In order to check radioactivity of beta-emmitters produced by ([gamma], n) reactions which could occur at energies up to 10 MeV, black pepper, white pepper, red pepper, ginger and turmeric were irradiated with 10 MeV electron from a linear accelerator to a dose of 100 kGy. Beta-rays were counted using a 2[pi] gas flow counter and a liquid scintillation counter. Any induced radioactivity could not be detected in irradiated samples. When inorganic compounds containing the nuclides in the list were artificially added in the samples and were irradiated, the [beta]-activities were detected. From the amount of observed radioactivities of [beta]-emmitters produced in the compounds as photonuclear products, it is concluded that the induced radioactivity in natural samples by 10 MeV-electron irradiation were far smaller than natural radioactivity from [sup 40]K contained in the samples and, hence, its biological effects should be negligible. (author).

Methods for continuous measurement of the dissolution of experimentally induced /sup 125/I-labelled thrombi were described. They are suited for the use in artificial circulating systems and in animal experiments. The radioactivity can be measured continuously in a circulating system by fitting a flow through cell with a well scintillator. In order to measure thrombolytic processes in vivo, a specially adapted single hole collimator was developed. By this device changes in radioactivity over a defined occluded area of the vessel could be detected. The usefulness of the methods was demonstrated by means of a thrombolytic agent.

Many elements have one or more naturally radioactive isotopes, and several hundred other radionuclides have been produced artificially. Radioactive substances may be present in natural water as a result of geochemical processes or the release of radioactive waste and other nuclear debris to the environment. The Geological Survey has developed methods for measuring certain of these .radioactive substances in water. \\r\

According to the Federal Office for Public Health, every person living in Switzerland receives an average dose of 3.68 millisieverts per year coming from both natural radioactivity (e.g. cosmic rays, radon, terrestrial radioactivity, internal exposure) and artificial radioactivity (e.g. medical procedures). CERN's activities are estimated to account for around 0.27% of this annual dose. Source: Rapport annuel radioactivité de l

Past atmospheric nuclear testing which have been conducted frequently, have caused environmental pollution due to the diffusion of radioactive substances into the atmosphere and from the radioactive fallout. The environmental pollution from nuclear testing into the atmosphere has resulted in the radioactive contamination in agricultural products and has continued for a long time. The radioactive contamination of agricultural products occurs through air, water and soil which were contaminated by radioactive fallout. In this paper, for the purpose of analyzing the extent of the radioactive contamination levels in the agricultural products of Saitama Prefecture, spinach, green soybeans, dried shiitake and welsh onion, were selected among products, as the amount of the harvest is abundant in all of Japan. Radioactivity concentration was investigated by gamma-ray spectrometry and radiochemical analysis. The radioactivity concentrations of artificial radioactive nuclides, cesium-137 ({sup 137}Cs) and strontium-90 ({sup 90}Sr), were detected in the range which is considered to be the result of radioactive fallout. Moreover, in order to examine the effect on radioactivity concentrations in agricultural products by culinary processing, the raw agricultural products were boiled, and their radioactivity concentrations were compared with the raw produce. The radioactivity concentrations in the boiled were lower than those in the raw produce. (author)

The successful labeling of rabbit peripheral blood neutrophils with (/sup 111/In)oxine is reported here. Standard techniques for preparation of rabbit neutrophils, while acceptable for maintenance of in vitro function, rendered the neutrophils ineffective for in vivo use after labeling with /sup 111/In. Specifically, rabbit neutrophils were sensitive to the use of hypotonic shock for red cell elimination, centrifugation into a button during preparation, and the presence of oxine during chemotaxis in vitro. Using a carefully modified method of neutrophil preparation and labeling, it was found that /sup 111/In-labeled rabbit neutrophils retained normal in vitro function, including chemotaxis. In addition, using this method, 34% +- 5% of labeled neutrophils were recoverable in peripheral blood 5 min after intravenous injection. The half-life of circulating radiolabeled neutrophils was 5.6 +- 2 h. Continuous external imaging of radiolabeled neutrophils after intravenous injection showed initial lung uptake, followed by rapid clearance of radioactivity in the lungs (50% clearance in 10.5 +- 3.3 min.). Hepatic radioactivity was maximal by 30 min after injection and thereafter slowly declined. Finally, it was found that /sup 111/In-labeled rabbit neutrophils migrated to sites of artificially induced inflammation. These findings indicate that /sup 111/In-labeled rabbit neutrophils, if prepared under optimal conditions, should provide a useful tool for investigating the fate of neutrophils in experimental inflammatory conditions in this animal.

In order to make clear appreciation to induced radioactivity in the irradiated foods, photonuclear reactions which could produce radioactivity at energies up to 10 MeV were listed up from elemental compositions of black pepper, white pepper, red pepper, ginger and turmeric. The samples were irradiated with 10 MeV electron from a linear accelerator to a dose of 100 kGy and radioactivity was measured. Induced radioactivity could not be detected significantly by gamma-ray spectrometry and beta-ray counting in the irradiated samples except for spiked samples which contain some photonuclear target nuclides in the list. From the amount of observed radioactivities of short-lived photonuclear products in the spiked samples and calculation of H[sub 50] according to ICRP Publication 30, it was concluded that the induced radioactivity and its biological effects in the 10 MeV electron-irradiated natural samples were negligible in comparison with natural radioactivity from [sup 40]K contained in the samples. (J.P.N.).

Systematic understanding of the distribution of environmental radioactivity and radiation level in Taejon, including Chungchung area, in normal circumstance, and rapid detection of unusual variation of the radiation level in emergency situation thereby ensure public safety are the objectives of this project to be carried out. This report summarizes and interprets environmental radiation/radioactivity monitoring data obtained at Taejon Radiation Monitoring Station in 2000. In conclusion, the natural environmental radiation level in Taejon area has been preserved as usual and no significant artificial enhancement in environmental radioactivity was observed during the course of this survey and monitoring period.

Artificial radioactive sources as Co-60 and Cs- 137 are produced by bombarding Co-59 with neutrons in a nuclear reactor and by chemical separation of spent nuclear fuel respectively. Both radioactive sources emit very high frequency electromagnetic radiation called y-rays. This highly penetrating radiation is employed for preservation of food. Each y-ray emitted from a radioactive source transports energy from the source to the irradiated food. Penetration of y-rays and their intensity depend on y-energy. Inside this study the advantages and disadvantages of both sources are compared. (Author)

A radioactive method for assaying thromobolysis in vitro is described. Artificial thrombi were labelled with /sup 125/I-fibrinogen and the percentage lysis occurring in blood samples containing a thrombolytic agent was determined. This method was found to be more sensitive, accurate and convenient than an alternative assay method based on the weighing of fixed thrombi after treatment with a thrombolytic agent.

Samples of dates from three regions of Saudi Arabia were measured for the radioactivity of both natural and artificial origins. The results were compared with gross ..beta.. and /sup 187/Cs activity of coffee beans produced in different countries. No significant activity in date samples was detected.

For two different kinds of atmosphere situations (for times of 4 days) before resumption of the Russian atomic bomb tests in September 1961, mean daily variations of the natural aerosol activity were calculated and compared with the daily variations of the aerosol activity after appearance of the fission products from the bomb tests after September 1, 1961 in the northwest region of Germany for two similar atmospheric situations. Results showed that the artificial radioactivity did not exhibit the same daily variations as the natural aerosol radioactivity and about 14 days after the resumption of the bomb tests, on the average, a proportionate increase in the natural activity of the aerosols was observed. The usefulness of monitoring the aerosol activity for control systems in reactor and nuclear research installations for recognition of artificial radioactive particles is discussed. (tr-auth)

Artificial Photosynthesis System: A novel photocatalyst/enzyme-coupled artificial photosynthesis system harvests solar energy as seen in green plants through the combination of photocatalysis and biocatalysis and induces asymmetry in an achiral substrate (see picture; ADPR=adenosine diphosphate ribose, NADP=nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). PMID:23065709

The peptide vaccine clinical trials encountered limited success because of difficulties associated with stability and delivery, resulting in inefficient antigen presentation and low response rates in patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel delivery approach for tumor antigenic peptides in order to elicit enhanced immune responses using poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) encapsulating tumor antigenic peptides. PLGA-NPs were made using the double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. Artificial antigen-presenting cells were generated by human dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with PLGA-NPs encapsulating tumor antigenic peptide(s). The efficiency of the antigen presentation was measured by interferon-? ELISpot assay (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA). Antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were generated and evaluated by CytoTox 96(®) Non-Radioactive Cytotoxicity Assay (Promega, Fitchburg, WI). The efficiency of the peptide delivery was compared between the methods of emulsification in incomplete Freund's adjuvant and encapsulation in PLGA-NPs. Our results showed that most of the PLGA-NPs were from 150 nm to 500 nm in diameter, and were negatively charged at pH 7.4 with a mean zeta potential of -15.53 ± 0.71 mV; the PLGA-NPs could be colocalized in human DCs in 30 minutes of incubation. Human DCs loaded with PLGA-NPs encapsulating peptide induced significantly stronger CTL cytotoxicity than those pulsed with free peptide, while human DCs loaded with PLGA-NPs encapsulating a three-peptide cocktail induced a significantly greater CTL response than those encapsulating a two-peptide cocktail. Most importantly, the peptide dose encapsulated in PLGA-NPs was 63 times less than that emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant, but it induced a more powerful CTL response in vivo. These results demonstrate that the delivery of peptides encapsulated in PLGA-NPs is a promising approach to induce effective antitumor CTL responses in vivo. PMID:22619507

In case of incorporation, trivalent actinides (An(III)) and lanthanides (Ln(III)) pose a serious health risk to humans. An(III) are artificial, highly radioactive elements which are mainly produced during the nuclear fuel cycle in nuclear power plants. Via hazardous accidents or nonprofessional storage of radioactive waste, they can be released in the environment and enter the human food chain. In contrast, Ln(III) are nonradioactive, naturally occurring elements with multiple applications in technique and medicine. Consequently it is possible that humans get in contact and incorporate both, An(III) and Ln(III). Therefore, it is of particular importance to elucidate the behaviour of these elements in the human body. While macroscopic processes such as distribution, accumulation and excretion are studied quite well, knowledge about the chemical binding form (speciation) of An(III) and Ln(III) in various body fluids is still sparse. In the present work, for the first time, the speciation of Cm(III) and Eu(III) in natural human urine (in vitro) has been investigated spectroscopically and the formed complex identified. For this purpose, also basic investigations on the complex formation of Cm(III) and Eu(III) in synthetic model urine as well as with the urinary relevant, organic model ligands urea, alanine, phenylalanine, threonine and citrate have been performed and the previously unknown complex stability constants determined. Finally, all experimental results were compared to literature data and predictions calculated by thermodynamic modelling. Since both, Cm(III) and Eu(III), exhibit unique luminescence properties, particularly the suitability of time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) could be demonstrated as a method to investigate these metal ions in untreated, complex biofluids. The results of this work provide new scientific findings on the biochemical reactions of An(III) and Ln(III) in human body fluids on a molecular scale and contribute to a better understanding of the known macroscopic effects of these elements. Furthermore, they are the basis of subsequent in vivo investigations. (orig.)

Results on estimation of modern radioecological situation at nuclear explosion "Chagan" based on large-scale cartographic studies (1:25000) of a test area (4 km2) are presented. Maximum gamma-irradiation doses were observed at bulk of ground surrounded a crater and at radioactive fall-outs extended to the North-East and to the SouthWest from the crater. Based on data on artificial radionuclide specific activity most part of soil samples were attributed to radioactive wastes according to IAEA (1996) and OSPORB (1999). Natural decrease of soil radioactivity up to safety level due to 60Co, 137Cs, 90Sr, 152Eu, 154Eu radioactive decay and 241Am accumulation-decay will not take place within the next 60 years at the studied area. PMID:19004330

This study reports a novel visual aftereffect for photorealism judgments. Participants observed image sequences where a photograph was gradually transformed into an artificial image (a painting or a sketch). Their task was to choose the image that was the category boundary between the photograph and the artificial image among the frames of each image sequence. This task was performed before and after observing photographs or artificial images for 1 min. The chosen images were less photorealistic after the observation of artificial images, suggesting an aftereffect for photorealism judgments. However, observation of photographs did not induce an aftereffect. It is known that the observation of the norms for perceptual judgments (e.g., the prototypical face for facial judgments) does not induce aftereffects. Thus, these results suggest that photorealistic images serve as the norm for the perceptual judgment of photorealism. The human visual system may represent the photorealism of artificial images as a deviation from photorealistic images. PMID:20652589

Artificial neural network (ANN) represents one of artificial intelligence methods in the field of modeling and uncertainty in different applications. The objective of the proposed work was focused to apply ANN to identify isotopes and to predict uncertainties of their activities of some natural radioactive sources. The method was tested for analyzing gamma-ray spectra emitted from natural radionuclides in soil samples detected by a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry based on HPGe (high purity germanium). The principle of the suggested method is described, including, relevant input parameters definition, input data scaling and networks training. It is clear that there is satisfactory agreement between obtained and predicted results using neural network.

This book is designed to be an extension of the introductory college physics course into the realm of atomic physics: It should give students a proficiency in this field comparable to their proficiency in mechanics, heat, sound, light and electricity. Topics included: the atomic view of matter; the atomic view of electricity; the atomic view of radiation; the atomic models of Rutherford and Bohr; relativity; x-rays; waves and particles; quantum mechanics; the atomic view of solids; natural radioactivity; nuclear reactions and artificial radioactivity; nuclear energy; and high-energy physics.

Bottled mineral water is consumed by a large population in Venezuela. The alpha emitters concentration was measured in samples of bottled water and water springs collected near the surface. Approximately 30% of the total mineral water suppliers was monitored. a database on natural and artificial radioactivity in drinking water was produced. Results indicate that 54% of the waters sampled contain a total alpha radioactivity of less than 0.185 Bql{sup -1} and only 12% above 0.37 Bql{sup -1}. Our results revealed a total annual dose of 2.3 mSv year{sup -1}. (author).

Since radiation risks are usually considered to be related to nuclear energy, the majority of research on radiation protection has focused on artificial radionuclides in radioactive wastes, spent nuclear fuel or global fallout caused by A-bomb tests and nuclear power plant failures. Far less attention has been paid to the radiation risk caused by exposure to ionizing radiation originating from natural radioactivity enhanced due to human activity, despite the fact that technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials are common in many branches of the non-nuclear industry. They differ significantly from "classical" nuclear materials and usually look like other industrial waste. The derived radiation risk is usually associated with risk caused by other pollutants and can not be controlled by applying rules designed for pure radioactive waste. Existing data have pointed out a strong need to take into account the non-nuclear industry where materials containing enhanced natural radioactivity occur as a special case of radiation risk and enclose them in the frame of the formal control. But up to now there are no reasonable and clear regulations in this matter. As a result, the non-nuclear industries of concern are not aware of problems connected with natural radioactivity or they would expect negative consequences in the case of implementing radiation protection measures. The modification of widely comprehended environmental legislation with requirements taken from radiation protection seems to be the first step to solve this problem and raise awareness about enhanced natural radioactivity for all stakeholders of concern. PMID:19809704

Soil is the main reservoir of both natural and artificial radionuclides, which are transported to the human body through the food chain. Thus, assessment of the level of radioactivity in soil is of crucial importance. Artificial radionuclide concentrations in soil depend heavily on rainfall and weather conditions. In this study, the soil of the Ras Muneef area, which has the highest rainfall in Jordan, was investigated for its natural and anthropogenic radioactive content. The area was divided into four sectors and in each sector three locations were investigated depending on the land use: undisturbed, cultivated or residential. The depth profile of 137Cs was investigated and found to depend on the land use. In the undisturbed soils, two types of depth profiles were identified: Gaussian an...

Several proposals for studying neutrinos with large detectors are currently under discussion. We suggest that they could provide a precise measurement of the electroweak mixing angle as well as a probe for new physics, such as nonstandard neutrino interactions, and the electroweak gauge structure. We illustrate this explicitly for the case of the LENA proposal, either with an artificial radioactive source or by using the solar neutrino flux.

The history of nuclear physics from 1932 to 1939 is reviewed. Especially considered are the discovery of the neutron, the first studies of nuclear reactions by accelerators, the development of the neutrino hypothesis for the description of the beta decay, the production of artificial radioactivity, the study of reactions with slow neutrons, the first studies of neutron resonances and isomeric states, neutron diffraction, the development of theories of nuclear forces and the discovery of fission.

With the goals of higher proton intensities, along with the many modes the AGS now runs and those being commissioned to run, we have begun detailed studies of the beam induced radioactivity in the AGS.

7121 Standard Drive .... Figure 3-1: JEM-EF under construction at JAXA Facility in Tsukuba, Japan. 14 ..... source. During the assembly of ISS, electrical power generation hardware ..... protons, the nuclei-induced radioactivity in most materials.

radioactively-induced currents in ionization chambers and proportional counters .... Argon. Neon. Krypton. Xenon. Air. Carbon Dioxide. Methane. 15.4. 24.6. 15.5. 12.2. 15.8. 21.6 ..... per unit volume, and a is the coefficient of recombination, n ...

