International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) were used for the determination of rare earth elements. For INAA, solution obtained by sample decomposition was dripped onto filter paper, enclosed and sealed into a polyethylene foil. The sample was activated in reactor WWR-S over a period of 4 to 6 hours with a neutron fluence of 10"1"3cm"-"2. Gamma radiation measurement was carried out with a planar and a coaxial HP-Ge detector in three decay periods. La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Tm, Yb and Lu were determined. The advantage of the method is its accuracy and high sensitivity, the disadvantage is the time-consuming analysis. The RXFA method was used as a rapid and operative method for the analysis of loose ore samples, aqueous and organic solutions of rare earth elements. For exciting X-ray radiation, "2"4"1Am ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A spectrophotometric study of the extraction with isobutanol of rare-earth elements in the form of complexes with quinoilizarin and N-benzene-N-phenylhydroxylamine has been made. The purpose of the study is to find out whether this reaction can be used in determining the concentration of elements in the presence of other rare-earth elements. In determining the relationship between the pH and light absorption the pH of the solution is measured after the extraction. The extraction of complexes begins at pH approximately 4 and reaches a maximum at pH7-8 (for La) and pH6-9 (for Er). The complexes underge decomposition when pH of the solution increased. The composition of complex compounds is determined by spectrophotometric methods for isomolar series, molar ratios and from the slope of logarithmic plots. Under optimal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spectrophotometry was used to study the conditions under which three-component complexes are formed of rare-earth elements (REE) with aminopolycarboxylic complexes and #beta#-diketones; the molar extinction coefficients of the above REE complexes were also found. A procedure is suggested for determining REE in chromatographic eluates with lower boundary of the contents determined being at 0.6-1.5 #mu#g/ml (Pr, Nd, Ho and Er) and 5-7 #mu#g/ml (Sm and Tm) with account for oxides. Luminescent techniques were also suggested for determining terbium in the presence of EDTA and terbium in an eluate containing EDTA and oxyethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid, both acids being characterized by a relative standard deviation equal to 0.015-0.03.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Procedure determining the concentrations of total rare earth and their determination with a new reagent, tribromochlorophosphonazo (CPA-tB), that is 7-[1-(2, 4, 6-tribromo-phenyl) azo]-2-[1-(2-phosphono-4-chloro-phenyl) azo]-chromotropic acid, in high-level liquid waste and some characters of CPA-tB are studied. CPA-tB and its complexes of rare earth elements are stable in the glycol-H_2O system. Adding glycol shifts the absorption spectrum to left and increases the molar extinction coefficient. The molar extinction coefficients are respectively 7.16 x 10"4 (Y), 11.9 x 10"4 (La), 11.7 x 10"4 (Ce, Pr), 11.9 x 10"4 (Nd), 11.6 x 10"4 (Sm, Eu), 11.4 x 10"4 (Gd) and 11.4 x 10"4 (RE) in the glycol-H_2C_2O_4-H_3PO_4-H_2O system at 643 nm. Th interferes severely the determination of total rare earth, and other elements, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

English 2008 p. 132-133 Turkey Nishonov, Sh. Khujaev, S.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

New RNAA determinations of Ba, Sr, Zr, U, Re, Pd, Ag, Zn and Se and INAA measurements of Lu are added to published data for 21 other elements in the same suite of ten samples. On the average, 21 refractory elements are not significantly fractionated from one another. The mean of their enrichment factors relative to C1 chondrites is 17.5 +- 0.4, indicating that the high-temperature condensate inclusions represent 5.7 wt% of the total condensable matter. Os, Ir, Ru, Re and most of the W condensed in one or more refractory siderophile element alloys along with small fractions of the Pd, Co, Au and Ag. The bulk of the Eu and Sr condensed in solid solution in melilite. Sc, Zr, Hf, Ta, U and the remaining REE condensed in a phase whose abundance in the inclusions in negatively correlated with that of melilite, either diopside or one or more minor or trace phases, including perovskite. Ba condensed in a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The extraction of rare earth elements, yttrium and aluminium from red mud resulting from alumina production with the ion-exchange resin KU-2-8n was studied. Experimental results are presented. The technology of hydrometallurgical processing of pulps obtained by sorption extraction of scandium from red mud is developed. It is shown that in the process of precipitation from sulfate sulfuric acid desorbate it became possible to obtain a high degree of rare earths deposition. The use of sodium hydroxide makes it possible to obtain a maximum deposition of rare earths and aluminium - 99.9 %. Aluminium leaching from crude composite concentrate gives a possibility to get concentrates which 15 - 20 times richer in yttrium and rare earths

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For the reuse of a waste salt from an electrorefining process of a spent oxide fuel, a separation of rare earth elements by an oxidative precipitation in a LiCl-KCl molten salt was tested without using precipitate agents. From the results obtained from the thermochemical calculations by HSC Chemistry software, the most stable rare earth compounds in the oxygen-used rare earth chlorides system were oxychlorides (EuOCl, NdOCl, PrOCl) and oxides (CeO{sub 2}, PrO{sub 2}), which coincide well with results of the Gibbs free energy of the reaction. In this study, similar to the thermochemical results, regardless of the sparging time and molten salt temperature, oxychlorides and oxides were formed as a precipitant by a reaction with oxygen. The structure of the rare earth precipitates was divided into two shapes: small cubic (oxide) and large plate-like (tetragonal) structures. The ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The estimation of numerical values of the mean distance of closest approach of ions, a, of alkaline-earth metal ion salts in aqueous solutions, determined from activity coefficients, as well as from different theoretical approaches, is presented and discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Based on results from recent studies of elemental dietary intake and organ or tissue content for adult Chinese men, quoted nationwide elemental concentrations in Chinese soil and newly published national average consumption of dietary foods, values of both transfer coefficients and discrimination factor (DF) for transfer from soil via the diet to both critical organs and the whole body have been calculated for important elements in radiation protection, including alkaline earths, alkali metals, rare earths and other related elements. These calculations have used both the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) model and the DF method. In the UNSCEAR model, the basic parameters used to describe the transport of radionuclides are the transfer coefficients P_i_j, which describe the relationship of concentrations or other ...

Science.gov (United States)

switch when this cavity matching condition is determined. This results is a ... MHz offset is provided by an acousto-optic modulator. (AOM). The AOM will be shut ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An oxidative precipitation reaction of rare-earth chlorides in a LiCl-KCl molten salt was successfully carried out by a lab-scale apparatus. The conversion efficiency of the used rare earth chlorides into the insoluble precipitates was increased with the sparging time and temperature and was affected on oxygen sparger type. In the conditions of 700 .deg. C molten salt temperature and above 540min sparging time, the final conversion efficiencies were over 99% for all the experimented rare-earth chlorides. The hydrodynamic characteristics of an oxygen-molten salt two phase flow system are very important for a co-oxidative precipitation of rare earth elements.

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe specific objectives of the research are to: 1. Determine the concentrations of N2O, NO and NO2 in tropical coastal waters in relation to nutrients and salinities. 2. Determine, with excess nitrate present, the potential for nitrate reduction and denitrification in sediments along tropical estuaries, and whether NO, NO2, N2O, N2 or NH4+ are significant products. 3. Establish the balance between denitrification, nitrate ammonification and anammox in tropical estuarine sediments, relative to [continued...]DescriptionThe coastal zone is extremely important in the biogeochemical processes which control the natural cycle of elements of the Earth. In particular, the coastal zone contributes significantly to the nitrogen cycle, removing nitrogen washed in from the land by rivers and so reducing its fertilizing impact on the coastal seas. However, these removal processes, driven by microorganisms, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nuclear material is either a product of technological processing of natural source material or it is entirely of anthropogenic origin. Consequently, nuclear material carries 'tool-marks' or 'fingerprints' of the process it was subjected to. Uranium fuels are examples of the first category, while plutonium belongs to the second category. The nature of these production processes is reflected in the elemental and isotopic composition of the material as well as in its microscopic and macroscopic appearance. All of these parameters can be determined using appropriate analytical techniques and they may result in important conclusions on the history and on the origin of the material. Therefore, they provide the most essential contribution to the prevention of future diversions of nuclear material from the same source. So far, essentially metallic impurities or light elements have been investigated for their potential in providing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

M-shell X-rays of the rare-earth elements {sub 60}Nd, {sub 64}Gd, {sub 67}Ho and {sub 71}Lu were measured for lithium ion bombardment in the energy range 1.0-6.0 MeV. The M-shell X-rays with energies of 0.978-1.631 keV were detected with a LINK analytical detector. The efficiency of the detector was determined by using the known atomic-field bremsstrahlung cross-sections from low energy electron beams and K-shell X-ray measurements with light projectiles. The measured cross-sections are compared to the predictions of the first Born approximation and the ECPSSR (energy loss and Coulomb deflection effects, perturbed stationary state approximation with relativistic correction) theories. The best theoretical description of the present data is given by the ECPSSR theory, even though the discrepancy between data and theory is increasing at higher projectile energies.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study presents new software, called Google Earth-based Optimal HAulage RouTing System (GEOHARTS), to improve the functionality of Google Earth for optimal haulage routing of off-road dump trucks in construction and mining sites. A modified least-cost path algorithm, which is applicable to working areas with both paved and unpaved temporary roads and can consider the effects of terrain relief and curves along a route on the route planning, was proposed and utilized for the software development. GEOHARTS can determine optimal haulage routes between loaders and dumps that ensure the least travel time or fuel consumption of off-road dump trucks and can visualize the results using an embedded 3D render window of Google Earth. The application to the Pasir open-pit coal mine in Indonesia dem...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper summarizes the establishment and current development of space activities in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Space activities in Venezuela are focused on the areas of telecommunications, Earth observation and research on the physical properties of the Earth, and have as a primary goal the satisfaction of social needs. Current development of space activities started in 1999 when the new National Constitution recognized the value of outer space as the common heritage of mankind, and the key role of science and technology in promoting human welfare. The Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities (ABAE) was created in 2007. Its legal framework recognizes three key elements that drive its policy: the participation of society, capacity building and human training, and international c...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The desire to study negative ion structure and negative ion-photon interactions has spurred the development of ion sources for use in research and industry. The many different types of negative ion sources available today differ in their characteristics and abilities to produce anions of various species. Thus the importance of choosing the correct type of negative ion source for a particular research or industrial application is clear. In this study, the results of an investigation on the production of beams composed of negatively-charged rare-earth ions from a cylindrical-cathode-geometry, cesium-sputter-type negative ion source are presented. Beams of atomic anions have been observed for most of the first-row rare-earth elements, with typical currents ranging from hundreds of picoamps to several nanoamps.

CERN Document Server

The bright star 55 Cancri is known to host five planets, including a transiting super-Earth. The interferometric study presented here yields directly determined values for 55 Cnc's stellar astrophyiscal parameters: $R=0.943 \\pm 0.010 R_{\\odot}$, $T_{\\rm EFF} = 5196 \\pm 24$ K. We use isochrone fitting to determine 55 Cnc's age to be 10.2 $\\pm$ 2.5 Gyr, implying a stellar mass of $0.905 \\pm 0.015 M_{\\odot}$. Our analysis of the location and extent of the system's habitable zone (0.67--1.32 AU) shows that planet f ($M \\sin i = 0.155 M_{Jupiter}$) spends the majority of the duration of its elliptical orbit in the circumstellar habitable zone, where, with moderate greenhouse heating, it could harbor liquid water. Finally, our direct value for 55 Cancri's stellar radius allows for a model-independent calculation of the physical diameter of the transiting super-Earth 55 Cnc e ($\\sim 2.05 \\pm 0.15 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The distribution of the alkaline earth elements strontium and barium between the solid phases of phosphates of transition elements of group 4 and chloride melts was studied. The distribution coefficients of strontium and barium were found at T = 700-800/sup 0/C. Phosphates of the type NaM/sub 2//sup (IV)/(PO/sub 4/)/sub 3/, where M/sub (IV)/ represents titanium, zirconium, and hafnium, were used as the solid phases. It was established that there is an enrichment of the precipitates with the distributed components. The distribution coefficient depends on the nature of the solid phase and the temperature. It was suggested that M/sup (II)/ x M/sub 4//sup (IV)/(PO/sub 4/)/sub 6/ is formed in processes of distribution, where M/sup (II)/ represents Sr, Ba.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of an investigation on the production of Group IIA atomic and molecular negative ion beams formed in a cesium-sputter negative ion source are presented. The sputtering material was formed by pressing pellets of stoichiometric mixtures of the Group IIA element carbonates and 10% copper powder. Negative ions of several alkaline-earth elements and their oxides have been observed. Beam intensities as high as 180 pA have been observed for Sr{sup -}and 20 nA for SrO{sup -}. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Fast On-Orbit Recording of Transient Events (FORTE) satellite being built by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has as its most prominent feature a large deployable (11 m by 5 m) log periodic antenna to monitor emissions from electrical storms on the Earth. This paper describes the antenna and the design for the long elements and explains the dynamics of their deployment and the damping system employed. It also describes the unique paraffin-actuated reusable tie-down and release mechanism employed in the system.

