Tests of a novel imaging algorithm to localize hidden objects or cavities with muon radiography.

A novel algorithm developed within muon radiography to localize objects or cavities hidden inside large material volumes was recently proposed by some of the authors (Bonechi et al. 2015 J. Instrum. 10, P02003 (doi:10.1088/1748-0221/10/02/P02003)). The algorithm, based on muon back projection, helps to estimate the three-dimensional position and the transverse extension of detected objects without the need for measurements from different points of view, which would be required to make a triangulation. This algorithm can now be tested owing to the availability of real data collected both in laboratory tests and from real-world measurements. The methodology and some test results are presented in this paper.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Cosmic-ray muography'.

Modulation of tetracycline-phospholipid interactions by tuning of pH at the water-air interface.

This paper is part of a systematic study of the interactions of tetracycline antibiotics with phospholipid monolayers at the water-air interface. Tetracyclines are widespread antibiotics that undergo a series of protonation equilibria in solution, depending on the pH. The surface activity of tetracyclines was determined by means of surface tension measurements for three different systems, i.e. water, TRIS and McIlvaine-EDTA buffer. Surface pressure-molecular area and surface potential-molecular area isotherms were acquired for dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid monolayers on TRIS buffer (pH=7.0) and McIlvaine-EDTA buffer (pH=4.0) solution as a function of tetracycline concentration in the subphase. Comparative analysis of surface potential data, with the molecular dipole moment of tetracycline obtained from semiempirical calculations, provided information on the orientation of tetracycline at the interface. Surface pressure measurements as a function of monolayer compression were described, applying either a continuous partition model or Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The results obtained in the case of buffer solutions were compared to those obtained for tetracycline in water subphases. The analysis of the results indicated that electrostatic interactions dictate the migration of tetracycline to the monolayer interface. Penetration of the molecule to the lipophilic portion of the monolayer was unlikely, especially at high surface pressures. The results showed that stronger interactions are established between the zwitterionic tetracycline and the deprotonated phosphatidic group in TRIS buffer solution; in this case, tetracycline binds at the monolayer interface following a Langmuir type adsorption. In the case of water, where the monodeprotonated acid and the tetracycline zwitterions are the only species involved, the data can be described by continuous partition of tetracycline between interfacial and bulk phases. The same holds for McIlvaine-EDTA buffer subphases, although the high concentrations of citrate ions in this buffer competitively interfere with tetracycline association at the monolayer interface.

Effect of the phospholipid head group in antibiotic-phospholipid association at water-air interface.

We studied the interactions of tetracycline antibiotics, TCs, with phospholipid monolayers with the two-fold aim of elucidating the mechanism of action of TCs and to provide a first step for the realization of bio-mimetic sensor for such drugs by means of the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. Preliminary surface tension studies demonstrated that surface activity of tetracycline is moderate and dependent on the pH of the subphase. We selected three phospholipids having hydrophobic chains of the same length but differing in the polar head structures, i.e. dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine, and dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid. Surface pressure- and surface potential- area isotherms were employed to investigate the behavior of the phospholipid monolayers at the water-air interface when tetracycline was added to the aqueous subphase. Analysis of the results indicated that the electrostatic interaction is the driving force for migration of tetracycline towards the interface where localized adsorption to the head groups occurs. Nevertheless, such interactions appear to be insufficient to promote penetration of tetracycline through the hydrophobic layer.

Long-term characterization, lagoon treatment and migration potential of landfill leachate: a case study in an active Italian landfill.

The elaboration of 10 years of monitoring of leachate quality and quantity, leachate treatment and degree of contamination of soil and surface waters at the Tre Monti site--an active, 4-million-m(3) landfill in Northern Italy--is presented in this study. A hydrological model of leachate production is applied, with a good match of the experimental data. The concentrations of all leachate components except sulfate are characterized by fluctuations over a constant or increasing value. Different ways of interpreting leachate quality data are discussed; the elaboration indicates that the pollutant load on the leachate treatment facility will remain basically constant as long as waste will be added to the landfill. The analysis of the data relative to 10 years of leachate pre-treatment in the adjoining, non-aerated lagoon system indicates that a significant removal is achieved for most leachate components; the operational conditions of the plant are described, and the removal mechanisms are discussed. Finally, the potential for contamination of soil and surface waters is examined by analyzing long-term quality trends of the sub-superficial waters sampled near the lagoons and by means of an analytical campaign conducted on clay cores sampled near and underneath the treatment ponds. The experimental values indicate that the clay layer located under the entire site offers an effective barrier to the migration of leachate contaminants.

Bioremediation of a soil contaminated by hydrocarbon mixtures: the residual concentration problem.

The phenomenon of residual concentration was investigated in the aerobic biodegradation of three different petroleum commercial products (i.e., kerosene, diesel fuel and a lubricating mineral oil) in static microcosms. Two different soils exhibiting different physical-chemical characteristics were used (i.e., a biologically treated hydrocarbon-contaminated soil and a pristine soil). Residual concentrations were observed and a simple way to take this phenomenon into account was proposed.

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of a new material (PUPA) based on polyurethane and poly(amido-amine) components capable of strongly adsorbing quantities of heparin.

The synthesis of new materials (PUPAs) based on a commercial polyurethane and a heparin-complexing polymer, poly(amido-amine), was studied. PUPAs are capable of adsorbing heparin because the basic nitrogens of poly(amido-amine), once protonated, interact with the negative charges carried by the heparin molecule. Six different samples of PUPA were synthesized having a varied ratio of the components. The quantity of basic nitrogen on the surface and the bound heparin for each sample was determined. Two different kinds of heparin are present on a PUPA surface: one is strongly bound but can be detached by 0.1 M NaOH solution, the other is physically adsorbed and is slowly released by a stream of saline solution. A relationship between the quantity of strongly bound heparin and basic nitrogen was found. SEM and FTIR-ATR analysis were performed on all the PUPA samples. The mechanical characteristics change according to chemical composition.

Chemical and biological evaluation of heparinized poly(amido-amine) grafted polyurethane.

By a simple process poly(amido-amine) chains have been grafted onto the surface of polyurethane. The poly(amido-amine) was found to be able to complex heparin by electrostatic interaction. Heparin can be released only at pH greater than 10 with NaOH solution. The heparin adsorbing capacity of the material was biologically tested, and the anticoagulant activity of the heparinized polyurethane was demonstrated.