500 Bengali mothers mostly from the middle class attending the well-baby clinic of a Calcutta hospital were studied to determine the extent of breastfeeding practiced and the factors influencing the choice of artificial feeding. Of the mothers choosing artificial foods, 66.4% combined them with breastfeeding before the child was 3 months old. 4.4% made a complete switch to artificial feeding at 3 months. Only 1.6% did not breast feed their babies at all. The commonest factors influencing choice of artificial feeding, especially among younger women of lower socioeconomic background, who had a sufficient supply of breast milk, were misconception or wrong advice. With mothers of older age groups and with higher education, insufficient supply of breast milk, possibly due to psychological blocks or in consequence of working status, and in some cases induced by early separation of babies, was responsible for artificial feeding. PMID:701818

Since the discovery of artificial radioactivity in 1935, nuclear scientists have developed tools to study nuclei far from stability. A major breakthrough came in the eighties when the first high energy radioactive beams were produced at Berkeley, leading to the discovery of neutron halos. The field of nuclear structure received a new impetus, and the major accelerator facilities worldwide rivalled in ingenuity to produce more intense, purer and higher resolution rare isotope beams, leading to our much improved knowledge and understanding of the general evolution of nuclear properties throughout the nuclear chart. However, today, further progress is hampered by the weak beam intensities of current installations which correlate with the difficulty to reach the confines of nuclear binding where new phenomena are predicted, and where the r-process path for nuclear synthesis is expected to be located. The advancement of Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) science calls for the development of so-called next-generation facil...

This article is a review the recent results of research in the accumulation of natural and artificial radionuclides in birds from Russia (Adigea, Krasnodar, Rostov, Astrahan and Moscow regions, Novaya Zemlya isles), Ukraine, Vietnam, Poland, Ethiophia and Mongolia after global precipitation and local pollution, such as in the East-Urals radioactive region and radioactive zones after the Chernobyl accident. Resident birds reflect local level of radionuclide contamination. The 90Sr concentration in the food of the Pied Flycatcher had a tendency to increase in dependent of age. The Common Jay and the Mallard were the most contaminated with 137Cs in the Bryansk region. The total content of various radio-isotopes of plutonium in bird bones from Southwest Russia were hundred and thousand times more, than in Mongolia. Activity levels in specimens from Ethiopia bear record to Ethiopia can notbe a "pure" control site in radioecological research and radioactive background since it does not significantly differ from Turkmenia and Mongolia. PMID:10574436

Extensive information has been collected on radiation effects on clay minerals over the last 35 years, providing a wealth of information on environmental and geological processes. The fields of applications include the reconstruction of past radioelement migrations, the dating of clay minerals or the evolution of the physico-chemical properties under irradiation.The investigation of several clay minerals, namely kaolinite, dickite, montmorillonite, illite and sudoite, by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy has shown the presence of defects produced by natural or artificial radiations. These defects consist mostly of electron holes located on oxygen atoms of the structure. The various radiation-induced defects are differentiated through their nature and their thermal stability. Most of them are associated with a ? orbital on a Si-O bond. The most abundant defect in clay minerals is oriented perpendicular to the silicate layer. Thermal annealing indicates this defect in kaolinite (A-center) to be stable over geological periods at ambient temperature. Besides, electron or heavy ion irradiation easily leads to an amorphization in smectites, depending on the type of interlayer cation. The amorphization dose exhibits a bell-shaped variation as a function of temperature, with a decreasing part that indicates the influence of thermal dehydroxylation. Two main applications of the knowledge of radiation-induced defects in clay minerals are derived: (i) The use of defects as tracers of past radioactivity. In geological systems where the age of the clay can be constrained, ancient migrations of radioelements can be reconstructed in natural analogues of high level nuclear waste repositories. When the dose rate may be assumed constant over time, the paleodose is used to date clay populations, an approach applied to fault gouges or laterites of the Amazon basin. (ii) The influence of irradiation over physico-chemical properties of clay minerals. An environmental application concerns the performance assessment of the engineered barrier of nuclear waste disposals. In case of a leakage of transuranic elements from the radioactive waste form, alpha recoil nuclei can amorphize smectite after periods of the order of 1000 years according to a worst case scenario, whereas amorphization from ionizing radiation is unlikely. As amorphization greatly enhances the dissolution kinetics of smectite, the sensitivity of the smectites must be taken into account in the prediction of the long term behavior of engineered barriers.

Artificial infection with the fungi Saprolegnia diclina BKKU 0506 and Achlya bisexualis BKKU 0616 was induced in the platyfish (Xiphophorus maculates) via exposure to zoospores following artificial injury by scale removal and net-shake or “ami-momi” treatment. The results suggested that ami-momi treatment, but not scale removal, could be used to establish severe fungal infection in small freshwater tropical fish as well as salmonids.   

Oil of turpentine was used to induce an artificial inflammation so that we could study its effect on iron metabolism and on synthesis of serum transferrin and ceruloplasmin in mice. It was found that turpentine-induced inflammation triggered the establishment of a hypoferremic state characterized by...

Republic Geothermal, Inc., and its subcontractors have planned and executed four experimental fracture stimulation treatments under the Department of Energy-funded Geothermal Reservoir Well Stimulation Program (GRWSP). The 2-year program, begun in February 1979, is Ultimately to include six full-scale field hydraulic and chemical stimulation experiments in geothermal wells. This paper describes the overall program and the four treatments completed to date. The GRWSP is organized into two phases. Phase I consists of literature and theoretical studies, laboratory investigations, and numerical work. The main purpose of this work is to establish the technological bases for geothermal well stimulation design. Phase I1 will include the planning, execution, and evaluation of six well stimulation treatments which utilize the technology developed in Phase I. Two stimulation experiments were performed at the Raft River, Idaho, known geothermal resource area (KGRA) in late 1979. This is a naturally fractured, hard rock reservoir with a relatively low geothermal resource temperature 149 C {+-} (300 F{+-}). A conventional planar hydraulic fracture job was performed in Well RRGP-5 and a ''Kiel'' dendritic, or reverse flow, technique was utilized in Well RRGP-4. In mid-1980, two stimulation experiments were performed at the East Mesa, California, KGRA. The stimulation of Well 58-30 provided the first geothermal well fracturing experience in a moderate temperature, 177 C {+-} (350 F{+-}), reservoir with matrix-type rock properties. The two treatments consisted of a conventional hydraulic fracture of a deep, low-permeability zone and a mini-frac ''Kiel'' treatment of a shallow, high-permeability zone in the same well. The stimulation experiment results to date were evaluated using short-term production tests, conventional pressure transient analysis, interference pressure data, chemical and radioactive tracers, borehole acoustic televiewer surveys and numerical models. This combination of evaluation techniques yielded an interpretation of fracture geometry and productivity enhancement. However, the evaluation of artificially induced fractures in naturally fractured formations was found to lead to possibly non-unique solutions. In all the field experiments, artificial fractures were created and well productivity was increased. A discussion of the prestimulation and poststimulation data and their evaluation are provided for each experiment in this report.

Different methods of work have been used in order to measure the net balance of large ice masses across Svalbard, to estimate the present balance over the entire archipelago and to predict the change in balance induced by any future climatic change. Present accumulation and ablation are measured by direct glaciological method and recent past mean accumulation is estimated from the detection of dated artificial radioactive layers in 31 shallow ice-cores over 10 glaciers. Based on the analysis of 21 MSS Landsat images, the elevation of the late summer snow line is constructed across Svalbard. Using available echo soundings, stereoscopic analysis of satellite images and aerial photographs together with the bathymetry at glacier fronts, the total calving for the entire archipelago is estimated to be between 7.44 and 9.94 km{sup 3}yr{sup -1}. The net balances measured on 14 different glaciers provided an identical signal across Spitsbergen and the spatial distribution of winter, summer and net balances is well related to the spatial pattern of precipitation and temperature. Except for one, all the studied glaciers have a negative net balance. An empirical model and an energy balance model are constructed for the Broeggerbreen glacier by using climatic data recorded at a neighbouring meteorological station. A net balance of 0.7 m y{sup -1} in water equivalent is predicted per degree of summer temperature rise and, with a decrease of between 0.5-0.7{degree}C in summer temperature, Broeggerbreen will reach a new equilibrium. A reduction of the net balance deficit during the last 23 years is correlated to a slight decrease in summer temperature (-0.3{degree}C) and an increase in winter precipitation (+29%). 30 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.

The production of /sup 11/C, /sup 13/N, /sup 15/O from C, N, O, and of /sup 39/Cl and /sup 41/Ar from Ar by a p(66)Be(49) clinical neutron therapy beam has been measured. The results of these measurements were used to estimate the production of other radionuclides, then to estimate airborne radioactivity in a typical neutron therapy room and radioactivity induced in body tissues during treatment. Only under special circumstances would airborne radioactivity necessitate a waiting period before entering a typical treatment room. The additional dose to a treatment volume due to decay products from radioactivity induced within that volume would amount to a few thousandths of the given dose and the additional body dose outside the treated volume would be a few millionths of the given dose.

The Central Laboratory of The Italian Red Cross is part of the National Network for the Monitoring of the Environmental Radioactivity in Italy, coordinated by the National Environmental Agency (ANPA). The Central Laboratory took part in the national campaigns for the monitoring of the environmental gamma radioactivity in order to evaluate the deposition of artificial radioactivity on Italian territory after the Chernobyl accident. The distribution of the concentration of artificial radionuclide Cs-137 as reached, in North and Central Italy, the higher values: 2-185 kBq/m{sup 2} and 0-40 kBq/m{sup 2}. This paper presents the data of the concentration of artificial radionuclides Cs-137 and Cs-134 in mosses picked up in four different locations in the Campania Region of Italy with the help of the Department of the State Forestry Corp of S.Gregorio Matese, Vesuvio, Laviano, Piaggine from 1993 to 1998. The deposition of artificial radioactivity on the territory expected after the Chernobyl fallout was evaluated. The content of K-40 was also measured. Soil samples were also taken from the same sites. In this study Hypnum cupressiforme and Homalotecium lutescens mosses were used as bioindicators, available in all Italian ecosystems. The soil and moss samples were gathered according to a national standard procedure. These results, obtained by gamma spectrometry analyses, initially have shown values of medium concentration in mosses in the Campania Region of Cs-137 of 375 Bq/m{sup 2} and of Cs-134 of 16 Bq/m{sup 2} and K-40 of 150 Bq/m{sup 2} in line with the ones of other Italian regions. The results of the average concentrations of the Cs-137 and Cs-134 in the mosses confirm a uniform distribution of post-Chernobyl radioactivity in the regional territory, in the Department of the State Forestry Corp of Vesuvio, Laviano and Piaggine. The results of Cs-137 and Cs-134 of S.Gregorio Matese are in accordance with the previous data relative to the monitoring campaign of mosses in Italy from 1992 to 1993. Furthermore, it can be stated that whilst the values of Cs-137 remain constant, the values of Cs-134 show a decrease, due to the half-life of this radionuclide, even if measuring errors do not permit us to confirm with certainty the evidence of this phenomenon. The concentration of K-40, in all samples examined, has a constant value. This research has allowed us to investigate the possible correlation between the concentration of the Cs-137 and Cs-134 in the soil and in the mosses of the same location. (author)

Radioactivity is a physical phenomenon whose presence in water is monitored due to its potential capability to induce deleterious effects on human health. In this article the effects that can be caused by radioactivity as well as the way in which regulations establish how to perform a monitorization of water that enables us to ascertain that the radiological quality of water is in agreement with the accepted standard of quality of life are analyzed. Finally the means available to know the content of radioactivity in water together with some clues on how to remove it from water are described. (Author) 5 refs.

The SPES project at Laboratori di Legnaro of INFN (Italy) is concentrating on the production of neutron-rich radioactive nuclei for nuclear physics experiment, by the Uranium fission at a rate of 1013 fission/s. The emphasis to neutron-rich isotopes is justified by the fact that this vast territory has been little explored. The Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) will be produced by ISOL technique using the proton induced fission on a Direct Target of UCx.

We investigated the effect of activating a competing, artificially generated, neural representation on encoding of contextual fear memory in mice. We used a c-fos-based transgenic approach to introduce the hM(3)D(q) DREADD receptor (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug) into neurons naturally activated by sensory experience. Neural activity could then be specifically and inducibly increased in the hM(3)D(q)-expressing neurons by an exogenous ligand. When an ensemble of neurons for one context (ctxA) was artificially activated during conditioning in a distinct second context (ctxB), mice formed a hybrid memory representation. Reactivation of the artificially stimulated network within the conditioning context was required for retrieval of the memory, and the memory was specific for the spatial pattern of neurons artificially activated during learning. Similar stimulation impaired recall when not part of the initial conditioning. PMID:22442487

Magnetospheric physics has been and continues to be primarily an observational science, aided and guided by theory. However, increasing emphasis is being given to active experiments for the purpose of clarifying specific phenomena in the magnetospheric plasma. The earliest global scale experiments were the production of artificial radiation belts by high altitude nuclear bomb bursts in 1958-62 and the observation of their geophysical effects. Other active experiments involve the injection of ionized clouds of exotic vapors, the decay products of radioactive sources, and beams of artificially accelerated ions and electrons at selected points in the magnetosphere. The effects of such perturbations of the natural situation as well as those of very low frequency radio waves have been observed by sophisticated diagnostic instrumentation. The in situ determination of the ambient electric field point-by-point in the auroral zone is one of the most important and difficult undertakings. This paper reviews the achievements of active experiments and their future promise.

Soil organic matter is used to extrapolate the toxicity and bioavailability of organic pollutants between different soils. However, it has been shown that other factors such as microbial activity are crucial. The aim of this study was to investigate if sterilization can reduce differences in the fate and bioavailability of organic pollutants between different soils. Three natural soils with increasing total organic carbon (TOC) content were collected and three artificial soils were prepared to obtain similar TOCs. Soils were sterilized and spiked with (14)C-pyrene and (14)C-lindane. Total (14)C radioactivity, HPCD extractability, and bioaccumulation in Eisenia fetida were measured over 56 days. When compared to non-sterile soils, differences between the natural and artificial soils and the influence of soil-contaminant contact time were generally reduced in the sterile soils (especially with middle TOC). The results indicate the possibility of using sterile soils as "the worst case scenario" in soil ecotoxicity studies. PMID:22892571

The main goal of the surveillance of environmental radioactivity is to be always aware of levels of artificial radiation in the environment to which the public is exposed. Another goal is to detect all remarkable changes in levels of environmental radiation and radioactivity. Compliance with the basic safety standards laid down for protection of health of the general public against dangers arising from ionising radiation can be ensured with environmental radiation surveillance. Running of surveillance programmes on continuous basis also maintains and develops competence and readiness to respond to radiological emergencies. Surveillance of environmental radiation contains surveillance of artificial radiation and artificial radioactive elements in the environment. Natural radiation and natural radioactive elements are not associated with the surveillance programme, although the greater part of the public exposure to radiation is caused by natural radiation. Exposure to natural radiation is controlled separately if there is reason to suspect that natural radioactive elements cause unusual high exposure to the public (e.g. indoor radon and natural radionuclides in drinking water). Surveillance of environmental radioactivity in Finland is one of the official obligations of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). This obligation is based on the national and the European Communities' legislation. The Finnish radiation protection legislation appoints STUK as the national authority responsible for surveillance of environmental radioactivity, and the Euratom Treaty assumes continuous monitoring of levels of radioactivity in the air, water and soil in the Member States. In Finland, also the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and the Defence Forces are monitoring environmental radiation at their own stations. This report summarises the results of environmental radiation surveillance in 2004. The report also contains some comparisons with results from the previous years. The results are collected from monitoring programmes of STUK, FMI and the Defence Forces Research Institute of Technology. Nuclear power plant licensees are responsible for environmental surveillance in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in Finland. Those results are reported elsewhere. STUK's partners in surveillance of environmental radioactivity are collecting and delivering environmental samples for laboratory analyses, or are participating in whole-body counting. STUK would like to express its gratitude to the following institutions for the successful co-operation: Defence Forces, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Arctic Research Centre, Southeast Finland Regional Environment Centre, North Ostrobothnia Regional Environment Centre, Lapland Regional Environment Centre, Southeast Finland Frontier Guard District, Lapland Frontier Guard District, Jyvaeskylae Airport, Rescue Centre of Kotka, Water supply plants of Oulu and Turku, Valio Ltd., Health Department of Helsinki/Maria Hospital, Tampere University Central Hospital, Lapland Central Hospital, Secondary school of Helsingin yhteislyseo, Secondary school of Hatanpaeae in Tampere, and Secondary school of Korkalovaara in Rovaniemi. This report is addressed to all who are interested in environmental radioactivity in Finland. STUK delivers monitoring data also to the European Commission on regular basis, and this report is a summary of the results delivered to the Commission. The report is also available on the STUK's home pages www.stuk.fi. (orig.)

Statistical models have been developed to predict the occurrence of pitting corrosion in carbon steel waste storage tanks exposed to radioactive nuclear waste. The levels of nitrite concentrations necessary to inhibit pitting at various temperatures and nitrate concentrations were experimentally determined via electrochemical polarization and coupon immersion corrosion tests. Models for the pitting behavior were developed based on various statistical analyses of the experimental data. Feed-forward Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models, trained using the Back-Propagation of Error Algorithm, more accurately predicted conditions at which pitting occurred than the logistic regression models developed using the same data.

The results of measurements of Rn decay products and total fission products in air, fallout, and surface water in the surroundings of the BER during 1960 are summarized and compared with data from earlier years. The mean specific fission product activity has decreased to about 10% of the values during 1959. Similar to earlier years, the seasonal variation of artificial radioactivity, owing to the transport mechanism from stratosphere to troposphere, can be recognized. Operation of reactor and laboratories brought no detectable increase of activity and dose in the surroundings. (auth)

Existing applications of artificial neural networks in physics research and development have been analyzed as a basis for proposing new opportunities using that AI technology for data analysis in physics. A taxonomy was developed, based on an extensive literature search, for physics problems where neural network applications have been useful. Then, a particular use of neural networks was carried out to study ways to predict normal concentrations of radioactivity measured at monitoring stations in different geographic locations. The purpose of the data collection and analysis was to establish background levels that would serve as bases for detecting unusual levels of radioactivity, for example due to nuclear weapons testing, in these physical environments. Useful data sets were developed in this area and a process was discovered for modeling the background levels.