Science.gov (United States)

Design constraints require that as Earth terminal attempting communications with a FLTSATCOM EHF Package (FEP) located onboard a FLTSATCOM satellite be provided with an accurate FEP package. To be precise, the terminal is provided with a coefficient element set from which the ephemeris of a satellite may be computed. This report describes the operation of a user friendly computer program that produces the above mentioned coefficient set so as to provide reference benchmarks from which the ephemeris related operations of the terminal can be judged.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Spacecraft studies of the three terrestrial planets with atmospheres have made it possible to make meaningful comparisons that shed light on their common origin and divergent evolutionary paths. Early in their histories, all three apparently had oceans and extensive volcanism; Mars and Earth, at least, had magnetic fields, and Earth, at least, had life. All three currently have climates determined by energy balance relationships involving carbon dioxide, water and aerosols, regulated by solar energy deposition, atmospheric and ocean circulation, composition, and cloud physics and chemistry. This paper addresses the extent to which current knowledge allows us to explain the observed state of each planet, its planetology, climatology and biology, within a common framework. Areas of ignorance...

Science.gov (United States)

The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth hosts the best and most complete online collection of astronaut photographs of the Earth.

Science.gov (United States)

The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth hosts the best and most complete online collection of astronaut photographs of the Earth.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and proton induced {gamma}-ray emission (PIGE) techniques are employed for the determination of essential and trace elements in some commonly used medicinal plants of north east India. Light elements such as Na, Mg, Al and P are determined by PIGE while medium Z elements such as K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb and Sr are determined by PIXE. Analysis is performed on pellets (thick targets) prepared using powders of the specimens which, in turn, are obtained following a series of processing steps. Plant based biological certified reference materials (CRMs) served as standards for quantification. These elements are found to be present in varying concentrations in the studied plants, with the contents of Mn and Zn being notably large in certain specimens. Medicinal properties possessed by these plants have been ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of various alloy elements on tensile strength of the eutectic, directionally solidified superalloy 73 C was determined. The tensile properties of the base alloy has been increased by Al, Y and C as alloying elements, while Ni and Ti showed a decreasing effect (alloy softening). However, ductility and thermo-fatigue behaviour had been influenced in a positive way by these elements. The specific meachanism caused by the different elements are discussed. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Absorption and emission measurements at liquid-helium temperature, liquid-nitrogen temperature and room temperature have been performed on tetragonal scheelite-type rare earth sodium double molybdates Na[sub 5]RE(MoO[sub 4])[sub 4] and on RE-doped Na[sub 5]Gd(MoO[sub 4])[sub 4] samples. The rare earth occupies one single crystallographic position with S[sub 4] as point symmetry. The spectra were analysed according to the crystal field theory. From the experimental data, nearly complete energy level schemes of the Pr[sup 3+] and Nd[sup 3+], on the 4f [sup 2] and 4f [sup 3] configurations were derived. Very good correlation was obtained between the experimental and simulated energy level schemes, first for the approximated D[sub 2d] and then for the true S[sub 4] symmetries. The crystal field parameters vary smoothly with the atomic number of the rare earth, when compared with those determined previously ...

Science.gov (United States)

In 2009 the European Space Agency satellite mission GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) was launched. Its objectives are the precise and detailed determination of the Earth's gravity field and geoid. Its core instrument, a three axis gravitational gradiometer, measures the gravity gradient components V xx , V yy , V zz and V xz (second-order derivatives of the gravity potential V) with high precision and V xy , V yz with low precision, all in the instrument reference frame. The long wavelength gravity field is recovered from the orbit, measured by GPS (Global Positioning System). Characteristic elements of the mission are precise star tracking, a Sun-synchronous and very low (260 km) orbit, angular control by magnetic torquing and an extremely stiff and thermally stable instrument environment. GOCE is complementary to GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment), another satellite ...

Science.gov (United States)

NASA's Visible Earth catalog of NASA images and animations of our home planet.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A preliminary design effort directed toward a low concentration ratio photovoltaic array system capable of delivering multihundred kilowatts (300 kW to 1000 kW range) in low earth orbit is described. The array system consists of two or more array modules each capable of delivering between 113 kW to 175 kW using silicon solar cells or gallium arsenide solar cells, respectively. The array module deployed area is 1320 square meters and consists of 4356 pyramidal concentrator elements. The module, when stowed in the Space Shuttle's payload bay, has a stowage volume of a cube with 3.24 meters on a side. The concentrator elements are sized for a geometric concentration ratio (GCR) of six with an aperture area of .25 sq. m. The structural analysis and design trades leading to the baseline design are discussed. It describes the configuration, as well as optical, thermal and electrical performance analyses that support the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holmium doped barium based hexaferrites BaFe_1_2_-_2_xHo_2_xO_1_9 with (x = 0.0-1.0) were synthesized by solid state reaction method. Structural and magnetic characterization of these ferrites provide significant information about their reactive physical properties. X-ray analysis reveals that in all samples M-type structure exist with few secondary phases. Scanning electron microscope revealed the grain size of the specimen. The results show that grain size decreases with the substitution degree of Holmium. Thus rare earth element Holmium Ho"3"+ acts as a grain growth inhibitor. The magnetic hysteresis loops show the variation in the values of magnetic parameters like saturation magnetization (M_s), remanent magnetization (M_r) and coercivity (H_c) were observed by changing Ho"3"+ content in BaFe_1_2_-_2_xHo_2_xO_1_9 ferrites. Coercivity showed a maximum value of 2230 Oe for (x = 0.4) and then decreasing trend were observed in the values of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sialons are phases in the Si-Al-O-N and M-Si-Al-O-N systems where M includes Li, Mg, Ca, Sc, Y and the rare earth elements. They are comparable in variety with the mineral silicates and are built up of one-, two-, and three-dimensional arrangements of (Si,Al)(O,N)/sub 4/ tetrahedra in the same way that the structural units of the silicates are SiO/sub 4/ tetrahedra. These new materials include N-containing ceramics, glasses and glass-ceramics that are being explored for their thermal, chemical and physical properties.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silicon nitride-based ceramics behavior is strongly influenced by microstructural parameters, which, in turn are determined by chosen densification method. Highly covalent Si-N bond hind are the silicon nitride densification. Therefore, metal oxides are used in order to get high density. However, such oxides must be carefully selected, because they affect the general macroscopic properties of sintered bodies. In the present work, the viability of rare earth concentrate use to produce #beta#--Si_6_-_xAl_xO_xN_8_-_x and its effect on mechanical properties of the sintering ceramics are studied. Additive composition, heating rate, soaking time and sintering temperature were took as variables. Hardness, fracture toughness, Young's modulus and flexural strength were investigated. Lattice parameter compositional dependence and secondary phases crystallized after past-sintering heat treatment were also determined. The results show ...

Science.gov (United States)

by the radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis into several groups according to the atomic number of the determined element. Table I documents this. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The values of X = 0.77, Z = 0.035, and Y = 0.195 and the stage of evolution of Procyon are determined from the evolutionary tracks and the results of an analysis of the chemical composition of the atmosphere.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper presents a study on Manasbal lake, which is one of the high altitude lakes in the Kashmir Valley, India. Eighteen water samples were analysed for major ions and trace elements to assess the variability of water quality of the lake for various purposes. Geostatistics, the theory of regionalized variables, was then used to enhance the dataset and estimate some missing spatial values. Results indicated that the concentration of major ions in the water samples in winter was higher than in summer. The scatter diagrams suggested the dominance of alkaline earths over the alkali elements. Three types of water were identified in the lake that are referred to as Ca?HCO3, Mg?HCO3 and hybrid types. The lake water was found to be controlled by rock?water interaction with carbonate lithology ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Various topics include: (1) direction finding, (2) range finding, (3) Doppler measurements, (4) construction of a receiver for radio interferometry, (5) mobile laser range finding system, (6) figure-and field parameter determination/geopotential, (7) dynamics of the Earth-Moon system, and (8) kinematics of geodetic point fields.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In accordance with the comprehensive plan in the eleventh five-year period the main content of prospecting and exploration on land in Axerbaidzhan by the Axneft' association will be done in the central and Western regions of the republic, where Paleogene-Mesozoic deposits will be inspected. Discussed in detail are the directions and volumes of prospecting and exploration in individual regions of Azerbaidzhan. They are determined with consideration of the degree of exploration of the earth's interior, the prospects for the deposits comprising them, and the development of the resources of oil.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We present a study of the crystal field in PrNiAl, NdNiAl, ErNiAl and ErCuAl intermetallic compounds based on inelastic neutron spectroscopy. These compounds crystallize in the ZrNiAl-type hexagonal structure with an orthorhombic symmetry on rare-earth sites. The results are compared with the specific-heat data, and the lower parts of the crystal-field energy-level schemes are determined. (orig.)

Science.gov (United States)

