This study presents the first comprehensive seasonal assessment of radon (222Rn) in the surface water of the River Nile in Upper Egypt, addressing a critical gap in radiological monitoring of large transboundary rivers. While 222Rn in groundwater has been extensively studied, its behavior in dynamic surface water systems under arid climatic conditions remains poorly understood. Water samples were collected from a representative fixed site along the River Nile across four seasons: autumn, winter, spring, and summer. 222Rn concentrations were measured using a high-precision AlphaGUARD PQ2000PRO with AquaKIT, ensuring accurate and reproducible results. The highest average 222Rn level was recorded in winter (2.66 ± 0.05 Bq/L), while the lowest occurred in summer (0.78 ± 0.01 Bq/L). One-way ANOVA confirmed significant seasonal differences (F (3,103) = 99.93, p < 0.001). Moderate positive correlations were observed between 222Rn and total dissolved solids (TDS) (r ≈ 0.355) and electrical conductivity (EC) (r ≈ 0.348), indicating the influence of water chemistry. Notably, a strong negative correlation with ambient air humidity (r = -0.509)-rarely reported in prior literature-suggests enhanced 222Rn retention under dry conditions. A weaker but still noticeable positive correlation existed with air temperature (r = 0.234), highlighting the role of atmospheric conditions in 222Rn degassing. Although correlations are not extremely strong, the physical behavior of 222Rn supports these findings: cold, dry winter air promotes 222Rn solubility, while warm, humid summer conditions favor its release into the atmosphere-analogous to gas effervescence in carbonated beverages. Annual effective doses were estimated using seasonally adjusted water consumption rates, a refinement often overlooked in conventional assessments. Notably, infant doses in summer approached the internationally recommended reference level, raising public health considerations. This work demonstrates that accurate risk evaluation in large river systems requires integrated, time-resolved monitoring of both chemical and meteorological drivers, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions. These findings support the need for routine, time-resolved assessments in environmental radiation protection programs.

Understanding the stage-specific performance of conventional water treatment processes in removing natural radionuclides is crucial for optimizing public health protection, particularly in regions dependent on major river systems like the Nile. This study comprehensively evaluates the effectiveness of each treatment stage in conventional water treatment plants across Upper Egypt in reducing natural radionuclides, radon-222 (Rn-222), radium-226 (Ra-226), radium-228 (Ra-228), and potassium-40 (K-40), in Nile River-derived drinking water. We collected 40 water samples from 10 representative Nile-fed treatment plants in Upper Egypt, at 4 key stages: raw water intake, post-coagulation/sedimentation, post-filtration, and final treated water. Rn-222 concentrations were measured using the RAD7 detection system with RAD H2O accessory, while gamma-emitting radionuclides (Ra-226, Ra-228, and K-40) were analyzed via NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometry after achieving secular equilibrium between each parent and its short-lived progeny. The multi-stage conventional treatment process demonstrated differential effectiveness across radionuclides through distinct removal mechanisms. The treatment sequence achieved cumulative removal efficiencies (Reff) of 74.19% for Rn-222 through volatilization during various stages, 28.86% for Ra-226 through coagulation and particulate capture, 46.84% for Ra-228, and 20.17% for K-40, the lowest among the studied radionuclides, due to its predominantly dissolved ionic nature. Treatment stages contributed sequentially: coagulation removed 29.17% of Rn-222, 17.46% of Ra-226, 32.16% of Ra-228, and 11.85% of K-40; filtration further reduced Ra-226, Ra-228, and K-40, resulting in cumulative Reff values of 26.06%, 42.04%, and 12.84%, respectively, by the end of this stage, while for Rn-222, filtration significantly enhanced its removal to a cumulative Reff of 59.42%; final treatment (disinfection) achieved the aforementioned cumulative efficiencies for all radionuclides. The sequential multi-barrier approach resulted in calculated annual effective doses (Dan) of 18.8 µSv/year (adults), 28.3 µSv/year (children), and 15.4 µSv/year (infants), all well below the international screening level of 100 µSv/year for a single source of radiation in drinking water, applicable to all age groups. These processes effectively mitigate radiological risks, with filtration being particularly crucial for volatile radionuclides and coagulation-filtration being essential for radionuclides that are associated with suspended particles, such as Ra-228. These findings provide critical insights for water treatment optimization and regulatory compliance in river-dependent communities.