Inquiries were launched in the USA, in Poland, France, Hungary, Brazil, and the Federal Republic of Gemany to find semiotic solutions to problems arising from the communication of radioactive waste locations and dangers to posteriority. How can information be communicated over a period of 10000 years What has been communicated to us from the past 10000 years It seems to be sure that neither natural nor artificial barriers nor remnants (e.g. skeletons) or sources (today's communication), but only explicit messages will keep intelligent creatures from intrusion into radioactive waste depositories. Among the subjects dealt with are: Pandora's box and how to prevent its opening; mathematical coding on living sign matter; living detectors and complementary signs: ray coat, broken eye, and nuclear sirens; the three-chamber system: a way to the democratic organization of collective knowledge and conscience which can survive millennia. (orig./HSCH).

Radiological monitoring of the French environment is one of IRSN's permanent tasks as part of public policy on nuclear safety and radiological protection. It is helping to guarantee the best possible protection of the population. The task addresses two objectives: - To monitor the levels of artificial radioactivity in all sectors of the environment and in major foodstuffs; - To estimate the exposure of the Polynesian population to this artificial radioactivity. The IRSN has monitored radioactivity levels in French Polynesia, excluding the Mururoa and Fangataufa nuclear experimentation centres, since 1962. This task is realized by the IRSN's Environmental Study and Monitoring Laboratory located in Tahiti (Vairao) This monitoring was instigated at the time when atmospheric nuclear weapons testing was being performed by the major powers (the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France and China), causing fallout of artificial radionuclides, over several years, on a planetary scale. In French Polynesia, the IRSN is most particularly interested in fallout resulting from the 41 tests carried out by France in this region of the globe between 1966 and 1974, and in its consequent effects on the population. Today, just as in metropolitan France, the IRSN carries out monitoring as part of its mission to constantly monitor radiological protection factors. The monitoring takes place on seven islands (Tahiti, Maupiti, Hao, Rangiroa, Hiva Oa, Mangareva and Tubuai) representing the five archipelagoes and consists of taking monthly samples of various kinds from the different environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food...) with which the population may be in contact. For more than 40 years, the IRSN takes part in the evaluation of the dosimetric consequences of these atmospheric depositions in French Polynesia. This laboratory is established in Tahiti. The ingestion component of this dosimetric evaluation requires to collect the most representative samples of the 'feed ration' of the Polynesians living in the 5 archipelagoes of this territory. These samples belong to the marine environment of full sea, the 'lagoon' environment and the terrestrial environment. Some samples of the physical environment are also taken (air, water). The 334 samples collected in 2008 were measured by Hp-Ge low background gamma spectrometry in order to be able to characterize lowest possible radioactivity levels. The levels of activity of Pu isotopes and {sup 90}Sr have also been determined for 54 selected samples and tritium activities for 20 water samples. During the year 2008 results fall under the continuity of a regular reduction of the levels of radioactivity since the stop, in 1974, of the French atmospheric tests. This residual radioactivity relates to primarily the {sup 137}Cs. In term of additional dose, this artificial and residual radioactivity is lower than 5 {mu}Sv.y{sup -1} (5 micro-Sieverts per year). This value corresponds to less than 1 % of exposure due to natural radioactivity in Polynesia (approximately 1000 {mu}Sv.y{sup -1}). (authors)

The interaction of humans with radioactivity present in the environment from natural and artificial sources necessitates an evaluation of its risk on human health. Gross alpha and gross beta activities can provide a rapid evaluation of the radioactive content of a sample and can be simultaneously determined by using liquid scintillation counters. However, calibration of the liquid scintillation counter is required and is affected by many factors, such as particle energy and the acidity of the media. This study investigates what effect the particle energy used for calibration has on misclassification and how to account for this misclassification in routine measurements. The variability in measurement produced by the final pH, as well as any acids used in sample treatment, was also studied. ...

This work deals with the study of the two artificial pitting holes effects, caused by their dimensions and proximity, on the fatigue endurance of aluminum alloy AISI 6061-T6 under rotating bending fatigue tests. Stress concentration induced by artificial pitting holes is analyzed and correlated with the experimental fatigue life. It is found that the stress concentration increases exponentially when the two pitting holes approach, and this induces an important reduction in the fatigue life. Concerning the diameter variation of one pitting in regard to the second, no important influence was observed on fatigue life for a given separation between them; this implies that the separation between the two artificial pitting holes and the associated stress concentration is the principal parameter on the fatigue life under these conditions. Finally, results are discussed and conclusions are presented involving the fatigue life, proximity, and dimension of pitting holes, stress concentration factor, and fracture surfaces where the failure origin is identified.

Two accidents happened in September 1999 (meteorite dropping accident and JCO criticality accident) are linked to each other at a common point concerning radioactivity, and chemists specialized in radioactivity have been executing active researches. In this paper, a focus of discussion is put on the measurement of radioactivity induced by neutrons due to cosmic rays or criticality. Researches executed actively by the chemists during several weeks for calculating neutron fluxes around the spot of the criticality accident and estimating the meteorite matrix on the basis of nuclear reaction in outer space under absolute time restriction of radioactive half life. In the meteorite dropping falling accident, a stone fell through the roof of the second floor of a private house in Kobe, and this stone was proved to be a meteorite on the basis of a non-destructive {gamma} ray spectrum measurement carried out by the Low Level Radioactivity Experiment Facility of Science Department of Kanazawa University. Detections of Mg-28 with a radioactive half life of 21 hours and Ni-57 with a radioactive half life of 1.45 days were succeeded for the first time in the world owing to an extremely short time from finding information on the internet till carrying out the measurements. (NEDO)

We studied the effects of intraplantar morphine in the formalin test in mice.Intraplantarly administered morphine(30?300?g)induced analgesic effects at lower doses than intraperitoneally administered morphine.Following the administration of [3H]morphine, the % of radioactivity present in brain was the same by either route.In contrast, higher radioactivity values appeared in the injected paw in those mice intraplantarly injected.Since local morphine induces analgesia at doses lower than the intraperitoneally administered drug, especially in the second phase of the test, and the access to brain is undistinguishable, we propose that local morphine enhances central opiate analgesia in the formalin test in mice.   

The size distributions of sup 3 sup 8 Cl, sup 3 sup 9 Cl, sup 8 sup 2 Br and sup 8 sup 4 Br aerosols generated by irradiations of argon and krypton gases containing di-octyl phthalate (DOP) aerosols with 45 MeV and 65 MeV quasi-monoenergetic neutrons were measured in order to study the formation mechanism of radioactive particles in high energy radiation fields. The effects of the size distribution of the radioactive aerosols on the size of the added DOP aerosols, the energy of the neutrons and the kinds of nuclides were studied. The observed size distributions of the radioactive particles were explained by attachment of the radioactive atoms generated by the neutron-induced reactions to the DOP aerosols. (author)

Douglas, G. W. (Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga.), Alma C. McWhorter, and P. R. Edwards. Natural occurrence of induced or artificial flagellar antigens in Salmonella newport. J. Bacteriol. 83:348–350. 1962.—Two epidemiologically related cultures of Salmonella newport, which possessed natura...

Potent antiviral RNAi can be induced by intracellular expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) and artificial microRNAs (miRNAs). Expression of shRNA and miRNA results in target mRNA degradation (perfect base pairing) or translational repression (partial base pairing). Although efficient inhibition...

Species of Ceratocystis commonly infect wounds on trees. In this study, artificially induced wounds were made on the stems of Eucalyptus, Schizolobium and Terminalia trees in Ecuadorian lowland forests, in an effort to determine the presence of Ceratocystis spp. in that environment. Species belongin...

Gamma rays are being used for artificially inducing mutations in deciduous fruits, so that improvements in characteristics and quality can be developed and new fruit cultivars sent out to compete on international markets. Progress in this field of research at Stellenbosch is described.

The cationic staphylococcinlike peptide Pep 5 is shown to depolarize bacterial and planar lipid membranes in a voltage-dependent manner. An artificial valinomycin-induced potassium diffusion potential across the cytoplasmic membrane of Staphylococcus cohnii 22 was sufficient to promote Pep 5 action....

When negotiating their way through cluttered environments, desert ants, Cataglyphis fortis, tend to run along the midlines of the alleys formed by adjacent low shrubs. This 'centring response' was investigated by inducing foraging ants to walk through artificial channels. The sidewalls of the channe...

A polypyrrole deposited electrochemically on tungsten coil showed 11.6% strain and 0.20 N force induced electrochemically. The W coil significantly reduced iR drop of the PPy, resulting in improving performance of the actuator. The fibrelike structure was suitable for applications of artificial muscles.   

Biofilms were grown on preconditioned voice prostheses with biosurfactants obtained from probiotic bacteria Lactococcus lactis 53 and Streptococcus thermophilus A in an artificial throat model. Both biosurfactants greatly reduced microbial numbers on prostheses and also induced a decrease in the air...

An important factor promoting variation in natural populations is the constant changes in the micro-environment surrounding the population. This variation in the micro-environment is due to both naturally occurring and artificially induced environmental factors. These same factors influence intentio...

The aim of the present study was to make use of the artificially induced aging model cardiomyocytes to further investigate potential anti-aging-associated cellular diastolic dysfunction effects of EGB761 and explore underlying molecular mechanisms. Cultured rat primary cardiomyocytes were treated wi...

Calcium cyclamate, an artificial sweetener, was studied for its effectiveness in inducing transmissible chromosomal aberrations in germ cells of male mice. Both the dominant-lethal and the heritable translocation tests were carried out following daily treatment (on weekdays) of males by oral intubation with the maximum tolerated dose for 6 weeks. Calcium cyclamate is negative in both tests; therefore, there is no evidence of induced chromosome breakage and exchange.

An approach is described for efficiently modelling delayed activation analysis experiments, where radioactivity is induced in a sample through irradiation with neutrons or gamma-rays and subsequently measured by a separate detection system. The continuous single-history method is used, in which a single computer code tracks both the initial irradiation quantum and the decay products of any induced radioactive nuclei in a single event using Monte Carlo methods. Key aspects of the approach include the forcing of both the irradiation and decay processes to improve efficiency and the ability to simulate complex radioactive decays producing multiple, coincident decay products. The method has been implemented in the general-purpose EGSnrc code. A comparison with experimental results for the phot...

For evaluation of radioactivity induced in the concrete samples from accelerator facilities, the residual radioactivity in concrete sample, collected from seven accelerator facilities, was determined by ?-ray spectrometry. The tritium was extracted by the heating method using an IR furnace, and measured with a liquid scintillation counter. It was found that the major radioisotopes activated mainly by neutrons in the concrete samples were 152Eu, 60Co, 134Cs and 3H. The concentrations of radioactivities induced by thermal neutron capture are the highest at a depth of 10 cm in the concrete wall. The correlation between tritium, 60Co and 152Eu activity was investigated by measuring many concrete samples for seven accelerator facilities. The results indicate that their activities are strongly c...

Chromotoxic effects of artificial yellow dye, used by grocer for colouring yellow pulses has been studied on root mitosis of Allium cepa. Root tips were treated with 3 concentrations (100, 200, 400 ppm) for 1, 2, 4 h. The dye inhibited cell division and there was decline in the mitotic index with the increase in dye concentration and duration of treatment. Dye induced a wide range of mitotic abnormalities like changed nuclear morphology, nuclear death, perforation, micronuclei, fragment, bridges, nuclear bursting, giant cell, polyploidy etc. Use of such artificial dye for colouring the consumables warrants serious consideration.   

Spheroplasts (PS) were prepared by degradation of the cell wall of a low quality laver Porphyra yezoensis with enzymes, and were used for a new artificial diet for short-neck clams Ruditapes philippinarum. Short-neck clams in aquarium were given the PS diet or condensed natural diatom Chaetoceros gracilis for 45 days. The PS diet induced a superior nutritional effect on the growth performance and carcass composition of short-neck clams as good as the diatom. As results, PS was found to be a useful ingredient of new artificial diet for short-neck clam that can be substituted for live microalgae.   

The various deciduous trees that are economically important in France are presented together with their physical and mechanical properties; the sawing market structure is then analyzed which gives evidence for the many advantages induced by drying. Natural drying is first described followed by the various artificial drying methods. Performances and costs of the various artificial drying methods and dryers are presented together with their application domains and energy source compatibility. A method for selection and technico-economical feasibility studies is proposed. Examples in industry are given.

Since September 11, 2001, intelligence gathered from Al Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan, and the ensuing terrorist activities, indicates nuclear material security concerns are valid. This paper reviews available information on sealed radioactive sources thought to be of interest to terrorists, and then examines typical wastes generated during environmental management activities to compare their comparative 'attractiveness' for terrorist diversion. Sealed radioactive sources have been evaluated in numerous studies to assess their security and attractiveness for use as a terrorist weapon. The studies conclude that tens of thousands of curies in sealed radioactive sources are available for potential use in a terrorist attack. This risk is mitigated by international efforts to find lost and abandoned sources and bring them under adequate security. However, radioactive waste has not received the same level of scrutiny to ensure security. This paper summarizes the activity and nature of radioactive sources potentially available to international terrorists. The paper then estimates radiation doses from use of radioactive sources as well as typical environmental restoration or decontamination and decommissioning wastes in a radioactive dispersal device (RDD) attack. These calculated doses indicate that radioactive wastes are, as expected, much less of a health risk than radioactive sources. The difference in radiation doses from wastes used in an RDD are four to nine orders of magnitude less than from sealed sources. We then review the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) definition of 'dangerous source' in an adjusted comparison to common radioactive waste shipments generated in environmental management activities. The highest waste dispersion was found to meet only category 1-3.2 of the five step IAEA scale. A category '3' source by the IAEA standard 'is extremely unlikely, to cause injury to a person in the immediate vicinity'. The obvious conclusion of the analysis is that environmental management generated radioactive wastes have substantially less impact than radioactive sources if dispersed by terrorist-induced explosion or fire. From a health standpoint, the impact is very small. However, there is no basis to conclude that wastes are totally unattractive for use in a disruptive or economic damage event. Waste managers should be cognizant of this potential and take measures to ensure security of stored waste and waste shipments. (authors)

Aquatic ecosystems are chronically exposed to natural radioactivity or to artificial radionuclides released by human activities (e.g., nuclear medicine and biology,nuclear industry, military applications). Should the nuclear industry expand in the future, radioactive environmental releases, under normal operating conditions or accidental ones, are expected to increase, which raises public concerns about possible consequences on the environment and human health. Radionuclide exposures may drive macromolecule alterations, and among macromolecules DNA is the major target for ionizing radiations. DNA damage, if not correctly repaired, may induce mutations, teratogenesis, and reproductive effects. As such, damage at the molecular level may have consequences at the population level. In this review, we present an overview of the literature dealing with the effects of radionuclides on DNA, development, and reproduction of aquatic organisms. The review focuses on the main radionuclides that are released by nuclear power plants under normal operating conditions, ? emitters and tritium. Additionally, we fitted nonlinear curves to the dose-response data provided in the reviewed publications and manuscripts, and thus obtained endpoints commonly associated with ecotoxicological studies, such as the EDR(10). These were then used as a common metric for comparing the values and data published in the literature.The effects of tritium on aquatic organisms were reviewed for dose rates that ranged from 29 nGy/day to 29 Gy/day. Although beta emission from tritium decay presents a rather special risk of damage to DNA, genotoxicity-induced by tritium has been scarcely studied. Most of the effects studied have related to reproduction and development. Species sensitivity and the form of tritium present are important factors that drive the ecotoxicity of tritium. We have concluded from this review that invertebrates are more sensitive to the effects of tritium than are vertebrates.Because several calculated EDR10 values are ten times lower than background levels of ? irradiation the results of some studies either markedly call into question the adequacy of the benchmark value of 0.24 mGy/day for aquatic ecosystems that was recommended by Garnier-Laplace et al. (2006), or the dose rate estimates made in the original research, from which our EDR(10) values were derived, were under estimated, or were inadequate. For ? irradiation, the effects of several different dose rates on aquatic organisms were reviewed, and these ranged from 1 mGy/day to 18 Gy/day. DNA damage from exposure to y irradiation was studied more often than for tritium, but the major part of the literature addressed effects on reproduction and development. These data sets support the benchmark value of 0.24 mGy/day, which is recommended to protect aquatic ecosystems. RBEs, that describe the relative effectiveness of different radiation types to produce the same biological effect, were calculated using the available datasets. These RBE values ranged from 0.06 to 14.9, depending on the biological effect studied, and they had a mean of 3.1 ± 3.7 (standard deviation). This value is similar to the RBE factors of 2-3 recommended by international organizations responsible for providing guidance on radiation safety. Many knowledge gaps remain relative to the biological effects produced from exposure to tritium and y emitters. Among these are: Dose calculations: this review highlights several EDR(10) values that are below the normal range of background radiation. One explanation for this result is that dose rates were underestimated from uncertainties linked to the heterogenous distribution of tritium in cells. Therefore, the reliability of the concept of average dose to organisms must be addressed. Mechanisms of DNA DBS repair: very few studies address the most deleterious form of DNA damage, which are DNA DBSs. Future studies should focus on identifying impaired DNA DBS repair pathways and kinetics, in combination with developmental and reproductive effects. The transmission of genetic d

Radiological monitoring of the French environment is one of IRSN's permanent tasks as part of public policy on nuclear safety and radiological protection. It is helping to guarantee the best possible protection of the population. Exercised in Polynesia since 1962, this monitoring, which takes place on seven islands (Tahiti, Maupiti, Hao, Rangiroa, Hiva Oa, Mangareva and Tubuai) representing the five archipelagoes, consists in regularly collecting samples of various kinds from the different environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food...) with which the population may be in contact. Regarding food, the samples analyzed are representative of the diet of Polynesians living in the five archipelagoes of that territory. They come from the marine environment of the open sea, from the marine lagoon environment and from the terrestrial environment. Almost all samples are measured at the IRSN Laboratory for the Environment Study and Monitoring, based in Vairao, Tahiti Island. The 239 samples collected in 2009 were measured by Hp-Ge low background gamma spectrometry in order to be able to characterize lowest possible radioactivity levels. The levels of activity of Pu isotopes have also been determined for 17 selected samples and tritium activities for 15 water samples. The results for the year 2009 are in the continuity of a regular reduction of the levels of radioactivity since the stop, in 1974, of the French atmospheric tests. This residual radioactivity relates to primarily the {sup 137}Cs. In term of additional dose, this artificial and residual radioactivity is lower than 5 {mu}Sv.y{sup -1} (5 micro Sieverts per year). This value corresponds to less than 0, 5 % of exposure due to natural radioactivity in Polynesia (approximately 1000 {mu}Sv.y{sup -1}). (authors)

Autoradiograms obtained 1-4 h after i.v. injection of the /sup 14/C-labelled carcinogenic tryptophan pyrolysis product Trp-P-1 to albino and pigmented mice showed a pronounced uptake of radioactivity in the lymphatic system, in the endocrine system and in the liver, kidney medulla and brain. High radioactivity was present in the excretory pathways, predominantly in the bile/intestinal contents. At longer post-injection times most of the labelled substance had left the tissues, except for the liver. Trp-P-1 is known to be activated by cytochrome P-448. The uptake of radioactivity in the liver could be reduced by pretreatment with the cytochrome P-448 inhibitor 9-hydroxyellipticine suggesting that the observed accumulation of radioactivity in the liver was partly due to metabolites of Trp-P-1. After pretreatment with the cytochrome P-448 inducer ..beta..-naphthoflavone, the administration of Trp-P-1 resulted in a highly selective accumulation of radioactivity in the lung parenchyma, exceeding all other tissues. ..beta..-Naphthoflavone pretreatment also increased the uptake of radioactivity in the kidney cortex and small intestinal mucosa. As indicated by a high labelling of the pigmented tissues of the maternal and fetal eye, the carcinogen and/or its metabolites were accumulated in melanin.

