Evaluation of Reclaimed Asphalt Mixtures Modified by Nanoclay Powder on Moisture Damage

Recycling asphalt is a significant stage in pavement industry, yet it can be unfavorable to the durability of the recycled mix due to the loss of binder charachteristics, thus the mixture will be weaker to the external factors like moisture. This study aims to evaluate the influence of nanoclay montmorillonite k10 powder (MMT) on Marshall’s characteristics and moisture resistance in Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) mixtures. Three percentages of rejuvenated RAP were used, 30%, 40%, and 50% of the total mixture, these percentages were modified with 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% nanoclay (MMT) of the neat binder’s weight. Asphalt Cement AC(85-100) was used to rejuvenate the RAP. The Marshall test was conducted on modified RAP to detect the effect on the Marshall stability and flow and air void, indirect tensile strength tests (ITS) were also conducted before and after nanoclay powder addition to compare and assess the resistance of moisture to rejuvenated RAP mixtures. The results of the laboratory tests have shown that the use of 5% nanoclay in the regenerated RAP mixes offers superior performance than without it, where it enhanced stability by 15%, reduced flow by 14.3%, and increased moisture damage resistance by 3.66% all for 50% RAP mixtures.

Relaxation of the Boussinesq system and applications to the Rayleigh–Taylor instability

We consider the evolution of two incompressible fluids with homogeneous densities $$\rho _{-}<\rho _+$$ ρ - < ρ + subject to gravity described by the inviscid Boussinesq equations and provide the explicit relaxation of the associated differential inclusion. The existence of a subsolution to the relaxation allows one to conclude the existence of turbulently mixing solutions to the original Boussinesq system. As a specific application we investigate subsolutions emanating from the classical Rayleigh-Taylor initial configuration where the two fluids are separated by a horizontal interface with the heavier fluid being on top of the lighter. It turns out that among all self-similar subsolutions the criterion of maximal initial energy dissipation selects a linear density profile and a quadratic growth of the mixing zone. The subsolution selected this way can be extended in an admissible way to exist for all times. We provide two possible extensions with different long-time limits. The first one corresponds to a total mixture of the two fluids, the second corresponds to a full separation with the lighter fluid on top of the heavier. There is no motion in either of the limit states.

The effect of crumb rubber in dense graded and open graded cold mixture asphalt

Recycling tires is one of the eco-friendly way for reducing environmental problems. Incorporating crumb rubber in asphalt mixtures is an alternative way for reusing the end-of-life tires in road construction. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the cold mix asphalt incorporating crumb rubber as a substitute for a part of fine aggregates. In this study, the aggregate gradations for mix design were selected according to the specification, Dense Graded Emulsion Mixtures (DGEM) Type IV and Open Graded Emulsion Mixtures (OGEM) Type E/20. The design bitumen content in this study was optimized for stability, void in mixture (porosity), and density. Crumb Rubber (CR) emulsion mixtures were made with optimum bitumen content at 8% by mass of total mixture for DGEM and OGEM. In order to incorporate crumb rubber into the cold emulsion mixtures, laboratory testing were performed for 25% and 50% of fine aggregates replaced with an equal volume of crumb rubber. In general, CR emulsion mixtures showed good results in all parameters. The CR emulsion mixtures also had a good comparison to hot mix asphalt specification for medium volume traffic loads with porosity less than 10%. From this study, crumb rubber can be recommended as a substitution material of fine aggregates in cold mix asphalt.