This study aims to determine the specific activity of natural uranium isotopes, including uranium-238 (238U), uranium-234 (234U), and uranium-235 (235U), in soil and vegetable samples - specifically tomato, potato, onion, carrot, and radish - collected from the Tafila district, Jordan, and to assess the soil-to-plant transfer factors using alpha spectrometry with a passivated implanted planar silicon (PIPS) detector. A total of eight soil samples and eight corresponding vegetable samples were obtained from eight distinct locations. The results revealed considerable spatial variability in uranium activity concentrations, reflecting the influence of geological formations and environmental conditions. The average activity concentrations were 251.6 ± 14.2 Bq/kg for 238U, 10.5 ± 1.9 Bq/kg for 235U, and 248.8 ± 13.9 Bq/kg for 234U in soil samples, while vegetable samples showed lower concentrations of 3.2 ± 0.16, 0.21 ± 0.05, and 3.1 ± 0.17 Bq/kg for 238U, 235U, and 234U, respectively. The calculated transfer factors ranged from 4.4 ± 0.4 × 10-3 to 29.1 ± 1.8 × 10-3 for 238U, 6.4 ± 1.4 × 10-3 to 33.0 ± 15.7 × 10-3 for 235U, and 4.3 ± 0.4 × 10-3 to 28.7 ± 1.9 × 10-3 for 234U, which reflects notable differences in uranium uptake efficiency among the studied plant species. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.99) was observed between 238U and 234U in both soil and vegetable samples, suggesting isotopic equilibrium through natural decay. These findings provide essential baseline data for future studies on uranium mobility, bioavailability, and potential radiological risks in agricultural systems within the Tafila District.

This study investigates the distribution, transfer, and potential ecological risks of naturally occurring radioactive materials, including radon-222 ( 222 Rn), radium-226 ( 226 Ra), thorium-232 ( 232 Th), and potassium-40 ( 40 K), in the aquatic ecosystem of Nasser Lake, Egypt. As Egypt’s largest freshwater reservoir and a critical source of drinking water and fish, Nasser Lake plays a key role in environmental stability and public health. A total of 40 environmental samples—sediment, water, aquatic plants, and fish—were collected from 10 strategically selected sites around the lake. Gamma spectroscopy using sodium iodide activated with thallium [NaI(Tl)] detectors and AlphaGUARD radon monitoring systems was employed to measure radionuclide activity concentrations. Spatial distribution patterns were analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to identify zones of elevated radioactivity. The highest concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K were recorded in sediment samples near the High Dam, reaching 10.99 ± 0.42 Bq kg −1 , 23.94 ± 1.91 Bq kg −1 , and 277.38 ± 23.86 Bq kg −1 , respectively. A strong positive correlation (Pearson’s r = 0.913) was observed between 226 Ra and 222 Rn exhalation rates, confirming that sediment accumulation significantly contributes to local radiological emissions. Bioaccumulation studies showed progressive uptake of radionuclides along the aquatic food chain, with fish exhibiting a bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of 0.74 for 226 Ra. Estimated annual radiation doses from fish consumption reached up to 6.435 microsieverts per year (µSv y −1 ), remaining below international reference levels established by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the combination of localized contamination near the High Dam and high fish consumption in nearby communities may present long-term radiological exposure risks. These findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of radioactive contaminants in sediment, water, and aquatic organisms in Nasser Lake. The study also provides a transferable framework for assessing the behavior of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) in freshwater environments and supports the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for clean water and good health.