The feasibility of a gaseous core nuclear reactor designed to produce power to also reduce the national inventories of long-lived reactor waste products through nuclear transmutation was examined. Neutron-induced transmutation of radioactive wastes is shown to be an effective means of shortening the apparent half life.

Aug 26, 2008... June 11 launch, scientists tested and calibrated its two instruments, the ... The image's third pulsar, named Geminga and located in Gemini, is not a radio source. ... academic institutions and partners in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, ... for his work on induced radioactivity and is today regarded as one of ...

This report discusses the following topics: Composition of Accelerator Radiation Fields; Shielding of Electrons and Photons at Accelerators; Shielding of Hadrons at Accelerators; Low Energy Prompt Radiation Phenomena; Induced Radioactivity at Accelerators; Topics in Radiation Protection Instrumentation at Accelerators; and Accelerator Radiation Protection Program Elements.

A 1982-84 field study defined the chemistry of water collected from the unsaturated zone at a low-level radioactive-waste disposal site near Sheffield, Bureau County, Illinois. Chemical data were evaluated to determine the principal naturally occurring geochemical reactions in the unsaturated zone and to evaluate waste-induced effects on pore-water chemistry.\\r\

Induced valence transitions in MgEu systems were studied by observation of the angular distribution of gamma rays in radioactive Eu. Anisotropy measurements were obtained by the measurement of statistical covariance at 90/sup 0/ and 180/sup 0/ for the 1408 kev - 122 kev gamma rays pair. Changes in typical interatomic distance, as a consequence of cold working, were obtained.

The gamma-rays de-exciting the yrast states in neutron deficient nuclei around A-55 have been observed from fusione-vaporation reactions induced by an intense radioactive Ne-19 beam on a Ca-40 target. An array of escape suppressed germanium detectors recorded reaction gamma-rays. Background subtract...

A set-up dedicated to the measurement of radiative capture reactions induced by proton-rich radioactive beams in reverse kinematics is described; this set-up was used to measure the Ne-19(p, gamma)Na-20 reaction, of astrophysical interest. In addition, the relative merits of two hydrogen targets, i....

The Cl- permeability of membrane vesicles prepared from the electric organ of the marine ray Torpedo californica was studied by means of radioactive tracer exchange and by measuring the changes in the scattered-light intensity caused by osmotically induced volume changes. Both types of experiments i...

Progress is summarized in this report for each of the following tasks: (1) multi-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics computer code development; (2) 2D radiation-hydrodynamic code development; (3) ALARA: analytic and Laplacian adaptive radioactivity analysis -- a complete package for analysis of induced activation; (4) structural dynamics modeling of ICF reactor chambers; and (5) analysis of self-consistent target chamber clearing.

Sources of protracted gamma radiation adjacent to bone were found to induceosteogenic sarcoma in half of the exposed males. Osteogenic sarcomas appeared in 3 males remote from the radioactive sources and may not have been radiation induced. Some tumors were small enough so that the site of origin co...

Alkyl sulfatase was induced by growth on nutrient broth plus sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in a bacterium we have designated Pseudomonas C12B. Measurement of the radioactivity of S35O4= released from SDS35 by the enzyme in cell-free extracts provided an effective assay technique. The barium chloranil...

  Radioactive waste has been accumulated at CERN as unavoidable consequence of the use of particle accelerators. The elimination of this waste towards the ?nal repositories in France and Switzerland requires the determination of the radionuclide inventory. In order to calculate the residual induced ...

Summary: Vitamin D3 (50I. U. /100 g body wt) was injected day intraperitoneally to the fish H. fossilis maintained in artificial freshwater, calcium-rich freshwater and calcium deficient freshwater. The animals were killed on day 1,3,5, and 10. The serum calcium levels were estimated and CS were fixed for histological studies.Administration of vitamin D3 induced hypercalcemia in the fish kept in all the three different media.The AF-positive cells of CS of vitamin D3 treated specimens kept in artificial freshwater, calcium-rich freshwater and calcium-deficient freshwater depict hyperactivity which is expressed by their degranulation and increased nuclear volume.The AF-negative cells of CS of vitamin D3-treated fish kept in artificial freshwater have not shown any change, however, the AF-negative cells of the fish treated with vitamin D3 and maintained in calcium-rich freshwater and calciumdeficient freshwater exhibit a decrease in their nuclear volume.   

Brain ischemia in gerbils was induced by ligation of both common carotid arteries for 1 min or 10 min. Sham-operated animals served as controls. Intracerebral injection of (3H)inositol into gerbil brain 16 hr before ischemic insult resulted in equilibration of the label between inositol lipids and water-soluble inositol phosphate. A short ischemic period (1 min) resulted in a statistically significant increase in the radioactivity of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and inositol monophosphate (IP), by about 48% and 79%, respectively, with little change in that of the intermediate inositol biphosphate (IP2), which increased by about 16%. When the ischemic period was prolonged (10 min), an increase in the radioactivity of inositol monophosphate exclusively, by about 84%, was observed. The level of radioactivity in inositol phosphates IP2 and IP3 decreased by about 50%, probably as a consequence of phosphatase activation by the ischemic insult. The agonist of the cholinergic receptor, carbachol, injected intracerebrally (40 micrograms per animal) increased accumulation of radioactivity in all inositol phosphates. The level of radioactivity in IP3, IP2, and IP was elevated by about 40, 23, and 147%, respectively. The muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, atropine, injected intraperitoneally in doses of 100 mg/kg body wt. depressed phosphoinositide metabolism in control animals. The level of radioactivity in water-soluble inositol metabolites in the brain of animals pretreated with atropine was evidently about 32% lower than in untreated animals. Pretreatment with atropine decreased the radioactivity of all inositol phosphates in the brain of animals subjected to 1-min ischemia and the radioactivity of IP in the case of 10-min brain ischemia.

Abstract Male sterility is described for the first time in lupin crop species Lupinus angustifolius L. and Lupinus luteus L. and is also characterized in the Andean lupin, Lupinus mutabilis Sweet. In L.angustifolius and L.luteus, male-sterile plants were identified in artificially induced mutation populations, while in L.mutabilis, both naturally occurring and induced male-sterile plants were selected. For L.angustifolius artificially induced sterility, the segregation ratios in F1, F2 and backcrosses showed a single-gene recessive inheritance and was concluded to be of a nuclear rather than cytoplasmic form. In L.luteus, male-sterile plants were recovered from an M3 mutation population derived from cv. -Wodjil-, and several were consistent with that of single recessive gene, most likely n...

The ventilation in underground galleries during the exploitation phase of a radioactive waste disposal will induce an unsaturated zone in the host rock. The suction gradient due to the drying can induce tensile stress which could modify the excavation damaged zone (EDZ). Such a situation has already been evidenced at Tournemire where tensile cracks occur due to the relative humidity changes. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of desaturation on Bure argillite samples submitted to decreasing relative humidity. (authors)

Radon and short-lived progeny existing in all three primordial series, namely uranium, thorium and actinium, are of most significance for human exposure, since their inhalation is implicated in bronchogenic carcinoma. Because the dosimetric calculations utilize half-life, it is important to know this parameter with the maximum possible accuracy. The half-lives of Po-218 and Bi-212, radon-222 and radon-220 progeny, were measured as 3.078 +/- 0.01 min and 59.81 +/- 0.23 min respectively. Experimental data collected by alpha-counting included background from both the counter and the intrinsic radioactivity. A comparison of all mathematical methods presently employed in the analysis of experimental radioactivity decay is presented. The most commonly used methods are, the least squares, the weighted least squares with different weighting factors and the maximum likelihood (Peierls) method. Artificial data corresponding to three different nuclides, different total experimental duration, and different counting time intervals were generated. Testing these data showed that the WLSQ with the correct weighting factor gives the higher accuracy and precision. Without spectrometry, it is impossible to measure the quantity or half-life of Po-218 unless correction is made for the Po-214 daughter. For the measurement of Po-218, samples containing the short-lived radon-222 daughters were collected electrostatically. A method used to estimate the initial radon daughters concentration in air based on regression analysis is proposed. The comparison of this with the well known Thomas method using artificial data showed that the regression analysis method leads to more accurate results. The Bi-212 samples were prepared from a Th-228 solution by spontaneous electrodeposition on platinum and nickel disks. Corrections for the curve stripping have been applied. The methods developed here have general application to the measurement of any radioactive nuclides. A review of the measured half-lives of the uranium series isotopes is presented in a summary table. All the reported values in the literature are included. Mean values were calculated and suggested as today's "best" available data.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland continued to monitor levels of radioactivity in air, drinking water and foodstuffs in 1999 and 2000 and the results are presented in this report, the sixth in a series dealing with the terrestrial environment. Radioactivity is present in the terrestrial environment due to natural processes, the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, accidents such as the Chernobyl accident and the routine discharge of radionuclides from nuclear installations. The Institute monitored airborne radioactivity at ten stations throughout the country. One site was equipped to detect the presence of krypton-85, a radionuclide which is released into the environment primarily as a result of the reprocessing of nuclear fuel at installations such as Sellafield in the UK and La Hague in France. Both in 1999 and 2000, levels of radionuclides in airborne particulates were low and consistent with measurements in previous years. Public water supplies are sampled from each county at least every four years with supplies to certain major population centres sampled annually. Water supplies from eleven counties were sampled between 1999 and 2000 and all of the waters tested were found to be within legal requirements for water quality from a radiological point of view. The levels of artificial radioactivity in milk and other foodstuffs such as milk products, baby foods, beef, lamb, poultry and vegetables continued to be very low in 1999 and 2000 and, for the majority of samples, below the detection limits. External gamma dose rates were monitored continuously at twelve locations around the country. The dose rate was recorded every twenty minutes and the readings transmitted automatically to the Institute's computer database at Clonskeagh (Dublin). No abnormally high levels were observed at any of the twelve stations in either 1999 or 2000. The data presented in this report demonstrate that the levels of artificial radioactivity in the Irish terrestrial environment, including foodstuffs, remain extremely low and do not pose a significant risk to health. Nonetheless, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the exposure of people living in Ireland to all relevant sources of ionising radiation. (author)

The previous techniques on the detection of leaks from reservoirs are difficult to identify the leak points and leak pathways in reservoirs. Additionally the complexity and ambiguity of data analysis resulted from them can increase the failures of leak detection. While, The technique using radioisotope as a tracer is considered to be very promising. In the same context, systematic studies led by IAEA are being practiced by organizing the task force team. The detection technique using natural tracer can give information about the age of ground water and the interconnection between ground water and reservoir water and the seepage origin. On the other hand, the one using artificial tracer can identify the leak point in reservoirs directly, in which radioactive cloud migration method and radioactive tracer adsorption method are included. The former is using hydrophilic radioisotope tracer, and the latter adsorptive radioisotope tracer which is emitting gamma ray. The radiotracer are injected at a point of the reservoir near to the bottom. Afterwards, the migration of the radioactive tracer is followed by means of submerged scintillation detectors suspended from boats. Usually {sup 131}I, {sup 82}Br, {sup 46}Sc, and {sup 198}Au etc. can be used as tracer. The point reaching the maximum concentration of tracer corresponds to the leak point in reservoirs.

In order to evaluate the influence of nuclear power plant operation on nearby coast, the radioactivity and element concentrations in coastal bottom sediments were investigated. The coastal bottom sediments were collected at 179 sampling stations around the Yonggwang nuclear power plant and analyzed for radioactivity by HP-Ge {upsilon}-spectrophotometer and Low Background {alpha}/{beta} Counter, and heavy metals by ICP-AES and AAS. In addition, particle size distribution in a number of sediments were measured and compared with other analytical results. According to the result of grain size distribution, most sediments are classified as silt loam with 23 percent sand, 65 percent silt and 12 percent clay contents. The radioactivities of most nuclides except {sup 137}Cs are below the limit of detection, and artificial nuclide of {sup 137} Cs may derived from past nuclear weapon tests. The heavy metal concentrations are within the normal range of marine sediments and the anomaly caused by the operation of nuclear power plant has not been monitored. (author). 7 refs., 2 tabs., 3 figs.

Radioactive waste isolation efforts in the US are currently focused on examining basalt, tuff, salt, and crystalline rock as candidate rock types to encompass waste repositories. As analogues to near-field conditions, the distributions of radio- and trace-elements have been examined across contacts between these rocks and dikes and stocks that have intruded them. The intensive study of the Stripa quartz monzonite has also offered the opportunity to observe the distribution of uranium and its daughters in groundwater and its relationship to U associated with fracture-filling and alteration minerals. Investigations of intrusive contact zones to date have included (1) a tertiary stock into Precambrian gneiss, (2) a stock into ash flow tuff, (3) a rhyodacite dike into Columbia River basalt, and (4) a kimberlite dike into salt. With respect to temperature and pressure, these contact zones may be considered "worst-case scenario" analogues. Results indicate that there has been no appreciable migration of radioelements from the more radioactive intrusives into the less radioactive country rocks, either in response to the intrusions or in the fracture-controlled hydrological systems that developed following emplacement. In many cases, the radioelements are locked up in accessory minerals, suggesting that artificial analogues to these would make ideal waste forms. Emphasis should now shift to examination of active hydrothermal systems, studying the distribution of key elements in water, fractures, and alteration minerals under pressure and temperature conditions most similar to those expected in the near-field environment of a repository. 14 refs.

In Macedonia nearly 90% of the present electricity production utilizes domestic low-calorie lignite, and this is likely to continue for the next few decades. Local and global environmental impacts of fossil fuel utilization are considered. Some innovative extensions to standard methodologies of environmental risk assessment and management are considered. They involve ash radioactivity and psychosomatic health impacts from lignite power plants. Two extensions are proposed: one comprising complete radioactive chains when determining committed effective dose from lignite ash; the other by including the psychosomatic diseases, such as peptic ulcer and arterial hypertension, due to chronic stress induced by power plants during normal operation. 7 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.

Various pottery materials were evaluated for possible use in manufacturing containers for radioactive waste. Their potential was examined from the viewpoints of the effectiveness of disposal and the changes induced in them by gamma rays. Samples of these materials were irradiated with high-energy neutrons and gamma rays in a reactor near its core. the physical and mechanical properties of the materials before and after gamma irradiation (in a {sup 60}Co gamma cell) were compared. The study showed that pottery materials are resistant to radiation. Therefore, they were proposed for manufacturing drums for disposal of radioactive waste of high gamma activity.

The authors compare the fidelity of DNA copying during semiconservative and reparative synthesis under normal conditions and during cortisol-induced activation of free-radical processes, by examining the distribution of radioactivity among DNA pyrimidine isopliths. Radioactivity of nucleotide material in the isopliths was measured by counting in appropriate zones of the chromatograms in toluene scintillator. The investigation shows that injury to DNA of different organs, both directly and as a result of faulty repair, leads to shortening of the pyrimidine isopliths, i.e., to changes in the primary structure of DNA. These data help to explain the simultaneously cytostatic, carcinostatic, and mutagenic action of irradiation, cortisol and hydroxyurea.

Low radioactivity measurements are characterized by low detection limits. They are mainly determined by the background. The contribution of cosmic rays may be reduced drastically by installation of measurement devices in an underground laboratory. In 1982 we installed a chamber with a shield of ultramafic rock for low-level measurements within a cave of an old brewery named `Felsenkeller`. In this laboratory we used low-level {gamma}-spectrometry for the measurement of neutron activated samples of semiconductor silicon (Niese (1986)), of cosmic induced radioactivity in meteorites, chemically separated long-lived nuclides in low-level wastes, contaminated materials and of environmental samples. (orig./DG)

A red shift of the photonic band gap and stress-induced birefringence have been observed in the bare and ZnO infilled artificial opal samples under UV laser irradiation. The stress-induced birefringence appeared between the irradiated and non-irradiated parts of the opal. These effects were related to the irradiation-stimulated increase in the density and the refractive index of the opal. Using the obtained results, the UV illumination-induced changes in the degree of polarization, volume and refractive index of the opal were estimated.