We propose two algorithms to provide a full preliminary orbit of an Earth-orbiting object with a number of observations lower than the classical methods, such as those by Laplace and Gauss. The first one is the Virtual debris algorithm, based upon the admissible region, that is the set of the unknown quantities corresponding to possible orbits for a given observation for objects in Earth orbit (as opposed to both interplanetary orbits and ballistic ones). A similar method has already been successfully used in recent years for the asteroidal case. The second algorithm uses the integrals of the geocentric 2-body motion, which must have the same values at the times of the different observations for a common orbit to exist. We also discuss how to account for the perturbations of the 2-body motion, e.g., the J 2 effect.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Central penetrating excisional wounds were made in the corneas of 12 rabbits and 10 trout. The scar tissue and the surrounding cornea were compared using a new method for assessing inorganic elements in the cornea: the scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis of x-ray (EDAX). Semiquantitative determination of inorganic elements within the range of atomic numbers 9-93 in the periodic system was performed, comparing the relative concentration of those elements in the scar tissue to the surrounding cornea. Results showed that calcium was the only element higher in the healing wound than in the surrounding cornea.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The feasibility was studied of the application of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis to the identification and determination of chemical elements in the air. A description of the method is presented, the main stages of the analysis are discussed (sample preparation and standards, selection of radioactive radiation sources, geometry of measurement and evaluation of results). The method is illustrated on the determination of elements Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Pb in air samples taken in the city of Prague. (author) 2 tabs., 2 figs., 14 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Elements Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Br, Rb and Sr were determined by the method of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis with semiconductor detection in samples of Taraxacum officinale from various localities of Bratislava. The dependence of their content on the source and the degree of the air pollution was found out. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aims of investigation were to follow the Sr transport in the food chain from the flora to the fauna and humans, and its dependence on the geological origin og the plant site, industrial emissions, the age and site of plants, the part of plant used for nutrition and the strontium content in the drinking water, to determine the Sr intake of humans with the help of the duplicate method, and to estimate the apparent absorption rate and balance of strontium depending on of the form of diet (mixed or ovolactovegetarian), sex, season, age, region (geological origin of the living space) and method of intake measurement (duplicate or basket method). Strontium, an ultra trace element widespread in the earth's crust, is not essential and only mildly toxic for plants, animals and man according to current knowledge. The biological essentiality of Sr has not been investigated yet. Amoeba species living in sea water use Sr for the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A low pressure nuclear thermal rocket (LPNTR) is configured to meet the requirements of a nuclear stage for manned Mars exploration. Safety, reliability and performance are given equal consideration in selecting the stage configuration. Preliminary trade studies are conducted to size the engine thrust and determine the thrust chamber pressure. A weight breakdown and mechanical configuration for the selected LPNTR concept are defined. A seven engine stage configuration is selected which gives a two engine out capability and eliminates the need for engine gimbaling. The stage can be ground assembled and launched as a unit including tankage for trans Earth injection and Earth orbital capture. The tankage is configured to eliminate the need for an inert shield. The small engine will be cheaper to develop than a single engine providing full thrust, and will be compatible with stages for Earth orbital, Lunar ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The determination of ratio of neutron over proton matrix elements by inelastic proton scattering, for 0"+#->#2"+ transitions, is investigated via the comparison between experimental data and theoretical calculations. Calculations into the context of a macroscopic and a microscopic description are performed for a wide mass range nuclei: "1"8O, "3"0Si, "3"2","3"4S, "4"8Ca, "8"8Sr, for which these ratios were determined previously with an independent technique. At that point the choice of the theoretical model may be very critical. It is thus the purpose of this investigation to point out the most suitable model. It is found that in general both theoretical models can be employed for the reliable determination of neutron over proton matrix element ratios.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spent oxide fuels are reduced in a molten salt of CaCl_2-CaF_2 to convert them into metals, then melted in an Fe-U bath disposed in an electrolytic refining vessel and brought into contact with molten Mg, to extract transuranium elements and rare earth elements contained in the Fe-U bath as metals in the molten Mg. Then molten Mg is removed and the residue is brought into contact with KCl-LiCl molten salt and electrolyzed using the Fe-U as an anode. Then, uranium is recovered by deposition on an iron cathode disposed in chloride electrolytes of the electrolytic refining vessel. Uranium and transuranium elements can be thus separated and, for example, depleted uranium for use in blanket fuels can be recovered easily. This can greatly reduce the temporary storage amount of depleted uranium, to eliminate requirement for a large-scaled facility used exclusively for storing uranium and long time management ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A technique of producing radioactive isotopes of rare earth elements (r.e.e.) and carrier free "2"4"2Am is suggested. The technique makes use of ''sandwich'' phthalocya=- nine complexes of r.e.e. and americium placed on sorbent. This is a new type of r.e.e. compounds and actinides (C_3_2H_1_6N_8)_2M (M is a metal ion) which are thermally, radiationally and chemically stable, dissolve well in some organic solvents and do not dissolve in water. Radiation and chemically stable activated carbon is used as a sorbent carrier. After irradiation the target is treated by a weakly acid solution or complex-former solution. Radioactive atoms formed due to (n, #gamma#)-reaction and desoleting the complex because of recoil transfer into the solution. When irradiating in the flux of 10"1"3 neutr./cm"2 x s for 1 hour it is possible to produce radioactive isotopes with the yield from 20 to 90%, for example "1"6"0Tb, "1"6"6Ho with enrichment factor > 100 and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The HEU and LEU fuel elements used in the ORR whole-core demonstration were gamma-scanned to determine the axial distribution of the {sup 140}La and {sup 137}Cs activities. Analysis of this data is now complete. From the {sup 140}La activity distributions cycle-averaged powers were determined while the {sup 137}Cs data provided a measure of the final {sup 235}U burnup in the fuel elements. A method for calculating correction factors for activity gradients transverse to the fuel element axis is presented and is applied to the first mixed core used in the demonstration during the gradual transition to an all LEU core. Results based on the gamma-scanning of the LEU fuel followers are also presented. Improved burnup calculations against which the experimental results are to be compared are now in progress. 7 refs., 21 figs., 3 tabs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper aimed to the evaluation of different kinds of sorbent material preparation and to the evaluation of their characteristics at different pH conditions by X-ray fluorescence analysis. This method is suitable for identification and determination of elements in samples of different character, state and origin because it is a polycomponent, non-destructive, fast and simple analytical method. Moreover, it allows time-advantageous and reliable measurements. This paper studies problems concerning the determination of some selected elements (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) in pharmaceutical samples of sodium chloride in the solid state as well as in its solution by sorption on chelating extraction membrane 3M Empore? and on the strongly acidic ion-exchanger Dowex 50Wx8. Conditions for the most ef...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Measurements of the retention of /sup 47/Ca and of /sup 203/Pb were made following their administration by intravenous injection. Translocation to bone was measured by ..gamma.. counting the feet of subjects. Uptake by bone of /sup 203/Pb was comparatively slow and extrapolation to the whole skeleton indicated that 20% of the dose has been taken up within 20 days. By time, a similar fraction of the dose has been excreted in urine. Uptake by bone of /sup 47/Ca was about 1.5-2 times the amount excreted in urine. Both the uptake by bone, and its excretion in urine, were more rapid than that of /sup 203/Pb due to the greater attachment of the latter to red blood cells. However, the plasma clearance rate for Pb, like that of Sr, was greater than that of Ca.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Crustal xenoliths (pyroxenites and plagioclase + quartz + pyroxene lithologies) from the Quaternary Big Pine volcanic field on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada Batholith in California (USA) represent the products of metasomatic reaction between the margins of a Cretaceous granodioritic pluton and Paleozoic marbles, possibly at mid-crustal depths based on the equilibration temperatures recorded by Ti-in-quartz geothermometry. This interpretation is based on the presence of plagioclase showing relict plutonic textures, pyroxenite characterized by nearly pure diopside clinopyroxene, recrystallized plagioclase with anomalously high anorthite content, textures indicating replacement of plagioclase by clinopyroxene (and vice versa), `ghost' plagioclase rare earth element signatures in some...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The transformation of ferrihydrite to siderite (FeCO3) in the presence of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and aqueous sulfide has been investigated by in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical transformation of iron-bearing minerals to form iron carbonates may play a role in the chemistry related to the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's (sub)surface. The iron oxyhydroxide ferrihydrite in an aqueous solution containing sodium sulfide in contact with scCO2 at 100^oC reacts within 24h to form siderite and elemental sulfur. In situ studies of this reaction with ATR-FTIR show that ferrihydrite exists with an adsorbed layer of carbonate. However, the presence of the carbonate adsorbat...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A fragmented fossil bone incised with the figure of a proboscidean was recently found at Vero Beach, Florida near the location where Late Pleistocene fauna and human bones were recovered from 1913 to 1916. This engraving may represent the oldest and only existing example of Terminal Pleistocene art depicting a proboscidean in the Americas. Because of the uniqueness, rarity, and potential antiquity of this specimen, caution demanded that a variety of tests be used in an attempt to verify its authenticity. The mineralized bone was identified as mammoth, mastodon, or giant sloth. Rare earth element analysis was consistent with the fossil bone being ancient and originating at or near the Old Vero site (8-IR-9). Forensic analysis suggests the markings on the bone are not recent. Optical microsc...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Total photon attenuation coefficients near absorption edges are determined in certain suitable elements and compounds. Photoelectric cross sections for elements are deduced from these by subtracting the coherent and incoherent scattering cross sections as well as other elemental cross sections in the cases of compounds. Certain deviations are observed on comparison with the available theoretical and experimental compilations. The I/sub L//sub #alpha#//Il x-ray intensity ratio measured by photon excitation near threshold is found to agree better with the theory than the other available experimental data.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Several types of coatings have previously been visually identified on the surface of 105-K East and 105-K West Basins fuel elements. One type of coating (found only in K West Basin) in particular was found to be a thick translucent material that was often seen to be dislodged from the elements as flakes when the elements were handled during visual examinations (Pitner 1997). Subsequently it was determined (for one element only in a hot cell) that this material, in the dry condition, could easily be removed from the element using a scraping tool. The coating was identified as Al(OH){sub 3} through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and to be approximately 60 {micro}m thick via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, brushing under water in the basin using numerous mechanical strokes failed to satisfactorily remove these coatings in their thickest form as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method is described for testing a diverter system on an offshore drilling rig of a type having a marine riser assembly extending to a subsea well, the diverter system having a packer element and at least one port located below the packer element for the passage of drilling fluid flowing upward from the marine riser assembly during drilling. The method consists of connecting a tubular member to the upper end of a packer having an elastomeric expansive seal element; placing the packer in an upper portion of the marine riser assembly below the diverter system and expanding the seal element against the interior of the upper portion; closing the packer element of the diverter system around the tubular member; and finally applying fluid pressure in the space between the packer element of the diverter system and the seal element of the packer to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book presents the basic ideas of the physics of non-gravitational perturbations and the mathematics required to compute their orbital effects. It conveys the relevance of the different problems that must be solved to achieve a given level of accuracy in orbit determination and in recovery of geophysically significant parameters. Selected Contents are: Orders of Magnitude of the Perturbing Forces, Tides and Apparent Forces, Tools from Celestial Mechanics, Solar Radiation Pressure-Direct Effects: Satellite-Solar Radiation Interaction, Long-Term Effects on Semi-Major Axis, Radiation Pressure-Indirect Effects: Earth-Reflected Radiation Pressure, Anisotropic Thermal Emission, Drag: Orbital Perturbations by a Drag-Like Force, and Charged Particle Drag.

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Trace elements have been determined in biological samples including pepperwort, thyme, plantain, blessed thistle and common comfrey as well as cabbage leaves and milk powder. Concentrations of Al, Si, and Cl have been determined by fast neutron activation analysis while, in the case of Mg-, K, and Cl the X-ray fluorescence method was used.

Science.gov (United States)

The change in concentrations of elements due to transmutations resulting from neutron irradiation in the first wall of the ARIES-IV conceptual fusion energy device were determined as a function of neutron dose. SiC burns out at a rate of about 0.5% per effective full power year. The largest impurity concentration is that of He, but several other elements burn in at rates of hundreds of appm/efpy.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tetracycline in solution of benzyl alcohol was used as an extracting agent to separate uranium from interfering elements in the determination of uranium and of isotopic ratio sup(235)U/sup(238)U by neutron activation analysis. Separation gives a recovery of 97% for uranium and the interferences from matrices of pitchblende and monazite are eliminated.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A photon-induced x-ray fluorescence method allowing the simultaneous determination of iron, copper, zinc, bromine and rubidium in human blood and blood plasma samples is described. The method is reliable and has a good sensitivity for a wide range of elements. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

...Track haulage roads. (a) The speed at which haulage equipment is operated should be determined by the condition...elements of the track and the type and condition of the haulage equipment. (b) Track haulage roads should...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study of the inorganic chemical composition of 10 different Nigerian medicinal plant species, using the technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), resulted in the determination of the concentrations of 18 major, minor, and trace elements: Al, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Eu, Fe, Ga, K, La, Mn, Na, Sb, Sc, Si, Sm, V, and Zn. The parts of the plants used were roots, leaves, and bark. The NBS SRM 1571 Orchard Leaves was also analyzed to assess the accuracy of the procedures used. 21 refs., 4 tables.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A process is described for the selective oxidation of ammonia to nitric oxide in about 90% or greater yield with a minimum of nitrogen or dinitrogen oxide (N/sub 2/O) as by-products, comprising: (1) contacting gaseous ammonia in an oxygen containing gas optionally with an inert gaseous diluent with a mixed metal perovskite catalyst of the general formula: ABO/sub 3/, wherein: A is selected from the alkali, alkaline earth, lanthanide, or actinide metals or a mixture of these metals having a relatively large ionic, radius, and B is selected from an element or a combination of elements selected from Groups IB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, or VIII of the Periodic Table, wherein the perovskite phase of the catalyst has an equilibrium partial pressure of oxygen at 1000/sup 0/C of greater than about 10/sup -15/ bar; and (2) heating the reactants of step (1) at greater than about 500/sup 0/C under conditions of 10 to 100,000 hr/sup -1/ ...

