Impact of x-ray dose on track formation and data analysis for CR-39-based proton diagnostics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rinderknecht, H. G.; Rojas-Herrera, J.; Zylstra, A. B.; Frenje, J. A.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Sio, H.; Sinenian, N.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Li, C. K.; Séguin, F. H.; Petrasso, R. D.; Filkins, T.; Steidle, Jessica A.; Traynor, N.; Freeman, C.; Steidle, Jeffrey A.

2015-01-01

The nuclear track detector CR-39 is used extensively for charged particle diagnosis, in particular proton spectroscopy, at inertial confinement fusion facilities. These detectors can absorb x-ray doses from the experiments in the order of 1–100 Gy, the effects of which are not accounted for in the previous detector calibrations. X-ray dose absorbed in the CR-39 has previously been shown to affect the track size of alpha particles in the detector, primarily due to a measured reduction in the material bulk etch rate [Rojas-Herrera et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 86, 033501 (2015)]. Similar to the previous findings for alpha particles, protons with energies in the range 0.5–9.1 MeV are shown to produce tracks that are systematically smaller as a function of the absorbed x-ray dose in the CR-39. The reduction of track size due to x-ray dose is found to diminish with time between exposure and etching if the CR-39 is stored at ambient temperature, and complete recovery is observed after two weeks. The impact of this effect on the analysis of data from existing CR-39-based proton diagnostics on OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility is evaluated and best practices are proposed for cases in which the effect of x rays is significant

Calculation of thermal effects occurring during the manufacture of CR-39 sheets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Szilagyi, S.; Somogyi, G. (Magyar Tudomanyos Akademia, Debrecen. Atommag Kutato Intezete)

1984-01-01

To manufacture a good-quality, uniform CR-39 track detector, the polymerization rate should be chosen below a critical value to avoid the development of undesirable thermal gradients and internal temperature fluctuations in the sheet being cast. To improve curing cycles, especially for thick CR-39 sheets, a computer programme was developed by which we could study the trends of thermal effects under different casting conditions. Our calculations are based on the solution of the one dimensional heat transport equation, taking into account the relations proposed by Dial et al (1955) for describing the chemical kinetics of CR-39 polymerization. We have revised the empirical parameters available to such calculations. With new 'Dial constants' we have calculated the critical initial bath temperature (which results in thermal runaway at the central plane of the sheet being cast) as a function of the CR-39 thickness and IPP initiator concentration. Results are also presented for the temperature profile developing in the depth of cast CR-39 sheets.

Calculation of thermal effects occurring during the manufacture of CR-39 sheets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Szilagyi, S.; Somogyi, G.

1984-01-01

To manufacture a good-quality, uniform CR-39 track detector, the polymerization rate should be chosen below a critical value to avoid the development of undesirable thermal gradients and internal temperature fluctuations in the sheet being cast. To improve curing cycles, especially for thick CR-39 sheets, a computer programme was developed by which we could study the trends of thermal effects under different casting conditions. Our calculations are based on the solution of the one dimensional heat transport equation, taking into account the relations proposed by Dial et al (1955) for describing the chemical kinetics of CR-39 polymerization. We have revised the empirical parameters available to such calculations. With new 'Dial constants' we have calculated the critical initial bath temperature (which results in thermal runaway at the central plane of the sheet being cast) as a function of the CR-39 thickness and IPP initiator concentration. Results are also presented for the temperature profile developing in the depth of cast CR-39 sheets. (author)

Ablation and cone formation mechanism on CR-39 by ArF laser irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shakeri Jooybari, B., E-mail: baninshakery@gmail.com, E-mail: hafarideh@aut.ac.ir [Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute NSRT, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Afarideh, H., E-mail: baninshakery@gmail.com, E-mail: hafarideh@aut.ac.ir [Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Lamehi-Rachti, M. [Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute NSRT, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ghergherehchi, M. [Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); College of Information and Communication Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon (Korea, Republic of)

2015-03-07

In this work, chemical properties, surface modification, and micro structures formation on ablated polyallyl di-glycol carbonate (CR-39) polymer by ArF laser irradiation (λ = 193 nm) at various fluences and pulse number were investigated. CR-39 samples have been irradiated with an ArF laser (193 nm) at a repetition rate of 1 Hz. Threshold fluence of ablation and effective absorption coefficient of CR-39 were determined. Conical microstructures (Taylor cone) formed on laser-ablated CR-39 exhibit: smooth, Taylor cone shape walls and sharp tips together with interference and well defined fringe-structure with a period of 230 nm, around cone base. Mechanism of cone formation and cone evolution of CR-39 ablated surface were investigated by change of fluences (at a given pulse number) and pulse number (at a given fluence). Cone height, cone base, and region of interface were increased in micrometer steps by increasing the total fluence. Depression on the base of the cone and the circular fringe were simulated. FTIR spectra were measured and energy dispersive x-ray analysis of irradiated and un-irradiated samples was performed.

Optimization of CR-39 for fast neutron dosimetry applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vilela, E.; Fantuzzi, E.; Giacomelli, G.; Giorgini, M.; Morelli, B.; Patrizii, L.; Serra, P.; Togo, V.

1999-01-01

We present the results of an experimental work aimed at improving the performances of the CR-39[reg] (Registered Trademark of PPG Industries Inc.) nuclear track detector for neutron dosimetry applications. The work was done in collaboration with the Intercast Europe S.p.A., producer of CR-39 for commercial and scientific applications. We compare the CR-39 made with different additives concentrations and different polymerization processes. We evaluate the response of the CR-39 to fast neutrons from three sources: 241 Am-Be, 252 Cf and 238 Pu-Li. Particular attention was paid to background fluctuations that limit the lower detectable dose

Immobilization of sericin molecules via amorphous carbon plasma modified-polystyrene dish for serum-free culture

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tunma, Somruthai; Song, Doo-Hoon; Kim, Si-Eun; Kim, Kyoung-Nam; Han, Jeon-Geon; Boonyawan, Dheerawan

2013-01-01

In this study, we focused on sericin hydrolysates, originating from silkworm used in serum-free human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) culture. We reported the effect of a covalent linkage between a bioactive protein molecule and polystyrene dish surface via a carbon intermediate layer which can slow down the release rate of protein compounds into the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. Films of amorphous carbon (a-C) and functionalized-carbon were deposited on PS culture dish surfaces by using a DC magnetron sputtering system and RF PECVD system. We found that a-C based-films can increase the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of polystyrene (PS) dishes, especially a-C films and a-C:N 2 films showed good attachment of hBM-MSCs at 24 h. However, in the case of silica surface (a-C:SiO x films), the cells showed a ragged and unattached boundary resulting from the presence of surface silanol groups. For the UV–vis absorbance, all carbon modified-PS dishes showed a lower release rate of sericin molecules into PBS solution than PS control. This revealed that the functionalized carbon could be enhanced by specific binding properties with given molecules. The carbon-coated PS dishes grafting with sericin protein were used in a serum-free condition. We also found that hBM-MSCs have higher percentage of proliferated cells at day 7 for the modified dishes with carbon films and coated with sericin than the PS control coated with sericin. The physical film properties were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact angle measurement. The presence of -NH 2 groups of sericin compounds on the PS dish was revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stability of covalent bonds of sericin molecules after washing out ungrafted sericin was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Immobilization of sericin molecules via amorphous carbon plasma modified-polystyrene dish for serum-free culture

Science.gov (United States)

Tunma, Somruthai; Song, Doo-Hoon; Kim, Si-Eun; Kim, Kyoung-Nam; Han, Jeon-Geon; Boonyawan, Dheerawan

2013-10-01

In this study, we focused on sericin hydrolysates, originating from silkworm used in serum-free human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) culture. We reported the effect of a covalent linkage between a bioactive protein molecule and polystyrene dish surface via a carbon intermediate layer which can slow down the release rate of protein compounds into the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. Films of amorphous carbon (a-C) and functionalized-carbon were deposited on PS culture dish surfaces by using a DC magnetron sputtering system and RF PECVD system. We found that a-C based-films can increase the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of polystyrene (PS) dishes, especially a-C films and a-C:N2 films showed good attachment of hBM-MSCs at 24 h. However, in the case of silica surface (a-C:SiOx films), the cells showed a ragged and unattached boundary resulting from the presence of surface silanol groups. For the UV-vis absorbance, all carbon modified-PS dishes showed a lower release rate of sericin molecules into PBS solution than PS control. This revealed that the functionalized carbon could be enhanced by specific binding properties with given molecules. The carbon-coated PS dishes grafting with sericin protein were used in a serum-free condition. We also found that hBM-MSCs have higher percentage of proliferated cells at day 7 for the modified dishes with carbon films and coated with sericin than the PS control coated with sericin. The physical film properties were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact angle measurement. The presence of sbnd NH2 groups of sericin compounds on the PS dish was revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stability of covalent bonds of sericin molecules after washing out ungrafted sericin was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Optimization of CR-39 for fast neutron dosimetry applications

CERN Document Server

Vilela, E; Giacomelli, G; Giorgini, M; Morelli, B; Patrizii, L; Serra, P; Togo, V

1999-01-01

We present the results of an experimental work aimed at improving the performances of the CR-39[reg] (Registered Trademark of PPG Industries Inc.) nuclear track detector for neutron dosimetry applications. The work was done in collaboration with the Intercast Europe S.p.A., producer of CR-39 for commercial and scientific applications. We compare the CR-39 made with different additives concentrations and different polymerization processes. We evaluate the response of the CR-39 to fast neutrons from three sources: sup 2 sup 4 sup 1 Am-Be, sup 2 sup 5 sup 2 Cf and sup 2 sup 3 sup 8 Pu-Li. Particular attention was paid to background fluctuations that limit the lower detectable dose.

Advances in the development of Cr-39 based neutron dosimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hadlock, D.E.; Parkhurst, M.A.

1987-12-01

A combination thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and track etch dosimeter (TED), which can be used for detecting neutrons over a wide energy range, has been developed through recent research in passive neutron dosimetery. This dosimeter uses Li-600 TLDs to detect thermal and low energy neutrons reflected from the body, and the TED polymer of CR-39, to detect fast neutrons from proton recoil interactions with the polyethylene radiator or with CR-39 itself. Some form of the combination dosimeter is currently in use at several US Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, and its use is expected to expand over the next year to include all DOE facilities where significant neutron exposures may occur. The extensive research conducted on the TED component over the past six years has continually focused on material improvements, reduction in processing time and dosimeter handling, and ease of sample readout with the goal of automating the process as much as possible. 1 fig

A fast neutron spectrometer based on an electrochemically etched CR-39 detector with degrader and front radiator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matiullah; Durrani, S.A.

1987-01-01

In addition to having promising applications for the development of a fast-neutron dosemeter, electrochemically etched (ECE) CR-39 detectors also offer the possibility of energy-selective fast-neutron detection. This property stems basically from the fact that, to produce 'sparkable' trails in the polymeric detector subjected to ECE, the charged particle resulting from a neutron interaction must fall within a definite 'energy window'. The lower and upper limits of proton energies that can yield ECE spots in CR-39 have been experimentally determined to be ∼ 50 keV and ∼ 2.2 MeV under our processing conditions. To accomplish our objective, we have developed a technique based on ECE spot-density measurements in CR-39 detectors placed in conjuction with judiciously chosen thicknesses of a polyethylene radiator and a lead degrader. The optimum thicknesses of the radiator and the degrader, for a given neutron energy, are determined by computer calculations. (author)

Calculation of thermal effects occuring during the manufacture of CR-39 sheets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Szilagyi, S.; Somogyi, G.

1984-01-01

To manufacture a good-quality, uniform CR-39 track detector, the polymerization rate should be below a critical value to avoid the development of undesirable thermal gradients and internal temperature fluctuations in the sheet being cast. To improve curing cycles a computer program was developed to study the trends of thermal effects under different casting conditions. These calculations are based on the solution of the one-dimensional heat transport equation and take into account the relations proposed by Dial et. al. for describing the chemical kinetics of CR-39 polymerization. The authors have revised the empirical parameters available to such calculations. With new ''Dial constants'' they have calculated the critical initial bath temperature (which results in thermal runaway at the central plane of the sheet being cast) as a function of the CR-39 thickness and IPP initiator concentration. Results are also presented for the temperature profile in the depth of cast CR-39 sheets.

High energy charged particle registration in CR-39 polycarbonated detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdel-Wahab, M.S.; El Enany, N.; El Fiki, S.; Eissa, H.M.; El-Adl, E.H.; El-Feky, M.A.

1991-01-01

Track etch rate characteristics of CR-39 plastic detector exposed to 28 Si ions of 670 MeV energy have been investigated. Experimental results were obtained in terms of frequency distribution of the track diameter, track density and bulk etching rate. A dependence of the mean track diameter on energy was found. The application of the radiation effect of heavy ions on CR-39 in the field of radiation detection and dosimetry are discussed. Results indicated that it is possible to produce etchable tracks of 28 Si in this energy range in CR-39. We also report the etching characteristics of these tracks in the CR-39 detector. (orig.) [de

Immobilization of sericin molecules via amorphous carbon plasma modified-polystyrene dish for serum-free culture

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tunma, Somruthai [The Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand); Thailand Center of Excellence in Physics (ThEP), 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand); Song, Doo-Hoon [Research Center for Orofacial Hard Tissue Regeneration, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Si-Eun; Kim, Kyoung-Nam [Research Center for Orofacial Hard Tissue Regeneration, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752 (Korea, Republic of); Department and Research Institute of Dental Biomaterials and Bioengineering, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752 (Korea, Republic of); Han, Jeon-Geon [Center for Advanced Plasma Surface Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, 300 Chunchun-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon 440-746 (Korea, Republic of); Boonyawan, Dheerawan [Thailand Center of Excellence in Physics (ThEP), 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand); Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand)

2013-10-15

In this study, we focused on sericin hydrolysates, originating from silkworm used in serum-free human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) culture. We reported the effect of a covalent linkage between a bioactive protein molecule and polystyrene dish surface via a carbon intermediate layer which can slow down the release rate of protein compounds into the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. Films of amorphous carbon (a-C) and functionalized-carbon were deposited on PS culture dish surfaces by using a DC magnetron sputtering system and RF PECVD system. We found that a-C based-films can increase the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of polystyrene (PS) dishes, especially a-C films and a-C:N{sub 2} films showed good attachment of hBM-MSCs at 24 h. However, in the case of silica surface (a-C:SiO{sub x} films), the cells showed a ragged and unattached boundary resulting from the presence of surface silanol groups. For the UV–vis absorbance, all carbon modified-PS dishes showed a lower release rate of sericin molecules into PBS solution than PS control. This revealed that the functionalized carbon could be enhanced by specific binding properties with given molecules. The carbon-coated PS dishes grafting with sericin protein were used in a serum-free condition. We also found that hBM-MSCs have higher percentage of proliferated cells at day 7 for the modified dishes with carbon films and coated with sericin than the PS control coated with sericin. The physical film properties were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact angle measurement. The presence of -NH{sub 2} groups of sericin compounds on the PS dish was revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stability of covalent bonds of sericin molecules after washing out ungrafted sericin was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

A CR-39 track dosemeter for routine individual neutron monitoring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luszik-Bhadra, M.; Alberts, W.G.; Dietz, E.; Guldbakke, S.; Matzke, M.; d'Errico, F.

1994-01-01

A personal neutron dosemeter for routine individual monitoring is proposed. It is based on a CR-39 track detector covered on three separate areas by converters with different boron contents and inserted into a commercial TLD albedo dosemeter capsule. The dose readings from three areas of the electrochemically etched CR-39 detector are combined to yield a dose equivalent response which is almost independent of the incident neutron energy in the range from thermal neutrons up to 20 MeV. In addition, the dose contributions of thermal, intermediate and fast neutrons can be determined separately. Unlike the TLD albedo dosemeter, which in general requires prior in-field calibration and whose use is then restricted to that field, this dosemeter can be used in neutron fields without any knowledge of the spectral distribution with the same calibration factor. The angular dependence of the dosemeter's response has been measured and compared with that of the directional dose equivalent H'(10). The lower limit of detection is 0.15 mSv. It is possible to obtain an independent, second dose reading from the same Cr-39 detector for neutron energies above 100 keV. The dosemeter has also been successfully tested for use in accident dosimetry applying chemical etching and an optical density reading of the CR-39 detector. (author)

A study on alpha particles range in Cr-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ibrahim, Z.A.; Talaat, T.M.; Abdel-Aziz, Kh.M.A.; El-Asser, M.R.