Lipogenic Potency of Individual Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids (PFAAs) and Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Mixtures at Human Blood-Based Exposure Levels on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells

In recent decades, the incidence of metabolic disorders has increased internationally. This increase has been linked to exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), but little is known about the metabolic effects of realistic human exposure mixtures at relevant concentrations. In this study we tested if POPs, representing real-life exposure profiles and concentrations, were able to disrupt development and functions of adipose tissue in a direct way. The lipogenic potency of a POP mixture modelled on levels found in human blood as detected in the Scandinavian population was assessed. The Total mixture comprises 29 compounds divided over three groups: chlorinated (Cl), brominated (Br) and perfluorinated compounds (PFAA). Individual PFAA chemicals, the Total mixture and sub-mixtures (Cl, Br, PFAA, Cl + Br, Cl + PFAA and Br + PFAA) at five (× 1/10, × 1, × 50, × 100 and × 500) human blood levels were tested in an optimized high content analysis (HCA) 3T3-L1 adipogenesis assay. All exposures promoted adipocyte formation in 3T3-L1 cells at concentrations equivalent to × 1/10 human blood levels. PFAAs promoted lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells at 33.6 pM (PFUnDA) and 390,460 pM (PFHxS). The Total mixture, and the Cl, PFAA, Cl + Br and Cl + PFAA sub-mixtures, started to promote lipid accumulation at × 1/10 human blood levels. This in vitro bioassay study assessed the adipogenic effects of POP mixtures modelled on real-life human exposure levels. The findings highlight that such exposures may alter adipose tissue development and function, thus potentially playing a role in the globally increasing escalation of metabolic disorders.

Effects of Defined Mixtures of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on Pre-lethal Cytotoxicity in the Human A-498 Kidney Cell Line In Vitro

A total mixture of 29 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) modelled from Scandinavian blood concentrations was used to expose human A-498 kidney cells for 24 h over a concentration range spanning below to above blood level (1/10x, 1x, 50x, 100x, 500x). Its constituent submixtures (PFAA, Br, Cl) and co-mixtures (PFAA + Br, PFAA + Cl, Br + Cl) were also tested. Valinomycin (12 µM) was used as a cytotoxic comparative compound. Cell number (CN), nuclear area (NA), nuclear intensity (NI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial mass (MM) were assessed using high content analysis (HCA). Only the co-mixtures (PFAA + Cl, PFAA + Br) at 50x and 50x, 500x decreased CN, respectively. NI was increased by the total mixture at 500x and Cl mixture at all concentrations tested. MMP was increased by the total mixture at 100x and 500x, PFAA at 1x, Br + Cl and PFAA + Cl at 100x and 500x, respectively. MM was decreased by the total mixture at 500x. In contrast, valinomycin decreased CN and surviving cells showed a decrease in MMP and an increase in MM. In conclusion, POP exposure altered mitochondrial metabolism and induced cell death via an alternative mechanism to valinomycin. Only specific combinations of individual chemical classes, but not the total mixture, affected cell number.

Lipogenic Potency of Individual Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids (PFAAs) and Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Mixtures at Human Blood-Based Exposure Levels on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells

Background In recent decades, the incidence of metabolic disorders has increased internationally. This increase has been linked to exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) but little is known about the metabolic effects of realistic human exposure mixtures at relevant concentrations. Objectives In this study we tested if POPs, representing real life exposure profiles and concentrations, were able to disrupt development and functions of adipose tissue in a direct way. Methods The lipogenic potency of a POP mixture modelled on levels found in human blood as detected in the Scandinavian population was assessed. The Total mixture comprises 29 compounds divided over three groups: chlorinated (Cl), brominated (Br), and perfluorinated compounds (PFAA). Individual PFAA chemicals, the Total mixture, and sub-mixtures (Cl, Br, PFAA, Cl + Br, Cl + PFAA, and Br + PFAA) at five (× 1/10, × 1, × 50, × 100, and × 500) human blood levels were tested in an optimised high content analysis (HCA) 3T3-L1 adipogenesis assay. Results Individual PFAAs; perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) promoted lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. The Total mixture, and the Cl, PFAA, Cl + Br, and Cl + PFAA sub-mixtures, promoted adipogenic differentiation and lipid accumulation. Increased lipid accumulation promoted adipose tissue expansion. Conclusions To the authors knowledge, this is the first in vitro bioassay study assessing the adipogenic effects of POP mixtures modelled on real-life human exposure levels. The findings highlight that such exposures may alter adipose tissue development and function, thus potentially playing a role in the globally increasing escalation of metabolic disorders.