This study looks at the effects of radon-222 (222Rn) exposure in three areas of the Southeastern desert of Egypt: Wadi Um-Sleimat, Jebel El-Erediya, and Wadi Um-Had. It uses a forensic method to trace the sources of radon and assess how it affects the environment. It evaluates the external annual effective dose (EAED) and the annual effective dose from indoor exposure to 222Rn and its decay products (ERn) to understand better the health risks associated with natural radioactive activities. The findings reveal that the EAED values in Wadi Um-Had range from 0.19 to 0.49 mSv/y; while in Wadi Um-Sleimat, the values range from 0.115 to 0.191 mSv/y; and in Jebel El-Erediya, the values range from 0.160 to 0.490 mSv/y. Furthermore, the assessment of the ERn highlights significant risks, with Wadi Um-Had exhibiting values between 7.94 and 39.72 mSv/y, Wadi Um-Sleimat ranging from 2.82 to 8.07 mSv/y, and Jebel El-Erediya showing values from 6.33 to 40.78 mSv/y, all at a ventilation rate (v) of 0.1 air changes per hour (ACH). The 222Rn activity concentrations (ACRn) were measured, with Wadi Um-Sleimat reporting levels ranging from 112.1 +/- 9.66 Bq/m(3) to 320.2 +/- 27.6 Bq/m(3) at a v of 0.1 ACH and from 23.75 +/- 2.05 Bq/m(3) to 67.87 +/- 5.85 Bq/m(3) a v of 0.5 ACH. In Wadi Um-Had, ACRn ranged from 315.25 +/- 27.18 Bq/m(3) to 1576.24 +/- 135.88 Bq/m(3) at a v of 0.1 ACH and from 66.83 +/- 5.76 Bq/m(3) to 334.13 +/- 28.8 Bq/m(3) at a v of 0.5 ACH. Jebel El-Erediya exhibited ACRn ranging from 251.21 +/- 21.66 Bq/m(3) to 1618.11 +/- 139.49 Bq/m(3) at a v of 0.1 ACH and from 53.25 +/- 4.59 Bq/m(3) to 343 +/- 29.57 Bq/m(3) at a v of 0.5 ACH. The evaluation of surface 222Rn gas exhalation rates (EXRs) indicates moderate emissions in Wadi Um-Sleimat (6-17.2 Bq/m2 h), significantly higher emissions in Jebel El-Erediya (up to 84.80 Bq/m2 h), and lower emissions in Wadi Um-Had (13.52-87.05 Bq/m2 h). Finally, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values indicate a moderate risk in Wadi Um-Sleimat (0.42 x 10-3 to 0.71 x 10-3), a higher risk in Jebel El-Erediya (up to 1.73 x 10-3), and varied risk levels in Wadi Um-Had (0.67 x 10-3 to 1.70 x 10-3). This study highlights the importance of forensic evaluations of 222Rn levels to trace its sources and release patterns, alongside implementing mitigation strategies to protect public health. The findings contribute to guiding health policies for the public, environmental management, and developing safety guidelines for mining and residential zones.

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of naturally occurring radionuclides—radium-226 (226Ra), thorium-232 (232Th), and potassium-40 (40K)—in groundwater systems across the Nile Valley regions of Upper Egypt, based on the analysis of 85 groundwater wells. Measured mean activity concentrations were 0.74 ± 0.3 Bq/L for 226Ra, 0.24 ± 0.1 Bq/L for 232Th, and 13 ± 4 Bq/L for 40K, with 226Ra displaying low correlations with salinity indicators including chloride (Cl−), sodium (Na+), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Notably, approximately 30% of sampled wells exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance level of 1 Bq/L for 226Ra, primarily in central and eastern zones influenced by elevated salinity and evaporite dissolution processes. Geospatial mapping combined with multivariate statistical analysis identified four principal components accounting for over 85% of total data variability, demonstrating that depth-dependent processes, including prolonged water–rock interaction and redox evolution, are the primary controls on 226Ra mobilization, with salinity-driven ion exchange as a secondary factor. Minor anthropogenic influences, potentially linked to agricultural activities in shallow aquifers, were also detected. Radiological risk assessment confirmed that calculated annual effective doses remain well within international safety limits (<1 mSv/year), although infants and children demonstrated relatively higher exposure levels due to increased water intake per unit body weight. Lifetime cancer risk estimates via ingestion pathways yielded values below 1 × 10−4, aligning with global health organization benchmarks and reinforcing the general safety of groundwater use in the region. The study highlights potential risks posed by saline groundwater to ancient monuments and archaeological sites, as the cycles of salt forming and breaking down might speed up damage to buildings made of limestone and sandstone. These findings establish a robust scientific foundation for future groundwater quality management and cultural heritage conservation efforts in the Nile Valley region of southern Egypt.