2000-01-01

Cr-39 plastic nuclear track detector has been used in range determination of alpha particles. A set of experiments was carried out for studying alpha energy and track diameter relationships. This work was done under the optimum conditions of Cr-39 etching in 6.25 N NaOH at 70 degree C for various etching times. Determination of alpha range in Cr-39 recorders was studied at different energy values using the over etched track profile technique. Data are discussed within the framework of track formation theory in plastic foils, comparison between experimental and theoretical values of alpha range is included

A study of the molecular structure in CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stejny, J.; Portwood, T.

1986-01-01

A technique is presented for examining the molecular structure of CR-39 by analysis of the etch products from hydrolysis of the polymer network. The CR-39 network consists of polyallyl chains jointed by diethyleneglycol dicarbonate links. The etching cuts the carbonate links and liberates the polyallyl chains which makes them amenable to common analytical methods. Gel Permeation Chromatography was used to characterize the chain lengths and their distribution. It was found that the average length is rather short and that it decreases with increasing concentration of the initiator. This technique has been also used to identify the radiation sensitive link in the CR-39 network. It was found that the length of polyallyl chain is not changed in 60 Co γ-irradiated plastic while the etch rate significantly increases. This shows that the polyallyl chains are relatively inert and not responsible for the radiation sensitivity of CR-39 and that it is the diethyleneglycol dicarbonate links which are damaged by radiation. (author)

The Effect of Radiator on CR-39 Registration of Fast Neutrons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Badrya, B.A.; Hegazya, T.M.; Morsya, A.A.; Zaki, M.F.

2008-01-01

Three different configurations of a personal neutron dosimeter using CR-39 plastic detector were placed in Plastiplast pouch composed from inside to outside of Aluminum ( 27 Al, 40 Ξ m), polyethylene (PE, 20 Ξ m), Cellulose Nitrate (CN, 40 Ξ m). One dosimeter was composed of a CR-39 detector and a PE radiator (1 mm thick), another of two CR-39 detectors with one serving as radiator, and the other of CR-39 alone (without radiator). These dosimeters have been irradiated with fast neutrons of average energy 4.5 MeV with neutron fluence ranging from 5.5 x 10 6 to 0.5 x 10 8 cm - 2 emitted from 241 Am-Be neutron source. The polymeric materials have been chosen on the basis of their hydrogen contents, which are as followed: CR-39, 48%, Polyethylene, 66.7% and CN, 32% by atomic ratio to produce protons via (n, p) elastic scattering with hydrogen and increasing the detection efficiency of CR-39. After irradiation, the dose equivalent response of the detectors has been studied by using conventional etching for two periods, 6h and 8h for these configurations. The thicknesses and compositions of the radiators are chosen so as to suppress the CR-39 response below 4 MeV by preventing the recoils of hydrogen nuclei, out of the hydrogen-rich radiators (PE, CR-39), from reaching the post-etch surface of the detector. Track counting was performed using an automated system. It was found that the dosemeter responses were linear as a function of a neutron equivalent dose and that the CR-39 detector has the same response with radiator or without radiator and thus appears as a promising fast neutron dosimeter. The results are discussed and compared with the literature

Negative-ion beam surface modification of tissue-culture polystyrene dishes for changing hydrophilic and cell-attachment properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsuji, H.; Satoh, H.; Ikeda, S.; Ikemura, S.; Gotoh, Y.; Ishikawa, J.

1999-01-01

Negative-silver-ion implantation into tissue-culture polystyrene (TCPS) dishes was investigated and it was found to modify hydrophilic and cell attachment properties of the dishes. Negative-ion implantation has an advantage of being almost free of surface charging, and is a suitable method for implantation into insulators such as polymers. Negative silver ions are used due to the antibacterial property of silver. Ag-implanted TCPS dishes had a contact angle larger than the normal value of 66 deg. of unimplanted dishes. The contact angle of water had a strong dependence on the ion energy rather than the dose. As a cell-culture experiment, human umbilical vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) was used in unimplanted and Ag-implanted TCPS dishes, the implantation removed the cell-attachment property of the surface. In implantation with a mask with a striped pattern, most attached cells of HUVEC were in the unimplanted region aligned along a stripe direction

Response of CR-39 based personnel neutron dosemeter in terms of directional dose equivalent, in free air and on phantom

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pal, Rupali R.; Sathian, Deepa; Jayalakshmi, V.; Chougaonkar, M.P.

2011-01-01

CR-39 is the most sensitive of nuclear track detectors for protons and is recommended as an effective neutron dosimeter because of it's low threshold energy of 100 keV neutrons. The fraction of protons that gives detectable tracks in CR-39 depends on the energy of the proton angle of incidence and etching conditions. As a consequence the registration efficiency of neutrons in the CR-39 plastics used for neutron personnel monitoring is strongly influenced by the direction of radiation incidence. This paper presents the relative response of CR-39 at varying neutron incident angles, for 241 Am-Be neutron source spectra in free air and on ISO phantom, in terms of operational quantities. It is observed that the angular dependence of CR-39 for irradiations in air and on phantom is essentially the same indicating that the phantom does not affect the directional response of CR-39. (author)

CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector and its application in nuclear science

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhai Pengji; Tang Xiaowei; Wang Long; Liang Tianjiao

2000-01-01

The transparent and stable plastic material CR-39 can be used as a nuclear track detector which is highly sensitive to charged particles. It can record tracks induced by protons , alphas, fission fragments and other charged particles. Among various available solid state nuclear track detectors CR-39 has the lowest deposited energy density detection-threshold. The response of CR-39 to charged particles and the response curve of υ T of different charged particles to REL are given. The CR-39 detector is widely used in studies of nuclear reactions, angular distributions and reaction cross-sections caused by neutrons and charged particles. Neutron spectra, over a wide energy range, can be measured by the combination of CR-39 and a transformation screen. The successful applications of CR-39 in alpha particle dosimetry, environmental science (especially in the measurement of radon) and in biomedicine, such as the analysis of alpha radioactivity in sections of organic tissues, are described

LET spectrum measurements in Cr-39 PNTD with AFM

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Johnson, Carl Edward [Los Alamos National Laboratory; De Witt, Joel M [OSU, PHYSICS; Benton, Eric R [OSU, PHYSICS; Yasuda, Nakahiro [NIRS, HIMAC; Benton, Eugene V [UNIV OF SAN FRANCISCO

2010-01-01

Energetic protons, neutrons, and heavy ions undergoing collisions with target nuclei of varying Z can produce residual heavy recoil fragments via intra-nuclear cascade/evaporation reactions. The particles produced in these non-elastic collisions generally have such extremely short range ({approx}< 10 {mu}m) that they cannot be directly observed by conventional detection methods including CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) that has been chemically etched for analysis by standard visible light microscopy. However, high-LET recoil fragments having range on the order of several cell diameters can be produced in tissue during radiotherapy using proton and carbon beams. We have developed a method to analyze short-range, high-LET tracks in CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) using short duration chemical etching ({approx}< 1 {mu}m) followed by automated atomic force microscope (AFM) scanning. The post-scan data processing used in this work was based on semi-automated matrix analysis opposed to traditional grey-scale image analysis. This method takes advantage of the 3-D data obtained via AFM to achieve robust discrimination of nuclear tracks from other features. Through automation of AFM scanning, sufficient AFM scan frames were obtained to attain an LET spectrum spanning the LET range from 200-1500 keV/{mu}m. In addition to our experiments, simulations were carried out with the Monte Carlo transport code, FLUKA. To demonstrate this method, CR-39 PNTD was exposed to the proton therapy beam at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) at 60 and 230 MeV. Additionally, detectors were exposed to I GeV protons at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). For these exposures CR-39 PNTD, Al and Cu target foils were used between detector layers.

LET spectrum measurements in Cr-39 PNTD with AFM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Johnson, Carl Edward; DeWitt, Joel M.; Benton, Eric R.; Yasuda, Nakahiro; Benton, Eugene V.

2010-01-01

Energetic protons, neutrons, and heavy ions undergoing collisions with target nuclei of varying Z can produce residual heavy recoil fragments via intra-nuclear cascade/evaporation reactions. The particles produced in these non-elastic collisions generally have such extremely short range (∼< 10 μm) that they cannot be directly observed by conventional detection methods including CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) that has been chemically etched for analysis by standard visible light microscopy. However, high-LET recoil fragments having range on the order of several cell diameters can be produced in tissue during radiotherapy using proton and carbon beams. We have developed a method to analyze short-range, high-LET tracks in CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) using short duration chemical etching (∼< 1 μm) followed by automated atomic force microscope (AFM) scanning. The post-scan data processing used in this work was based on semi-automated matrix analysis opposed to traditional grey-scale image analysis. This method takes advantage of the 3-D data obtained via AFM to achieve robust discrimination of nuclear tracks from other features. Through automation of AFM scanning, sufficient AFM scan frames were obtained to attain an LET spectrum spanning the LET range from 200-1500 keV/μm. In addition to our experiments, simulations were carried out with the Monte Carlo transport code, FLUKA. To demonstrate this method, CR-39 PNTD was exposed to the proton therapy beam at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) at 60 and 230 MeV. Additionally, detectors were exposed to I GeV protons at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). For these exposures CR-39 PNTD, Al and Cu target foils were used between detector layers.

Embryo density may affect embryo quality during in vitro culture in a microwell group culture dish.

Science.gov (United States)

Lehner, Adam; Kaszas, Zita; Murber, Akos; Rigo, Janos; Urbancsek, Janos; Fancsovits, Peter

2017-08-01

Culturing embryos in groups is a common practice in mammalian embryology. Since the introduction of different microwell dishes, it is possible to identify oocytes or embryos individually. As embryo density (embryo-to-volume ratio) may affect the development and viability of the embryos, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of different embryo densities on embryo quality. Data of 1337 embryos from 228 in vitro fertilization treatment cycles were retrospectively analyzed. Embryos were cultured in a 25 μl microdrop in a microwell group culture dish containing 9 microwells. Three density groups were defined: Group 1 with 2-4 (6.3-12.5 μl/embryo), Group 2 with 5-6 (4.2-5.0 μl/embryo), and Group 3 with 7-9 (2.8-3.6 μl/embryo) embryos. Proportion of good quality embryos was higher in Group 2 on both days (D2: 18.9 vs. 31.5 vs. 24.7%; p Culturing 5-6 embryos together in a culture volume of 25 μl may benefit embryo quality. As low egg number, position, and distance of the embryos may influence embryo quality, results should be interpreted with caution.

Measurement of indoor radon concentration by CR-39 track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamamoto, Masayoshi; Yoneda, Shigeru; Nakanishi, Takashi.

1990-01-01

A convenient and cheap method for measuring indoor radon ( 222 Rn) concentration with a CR-39 track detector is described. The detector consisted of two sheets of CR-39 enclosed separately in two plastic pots : one covered by a filter (cup method) and another no covering (bare method). The bare method was used here to supplement the cup method. To compare with the result of the CR-39 detector, alpha-ray spectrometry was carried out with a Si(Au) detector in a controlled radon exposure chamber. Indoor radon concentration measured in 133 houses in several districts of Ishikawa Prefecture have been found to range from 6 Bq/m 3 to as high as 113 Bq/m 3 with a median value of 24 Bq/m 3 . The problems to measure indoor radon concentration using the CR-39 detector are also discussed with emphasis on the position of setting the detector in the room and the possible thoron contribution to the detector. (author)

Calculating CR-39 Response to Radon in Water Using Monte Carlo Simulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Razaie Rayeni Nejad, M. R.

2012-01-01

CR-39 detectors are widely used for Radon and progeny measurement in the air. In this paper, using the Monte Carlo simulation, the possibility of using the CR-39 for direct measurement of Radon and progeny in water is investigated. Assuming the random position and angle of alpha particle emitted by Radon and progeny, alpha energy and angular spectrum that arrive at CR-39, the calibration factor, and the suitable depth of chemical etching of CR-39 in air and water was calculated. In this simulation, a range of data were obtained from SRIM2008 software. Calibration factor of CR-39 in water is calculated as 6.6 (kBq.d/m 3 )/(track/cm 2 ) that is corresponding with EPA standard level of Radon concentration in water (10-11 kBq/m 3 ). With replacing the skin instead of CR-39, the volume affected by Radon and progeny was determined to be 2.51 mm 3 for one m 2 of skin area. The annual dose conversion factor for Radon and progeny was calculated to be between 8.8-58.8 nSv/(Bq.h/m 3 ). Using the CR-39 for Radon measurement in water can be beneficial. The annual dose conversion factor for Radon and progeny was calculated to be between 8.8-58.8 nSv/ (Bq.h/m 3 ).

Fast neutron spectrometry based on proton detection in CR-39 detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dajko, G.; Somogyi, G.

1986-01-01

The authors have developed a home-made proton-sensitive CR-39 track detector called MA-ND/p. Using this and the n-p scattering process the performance of a fast neutron spectrometer has been studied by applying two different methods. These are based on track density determinations by using varying radiator thicknesses at constant etching time and by using varying etching times at fixed radiator thickness, respectively. For both methods studied a computer programme is made to calculate the theoretically expected neutron sensitivity as a function of neutron energy. For both methods the neutron sensitivities, expressed in terms of observable etched proton tracks per neutron, are determined experimentally for 3.3 and 14.7 MeV neutron energies. The theoretical and experimental data obtained are compared.

Fast neutron spectrometry based on proton detection in CR-39 detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dajko, G.; Somogyi, G.

1986-01-01

The authors have developed a home-made proton-sensitive CR-39 track detector called MA-ND/p. Using this and the n-p scattering process the performance of a fast neutron spectrometer has been studied by applying two different methods. These are based on track density determinations by using varying radiator thicknesses at constant etching time and by using varying etching times at fixed radiator thickness, respectively. For both methods studied a computer programme is made to calculate the theoretically expected neutron sensitivity as a function of neutron energy. For both methods the neutron sensitivities, expressed in terms of observable etched proton tracks per neutron, are determined experimentally for 3.3 and 14.7 MeV neutron energies. The theoretical and experimental data obtained are compared. (author)

Track sensitivity and the surface roughness measurements of CR-39 with atomic force microscope

CERN Document Server

Yasuda, N; Amemiya, K; Takahashi, H; Kyan, A; Ogura, K

1999-01-01

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) has been applied to evaluate the surface roughness and the track sensitivity of CR-39 track detector. We experimentally confirmed the inverse correlation between the track sensitivity and the roughness of the detector surface after etching. The surface of CR-39 (CR-39 doped with antioxidant (HARZLAS (TD-1)) and copolymer of CR-39/NIPAAm (TNF-1)) with high sensitivity becomes rough by the etching, while the pure CR-39 (BARYOTRAK) with low sensitivity keeps its original surface clarity even for the long etching.

Applications of CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector to ion beam diagnosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kanasaki, Masato; Hattori, Atsuto; Oda, Keiji; Yamauchi, Tomoya; Fukuda, Yuji; Sakaki, Hironao; Nishiuchi, Mamiko; Kondo, Kiminori; Kurashima, Satoshi; Kamiya, Tomihiro

2012-01-01

CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector, which was developed for optical lens, has been applied for various field such as radon surveys, measurement of galactic cosmic ray, cell irradiation experiment and so on. The CR-39 detectors have the great advantages of being insensitive to high energy photons and electrons and capable of detecting only ions in the mixed fields such as laser driven relativistic plasmas. Though there are some analytical methods of CR-39 to diagnose ion beam, unfortunately, only few researchers in the field of plasma know the methods. This article looks at how to use CR-39 detectors and introduce the accomplishment of the joint study JAEA and Kobe Univ. for application of CR-39 detectors to ion beam diagnosis. (author)

Characterization of saturation of CR-39 detector at high alpha-particle fluence

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. El Ghazaly

2018-04-01

Full Text Available The occurrence of saturation in the CR-39 detector reduces and limits its detection dynamic range; nevertheless, this range could be extended using spectroscopic techniques and by measuring the net bulk rate of the saturated CR-39 detector surface. CR-39 detectors were irradiated by 1.5 MeV high alpha-particle fluence varying from 0.06 × 108 to 7.36 × 108 alphas/cm2 from Am-241 source; thereafter, they were etched in a 6.25N NaOH solution at a temperature of 70°C for different durations. Net bulk etch rate measurement of the 1.5 MeV alpha-irradiated CR-39 detector surface revealed that rate increases with increasing etching time and reaches its maximum value at the end of the alpha-particle range. It is also correlated with the alpha-particle fluence. The measurements of UV–Visible (UV–Vis absorbance at 500 and 600 nm reveal that the absorbance is linearly correlated with the fluence of alpha particles at the etching times of 2 and 4 hour. For extended etching times of 6, 10, and 14.5 hour, the absorbance is saturated for fluence values of 4.05 × 108, 5.30 × 108, and 7.36 × 108 alphas/cm2. These new methods pave the way to extend the dynamic range of polymer-based solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs in measurement of high fluence of heavy ions as well as in radiation dosimetry. Keywords: Alpha Particle, Bulk Etch Rate, CR-39 Detector, Saturated Regime, UV–Vis Spectroscopy

The response of CR-39 nuclear track detector to 1-9 MeV protons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sinenian, N.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Manuel, M.; McDuffee, S. C.; Casey, D. T.; Zylstra, A. B.; Rinderknecht, H. G.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Seguin, F. H.; Frenje, J. A.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D.