Development of New Targeted Inulin Complex Nanoaggregates for siRNA Delivery in Antitumor Therapy

Here, a novel strategy of formulating efficient polymeric carriers based on the already described INU-IMI-DETA for gene material whose structural, functional, and biological properties can be modulated and improved was successfully investigated. In particular, two novel derivatives of INU-IMI-DETA graft copolymer were synthesized by chemical functionalisation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or polyethylenglycol (PEG), named INU-IMI-DETA-EGF and INU-IMI-DETA-PEG, respectively, in order to improve the performance of already described “inulin complex nanoaggregates” (ICONs). The latter were thus prepared by appropriately mixing the two copolymers, by varying each component from 0 to 100 wt% on the total mixture, named EP-ICONs. It was seen that the ability of the INU-IMI-DETA-EGF/INU-IMI-DETA-PEG polymeric mixture to complex siGL3 increases with the increase in the EGF-based component in the EP-ICONs and, for each sample, with the increase in the copolymer:siRNA weight ratio (R). On the other hand, the susceptibility of loaded siRNA towards RNase decreases with the increase in the pegylated component in the polymeric mixture. At all R values, the average size and the zeta potential values are suitable for escaping from the RES system and suitable for prolonged intravenous circulation. By means of biological characterisation, it was shown that MCF-7 cells are able to internalize mainly the siRNA-loaded into EGF-decorated complexes, with a significant difference from ICONs, confirming its targeting function. The targeting effect of EGF on EP-ICONs was further demonstrated by a competitive cell uptake study, i.e., after cell pre-treatment with EGF. Finally, it was shown that the complexes containing both EGF and PEG are capable of promoting the internalisation and therefore the transfection of siSUR, a siRNA acting against surviving mRNA, and to increase the sensitivity to an anticancer agent, such as doxorubicin.

Advances in Breeding for Mixed Cropping – Incomplete Factorials and the Producer/Associate Concept

Mixed cropping has been suggested as a resource-efficient approach to meet high produce demands while maintaining biodiversity and minimizing environmental impact. Current breeding programs do not select for enhanced general mixing ability (GMA) and neglect biological interactions within species mixtures. Clear concepts and efficient experimental designs, adapted to breeding for mixed cropping and encoded into appropriate statistical models, are lacking. Thus, a model framework for GMA and SMA (specific mixing ability) was established. Results of a simulation study showed that an incomplete factorial design combines advantages of two commonly used full factorials, and enables to estimate GMA, SMA, and their variances in a resource-efficient way. This model was extended to the Producer (Pr) and Associate (As) concept to exploit additional information based on fraction yields. It was shown that the Pr/As concept allows to characterize genotypes for their contribution to total mixture yield, and, when relating to plant traits, allows to describe biological interaction functions (BIF) in a mixed crop. Incomplete factorial designs show the potential to drastically improve genetic gain by testing an increased number of genotypes using the same amount of resources. The Pr/As concept can further be employed to maximize GMA in an informed and efficient way. The BIF of a trait can be used to optimize species ratios at harvest as well as to extend our understanding of competitive and facilitative interactions in a mixed plant community. This study provides an integrative methodological framework to promote breeding for mixed cropping.

Study of the Formation Conditions of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles in An Overstressed Nanosecond Discharge between Aluminum Electrodes in A Mixture of Nitrogen and Oxygen