This study aimed to evaluate the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (NORs) in Nasser Lake water, assess the associated radiological risks, and investigate the potential health and environmental impacts. The presence of these NORs is attributed to both natural geological formations, such as uranium-rich granitic and metamorphic rocks, and anthropogenic activities, including agricultural runoff. Water samples were analyzed for radium-226 (Ra-226), thorium-232 (Th-232), and potassium-40 (K-40). The Ra-226 concentration ranged from 0.08 ± 0.003 to 1.28 ± 0.06 becquerel per liter (Bq/l), mostly between 0.2 and 1.0 Bq/l, reflecting geological and anthropogenic influences. The symbol (±) represents the measurement uncertainty associated with gamma spectrometric analysis. According to international radiation safety guidelines, Ra-226 levels below 1 Bq/l are considered safe for consumption. The Th-232 concentration varied from 0.04 ± 0.001 to 0.96 ± 0.06 Bq/l, showing significant spatial variation. Similarly, K-40 concentrations ranged from 1.35 ± 0.11 to 16.57 ± 1.43 Bq/l, with some notably high values. The annual effective dose (Eff) ranged from 15.8 to 266.15 micro sievert per year (µSv/y) for adults, reaching 362.92 µSv/y for children and 221.54 µSv/y for infants. The doses for children and infants exceeded the recommended thresholds. Cancer risk (CR) assessments showed that men’s mortality risks ranged from 2.56 × 10−5 to 4.10 × 10−4, while women’s ranged from 2.68 × 10−5 to 4.29 × 10−4. Morbidity risks varied between 3.72 × 10−5 and 5.95 × 10−4 for men and 3.89 × 10−5 to 6.22 × 10−4 for women. These risks correlate with specific lake locations, highlighting hot spots with elevated radioactive content. Water acidity levels (pH) ranged from 6.23 to 7.9, indicating predominantly neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. These variations correlated with electrical conductivity (EC), reflecting complex interaction between pH, EC, and NORs. The study assesses gamma radiation hazards from external exposure and internal risks from alpha-emitting radionuclides, such as Ra-226 and Th-232, through water ingestion. While most samples comply with standard radiation limits, elevated radionuclide levels in certain areas pose potential health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. Continuous monitoring of radiological parameters in Naser Lake is essential to trace long-term trends and ensure safety compliance. Additionally, advanced water treatment methods could help mitigate radionuclide concentrations in affected areas.

To develop an isotope selective computed tomography imaging technique, a flat-laser Compton scattering gamma-ray beam (F-LCS) by using a helical undulator installed in a storage ring has been proposed. An LCS beam with a broad energy spectrum and spatial distribution, keeping a small beam size, is preferable for multi-isotope imaging and qualitative evaluation. EGS5 simulations assuming the BL1U beamline in UVSOR have been carried out and the result shows that the energy bandwidth of the LCS beam is widened from 2.7% to 22% (FWHM) with a beam size of 2 mm in diameter by varying the undulator K value from 0 to 0.4. A proof of principle (POP) experiment has been carried out in the BL1U, where the APPLE-II undulator has been installed. The K value dependency of the energy spectrum of the generated LCS beam was measured. As a result, a broader energy bandwidth of the LCS beam was observed as the undulator K value increased. The measured energy spectra agreed with the EGS5 results.

Different rock types (syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and quartz syenite intruded by microgranite dikes and quartz veins) were investigated in the Nikeiba region in Egypt. The main components of the studied intrusive rocks, comprised of granites and quartz syenite, are plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, quartz and K-feldspar in different proportions. Ground gamma ray measurements show that syenogranite, quartz syenite and microgranite dikes have the highest radioactivity (K, eU, eTh and their ratios) in comparison with alkali feldspar granite. Geochemically, syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite and quartz syenite are enriched with large-ion lithophile elements (LILE; Ba, Rb, Sr) and high field-strength elements (HFSE; Y, Zr and Nb), but have decreased Ce, reflecting their alkaline affinity. These rocks reveal calc–alkaline affinity, metaluminous characteristics, A-type granites and post-collision geochemical signatures, which indicates emplacement in within-plate environments under an extensional regime. U and Th are increased in syenogranite and quartz syenite, whereas alkali feldspar granite shows a marked decrease in U and Th. The highest average values of AU (131 ± 49 Bq·kg−1), ATh (164 ± 35) and AK (1402 ± 239) in the syenogranite samples are higher than the recommended worldwide average. The radioactivity levels found in the samples are the result of the alteration of radioactive carrying minerals found inside granite faults. The public’s radioactive risk from the radionuclides found in the investigated granitoid samples is estimated by calculating radiological risks. The excess lifetime cancer (ELCR) values exceed the permissible limit. Therefore, the granitoids are unsuitable for use as infrastructure materials.