2011-01-01

The response of CR-39 nuclear track detector (TasTrak) to protons in the energy range of 0.92-9.28 MeV has been studied. Previous studies of the CR-39 response to protons have been extended by examining the piece-to-piece variability in addition to the effects of etch time and etchant temperature; it is shown that the shape of the CR-39 response curve to protons can vary from piece-to-piece. Effects due to the age of CR-39 have also been studied using 5.5 MeV alpha particles over a 5-year period. Track diameters were found to degrade with the age of the CR-39 itself rather than the age of the tracks, consistent with previous studies utilizing different CR-39 over shorter time periods.

Neutron detection using CR-39 and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vazquez L, C.; Fragoso, R.; Felix, R.; Golzarri, J.I.; Espinosa, G.; Castillo, F.

2007-01-01

AFM has been applied in many CR-39 track formation analyses. In this paper, the use of AFM in the neutron detection and analysis of the track formation is reported. The irradiation was made with an 1.5 GBq (0.5 Ci) 241 Am-Be neutron source, with and without a polyethylene radiator. The surface analysis was made to the CR-39 fresh material without irradiation, after the irradiation, and after a very short etching time. The results show important differences between the irradiation, with and without polyethylene radiator, and the latent tracks of the neutron in the CR-39 polycarbonate. The development of track formation after very short etching time and pits characterization were measured too using the AFM facilities. (Author)

Detection of light charged particles from plasma focus by CR-39

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Antanasijevic, R.; Vukovic, J.; Popovic, S.; Popovic, M. (Belgrade Univ. (Yugoslavia). Inst. za Fiziku); Puric, J.; Cuk, M. (Faculty of Physical Science, Belgrade (Yugoslavia))

1991-01-01

An analysis of a deuteron (D{sup +}) beam, emitted from a plasma focus has been carried out, using a CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector. The CR-39 was pretreated using different processes to destroy the existing background before exposing it to the particles produced in the plasma focus. From measurements of the diameters of the tracks, the estimated energy of the D{sup +} ions is about 0.5 MeV. The total number of emitted D{sup +} ions was 10 particles/pulse. Some preliminary results on imaging etched CR-39 with an Atomic Force Microscope (NanoScope AFM) are also presented. (author).

Detection of light charged particles from plasma focus by CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Antanasijevic, R.; Vukovic, J.; Popovic, S.; Popovic, M.

1991-01-01

An analysis of a deuteron (D + ) beam, emitted from a plasma focus has been carried out, using a CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector. The CR-39 was pretreated using different processes to destroy the existing background before exposing it to the particles produced in the plasma focus. From measurements of the diameters of the tracks, the estimated energy of the D + ions is about 0.5 MeV. The total number of emitted D + ions was 10 particles/pulse. Some preliminary results on imaging etched CR-39 with an Atomic Force Microscope (NanoScope AFM) are also presented. (author)

Study of the optical properties and the carbonaceous clusters in thermally-annealed CR-39 and Makrofol-E polymer-based solid-state nuclear track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El Ghazaly, M.

2012-01-01

The induced modifications in the optical properties of CR-39 and Makrofol-E polymer-based solid state nuclear track detectors were investigated after thermal annealing at a temperature of 200 .deg. C for different durations. The optical properties were studied using an UV-visible spectrophotometer. From the UV-visible spectra, the direct and the indirect optical band gaps, Urbach's energies, and the number of carbon atoms in a cluster were determined. The absorbance of CR-39 plastic detector was found to decrease with increasing annealing time while the absorbance of Makrofol-E decreased with increasing annealing time. The width of the tail of localized states in the band gap ΔE was evaluated with the Urbach method. The optical energy band gaps were obtained from the direct and the indirect allowed transitions in K-space. Both of the direct and the indirect band gaps of the annealed CR-39 detector decrease with increasing annealing time while in Makrofol-E, they decreased after an annealing time of 15 minute and then showed no remarkable changes for a prolonged annealing times. Urbach's energy decreased significantly for both CR-39 and Makrofol-E with increasing annealing time. The number of carbon atoms in a cluster increased in the CR-39 detector with increasing annealing time while it decreased with increasing annealing time for Makrofol-E. We may conclude that the CR-39 detector undergoes greater modifications than the Makrofol-E detector upon thermal annealing at 200 .deg. C. In conclusion, the induced modifications in the optical properties of CR-39 and Makrofol-E are correlated with the temperature and the duration of annealing.

gamma-induced modification on optical band gap of CR-39 SSNTD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zaki, M.F.

2010-01-01

effect of gamma irradiation on optical absorption of nuclear track detectors like CR-39 was studied at different absorbed doses using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS)spectroscopy. the existence of the peaks, their shifting and broadening as a result of gamma irradiation has been discussed. the width of the tail of localized states in the band gap (E u )was evaluated using the Urbach edge method. finally the indirect and direct band gap in pristine and gamma irradiated CR-39 have been determined. the values of indirect band gap have been found to be lower than the corresponding values of direct band gap. a decrease in the optical energy gap with increasing the gamma absorbed dose can be discussed on the basis of gamma-irradiation-induced defects in the CR-39. the correlation between optical band gap and the number of carbon atoms in a cluster with modified Tauc's equation has been discussed in case of CR-39.

Development of neutron dosimeter using CR-39 for measurement of ambient dose equivalent

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maki, Daisuke; Shinozaki, Wakako; Ohguchi, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Takayoshi; Nakamura, Takayoshi

2010-01-01

A CR-39 has good advantages such as cumulative type dosimeter, small fading effect and gamma-ray insensitive. Therefore, we developed the wide energy-range environmental neutron dosimeter using eight CR-39s for area monitoring in this study. This dosimeter is made of octagonal columnar polyethylene block which height is 60 mm and bottom side is 25 mm. The dosimeter contains two types of CR-39s for fast neutron detection and slow neutron detection. Four CR-39s for fast neutron detection are used for detection of recoil protons produced by H (n, p) reactions. Four CR-39s for slow neutron detection are used with boron nitride converter to detect alpha-rays produced by 10 B (n, α) 7 Li reactions. Ambient dose equivalent is obtained by adding the number of etch-pits observed in four CR-39s for fast neutron detection to the number of etch-pits observed in four CR-39s for slow neutron detection with appropriate constants respectively. Dosimeters were irradiated with some energetic neutrons and evaluated results of ambient dose equivalent were compared with results from neutron transport calculations. Energy response of dosimeter shows good agreement with neutron fluence to ambient dose equivalent conversion coefficients. Directional dependence of dosimeter is at the same level as the rem-counter. (author)

Polymerization, structure and track recording properties of CR-39 cured with UV photoinitiators

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stejny, J.; Carrell, J.; Palmer, M.J.

2000-01-01

CR-39 monomer was cured isothermally at temperatures from 54.5 to 115 deg. C with UV sensitive photoinitiators to high conversions. The use of photoinitiators allowed the cure of CR-39 isothermally at high temperatures and eliminated the danger of thermal runaway present in the conventionally used thermal initiation with peroxides. It was found that the properties of the UV photoinitiated CR-39 were similar to the conventionally polymerized resin

Mass spectrometry analysis of etch products from CR-39 plastic irradiated by heavy ions

Science.gov (United States)

Kodaira, S.; Nanjo, D.; Kawashima, H.; Yasuda, N.; Konishi, T.; Kurano, M.; Kitamura, H.; Uchihori, Y.; Naka, S.; Ota, S.; Ideguchi, Y.; Hasebe, N.; Mori, Y.; Yamauchi, T.

2012-09-01

As a feasibility study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) have been applied to analyze etch products of CR-39 plastic (one of the most frequently used solid states nuclear track detector) for the understanding of track formation and etching mechanisms by heavy ion irradiation. The etch products of irradiated CR-39 dissolved in sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) contain radiation-induced fragments. For the GC-MS analysis, we found peaks of diethylene glycol (DEG) and a small but a definitive peak of ethylene glycol (EG) in the etch products from CR-39 irradiated by 60 MeV N ion beams. The etch products of unirradiated CR-39 showed a clear peak of DEG, but no other significant peaks were found. DEG is known to be released from the CR-39 molecule as a fragment by alkaline hydrolysis reaction of the polymer. We postulate that EG was formed as a result of the breaking of the ether bond (C-O-C) of the DEG part of the CR-39 polymer by the irradiation. The mass distribution of polyallylalcohol was obtained from the etch products from irradiated and unirradiated CR-39 samples by MALDI-MS analysis. Polyallylalcohol, with the repeating mass interval of m/z = 58 Da (dalton) between m/z = 800 and 3500, was expected to be produced from CR-39 by alkaline hydrolysis. We used IAA as a matrix to assist the ionization of organic analyte in MALDI-MS analysis and found that peaks from IAA covered mass spectrum in the lower m/z region making difficult to identify CR-39 fragment peaks which were also be seen in the same region. The mass spectrometry analysis using GC-MS and MALDI-MS will be powerful tools to investigate the radiation-induced polymeric fragments and helping to understand the track formation mechanism in CR-39 by heavy ions.

Studies on nitrogen mapping by various CR-39 track detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Somogyi, G.; Varga, Zs.; Hunyadi, I.; Freyer, K.; Treutler, H.Ch.

1986-01-01

The use of CR-39 track detectors for nitrogen distribution measurements via the /sup 14/N(n,p)/sup 14/C reaction is studied. The proton detection properties of different CR-39 products have been analyzed. The variation of background track density induced in the bulk of detectors is examined under different conditions of neutron irradiation. Analysis of our experimental data has led to the conclusion that the sources of proton background tracks are the fast neutron component of the neutron source, chlorine impurities in the detector and nitrogen diffused from the air into the upper layer of the detector. Efforts have been made to decrease the nitrogen content of diffusion origin by removing the upper detector layer and by outgassing the CR-39 sheet in vacuum before irradiation. Finally the ''signal/noise'' ratio for a steel specimen and the sensitivity of nitrogen determination are given.

Alpha-particle response characteristics of CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abou El-Khier, A.A.; Gaber, M.; El-Khatib, A.M.; Fawzy, M.A.

1987-01-01

The form of the response curve of the polycarbonate CR-39 for α-particles at relatively low energies has been established. The investigation included measurements of both bulk- and track-etch rates. The latter was measured as a function of α-particle energies. (author)

Note: Fast neutron efficiency in CR-39 nuclear track detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cavallaro, S. [Dipartimento di Fisica ed Astronomia,Università di Catania, Via S. Sofia 44, 95123 Catania, Italy and INFN-LNS, Via S. Sofia 42, 95123 Catania (Italy)

2015-03-15

CR-39 samples are commonly employed for fast neutron detection in fusion reactors and in inertial confinement fusion experiments. The literature reported efficiencies are strongly depending on experimental conditions and, in some cases, highly dispersed. The present note analyses the dependence of efficiency as a function of various parameters and experimental conditions in both the radiator-assisted and the stand-alone CR-39 configurations. Comparisons of literature experimental data with Monte Carlo calculations and optimized efficiency values are shown and discussed.

Cutting thin sheets of allyl diglycol carbonate (CR-39) with a CW CO2, laser

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kukreja, L.M.; Bhawalkar, D.D.; Basu, C.; Goswami, J.N.

1984-01-01

Recent studies have shown that Allyl Diglycol Carbonate, commercially known as CR-39 (the most sensitive among etch track detectors) can detect relativistic oxygen and other heavier nuclei. We are using large sheets of special grade CR-39 (DOP) in our experiment in Space Shuttle-Spacelab-3. As CR-39 is a highly brittle substance, special care is required to cut CR-39 shetts, especially in case of large sheets and circular cuts. A study of cutting of CR-39 sheets using laser light is described in this paper. It has been found that this method is sufficiently fast to handle large number of sheets and also equally safe for big sheets. A maximum speed up to 200 cm/min with a 5 x 10 4 W/cm 2 laser is obtained during the present study. This study also shows that laser cutting does not affect the track properties of CR-39. (orig.)

Development of hybrid track detector using CR39 and photographic plate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuge, Kenichi; Endo, Yusuke; Hayashi, Kentaro; Hasegawa, Akira; Kumagai, Hiroshi

2004-01-01

Hybrid track detector using CR39 and color photography was prepared by coating multi-layered color photographic emulsions on one side of CR39. Etch pits and color tracks were observed at the same time. Photographic plate with different sensitivity emulsions and couplers were exposed to light, α-, β- and γ-rays. We observed sensitivity difference to the radiation by color changes on one plate. (authors)

Proton an alpha detections by track recording technique in CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, W.A. de; Franco, M.A.R.; Herdade, S.B.; Khouri, M.C.F.; Goncalez, O.L.

1986-07-01

The plastic CR-39 is utilized as proton track detector in the study of the reaction 27 A (e, p) and 59 Co (e, p), near threshold. Preliminary results are presented for the energy calibration (mean track diameter as a function of proton energy) of CR-39 with mono-energetic protons of a Van de Graaff accelerator, in the energy range 1-3 MeV. (author) [pt

Effect of radiation on the electrical properties of plastic detector CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahmoud, S.A.; Hamed, A.E.; Abou El-Kier, A.A.; Mousse, M.G.; Kassem, M.E.; El-Shafey, E.M.

1994-01-01

The effect of high alpha-particle fluence on plastic detector CR-39 was studied by measuring the electrical properties of the detector as a function of irradiation dose and frequency using an impedance meter in the frequency range 0.005-500 kHz. When the plastic detector CR-39 is exposed to high irradiation doses, it loses its advantage as a track detector, because of the overlapping of the tracks occurring in the detector at high irradiation fluence. Through the present measurements of dielectric permittivity and conductivity at different frequencies and temperatures, CR-39 could be used as a dosimeter for high irradiation doses

Effect of radiation on the electrical properties of plastic detector CR-39

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mahmoud, S.A.; Hamed, A.E.; Abou El-Kier, A.A.; Mousse, M.G.; Kassem, M.E.; El-Shafey, E.M. (Physics Department Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria (Egypt))

1994-10-15

The effect of high alpha-particle fluence on plastic detector CR-39 was studied by measuring the electrical properties of the detector as a function of irradiation dose and frequency using an impedance meter in the frequency range 0.005-500 kHz. When the plastic detector CR-39 is exposed to high irradiation doses, it loses its advantage as a track detector, because of the overlapping of the tracks occurring in the detector at high irradiation fluence. Through the present measurements of dielectric permittivity and conductivity at different frequencies and temperatures, CR-39 could be used as a dosimeter for high irradiation doses.

Fast neutron irradiation effects on CR-39 nuclear track detector for dosimetric applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kader, M.H.

2005-01-01

The effect of neutron irradiation on the dosimetric properties of CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detector have been investigated. CR-39 samples were irradiated with neutrons of energies follow a Maxwellian distribution centered about 2 MeV. These samples were irradiated with different doses in the range 0.1-1 Sv. The background and track density were measured as a function of etching time. In addition, the dependence of sensitivity of CR-39 detector on the neutrons dose has been investigated. The results show that the Sensitivity started to increase at 0.4 Sv neutrons dose, so this sample were chosen to be a subject for further study to investigate the effect of gamma dose on its properties. The sample irradiated with 0.4 Sv were exposed to different doses of gamma rays at levels between 10 and 80 kGy. The effect of gamma doses on the bulk etching rate VB, the track diameter and the sensitivity of the CR-39 samples was investigated. The results show that the dosimetric properties of CR-39 SSNTD are greatly affected by both neutron and gamma irradiation

Study of the characteristics of ionizing particles record of CR-39 track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brandao, Luis Eduardo Barreira

1983-01-01

The bulk and track etching proprieties of a new Solid State Nuclear Track Detector CR-39 were investigated under different etching conditions. The discussion is based on results obtained using aqueous solutions of KOH with addition of alcoholic solvent to aqueous solutions. It was found that track registration sensitivity can be dramatically changed by using the proper chemical treatment. A method to enlarge and dye etch tracks to be viewed by simple projection on a screen is discussed. The applications of CR-39 in neutron fluence measurements are shown. Graphs are presented of the densities of the registered traces by the detector as a function of etch time both for samples with and without a polycarbonate radiator. (author)

Design and development of wide energy neutron REM equivalent spectrometer-dosimeters based on polycarbonates and Cr-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faermann, S.