Science.gov (United States)

A pyrochemical partitioning process has been conceptually designed so that the transmutation of spent LWR fuels in PEACER can produce mainly low-level waste (Class C waste) for near-surface burial. Chloride salt technology developed for IFR has been employed as the baseline. Electrorefining, reductive extraction and salt recycling steps are used to construct overall flowsheet in order to support PEACER operation. The decontamination factor for transuranic elements was estimated based on both thermodynamic models and reported experimental data. It is expected that overall decontamination factor can be as high as 10{sup 5} for transuranic elements. Final wastes from pyrochemical processing for PEACER are noble metals, alkaline earth metal, and lanthanides. The final wastes are stabilized by mixing with zeolite and glass-frits such that concentration limit for class C waste can be met. The volume of Class C waste is estimated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many problems in physics necessitate the solution of equations which develop sharp gradients, such as shocks. These include atmospheric shocks near the earth's surface, plasma physics phenomena, both in the laboratory and in space, combustion, petroleum reservoir modelling, and light propagation in glass fibers. To deal with this situation, methods are needed which place a high density of nodes in the neighborhoods of the steep gradients. One of the most promising of these methods is the moving finite element method which was first invented by Miller. This approach, in which the nodes are moved so as to minimize the residual error, has been used successfully by Gelinas, Doss, and co-workers to study several different one-dimensional problems and shows great promise as well in dealing with two dimensions. A paper describing the one-dimensional results has already been published, and a paper describing the two-dimensional results is in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The determination of the oxidation state of ultra-trace elements in the environment, especially in the case of actinides, is of importance in many ways. Speciation techniques using radiation may comprise methods based on the detection of the nuclear and atomic radiations emitted in radioactive decay or methods using external sources of excitation. In the former instance, information can be obtained from the energy and intensity of radiation, but at present the partition method is still the most commonly used, although its reliability is questionable. Excitation with intense laser beams, as is currently being used for trace element analysis in photoacoustic and thermal lensing spectroscopic techniques, could conceivably be applied under suitable conditions to ultra-trace elements with a sensitivity approaching that of the radiochemical methods.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A method is described for determination of aluminium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, manganese, nickel, lead, strontium, zinc, titanium and vanadium in iron ore. After dissolution, a 1 gram sample of iron ore is applied to a column of AGI-X8 anion exchange resin (chloride form), in 100 ml of 7M HCl. Aluminium, chromium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, manganese, nickel, lead, strontium, titanium and vanadium are eluted with 7M HCl; iron, copper and cobalt are eluted with 0.5M HCl; cadmium and zinc are eluted with 2M HNO_3. Iron is subsequently removed from copper and cobalt by a solvent extraction with methyl isobutyl ketone. The elements are determined in the eluates by atomic absorption spectrometry, except for titanium and vanadium, which are determined spectrophotometrically.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study is an attempt to measure the quantities of elements in a composite by irradiating that composite with #gamma#-rays of various energies and detecting the transmitted radiation through the composite. A previous knowledge of the number of the elements and their attenuation coefficients is required. The quantities are calculated by solving the matrix of a linear system of equations. A computer program was developed to select the best combinations of the available energies. Five criteria were established to determine these energy combinations: (i) the determinant of the attenuation coefficient matrix; (ii) the condition number, (iii) the number of times the solution of the matrix leads to acceptable results; (iv) the indicator, (a new concept); (v) the standard deviations of the results. The intended application of this technique in medicine is to measure the bone mineral content of the skeleton. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A mutation to tetracycline sensitivity in a resistant strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae was shown by several criteria to be due to a point mutation in the conjugative o(cat-tet) element found in the chromosomes of strains derived from BM6001, a clinical strain resistant to tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Strains carrying the mutation were transformed back to tetracycline resistance with the high efficiency of a point marker by donor deoxyribonucleic acids from its ancestral strain and from nine other clinical isolates of pneumococcus and by deoxyribonucleic acids from Group D Streptococcus faecalis and Group B Streptococcus agalactiae strains that also carry conjugative tet elements in their chromosomes. It was not transformed to resistance by tet plasmid deoxyribonucleic acids from either gram-negative or gram-positive species, except for one that carried transposon TN916, the conjugative tet element present in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Within the framework of a Dutch research program on the environmental effects of coal combustion 15 measuring campaigns were carried out in the eighties. All the relevant ingoing and outgoing flows of electric power plants were sampled and the heavy metals composition was determined. An overview is given of these fifteen measuring campaigns. It is concluded that between 99.7% and 99.9% of the fly ash can be separated by electrofilters. The removal of solid elements is higher than 99%, except for those elements, which are enriched in the fly ash, f.e. Cd and Se (>90% removal is possible). Additional separation of the emissions of fly ash and elements in the fly ash takes place in a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) installation. Some elements are emitted as gaseous wastes. After the electrofilter Cl, F and I can be found for almost 100%, Br and Hg for 50% on average, and only small ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A thermodynamic model for predicting the distribution coefficients has been developed by taking into account the extraction mechanism and the chloride complexation when Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy and Ho for single component systems are extracted from acidic chloride solutions by di-2-ethylhexyl ester in kerosene, respectively. The model equation includes two constants, of which one corresponds to the apparent extraction equilibrium constant and the other is due to the variation of the activity coefficients of organic species. These values are determined from a few experimental data by the curve fitting method. Then, the distribution coefficients under untried calculations, Bromley's formulation is used to estimate the activity coefficients of aqueous species and the interaction parameters for some rare earth chlorides are reported in terms of morality and molarity using data from Spedding et al. According to the authors the validity of this method has ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three new rare earth metal-rich compounds, Gd_4NiTe_2, and Er_5M_2Te_2 (M=Ni, Co), were synthesized in direct reactions using R, R_3M, and R_2Te_3 (R=Gd, Er; M=Co, Ni) and single-crystal structures were determined. Gd_4NiTe_2 is orthorhombic and crystallizes in space group Pnma with four formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=15.548(9), b=4.113(2), c=11.7521(15)A. Er_5Ni_2Te_2 and Er_5Co_2Te_2 are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with two formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=3.934(1), b=14.811(4), c=14.709(4)A, and a=3.898(1), b=14.920(3), c=14.889(3)A, respectively. Metal-metal bonding correlations were analyzed using the empirical Pauling bond order concept.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Magnetic properties of single crystals of nonstoichiometric fluorides M[sub 1-x]R[sub x]F[sub 2+x] (M = Ca, Sr, Ba; R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb; with 0.05 [le] x [le] 0.28) with the fluorite-type structure have been studied for the first time. The magnetic susceptibility was measured using a Faraday balance in the 15-300 K temperature range. The samples are paramagnetic following the Curie-Weiss law. The values of paramagnetic Curie temperatures and effective magnetic moments of rare-earth ions have been found. Deviations of the temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility from the Curie-Weiss law are observed for some nonstoichiometric fluorides at temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 K. Possible reaons for these deviations are discussed. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility provide an effective technique for a rapid and accurate determination of the concentration of rare-earth ions in nonstoichiometric ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The determination of small amounts of elements by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis is described. Samples containing 5x10"-"4 to 5x10"-"6 g of elements were fixed on a suitable carrier. For a coaxial configuration a low-energy source of the #gamma#/X type was used, namely an annular "2"4"1Am/Ag source with an activity of 7.4x10"8 s"-"1 (20 mCi), and for a configuration with side reflection source of the #beta#/X type was used, namely "1"4"7Pm/Sm with the activity of Pm(OH)_3 approximately 3.7x1O"1"0 s"-"1 (1 Ci). Cs, Ba, La, Pr, Nd, and Ag were determined by means of the Ksub(#alpha#) line and Hg, W, Er, and Pr by means of the Lsub(#alpha#) line. For all elements studied a detection limit of the order of 10"-"7 g was achieved. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Ti and Mo were determined in aerosols from manual arc welding. Samples of welding aerosols were trapped on a Synpor 4 filter. The amount of determined elements in aerosols was detected using the method of radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis. A /sup 241/Am annular source was used as the source of excitation radiation and radiation was processed using a Si(Li) spectrometer.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Determination of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Br, Se, Rb, Sr and Cd in the medicinal plants by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (using "2"3"8Pu, "2"4"1Am/Ag and "1"2"5I) is described. (author). 12 refs., 2 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Determination of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb in human soft tissues by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (using "2"3"8Pu and "1"0"9Cd sources) is described. The results of multielement XRS analysis of selected human tissues are tabulated. They are in good agreement with the literature data. It is concluded that X-ray fluorescence technique is a suitable method for trace element determination. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

Jun 8, 2006 ... It also reflects the large amount of deforestation that has occurred on the Haitian side of the border. One can easily see from satellite imagery ...

Science.gov (United States)

Mar 30, 2007 ... Tropical forests are home to half the Earth's species, and their trees are an immense standing reservoir of carbon. Deforestation will have ...

Science.gov (United States)

Jul 26, 2011 ... The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth hosts the best and most complete online collection of astronaut photographs of the Earth.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reducing count losses and pile-up pulse effects in quantitative and qualitative analysis is necessary for accuracy of analysis. Therefore, the optimum peaking time for particular detector systems is important. For this purpose, pure Se and Zn elements were excited by 59.5 keV ?-rays from a 50 mCi 241Am annular radioactive source in this study. The characteristic x-rays emitted from pure Se and Zn elements were detected by using an ultra low energy Ge (Ultra-LEGe) detector connecting Tennelec TC 244 spectroscopy amplifier at different peaking time modes. Overall pulse widths were determined by HM 203-7 oscilloscope connecting amplifier. The proper peaking time for ultra low energy germanium detector (Ultra-LEGe) is determined about 4 ?s.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) techniques suited well for a multi-element determination of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr in some Syrian medicinal plant species. The accuracy and the precision of both techniques were verified by analyzing the Standard Reference Materials (SRM) peach-1547 and apple leaves-1515. A good agreement between the measured concentrations of the previously mentioned elements and the certified values were obtained with errors less than 10.7% for TXRF and 15.8% for XRF. The determination of Br was acceptable only by XRF with an error less than 24%. Furthermore, the XRF method showed a very good applicability for the determination of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Br in infusions of different Syrian medicinal plant species, namely anise (Anisum vulgare), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and white wormwood ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The rare-earth based nickelates RNiO{sub 3} (R=Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Pr{sub 1-x}La{sub x}, 0{<=}x{<=}0.7) were studied by inelastic neutron scattering. Energy splittings due to the crystalline-electric-field (CEF) interaction at the R{sup 3+} site within the electronic ground-state J multiplet (for R=Pr, Nd, and Pr{sub 1-x}La{sub x}) as well as within the two lowest-lying J multiplets (for R=Sm and Eu) were directly observed, and the corresponding CEF energy-level schemes were reconstructed. The latter were rationalized in terms of CEF parameters, which vary smoothly over the rare-earth series and give magnetic properties associated with the R sublattice in agreement with results from neutron powder diffraction experiments. Across the metal-insulator transition, a continuous change in the electronic part of the CEF parameters is observed. However, an attempt to quantify a charge transfer from the observed variation of the CEF ...

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The crystal structure of borophosphates ABPO{sub 5} (A = alkaline earth or Pb) was resolved on a polycrystalline sample using the Rietveld method. The x-ray diffraction patterns data show that ABPO{sub 5} crystallize in a centrosymmetric space group P3{sub 1}21 and their structure is related to the borogermanates REBGeO{sub 5} with a stillwellite-type structure. Pr{sup 3+} ion was used as a local structural probe to corroborate the structural resolution results. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of A{sub 1-x}Pr{sub x}BP{sub 1-x}Ge{sub x}O{sub 5} (A alkaline earth or Pb; x = 0.05) have been investigated at different temperatures. At 9 K the 3{sup H}{sub 4}{yields}{sup 3}P{sub 0} transition of trivalent praseodymium ion (4f{sup 2} configuration) is observed as a single line. This indicates a unique crystallographic site for the rare earth ion in these compounds replacing the divalent cation. Energy level schemes were ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A computational procedure is proposed to perform uncertainty analysis for the calculation of the isotopic inventory and radiological quantities obtained as a linear function of it, due to uncertainties in the activation cross sections. The method is applied to determine the uncertainty of the calculated shallow burial index (SBI) from activated type 304 stainless steel (SS) in the most neutron-exposed zone of the HYLIFE-II vessel structure. Results are obtained by means of an element-by-element study. Some other types of steel are also investigated for comparison purposes. The SS304 is confirmed to be the most promising steel option. 16 refs., 2 tabs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

