Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

About: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a facility organization based out in Richland, Washington, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Aerosol. The organization has 11581 authors who have published 27934 publications receiving 1120489 citations. The organization is also known as: PNL & PNNL.

High-Linear Energy Transfer Irradiation Targeted to Skeletal Metastases by the α-Emitter 223Ra: Adjuvant or Alternative to Conventional Modalities?

Abstract: The bone-seeking, α-particle-emitting radiopharmaceutical Alpharadin, 223 RaCl 2 (half-life = 11.4 days), is under clinical development as a novel treatment for skeletal metastases from breast and prostate cancer. This article summarizes the current status of preclinical and clinical research on 223 RaCl 2 . Potential advantages of 223 Ra to that of external beam irradiation and registered β-emitting bone seekers are discussed. Published data of 223 Ra dosimetry in mice and a therapeutic study in a skeletal metastases model in nude rats have indicated significant therapeutic potential of bone-seeking α-emitters. This article provides short-term and long-term results from the first clinical single dosage trial. We also present data from a repeated dosage study of five consecutive injections of 50 kBq/kg body weight, once every 3rd week, or two injections of 125 kBq/kg body weight, 6 weeks apart. Furthermore, interim results are described for a randomized phase 2 trial involving 64 patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer and painful skeletal metastases who received four monthly injections of 223 Ra or saline as an adjuvant to external beam radiotherapy. Lastly, we present preliminary dose estimates for 223 Ra in humans. Results indicate that repeated dosing is feasible and toxicity is low, and that opportunities are available for combined treatment strategies.

MoS2/TiO2 heterostructures as nonmetal plasmonic photocatalysts for highly efficient hydrogen evolution

Abstract: In this study, we report nonmetal plasmonic MoS2@TiO2 heterostructures for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 generation. Large area laminated MoS2 in conjunction with TiO2 nanocavity arrays is achieved via carefully controlled anodization, physical vapor deposition, and chemical vapor deposition processes. The broad spectral response ranging from ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths and finite element frequency-domain simulations suggest that this MoS2@TiO2 heterostructure enhances photocatalytic activity for H+ reduction. A high H2 yield rate of 181 μmol h−1 cm−2 (equal to 580 mmol h−1 g−1 based on the loading mass of MoS2) is achieved using a low catalyst loading mass. The spatially uniform heterostructure, correlated with plasmon-resonance through the conformal MoS2 coating that effectively regulates charge transfer pathways, is proven to be vitally important for the unique solar energy harvesting and photocatalytic H2 production. As an innovative exploration, our study demonstrates that the photocatalytic activities of nonmetal, earth-abundant materials can be enhanced with plasmonic effects, which may serve as an excellent catalytic agent for solar energy conversion to chemical fuels.

In vitro cell culture infectivity assay for human noroviruses.

Abstract: Human noroviruses cause severe, self-limiting gastroenteritis that typically lasts 24–48 hours. Because of the lack of suitable tissue culture or animal models, the true nature of norovirus pathogenesis remains unknown. We show that noroviruses can infect and replicate in a 3-dimensional (3-D), organoid model of human small intestinal epithelium. Cells grown on porous collage-coated beads under fluid shear conditions in rotating wall vessel bioreactors differentiate into 3-D architectures resembling both the morphologic and physiologic function of in vivo tissues. Microscopy, PCR, and fluorescent in situ hybridization provided evidence of norovirus infection. Cytopathic effect and norovirus RNA were detected at each of the 5 cell passages for genogroup I and II viruses. Our results demonstrate that the highly differentiated 3-D cell culture model can support the natural growth of human noroviruses, whereas previous attempts that used differentiated monolayer cultures failed.

CO2 Reduction on Supported Ru/Al2O3 Catalysts: Cluster Size Dependence of Product Selectivity

Abstract: The catalytic performance of a series of Ru/Al2O3 catalysts with Ru content in the 0.1–5% range was examined in the reduction of CO2 with H2. At low Ru loadings (≤0.5%) where the active metal phase is highly dispersed (mostly atomically) on the alumina support, CO is formed with high selectivity. With increasing metal loading, the selectivity toward CH4 formation increases, while that for CO production decreases. In the 0.1% Ru/Al2O3 catalyst, Ru is mostly present in atomic dispersion, as scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images obtained from the fresh sample prior to catalytic testing reveal. STEM images recorded from this same sample, following the temperature programmed reaction test, clearly show the agglomeration of small metal particles (and atoms) into 3D clusters. The clustering of the highly dispersed metal phase is responsible for the observed dramatic selectivity change during elevated temperature tests: dramatic decrease in CO and large increase in CH4 selectivity. Apparent acti...