1985-03-01

This work describes a system composed of a Rem response personnel neutron dosemeter, based on boron radiators and a polycarbonate track detector, for monitoring dose equivalents in the energy range 1 eV to 14 MeV, an electrochemical etching system for revealing damage sites in solid state track etch detectors, a reader for magnifying the etched pits and a microprocessor for evaluating the dose equivalents and their uncertainties. The performance and directional dependence of the dosemeter when exposed to monoenergetic and polyenergetic neutron fields in the epithermal and fast energy regions are discussed. Saturation effects in polycarbonate foils are presented and a comparison is made between the response of polycarbonate and CR-39 foils, used as passive detectors in the dosemeter. A new passive miniature fast neutron spectrometer-dosimeter is also described. The device is based on the detection of proton tracks by electrochemical etching of CR-39 foils covered with thin polyethylene layers of different thicknesses. By means of this device it is possible to assess the fast neutron energy spectrum in 10 energy intervals in the energy range 0.5-15 MeV. Dose equivalents can be determined in the dose equivalent range 20 mRem to 8 Rem, approximately (author)

Effect of Gamma Rays on Fast Neutron Registration in CR-39

CERN Document Server

Kobzev, A P; El-Halem, A A; Abdul-Ghaphar, U S; Salama, T A

2002-01-01

A set of CR-39 plastic detectors with front PE radiator was exposed to Am-Be neutron source, which has an emission rate of 0.86\\cdot 10^{7} sec^{-1}, and the neutron dose equivalent rate 1 m apart from the source is equal to 11 mrem/hr. Another set of samples was irradiated by a neutron dose of 4 rem, then exposed to different gamma-ray doses using ^{60}Co source. It was found that the track density grows with the increase of neutron dose and etching time. It was also found that the bulk etching rate V_{B}, the track diameter and the sensitivity of the CR-39 plastic detector with respect to the neutron irradiation increased with increasing gamma-ray dose in the range 1?10 Mrad. These results show that CR-39 can be considered as a promising fast neutron dosimeter and gamma-ray dosimeter.

Sensitivity determination of CR-39 from Normal and inclined incidence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abou, A.A.; El-Kheir, A.A.; Daas, A.F.; Awwad, Z.; Reda, A.M.

2000-01-01

An experimental study have been carried out on alpha- particle track opening (Major and minor axes) using alpha-particles of different energies incident with different angels in addition to the normal incidence. The sensitivity of CR-39 in present work is determined for each of normal and inclined incidence. The results indicated a difference in the sensitivity according to angle of incidence. The variation of alpha- particle tracks (major and minor axes) are calculated and compared with our measured values. Also, it is found that the sensitivity of CR-39 detector is change due to the storage time at room temperature

Coherent light scattering by nuclear etched tracks in the PADC (a form of CR-39)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Groetz, J.E.; Chambaudet, A. [Universite de Franche-Comte, Besancon (France). Lab. de Microanalyses Nucleaires; Lacourt, A. [Laboratoire d`Optique P.M. Duffieux, UMR 6603 CNRS, Universite de Franche-Comte, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besancon Cedex (France)

1998-08-01

A new kind of measurement has been proposed to improve the reading of the solid state nuclear track detector CR-39. This method is based on coherent light scattering (He-Ne laser) by etched proton tracks, and is complementary to observation under an optical microscope and reading by optical density of the CR-39. The irradiated and chemically etched CR-39 sample is illuminated by a laser beam under a normal incidence angle. The light intensity diffracted by the tracks beyond the sample - defined with the bi-directional transmissive distribution functions - is measured with a photodiode. Thus, the bi-directional transmissive distribution functions depend on the characteristics of the irradiation, namely the track density, track sizes and orientations. We have performed a track light diffraction model calculation through the use of the Fraunhofer diffraction, Babinet`s principle and the spatial coherence and incoherence. We compared calculations and experimental results for the different shapes of tracks: conical, oblique and spherical-shaped. (orig.) 14 refs.

Coherent light scattering by nuclear etched tracks in the PADC (a form of CR-39)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Groetz, J.E.; Chambaudet, A.

1998-01-01

A new kind of measurement has been proposed to improve the reading of the solid state nuclear track detector CR-39. This method is based on coherent light scattering (He-Ne laser) by etched proton tracks, and is complementary to observation under an optical microscope and reading by optical density of the CR-39. The irradiated and chemically etched CR-39 sample is illuminated by a laser beam under a normal incidence angle. The light intensity diffracted by the tracks beyond the sample - defined with the bi-directional transmissive distribution functions - is measured with a photodiode. Thus, the bi-directional transmissive distribution functions depend on the characteristics of the irradiation, namely the track density, track sizes and orientations. We have performed a track light diffraction model calculation through the use of the Fraunhofer diffraction, Babinet's principle and the spatial coherence and incoherence. We compared calculations and experimental results for the different shapes of tracks: conical, oblique and spherical-shaped. (orig.)

Calibration of CR-39 for radon-related parameters using sealed cup technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abo-Elmagd, M.; Daif, M. M.

2010-01-01

Effective radium content, mass and areal radon exhalation rates of soil and rock samples are important radon-related parameters and can be used as a better indicator of radon risk. A sealed cup fitted to a CR-39 detector and to the sample under measurement is an advantageous passive device for the measurement of these parameters. The main factors affecting the results are the detector calibration factor and the sample weight. The results of an active technique (Lucas cell) and the CR-39 detector have been found to be correlated resulting in a reliable detector calibration factor. The result illustrates the dependence of the CR-39 calibration factor with the sample weight which is difficult to use in practice, because each sample weight has its own calibration factor of CR-39. It is reported to demonstrate the advantage of a back diffusion correction. After correcting the results for back diffusion effects, one obtains an approximately constant calibration factor for the sample volumes up to one-third the total sealed cup volume. For this condition the calibration factor is equal to 0.237 track cm -2 per Bq m -3 d with about 1% uncertainty. (authors)

Range energy for heavy ions in CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gil, L.R.; Marques, A.

1987-01-01

Range-energy relations in CR-39, for ions from He to Ar, are obtained after their effective nuclear charge. Comparison with earlier calculations and numerical results in the energy range 0,1 to 200 Mev/ Nucleon are also given. (M.W.O.)

CR-39 nuclear track detector used for neutron dosimetry: system calibration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saint Martin, G.; Lopez, F.; Bernaola, Omar A.

2009-01-01

Stacks composed by 1 mm thickness CR-39 foils and polyethylene and PVC films were evaluated to be used as neutron dosemeters. Irradiations were made with a calibrated 241 Am-Be source in a dose range from 0 to 3.1 mSv and the etching conditions were optimized. The measurements of number of tracks per surface unit in the CR-39 detectors showed a good linear behaviour as a function of the dose. The minimum detectable dose equivalent (MDDE) was calculated. (author)

Practical consequences for the use of a personal dosimeter for fast neutrons based on CR39 exposed up to one year

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boschung, Markus; Fiechtner, Annette; Mayer, Sabine; Wernli, Christian

2008-01-01

Full text: At the Paul Scherrer Institut a personal neutron dosimetry system based on chemically etched CR-39 detectors and automatic track counting is in routine use since 1998. In its original design, the dosimeter is sensitive to thermal neutrons and to neutrons in the energy range from 200 keV up to several MeV. The standard exposition period is 3 months. Recently, a novel concept for individual monitoring was implemented at CERN. In this concept, each worker who possibly enters a radiation zone is equipped with a combined dosimeter for the measurement of personal photon and neutron doses. The dosimeter for photon dose measurement has an instant readout capability and dose measurements are done monthly. The dosimeter for neutron measurement is based on CR-39 detectors and is sensitive to fast neutrons only. The CR-39 detector is only evaluated and a neutron dose determined if the monthly personal photon dose exceeds 2 mSv or if the exposition period of the neutron dosimeter exceeds one year. This novel regime of use of the neutron dosimeter has had some important consequences for its practical implementation. A priori, the wearing period of a neutron dosimeter is not known and can range from 1 month up to 12 or even more months. A good knowledge of the long-term behaviour and characteristics of the detector material is needed. But also organisational and administrative issues have to be considered. The paper will outline the adopted procedure covering not only technical but also organisational aspects. The long-term behaviour of background track density and response to 241 Am-Be over one year are described as well as calibrations performed with 241 Am-Be and 252 Cf sources and in the High-Energy Reference Field Facility at CERN (CERF). The concept of individual monitoring at CERN could be transferred to other locations with high energy accelerators such as PSI and DESY. The experience gained with the neutron dosimeter based on CR-39 since introduction of the

Effects of additives and impurities on the properties of CR-39 neutron dosimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tarle, G.

1982-01-01

Several problems have plagued users of commercial CR-39 for neutron dosimetry work. Large variations in sensitivity have been observed in samples received from different manufacturers, from different batches from the same manufacturer and even within a given sheet. The latter variations have taken several forms. Clear etching regions of lower sensitivity near the gasket and sometimes extending well away from the gasket in drip-like patterns have been observed. Large demarcated patches of differing sensitivity and sensitivity variations with depth have been found in many commercial samples of CR-39. In addition, we have observed a general roughening of the post-etch surface and a patchiness of bulk etching associated with contact patterns of adjacent sheets, which have been stored for extended (greater than or equal to 6 mos) periods of time. All of these problems combine to make commercially available CR-39 unreliable as a neutron dosimeter. In an attempt to identify and correct the causes of these problems, a systematic study of the effects of additives, impurities and manufacturing conditions on the uniformity of CR-39 track detectors has been undertaken, and is reported in this paper

Use of CR-39 foils for personnel neutron dosimetry: improved electrochemical etching chambers and procedures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hankins, D.E.; Homann, S.G.; Westermark, J.

1986-01-01

The electrochemical etching procedures for the new dosimetry system that uses foils of CR-39 plastic has been improved. During 1985, the etching chambers were modified to correct several problems and the changes to the etching procedures were studied, which gave a more uniform track density and size. The currently recommended etch parameters are given. A new generation of CR-39 material from the manufacturer proved to have a considerably lower background track density and a higher sensitivity; the new foils are also more uniform in thickness, which eliminates the need to numerically compensate for thickness variations. The energy dependence of the CR-39 using monoenergetic neutrons from accelerators at Battelle Northwest Laboratories and at Los Alamos National Laboratory was determined. Some variation was found in the energy dependence, but it is believed this was caused by changes in the etching procedures and by uncertainties in the fluences of the neutrons from the accelerators. A means by which the counting of CR-39 tracks may be automated is suggested; this would be very useful in adapting the CR-39 dosimetry system to large-scale use

Gamma irradiation effects on the thermal, optical and structural properties of Cr-39 nuclear track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nouh, S.A.; Said, A.F.; Atta, M.R.; EL-Mellegy, W.M.; EL-Meniawi, S.

2006-01-01

A study of the effect of gamma irradiation on the thermal, optical and structural properties of CR-39 diglycol carbonate solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) has been carried out. Samples from CR-39 polymer were irradiated with gamma doses at levels between 20 and 300 KGy. Non-isothermal studies were carried out using thermo-gravimetry (TG), differential thermo-gravimetry (DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to obtain the activation energy of decomposition and the transition temperatures for the non-irradiated and irradiated CR-39 samples. In addition, optical and structural property studies were performed on non-irradiated and irradiated CR-39 samples using refractive index and X-ray diffraction measurements. The variation of onset temperature of decomposition (To) thermal activation energy of decomposition (Ea) melting temperature (Tm) refractive index (n) and the mass fraction of the amorphous phase with the gamma dose were studied. It was found that many changes in the thermal, optical and structural properties of the CR-39 polymer could be produced by gamma irradiation via the degradation and cross linking mechanisms. Also, the gamma dose gave an advantage for increasing the correlation between the thermal stability of CR-39 polymer and the bond formation created by the ionizing effect of gamma radiation

Response of CR39 detector to 5 A GeV Si14+ ions and measurement of total charge changing cross-section

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gupta, Renu; Kumar, Ashavani

2013-01-01

In the present work, response of CR39 track etch detector was obtained by cone-height measurement technique. CR39 track etch detector was used to identify the incident charged particles and their fragments by the measurements of cone-height of tracks using an optical microscope DM6000 M and automated image analyzer system installed with Leica QWin Plus software. The CR39 detector was calibrated and the response points were fitted with a linear relation and all the points are within the limits of the experimental errors. The charge resolution of the detector was calculated to be 0.2e. The response function is obtained and fitted with a linear relation which is good throughout Z/β=6.1–14.1. The experimental value of the total charge changing cross-section of 5 A GeV Si 14+ ion beam in polyethylene and CR39 combined target is σ tot =(734±128) mb. The total charge changing cross-section is compared with the experimental results of others based on cone base-area measurement technique and also fitted by the Bradt–Peters geometrical cross-section. - Highlights: • Charge resolution of 0.2e was obtained by cone-height measurement. • Consistency in manual measurements of cone-heights is presented. • Response of CR39 detector was obtained and fitted with first degree polynomial. • Total charge changing cross-section of 5 A GeV Si 14+ ions in CH 2 and CR39 as a combined target was calculated

Application of CR-39 to radon measurement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miyake, Hiroshi

1988-01-01

CR-39, an ally diglycol carbonate, has recently come into wider use as material for solid-state track detector. Etching with NaOH or KOH solution allow CR-39 to develop extremely clear etch pits attributed to alpha rays. The most widely used method for measuring radon concentration employs a plastic cup with a solid-state track detector mounted at its bottom to detect alpha rays resulting from radon or its daughters that disintegrate within or on the wall of the cup. Simple in mechanism and low in cost, this method is suitable for such a case where the radon concentration distribution over a wide area has to be measured by using a large number of devices. The concentration of radon alone can be measured with the aid of a filter attached to the mouth of the cup to remove the daughters of radon and thoron. The simplest and most effective way of improving the sensitivity of a solid-state track detector for radon concentration measurement is to electrostatically collect daughters resulting from decay of radon onto the surface of the detector. Another method widely used to determine the radon concentration is to measure the concentration of the radon daughters instead of direct measurement of the concentration of radon itself. (Nogami, K.)

Fast neutron dosimetry using CR-39 track detectors with polyethylene as radiator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Castillo, F.; Espinosa, G.; Golzarri, J.I.; Osorio, D.; Rangel, J.; Reyes, P.G.; Herrera, J.J.E.

2013-01-01

The chemical etching parameters (etching time, temperature, normality of etchant, etc.) for the use of CR-39 (allyl diglycol carbonate – Lantrack ® ) as a fast neutron dosimeter have been optimized. The CR-39 chips, placed under a 1.5 mm polyethylene radiator, were exposed for calibration to an 241 Am-Be source at different time intervals for a given neutron fluence. After several chemical etching processes of the detectors with different conditions, the optimum characteristics for the chemical etching were found at 6N KOH solution, 60 ± 1 °C, for 12 h. An accurate relationship between the dose and fluence calculations was obtained as a function of the track density. - Highlights: ► Optimum etching time for fast neutron irradiated CR-39 track detectors is found. ► Relationship between dose and fluence obtained as a function of the track density. ► Results are consistent with those reported elsewhere, and extend the dose range

The Use Of Optical Properties Of Cr-39 In Alpha Particle Equivalent Dose Measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shnishin, K.A.