This talk consists of two parts. The first one presents the results of investigations performed in 1998-2000 in Dubna on the synthesis of superheavy nuclei in reactions induced by {sup 48}Ca ions. The radioactive decay properties of the nuclei, indicating a considerable increase in the {alpha}-decay and spontaneous fission half-lives of the isotopes of elements 110-116 when approaching the closed neutron shell at N=184, are given. In the second part the possible ways of advancing into the region of more neutron-rich nuclei, using stable and radioactive ion beams, are discussed. Since so far no intense radioactive ion beams are available, some experiments with stable beams are considered as a test for the suggested ideas. (orig.)

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) has limited application to microanalysis of radioactive materials because of degraded detector performance and the intrinsic'' spectrum associated with the radioactive decay. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is not affected by specimen radioactivity and also offers the possibility of improved spatial resolution. Measurements of radiation-induced segregation (RIS) in irradiated stainless steels have been made by both techniques. Analytical electron microscopy was performed at 100 kV in a Philips EM400T/FEG, equipped with an EDAX 9100/70 EDXS system and a Gatan 666 parallel detection EELS (PEELS). Microanalysis was performed in the STEM mode (<2-nm-diam probe with >0.5 nA) with the same acquisition time (50 s) used for both techniques.

/sup 14/C-Morphine was injected iv in control awake rats or in rats subjected to metabolic alkalosis or acidosis. Ten minutes later, radioactivity was determined within each of seven brain regions, after correction was made for intravascular tracer. In each region, parenchymal radioactivity was correlated positively and significantly (P less than 0.05) with arterial blood pH. Brain radioactivity was twofold to threefold greater in alkalotic rats (mean pH . 7.62) than in acidotic rats (mean pH . 7.16). The results are consistent with the pH-partition hypothesis for drug entry into the brain and indicate that morphine uptake can be increased by elevating the fraction of lipid-soluble uncharged morphine base in blood, by means of alkalosis. The observations may account for an exaggerated morphine-induced analgesia in alkalotic patients.

This second topical workshop in low radioactivity techniques is intended to bring together experts in the field of low background techniques, especially applied to dark matter experiments, double beta decay experiments and neutrino detection in underground laboratories. This workshop has been organized into 7 sessions: 1) underground facilities (where a worldwide review is made), 2) neutron and muon induced background, isotope production, 3) low background counting techniques and low background detectors, 4) techniques for radon reduction, purified noble gases and liquid scintillator purification, 5) low levels on Pb-Bi-Po{sup 210} and surface background, 6) low radioactivity detector components and material purification, and 7) low radioactive techniques in other applications (particularly to check the geographical origin of food-products or to date wine. This document is made up of the slides of the presentations.

Lithometeors, Sirocco or more commonly 'red mud' are all in fact related to a single phenomenon which affects France every year: the wind transport and deposit of desert particles from the Sahara. On the 21. of February 2004, the southern part of France is swept by a weather event of wind transport of Saharan particles. The recordings of atmospheric dust contamination and the deposit of dust, which results from it, make an episode of exceptional width. In a few hours, the thickness of the deposit exceeds 1 mm (up to 4 mm in Corsica) with a maximum density of surface charge of 50 g.m{sup -2} (50 tons per km{sup 2}). The loads of the PM{sub 10} type particles in the air, recorded by associations of monitoring of the quality of the air, indicate concentrations multiplied to the maximum by 10 and an influence on the ground of the plume ranging between 300 000 and 350 000 km{sup 2}. To the end, 2 million tons are deposited on a portion of the territory located at the south of a line from Nantes to Besancon. This event also had a significant radio-ecological impact, leading to significant {sup 137}Cs, {sup (239+240)}Pu, {sup 241}Am, activity levels of 38 Bq. kg{sup -1} sec, 1 Bq. kg{sup -1} sec and 0,46 Bq. kg{sup -1} sec, respectively. Quality of air monitoring organisations recorded 10-fold increases in the concentration of charged PM{sub 10} {sup 2}type particles within the cloud; ground coverage stretched over a 300 000 km{sup 2} surface area. Across this whole area, the artificial radioactivity deposits are estimated to 37.10{sup 10} Bq. In term of flow of deposit, this episode represents, with him only, i.e. in a few hours, a {sup 137}Cs deposition equivalent to that recorded on average in a cumulated time of one year. Data from this study show that these weather-climatic episodes generate today, environmental samples which on average, present the highest levels and flux of artificial radioactivities, more than those in the sediments of the Rhone river deposited by flood events, for example. Changes in artificial radionuclide activity levels in the atmospheric area close to ground level are routinely attributed to resuspension of formerly deposited aerosols. In the particular case of the Saharan dust deposits, apart from the resuspension mechanisms that caused the Saharan soil particles to be taken up, other mechanisms may have intervened during transports up until deposit on French soil. Such mechanisms, which have already been identified for other atmospheric compounds or pollutants, give a lead in attempting to understand the enhanced relative or absolute radioactivity of the mineral particles. Two hypotheses have been put forward to explain this enhanced radioactivity: either a process rather like a 'horizontal leaching' of compounds or pollutants present in the atmosphere during transport, or the early fall of the heavier and thus less radioactive mineral particles, giving rise to a relative increase in specific activity. One cannot overlook the contribution these sporadic phenomena make to atmospheric deposits on an annual basis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the weight of these phenomena on a multi-annual scale in the reduction of activity levels in the atmospheric compartment by dry or wet process and at short time scale the deposition of radioactivity with dust from remote regions. Taking into account current metrological performance devices at the IRSN (Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety), regular monitoring of these events allow opportunity to follow the changes of plutonium isotopes in the atmosphere. (authors)

Radiological monitoring of the French environment is one of IRSN's permanent tasks as part of public policy on nuclear safety and radiological protection. It is helping to guarantee the best possible protection of the population. Exercised in Polynesia since 1962, this monitoring, which takes place on seven islands (Tahiti, Maupiti, Hao, Rangiroa, Hiva Oa, Mangareva and Tubuai) representing the five archipelagos, consists of taking regular samples of various kinds from the different environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food..) with which the population may be in contact. Regarding food, the samples analyzed are representative of the diet of Polynesians living in the five archipelagos of that territory, and from the marine environment of the open sea, marine and terrestrial lagoon. Almost all samples are measured at the Laboratory for the Study and Monitoring of the Environment IRSN, based in Vairao on the island of Tahiti. During the year 2010 results fall under the continuity of a regular reduction of the levels of radioactivity since the stop, in 1974, of the French atmospheric tests. This residual radioactivity relates to primarily the {sup 137}Cs. In term of additional dose, this artificial and residual radioactivity is lower than 5 {mu}Sv.y{sup -1} (5 micro-Sieverts per year). This value corresponds to less than 0,5 % of exposure due to natural radioactivity in Polynesia (approximately 1 000 {mu}Sv.y{sup -1}). This 2010 report also includes the special monitoring engaged during spring 2011 to evaluate a possible radiological impact in French Polynesia and New-Caledonia territories due to the nuclear accident of Fukushima that occurred on March 11, 2011 (see chapter 5). (authors)

A key property that drives research in ferroelectric perovskite oxides is their strong piezoelectric response in which an electric field is induced by an applied strain, and vice versa for the converse piezoelectric effect. We have achieved an experimental enhancement of the piezoelectric response and dielectric tunability in artificially layered epitaxial PbTiO3/CaTiO3 superlattices through an engineered rotation of the polarization direction. As the relative layer thicknesses within the superlattice were changed from sample to sample we found evidence for polarization rotation in multiple x-ray diffraction measurements. Associated changes in functional properties were seen in electrical measurements and piezoforce microscopy. The results demonstrate a new approach to inducing polarization rotation under ambient conditions in an artificially layered thin film.

This paper reports a theoretical study on the possibility of inducing artificial showery rain using the convective available potential energy, which is naturally stored in the troposphere. We calculated the environmental parameters (frequency of climatic values, extreme value of stability index, etc.) in the upper troposphere using rawinsonde data from six main stations in Korea from 2001 to 2008 and examined the temporal spatial convective energy according to region. Our results showed that convective available potential energy, which can induce artificial rainfall, existed in the troposphere mainly in summer and were low in other seasons. Its value was found to be highest during late afternoon and in inland regions. We examined the vertical structure of the atmosphere using moisture conv...

For a dielectric solid surrounded by an electrolyte and positioned inside an externally biased parallel-plate capacitor, we study numerically how the resulting induced-charge electro-osmotic (ICEO) flow depends on the topology and shape of the dielectric solid. In particular, we extend existing conventional electrokinetic models with an artificial design field to describe the transition from the liquid electrolyte to the solid dielectric. Using this design field, we have succeeded in applying the method of topology optimization to find system geometries with non-trivial topologies that maximize the net induced electro-osmotic flow rate through the electrolytic capacitor in the direction parallel to the capacitor plates. Once found, the performance of the topology-optimized geometries has been validated by transferring them to conventional electrokinetic models not relying on the artificial design field. Our results show the importance of the topology and shape of the dielectric solid in ICEO systems and pointto new designs of ICEO micropumps with significantly improved performance.

Institute of Global Climate and Ecology participated in all stages of investigations concerning spreading of the radioactive particles formed after nuclear explosions. Since 1963 the radioactive particles from the surface nuclear explosions on the Semipalatinsk Test Site were investigated. Since 1964 the study of the environmental contamination from the underground nuclear explosions (including the cratering nuclear explosions) was carried out. Simultaneously the secondary radioactive aerosols released into the atmosphere from ventilated underground explosions were investigated. Since 1986 the forming and spreading of the radioactive aerosols from Chernobyl accident was studied. An overview of retrospective data will be presented. For example, the fragmentation radionuclides {sup 90}Sr, {sup 137}Cs and {sup 155}Eu, radionuclides induced by neutrons {sup 60}Co, {sup 152}Eu, {sup 154}Eu and transuranium radionuclides {sup 238}Pu, {sup 239+240}Pu and {sup 241}Am were estimated in 15 particles of August, 29, 1949 explosion using the semiconductor spectrometry and radiochemical analysis. Data collection include the samples taken on local traces of ground and underground excavation nuclear explosions, this information will be added by the modern data from soil samples near '1004' explosion (lake Chagan), October 2003. The results of comparison of radionuclide fractionation in the radioactive particles in slag from cratering nuclear explosions and in melt samples will be presented. Main results obtained under the IAEA Research Contract no. 11468. (author)

Adsorption of the +4 charged cationic porphyrins onto an artificially synthesized smectite was studied. Porphyrin molecules adsorb on the clay sheet with high density to neutralize all the minus charges of the clay surface without aggregation by a novel method of a size-matching of distances between the charge sites. An efficient energy transfer between different porphyrins was induced on the clay surface, while there was no interaction in the ground state.   

We introduce new phenomena that can be studied in an artificial-atom vertical single electron transistor. As we move from the few-electron regime to the several-electron regime, and then the many-electron regime, features in the conductance peaks related to magnetic field induced spin polarization evolve. This allows us to probe the spin-flip region bounded by the last single-particle crossing at low field, and the eventual formation of a maximum density droplet at high field.   

Promoters of nine Bacillus subtilis genes (bcrC, yacK, ydaH, yfnI, yjbD, ypbG, ypuA, yraA, and ysxA), all responsive to artificially induced increases in the stress-responsive extracytoplasmic function sigma factor, SigM, were mapped by rapid amplification of cDNA ends-PCR. The resulting promoter consensus suggests that overlapping control by SigX or SigW is common. PMID:17434969

The paper showcases a collaborative benchmark project evaluating NDE methods for deterioration monitoring of laboratory bridge decks. The focus of this effort is to design and build concrete test specimens, artificially induce and monitor corrosion, periodically perform multi-sensor NDE inspections, followed by 3D imaging and destructive validations. NDE methods used include ultrasonic echo array, ground penetrating radar (GPR), active infrared thermography with induction heating, and time-resolved thermography with induction heating.

We investigate a special class of cellular automata evolving in a environment filled by an electromagnetic wave. The rules of the Conway's Game of Life are modified to account for the ability to retrieve life-sustenance from the field energy. Light-induced self-structuring and self-healing abilities and various dynamic phases are displayed by the CA. Applications are envisaged in evolutionary biology, artificial life, DNA replication, swarming, optical tweezing and field-driven soft-matter.

As it is well known, an accident with a teletherapy source made of {sup 137}CsCl with an initial activity of 59 TBq occurred in Goiania, in September of 1987. This paper will discuss the decision-making process, and the struggle that followed the decision to build the final repository for the remnants of the Goiania accident. The Goiania final repository was built as planned. The two subsurface structures under the grassy artificial hills hold the overall volume of the remnants of the Goiania accident. The near hill holds 5x10{sup 3} m3 of stabilized wastes without radioactivity, or with very low radioactivity. The far hill holds the remaining 6.5x10{sup 3} m{sup 3} of stabilized wastes with low and medium radioactivity. The central part of each subsurface hill has been shielded by wastes with less and less radioactivity. The overall fenced area occupies 1.85x10{sup 5} m{sup 2}. The external radiation levels are similar to the surrounding background, and much lower than those found in the Brazilian areas of high natural radioactivity. The site is permanently monitored by independent institutions, including Brazilian universities, and national and international organizations. As it was mentioned earlier, the final repository was build to last for at least 400 years. Although the initial decision to adopt a too conservative decontamination criterion in the case of the Goiania accident was bound to produce excessive amount of waste; such decision proved, retrospectively, not to be bad because the excess low radioactive waste produced was used as extra shielding material in final repository. The technical decision-maker should not abandon risk estimates, but should be aware that credibility is the main basis to achieve acceptability of a decision by the general public. Risk perception should be regarded as only a first step towards what may be called knowledge, or comprehension of risk estimates, but risk perception by the general public is still an open issue. The problem of a fixed, or near fixed risk coefficient applied to repositories needs to be further addressed, because it is in essence a translation of the LNT hypothesis. The decision to make the final repository for the remnants of the Goiania accident was a successful one, but one has to take into proper consideration, at least retrospectively, that the decision-making process was facilitated because the problem of Goiania was much simpler than the case of a repository for LLRW in general.

The cyclotron at our hospital has a self-shield of boron-containing water. The amount of induced radioactivity in the boron-containing water shield of a compact medical cyclotron has not yet been reported. In this study, we measured the photon and neutron dose rates outside the self-shield during cyclotron operation. We estimated the induced radioactivities of the boron-containing water used for the self-shield and then measured them. We estimated the activation of concrete outside the self-shield in the cyclotron laboratory. The thermal neutron flux during cyclotron operation was estimated to be 4.72 × 10(2) cm(-2) s(-1), and the activation of concrete in a cyclotron laboratory was about three orders of magnitude lower than the clearance level of RS-G-1.7 (IAEA). The activity concentration of the boron-containing water did not exceed the concentration limit for radioactive isotopes in drainage in Japan and the exemption level for Basic Safety Standards. Consequently, the boron-containing water is treatable as non-radioactive waste. Neutrons were effectively shielded by the self-shield during cyclotron operation. PMID:22370731

Monazite is an important economic source of uranium, thorium, and the rare earth elements. Economically viable concentrations occur in placer deposits and as massive ore bodies in igneous and metamorphic provinces throughout the world. This and its refractory nature has led to speculation that artificial phosphate-based matrices similar in composition to monazite may prove useful as wasteforms for high level radioactive waste. Before a detailed evaluation can be made, however, it is worthwhile to assess the long term degradation behaviour of natural monazites in diverse hydrogeochemical environments. This paper focusses on the Steenkampskraal monazite mine, South Africa and compares findings with those from monazite occurrences in the Palaeozoic rocks of Britain and Western France. In all cases where the monazite has altered, a marked fractionation of the lanthanide series elements is apparent, together with substantial redistribution of uranium and thorium. The implications for waste encapsulation are discussed in terms of the potential for groundwater transport away from the source. (orig.)

The objectives of SCK-CEN's Radioecology programme are (1) to evaluate, based on laboratory and field experiments, the mechanisms and dynamic (fluxes) of radionuclide transfers in the biosphere, considering all factors affecting the transfer parameters and their variability; (2) to develop and optimise models to predict the fate of radionuclides in the biosphere; (3) to advise on appropriate countermeasures and remediation options to reduce public exposure to artificial and man-enhanced natural radioactivity and to evaluate their feasibility, cost effectiveness and sustainable character; (4) to provide information to national and international authorities to enable these to assess the consequences of routine and accidental releases for populations and to select the most adequate mitigation actions. Main achievements in 1999 are reported.

An NaI(Tl) multidetector layout combined with the use of Monte Carlo (MC) calculations and artificial neural networks(ANN) is proposed to assess the radioactive contamination of urban and semi-urban environment surfaces. A very simple urban environment like a model street composed of a wall on either side and the ground surface was the study case. A layout of four NaI(Tl) detectors was used, and the data corresponding to the response of the detectors were obtained by the Monte Carlo method. Two additional data sets with random values for the contamination and for detectors’ response were also produced to test the ANNs. For this work, 18 feedforward topologies with backpropagation learning algorithm ANNs were chosen and trained. The results showed that some trained ANNs were able to...

We reconstruct Fr?d?ric Joliot and Ir?ne Curie?s discovery of artificial radioactivity in January 1934 based in part on documents preserved in the Joliot?Curie Archives in Paris, France. We argue that their discovery followed from the convergence of two parallel lines of research, on the neutron and on the positron, that were focused on a well-defined experimental problem, the nuclear transmutation of aluminum and other light elements. We suggest that a key role was played by a suggestion that Francis Perrin made at the seventh Solvay Conference at the end of October 1933, that the alpha-particle bombardment of aluminum produces an intermediate unstable isotope of phosphorus, which then decays by positron emission. We also suggest that a further idea that Perrin published in December 1933,...