The present work aims to study gamma rays emitted by radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th and 40K from acidic Monqul volcanics. The studied volcanics are represented by a thick stratified lava flows interbanded with their pyroclastics. They are composed of thick lava flows of andesite and, to a lesser extent of basalt, and acidic volcanics including rhyolite and dacite. The average values of 238U, 232Th and 40K are (46 ± 24 Bq kg-1), (62 ± 11 Bq kg-1) and (1227 ± 318 Bq kg-1) in the rhyolite-dacite samples are greater than the worldwide average. The variation of radioactive bearing minerals observed inside granite faults produced the great amounts of radioactivity perceived in the samples. Calculating radiological risks is used to assess the public's radioactive risk from radionuclides revealed in the studied Rhyolite-dacite samples. The acceptable limit for excess lifetime cancer (ELCR) evaluations has been exceeded. As a result, Rhyolite-dacite are inappropriate for apply in building materials.

The present work is concerned with assessing the cancer risk contributed by the studied granite types including valuable metals, such as Cu, Au, and Ba mineralization, as well as radioactive-bearing mineralization, such as monazite and zircon, in south Monqul at Wadi Makhrag El Ebel, north Eastern Desert, Egypt. The mineralization analyses illustrated that copper mineralization containing chrysocolla and tenorite minerals were restricted to the alteration zone, especially (argillic, phyllic, and propylitic) in monzogranite. However, barite veinlets had an ENE–WSW trend, while gold mineralization was confined to quartz veins having NE–SW trends. Monazite and zircon are radioactive-bearing minerals recorded in monzogranite causing high radioactive zones in south Monqul. The radionuclide activity concentrations were detected in the studied monzogranites. The mean values of AU (103 ± 91 Bq kg−1), ATh (78 ± 19 Bq kg−1), and AK (1484 ± 334 Bq kg−1) in the monzogranite samples were higher than the recommended worldwide average. The change in radioactive-transporting minerals found inside granite faults caused the high amounts of radioactivity seen in the samples. Due to the monzogranites being applied in building materials, the radiological hazards were assessed by calculating risk indices such as annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The acceptable limit for the ELCR readings was surpassed. As a result, the investigated monzogranite samples are not suitable for use in infrastructure materials.

Assessment of the radioactive impacts of building materials has become important before materials are employed in various infrastructure fields. The current study conducted a radiological survey on multiple granitoids in the Nikeiba area, southeastern Desert, Egypt. The petrographically studies were performed and illustrated the presence of radioactive bearing minerals in the investigated granitoids. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in these rocks, including the granitoids, are measured using a GS-256 spectrometer with a 0.35 L sodium iodide (NaI) thallium activated detector. The activity concentration of 238U, 232Th, and 40K varied from 1 +/- 0.3, 4 +/- 1 and 94 +/- 15 Bq kg-1 to 274 +/- 74, 229 +/- 24, and 3537 +/- 436 Bq kg-1 with the mean value of 83 +/- 47, 104 +/- 50 and 1140 +/- 462 Bq kg -1, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis is applied to detect the correlation and similarities of radionuclides with the radioactive hazard indices. Pearson correlation analysis depicts the distribution of 232Th controls the distribution of 238U in the granitoids. The primary radiological health hazard characteristics related to the concentrations of 238U and 232Th were determined by the variance of 89.76% derived using PCA. The cluster analysis dendrogram results indicate a good match with the correlation analysis.