As a generalization of fuzzy set, hesitant fuzzy set is a very useful tool in situations where there are some difficulties in determining the membership of an element to a set caused by a doubt between a few different values. The aim of this paper is to develop a series of aggregation operators for hesitant fuzzy information. We first discuss the relationship between intutionistic fuzzy set and hesitant fuzzy set, based on which we develop some operations and aggregation operators for hesitant fuzzy elements. The correlations among the aggregation operators are further discussed. Finally, we give their application in solving decision making problems.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main compositions of iron-base amorphous self-fluxing alloy powders of 150 mesh, used in this work, are Fe, Cr, Ni, W, Mo, B, Si and C. The ranges of each element in at% are (65-70)Fe, (3-5)Cr, (2-4)Ni, (2-4)W, (1-2)Mo, (10-14)B, (4-7)Si and (2-3)C. The atomic ratio of metal-metalloid is about 80:20, so this alloy is abbreviated as M_8_0X_2_0. The material on which coatings were deposited is 1020 steel, austenitized for 1h at 880 C, water quenched, and tempered at 180 C for 1h. This heat treatment resulted in a low carbon martensite structure with a hardness of HRC35-45. After cleaning, shot blasting and preheating the steel to about 200 C, the authors sprayed a thin Ni-Al alloy layer of about 0.1--0.15mm in thickness onto the specimen by means of an oxygen-acetylene torch to provide better bonding of the coating with substrate. Then the M_8_0X_2_0 and M_8_0X_2_0+8%CeO_2 alloy coatings were sprayed to a thickness of about 0.6--0.8mm. The CeO_2 was added as ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The volatility of some elements being determined in biological and environmental samples by NAA (neutron activation analysis) in case of their binding with phenolformaldehyde resin (PFR) is studied. Since the temperature is assumed to influence the volatility of elements stronger than radiation during irradiation of samples in nuclear pile the losses of Se, As, Sb, and Hg form samples on the basis of PFR after their heating at 100-300 deg C have been investigated. It is shown that the losses of Sb and As up to 300 deg C, Se up to 250 deg C, and Hg up to 150 deg C from PFR - based samples do not occur.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Leafy samples often used as medicine in the Indian Ayurvedic system and vegetables were analyzed for 20 elements (As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cr, Cs, Co, Eu, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Th, Zn) by employing Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The samples were irradiated at the 100 kW TRIGA-MAINZ nuclear reactor and the induced activities were counted by gamma ray spectrometry using an efficiency calibrated high resolution High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The concentration of the elements in the medicinal and vegetable leaves and their biological effects on human beings are discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Forensic signatures are present in any Pu sample that can determine the sample`s origin: isotopic ratio of Pu, progeny species that grow into the sample, and contaminant species left over from incomplete purification of the Pu in fuel reprocessing. In the context of intelligence information, this can result in attribution of responsibility for the product of clandestine proliferant operations or material smuggled from existing stockpiles. A list of signature elements and what can be determined from them have been developed. Work needs to be done in converting concentrations of signature species into a quantitative forensic analysis, particularly in regard to reactor performance, but this should require only a small effort. A radiochemical analysis scheme has been developed for measuring these nuclides; more work is needed, particularly for determining fission product concentrations. A sample of Pu metal ...

CERN Document Server

We study spectroscopically determined iron abundances of 642 solar-type stars to search for the signature of accreted iron-rich material. We find that the metallicity [Fe/H] of a subset of 466 main sequence stars, when plotted as a function of stellar mass, mimics the pattern seen in lithium abundances in open clusters. Using Monte Carlo models we find that, on average, these stars have accreted about 0.4 Earth masses of iron while on the main sequence. A much smaller sample of 19 stars in the Hertzsprung gap, which are slightly evolved and whose convection zones are significantly more massive, have lower average [Fe/H], and their metallicity shows no clear variation with stellar mass. These findings suggest that terrestrial-type material is common around solar type stars.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The crystal structure of Ca{sub 2}RuD{sub 6} has been determined by neutron powder diffraction: space group Fm3m, K{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} structure, as found for other hexahydride salts of group 8 metals with alkaline earth or lanthanide counter ions. No structural phase transition was observed between 340 K and 50 K. The deuterium nuclear quadrupole coupling constant, 54.7 kHz, leads to an ionic character of the Ru-D bond of 76%. The known trends in the behaviour of A{sub 2}MH{sub 6} salts are interpreted in terms of the ionization energies of the cation and the central metal atom.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper linear and nonlinear models of spacecraft attitude dynamics equations and gravity gradient moments are investigated. In addition, effects of gravity gradient moments on attitude dynamics of the satellite are studied. The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison between nonlinear and linear models of spacecraft attitude dynamics and gravity gradient moments in order to determine divergence of linear approximation from the nonlinear model. Simulation results indicate that designer of spacecraft attitude control subsystem should be meticulous in applying linear approximation of equations especially in low earth orbits. Consequently, finding an upper bound for small angle to keep the linear model valid and precise enough would be a vital part of using linear approximation...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrogeometric model cannot consider the influence of some parameters on the screening of the wire conductor of the H.V. lines. For analysing the influence of these parameters (the conductor potential, the influence of the distance from phase conductor to earth wire, the influence of the reducing factor of the striking earth distance, the earth slope, etc.), the Monte Carlo method is preferable. The influence of the earth slope on the screening effect of the wire conductor for different conditions is presented in this paper. (author)

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The verification of the subcriticality is of utmost importance for the safe transportation and storage of nuclear reactor fuels. Transportation containers and storage facilities are designed such that nuclear fuels remain in a subcritical state. Such designs often involve excess conservatism because of the lack of relevant experimental data to verify the accuracy of Monte Carlo codes used in nuclear criticality safety analyses. A joint experimental research program between Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Westinghouse Safety Management Solutions, Inc., and the University of Missouri was initiated to obtain measured quantities that could be directly related to the subcriticality of simple arrays of Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) fuel elements. A series of measurement were performed to assess the reactivity of materials such as BORAL, stainless steel, aluminum, and lead that are typically used in the construction of shipping casks. These materials were ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Si_3N_4-rich corner of the phase diagrams for neodymia and ytterbia containing sialons has been investigated by a systematic variation of the m and n values for compositions between 0.5 and 2.0 with a step size of 0.5. Samples requiring nitrides of the rare earth elements have not been prepared. Sintering has been performed at 1800 C for one hour in a nitrogen atmosphere of 1 MPa. The sintered samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis to identify the crystalline phases in equilibrium with sialon. #alpha#- and #beta#-sialon, the 21R AlN polytypoid, and N-melilite M' were found in the Nd containing system. Materials with Yb showed the formation of #alpha#- and #beta#-sialon, and the AlN polytypoids 12H and 21R. The m and n values of the #alpha#-sialon phase have been calculated via their lattice parameters that were refined by a least squares routine. The occurrence and composition of the phases were used to outline their ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A heat resistant nickel base alloy which is excellent in not only hot and cold workability but also high temperature strength properties and which also possesses satisfactory oxidation resistance. The nickel base alloy consists essentially of 0.001-0.15 percent carbon, 0.0005-0.05 percent calcium, 20.0-126.0 percent chromium, 4.7-9.4 percent cobalt, 5.0-16.0 percent molybdenum, 0.5-4.0 percent tungsten, with the total of molybdenum plus tungsten being from 9.0 to 16.5 percent, and the balance nickel and inevitable impurities. The alloy may further contain one selected from the group consisting of (1) 0.3-1.5 percent aluminum and 0.1-1.0 percent titanium, (2) 0.001-0.30 percent at least one of yttrium and rare earth elements, and (3) 0.001-1.0 percent at least one of niobium, vanadium and tantalum, whereby the aforementioned characteristics are further enhanced.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is an increasing interest in using radioisotopes of rare earth elements for internal radiotherapy and for imaging in nuclear medicine. "1"7"7Lu is one of the promising radionuclides. This article reports on the first measurements of the excitation function for the production of "1"7"7Lu with proton-beam energies up to 17 MeV on natural hafnium targets. The experimental cross sections for the reaction "n"a"tHf(p,x)"1"7"7Lu were obtained by the activation of a stacked-foil target and subsequent gamma spectrometry. Theoretical cross sections were calculated up to 35 MeV with the EMPIRE nuclear reaction model code. The measured and calculated cross sections were used for deriving the thick-target yields and for estimating the production of other nuclides than "1"7"7Lu. Measured production cross sections of "1"7"5","1"7"6","1"7"7","1"7"8Ta on the same target are also presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work describes the ability of ion beam analysis techniques IBA to simultaneously determine the concentration and the possible depth profile of some light elements, such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, in matrices of high atomic number Z, such as stainless steel materials. In fact, the nitriding process of some materials has the potential to improve their tribological and mechanical properties and to offer various advantages as compared with other methods used in the modification of surfaces. Gas and Plasma nitriding were applied to certain types of steel, such as AISI-304 and H-13 which are commonly used in the industry, in order to improve their hardness and their surface corrosion resistance. The improvement was correlated with the depth profile of N and the consequent structure variations. More specifically, non-Rutherford elastic backscattering (alpha, alpha) at 5 MeV was performed on different samples, before and after nitriding, in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pale colored BiY_1_-_xR_xGeO_5 (R=rare-earth from Pr to Yb) polycrystalline samples exhibit a crystalline phase isostructural with the orthorhombic Pbca (No. 61) structure-type established for BiYGeO_5 and BiYbGeO_5. R occupies a single point site in the host, with the lowest C_1 symmetry. While for Pr and Nd x must be #<=#0.35, for smaller R ions, Sm to Yb, the phase appears for any x content. Detailed crystallographic data for BiErGeO_5 have been determined from the structure refinement of its neutron diffraction profile at room temperature. Optical absorption and photoluminescence measurements at 10 K have been performed for BiEuGeO_5. An initial approach to the parametrization of crystal-field effects on this new host has been provided by results of the semi-empirical Simple Overlap Model, which considers the crystallographic positions of the nearest neighbors around R. Furthermore, the strongly reduced "7F_J_M set of levels of the 4f"6 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the course of the research project 'Investigations of trace element concentrations in coal seams with different mineral groups', 31 seam coals of the Ruhr Carboniferous were analysed in order to determine the bending of 14 coal-relevant trace elements to the mineral groups and/or minerals of the coals. Products with different ash content were produced by fluctuation of the seam coals in a laboratory cell. The raw coals and fluctuation component products were analyzed chemically and mineralogically in order to get a quantitative raw material characterisation of the sampled material. Particular interest is taken in the chemical and non-ecological composition of the mineral as ash carrier in the coal and the fluctuation component products, as well as in trace element control. (orig./EF).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

New and elaborate techniques for alpha-particle autoradiography of thick specimens based on the plastic nuclear track detector CR-39 have been developed. These permit a full analysis of both trace element and microdistribution of alpha-active nuclides present. The important features of the techniques are: 1) reliable low level configuration down to 10/sup -15/ Ci g/sup -1/, 2) high resolution alpha-particle spectroscopy in CR-39, 3) determination of the absolute abundance of alpha active nuclides present in the specimen, 4) determination of the distribution of emission with height up to 30 microns above the surface of the autoradiograph, 5) the local determination of the radon diffusion coefficient in the specimen which is needed to calculate the activity levels of /sup 222/Rn and daughter nuclei, 6) the analysis of small and large clusters of alpha-particle activity recorded on the autoradiograph. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The contamination of environmental materials (soil and dust) by heavy elements is of concern in assessing environmental pollution. Characterization of samples is performed in order to provide information that can be used to assess the potential hazard of the material, to assess remediation strategies, and to determine the source of the heavy element-bearing material. Microbeam analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or electron microprobe on polished particle mounts allows the size, internal morphology and chemical composition to be determined on a particle-by-particle basis. Computer controlled SEM allows all factors except internal structure to be acquired in an automated fashion. The authors present examples of two studies using microbeam techniques. In the first example, they illustrate how cadmium associated with sphalerite in soils can be quantified at levels down to a few parts per ...