This book summarizes the life, works and complex personality of the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi (1901-1954) whose myth is linked with the political upheaval of the 2. world war: the youth of an autodidact, the theorician and the quantum mechanics, his invention of a quantum statistics, the weak interaction theory, his works on artificial radioactivity, the end of the Fermi team and his exile in the USA, the secrete researches at the university of Columbia and the birth of the first atomic 'pile' (December 2, 1942), the building of Los Alamos center and the Alamogordo explosion test, the disagreements among the physicists of the Manhattan project and the position of Fermi, Fermi's contribution in the H-bomb construction, the creation of the physics school of Chicago, the Oppenheimer spying affair. (J.S.)

A comprehensive review deals with human responses to all sources of radiation, both natural and artificial. The rise in radioactive contaminants of air, water, and food is discussed. Emphasis is placed on data concerning the effects on genetic factors, in the general population, of the increased use of ionizing radiation, principally in the form of x rays. The use of radiation therapeutically in gynecology and obstetrics is discussed. It is concluded that in humans the immediate effects do not confirm geneticists' predictions. It is suggested that there has been an excessive tendency to extrapolate to the human, without due caution, results obtained in experiments with rats and fruit flies. It is pointed out also that in animal experiments, the same amount of radiation can produce different effects depending on how it is applied. It is concluded that the cautious use of radiation by qualified medical practitioners entails relatively low risk of somatic, and especially genetic, injury to humans. (BBB)

The determination of natural and artificial radioactivities of snow (glaciers, polar ice-caps) or sediment samples (lakes, oceans), takes great benefit with the use of the superior resolution of high purity germanium detector, N type, in a broad energy range( 10 keV up to 1.6 MeV). This detector (relative efficiency: 20%), very low background specified, is mounted in anti-Compton with a 9`x 8` NaI(Tl) scintillator, also with low background. International standards, used with a quantitative software allows the determination of the efficiency curve and the isotopes identification and specific activity. The anti-Compton suppressed spectrometer exhibits a decrease of the background by a factor of ten, without any change in efficiencies. Applications of this spectrometer deal with samples from lake Titicaca and a glacier from Spitsbergen. (authors). 6 figs., 7 refs.

The LFA meeting is a opportunity for university searchers and industrialists to meet each others and to present their most recent results on the theory of fuzzy sets and/or on its applications. The domain of applications ranges from the fuzzy control of processes to classifying, pattern recognition, data analysis, decision making, reasoning, image processing and interpretation, data fusion, artificial intelligence or data management systems. This issue of the LFA meeting inaugurates some new theories of uncertainty such as the Dempster-Shafer theory of belief functions or the qualitative approaches. From the 40 communications published in this book, two fall into the Inis scope (radioactive waste management and 3-D NMR imaging of brain tissues) and one into the Etde scope (fuzzy control of an electric-powered vehicle). (J.S.)

In this work we have used moss Pleurozium schreberi as a bioindicator of radioactive materials in environment. The following radionuclides were determined in moss samples: (137)Cs, (40)K, (210)Pb, (212)Pb, (214)Pb, (214)Bi, (231)Th, (235)U and (228)Ac, but not all of them in each sample. The highest activity concentrations were found for naturally occurring (210)Pb, (40)K and the artificial isotope (137)Cs. Activities of radioisotopes were recalculated into mass concentrations and the statistical methods intended for constrained data processing were used. Analysis of our results showed at most a weak relationship between radioisotope mass concentrations in moss. It was supposed that concentrations of some elements depended on the same, currently unknown, factors. PMID:22673224

The article presents the measurement results of the volumetric activity (VA) of artificial radionuclides 90Sr and 137Cs in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea near the Curonian Peninsula in 2005?2009. The annual average values for this period of time were 12?Bq/m3 (90Sr) and 40?Bq/m3 (137Cs). Considerable variations in the VA of the radionuclide in individual measurements compared to the average results were observed. The extreme values were 6 and 16?Bq/m3 for 90Sr and for 137Cs?27 and 75?Bq/m3. It is proposed to allow such variations under the influence of a variety of external factors such as hydro meteorological situations, inflowing rivers and bays, storm activity and etc. Besides, a possibility of penetration of radionuclides into the sea waters from the additional radioactive source...

Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is a common single-stranded RNA virus which may cause significant losses in honey bee colonies. As this virus seems to exhibit neurotropism, an in situ hybridization based method was developed to localize the genomic and antigenomic CBPV RNAs in infected honey bee brains. Double-stranded cDNA probes as well as genomic and antigenomic-specific single-stranded cDNA probes were prepared, using the polymerase chain reaction in presence of labelled d-UTP with non-radioactive digoxigenin. Both genomic and antigenomic RNAs were detected the brain of honey bee infected naturally or artificially. Hybridization signals were obtained in some somata and neuropile regions of the brain. In particular, high signals were observed at the level of the mushroom bodies and c...

Behavioural and electrophysiological responsiveness to three chemically different secondary plant substances was studied in larvae of Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Three groups of caterpillars were studied that during their larval development were exposed to different rearing diets: an artificial diet or one of two host-plants, cabbage, Brassica oleracea, or nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus. In dual-choice leaf disc assays, caterpillars reared on cabbage were strongly deterred by the phenolic chlorogenic acid, the flavonol glycoside naringin and the alkaloid strychnine. However, behavioural plasticity was found in caterpillars reared on nasturtium or artificial diet in that these did not discriminate against chlorogenic acid. Caterpillars reared on the artificial diet were also significantly less sensitive to naringin and strychnine in the behavioural assay. Electrophysiological studies of the maxillary sensilla styloconica revealed that the deterrent neuron in the medial sensillum, but not in the lateral sensillum, of cabbage-reared caterpillars was more sensitive than the same neuron type of caterpillars reared on nasturtium or artificial diet. We conclude that (1) the diet-induced behavioural habituation to deterrents can at least partly be explained by chemosensory desensitisation of a generalist type of maxillary deterrent neuron; (2) behavioural cross-habituation to the three structurally diverse deterrent compounds can be traced back to cross-sensitivity for these compounds in the same gustatory neuron. PMID:19414011

Two types of artificial membranes, a medical-grade aliphatic polyurethane and a polysiloxane-carbonate block copolymer, were tested as substitutes for dura in 24 and 12 rabbits, respectively. The films were placed either epidurally, subdurally, or as dural grafts in equal subgroups of animals. The postoperative course was uneventful with no manifestations of convulsive disorder or cerebrospinal fluid leak. The animals were sacrificed 3, 6, or 9 months after implantation of the artificial membranes. Both types of artificial membranes were easily removed from the underlying nervous and the other surrounding tissues. The histological examination failed to reveal adhesions, neomembrane formations, or any type of foreign body reactions to the polyurethane film. The implantation of the polysiloxane-carbonate film caused no reaction when it was applied epidurally. As a dural graft, the polysiloxane-carbonate copolymer induced the formation of a thin neomembrane of one to two layers of fibroblasts which formed a watertight seal of the dural defect. A similar thin neomembrane was found to encase this artificial membrane in the group of animals in which it was implanted subdurally. There was no foreign body reaction to the polysiloxane-carbonate film. The authors conclude that these materials hold promise as dural substitutes or in the prevention of spinal dural scarring, and should be evaluated clinically. PMID:2230977

Studies about natural and artificial radionuclides in areas such as the Antarctic are key to understand natural and dynamic processes in marine environments. These studies are important to determine levels of radioactive elements and local sedimentation rates. Five marine sediment cores were collected in different points of Admiralty Bay, in the Antarctic Peninsula. The purpose of this study was to determine {sup 137}Cs, {sup 226}Ra and {sup 210}Pb and sedimentation rates at each site. {sup 137}Cs, {sup 210}Pb and {sup 226}Ra were assayed by gamma-counting through direct measurement of the peak at 661 keV, 47 keV and 609 keV, respectively. Sedimentation rates were obtained by {sup 137}Cs and {sup 210}Pb (CIC and CRS). The activities for {sup 137}Cs ranged from 0.84 to 7.09 Bq kg{sup -1}; to {sup 226}Ra from 6.77 to 31.07 Bq kg{sup -1} for {sup 210}Pb ranged from 1.10 to 36.90 Bq kg{sup -1}. The sedimentation rates obtained by the three models ranged from 0.11+-0.01 cm y{sup -1} to 0.46+-0.05 cm y{sup -1}. The levels of {sup 137}Cs registered in this study, as well as in other studies in the Antarctic region indicate that global fallout is the main cause of artificial radionuclides present in this environment, since the Antarctic has not suffered a direct action of human activities that released radioactive elements. The possible grain size variations that occur in the studied points of Admiralty Bay may explain the differences found in the vertical distribution of radionuclides, because of the different values of sedimentation rates and respective dating determined in their profiles. (author)

A forced electron beam induced arc discharge (FEBIAD-B2) type ion source and a surface ionization type one with a uranium target have been developed for the JAEA-ISOL. The ion sources were utilized to produce medium-heavy neutron-rich radioactive ion beams for acceleration with Tokai radioactive ion accelerator complex (TRIAC). In the FEBIAD-B2 type ion source, a target container containing about 1 g/cm2 of 238UCx target is directly attached to a plasma chamber. While the surface ionization type one, 238UCx target is located inside the ion source as an internal target. With both ion sources, about 100 isotopes produced in the proton-induced fission of uranium with separation efficiencies of 0.1 30% have been mass-separated.

A review of general information concerning induced radioactivity detectors is presented along with tables summarizing the properties of detector elements which may be used in radioprotection. The excitation functions found in the literature are also given. The technological characteristics of the detectors used are given, together with the counting methods. The many advantages of activation dosimetry for strong or periodic neutron fluxes and for those in the presence of gamma -radiation are stressed. The main problem in activation dosimetry is, however, the calculation of the dose absorbed from the results of the measurements. It is shown how the dose is expressed, fairly accurately, as a function of the radioactivities induced in a series of detectors. As an example, the spectrometry and the dosimetry of the neutron flux emitted by a Po -Be source are presented. (auth)

The Yale-Weizmann collaboration aims to develop a low-radioactivity (low-background) cryogenic noble liquid detector for Dark-Matter (DM) search in measurements to be performed deep underground as for example carried out by the XENON collaboration. A major issue is the background induced by natural radioactivity of present-detector components including the Photo Multiplier Tubes (PMT) made from glass with large U-Th content. We propose to use advanced Thick Gaseous Electron Multipliers (THGEM) recently developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS). These "hole-multipliers" will measure in a two-phase (liquid/gas) Xe detector electrons extracted into the gas phase from both ionization in the liquid as well as scintillation-induced photoelectrons from a CsI photocathode immersed in LXe. We report on initial tests (in gas) of THGEM made out of Cirlex (Kapton) which is well known to have low Ra-Th content instead of the usual G10 material with high Ra-Th content.

Flow cytometric analysis of the X-radiation-induced sarcoma RIF-1 has shown that the parent tumour is composed of diploid and tetraploid subpopulations of cells, each capable of independent proliferation. We have now examined artificially induced and spontaneously arising metastases of the RIF-1 tumour and have found in both cases that, unlike the parent tumour from which they are derived, they exhibit a single level of ploidy which is stable throughout successive in vivo and in vitro passaging. This finding suggests that at least in this tumour system metastasis is a clonal event.

Summary. Background: Infusion of artificial colloids such as hydroxyethyl starch (HES) induces coagulopathy to a greater extent than simple dilution. Several studies have suggested that the coagulopathy could be corrected by substitution with a fibrinogen concentrate. Objectives: The aims of the present prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial were to investigate the hemostatic effect of a fibrinogen concentrate after coagulopathy induced by hydroxyethyl starch in patients experiencing sudden excessive bleeding during elective cystectomy. Methods: Twenty patients were included. Blood loss was substituted 1:1 with HES 130/0.4. At a dilution level of 30%, patients were randomly selected for intra-operative administration of a fibrinogen concentrate or placebo. The primary endpoint w...

Acid-base imbalance leads to pathological cognition and behaviors in the clinical practices. In the comparison with acidosis, the cellular mechanisms underlying alkalosis-induced brain dysfunction remain unclear. By using electrophysiological approach, we investigated the influences of high extracellular pH environment on cortical GABAergic neurons in terms of their responsiveness to synaptic inputs and their ability to produce action potentials. Artificial cerebral spinal fluid in high pH impairs excitatory synaptic transmission and spike initiation in cortical GABAergic neurons. The alkalosis-induced dysfunction of GABAergic neurons is associated with the decrease of receptor responsiveness and the increases of spike refractory periods and threshold potentials. Our studies reveal that al...

Cell differentiation properties are strongly entangled with the morphology and physical properties of the extracellular environment. A complete understanding of this interaction needs artificial scaffolds with controlled nano-/micro-topography. We induced specific topographies by nanoimprint lithography (NIL) on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) dishes substrates and, using light microscopy and high-magnification scanning-electron-microscopy, quantitatively compared the changes in PC12 differentiation phenotype induced by the periodicity of the nanopatterns. This analysis revealed that nanogratings reduce the number of neurites produced by PC12 cells upon treatment with NGF and that neuronal bipolarity correlated with an increased stretching of the cell body and a reduced length of the cell neuronal protrusions.

This document brings together the abstracts of all presentations given at the 20. congress of the French association for radiation protection techniques and sciences (ATSR). Content: - Use of radioactive sources: 1 - Role of the inter-ministry Commission of artificial radioelements (CIREA) in the medical, research and industry domains (Denis-Philippe Fages, CIREA Fontenay-aux-Roses); 2 - Radiation protection and ionic smoke detectors (Catherine Bougie, labour inspection DDTE, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux); 3 - radioactive wastes and effluents management in hospitals (Vincent Carlier, ANDRA Chatenay-Malabry); - Nuclear law and its applications: 4 - environmental effects on public health and why the environment health safety system needs to be reformed (Andre Aschieri, House of Commons); 5 - Radiation sources safety and radioactive materials security: IAEA's action plan (Robert Ouvrard, IAEA, Austria); - Radon risk: 6 - Radon risk epidemiology in France (Margot Tirmarche, Helene Baysson, Dominique Laurier, IPSN - Fontenay-aux-Roses); 7 - Radon risk: polonium effects (Jacques Pradel, Gr.COM/AEPN, Paris); 8 Training of civil engineering and public work professionals with regards to radon and its decay products (Marc Ammerich, CEA Saclay, F. Gauffre, Montpellier 2 Univ., M-C. Robe, IPSN); - Radioactive wastes: 9 - Radio-elements transmutation, status and perspectives (Thomas Kirchner - Ecole des Mines Nantes); 10 - Management of low-level radioactive wastes generated by accelerators (Manfred Hoefert, Doris Forkel-Wirth, Claude Lamberet, CERN Switzerland); 11 - Summary of the French legislation about wastes (Christian Bataille, House of Commons); - Impact on the public: 12 - Use of radionuclides in environmental studies (Xavier Vitart - CEA/DAMRI/SAR); 13 - Energy and environment (Jacques Frot - GR.COM/AEPN); - Impacts on public and on the environment: 14 - Low dose effects (Roland Masse, Academy of Sciences); 15 - The stakes of radioactivity measurements (Jean Charles Abbe, CNRS, Nantes Univ.); - Conference: 16 - Works of art expertise using X-ray spectroscopy (Albert Adam, CEA-Saclay); - Effects on the organism: 17 - health issues with high level wastes (Jacques Lafuma, Academy of Sciences, Academy of Medicine); 18 - Summary of epidemiological studies of the leukemia risk near nuclear sites (Dominique Laurier, IPSN Fontenay-aux-Roses); 19 - Quantification of leukemia risk in relation with a chronic exposure to ionising radiations: lessons learnt by the Nord-Cotentin radioecological group (Catherine Rommens, Dominique Laurier, IPSN Fontenay-aux-Roses); - Radioecology: 20 - From radiation to risk: the Nord-Cotentin radioecological group model (Aurelie Merle-Szeremeta, Catherine Rommens, Caroline Drombry, IPSN Fontenay-aux-Roses); 21 - Interpretation of calculation code results about the radiological impacts of radioactive releases (Henri Maubert, SPR/CEA Cadarache); - Use of radiations at hospitals: 22 - Improvement of the radioactive waste management of a regional cancer centre (Sandrine Laugle, Jean-Claude Houy, Eugene Marquis Centre Rennes); 23 - Detection of a radioactive source in an incineration plant dumpster: decision-making study according to the activity calculation (Jean-Claude Houy, Sandrine Laugle, Eugene Marquis Centre Rennes); - Environment: 24 - Model or measurements: what strategy for an environmental contamination estimation? (Caroline Drombry-Ringeard, Hemispheres Egly, Catherine Rommens, IPSN Fontenay-aux-Roses); 25 - Radiological risks magnitude (Jean Charles ABBe, CNRS, Nantes Univ.); 26 - Radiological monitoring of La Hague site environment (Philipp Blaise, H. Truffert, Cogema La Hague); - Posters: Po 01 - Inter-laboratory comparison of French low-energy anthropo-diametric measurements (D. Franck, Ph. Berard, C. Dubiau, R. Soulie, IPSN Fontenay-aux-Roses); Po 02 - Modification principles of the CEA Cadarache radiological monitoring plan (Elodie Panaiva-Pouzol, Serge Escallon, Henri Maubert, SPR/CEA Cadarache)

Efforts are directed towards the minimization, management and disposal of highly radioactive nuclear waste. Partitioning of nuclear waste and transmutation of long-lived isotopes are subject of investigations. These studies imply the needs for the underlying nuclear databases. In this respect, accurate knowledge of neutron and proton induced nuclear reactions in the intermediate- and high-energy domains is important and EFNUDAT aims at networking European facilities for such nuclear data measurements.

In this paper new nuclear and subnuclear exotic decays are investigated. Some theoretical problems of the pionic radioactivity, such as fission-like models, applicable to all kind of exotic nuclear and subnuclear decays are presented. The induced nuclear and subnuclear decays are discussed. Moreover, using the recent results on the spontaneous fission half lives T of the heavy nuclei with Z new predictions on the pionic yields in the region of superheavy elements are presented.