The presence of heavy radioactive minerals in the studied granitoids from which the Wadi sediments leads to the study of the exposure to emitted gamma rays from the terrestrial radionuclides, such as 238U, 232Th, and 40K. The geological study revealed that the Wadi sediments derived from the surrounding granitoids, such as syenogranite, alkali feldspar granite, and quartz syenite. The mineral analysis confirmed that the granitoids were enriched with radioactive minerals, such as uranothorite as well as monazite, zircon, yttrocolumbite, and allanite. The mean activity of the 238U, 232Th, and 40K concentrations are 62.2 ± 20.8, 84.2 ± 23.3, and 949.4 ± 172.5 Bq kg−1, respectively, for the investigated Wadi sediments, exceeding the reported limit of 33, 45 and 412 Bq kg−1, respectively. Public exposure to emitted gamma radiation is detected by estimating many radiological hazard indices, such as the radium equivalent content (Raeq), external and internal hazard indices (Hex and Hin), annual effective dose (AED), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), and excess lifetime cancer (ELCR). The obtained results of the radiological hazards parameters showed that public exposure to emitted gamma radiation can induce various dangerous health effects. Thus, the application of the investigated sediments in different building materials and infrastructures fields is not safe. A multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) was applied to detect radionuclide correlations with the radiological hazard parameters estimated in the granite samples.

The antibiotic-resistant bacteria-associated infections are a major global healthcare threat. New classes of antimicrobial compounds are urgently needed as the frequency of infections caused by multidrug-resistant microbes continues to rise. Recent metagenomic data have demonstrated that there is still biosynthetic potential encoded in but transcriptionally silent in cultivatable bacterial genomes. However, the culture conditions required to identify and express silent biosynthetic gene clusters that yield natural products with antimicrobial activity are largely unknown. Here, we describe a new antibiotic discovery scheme, dubbed the modified crowded plate technique (mCPT), that utilizes complex microbial interactions to elicit antimicrobial production from otherwise silent biosynthetic gene clusters. Using the mCPT as part of the antibiotic crowdsourcing educational program Tiny EarthTM, we isolated over 1400 antibiotic-producing microbes, including 62 showing activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The natural product extracts generated from six microbial isolates showed potent activity against vancomycin-intermediate resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We utilized a targeted approach that coupled mass spectrometry data with bioactivity, yielding a new macrolactone class of metabolite, desertomycin H. In this study, we successfully demonstrate a concept that significantly increased our ability to quickly and efficiently identify microbes capable of the silent antibiotic production.

Combining the nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) transmission method with computed tomography (CT) can be a novel method for imaging the isotope distributions, which is indispensable in nuclear engineering. We performed an experiment to reconstruct a three-dimensional NRF-CT image with isotope selectivity of enriched lead isotope rods (208Pb) together with a set of different rods, including another enriched isotope (206Pb), iron, and aluminum rods, inserted into a cylindrical aluminum holder. Using a laser Compton scattering (LCS) gamma ray beam with a 5.528 MeV maximum energy, 2 mm beam size, and 10 photon·s−1·eV−1 flux density, which is available at the BL1U beamline in the ultraviolet synchrotron orbital radiation-III (UVSOR-III) synchrotron radiation facility at the Institute of Molecular Science at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences in Japan, and we excited the Jπ = 1− NRF level at 5.512 MeV in 208Pb. An isotope-selective three-dimensional NRF-CT image of the 208Pb isotope distribution was experimentally obtained for the first time with a pixel resolution of 4 mm in the horizontal plane.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of computed tomography (CT) based on the nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) transmission method is the isotope selectivity that makes it possible to discern an isotope of interest from other isotopes within a sample. We experimentally obtained a three-dimensional (3D) isotope-selective CT image based on the NRF transmission method (3D NRF-CT) for the enriched lead isotope distribution of 208Pb in a cylindrical holder in a previous study. The cylindrical holder’s diameter and height are 25 mm and 20 mm, respectively. The NRF-CT imaging technique requires a considerable data accumulation time. It took 48 h to obtain an image with a resolution of 4 mm/pixel in the horizontal plane and 8 mm/pixel in the vertical plane using a laser Compton scattering (LCS) gamma-ray beam with a beam size of 2 mm and a flux density of 10 photons/s/eV. Improving the NRF-CT image resolution with the existing hardware is challenging. Therefore, we proposed an alternative method to improve the NRF-CT image resolution using the fusion visualization (FV) technique by combining the NRF-CT image including isotopic information with a gamma-CT image, which provides better pixel resolution. The 3D gamma-CT image for the same sample was measured at the same beamline BL1U in the ultraviolet synchrotron orbital radiation-III (UVSOR-III) synchrotron radiation facility at the Institute of Molecular Science at the National Institutes of Natural Sciences in Japan under similar experimental conditions except for the LCS gamma-ray beam flux and beam size. Obtaining a 3D gamma-CT image with a resolution of 1 mm/pixel took 5 h using an LCS gamma-ray beam with a beam size of 1 mm and a flux density of 0.7 photons/s/eV. The data processing of the FV technique has been developed, and the 3D NRF-CT image quality was improved.

