Effect of compaction on bisulfide diffusive transport through MX-80 bentonite.

Canada's deep geological repository (DGR) design includes an engineered barrier system where highly compacted bentonite (HCB) surrounds the copper-coated used fuel containers (UFCs). Microbial-influenced corrosion is a potential threat to long-term integrity of UFC as bisulfide (HS-) may be produced by microbial activities under anaerobic conditions and transported via diffusion through the HCB to reach the UFC surface, resulting in corrosion of copper. Therefore, understanding HS- transport mechanisms through HCB is critical for accurate prediction of copper corrosion allowance. This study investigated HS- transport behaviour through MX-80 bentonite at dry densities 1070-1615 kg m-3 by performing through-diffusion experiments. Following HS- diffusion, bromide (Br-) diffusion and Raman spectroscopy analyses were performed to explore possible physical or mineralogical alterations of bentonite caused by interacting with HS-. In addition, accessible porosity ε was estimated using extended Archie's law. Effective diffusion coefficient of HS- was found 2.5 × 10-12 m2 s-1 and 5.0× 10-12 m2 s-1 for dry densities 1330 and 1070 kg m-3, respectively. No HS- breakthrough was observed for highly compacted bentonite (1535-1615 kg m-3) over the experimental timeframe (170 days). Raman spectroscopy results revealed that HS- reacted with iron in bentonite and precipitated as mackinawite and, therefore, it was immobilized. Finally, results of this study imply that HS- transport towards UFC will be highly controlled by the available iron content and dry density of the buffer material.

Iron oxyhydroxide colloid formation by gamma-radiolysis.

Gamma-irradiation of deaerated aqueous solutions containing FeSO(4) leads to the formation of uniform-sized colloidal particles of γ-FeOOH. At short irradiation times, or in solutions with a low initial [Fe(2+)](0), spherical particles with a size less than 10 nm are formed. These primary particles grow to form a dendritic structure upon longer irradiation, and the final size of the large particles is ∼60 nm with a very narrow size distribution. Further prolonged irradiation does not change the final particle size. The narrow size distribution is attributed to rapid homogeneous radiolytic oxidation of soluble Fe(2+) to relatively insoluble Fe(3+) hydroxides [Fe(H(2)O)(6-n)(OH)(n)](3-n) leading to particle nucleation by spontaneous condensation. These primary particles then grow into γ-FeOOH particles with a dendritic structure. The final size reached at long times is regulated by the steady-state redox conditions established during long-term irradiation at the aqueous-solid interface.

Randomized controlled trial of brief cognitive behaviour therapy versus treatment as usual in recurrent deliberate self-harm: the POPMACT study.

BACKGROUND: We carried out a large randomized trial of a brief form of cognitive therapy, manual-assisted cognitive behaviour therapy (MACT) versus treatment as usual (TAU) for deliberate self-harm. METHOD: Patients presenting with recurrent deliberate self-harm in five centres were randomized to either MACT or (TAU) and followed up over 1 year. MACT patients received a booklet based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) principles and were offered up to five plus two booster sessions of CBT from a therapist in the first 3 months of the study. Ratings of parasuicide risk, anxiety, depression, social functioning and global function, positive and negative thinking, and quality of life were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty patients were randomized. Sixty per cent of the MACT group had both the booklet and CBT sessions. There were seven suicides, five in the TAU group. The main outcome measure, the proportion of those repeating deliberate self-harm in the 12 months of the study, showed no significant difference between those treated with MACT (39%) and treatment as usual (46%) (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.14, P=0.20). CONCLUSION: Brief cognitive behaviour therapy is of limited efficacy in reducing self-harm repetition, but the findings taken in conjunctin with the economic evaluation (Byford et al. 2003) indicate superiority of MACT over TAU in terms of cost and effectiveness combined.

Electrochemical treatment of acidic aqueous ferrous sulfate and copper sulfate as models for acid mine drainage.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a serious environmental problem in the mining industry. The present work describes electrolytic reduction of solutions of synthetic AMD, comprising FeSO4/H2SO4 and CuSO4/H2SO4, in flow-through cells whose anode and cathode compartments were separated using ion exchange membranes. In the case of FeSO4/H2SO4 at constant flow rate, the pH of the effluent from the catholyte increased progressively with current at a variety of cathodes, due to electrolytic reduction of H+ ions to elemental hydrogen. Near-quantitative removal of iron was achieved by sparging air into the catholyte effluent, thereby precipitating iron outside the electrochemical cell, and avoiding fouling of the electrodes. The anode reaction was the oxidation of water to O2, a proton-releasing process. Using cation exchange membranes and sodium sulfate as the supporting electrolyte in the anode compartment, the efficiency of the process was compromised at high currents by transport of H+ competitively with Na+ from the anode to the cathode compartments. Higher efficiencies were obtained when anion exchange membranes were used, and in this case no additional supporting electrolyte other than dilute H2SO4 was needed, the net reaction being the electrochemically driven transfer of the elements of H2SO4 from the cathode to the anode compartments. Current efficiencies approximately 50% were achieved, the loss of efficiency being accounted for by ohmic heating of the solutions. In the case of CuSO4/H2SO4 and anion exchange membranes at high currents, reduction of Cu2+ and H+ ions and transport of SO4(2-) ions out of the catholyte caused unacceptably high potentials to be generated.

A prospective study of contact lens complications in a managed care setting.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the rate of contact lensrelated complications and the factors that affect their occurrence can facilitate better prescribing decisions. METHODS: In a managed care setting, 1496 patient visits were evaluated using a common protocol by 11 optometrists to determine the prevalence of all contact lens-related complications. RESULTS: Over one-half (61%) of the visits were normal, with the remainder showing some type of complication. The more prevalent complications included superficial punctate staining (17.3%) and neovascularization (11.4%). Total complications were less prevalent with rigid gas permeable (RGP) and disposable lens types. Planned replacement soft lenses, used on a daily wear schedule, had the lowest prevalence of more serious complications when compared to conventional soft and disposable lenses. Patients on an extended wear schedule greater than 3 days were more likely to experience complications. The use of nonapproved care systems showed more complications, with serious complications reduced when a one-step care system was used. CONCLUSION: Choice of lens type, wearing schedule, and care system does affect the prevalence of complications, which underlines the importance of the recommendations of the prescriber.

The effect of cycloplegia on the determination of refractive error by the Ophthalmetron.

The Ophthalmetron was used to measure the refractive error of 10 male optometry students. Although there was a high incidence of invalid readings, more repeatable results were obtained with use of a cycloplegic. Measurements made under cycloplegia revealed 0.41 D more hyperopia but no differences in astigmatism as compared to the noncycloplegic refraction. Instrument myopia was shown not to be a factor.

Case report: familial cone dysfunction.

Four generations of a family with hereditary retinal degeneration underwent extensive optometric evaluation, including electrodiagnostic testing. The compiled data indicate a partial cone dysfunction transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. The optometrist's role in the diagnosis of such conditions is discussed as well as his role in family counseling. The cone dysfunction under discussion is differentiated from other tapetoretinal degenerations.