The goal of accelerator shielding design is to protect the workers, general public, and the environment against unnecessary prompt radiation from accelerator operations. Additionally, shielding at accelerators may also be used to reduce the unwanted background in experimental detectors, to protect equipment against radiation damage, and to protect workers from potential exposure to the induced radioactivity in the machine components. The shielding design for prompt radiation hazards is the main subject of this chapter.

LANDSAT data are being used to assist in classifying land cover for the purpose of providing regional environmental assessments of a 105,000 km/sup 2/ area within the Columbia Plateau region of the northwestern United States. The environmental assessment is being performed in conjunction with siting a radioactive waste terminal-storage facility within the federally operated Hanford Site in south-central Washington. Initial assessments involved classification of four contiguous LANDSAT scenes recorded over the region during the summer of 1975 and about 300 1978 high-altitude (U-2) photographs. The resulting mosaic was segregated into ten land-cover classes. The classified land-cover data were then machine-integrated with digital irrigation well-location data taken from the US Geological Survey's Ground-Water Site Inventory. The resulting groundwater multi-source data product was required by hydrologists to segregate potential artificial recharge areas from artificial groundwater discharge areas. Related studies have employed LANDSAT data and aerial imagery to identify linear structures and other geologic features which may have a significant bearing on the tectonic and/or hydrologic setting of the Columbia Plateau. Future plans call for attempts to correlate land-cover patterns with other physical and environmental parameters such as digital terrain and hydrometeorological data.

The excretion rate of (3H)prednisolone from clinically normal and experimentally infected udders of 10 lactating cows was studied. Each quarter of 6 cows was injected with a single dose of (3H)prednisolone mixed with non-radioactive prednisolone equivalent to 10 mg in 10 ml of peanut oil base. Each of the remaining 4 cows was given 40 mg of nonradioactive prednisolone and (3H)prednisolone in 60% ethanol IV. Control and postadministration samples of blood, milk, and urine were examined for radioactivity. The effects of (3H)prednisolone were evaluated in the same cows, first in clinically normal udders, then 2 weeks later in udders experimentally infected with Streptococcus agalactiae. Absorption and elimination of prednisolone were the same before and after induced infection. Within 3 hours after intramammary injection, 95% of the labeled prednisolone was absorbed systemically, less than 5% of this dose was recovered in milk, and 29% was excreted in urine. After IV injection of (3H)prednisolone, less than 0.2% of the total radioactivity was recovered in milk and less than 46% was excreted in urine. Clinical mastitis induced by S agalactiae was moderate. Circulating blood leukocytes and somatic cells in the milk of normal cows remained essentially unchanged. The leukocyte response to induced infection was rapid in blood and milk. Large numbers of leukocytes were noticed in the milk and a severe leukopenia occurred. Prednisolone treatment did not alter the number of somatic cells in milk or reduce the inflammatory response of experimentally infected cows.

Details of the radioactive I-131 administration and radiation safety considerations are presented. Topics covered include patient survey, radioactive labelling, levels in patients containing radioactivity, hospital discharge of radioactive patients, and nursing procedures.

Based on the Advisory Committee Report on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Backend Policy submitted to the Japanese Government in 1997, JNC documents the progress of research and development program in the form of the second progress report (the first one published in 1992). It summarizes an evaluation of the technical reliability and safety of the geological disposal concept for high-level radioactive wastes (HLW) in Japan. The present document, the part 3 of the progress report, concerns safety assessment for geological disposal systems definitely introduced in part 1 and 2 of this series and consists of 9 chapters. Chapter I concerns the methodology for safety assessment while Chapter II deals with diversity and uncertainty about the scenario, the adequate model and the required data of the systems above. Chapter III summarizes the components of the geological disposal system. Chapter IV refers to the relationship between radioactive wastes and human life through groundwater, i.e. nuclide migration. In Chapter V is made a reference case which characterizes the geological environmental data using artificial barrier specifications. (Ohno. S.)

Partitioning and transmutation of radioactive and long lived component from the highly radioactive waste stream in order to reduce or probably eliminate their radiotoxic inventory was the important option for the nuclear waste management. The principal radionuclides contribution to the long term radiotoxic inventory is mostly due to Pu, minor actinides and some long-lived fission products. The conditioning operation can present artificial barriers which are potentially capable of confining the radionuclides within their package for thousands of years. After this time nothing can be predicted. The solubility of the actinides (except Np) is generally low whereas the long lived fission product. particularly {sup 137}Cs, {sup 129}I and in some case {sup 99}Tc, display high mobility In the geosphere. Conditioning of separated long-lived nuclides in appropriate matrices which could serve as irradiation matrix in a delayed transmutation option is a possible outcome for the next decades. The general strategy of introducing Partitioning and Transmutation as an additional waste management option is based on the radiological benefit which is expected from such an option. The short term impact of partitioning would be to reduce long-term radiotoxic inventory of the resulting HLW at the expense of an increase of the operational requirements for the nuclear facilities concerned. Fast neutron spectrum devices (FR or ADS facilities) are more efficient than current LWRs for recycling and transmuting long-lived radionuclides.

{sup 137}Cs is an artificial radioactive isotope produced by {sup 235}U fission. This radionuclide has a high fission yield and a half-life of 30 years. It has been detected in the environment since 1945 and its principal contamination source has been nuclear tests in the atmosphere. There are other sources of {sup 137}Cs contamination in the environment, such as: release from nuclear and reprocessing plants, radioactive dumping and nuclear accidents (Chernobyl, for example). This paper presents an inventory of {sup 137}Cs on the Continental Shelf of Sao Paulo State, a region located between Cabo de Santa Marta Grande (Santa Catarina state) and Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro state). In this area, 9 cores were collected by the Instituto Oceanografico da Universidade de Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo University Institute of Oceanography). The cores were sliced at every 2 cm; sub-samples were lyophilized, grinded and stored in plastic containers. {sup 137}Cs was determined by 661 keV photopeak using a gamma spectrometry detector (Ge hyperpure). The analysis was performed by efficiency and background in different counting times. {sup 137}Cs concentration activities varied from 0.3 to 3.6 Bq kg{sup -1} with a mean value of 1.2+-0.6 Bq kg{sup -1}. The inventory of {sup 137}Cs in this area was 13+-7 Bq m-2. Values obtained are in agreement with the Southern Hemisphere, a region contaminated by atmospheric fallout due to past nuclear explosions. (author)

Results of field tests with explosive dispersal of a radioactive substance (RaS) are presented. The paper deals with tests exploiting artificial obstacles as a continuation and expansion of the tests used in this study performed in free area described previously. The essential goal of the tests was to estimate the distribution of the released RaS in the case of intentional abuse of radioactive sources and to get a set of data applicable to testing physical or mathematical models of propagation. Effects of different geometrical and meteorological conditions on the distribution of dispersed RaS were studied via the assessment of dose rate, surface and volume activities, aerosol mass and activity aerodynamic diameters. The principal results can be summarised as follows: the prevalent proportion of the activity of the radionuclide dispersed by an explosion (born by the blast wave and by air convection) is transferred to the detection system/collecting pads essentially within the first minute. Enhanced aerosol mass concentrations were also detected within the same period. The RaS carried by the blast wave passed through the polygon (50 m) within <1 s. An expected crucial impact of meteorological conditions at the moment of the explosion and shortly after was proved by the tests. PMID:22923250

It was hypothesized that applying the polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) system to artificial lesions would result in time-dependent functional remineralization of carious dentin lesions that restores the mechanical properties of demineralized dentin matrix. 140 µm deep artificial caries lesions were remineralized via the PILP process for 7-28 days at 37°C to determine temporal remineralization characteristics. Poly-L-aspartic acid (27 KDa) was used as the polymeric process-directing agent and was added to the remineralization solution at a calcium-to-phosphate ratio of 2.14 (mol/mol). Nanomechanical properties of hydrated artificial lesions had a low reduced elastic modulus (E(R) = 0.2 GPa) region extending about 70 ?m into the lesion, with a sloped region to about 140 ?m where values reached normal dentin (18-20 GPa). After 7 days specimens recovered mechanical properties in the sloped region by 51% compared to the artificial lesion. Between 7-14 days, recovery of the outer portion of the lesion continued to a level of about 10 GPa with 74% improvement. 28 days of PILP mineralization resulted in 91% improvement of E(R) compared to the artificial lesion. These differences were statistically significant as determined from change-point diagrams. Mineral profiles determined by micro x-ray computed tomography were shallower than those determined by nanoindentation, and showed similar changes over time, but full mineral recovery occurred after 14 days in both the outer and sloped portions of the lesion. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis showed similar morphologies that were distinct from normal dentin with a clear line of demarcation between the outer and sloped portions of the lesion. Transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction showed that the starting lesions contained some residual mineral in the outer portions, which exhibited poor crystallinity. During remineralization, intrafibrillar mineral increased and crystallinity improved with intrafibrillar mineral exhibiting the orientation found in normal dentin or bone. PMID:22719965

Pulsed laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy were performed using a novel laboratory setup employing the same Nd:YAG laser emission at 532 nm for the analysis of five commercially available pigments collectively known as "ultramarine blue", a sodium silicate material of either mineral origin or an artificially produced glass. LIBS and Raman spectroscopy have provided information regarding the elemental and molecular composition of the samples; additionally, an analytical protocol for the differentiation between natural (lapis lazuli) and artificial ultramarine blue pigments is proposed. In particular LIBS analysis has allowed the discrimination between pigments on the basis of peaks ascribed to calcium. The presence of calcite in the natural blue pigments has been confirmed following Raman spectroscopy in specific areas of the samples, and micro-Raman and optical microscopy have further corroborated the presence of calcite inclusions in the samples of natural origin. Finally multivariate analysis of Laser induced breakdown spectra using principal component analysis (PCA) further enhanced the differentiation between natural and artificial ultramarine blue pigments. PMID:19129003

Airborne radiometric surveys are finding increasingly wider application in environmental mapping and monitoring. They are the most efficient tool to delimit surface contamination and to locate lost radioactive sources. To secure radiometric capability in survey and emergency situations, a new sensitive airborne system has been built that includes an airborne spectrometer with 256 channels and a sodium iodide detector with a total volume of 16.8 liters. A rack-mounted PC with memory cards is used for data acquisition, with a GPS satellite navigation system for positioning. The system was calibrated with point sources using a mathematical correction to take into account the effects of gamma-ray scattering in the ground and in the atmosphere. The calibration was complemented by high precision ground gamma spectrometry and laboratory measurements on rock samples. In Switzerland, two major research programs make use of the capabilities of airborne radiometric measurements. The first one concerns nuclear power-plant monitoring. The five Swiss nuclear installations (four power plants and one research facility) and the surrounding regions of each site are surveyed annually. The project goal is to monitor the dose-rate distribution and to provide a documented baseline database. The measurements show that all sites (with the exception of the Goesgen power plant) can be identified clearly on the maps. No artificial radioactivity that could not be explained by the Chernobyl release or earlier nuclear weapons tests was detected outside of the fenced sites of the nuclear installations. The second program aims at a better evaluation of the natural radiation level in Switzerland. The survey focused on the crystalline rocks of the Central Massifs of the Swiss Alps because of their relatively high natural radioactivity and lithological variability.

During 1995 and 1996 a large number of samples of different types, collected from various fishing grounds of interest for Norwegian commercial fishing, were measured. During these years 50 pooled fish samples from a total of 2525 fish have been measured for gamma emitting radionuclides. Of these eight samples have also been measured for plutoniumisotopes. Thirteen samples of shrimps have also been measured for various radionuclides. In addition 800 samples of fish have been measured for radiocaesium on routine monitoring equipment with higher detection limit. For all those samples the content of radiocaesium fell below the detection limit. The general levels of radioactive contamination in the ocean areas surrounding Norway are low. In fish and shrimps the concentration of {sup 137}Cs is in the order of 1 Bq/kg. This is in the same range as the lowest levels found in products from the terrestrial ecosystem and far below the intervention levels for radioactive contamination of foodstuff. For most of the samples of biota measured for plutonium, the level fell below the limit of detection, a maximum of 5.6 mBq/kg og alpha emitting plutonium isotopes was found. Measurements on a number of samples of seawater, sediments and seaweed further confirms the low levels of radioactive contamination in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. For biota the levels of concerned radionuclides were decreasing towards north. This is due to the main sources of artificial radionuclides being located south of Norway, in the Baltic (Chernobyl fallout) and in the Irish Sea (Sellafield releases). 18 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.

The potential for excessive and/or selective fishing to act as an evolutionary force has been emphasized recently. However, most studies have focused on evolution of life-history traits in response to size-selective harvesting. Here we draw attention to fishing-induced evolution of behavioral and underlying physiological traits. We contend that fishing-induced selection directly acting on behavioral rather than on life-history traits per se can be expected in all fisheries that operate with passive gears such as trapping, angling and gill-netting. Recent artificial selection experiments in the nest-guarding largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides suggest that fishing-induced evolution of behavioral traits that reduce exposure to fishing gear might be maladaptive, potentially reducing natural recruitment. To improve understanding and management of fisheries-induced evolution, we encourage greater application of methods from behavioral ecology, physiological ecology and behavioral genetics. PMID:18582988

Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) have been laying eggs in an indoor artificial beach since 1995, at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (PNPA). Four individuals landed and laid eggs several times during the breeding period in 1996. Blood samples from these individuals were collected monthly throughout that year in order to investigate the changes in sex steroid hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone). In addition, detailed investigations were conducted daily during the breeding period on one particular individual that landed and laid eggs five times in 1998. Each steroid hormone changed periodically based on the laying cycle, and extraordinarily high levels of estradiol were noted even during the breeding period. In reports regarding the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), extremely different results were observed. Some of the obtained data suggest that progesterone induced ovulation. Data from a completely artificial environment such as the one at the PNPA provides elucidation of the reproductive physiology in these endangered species. PMID:21370645

We have embedded an artificial atom, a superconducting "transmon" qubit, in an open transmission line and investigated the strong scattering of incident microwave photons ($\\sim6$ GHz). When an input coherent state, with an average photon number $N\\ll1$ is on resonance with the artificial atom, we observe extinction of up to 90% in the forward propagating field. We use two-tone spectroscopy to study scattering from excited states and we observe electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). We then use EIT to make a single-photon router, where we can control to what output port an incoming signal is delivered. The maximum on-off ratio is around 90% with a rise and fall time on the order of nanoseconds, consistent with theoretical expectations. The router can easily be extended to have multiple output ports and it can be viewed as a rudimentary quantum node, an important step towards building quantum information networks.

A sour burst test of a pressure vessel is described and the results given. The vessel was inspected for existing defects, material properties tested, integrity analyzed and artificial defects introduced before the vessel was subjected to a worst-case environment causing hydrogen charging. The vessel had existing hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and some vertical weld defects. Laboratory materials testing in the hydrogen-charging environment showed the vessel was susceptible to HIC damage, showed no yield strength reduction, reduced plastic ductility in rising load but exhibited a brittleness under high plastic strain. No existing or artificial defect initialed the final burst. Sulfide stress cracking (SSC) initiated at a weld produced with temper-bead capping passes but no post weld heat treatment. The vessel survived to 1.2 times actual yield or more than four times its license pressure but the vessel did exhibit a decrease in plastic ductility. Monitoring during the burst test showed that the vessel had been significantly charged with hydrogen.

OBJECTIVES -- To evaluate the effect of plum juice on struvite calculus formation in vitro and to explore the effect of plum juice on urease-producing bacteria and urease activity -- The compliance of available drugs is low for struvite calculus after surgical treatment and functional food may represent a good choice as an alternative therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS -- Antibacterial activity was assessed using a microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility test. -- Urease activity was determined by measuring ammonia production. -- Struvite crystals were induced by Proteus mirabilis in artificial urine with natural and pH-adjusted plum juice. -- The optical density (OD)600 and pH of artificial urine were examined, as well the shape and weights of crystals. RESULTS -- Natural plum juice showed ...

The study of advanced artificial electromagnetic materials, known as metamaterials, provides a link from material science to theoretical and applied electrodynamics, as well as to electrical engineering. Being initially intended mainly to achieve negative refraction, the concept of metamaterials quickly covered a much broader range of applications, from microwaves to optics and even acoustics. In particular, nonlinear metamaterials established a new research direction giving rise to fruitful ideas for tunable and active artificial materials. Here we introduce the concept of magnetoelastic metamaterials, where a new type of nonlinear response emerges from mutual interaction. This is achieved by providing a mechanical degree of freedom so that the electromagnetic interaction in the metamaterial lattice is coupled to elastic interaction. This enables the electromagnetically induced forces to change the metamaterial structure, dynamically tuning its effective properties. This concept leads to a new generation of metamaterials, and can be compared to such fundamental concepts of modern physics as optomechanics of photonic structures or magnetoelasticity in magnetic materials.

As an important type of emerging pollutants, ecological toxicity and risk of artificial musks are increasingly concerned. Thus, single and joint toxic effects of 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyr an (HHCB) as one of the most widely applied artificial musks and cadmium (Cd) as an toxic metal on zebrafish (Danio rerio) were investigated by the exposure of zebrafish to various concentrations of HHCB or/and Cd in feculent water containing bedloads. The results indicated that the joint effect of HHCB and Cd changed during different exposure times within 120 h. The index of the antioxidant enzyme system including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were sensitive and induced in the zebrafish stressed by Cd, and content ...

Pulsed laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy were performed using a novel laboratory setup employing the same Nd:YAG laser emission at 532nm for the analysis of five commercially available pigments collectively known as "ultramarine blue", a sodium silicate material of either mineral origin or an artificially produced glass. LIBS and Raman spectroscopy have provided information regarding the elemental and molecular composition of the samples; additionally, an analytical protocol for the differentiation between natural (lapis lazuli) and artificial ultramarine blue pigments is proposed. In particular LIBS analysis has allowed the discrimination between pigments on the basis of peaks ascribed to calcium. The presence of calcite in the natural blue pigments has be...