AlphaGUARD radon gas analyzer and NaI (Tl) spectrometer were used to measure the concentration levels of(222)Rn and,Ra-226,Th-232, and(40)K respectively in 109 groundwater samples collected from four different districts in Qena governorate, Egypt. The average values of the activity concentration were 3.57 +/- 0.08, 0.54 +/- 0.03, 0.40 +/- 0.03, and 5.10 +/- 0.44 Bql(-1)for(222)Rn,Ra-226,Th-232, and(40)K, respectively. The average values of(222)Rn,Ra-226, and(232)Th are lower than, 100, 1, and 1 Bql(-1), respectively, the WHO recommended permissible levels for drinking water. For radiation exposure assessment, the annual effective doses due to ingestion of(226)Ra and(232)Th and inhalation of(222)Rn for adults were determined and compared with the reference limits. The annual effective doses due to ingestion 139.21-201.34 mu Svy(-1)are higher than the public annual dose limit 100 mu Svy(-1)recommended by WHO. These indicate that the ingestion of groundwater from the study areas might pose radiological health hazards.

Inhibitors that block the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathway can potentiate endogenous antitumor immunity and have markedly improved cancer survival rates across a broad range of indications. However, these treatments work for only a minority of patients. The efficacy of anti-PD-1 inhibitors may be extended by cytokines, however, the incorporation of cytokines into therapeutic regimens has significant challenges. In their natural form when administered as recombinant proteins, cytokine treatments are often associated with low response rates. Most cytokines have a short half-life which limits their exposure and efficacy. In addition, cytokines can activate counterregulatory pathways, in the case of immune-potentiating cytokines this can lead to immune suppression and thereby diminish their potential efficacy. Improving the drug-like properties of natural cytokines using protein engineering can yield synthetic cytokines with improved bioavailability and tissue targeting, allowing for enhanced efficacy and reduced off-target effects. Using structure guided engineering we have designed a novel class of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins consisting of a PD-1 targeting antibody fused together with an interleukin-21 (IL-21) cytokine mutein. Our bifunctional fusion proteins can block PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interaction whilst simultaneously delivering IL-21 cytokine to PD-1 expressing T cells. Targeted delivery of IL-21 can improve T cell function in a manner that is superior to anti-PD-1 monotherapy. Fusion of engineered IL-21 variants to anti-PD1 antibodies can improve the drug-like properties of IL-21 cytokine leading to improved cytokine serum half-life allowing for less frequent dosing. In addition, we show that targeted delivery of IL-21 can minimize any potential detrimental effect on local antigen-presenting cells. A highly attenuated IL-21 mutein variant (R9E:R76A) fused to a PD-1 antibody provides protection in a humanized mouse model of cancer that is refractory to anti-PD-1 monotherapy. Collectively, our preclinical data demonstrate that this approach may improve upon and extend the utility of anti-PD-1 therapeutics currently in the clinic.

We present new thermochemical models of the lithosphere and upper mantle beneath the Superior craton and surrounding regions. The study area is dominated by the Archean Superior Province, surrounded by Proterozoic orogenic belts such as the Trans-Hudson Orogen (THO) to the north and the Grenville Orogen to the southeast. Portions of the Rae and Hearne cratons north of the THO are also studied, as is the Mid-continent Rift to the south. Over a period of ∼3 Ga, the region has seen assembly and modification by accretionary and orogenic events, periods of rifting, and the influence of a number of mantle hotspots. Here, we use a probabilistic inverse method to jointly invert Rayleigh wave dispersion data, Vp data, geoid anomalies, surface heat flow, and absolute elevation. The output is a 3D model of the seismic, temperature, bulk density, and compositional structure of the whole lithosphere beneath the Superior craton. The resulting model will provide new opportunities for joint studies of the structure of the upper mantle and will shed light on the thermal and compositional variations beneath the region. In this presentation, we will discuss the results from our model and several robust features that carry important geological and geodynamical implications for this region.