2007-01-01

In this work, optical properties of alpha irradiated Cr-39 were measured as a function of optical photon wavelength from 200-1100 nm. Optical energy gap and optical absorption at finite wavelength was also calculated and correlated to alpha fluence and dose equivalent. Alpha doses were calculated from the corresponding irradiation fluence and specific energy loss using TRIM computer program. It was found that, the optical absorption of unattached Cr-39 was varied with alpha fluence and corresponding equivalent doses. Also the optical energy gab was varied with fluence and dose equivalent of alpha particles. This work introduces a reasonably simple method for the Rn dose equivalent calculation by Cr-39 track

Track etch parameters and annealing kinetics assessment of protons of low energy in CR-39 detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jain, R.K.; Kumar, Ashok; Singh, B.K.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► We calibrate CR-39 detector with very low energy protons. ► We establish linear relationship between track diameter and time/energy up to 200 keV. ► We determine activation energy of annealing using different models. ► We justify concept of single annealing activation energy in CR-39. - Abstract: In this paper threshold of the registration sensitivity of very low energy proton in CR-39 is investigated. Irradiation of CR-39 (poly-allyl-diglycol carbonate) was carried out with very low energy mono energetic protons of 20–60 keV from a mini proton accelerator. Nearly 10 4 /cm 2 fluence of protons was used. The variation of track diameter with etching time as well as proton energy response curve was carefully calibrated. The bulk and track etch rates were measured by using proton track diameters. Bulk etch rate was also measured by the thickness of removed surface layer. The thermal annealing of proton track at temperatures ranging from 100 to 200 °C in CR-39 was studied by several models. Activation energy of annealed CR-39 detectors was calculated by slope of track etch rate and temperature plot. The data of proton tracks of 200, 250 and 300 keV from 400 kV Van-de-Graaff accelerator was also used and compared with the track diameters of different energies of proton.

Nano Petri dishes: a new polystyrene platform for studying cell-nanoengineered surface interactions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cha, Kyoung Je; Na, Moon-Hee; Kim, Hyung Woo; Kim, Dong Sung

2014-01-01

In this study, we fabricated and fully characterized a new type of polystyrene (PS) cell-culture platform containing nanoengineered surfaces (NES), referred to as a nano Petri dish, which can be used at the transition stage of basic cell–NES interaction studies for clinical applications. Nano-injection molding in this study was used for the mass production of the nano Petri dish having nanopore arrays. The effects of processing parameters of the injection molding on the replication quality of the nanopore arrays were quantitatively evaluated by means of design of experiments based on the Taguchi method. This allowed efficient and reliable cell culture studies by providing large numbers of the same dishes, in addition to removing the fixation step of the NES plates inside the cell-culture container. Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the NES, as well as cell behavior including attachment and proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells on the NES, were then characterized, with and without the oxygen plasma surface treatment. (paper)

Nano Petri dishes: a new polystyrene platform for studying cell-nanoengineered surface interactions

Science.gov (United States)

Cha, Kyoung Je; Na, Moon-Hee; Kim, Hyung Woo; Kim, Dong Sung

2014-05-01

In this study, we fabricated and fully characterized a new type of polystyrene (PS) cell-culture platform containing nanoengineered surfaces (NES), referred to as a nano Petri dish, which can be used at the transition stage of basic cell-NES interaction studies for clinical applications. Nano-injection molding in this study was used for the mass production of the nano Petri dish having nanopore arrays. The effects of processing parameters of the injection molding on the replication quality of the nanopore arrays were quantitatively evaluated by means of design of experiments based on the Taguchi method. This allowed efficient and reliable cell culture studies by providing large numbers of the same dishes, in addition to removing the fixation step of the NES plates inside the cell-culture container. Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the NES, as well as cell behavior including attachment and proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells on the NES, were then characterized, with and without the oxygen plasma surface treatment.

Efficient, Low Cost Dish Concentrator for a CPV Based Cogeneration System

Science.gov (United States)

Chayet, Haim; Kost, Ori; Moran, Rani; Lozovsky, Ilan

2011-12-01

Zenith Solar Ltd has developed efficient electricity and heat co-generation system based on segmented-parabolic dish of total aperture area of 11 m2 and water cooled dense array module combined of triple junction cells. Conventional parabolic dishes are inherently inefficient in the sense that the radiant flux distribution is non uniform causing inefficient generation by the PV array. Secondary optics improves uniformity but introduces additional complexity and losses to the system. Zenith's dish is assembled of 1200 flat mirrors of approximately 100 cm2 each. Every mirror facet has a unique shape such that the geometrical projection from each mirror on the focal plane is essentially the same. When perfectly aligned, the projected radiation from all mirrors overlaps uniformly on the PV surface. The low cost construction of the dish utilizes plastic mount supported by a precise metal frame. The precision of the metal frame affects the overall optical efficiency of the mirror and hence the efficiency of the system. State of the art dish of 11 m2 active aperture results in output of 2.25 kWp (900 W/m2) electrical and 5 kWp thermal power from one dish system representing 21% electrical and 50% thermal conversion efficiency adding to 71% overall system efficiency.

Impact of x-ray dose on the response of CR-39 to 1-5.5 MeV alphas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rojas-Herrera, J.; Rinderknecht, H. G.; Zylstra, A. B.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Orozco, D.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Sio, H.; Seguin, F. H.; Frenje, J. A.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D.

2015-01-01

The CR-39 nuclear track detector is used in many nuclear diagnostics fielded at inertial confinement fusion (ICF) facilities. Large x-ray uences generated by ICF experiments may impact the CR-39 response to incident charged particles. To determine the impact of x-ray exposure on the CR-39 response to alpha particles, a thick-target bremsstrahlung x-ray generator was used to expose CR-39 to various doses of 8 keV Cu-K α and K β x-rays. The CR-39 detectors were then exposed to 1-5.5 MeV alphas from an Am-241 source. The regions of the CR-39 exposed to x-rays showed a smaller track diameter than those not exposed to x-rays: for example, a dose of 3.0 ± 0.1 Gy causes a decrease of (19 ± 2)% in the track diameter of a 5.5 MeV alpha particle, while a dose of 60.0 ± 1.3 Gy results in a decrease of (45 ± 5)% in the track diameter. The reduced track diameters were found to be predominantly caused by a comparable reduction in the bulk etch rate of the CR-39 with x-ray dose. A residual effect depending on alpha particle energy is characterized using an empirical formula

Energy response study of modified CR-39 neutron personnel dosimeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sathian, Deepa; Bakshi, A.K.; Datta, D.; Nair, Sreejith S.; Sathian, V.; Mishra, Jitendra; Sen, Meghnath

2018-01-01

Personnel neutron dosimetry is an integral part of radiation protection. No single dosimeter provides the satisfactory energy response, sensitivity, angular dependence characteristics and accuracy necessary to meet the requirement of an ideal personnel neutron dosimeter. The response of a personnel neutron dosimeter is critically dependent upon the energy distribution of the neutron field. CR-39 personnel neutron dosimeters were typically calibrated in the standard neutron field of 252 Cf and 241 Am-Be in our laboratory, although actual neutron fields may vary from the calibration neutron spectrum. Recently the badge cassette of the personnel neutron dosimeter was changed due to frequent damage of the PVC badge used earlier. This paper discusses energy response of CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector loaded in this modified badge cassette as per latest ISO recommendation

Alpha particle track coloration in CR-39: Improved observability

CERN Document Server

Oezguemues, A

1999-01-01

A comparative study of the observability of alpha particle tracks in CR-39 was performed with an optical microscope before and after coloration. The implantation of ink helped in observing the damage zones. At first glance through the microscope, the coloration makes the tracks stand out right away. This coloration is helpful, from the start, in the morphological study of the tracks (size, area, orientation, shape, perimeter). This operation is advantageous in distinguishing the alpha particle tracks from stains or scratches. Thus, the routine counting of the tracks is more easily performed. Consequently, this procedure allowed us: to decrease significantly the standard deviation of the approximate total of the parameters given from the image analysis system (Olympus CUE2); to envision the possibility of reasonably decreasing the etching time in order to limit the loss of information caused by the destruction of the CR-39 during chemical etching and to use a weaker enlarging lens in order to cover a larger fi...

Etching characteristics of nuclear tracks in CR-39 plastics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsuruta, Takao; Isobe, Ginko.

1984-01-01

In using CR-39 plastics for individual neutron dosimeters, changes of etching efficiency cause significant error in dose estimation. Etching efficiency is subject to a number of parameters. In this study the influences of the parameters were examined by measuring the diameters of etch-pits formed by alpha-particles and enlarged by aqueous solutions of 25-35% KOH at 55-65 0 C for 4 hr. It has been observed that diameter changes at the rate of 8.3%/ 0 C in temperature, 8.2%/wt% in concentration and -0.60%/day in time after preparation of etchant. The diameter is unaffected by the supplying of up to 280ml/l, of distilled water for evaporation of etchant or by increase up to 5g/l of CR-39 dissolved in etchant. The magnitude of possible error has been estimated by parameter as well as in general, so as to obtain suggestions for improving etching treatment. (author)

Neutron dosimeter utilizing CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, H.V.C. de.

1991-05-01

A personnel neutron dosimeter has been developed with discretization in a wide range of energies of real interest, utilizing the CR-39 polymer, to detect recoil protons in the fast range, and alpha particles in the thermal and epithermal ranges, with possibility to be disposed in the IRD/CNEN's conventional film badge suport. They are presented, abstractly, the difficulties and importance of the neutron dosimetry, beyond the general objectives that motivated this work execution. The details of the materials utilized in the dosimeter confection, and the experimental methodology employed to obtain the performance curves are presented. The results about linearity response of the dosimeter with respect to equivalent dose, in a wide range of doses, and about the verified angular dependence are analysed. (author)

The possibility of using plastic detectors CR-39 as UV dosimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shweikani, R.; Raja, G.; Sawaf, A.A.

2004-01-01

The effects of solar ultraviolet (SUV) and ultraviolet type A (UVA) produced by a solar UV simulator on CR-39 detectors were studied. This was done using three techniques: 1 - Alpha tracks diameters and tracks densities, 2 - UV-Vis spectrometry and 3 - FTIR spectrometry. The detectors were divided into two groups, the first was exposed to UV and then to alpha particles, the second group was exposed to alpha particles first and then to UV. The results showed that the effect of UVA on CR-39 was not clear using the three techniques. While, the effect of SUV was clear when using UV-Vis and FTIR spectrometric, and not clear when using track parameters. (author)

The possibility of using plastic detectors CR-39 as UV dosimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shweikani, R.; Raja, G.; Sawaf, A.A.

2002-01-01

The effects of solar ultraviolet (SUV) and ultraviolet type A (UVA) produced by a solar UV simulator on CR-39 detectors were studied. This was done using three techniques: 1 - Alpha tracks diameters and tracks densities, 2 - UV-Vis spectrometry and 3 - FTIR spectrometry. The detectors were divided into two groups, the first was exposed to UV and then to alpha particles, the second group was exposed to alpha particles first and then to UV. The results showed that the effect of UVA on CR-39 was not clear using the three techniques. While, the effect of SUV was clear when using UV-Vis and FTIR spectrometric, and not clear when using track parameters

Evaluation of the comprehensive palatability of Japanese sake paired with dishes by multiple regression analysis based on subdomains.

Science.gov (United States)

Nakamura, Ryo; Nakano, Kumiko; Tamura, Hiroyasu; Mizunuma, Masaki; Fushiki, Tohru; Hirata, Dai

2017-08-01

Many factors contribute to palatability. In order to evaluate the palatability of Japanese alcohol sake paired with certain dishes by integrating multiple factors, here we applied an evaluation method previously reported for palatability of cheese by multiple regression analysis based on 3 subdomain factors (rewarding, cultural, and informational). We asked 94 Japanese participants/subjects to evaluate the palatability of sake (1st evaluation/E1 for the first cup, 2nd/E2 and 3rd/E3 for the palatability with aftertaste/afterglow of certain dishes) and to respond to a questionnaire related to 3 subdomains. In E1, 3 factors were extracted by a factor analysis, and the subsequent multiple regression analyses indicated that the palatability of sake was interpreted by mainly the rewarding. Further, the results of attribution-dissections in E1 indicated that 2 factors (rewarding and informational) contributed to the palatability. Finally, our results indicated that the palatability of sake was influenced by the dish eaten just before drinking.

On registration properties of Intercast Company CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Golovchenko, A.N.

1991-01-01

The CR-39 response function has been determined by using the accelerated particles of intermediate ( 2 H, 4 He, 12 C, 16 O, 20 Ne and 40 Ar) and relativistic ( 19 F) energies. The irradiated detectors were etched in 6N NaOH kept at 70 deg C. The response function is determined in a wide range of the ionization change. 10 refs.; 1 fig.; 2 tabs

Beam profile measurement with CR-39 track detector for low-energy ions

CERN Document Server

Sato, F; Tanaka, T; Iida, T; Yamauchi, T; Oda, K

1999-01-01

A CR-39 track detector was successfully used to measure the outline of thin low-energy ion beams. After the etching, the surface of the detector was examined with an observation system composed of a Normarski microscope, a CCD camera and a digital image processing computer. Beam images obtained with the system were in good agreement on the outline of the beam formed with a beam aperture. Also, the resolving power in the beam outline measurement was roughly explained from the consideration of the ion range and the etch-pit growth in the chemical etching for the CR-39 detector.

Modifications in the optical and thermal properties of a CR-39 polymeric detector induced by high doses of γ-radiation

Science.gov (United States)

Saad, A. F.; Ibraheim, Mona H.; Nwara, Aya M.; Kandil, S. A.

2018-04-01

Effects of γ-radiation on the optical and thermal properties of a poly allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC), a form of CR-39, polymer have been investigated. CR-39 detectors were exposed to γ-rays at very high doses ranging from 5.0 × 105 to 3.0 × 106 Gy. The induced changes were analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) in absorbance mode, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The UV-visible spectra of the virgin and γ-irradiated CR-39 polymer detectors displayed a significant decreasing trend in their optical energy band gaps for indirect transitions, whereas for the direct ones showed a little change. This drop in the energy band gap with increasing dose is discussed on the basis of the gamma irradiation induced modifications in the CR-39 polymeric detector. The TGA thermograms show that the weight loss rate increased with increase in dose, which may be due to the disordered system via scission followed by crosslinking in the irradiated polymer detector. The TGA thermograms also indicated that the CR-39 detector decomposed in three/four stages for the virgin and irradiated samples. The activation energy for thermal decomposition was determined using a type of Arrhenius equation based on the TGA experimental results. These experimental results so obtained can be well used in radiation dosimetry.

Alkaline erosion of CR 39 polymer surfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faiman, Laurence

2009-01-01

We have investigated the mechanism of erosion of CR 39 polymer in alkaline environments. We observed the kinetics of absorption of water and methanol into both unirradiated and γ-irradiated samples. We use a capillary model to interpret our results. We etched our samples in both KOH solutions, and KOH solutions doped with methanol. Etch rate was desensitizing to γ-irradiation when KOH concentration approached saturation, but KOH solutions doped with methanol were not desensitizing, unlike with nuclear tracks. We account for this difference

CR-39 (PADC) Reflection and Transmission of Light in the Ultraviolet-Near-Infrared (UV-NIR) Range.

Science.gov (United States)

Traynor, Nathan B J; McLauchlin, Christopher; Dodge, Kenneth; McGarrah, James E; Padalino, Stephen J; McCluskey, Michelle; Sangster, T C; McLean, James G

2018-04-01

The spectral reflection (specular and diffuse) and transmission of Columbia Resin 39 (CR-39) were measured for incoherent light with wavelengths in the range of 200-2500 nm. These results will be of use for the optical characterization of CR-39, as well as in investigations of the chemical modifications of the polymer caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. A Varian Cary 5000 was used to perform spectroscopy on several different thicknesses of CR-39. With proper analysis for the interdependence of reflectance and transmittance, results are consistent across all samples. The reflectivity from each CR-39-air boundary reveals an increase in the index of refraction in the near-UV. Absorption observations are consistent with the Beer-Lambert law. Strong absorption of UV light of wavelength shorter than 350 nm suggests an optical band gap of 3.5 eV, although the standard analysis is not conclusive. Absorption features observed in the near infrared are assigned to molecular vibrations, including some that are new to the literature.

Personnel neutron dosimetry applications of track-size distributions on electrochemically etched CR-39 foils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hankins, D.E.; Homann, S.G.; Westermark, J.

1988-01-01

The track-size distribution on electrochemically etched CR-39 foils can be used to obtain some limited information on the incident neutron spectra. Track-size distributions on CR-39 foils can also be used to determine if the tracks were caused by neutrons or if they are merely background tracks (which have a significantly different track-size distribution). Identifying and discarding the high-background foils reduces the number of foils that must be etched. This also lowers the detection limit of the dosimetry system. We have developed an image analyzer program that can more efficiently determine the track density and track-size distribution, as well as read the laser-cut identification numbers on each foil. This new image analyzer makes the routine application of track-size distributions on CR-39 foils feasible. 2 refs., 3 figs

Response of CR-39 SSNTD to high energy neutrons using zirconium convertors - a Monte Carlo and experimental study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pal, Rupali; Sapra, B.K.; Bakshi, A.K.; Datta, D.; Biju, K.; Suryanarayana, S.V.; Nayak, B.K.