The results of the study of oscillograms of voltage, current, pulsed electric power and energy input into the plasma of an overstressed nanosecond discharge between aluminum electrodes in argon and mixtures of nitrogen with oxygen (100-1) at pressures in the range of 13.3-103.3 kPa are presented, the emission plasma spectra are studied. It is shown that in mixtures of nitrogen with oxygen at atmospheric pressure, nanoparticles of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) are formed, the luminescence of which manifests itself in the spectral range of 200-600 nm and which is associated with the formation of F-, F + - centers and more complex aggregate formations based on oxygen vacancies. Calculations of the electron-kinetic coefficients of plasma, transport characteristics, such as mean electron energies in the range 5.116-13.41 eV, are given. The electron concentration was 1.6 ∙ 1020 m-3 - 1.1 ∙ 1020 m-3 at a current density of 5.1 ∙ 106 A / m2 and l. 02 ∙ 107 A / m2 on the surface of the electrode of the radiation source (0.196 · 10-4 m2). Also drift velocities, temperatures and concentrations of electrons, specific losses of the discharge power for elastic and inelastic processes of collisions of electrons per unit of the total concentration of the mixture from the reduced electric field strength (E / N) for a mixture of aluminum, nitrogen, oxygen, rate constants of collisions of electrons with aluminum atoms on the E / N parameter in plasma on a mixture of aluminum vapor, oxygen and nitrogen = 30: 1000: 100000 Pa at a total mixture pressure of P = 101030 Pa are given.

Bastard alfalfa as a component of plant ecosystems of the Moscow region

В производстве люцерна возделывается в основном в одновидовых посевах. Благодаря долголетию, способности к многоукосности, высокой кормовой продуктивности, непревзойдённому качеству корма люцерны предпочтение в настоящее время отдаётся созданию многовидовых агрофитоценозов. В условиях Нечернозёмной зоны Российской Федерации проведена научная работа и дана оценка по биологическим и хозяйственно ценным признакам новых перспективных образцов люцерны различного селекционного происхождения в агрофитоценозе со злаковыми травами. В качестве злаковых компонентов травосмеси использовали тимофеевку луговую (сорт ВИК 9) и овсяницу луговую (сорт ВИК 5). Научная работа выполнялась в 2014–2016 годах на Центральной экспериментальной базе (ЦЭБ) ФНЦ «ВИК им. В. Р. Вильямса» в Московской области (Нечернозёмная зона Российской Федерации). Производству необходимы сорта люцерны интенсивного типа использования, устойчивые в лугопастбищных агрофитоценозах при совместном посеве со злаковыми компонентами, выдерживающие частое скашивание, быстро отрастающие весной и после укосов, хорошо облиственные, с высокими кормовыми достоинствами. В статье представлены данные новых перспективных образцов люцерны по зимостойкости, облиственности растений, высоте травостоя, мощности развития, урожайности зелёной и сухой массы, конкурентной способности, а также другие показатели. Взятые на изучение новые образцы люцерны показали высокую зимостойкость (97,0–99,5%), хорошую облиственность (в первом укосе — 42,6–44,1%, во втором — 49,8–53,1% и в третьем — 56,6–59,4%). В среднем за период исследований получена высокая урожайность: 64,5–69,0 т/га зелёной и 15,3–16,3 т/га сухой массы. От общей урожайности зелёной массы на долю люцерны приходилось от 69,0–73,6% в первом до 72,6–82,8% в третьем укосе, что показывает высокую конкурентоспособность новых популяций люцерны. Alfalfa grows mainly as monoculture on farms. But nowadays alfalfa mixtures with other crops are of great importance due to its longevity, fast regrowth, high productivity, and forage quality. The experiment was conducted at the Central Experimental Base of the Federal Williams Research Center of Fodder Production and Agroecology in the Non-Chernozem region in 2014–2016. Its aim was to test biology and economical value of various alfalfa genotypes in combination with gramineous. Alfalfa grew in mixtures with common timothy (“VIK 9”) and meadow fescue (“VIK 5”). Intensive farming requires alfalfa varieties that have good stress-resistance and performance. This article reports on new promising alfalfa genotypes and their winter resistance, leaf coverage, height, shoot and root development, productivity of green and dry mass, competitiveness etc. New alfalfa genotypes showed high winter hardiness (97.0–99.5%), good leaf coverage (in the first cut — 42.6–44.1%, in the second one — 49.8–53.1% and in the third one — 56.6–59.4%). Crop provided 64.5–69.0 t ha-1 of green mass and 15.3–16.3 t ha-1 of dry mass. Yield of alfalfa green mass amounted to 69.0–73.6 and 72.6–82.8% of total mixture productivity in the first and third cuts, respectively, suggesting high competitiveness of new alfalfa populations.