CERN Document Server

The Dalitz plot of $\\eta^{\\prime} \\to \\eta \\pi^+ \\pi^-$ decay is studied using $(225.2\\pm2.8)\\times 10^6$ $\\jpsi$ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII $e^+e^-$ collider. With the largest sample of $\\eta^{\\prime}$ decays to date, the parameters of the Dalitz plot are determined in a generalized and a linear representation. Also the branching fraction of $\\jpsi \\to \\gamma \\eta^{\\prime}$ is determined to be $(4.84\\pm0.03\\pm0.24)\\times 10^{-3}$, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A study was undertaken to determine experimentally the uptake of pollutants into of the different parts of the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) found in 'Jose Antonio Alzate' dam in the State of Mexico, Mexico. There is evidence for efficient and significant root accumulation of Ti, Mn, Fe, and Ba; but in the upper parts concentrations was consistently determined by the degree of watering. However, a significant input could be derived from a common generic source, such as the atmospheric deposition. The experimental study would, therefore, indicate that water hyacinth species can be highly effective in providing a control and treatment buffer for toxic discharges to the dam. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The standard deviation of measurement results of a given element in XRF spectrometry depends on three factors: concentration and concentration region, atomic number and matrix. The effects of these factors were investigated by an XRF instrument type ARL 72.000 for aluminium metal, bauxite-red mud and aluminium using computerized data processing. A comparison of linear and nonlinear relation between concentration and the result of XRF analysis was made for the determination of standard deviation. (R.P.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A method of auxiliary spectrum is modified so that matrix elements of the reaction matrix in final nuclei are determined by means of algebraic operations alone (inversion of matrices). No differential equations need to be solved; Pauli's exclusion principle is accurately taken into account. A single-particle potential may be of any kind, but a two-particle interaction must have no solid core.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document, the Standards/Requirements Identification Document (S/RID) Phase I Assessment Report for the subject facility, represents the results of an Administrative Assessment to determine whether S/RID requirements are fully addressed by existing policies, plans or procedures. It contains; compliance status, remedial actions, and an implementing manuals report linking S/RID elements to requirement source to implementing manual and section.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The determination of relative abundances of helium and deuterium in Jupiter and Saturn provides estimates of the primordial abundances of these elements. The values so inferred can be compared with theoretical predictions of the standard model of the big-bang theory as a test of the model and suggest either that deuterium is more efficiently consumed in subsequent nucleosynthesis than hitherto assumed, or that the standard big-bang model should be revised in order for there to have been less production of primordial helium.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We studied the solvent extraction behavior of astatine and found the anomalous behavior of this element similar to radioiodine. Astatine was extracted into CS_2 from acidic solution over a wide range of carrier iodine concentration. The distribution ratios of astatine were determined by measuring the #gamma#-ray from 210 At with a NaI(Tl) detector. A drastic change was observed around at 10"-"4 mol/l as in the case of 131 l. This tendency is well explained by the kinematics of the chemical reactions concerned. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Studies were conducted of the bifunctional oxygen electrode. The development of a rechargeable metal-oxygen (air) cell has been hampered to a great extent by the lack of a stable and cost effective oxygen electrode capable of use during both charge and discharge. The first type of bifunctional electrode consists of two distinct catalytifc layers. The oxygen reduction catalyst layer containing a supported gold catalyst is in contact with a hydrophilic nickel layer in which evolution of oxygen takes place. Loadings of gold from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/cm/sup 2/ were investigated; carbon, graphite, metal, and spinel oxides were evaluated as substrates. The second part of the research effort was centered on developing a reversible oxygen electrode containing only one catalytic layer for both reduction and evolution of oxygen. The work was directed specifically to the study of perovskite type of oxides with the composition AA/sup 1/BO/sub 3/ where A is an element of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of major and trace elements in rock and sediment samples by wavelength dispersive XRF. Sample measured were made from cellulose powder pressed into 4 cm diameter aluminium ring 0.4 t cm/sup -2/, and then 1 g of powdered sample (0.08 g cm/sup -2/) was placed on the disk and repressed at 1.6 t cm/sup -2/. X-ray measurements were performed for total XRF intensity (I/sub p/) at the characteristic line of each element and background intensity (I/sub b/) in vicinity of the line. The correction of matrix effect was achieved by X-ray intensity ratio of peak to background for each element. Eight standard rock samples from Geological Survey of Japan were used as standard materials, and linear calibration curves were obtained by the plot of I/sub p/ - I/sub b/ vs. concentration for Ca, Na and Pb and by the plot of I/sub p//I/sub b/ ratio vs. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Anadenathera macrocarpa, Schinus molle, Hymenaea courbaril, Cariniana legalis, Solidago microglossa and Stryphnodendron barbatiman, were collected ''in natura'' samples (leaves, flowers, barks and seeds) from different commercial suppliers. The pharmaco-active compounds in ethanolic extracts had been made by the Mato Grosso Federal University (UFMT). The energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry was used for the elemental analysis in different parts of the plants and respective ethanolic extracts. The Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Rb, S, Sr and Zn concentrations were determined by the fundamental parameters method. Some specimens showed a similar inorganic profile for ''in natura'' and ethanolic extract samples and some ones showed a distinct inorganic profile. For example, the Anadenathera macrocarpa showed a similar concentration in Mg, P, Cu, ...

Science.gov (United States)

of satellite, aircraft and ground-based observations. In ..... swarm traps by Utah Department of Food and Agriculture (DAF) personnel. Preliminary Results ..... the 150th anniversary of the book's publication and the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth. ...... cold war submarine missions to find that Arctic Ocean ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rare Earth Cobalt (REC) permanent magnets have unique properties that permit solutions to some optical tasks that cannot be accomplished with conventional magnets. A review of design and of performance characteristics of these magnets includes an analytical description of the three dimensional fringe fields of REC quadrupoles.

Science.gov (United States)

This frequently-asked-questions feature provides answers about earthquakes, faults, plate tectonics, and earth structure. Maps and diagrams are provided with some answers, and links to additional information and to related topics are included.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We calculate the expected fluxes of cosmic ray nuclei with charge 5 ≤ Z ≤ 28 at various depths in the earth's atmosphere, taking into account the initial charge distribution,...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors develop a procedure for the determination of the Al, Ti, V, Cu, Mn, Mo, and W content of nickel-base alloys by neutron activation analysis. An M-10 microtron with a beryllium target in a paraffin microtron (with a beryllium target) in a paraffin moderator served as the neutron source. In order to evaluate the procedure for quantitative analysis, the authors determined the contents of the above elements in five reference standards, the bulk density of which was 2.94-4.17 g/cm"3. The difference in the self-absorption of the gammaquanta was assessed by determining the number of gamma-quanta with energies in the range 60-1332 keV that had passed through the RS N4 and N8 which showed the greatest difference in their composition. The results of the determination are presented. The proposed procedure is simple and rapid and can be used to determine the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The problems are discussed of using radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (the most frequently used source is "2"4"1Am) and neutron activation analysis for monitoring the chemical quality of the working environment of a welder. Elements determinable by these methods are listed and the advantages of the methods stated with regard to speed, simplicity and appropriate accuracy of measurement together with commercial availability of the instruments. Welding as a source of harmful substances is assessed by determination of the amount of chromium in aerosols generated by welding austenitic chromium-nickel steels. The described methods allow to obtain a complex image of the chemical nature of welding aerosols and to understand the mechanism of their impact on the human organism. (J.C.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The prospect for the recovery of rare earths from red mud, the bauxite tailings from the production of alumina is examined. The Jamaican red mud by far has the higher trace concentrations of lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, and yttrium. Scandium is also present. The dissolution of the rare earth is a major extraction problem because of the large volume of other materials. The recovery processes that have been proposed include the production of co-products such as iron, alumina, and titanium concentrates, with the rare earths going with the titanium. In this paper a critical examination of the possible processes are presented with the recommended research projects to be carried out.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA's Glory spacecraft is equipped to survey and map aerosols in Earth's atmosphere during a mission marking the return to flight of the Taurus XL rocket.

Science.gov (United States)

Topics covered include: Methods of Helium Injection and Removal for Heat Transfer Augmentation; The

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Container Analysis Fire Environment (CAFE) computer code has been developed to model all relevant fire physics for predicting the thermal response of massive objects engulfed in large fires. It provides realistic fire thermal boundary conditions for use in design of radioactive material packages and in risk-based transportation studies. The CAFE code can be coupled to commercial finite-element codes such as MSC PATRAN/THERMAL and ANSYS. This coupled system of codes can be used to determine the internal thermal response of finite element models of packages to a range of fire environments. This document is a user manual describing how to use the three-dimensional version of CAFE, as well as a description of CAFE input and output parameters. Since this is a user manual, only a brief theoretical description of the equations and physical models is included.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Passive films formed on stainless steels in a borate buffer solution (pH 9.2) have been investigated by capacitance measurements and photoelectrochemistry. The study was carried out on films formed on AISI type 304 and 316 stainless steels and high purity alloys with differing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum contents. Complementary research by Auger analysis shows that the passive films are composed essentially of an inner chromium region in contact with the metallic substrate and an outer iron oxide region developed at the film/electrolyte interface. The semiconducting properties of the passive films are determined by those of the constituent chromium and iron oxides which are of p-type and n-type, respectively. Thus the influence of the alloying elements on the semiconducting properties of the passive films is explained by changes in the electronic structure of each of these two oxide regions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect on human health of using food packaging made from recycled materials will depend on whether the elements will migrate into the food itself and at which levels that would be of concern. There is no EU directive for paper and board packaging, but guidelines on paper and board intended to come into contact with food are being developed in another forum. These do not propose limits for paper intended to come into contact with dry foods. However, for other foodstuffs, restriction limits in paper of 0.002 mg/dm"2 (Cd), 0.003 mg/dm"2 (Pb), and 0.002 mg/dm"2 (Hg) have been proposed. This paper describes a radiotracer method that has been applied to the determination of migration of trace elements from paper and board into real food samples.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Development testing has been conducted by Rockwell Hanford Operations (Rockwell) with simulated Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Reactor fuel and unirradiated N-Reactor fuel, to identify the various problems associated with rotary shearing these fuels. This report discusses the results of tests segmenting FFTF and N-Reactor fuels using electrically driven slow-speed rotary shredders. From these tests, it has been determined that slow-speed rotary shredding of both fuels can be accomplished. Final equipment arrangements and operating parameters have been established for definitive design of the FFTF Rotary Shear. Development testing is continuing on the N-fuel rotary shear. However, it has been established that two-stage shearing is necessary and the outer N-fuel elements pose few problems, while the smaller inner elements have created numerous problems, which are being addressed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The decrease and subsequent lack of recovery of the North American scaup population has increased concerns about contaminants acquired during migration. We collected 189 fall- and spring-migrant lesser (Aythya affinis) and greater scaup (A. marila) on the lower Great Lakes (LGL) to determine if organic contaminants and trace elements in scaup livers were increased and to evaluate sources of variation in selenium (Se) burdens. We found that all organic contaminants were below toxic levels. Of 18 trace elements, only Se was detected at increased (>10-ppm dry-mass) levels. Se in lesser scaup increased but remained constant in greater scaup throughout fall; levels were increased in 14% of lesser scaup and 46% of greater scaup. During spring, Se increased in lesser scaup but decreased slightly ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The thermal recovery of superconducting elements working as secondaries in fault current limiters can be enhanced by taking advantage of the removal of heat by conduction from an array of artificial weak zones (AWZ) distributed along the superconductor perimeter (hot parts) to the non-weak segments (cold parts). These results were obtained by studying samples with weak parts in the shape of grooves, all identical in size. In this paper we consider the case in which one of the AWZ is slightly different from the rest. Our results show that a change in its length has a negligible effect. On the contrary, a groove which is slightly deeper can be overheated and hence can strongly determine the recovery time of the whole limiter.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anion-exchange chromatography of element 105, dubnium (Db), produced in the "2"4"8Cm("1"9F, 5n)"2"6"2Db reaction is investigated together with the homologues Nb and Ta, and the pseudo-homologue Pa in 13.9 M hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution. The distribution coefficient (K_d) of Db on an anion-exchange resin is successfully determined by running cycles of 1702 chromatographic column separations. The result clearly indicates that the adsorption of Db on the resin is significantly different from that of the homologues and that the adsorption of anionic fluoro complexes of these elements decreases in the sequence of Ta#approx#Nb>Db#>=#Pa. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The rare earth antimonates RE_3Sb_5O_1_2 constitute an isostructural series, where the rare earth site symmetry is S_4. The spectroscopic properties of pure or doped compounds of this family are studied in order to derive their energy level schemes and to simulate them through the crystal field theory, by using the approximated D_2_d potential. The paramagnetic susceptibilities are calculated with the derived wavefunctions and compared to experiment.