2016-01-01

Neutron dosimetry in ion accelerators is a challenging field as the neutron spectrum varies from thermal, to fast and high-energy neutrons usually extending beyond 20 MeV. Solid-state Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs) have been increasingly used in numerous fields related to nuclear physics. Extensive work has also been carried out on determining the response characteristics of such detectors as nuclear spectrometers. In nuclear reaction studies, identification of reaction products according to their type and energy is frequently required. For normally incident particles, energy-dispersive track-diameter methods have become useful scientific tools using CR-39 SSNTD. CR-39 along with 1 mm polyethylene convertor can cover a neutron energy range from 100 keV to 10 MeV. The neutron interacts with the hydrogen in CR-39 producing recoil protons from elastic collisions. This detectable neutron energy range can be increased by modification in the radiator/convertor used along with CR-39. CR39 detectors placed in conjunction with judiciously chosen thicknesses of a polyethylene radiator and a lead absorber (or degrader) are used to increase energy range upto 19 MeV. A portable neutron counter has been proposed for high-energy neutron measurement with 1 cm thick Zirconium (Zr) as the converter outside a spherical HDPE shell of 7 inch diameter. Zr metal has been found to show (n,2n) cross section for energies above 10 MeV starting from 0.01 barns for 8 MeV upto 1 barns for 22 MeV. Above these energies, the experimental data is scarce. In this paper, Zr was used in conjunction with CR-39 which showed an enhancement of track density on the CR-39. This paper demonstrates the enhancement of neutron response using Zr on CR-39 with both theoretical and experimental studies

Characteristics of latent damage trails due to high energy 208Pb and 238U ions in CR-39 and muscovite mica

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chohan, A.S.; Akhtar, S.M.

1988-01-01

Experiments have been performed to study the characteristics of latent damage trails produced by (a) 17.14 MeV/nucleon- 208 Pb ions in mica and CR-39 track detectors and (b) 13.7 MeV/nucleon- 238 U in CR-39 track detectors. The parameters studied include (a) V t , average etching velocity along the track, (b) thermal stability of the latent damage trails, (c) the total etchable ranges, and (d) V g the general etching velocity of CR-39 track detectors previously annealed at different temperatures. It has been observed that the latent damage trails in CR-39 are greatly affected at temperatures around 200 0 C in CR-39 track detectors. The general etching velocity of a CR-39 detector has been found to increase with increasing annealing temperatures. (author)

Impact of x-ray dose on the response of CR-39 to 1–5.5 MeV alphas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rojas-Herrera, J., E-mail: jimmy06@mit.edu; Rinderknecht, H. G.; Zylstra, A. B.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Orozco, D.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Sio, H.; Seguin, F. H.; Frenje, J. A.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States)

2015-03-15

The CR-39 nuclear track detector is used in many nuclear diagnostics fielded at inertial confinement fusion (ICF) facilities. Large x-ray fluences generated by ICF experiments may impact the CR-39 response to incident charged particles. To determine the impact of x-ray exposure on the CR-39 response to alpha particles, a thick-target bremsstrahlung x-ray generator was used to expose CR-39 to various doses of 8 keV Cu-K{sub α} and K{sub β} x-rays. The CR-39 detectors were then exposed to 1–5.5 MeV alphas from an Am-241 source. The regions of the CR-39 exposed to x-rays showed a smaller track diameter than those not exposed to x-rays: for example, a dose of 3.0 ± 0.1 Gy causes a decrease of (19 ± 2)% in the track diameter of a 5.5 MeV alpha particle, while a dose of 60.0 ± 1.3 Gy results in a decrease of (45 ± 5)% in the track diameter. The reduced track diameters were found to be predominantly caused by a comparable reduction in the bulk etch rate of the CR-39 with x-ray dose. A residual effect depending on alpha particle energy is characterized using an empirical formula.

Employment of the polycarbonates Makrofol-DE and CR-39 for neutron radiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pereira, Marco Antonio Stanojev

2000-01-01

The track-etch method was employed for Neutron Radiography purposes. The solid state nuclear track detectors Makrofol-DE and CR-39 together with a natural boron converter screen have been used as imaging systems. In order to determine their radiographic characteristics, the imaging systems were irradiated up to neutron exposures around 6x10 10 /cm 2 in a radiography facility installed at the IEA-R1 Nuclear Research Reactor and the detectors developed between 2 and 65 minutes. The main goal of this work was determine the radiography conditions for which the best contrast and resolution are obtained at the image. These conditions are: - Makrofol-DE: neutron exposure between 2x10 9 n/cm 2 and 2x10 10 n/cm 2 and developing time 6 minutes; CR-39: neutron exposure between 3x10 9 n/cm 2 and 2x10 10 n/cm 2 and developing time 25 minutes. The present results were compared with those ones determined to other track detectors, and discussed according to the theory of the image formation in solid state nuclear track detectors based on the optical properties of a single track. (author)

Detection of heavy nuclei in the plastic track detector CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fumuro, F.; Ihara, R.; Ohta, I.; Sato, Y.; Tezuka, I.; Tasaka, S.; Sugimoto, H.

1982-01-01

Relativistic cosmic ray nuclei were detected in an emulsion chamber composed of a pile of solid state track detectors (CR-39) and the emulsion plates. The 460 heavy nuclei were observed by scanning of emulsion and CR-39 plastic plates. The normalized track etch rate (Vsub(t)/Vsub(b))-1 for relativistic iron group was measured as 1.3+-0.05 and bulk etch rate Vsub(b) as 1.63+-0.08 μm/hour after 32 hours etch in 6.8 N NaOH at 70 0 C. The charge detection threshold was obtained to be Z=6 for β=1 with the dip angle larger than 75 degrees. The charge resolution was estimated to be Δ Z=0.7 for iron, and Δ Z=0.4 for magnesium and silicon nuclei

Proton Radiography with CR-39 by Using the Protons from High Power Femto-second Laser System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choi, Chang Il; Lee, Dong Hoon; Kang, Byoung Hwi; Kim, Yong Kyun; Choi, Il Woo; Ko, Do Kyeong; Lee, Jong Min

2008-01-01

Proton radiography techniques are useful to obtain a high quality image of a thin object, because protons travel straight in matter. Generation of the high energy proton using conventional accelerator costs high and requires large accelerating facility. But proton radiography using high power femto-second(10-15 second) laser has been interested, because it can generate high energy protons at lower price than the conventional accelerator like a cyclotron. For this study, we used the CR-39 SSNTD (Solid State Nuclear Track Detector) as the proton radiography screen. Commonly, CR-39 is used to detect the tracks of energetic charged particles. Incident energetic charged particles left latent tracks in the CR-39, in the form of broken molecular chains and free radicals. These latent tracks show high chemical reactivity. After chemical etching with the caustic alkali solution such as NaOH or KOH, tracks are appeared to forms of hole. If protons with various energies enter the two targets with another thickness, number of protons passed through the target per unit area is different each other. Using this feature of protons, we can a proton radiographic image with CR-39. We studied proton radiography with CR-39 by using energetic protons from high power femto-second laser and evaluated potentiality of femto-second laser as new energetic proton generator for radiography

Efficient alpha particle detection by CR-39 applying 50 Hz-HV electrochemical etching method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sohrabi, M.; Soltani, Z.

2016-01-01

Alpha particles can be detected by CR-39 by applying either chemical etching (CE), electrochemical etching (ECE), or combined pre-etching and ECE usually through a multi-step HF-HV ECE process at temperatures much higher than room temperature. By applying pre-etching, characteristics responses of fast-neutron-induced recoil tracks in CR-39 by HF-HV ECE versus KOH normality (N) have shown two high-sensitivity peaks around 5–6 and 15–16 N and a large-diameter peak with a minimum sensitivity around 10–11 N at 25°C. On the other hand, 50 Hz-HV ECE method recently advanced in our laboratory detects alpha particles with high efficiency and broad registration energy range with small ECE tracks in polycarbonate (PC) detectors. By taking advantage of the CR-39 sensitivity to alpha particles, efficacy of 50 Hz-HV ECE method and CR-39 exotic responses under different KOH normalities, detection characteristics of 0.8 MeV alpha particle tracks were studied in 500 μm CR-39 for different fluences, ECE duration and KOH normality. Alpha registration efficiency increased as ECE duration increased to 90 ± 2% after 6–8 h beyond which plateaus are reached. Alpha track density versus fluence is linear up to 10 6  tracks cm −2 . The efficiency and mean track diameter versus alpha fluence up to 10 6  alphas cm −2 decrease as the fluence increases. Background track density and minimum detection limit are linear functions of ECE duration and increase as normality increases. The CR-39 processed for the first time in this study by 50 Hz-HV ECE method proved to provide a simple, efficient and practical alpha detection method at room temperature. - Highlights: • Alpha particles of 0.8 MeV were detected in CR-39 by 50 Hz-HV ECE method. • Efficiency/track diameter was studied vs fluence and time for 3 KOH normality. • Background track density and minimum detection limit vs duration were studied. • A new simple, efficient and low-cost alpha detection method

Observation of anomalons in CR-39 track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tincknell, M.L.; Price, P.B.

1984-01-01

The authors have observed fragments of 1.85 GeV/nucleon 40 Ar in CR-39 etched track detector and they find anomalously short mean free paths (mfp's) of secondary nuclei with 11 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 17 in the first 2 cm after their production, at approx.3 standard deviations. This confirms previous reports of this anomalon effect in nuclear emulsion in a new detector with dissimilar potential systematic errors

Fast Neutron Dosimetry Using CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

ZAKI, M.; ABDEL-NABY, A.; MORSY, A.

2010-01-01

Measurement of the neutron dose in and around the neutron sources is important for the purpose of personnel and environmental neutron dosimetry. In the present study, a method for the measurement of neutron dose using the UV-Vis spectra of CR-39 plastic track detector was investigated. A set of CR-39 plastic detectors was exposed to 252 Cf neutron source, which had the yield of 0.68x10 8 /s, and neutron dose equivalent rate 1m apart from the source is equal to 3.8 mrem/h. The samples were etched for 10 h in 6.25 N NaOH at 70 o C. The absorbance of the etched samples was measured using UV-visible spectrophotometer as a function of neutron dose. It was observed that there was a linear relationship between the optical absorption of these detectors and neutron dose. This means that the exposure dose of neutron can be determined by knowing the optical absorption of the sample. These results were compared with previous study. It was found that there was a matching and good agreement with their investigations.

Operational trials of single- and multi-element CR-39 dosemeters for the DIDO and PLUTO reactors at the Harwell Laboratory

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gallacher, G.G.; Perks, C.A.

1993-01-01

Single- and multi-element CR-39 dosemeters, developed at the Harwell Laboratory, and a commercially available multi-element CR-39 dosemeter (obtained from Track Analysis Systems Ltd), were evaluated for their potential as neutron dosemeters for personnel working at Harwell Laboratory's research reactors. Owing to the angular dependence of the CR-39 (processed using electrochemical etching), the single-element dosemeter was found to be impractical. Consequently, a multi-element dosemeter was developed, which consisted of a cube of side 36 mm with CR-39 elements (also processed using electrochemical etching) attached to each of the sides. Although this dosemeter was technically suitable for this type of dosimetry, it was considered to be unacceptably bulky in personnel trials. The commercially available CR-39 dosemeter tested was much smaller (the CR-39 was only chemically etched) and this was considered to be acceptable as a personnel dosemeter. In addition, trials with personnel working at active handling glove boxes indicated that single-element dosemeters might be adequate, but further work would be needed to verify this. (author)

Studying the response of CR-39 to radon in non-polar liquids above water by Monte Carlo simulation and measurement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rezaie, Mohammad Reza; Sohrabi, Mehdi; Negarestani, Ali

2013-01-01

measurements in water with a lower MDL than that of for example liquid scintillation method with a number of advantages. The results are presented and discussed. - Highlights: ► A new passive detection method is introduced for efficient radon measurements in water. ► Method is based on alpha tracks of radon/progeny in CR-39 in a non-polar medium above water. ► Sensitivity was enhanced (>80 times) relative to water by radon/progeny detected in hexane. ► Monte Carlo simulation was applied to determine CR-39 sensitivity to radon/progeny in water. ► The method has a number of advantages with MDL lower than alternative wide-scale methods

Bulk etching characteristics of CR-39 track detectors in hydroxide solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fonseca, E.S. da; Knoefel, T.M.J.; Tavares, O.A.P.

1983-01-01

A systematic study of the bulk etch rate of CR-39 track detectors in KOH and NaOH aqueous solutions is presented. A number of unirradiated and non-thermally treated CR-39 samples were chemically attacked in KOH and NaOH solutions of concentration and temperature in the range 2-10 N and 50-90 0 C, respectively. From measurements of the thickness of layers removed as a function of the etching time, the bulk etch rate υ β and the induction time T ο for surface removal were obtained for each etching condition. For both NaOH and KOH solution the activation energy of the process was derived as E = 0.76 ± 0.05 eV. It was observed that the induction time decreases both with increasing normality and temperature of the solution. (author) [pt

Personal Dosemeter of Thermal Neutron Using A Cr-39 Detector with Filter Natural LiF

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sofyan, Hasnel; Thamrin, M.Thoyib

1996-01-01

The research of personal dosemeter for thermal neutron using Cr-39 detector with different thicknesses of natural LiF filter was carried out. The irradiation of Cr-39 detector with neutron source from reactor research TRIGA mark II of Rikkyo University Tokyo, Japan. Nuclear track was counted by automatic method with ASPECT ver.4.22 Series A4T124 software and manual method for correction. The result of research, the maximum of nuclear tracks was obtained at 8 mm of LiF filter was 10 mm with 11,630x10E-5 track/neutron for air radiation. And on phantom radiation, the thickness of filter was 10 mm with 11,630x10E-5 track/neutron. Its values were 3.6 and 7.5 bigger than the response of Cr-39 non filter in air and on phantom radiation, respectively

CR-39 and Lexan calibrated as low-LET radiation dosimeter, for three Mexican irradiation facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tavera, L.; Balcazar, M.; Matamoros, H.; Carrasco, H.

2005-01-01

An experimental calibration of two common nuclear track detectors, CR-39 and Lexan, for gamma and electrons radiation, was performed using various irradiation facilities. The dose response was obtained as a function of two parameters, the bulk etch rate and the UV absorbance for a wide dose range from 10 to 1000 kGy. The bulk etch rate sensitivity, for gamma and electrons, in CR-39 detector is higher than for Lexan detector. Lexan has a well-defined UV absorbance spectrum, but presents saturation for doses higher than 500 kGy, the same saturation characteristic is observed for the corresponding bulk etch rate response. For electron and gamma radiation, CR-39 shows a good response for doses from 10 kGy up to 1000 kGy, where data fit well an exponential curve for electrons and a lineal curve for gamma radiation

Characterization of a alpha particle detector CR-39 exposed to a source of radium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maino, Leandro Marcondes

2009-01-01

In this project, the main goal is the characterization of a alpha particle detector CR-39 exposed to a source of radio. Three detectors were exposed to a source of radium and then chemically treated for different periods. This way, we could analyze these samples and collect the information needed to verify that at least one of the chemical attack, there has been a separation of the energies alpha particles incident with distinct peaks, thus characterizing the CR-39 as alpha spectrometer in the range 2.5 to 6.3 MeV . (author)

Alpha-particle autoradiography in CR-39: a technique for quantitative assessment of alpha-emitters in biological tissue

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fews, A.P.; Henshaw, D.L.