In this study, we have fabricated an artificial ureter by transplantation of in vitro-expanded urothelial cells onto an in vivo-prefabricated capsular stent using tissue engineering methods. Spiral poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) stents were transplanted into the subcutaneous of Wistar rats for a period of 1, 2 or 3?weeks to induce the formation of connective tissue capsules on their surfaces. The capsular PLLA stents were then decellularized and further recellularized with bladder epithelial cells to fabricate artificial ureters. The results showed that the entrapped cells in all capsules remained continuously proliferation and lined up in continuous layers. In addition, the urothelial cells on the capsular stents with an embedding period of 2 or 3?weeks showed higher proliferative viability ...

Radiation exposure from a pillow was analyzed. According to an advertisement of the pillow, this radioactive consumer product contains enough amounts of radioactive materials to induce radiation hormesis effects. The pillow consists of the filling chips made from kneading mineral ores and the polynosic linings contains natural radioactive ores. A {gamma}-ray analysis of the pillow using pure Ge-MCA reveals that there exist radioactivities of thorium and uranium series mixtures in it at concentration of 0.58% by the weight. The observations of a chip surface by a scanning electron microscope show that the shapes of two sides are different each other. There are lots of sharp protuberances on the outside of the chip. To determine the direct external exposures from the pillow, film badges were placed on the pillow for 210 h and 2555 h. The dose equivalents of 210 h exposure was under 0.1 mSv which is a detection limit of a {gamma}-ray by the film badges. However, that of 2555 h exposure was over 0.1 mSv less than 0.15 mSv. Quantities of internal exposures from inhalation of the vaporized Rn were measured by a Lucas Cell. It was 79 Bq/m{sup 3}. There is no necessity for anxious about being broken in health inhaling the Rn-gass. (author)

The first step to reduce the volume and the toxicity of radioactive waste coming from the spent fuel reprocessing is to separate long life radioisotopes from others ones with a shorter period. The aim of this study is to show that the control of the two phenomenons, complexation of the cation by the calixarenes and its de-complexation, can be envisaged by the introduction on the molecule of a chromophore group, azo benzene, able to modify the complexing site structure of the calixarenes with an isomerization trans-cis induced by ultraviolet radiation, and isomerization cis-trans thermally induced by a visible radiation. (N.C.). 112 refs., 78 figs., 23 tabs.

The mathematical techniques are becoming more important to solve geometry and standard identification problems. The gamma spectrometry of radioactive waste drums would be a complex solution problem. The main difficulty is the detectors calibration for this geometry; the waste is not homogeneously distributed inside the drums, therefore there are many possible combinations between the activity and the position of these radionuclides inside the drums, making the preparation of calibration standards impracticable. This work describes the development of a methodology to estimate the activity of a 200 L radioactive waste drum, as well as a mapping of the waste distribution, using Artificial Neural Network. The neural network data set entry obtaining was based on the possible detection efficiency combination with 10 sources activities varying from 0 to 74 x 10{sup 3} Bq. The set up consists of a 200 L drum divided in 5 layers. Ten detectors were positioned all the way through a parallel line to the drum axis, from 15 cm of its surface. The Cesium -137 radionuclide source was used. The 50 efficiency obtained values (10 detectors and 5 layers), combined with the 10 source intensities resulted in a 100,000 lines for 15 columns matrix, with all the possible combinations of source intensity and the Cs-137 position in the 5 layers of the drum. This archive was divided in 2 parts to compose the set of training: input and target files. The MatLab 7.0 module of neural networks was used for training. The net architecture has 10 neurons in the input layer, 18 in the hidden layer and 5 in the output layer. The training algorithm was the 'traincgb' and after 300 'epoch s' the medium square error was 0.00108172. This methodology allows knowing the detection positions answers in a heterogeneous distribution of radionuclides inside a 200 L waste drum; in consequence it is possible to estimate the total activity of the drum in the training neural network limits. The results accuracy depends on the way that the waste drum is divided and to the amount of intensities that it is interpolated between the minimum and maximum limits. The use of the Artificial Neural Networks associated to Monte Carlo Method showed to be efficient in the isotopic characterization of radioactive waste drums. (authors)

This article reviews the effects of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and P receptor antagonists (PA) on the rhesus macaque endometrium. Ovariectomized macaques can be treated with implants of estradiol (E2) and P to induce precisely controlled, artificial menstrual cycles. During these cycles, treatment with E2 alone induces an artificial proliferative phase marked by extensive endometrial epithelial cell proliferation and increased expression of stromal and epithelial estrogen receptor (ER) and P receptor (PR). Androgen receptor (AR) is also upregulated by E2 but is expressed only by the endometrial stroma. Progesterone acts on the E2 primed endometrium to induce secretory differentiation and causes suppression of epithelial and stromal ER, epithelial PR, and stromal AR in the functionalis zone. However, epithelial ER and PR are retained in the basalis zone during the secretory phase. When potent P antagonists (PA) are administered acutely at the end of an E2+P induced cycle, menses typically ensues similar to P withdrawal at the end of the menstrual cycle. When PAs are administered chronically there is significant blockage of all P- dependent effects including upregulation of ER, PR and AR and suppression of glandular secretory function. However, chronic PA administration also inhibits estrogen-dependent endometrial cell proliferation and growth. This endometrial antiproliferative effect is the basis of the clinical use of PA to control various diseases such as endometriosis.   

The European directive 96/29/EURATOM (adapted to the French law, decree 2002-460) limits to 1 milli-sievert the annual exposure of the public due to the radioactivity induced by industrial activities (so called anthropogenic). A method to distinguish natural from anthropogenic radioactivity has to be developed to check that this limit is not reached. Uranium mill tailings storage sites, that induce exhalation of radon into the atmosphere, are particularly concerned by this European directive. Radon is a natural radioactive gas present everywhere on the earth. Therefore, its measured activity near such a site is the sum of two components: a natural one due to the environment and an anthropogenic one induced by the site. The exposition of the public induced by industrial activities is assessed with this anthropogenic component. In order to separate the anthropogenic component from the natural one, it is necessary to measure, as well as the radon-222 activity, the activity of bismuth-214, one of its short-life decay products. Indeed, modelization of atmospheric dispersion (FLUXRAD model) predicts that 10 km around the site, the bismuth activity induced by the site is generally negligible in comparison to the one due to the environment. The measurement of bismuth activity is used, in association with the atmospheric dispersion model PROGENY, to calculate the natural radon component. The anthropogenic component of radon is deduced from this calculation and the measurement of radon activity. This method and its application to a uranium mill tailings storage French site (Bessines-sur-Gartempe, Haute Vienne) will be presented. Attention will be given to the sensitivity of this method to different parameters, such as source description, area characteristics, and parameterization of physical phenomena. (author)

The LPC (Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire) dedicated the major part of its 50 years activity to the Physics of Heavy Ions research conducted at GANIL. The activity in last two years on which this report is focused refers to this domain. Of special priority was the topics of hot and /or compressed nuclear matter aiming at understanding the physics of multifragmentation.The new ionization chambers INDRA and development of control programming required special efforts. A second direction of activity was the study of exotic nuclei particularly of halo nuclei. Specific equipment like the multi-detectors of DEMON and TAPS were designed for approaching the hot nuclei. Projects based on SPIRAL beams and collaborations dedicated to investigation of different new branches of exotic radioactivity ({beta}, xn: TONNERRE project) or mechanisms of induced fusion by radioactive nuclei to produce superheavy nuclei are reported on. The LPC was implied also in two important research programs, PRACEN and GEDEON (treatment of radioactive wastes) which made clear the evolution of research for the next two years: the correct understanding of the mechanisms of light particle production in neutron induced collisions at 20 to 200 MeV. In the frame of NEMO Collaboration that approaches topics related to the weak interactions the Laboratory has developed and tested the trigger system of NEMO3. A program utilizing ion trapping on SPIRAL for efficient studies on {beta}-neutrino angular correlations in superallowed decays will be thus feasible. Contracts like COGEMA and DAMRI oriented toward applied research are also mentioned

This report describes results of a parametric study of the impacts of a tornado-generated depressurization on airflow in the contaminated process cells within the presently inoperative Nuclear Fuel Services fuel reprocessing facility near West Valley, NY. The study involved the following tasks: (1) mathematical modeling of installed ventilation and abnormal exhaust pathways from the cells and prediction of tornado-induced airflows in these pathways; (2) mathematical modeling of individual cell flow characteristics and prediction of in-cell velocities induced by flows from step 1; and (3) evaluation of the results of steps 1 and 2 to determine whether any of the pathways investigated have the potential for releasing quantities of radioactively contaminated air from the main process cells. The study has concluded that in the event of a tornado strike, certain pathways from the cells have the potential to release radioactive materials of the atmosphere. Determination of the quantities of radioactive material released from the cells through pathways identified in step 3 is presented in Part II of this report.

'The overall goal of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of the role of nitrite in preventing the breakdown of protective oxide(s) on carbon steel and the onset of pitting. Pitting corrosion of carbon steel exposed to dilute alkaline salt solutions can be induced by nitrate, sulfate, and chloride ions and is prevented by sufficient concentration of nitrite. A significant example of this material/electrolyte system is the storage and processing of DOE''s high-level radioactive liquid waste in carbon steel tanks. Added nitrite in the waste has a considerable downstream impact on the immobilization of the waste in a stable glass form. Waste tank integrity and glass production efficiency may benefit from the fundamental understanding of nitrite''s role in preventing pitting. This report summarizes progress after approximately six months of effort in this three-year EMSP project. Initial experimental and theoretical work has focused on the electrochemical behavior of carbon steel in simplified non-radioactive solutions that simulate complex dilute radioactive waste solutions. These solutions contain corrosion-inducing species such as nitrate and chloride and the corrosion-inhibiting nitrite at moderately alkaline pHs. The electrochemical behavior of interest here is that of the open-circuit potential of the steel specimen at equilibrium in the experimental electrolyte and the measures of the steel''s passivity and passivity breakdown.'

Abstract in english Several hundreds of artificial radionuclides are produced as the result of human activities, such as the applications of nuclear reactors and particle accelerators, testing of nuclear weapons and nuclear accidents. Many of these radionuclides are short-lived and decay quickly after their production, but some of them are longer-lived and are released into the environment. From the radiological point of view the most important radionuclides are cesium-137, strontium-90 and (more) plutonium-239, due to their chemical and nuclear characteristics. The two first radioisotopes present long half life (30 and 28 years), high fission yields and chemical behaviour similar to potassium and calcium, respectively. No stable element exists for plutonium-239, that presents high radiotoxicity, long half-life (24000 years) and some marine organisms accumulate plutonium at high levels. The radionuclides introduced into marine environment undergo various physical, chemical and biological processes taking place in the sea. These processes may be due to physical dispersion or complicated chemical and biological interactions of the radionuclides with inorganic and organic suspend matter, variety of living organisms, bottom sediments, etc. The behaviour of radionuclides in the sea depends primarily on their chemical properties, but it may also be influenced by properties of interacting matrices and other environmental factors. The major route of radiation exposure of man to artificial radionuclides occuring in the marine environment is through ingestion of radiologically contamined marine organisms. This paper summarizes the main sources of contamination in the marine environment and presents an overview covering the oceanic distribution of anthropogenic radionuclides in the FAO regions. A great number of measurements of artificial radionuclides have been carried out on various marine environmental samples in different oceans over the world, being cesium-137 the most widely measured radionuclide. Radionuclide concentrations vary from region to region, according to the specific sources of contamination. In some regions, such as the Irish Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea, the concentrations depend on the inputs due to discharges from reprocessing facilities and from Chernobyl accident. In Brazil, the artificial radioactivity is low and corresponds to typical deposition values due to fallout for the Southern Hemisphere.

The possible use of silver as a material for in vivo dosimetry in radiotherapy was investigated. The investigation was carried out using a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, two clinical accelerators and a phantom with silver implants. The phantom was irradiated several times to doses between 6 and 45 Gy. The resulting activity of positron-emitting isotopes produced in the silver by photonuclear processes was measured. It was found that the two therapeutic beams with energies of 15 MV and 18 MV would produce approximately 8344 and 7013 atoms of the radioactive isotope 106Ag per Gy of absorbed dose per gram of silver. This demonstrates that it is possible to derive absorbed doses from the radioactivity induced in silver by radiation when measured with the PET scanner. Even though the physical basis for this method is found to be sound, its application, for instance to perform quality assurance of stereotactic radiotherapy, needs further study.

The viability of fusion as a future energy source may eventually be determined by safety and environmental factors. Control of the induced radioactivity characteristics of the materials used in the first wall and blanket could have a major favorable impact on these issues. In the United States, materials program efforts are focused on developing new structural alloys with radioactive decay characteristics which would greatly simplify long-term waste disposal of reactor components. A range of alloy systems is being explored in order to maintain the maximum number of design options. Significant progress has been made, and it now appears probable that reduced-activation engineering alloys with properties at least equivalent to conventional alloys can be successfully developed and commercialized.

The EURopean Isotope Separation On-Line Radioactive Ion Beam (EURISOL) project aims at building a facility to produce radioactive ion beams with intensities two to three orders of magnitude higher than those presently available. A 4-MW (1-GeV, 4-mA) proton beam hits a liquid mercury converter, generating, by spallation reactions, high neutron fluxes that induce fission in surrounding fissile targets. In this work, Monte Carlo calculations of dose rate and activation were carried out to identify the necessary shielding and access restrictions for each section of the facility, including maintenance, storage, and remote control spaces. These calculations allowed an optimization of the materials chosen for the assembly, based on the radioprotection issues, while taking into account the desired performance of the system. The results of the design studies indicate that the intended performance parameters (namely neutron fluxes, fission rates, and easy fission target manipulation) of the EURISOL multimegawatt target...

This paper presents summary of preliminary safety assessment of the water-cooled solid breeder (WCSB) test blanket module (TBM) proposed by Japan for the ITER TBM test program. For the purpose of basic evaluation of source terms on nuclear heating and radioactivity generation, distribution of neutron flux, tritium breeding ratio, nuclear heating, decay heat and induced activity of radioactive waste are calculated. For the purpose of occupational radiological exposure evaluation, radiological isotope (RI) inventories, i.e., tritium in the breeder pebble bed, tritium in purge gas, permeated tritium in cooling system and active corrosion product (ACP) in the cooling system, are estimated. Failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) has been carried out for identification of the postulated initiating ...

The work is aimed at experimental determination of the independent and cumulative yields of radioactive residual nuclei produced in intermediate-energy proton-irradiated thin targets made of highly isotopic enriched and natural lead (206,207,208,natPb) and 209Bi. 5972 radioactive product nuclide yields have been measured in 55 thin targets induced by 0.04, 0.07, 0.10, 0.15, 0.25, 0.6, 0.8, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, and 2.6 GeV protons extracted from the ITEP U-10 proton synchrotron. The measured data have been compared with data obtained at other laboratories as well as with theoretical simulations by seven codes. We found that the predictive power of the tested codes is different but is satisfactory for most of the nuclides in the spallation region, though none of the codes agree well with the data in the whole mass region of product nuclides and all should be improved further.

Liquid metal spallation targets using mercury as target material are used in state-of-the-art high power pulsed neutron sources that have been constructed in the USA and Japan within the last decade. Similar target concepts were also proposed for next generation ISOL, b-beam and neutrino facilities. A large amount of radioactivity will be induced in the liquid metal during operation caused by the interaction of the target material with the intense proton beam. This radioactivity - carried by a wide range of radioisotopes of all the elements of the periodic table from hydrogen up to thallium - must be considered for the assessment of safe operation and maintenance procedures as well as for a final disposal of the used target material and components. This report presents an overview on chemi...

CERN is designing a Superconducting Proton Linac (SPL) to provide a 2.2 GeV, 4 MW proton beam to feed facilities like, for example, a future Neutrino Factory or a Neutrino SuperBeam. One of the most promising target candidates is a stationary consisting of a Ti container filled with small Ta pellets. The power deposited as heat by the radioactive nuclides (the so-called after-heat) can considerably increase the target temperature after ceasing operation, if no active cooling is provided. An estimate of the induced radioactivity and after-heat was performed with the FLUKA Monte Carlo code. To estimate the highest temperature reached inside the target, the effective thermal conductivity of packed spheres was evaluated using the basic cell method. A method for estimating the contribution to heat transmission from radiation is also discussed.

Particular microbes from substrates at the low-level radioactive waste repository in the Ignalina NPP territory were exposed to {sup 239}Pu (IV) at low pH under aerobic conditions. Pu(III) and Pu(IV) were separated and quantitatively evaluated using the modified anion exchange method and alpha spectrometry. Tested bacteria Bacillus mycoides and Serratia marcescens were more effective in Pu reduction than Rhodococcus fascians. Fungi Paecillomyces lilacinus and Absidia spinosa var. spinosa as well as bacterium Rhodococcus fascians did not alter the plutonium oxidation state. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Particular microbes from low-level radioactive waste repository were exposed to Pu (IV). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Some tested bacteria induced slight Pu (IV) reduction at low pH under aerobic conditions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Tested fungi did not show peculiarities to alter Pu oxidation state. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The modified radiochemical method was applied to differentiate Pu oxidation states.

In spite of difficulties in its handling, liquid sodium could play sn important role in the future as a reactor coolant. At the present state of technological development, sodium can be considered only for fast reactors, since it does not slow down neutrons. Sodium is also of interest for thermal reactors since it allows a high temperature to be reached without pressure. The technology of sodium and its corrosive effects are described. Heat transfer by sodium and the possibility of calculating heat transfer with Nusselt's potential formulus are discussed. The radioactivity induced in the sodium by neutron beams is important in its utilization, and the radioactivity equilibrium can be calculated. The construction of heat exchangers, pumpe, and instruments for pressure, level, and flow measurements are described. Some data on the operation of the Sodium Reactor Experiment are given. (auth)