CERN Document Server

We calculated the matter effect, including both the Earth and supernova, on the detection of neutrinos from type II supernovae at the proposed Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment. It is found that apart from the dependence on the flip probability P_H inside the supernova and the mass hierarchy of neutrinos, the amount of the Earth matter effect depends on the direction of the incoming supernova neutrinos, and reaches the biggest value when the incident angle of neutrinos is around 93^\\circ. In the reaction channel \\bar{\

CERN Document Server

The possible physical linkage between galactic cosmic rays intensity and the Earth's cloud cover is discussed using the analysis of the first indirect aerosol effect (Twomey effect) and its experimental representation as the dependence of average cloud droplet effective radius on aerosol index characterizing the aerosol concentration in the atmospheric air column of unit section. It is shown that the basic kinetic equation of the Earth's climate energy-balance model is described by the bifurcation equation (with respect to the temperature of the Earth's surface) in the form of fold catastrophe with two governing parameters defining the variations of insolation and Earth's magnetic field (or galactic cosmic rays intensity in the atmosphere), respectively. The principle of hierarchical climatic models construction, which consists in the structural invariance of balance equations of these models evolving ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Impurities (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Ti, Y, Zn and Zr) in sialon powder were determined by the following procedure: A sample (0.5 g) was heated with a mixture of hydrofluoric acid (3 ml) and nitric acid (1 ml) in a Teflon pressure vessel at 170degC for 16 h. The contents of the vessel were transferred into a platinum crucible containing phosphoric acid (4 ml) and heated on a hot plate until the opaque appearance of the content changed to a clear-syrupy fluid. The fluid was diluted to 100 ml with water and used for ICP-AES analysis of all impurity elements except K, which was determined by AAS. It was necessary to match closely the matrix concentrations (H_3PO_4, Al and/or Y) of the standard solutions with those of sialon sample solutions for the determination of impurities because of interferences of the matrix components. This method was successfully applied to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anorthosites are rocks consisting almost completely of calcic plagioclase, usually from andesine to labradorite. They are not widespread, and until recently were of no economic interest. However, with the advance of the new global tectonics, which has excited considerable interest in the structure and composition of upper-mantle rocks, interest in the anorthosites has grown. This has particularly been the case since the discovery of anorthosites on the moon, where they appear to be more widespread than on the earth. Data have recently been obtained on the strontium isotope compositions of anorthosite intrusions in the Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy zone and in the rocks surrounding them, which have revealed some unexpected features. The paper describes the geological features of anorthosites, initial concepts on strontium isotope geochemistry, strontium isotope compositions of this region, and discusses some genetic consequences from the isotope data. Although the data of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

With the advent of the Information Superhighway, many organizations have been spurred into re-examining current spacecraft architectures to determine how the significantly higher communications capacities of the future will be accommodated. Opinion is divided on many issues in this arena, and none more so than the discussion that revolves around whether several large satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) offer a better all-round service to the user community than a fleet of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Although this paper does not attempt to debate this particular issue, a clear finding of the work carried out by the author and others, was that considerable growth potential exists by simply increasing the physical size and capacity of conventional geosynchronous satellites while causing a minimal impact on existing ground systems and infrastructures. The work described here forms part of a power systems study carried out by ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

SiAlONs are ceramics with high potential as biomaterials due to their chemical stability, associated with suitable mechanical properties, such as high fracture toughness and fracture resistance. The objective of this work was to investigate the mechanical properties and the cytotoxicity of these ceramic materials. Three different compositions were prepared, using silicon nitride, aluminum nitride and a rare earth oxide mixture as starting powders, yielding Si_3N_4-SiAlON composites or pure SiAlON ceramics, after hot-pressing at 1750 deg. C, for 30 min. The sintered samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, hardness and fracture toughness were determined using the Vicker's indentation method. The biological compatibility was evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity tests. Ceramic with elevated hardness, ranging between 17 and 21 GPa, and high fracture toughness of 5 to 6 MPa ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Radioactive rare earth chlorides in waste LiCl-KCl molten salts have to be separated as a stable form to minimize waste volume and to achieve stable solidification. In this work, thermal behavior of rare earth chlorides (CeCl3, GdCl3, NdCl3, PrCl3) was investigated in an oxygen condition to recover rare earth oxides from a LiCl-KCl-RECl3 system. The rare earth chlorides in the LiCl-KCl molten salts were smoothly converted to an oxychloride form at a higher temperature than 650degreeC, except for CeCl3. CeCl3 was totally converted to an oxide from at a higher temperature than 450degreeC. The rare earth oxychlorides (GdOCl, NdOCl, PrOCl) were effectively converted to oxide forms at a higher temperature than 1100degreeC. It was confirmed that rare earth oxides can be recovered from a LiCl-KCl...

CERN Document Server

Most of the presently identified exoplanets have masses similar to that of Jupiter and therefore are assumed to be gaseous objects. With the ever-increasing interest in discovering lower-mass planets, several of the so-called super-Earths (i.e., with masses in the interval 1 M_earth < M < 10 M_earth), which are predicted to be rocky, have already been found. Here we report the possible discovery of a planet around the M-type star GJ 436 with a minimum mass of 4.8+/-0.6 M_earth and a true mass of ~5 M_earth, which makes it the least massive planet around a main-sequence star found to date. In contrast with other discoveries, the planet is identified from its perturbations on an inner Neptune-mass transiting planet (GJ 436b), by pumping eccentricity and producing secular variations in the orbital inclination. Analysis of published radial velocity measurements indeed reveals a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This Maintenance Implementation plan has been developed for Pacific Northwest Laboratory`s (PNL) Nuclear Facilities: 306W, 324, 325, 327 and 329NMF. It is based on a graded approach, self-assessment of the existing maintenance program(s) per the requirements specified by US Department of Energy (DOE) Order 4330.4A, Chapter II, Change {number_sign}3. The results of this assessment were evaluated to determine needed improvements in PNL Craft Services` current maintenance program. The objective of this implementation plan is to provide baseline information for compliance to the DOE 4330.4A, and for needed improvements. The prime consideration in applying a graded approach to the Order has been to maintain safe and reliable operations, environmental compliance, safeguards and security, programmatic mission, facility preservation, and/or other facility-specific requirements. Using the results of the self-assessment, PNL has selected nine of the 18 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uranium-aluminum alloys with a significant enrichment of uranium with "2"3"3U or "2"3"5U serve as nuclear fuels in research reactors. The quality assurance of this fuel requires, among other things, precise knowledge that all trace metal constituents that affect neutron economy, fuel integrity, and fuel fabrication process parameters are well within the specification limits. Trace metal characterization of "2"3"5U-Al alloy has been carried out by atomic spectrometry. The trace metal constituents of interest are grouped into common metals (silver, boron, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, lead, silicon, tin, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, and zinc) and lanthanides (cerium, dysprosium, europium, gadolinium, holminium, lutetium, samarium, and terbium). The elements yttrium and zirconium are grouped with the latter in view of the chemical separation procedure used. The alloy samples are dissolved in 6 M ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The utilization of 14.6-min "1"0"1Mo and 25-min "1"3"1Te for the determination of molybdenum and tellurium in biological materials by neutron activation analysis is described for the first time. Radioisotopes were separated from the samples activated in a thermal neutron flux of about 10"1"4 n cm"-"2s"-"1. The radiochemical procedure for molybdenum involves extraction of Mo"6"+ from 6 M HCl into diethylether, re-extraction into water, precipitation as oxinate, and measurement of the gamma activity of "1"0"1Tc. The tellurium was separated by reduction to the element with SO_2 in 3 M HCl, dissolution in HNO_3, and reprecipitation as the element for the measurement of radioactivity. The sensitivity was estimated at ca. 10 ng at the level of confidence of 95%. The methods were tested by analyzing NBS-standard Bovine Liver and Orchard Leaves for molybdenum; the concentrations found were 3.2 +- 0.1 #mu#g g"-"1 and 300 +- 60 ng ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This research involves the development of an analysis which yielded recommendations regarding the plate thickness at which the effects of transverse shear become significant enough to be taken into consideration during vibration testing of composite plates. The specimens designed using this analysis are to be used for the {open_quotes}inverse{close_quotes} problem of determining through-the-thickness elastic constants as well as in-plane elastic constants from modal vibration response data. The effects of transverse shear were studied over the range of practical plate aspect ratios (length to thickness ratios) and mode numbers. Behavior of composite plates ranging from isotropic to highly orthotropic was studied in order to investigate the effects of transverse shear. Orthotropic plates having in-plane dimensions of 254 x 254 mm and thicknesses varying from 10 mm to 80 mm, with free-free edge boundary conditions, were considered. A methodology was developed to use ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The devised radionuclide analyzer for the determination of total sulfur in coal includes two radionuclide sources with different energies, which are accommodated in collimators fitted with adjustable diaphramgs. The sample compartment is located between the two sources. Moreover, an X-ray fluorescence standard can be slid into the sample compartment. A proportional detector for X-ray fluorescence and scattered gamma radiation is located off the sample compartment. The input of the proportional detector is interfaced to the output of a high-voltage supply, the output, to the information input of a control-and-evaluation unit. One of the control outputs of the control-and-evaluation unit is connected to the input of the sliding mechanism for the X-ray fluorescence standard. This arrangement enables automatic energy calibration of the analyzer. The analyzer can measure not only total sulfur in coal by radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis but also ash in coal by ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A metamaterial that is composed of solid viscoelastic elements with controllable properties is proposed in this Letter. This enables an adaptable and general acoustic metamaterial to be practically realised. An array of masses with a single elastic connection to a supporting viscoelastic structure, such as one that is dynamically equivalent to an array of Helmholtz resonators, only provides a system with negative effective mass. A local active control scheme applied to each of these masses can emulate additional elastic connections to the supporting structure. An array of masses with a suitable local control scheme can provide both the negative effective stiffness and mass required for negative refraction. The tuneable feedback control parameters determine the characteristics of the region...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The absorption, emission and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of the anionic complex (Cp_3Pr. NCS)"- were measured at room and low temperatures. On the basis of these spectra the electronic structure in the f-f range could be derived. The parameters of an empirical Hamiltonian were fitted to the experimentally determined crystal field splitting pattern. Compared with the previously examined neutral Cp_3 Pr.X complexes the quadratic crystal field parameter B_0"2 is considerably reduced.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phase transformations occuring during cold deformation in hardened #alpha#+#beta# titanium alloy of the Ti-Al-Mo-Zr-Sn-Si system with 10% summary content of alloying elements are studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Two stages of trapsformation of metastable #alpha#''-phase are found. A conclusiop is made that ability of the alloy containing #alpha#''-phase to cold deformation is determined by the presence of favourable texture, by high degree of metastability and by volume portion of #alpha#''-phase in the alloy structure.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The nuclear data activity at AERE, Savar is briefly presented in this paper. Major thrust is on the customization of cross section libraries for general purpose reactor and shielding calculations. The processing codes that are available are NJOY91.91, some AMPX-Modules and the modules in SCALE-PC. Recent measurements on cross section data over the energy range 13-15 MeV at the Institute of Nuclear science and Technology have been reviewed. Measurements and calculations are based on the determination of excitation functions of neutron induced reactions on the elements and isotopes of FRT-relevant structural materials. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis for nondestructive determination of Fe, Zn, Pb, and Br in air samples collected on nitrocellulose membrane filter Synpor 4 is described. A "2"3"8Pu source for the excitation and a semiconductor Si/Li detector for the detection of characteristic and L-fluorescent radiation of the above elements were used. A correction method based upon the measurements of simple or multiple Compton scattering for compensation of varying mass per unit area values in sample deposits was theoretically proposed and experimentally tested. The results obtained both with and without the correction were compared and good agreement with those given by atomic absorption spectrometry was observed. (author).

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The carbon cycle is an important part of major biogeochemical cycles. Many techniques may be used to characterize carbon amounts and sources in the environment. Here we first review the most popular techniques for the determination of organic and inorganic carbon concentrations. Decarbonatation techniques are also reviewed in details since it is often an important part of organic carbon analysis. The second part of this paper addresses the use of carbon stable isotopes to characterize organic carbon sources and processes in the environment. An overview of general stable isotopes background and terminology is given as well as the most popular analytical techniques.

Science.gov (United States)

The dynamic response characteristics of the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) rotor are important factors governing the safety and fatigue life of VAWT systems. The principal problems are the determination of critical rotor speeds (resonances) and the assessment of forced vibration response amplitudes. The solution to these problems is complicated by centrifugal and Coriolis effects which can have substantial influence on rotor resonant frequencies and mode shapes. The primary tools now in use for rotor analysis are described and discussed. These tools include a lumped spring mass model (VAWTDYN) and also finite-element based approaches. The accuracy and completeness of current capabilities are also discussed.

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Diffusion of radon in a bed of activated charcoal is described by diffusion equations. An analytical solution of these equations is presented for the case of constant radon concentration in the atmosphere. The solutions are given separately for short term and long term exposure. An analytical form of the calibration constant f for long term exposure and constant radon concentration in air, was found. A numerical method and computer code based on the method of finite elements is developed for the case of variable radon concentration in air. This program simulates radon adsorption by the activated charcoal bed, enabling determination of sensitivity. The dependence of sensitivity on different parameters, such as temperature, thickness of the charcoal, etc. was studied using this program. (orig.) 10 refs.

