slow to heal should be discussed with a burn unit. The burn unit can also provide advice if there are uncertainties about how to manage a patient. PMID:26648640

Cesium and Strontium Retentions Governed by Aluminosilicate Gel in Alkali-Activated Cements

PubMed Central

Jang, Jeong Gook; Park, Sol Moi; Lee, Haeng Ki

2017-01-01

The present study investigates the retention mechanisms of cesium and strontium for alkali-activated cements. Retention mechanisms such as adsorption and precipitation were examined in light of chemical interactions. Batch adsorption experiments and multi-technical characterizations by using X-ray diffraction, zeta potential measurements, and the N2 gas adsorption/desorption methods were conducted for this purpose. Strontium was found to crystalize in alkali-activated cements, while no cesium-bearing crystalline phases were detected. The adsorption kinetics of alkali-activated cements having relatively high adsorption capacities were compatible with pseudo-second-order kinetic model, thereby suggesting that it is governed by complex multistep adsorption. The results provide new insight, demonstrating that characteristics of aluminosilicate gel with a highly negatively charged surface and high micropore surface area facilitated more effective immobilization of cesium and strontium in comparison with calcium silicate hydrates. PMID:28772803

Children with burns referred for child abuse evaluation: Burn characteristics and co-existent injuries.

PubMed

Pawlik, Marie-Christin; Kemp, Alison; Maguire, Sabine; Nuttall, Diane; Feldman, Kenneth W; Lindberg, Daniel M

2016-05-01

Intentional burns represent a serious form of physical abuse that must be identified to protect children from further harm. This study is a retrospectively planned secondary analysis of the Examining Siblings To Recognize Abuse (ExSTRA) network data. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of burns injuries in children referred to Child Abuse Pediatricians (CAPs) in relation to the perceived likelihood of abuse. We furthermore compare the extent of diagnostic investigations undertaken in children referred to CAPs for burn injuries with those referred for other reasons. Within this dataset, 7% (215/2890) of children had burns. Children with burns were older than children with other injuries (median age 20 months vs. 10 months). Physical abuse was perceived as likely in 40.9% (88) and unlikely in 59.1% (127). Scalds accounted for 52.6% (113) and contact burns for 27.6% (60). Several characteristics of the history and burn injury were associated with a significantly higher perceived likelihood of abuse, including children with reported inflicted injury, absent or inadequate explanation, hot water as agent, immersion scald, a bilateral/symmetric burn pattern, total body surface area ≥10%, full thickness burns, and co-existent injuries. The rates of diagnostic testing were significantly lower in children with burns than other injuries, yet the yield of skeletal survey and hepatic transaminases testing were comparable between the two groups. This would imply that children referred to CAPs for burns warrant the same level of comprehensive investigations as those referred for other reasons. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology and screening of intentional burns in children in a Dutch burn centre.

PubMed

Bousema, Sara; Stas, Helene G; van de Merwe, Marjolijn H; Oen, Irma M M H; Baartmans, Martin G A; van Baar, Margriet E

2016-09-01

International estimates of the incidence of non-accidental burns (NAB) in children admitted to burn centres vary from 1% to 25%. Hardly any data about Dutch figures exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, treatment and outcome of burns due to suspected child abuse in paediatric burns. We described the process of care and outcome, including the accuracy of the SPUTOVAMO screening tool and examined child, burn and treatment characteristics related to suspicions of child abuse or neglect. A retrospective study was conducted in children aged 0-17 years with a primary admission after burn injuries to the burn centre Rotterdam in the period 2009-2013. Data on patient, injury and treatment characteristics were collected, using the Dutch Burn Repository R3. In addition, medical records were reviewed. In 498 paediatric admissions, suspected child abuse or neglect was present in 43 children (9%). 442 screening questionnaires (89%) were completed. In 52 out of 442 questionnaires (12%) the completed SPUTOVAMO had one or more positive signs. Significant independent predictors for suspected child abuse were burns in the genital area or buttocks (OR=3.29; CI: 143-7.55) and a low socio-economic status (OR=2.52; 95%CI: 1.30-4.90). The incidence of suspected child abuse indicating generation of additional support in our population is comparable to studies with a similar design in other countries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.