1983-01-01

The techniques for α-particle autoradiography based on the plastic nuclear track detector CR-39, previously reported, have been developed considerably. The techniques are applied to α-autoradiography of human lung tissue in particular but are applicable to any biological tissue. The most important developments are: (i) Improvements in the manufacture and pre-etching of the plastic. (ii) High resolution α-particle spectroscopy in CR-39 plastic based on the analysis of the structure of the etched track. (iii) Calculation of the effective thickness of tissue sampled by the plastic. (iv) A deconvolution analysis which takes the distributions of track length and dip angle in the plastic and determines the α-particle range spectrum and distribution of tissue activity with height above the plastic surface. (v) The analysis of radon diffusion in tissue to determine the mean radon diffusion distance in tissue and plastic. (author)

Directional Track Selection Technique in CR39 SSNTD for lowyield reaction experiments

Science.gov (United States)

Ingenito, Francesco; Andreoli, Pierluigi; Batani, Dimitri; Bonasera, Aldo; Boutoux, Guillaume; Burgy, Frederic; Cipriani, Mattia; Consoli, Fabrizio; Cristofari, Giuseppe; De Angelis, Riccardo; Di Giorgio, Giorgio; Ducret, Jean Eric; Giulietti, Danilo; Jakubowska, Katarzyna

2018-01-01

There is a great interest in the study of p-11B aneutronic nuclear fusion reactions, both for energy production and for determination of fusion cross-sections at low energies. In this context we performed experiments at CELIA in which energetic protons, accelerated by the laser ECLIPSE, were directed toward a solid Boron target. Because of the small cross-sections at these energies the number of expected reactions is low. CR39 Solid-State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD) were used to detect the alpha particles produced. Because of the low expected yield, it is difficult to discriminate the tracks due to true fusion products from those due to natural background in the CR39. To this purpose we developed a methodology of particle recognition according to their direction with respect to the detector normal, able to determine the position of their source. We applied this to the specific experiment geometry, so to select from all the tracks those due to particles coming from the region of interaction between accelerated protons and solid boron target. This technique can be of great help on the analysis of SSNTD in experiments with low yield reactions, but can be also generally applied to any experiment where particles reach the track detector with known directions, and for example to improve the detection limit of particle spectrometers using CR39.

Suitability of CR-39 dosimeters for personal dosimetry around CANDU reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cross, W.G.

1992-08-01

The capabilities and limitations of CR-39 damage track detectors have been evaluated for their use as personal neutron dosimeters around CANDU reactors. Since the energy response is a critical characteristic, the neutron energy spectra expected within CANDU containments were studied. In the boiler rooms, around the moderator cooling systems, and in most of the fueling machine vaults, the spectra vary considerably, but the majority of the dose is expected to be delivered by neutrons above 80 keV, the approximate threshold for electrochemically-etched CR-39 detectors. In the Pickering A fueling machine vault, and in areas in other stations to which neutrons from reactors have been multiply scattered, lower energy neutrons may be important. In nearly all areas where people work, it appears that working times will be limited by gamma rays rather than by neutrons. The characteristics of other neutron dosimeters - bubble and superheated drop detectors, albedo detectors, and Si real-time detectors - were also reviewed. For workers who typically receive neutron doses that are small compared with regulatory limits, CR-39 is the most suitable available dosimeter for demonstrating compliance. All single dosimeters have poor angular response over the range 0 to 180 degrees because of the shielding of the body. Albedo and Si detectors have particularly poor energy responses over the energy range of importance. Bubble and superheated drop detectors have the advantages of immediate readout and high sensitivity, but the disadvantages of inability to integrate doses over a long period, temperature dependence, very limited range and higher cost. (Author) (110 refs., 45 figs.)

A parameterization of nuclear track profiles in CR-39 detector

Science.gov (United States)

Azooz, A. A.; Al-Nia'emi, S. H.; Al-Jubbori, M. A.

2012-11-01

In this work, the empirical parameterization describing the alpha particles’ track depth in CR-39 detectors is extended to describe longitudinal track profiles against etching time for protons and alpha particles. MATLAB based software is developed for this purpose. The software calculates and plots the depth, diameter, range, residual range, saturation time, and etch rate versus etching time. The software predictions are compared with other experimental data and with results of calculations using the original software, TRACK_TEST, developed for alpha track calculations. The software related to this work is freely downloadable and performs calculations for protons in addition to alpha particles. Program summary Program title: CR39 Catalog identifier: AENA_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AENA_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Copyright (c) 2011, Aasim Azooz Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met • Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer. • Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution This software is provided by the copyright holders and contributors “as is” and any express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed. In no event shall the copyright owner or contributors be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and

Exposure of CR39 Stacks to Oxygen and Sulphur Beams at the CERN-SPS

CERN Multimedia

2002-01-01

We plan to expose 8 stacks of CR39 sheets to oxygen and sulphur ions of 60 and 200~GeV at the CERN-SPS.\\\\ \\\\ The main purpose of the exposures is the calibration of the CR39 sheets used for a large area experimental search for magnetic monopoles at the Gran Sasso Laboratory (experiment MACRO). \\\\ \\\\ The stacks have 20~layers of CR39, each layer 13~cm~x~7~cm and 1.4~mm thick. A copper absorber is located after the first 6 layers. \\\\ \\\\ We require exposures of about 2000 tracks per cm$^2$ over the entire area of the stack with a uniform illumination. The standard beam used for the emulsion experiments is normally adequate for this purpose.\\\\ \\\\ We have performed one exposure to sulphur ions. The etched tracks have been measured automatically with the Elbeck image analyser system. We measured the incoming sulphur ions as well as the nuclear fragments produced in the copper absorber. Clean separation among the peaks due to the various fragments is obtained (there is no indication of nuclei with fractional electri...

The effect of solarradiation and UV photons on the CR-39 nuclear track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saad, A.F.

2003-01-01

The effects induced in the CR-39 polymer detector by total solar radiation (TSR) and UV photons were investigated. Thr exposure of detector samples to solar photons was carried out according to certain conditions. The TSR exposure period started in the middle of july and lasted unitel 12 th of september. 2000: the hottest months in zagazig, egypt. Another set of detector samples was exposed to UV photons from a UV lamp for different intervals. After UV exposure, these detectors were analysed with an FT-IR sepectrometer of jasco type 5300 in transmission mode. The FT-IR spectra does not show any considerable modifications due to UV irradiation in that detector. The effects of UV light were compared with those of solar radiation containing ultraviolet photons , on the registration properties of this polymer detector. Preliminaryresults revealed a proportionate increase in bluk etch rate of CR-39 detector with the increase of exposure time to the solar radiation. The results indicated that the CR-39 polymer detector can be used as a solar radiation dosimeter

Wide-range neutron dose determination with CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arneja, A.R.; Waker, A.J.

1995-01-01

Optical density measurements of CR-30 irradiated with 252 Cf neutrons and chemically etched with 6.5 N KOH solution have been used to determine neutron absorbed doses between 0.1 and 10 Gy. Optimum etching conditions will depend upon the absorbed dose. Since it is not always possible to know the range of absorbed dose on a CR-39 dosemeter collected from personnel and area monitor stations in a criticality accident situation, a three-step two-hour chemical etch at 60 o C has been found to be appropriate. If after a total of six hours of chemical etching the optical density is found to be below 0.04 for 500 nm light (transmission > 90%) then further treatment in the form of electrochemical etching can be carried out to determine the lower absorbed dose. In this manner, absorbed doses below 0.1 Gy can be determined by counting tracks over a unit area. (author)

Characteristics of neutron-irradiated CR-39 foils treated by sequential chemical and electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Somogyi, G.; Dajko, G.; Turek, K.; Spurny, F.

1982-01-01

The density of background spots revealed by chemical (CE) and electrochemical (ECE) etching and by their sequential application (CE + ECE) has been measured in several sorts of CR-39 material. The trends in the variation of sensitivity to Am-Be neutrons have been determined in CR-39 sheets covered by thick proton-radiator, when changing the field strength, frequency, etchant concentration, pre-etch duration and the fluence of neutrons. The results are analyzed in order to find out an optimum set of experimental parameters which may be proposed to attain high registration sensitivity to neutrons. (author)

High resolution alpha-autoradiography for measurement of 10B distribution in subcellular scale using CR-39 and AFM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amemiya, K.; Takahashi, H.; Yasuda, N.

2000-01-01

In order to measure 10 B distribution in tumor tissues for BNCT at subcellular scale, we have developed a new method for high resolution alpha-autoradiography using contact X-ray microscopy technique with CR-39 plastic track detectors. Sliced sections of boron-injected brain tumors in rats were mounted on CR-39 and irradiated with thermal neutrons at KUR. Then the samples were exposed to soft X-rays from a laser plasma source. After etching the CR-39 in NaOH solution for a short time (1-5 min.), transmission X-ray image of tumor cells appeared as relief on CR-39 surface, and could be observed with the atomic force microscopy (AFM). Very small etch pits of about 100 nm in diameter corresponding to particle tracks from 10 B(n, α) 7 Li reactions were also observed in the image simultaneously. This method provides an accurate distribution of 10 B inside the cell. (author)

CR-39 α track detector and its application in observing of the hot particles in environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zou Benchuan

1992-01-01

CR-39 α track detector is a new α remitting radionuclides plastic detector. It is audio-visual, convenient and economic in the detection of α particle track and the distribution of α emitting radionuclides in environmental samples. CR-39 α track detector is used to observe the hot particles in rock and the hot particles coming from the liquid effluents discharged by spent fuel reprocessing plant in UK in marine environment and got good results

Relation between the size of fog droplets and their contact angles with CR39 surfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grosu, G; Andrzejewski, L; Veilleux, G; Ross, G G

2004-01-01

The formation of fog on CR39 surfaces has been studied. Water droplets form fog coalesce with time, especially during the first 20 s at the beginning of the formation of fog. Consequently, their mean diameter increases. Formation of fog being related to the wettability of the surfaces, the latter has been increased by the implantation of Ar ions into CR39 surfaces under an oxygen partial pressure. A very wetting CR39 surface with advancing (ACA) and receding (RCA) contact angles below 5 deg. has been obtained with an implantation dose of 1.28x10 17 Ar + cm -2 . In this condition, no formation of fog was observed. Characterization using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown that the molecular structure of CR39 is strongly modified by Ar + implantation, which would be responsible for the increase in wettability. Unfortunately, both ACA and RCA increase with time, which is called ageing, and the formation of fog is again observed. The diameter and concentration of water droplets forming fog have been plotted against the contact angle. These plots show that no formation of fog occurs for ACA 15 He + cm -2 and an energy of 2 keV, sufficient to push the ions deeper than the Ar depth profile, delays the ageing effect in such a way that ACA ≅ 40 deg. is reached after ∼2000 h and no formation of fog is observed during these first ∼2000 h

Present status of fast neutron personnel dosimetry system based on CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pal, Rupali; Sathian, Deepa; Jayalakshmi, V.; Bakshi, A.K.; Chougaonkar, M.P.; Mayya, Y.S.; Kumar, Valli; Babu, Rajesh; Kar, S.; Joshi, V.M.

2011-08-01

Neutron sources are of different types depending upon the method of production such as nuclear reactors, particle accelerators and laboratory sources. Neutron sources depending upon their energy, flux, size etc. are used for variety of applications in basic and applied sciences, neutron scattering experiments and in industry such as oil well - digging, coal mining and processing, ore processing etc. Personnel working in nuclear installations such as reactors, accelerators, spent fuel processing plants, nuclear fuel cycle operations and those working in various industries such as oil refining, oil well-digging, coal mining and processing, ore processing, etc. need to be monitored for neutron exposures, if any. Neutron monitoring is especially necessary in view of the fact that the radiation weighting factor for neutron is much higher than gamma rays and also it varies with energy. Radiological Physics and Advisory Division is involved in monitoring of personnel working in neutron fields. Around 2100 workers from 70 institutions (DAE and Non-DAE) are monitored on a quarterly basis. Neutron personnel monitoring, carried out in the country is based on Solid State Nuclear Track Detection (SSNTD) technique. In this technique, neutrons interact with hydrogen in CR-39 polymer to produce recoil protons. These protons create damages in the polymer, which are enlarged and appear as tracks when subjected to electrochemical etching (ECE). These tracks are counted in an optical system to evaluate the neutron dose. The neutron dosimetry system based on SSNTD has undergone a significant development, since it was started in 1990. The development includes upgradation of image analysis system for counting tracks, introduction of chemical etching (CE) at elevated temperatures for evaluation of dose equivalents above 10 mSv and use of carbon laser for cutting of CR-39 detectors. The entire dose evaluation process has been standardized, which includes calibration and performance tests

Angular and dose dependence of CR-39 neutron response for shape-selected tracks

CERN Document Server

Tam, N C; Lakosi, L

1999-01-01

A shape selection method corresponding to an energy discrimination was used to eliminate unwanted events disturbing evaluation of CR-39 detectors in detecting tracks induced by particles both of perpendicular and oblique incidence. The angular dependence of the response was examined, detecting fast neutrons from sup 2 sup 5 sup 2 Cf with shape selection technique at various angles and distances. Also, the CR-39 track detectors with the sup 2 sup 5 sup 2 Cf source were exposed to high gamma-intensity of a sup 6 sup 0 Co irradiation facility in the range 0.1 to 4.5 kGy, similar to the exposures inside spent fuel assemblies. Using the two functions the lower limit of burnup could be determined by the method.

Energy-dependent etching-related impacts on CR-39 alpha detection efficiency for the Rn-222 and Rn-220 decay chains

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, Y.; Yuan, H.; Kearfott, K. J.

2018-04-01

CR-39 detectors are widely used to measure environmental levels of Rn-222, Rn-220 and their progeny. Prior research reported the CR-39 detection efficiency for alpha particles from Rn-222, Rn-220 and their progeny under a variety of etching conditions. This paper provides an explanation for interesting observations included in that work, namely that the critical incidence angle decreases with the increasing particle energy and the detection efficiency for 8.78 MeV alpha particles is zero. This paper explains these phenomena from a consideration of the interaction of alpha particles with the CR-39 detectors and the physics of etching dynamics. The proposed theory provides a rationale for an approach to optimizing the etching conditions of CR-39 detector for measuring Rn-222, Rn-220 and their progenies.

Effect of certain production parameters and post-production treatments on the etching characteristics of CR-39 sheets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Somogyi, G.; Toth-Szilagyi, M.; Hunyadi, I.; Hafez, A.-F.

1986-01-01

There is a permanent need in producing track recording detectors of well defined behaviour from CR-39 monomer. Therefore, more studies on the role of production parameters determining the stability of main etching characteristics (bulk etch rate, Vsub(B);etch rate ratio, Vsub(T)/Vsub(B);opaqueness after longer etching periods) are highly required. In our studies we have examined different commercial CR-39 sheets (Homalite, Pershore, MA-ND) to compare their registration sensitivity to selected alpha and proton energies. In addition, we have investigated the main etching parameters of CR-39 sheets manufactured under different casting conditions varying the concentration of initiator and certain additives. Finally, the effect of some post-production treatments, annealing and storage in vacuum, on the Vsub(B) and Vsub(T)/Vsub(B) values is studied.

Regional food dishes in the Brazilian National School Food Program: Acceptability and nutritional composition

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Diogo thimoteo da Cunha

2014-08-01

Full Text Available Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition and describe the acceptability of regional culinary dishes served to students from public schools of rural and urban areas. Methods: Ten Brazilian regional dishes were evaluated for acceptability and nutritional composition. the survey was conducted in schools located in rural and urban areas of two cities in the state of São Paulo. Dish acceptability was evaluated using leftover analysis and a 5-point facial hedonic scale. the adherence index was calculated and used as an indirect measure of acceptance, and the nutritional composition was calculated based on the technical files of each dish. Results: A total of 2,384 students from 20 schools participated in the study and 1,174 tasted and evaluated the dishes. the test using the 5-point facial hedonic scale demonstrated that five dishes (Caldo verde soup, persimmon jelly, chicken with okra, puréed cornmeal with spinach, and arugula pizza had an acceptability rate above 85.0%. the mean adherence indices were 57.3% and 55.6% in urban and rural environments, respectively. Analysis of the nutritional composition of regional dishes indicates that these dishes can partially meet macronutrient recommendations. Conclusion: the tested dishes can become part of school menus as they were accepted or partly accepted by the students regardless of school location, whether rural or urban. the cultural heritage is an important resource for the food sovereignty of a country and should be constantly encouraged.