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This paper studies the analytical application of europium (III)-morin complex which is formed in alkaline medium and has an intense color. The extent of europium extraction was determined by adding to the extract a morin solution in isoamyl alcohol in a 50-100-fold excess with respect to europium. The dependence of the optical density of the extracts on the ph in the system europium (III)-morin-water-organic solvent for different excesses of the reagent is shown: this indicates formation of two extractable complexes, one being dominant in the pH range 4-7, the other at pH greater than or equal to 8.5. The extraction of the europium (III)-morin complex from alkaline solution is used for direct extraction-photometric determination of europium(III) in compounds of elements having amphoteric properties or forming amines (Zns, Mo0/sub 3/).

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Petroleum, known to be a source of a vast variety of organic compounds, is also a depository of valuable mineral components. Vanadium and nickel are the most important metal components of crude petroleum, with their concentrations reaching a few tenths of a percent. Their percentage increases 2- to 5-fold in the hydrocarbon products. The vanadium content in processed petroleum products is given. Therefore, the extraction of metals from petroleum is becoming an increasing important task. At present, there is no petroleum processing technology aimed solely at obtaining organic components. The occurrence of metals and other trace elements in petroleum and hydrocarbon products is discussed on the basis of available literature and experimental data. Techniques for isolating metals from petroleum and hydrocarbon products and their quantitative determination are considered.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The determination of Li and proton-capture element abundances in globular cluster (GC) giants allows us to constrain several key questions on the multiple population scenarios in GCs, from formation and early evolution to pollution and dilution mechanisms. In this Letter, we present our results on Li abundances for a large sample of giants in the intermediate-metallicity GC NGC 6121 (M4), for which Na and O have been already determined by Marino et al. The stars analyzed are both below and above the red giant branch bump luminosity. We found that the first and second generation stars share the same Li content, suggesting that a Li production must have occurred. This provides strong observational evidence supporting the scenario in which asymptotic giant branch stars are GC polluters.

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Medicinal plants are available in the markets in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The objective of this work is to investigate the Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na e Zn concentrations in two lots of usually known diuretics plants (azeitona do mato, cabelo de milho, cavalinha, cervejinha do campo, chapeu de couro, congonha de bugre, marmelinho do campo and quebra pedra) bought with an interval of time - six months - between the purchases. The elemental concentrations were determined applying k{sub 0} instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry analysis. (author)

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Carbohydrate and nucleotide structural determination using modern spectroscopic techniques is dependent on our ability to label oligonucleotides and oligosaccharides with stable isotopes. Uniform Carbon 13 and Nitrogen 15 labeling of oligonucleotides is important to present-day efforts, which are focused on determining the structure of relatively small oligosaccharides and oligonucleotides, which form the elements of larger structures. Because of the relatively recent interest in three-dimensional structure, the development of techniques used to label them has lagged behind parallel techniques used to label peptides and proteins. Therefore, this group`s discussion focused primarily on problems faced today in obtaining oligonucleotides labeled uniformly with carbon 13 and nitrogen 15.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work, a water-soluble polymer, polyethylenimine (PEI) was used for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of trace Cu and Mn prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. For this purpose, the sample and the PEI solution were mixed and the metal-bound polymer was precipitated by adding acetone. The precipitate was separated and dissolved in a minimum amounts of water and aspirated into a flame AAS. By increasing the ratio of the volumes of sample to water used in dissolving the precipitate, the analyte elements were concentrated as needed. The sorption is quantitative in the pH ?6. Detection limits were 5.2 ?g/L for Cu and 5.4 ?g/L for Mn. This method is simple, fast and precise.

Science.gov (United States)

Large amounts of atmospheric dust are lifted from the North African deserts and are transported by the trade winds over the Caribbean region, especially during the summer months. How African dust particles influence the earth's radiative budget is not well understood because these particles are highly variable and their physical, optical, and chemical properties are poorly characterized, especially when they are atmospherically processed as are those that travel from Africa to the Caribbean region. Here we present results of aerosol measurements performed at Cape San Juan (CPR), a ground-based station located at the northeastern tip of the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. We used a condensation particle counter to determine the particle number concentration, a sunphotometer (part of the AErosol RObotical NETwork, AERONET, aeronet.gsfc.nasa.gov) to determine volume size distributions and aerosol optical thickness, and ...

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Many important advances in the physics of strongly correlated electron systems have been driven by the development of new materials: for instance the filled skutterudites MT{sub 4}X{sub 12} (M=alkali metal, alkaline earth, lanthanide, or actinide; T=Fe, Ru, or Os; X=P, As, or Sb), certain lanthanide and actinide intermetallic compounds such as URu{sub 2-x}Re{sub x}Si{sub 2} and CeTIn{sub 5} (T=Co, Rh, or Ir), and layered oxypnictides and related materials. These types of complex multinary d- and f-electron compounds have proven to be a vast reservoir of novel strongly correlated electron ground states and phenomena. In these materials, the occurrence of such a wide range of ground states and phenomena arises from a delicate interplay between competing interactions that can be tuned by partial or complete substitution of one element for another, as well as the application of pressure, and magnetic fields, resulting in rich and complex electronic ...

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Flux-grown ScPO{sub 4} single crystals exhibit a number of luminescence bands in their x-ray-excited luminescence spectra - including sharp lines arising from rare-earth elements plus a number of broad bands at 5.6 cV, 4.4 eV, and 3 eV. The band at 5.6 eV was attributed to a self-trapped exciton (STE) [l], and it could be excited at 7 eV and higher energies. This luminescence is strongly polarized (P = 70 %) along the optical axes of the crystal and exhibits a kinetic decay time constant that varies from several ns at room temperature to {approximately}10 {micro}s at 60 K and up to {approximately}1 ms at 10 K. It is assumed that the STE is localized on the SC ions. The band at 3 eV can be excited in the range of the ScPO{sub 4} crystal transparency (decay time = 3 to 4 {micro}s.) This band is attributed to a lead impurity that creates different luminescence centers. At high temperatures, the band at 4.4 eV is dominant in the x-ray-excited TSL ...

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The Stardust sample return capsule will return to Earth in January 2006 with primitive debris collected from Comet 81P/Wild-2 during the fly-by encounter in 2004. In addition to the cometary particles embedded in low-density silica aerogel, there will be microcraters preserved in the Al foils (1100 series; 100 {micro}m thick) that are wrapped around the sample tray assembly. Soda lime spheres ({approx}49 {micro}m in diameter) have been accelerated with a Light Gas Gun into flight-grade Al foils at 6.35 km s{sup -1} to simulate the capture of cometary debris. The experimental craters have been analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) to locate and characterize remnants of the projectile material remaining within the craters. In addition, ion beam induced secondary electron imaging has proven particularly useful in identifying areas within the craters that contain residue material. Finally, high-precision ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The present work, regarding the determination of ultratrace Os(VIII), Ru(III) and Ir(III) in superficial waters is an interesting example of the possibility to simultaneously, or better sequentially determine each single element in real samples by voltammetry. The method is based on the catalytic current of the Os(VIII)- and Ru(III)-bromate systems by square wave voltammetry and on the Ir(III) determination by square wave catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry. 0.5-mol-L-1 acetate buffer pH-4.9+7.710-2-mol-L-1 NaBrO3 and 0.5-mol-L-1 acetate buffer pH-4.9+7.710-2-mol-L-1 NaBrO3+2.310-5-mol-L-1 cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) +0.2-mol-L-1 KCl were employed as the supporting electrolytes. The analytical procedure was verified by the analysis of the standard reference materi...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Some crops of important nutritive requirements have been collected from farmlands located in Bitsichi an old tin mining town in north central region of Nigeria. The food crops were analyzed in order to determine trace element concentrations level using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). The activity concentrations due to natural radionuclides in the food samples and soil samples collected within the root zone of the crops were also determined using gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS). The NAA results obtained showed higher concentration of Potassium among the essential elements in all the crops. Calcium concentration in both maize and Guinea corn was below detection limit and also Zn in Green beans, sweet potato and cassava. The trace elements; Sc, Hf, Sm, and Th, were below detection limit in all the crops except in Green beans. Rubidium (Rb) and lanthanum (La) were below detection limits ...

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The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases has increased significantly in the last years, as has research concerning chemical characterization of these plants. In this study, inorganic constituents were determined in leaves and in extracts from three medicinal plant species of the Casearia genus (C. sylvestris, C. decandra and C. obliqua) collected in distinct regions of the Atlantic Forest, SP. The elemental compositions of the soils in which these plants were grown were also determined. Traditionally, these plants are used due to their antiinflammatory, antiacid, antiseptic and cicatrizing properties. The antiulcer and the antitumor activities of the Casearia genus and its capacity to neutralize snake and bee venoms, have also been scientifically confirmed. The analytical methodology used was neutron activation analysis. Long and short irradiation periods of the samples and the standards were carried out at ...

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When the foundations of the building are designed and worked, the prediction calculation of immediate settlement of the building exercised practically is to calculate assuming the earth is a linear elastic body, but the actual stress-strain relationship of the earth is nonlinear and rigidity of the earth becomes lower as strain (or stress) increases. Hence in order to grasp the actual settling behavior of the earth, it is necessary to elucidate the nonlinear relationship between stress and strain. In this article, a prediction method of building settlement is introduced which uses an analytical technique of the multi-layered earth by the linear elasticity theory and takes into consideration strain dependency of rigidity of the earth. Part of the conclusion is as follows which has been obtained by studying the settling behaviors observed in examples of vertical ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A method to achieve NMR of dilute samples in the earth's magnetic field by applying para-hydrogen induced polarization is presented. Maximum achievable polarization enhancements were calculated by numerically simulating the experiment and compared to the experimental results and to the thermal equilibrium in the earth's magnetic field. Simultaneous 19F and 1H NMR detection on a sub-milliliter sample of a fluorinated alkyne at millimolar concentration (1018 nuclear spins) was realized with just one single scan. A highly resolved spectrum with a signal/noise ratio higher than 50:1 was obtained without using an auxiliary magnet or any form of radio frequency shielding.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Active Activator (Ac) elements undergo mutations to become nonautonomous Dissociation (Ds) elements at a low frequency. To understand...Full Text Available

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Proton induced X-ray and {gamma}-ray emission (PIXE/PIGE) have been used to analyze major and trace elements in a suite of 140 core samples from around of the Jim`s Find South gold anomaly in the Tanami desert, located in heavily weathered terrain. Simultaneous analyses were obtained for 30 elements, ranging in atomic number from {sup 3}Li to {sup 90}Th. The method was chosen because of its speed and the wide range of determination, its flexibility, precision and low detection limits. The regolith powder samples were treated by hot aqua regia before making them into pills. The PIXE/PIGE data of the acid insoluble residue give three factor analysis clusters. The first cluster comprises the elements F, Al, K, V, Mn, Fe, Ga, Rb, W and Au and is essentially related to sericitic wallrock alteration. The second cluster consists of Ti, As, Y, Zr, and Nb and is largely related to resistant minerals. The third ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The gravitational torque applied on the Earth by the other celestial bodies generates periodic variations in the orientation of the Earth's rotation axis in space which are called nutations. Observations of Earth's nutations allow for insights into the physical properties of the inner core because of the presence of a normal mode, the Free Inner Core Nutation (FICN), which is characterized by a tilt of the inner core figure and rotation axes with respect to the mantle and outer core. The frequency of the FICN is controlled by the strength of the mechanical coupling acting at the inner core boundary (ICB) and by the ability of the inner core to deform under the action of centrifugal and gravitational forces. Attenuation of the FICN reflects energy dissipated by electromagnetic (EM) and visc...

Science.gov (United States)

Nov 8, 2010 ... Ihring Mission 11, the radiation dosimetry measurement system functioned normally and provided data on the Earth's trapped radiation belts ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Astronomy & Space Biology Chemistry & Materials Computing Earth & Environment Education ... Materials Research Center at the University of Chicago, one of nearly 30 NSF-supported Materials ...

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The rapidly growing field of remote sensing is beginning to supply massive amounts of high resolution imagery of the earth and other planets. ...

Science.gov (United States)

Feb 15, 2010 ... This astronaut photo from January 4, 2010, shows meander scars and oxbow lakes in the floodplain of the Rio Negro in South America.

Science.gov (United States)

Federal regulators were set to vote on a plan to protect deep water corals and other sensitive fish habitats that will likely include a permanent ban on ...

Science.gov (United States)

Satellite Observations of the Southeast Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone During 1993-1998, Halpern, D.; Hung, C.-W., Journal of Geophysical Research ? ...