Empirical assessment of the detection efficiency of CR-39 at high proton fluence and a compact, proton detector for high-fluence applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rosenberg, M. J., E-mail: mrosenbe@mit.edu; Séguin, F. H.; Waugh, C. J.; Rinderknecht, H. G.; Orozco, D.; Frenje, J. A.; Johnson, M. Gatu; Sio, H.; Zylstra, A. B.; Sinenian, N.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States); Glebov, V. Yu.; Stoeckl, C.; Hohenberger, M.; Sangster, T. C. [Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623 (United States); LePape, S.; Mackinnon, A. J.; Bionta, R. M.; Landen, O. L. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550 (United States); and others

2014-04-15

CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors are widely used in physics and in many inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments, and under ideal conditions these detectors have 100% detection efficiency for ∼0.5–8 MeV protons. When the fluence of incident particles becomes too high, overlap of particle tracks leads to under-counting at typical processing conditions (5 h etch in 6N NaOH at 80 °C). Short etch times required to avoid overlap can cause under-counting as well, as tracks are not fully developed. Experiments have determined the minimum etch times for 100% detection of 1.7–4.3-MeV protons and established that for 2.4-MeV protons, relevant for detection of DD protons, the maximum fluence that can be detected using normal processing techniques is ≲3 × 10{sup 6} cm{sup −2}. A CR-39-based proton detector has been developed to mitigate issues related to high particle fluences on ICF facilities. Using a pinhole and scattering foil several mm in front of the CR-39, proton fluences at the CR-39 are reduced by more than a factor of ∼50, increasing the operating yield upper limit by a comparable amount.

Calibration of detectors type CR-39 for methodology implementation for Radon-222 determination in CRCN-NE, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Karolayne E.M. da; Santos, Mariana L. de O.; Amaral, Déric S. do; Vilela, Eldice C.; França, Elvis J. de; Hazin, Clovis A.; Farias, Emerson E.G. de

2017-01-01

Radon-222 is a radioactive gas, a product of the decay of uranium-238, which emits alpha particles and represents more than 50% of the dose of natural radiation received by the population. Therefore, monitoring of this gas is essential. For indoor measurement, solid state detectors can be used, the most common of which is CR-39. For monitoring using CR-39, alpha particles, generated by radon-222 and the daughter radionuclides, strike the surface of the detector and generate traces. To relate the trace density per exposure area in environments with unknown activity concentration, it is necessary to determine the calibration factor. The objective of this study was to calibrate CR-39 type detectors for the implementation of the radon determination methodology in Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares do Nordeste - CRCN-NE of Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission - CNEN. In order to determine the CR-39 calibration factor, 19 exposures of the detectors were performed in the CRCN-NE calibration chamber (RN1-CRCN) at an activity of 5.00 kBq m -3 , with the exposure time varying from 24 to 850 hours. For the detection of the detectors, sodium hydroxide was used in a thermostat bath at 90 ° C for 5 hours. The count of number of traits per unit of field was performed with the aid of optical microscopy with an increase of 100 times, being read 30 fields per dosimeters. As a result, the calibration factor was obtained, and the linear response of the trace density as a function of exposure was observed. The results allow the use of CR-39 in the determination of radon-222 by CRCN-NE

Neutron measurement in 12,13C+ 27Al system using CR-39 detectors and neutron rem meter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahoo, G.S.; Tripathy, S.P.; Shanbhag, A.A.; Sunil, C.; Joshi, D.S.; Sarkar, P.K.

2011-01-01

In this work, neutron measurements carried out for the interaction of 60 and 67.5 MeV 12 C, 57.3 and 65 MeV 13 C ions with thick aluminium target by using CR-39 detectors and neutron rem meter is reported. Both the detector systems were irradiated at different angles viz. 0 deg, 30 deg, 60 deg, 90 deg with respect to the beam direction. The normalized track density measurements (tracks/cm 2 /projectile at 1m) in CR-39 detectors were correlated with the normalized dose equivalent values (μSv/projectile at 1m) obtained using the neutron rem meter. The track density was found to be more in case of 13 C than 12 C. However in all the cases, the track density per incident projectile was found to decrease as the angle with respect to beam direction increases, indicating non-isotropic nature of neutron emission. The ratio between measured dose equivalent in rem meter to the measured track densities in CR-39 detectors was found to be 2.8±0.2, which remains constant irrespective of the change in angle from beam direction as well as neutron spectrum, indicating a flat dose response of CR-39 detectors. (author)

Alpha particle radiography and the track plastic detector CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, Bismarck Amilar de.

1991-05-01

This work develops the radiographic technique using charged particle beams. This technique complements the X-ray conventional radiography, and presents some advantages in certain cases. The material used as nuclear plastic detector was CR-39, manufactured by Pershre Mould. England, of 250 and 1000 μm nominal thicknesses. The irradiations were made with 7 MeV/Nucleon alpha particles beams, accelerated in the CV-28 Cyclotron of Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear/CNEN - Rio de Janeiro. The etch conditions used were a Na OH 6,25 N solution at 70 0 C, varying the etch time, so that the best etch time was found to be six hours. The calibration curve is presented, which permits images interpretation, showed in terms of light transmittance (obtained using a micro densitometer), and in terms of energy losses suffered by alpha particles in several aluminum degradating thicknesses. This curve was checked by the use of other degradating materials: Mylar, Makrofol, and CR-39 itself. The influence of alpha particle beam FWHM widening on images quality, when it crosses several degradating materials, is also presented. Radiographs of some specimen are presented, including some images obtained varying some irradiation and etch parameters. (author). 62 refs., 22 figs., 19 tabs

Proton radiographic characteristics of thin CR-39 detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Waheed, A.; Manzoor, S.; Khan, H.A.; Urlep, I.; Ilic, R.

1991-01-01

Two parameters, track registration sensitivity and densitometric response, were measured in radiography with a low energy (∼4.5 MeV) proton beam and a stack of thin (100μm) CR-39 detector foils. The optimum image quality was obtained at a layer removal thickness of about 1 μm. The image obtained under these conditions is characterized by a high track registration sensitivity (∼60%), high image contrast (the maximum value of the net optical density is ∼0.7) and high spatial resolution (∼1 μm). The application of the technique in biomedicine is illustrated by proton radiographs of botanical samples. (author)

Metagenomic data of fungal internal transcribed spacer from serofluid dish, a traditional Chinese fermented food

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peng Chen

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Serofluid dish (or Jiangshui, in Chinese, a traditional food in the Chinese culture for thousands of years, is made from vegetables by fermentation. In this work, microorganism community of the fermented serofluid dish was investigated by the culture-independent method. The metagenomic data in this article contains the sequences of fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS regions of rRNA genes from 12 different serofluid dish samples. The metagenome comprised of 50,865 average raw reads with an average of 8,958,220 bp and G + C content is 45.62%. This is the first report on metagenomic data of fungal ITS from serofluid dish employing Illumina platform to profile the fungal communities of this little known fermented food from Gansu Province, China. The Metagenomic data of fungal internal transcribed spacer can be accessed at NCBI, SRA database accession no. SRP067411. Keywords: Serofluid dish, Jiangshui, Fungal ITS, Cultivation-independent, Microbial diversity

Range to cone length relations for light ions in CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gil, L.R.; Marques, A.

1988-01-01

Curves ''range x cone lenght'' and ''diameter x cone lenght'' are calculated for tracks left by low energy light ions in CR-39. The calculations cover ions from helium to iron and are performed for 6.25 N NaOH at 70 0 C and a standard etching time but can be easily extended to other etching conditions. (author) [pt

A quick method for maintaining the molarity of NaOH solution during continuous etching of CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khan, E.U.; Husaini, S.N.; Malik, F.; Sajid, M.; Karim, S.; Qureshi, I.E.

2002-01-01

A series of experiments have been performed to investigate the physio-chemical changes that occurred in the 6 M NaOH solution after etching CR-39 (Pershore and Homalite) detectors, each for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 h. Various physical parameters like concentration, electrical conductivity (EC) and density of the solutions have been measured after each etching interval. Results have been discussed in the light of stoichiometrical equation for the interaction of CR-39 with NaOH. It is found that the concentration, EC and the density of the solution, in which CR-39 has been etched, increase linearly with respect to the etching time. The inter-relationship of EC-concentration and density-concentration suggest that the concentration of the etchant can be maintained at certain desired value by adjusting the corresponding value of EC or density, measured through non-destructive and quick methods

Changes in CR-39 proton sensitivity due to prolonged exposure to high vacuums relevant to the National Ignition Facility and OMEGA.

Science.gov (United States)

Manuel, M J-E; Rosenberg, M J; Sinenian, N; Rinderknecht, H; Zylstra, A B; Séguin, F H; Frenje, J; Li, C K; Petrasso, R D

2011-09-01

When used at facilities like OMEGA and the NIF, CR-39 is exposed to high vacuum environments before and after irradiation by charged particles and neutrons. Using an electrostatic linear accelerator at MIT, studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of high vacuum exposure on the sensitivity of CR-39 to fusion protons in the ~1-9 MeV energy range. High vacuum conditions, of order 10(-5) Torr, experienced by CR-39 samples at these facilities were emulated. It is shown that vacuum exposure times longer than ~16 h before proton irradiation result in a decrease in proton sensitivity, whereas no effect was observed for up to 67 h of vacuum exposure after proton irradiation. CR-39 sensitivity curves are presented for samples with prolonged exposure to high vacuum before and after proton irradiation. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Study of projectile fragmentation in the reaction (158 A GeV) Pb + Pb using CR-39

CERN Document Server

Qureshi, I E; Javed, M T; Manzoor, S; Sher, G; Aleem, F; Khan, H A

2005-01-01

The fragmentation of Pb ions at 158 A GeV energy produced in the interaction with Pb target has been studied using a CR-39 track detector. A stack comprising of 64 detectors was prepared such that a target of 1 cm thickness was sandwiched between the sheets of CR-39. The purpose of this exposure geometry was to calibrate CR-39 with respect to relativistic heavy ions as well as to study the fragmentation of Pb ions at 158 A GeV energy. The exposure was carried out at the SPS beam facility of CERN at normal incidence with a fluence of . Two detectors from the exposed stack have been selected for this study: one before and the other after the target material. After etching, the detectors were scanned using an optical microscope and the etched track lengths and the diameters of the track openings were measured manually. Considering that the lengths of tracks provide the best charge resolution for Z>65, we have measured track lengths for a sufficiently large number of fragments to identify individual charge states...

Electrochemical development of particle tracks in CR-39 polymer dosimeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hadlock, D.E.; Parkhurst, M.A.; Yang, C.S.; Groeger, J.; Johnson, J.R.; Huang, S.J.

1985-09-01

Electrochemical etching of CR-39 polymeric track etch neutron detectors results in proton-recoil tracks can be distinguished from background tracks much better than tracks developed solely by chemical etching. A newly designed and constructed electrochemical etching apparatus allows large numbers of dosimeters to be processed simultaneously with consistent results. Many processing systems have been developed for chemical and electrochemical etching of the track etch dosimeters. Three systems specifically show great promise and are being studied extensively

Characterization of CR 39 nuclear track detector for use as a radon/thoron dosemeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kandaiya, S.

1988-02-01

For the estimation of radon, thoron and their short-lived daughter products in air radon diffusion chambers with passive α-track etch detectors have been used. The report describes the properties of CR 39 track etch detectors in particular with respect to the spectrometric detection of α-particles in the energy range up to 8.77 MeV using chemical and a combination of chemical-electrochemical etching technique. In order to optimize the etching conditions for an α-energy discrimination in the energy range up to 8.77 MeV, the ECE track size diameter and the track density have been investigated as a function of the chemical pre-etching time using three electrical field strengths. In a mixed α-spectrum the contributions of various α-particles with energies between 4.6 to 8.77 MeV have been determined experimentally in CR 39 and compared with the spectral measurement using a surface barrier detector and the same irradiation geometry. Beside CR 39 detectors etched chemically and electrochemically, in addition surface barrier detectors and a Monte Carlo calculation have been used to evaluate the α-energy spectrum for thoron and its daughter products emitted by α-decays in the air volume and the plate-out of daughters at the inner surface on the diffusion chamber. (orig./HP) [de

γ-ray irradiation of cooked dishes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lin Ruotai; Cheng Wei; Wen Shengli; Xiong Guangquan; Ye Lixiu; Chen Yuxia; Zhang Jinmu; He Jianjun; Lin Yong; Zhan Hanping

2005-01-01

Ready-to-eat cooked dishes, including stir-fried dishes, steamed dishes, roast meat, deep dried dishes, shrimps and seashells, and dishes of local flavor, etc were irradiated with 60 Co γ-rays, and the decontamination effects were studied. The results showed that most of the cooked dishes are suitable for irradiation. The effective dose is 4 kGy to 8 kGy. Index of microbe of the irradiated dishes was conformed to the National Food-Health standards, and no significant sensory changes was observed with the irradiated dishes. The quality guarantee period (0-5 degree C) is 60 days. (authors)

A PDMS Device Coupled with Culture Dish for In Vitro Cell Migration Assay.

Science.gov (United States)

Lv, Xiaoqing; Geng, Zhaoxin; Fan, Zhiyuan; Wang, Shicai; Pei, WeiHua; Chen, Hongda

2018-04-30

Cell migration and invasion are important factors during tumor progression and metastasis. Wound-healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay are efficient tools to investigate tumor development because both of them could be applied to measure cell migration rate. Therefore, a simple and integrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device was developed for cell migration assay, which could perform quantitative evaluation of cell migration behaviors, especially for the wound-healing assay. The integrated device was composed of three units, which included cell culture dish, PDMS chamber, and wound generation mold. The PDMS chamber was integrated with cell culture chamber and could perform six experiments under different conditions of stimuli simultaneously. To verify the function of this device, it was utilized to explore the tumor cell migration behaviors under different concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) at different time points. This device has the unique capability to create the "wound" area in parallel during cell migration assay and provides a simple and efficient platform for investigating cell migration assay in biomedical application.

Autoradiographic measurement of low concentrations of alpha-active nuclides using CR-39 track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Freyer, K.; Dietze, K.; Weisse, S.; Kummer, G.

1991-01-01

An autoradiographic method for the determination of alpha emission rates from plastic packaging materials for VLSI silicon memory devices based on long-time exposure of the samples on CR-39 detectors has been tested. The lower limit of detection will be strongly influenced by the background of the detector material and amounts at times to 0.002 alpha particles cm -2 h -1 after 200 days exposure. A mathematical method for the interpretation of very low track densities is discussed. The first results of its application are presented. (author)

Response of CR-39 Detector Against Fast Neutron Using D-Polyethylene and H-Polyethylene Radiator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sofyan, Hasnel

1996-01-01

The research on the response of detector CR-39 by using D-Polyethylene and H-Polyethylene radiator has been carried out. The optimum number of nuclear tracks was found with the use of 30 % NaOH at 80 + 0,5oC for 80 minutes of etching time. The comparison of CR-39 detector response caused by D-Polyethylene radiator against H-Polyethylene radiator of irradiation in air, were found to be 1.18 and 0.84 for 241Am-Be neutron source and neutron source from reactor respectively. For phantom irradiation, the results were found to be 1.75 for 241Am-Be neutron source, and 0.77 for neutron source from reactor

Development of hybrid track detector using CR39 and photographic plate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuge, K.; Endo, Y.; Hayashi, K.; Iwakiri, S.; Hasegawa, A.; Yasuda, N.; Kumagai, H.

2005-01-01

To improve the hybrid track detector using both CR39 and silver halide photography the gold deposition development technique was applied to this. Nuclear tracks composed of gold clusters were obtained. This method has several advantages; 1. no filament formation, 2. easy control of the cluster size owing to the independence of the size of silver halide grain, 3. easy treatment of the waste solution of developer. (author)

Measurements of radon in dwellings with CR-39 track detectors

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Majborn, Benny

1986-01-01

A passive integrating dosemeter has been designed for measuring natural radiation in dwellings. The dosemeter contains one or two CR-39 track detectors to measure radon and three thermoluminescence dosemeters to measure external radiation. The dosemeter was investigated in a pilot study in 1983....../84, and it is now used in a nationwide survey of natural radiation in Danish dwellings. The characteristics of the dosemeter with respect to radon measurements are presented, and the radon monitoring results obtained in the pilot study are summarized...

Nutritional composition of commonly consumed composite dishes from rural villages in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Science.gov (United States)

Spearing, K; Kolahdooz, F; Lukasewich, M; Mathe, N; Khamis, T; Sharma, S

2013-06-01

Accurate nutrient composition data for composite dishes unique to a population is essential for the development of a nutrient database and the calculation of dietary intake. The present study aimed to provide the nutritional composition of composite dishes frequently consumed in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Commonly consumed composite dishes were identified using 24-h recalls collected from 79 randomly selected community members. Multiple recipes were collected for each reported dish. The mean nutritional composition of each dish was calculated per 100 g using the nutribase clinical nutrition manager (Cybersoft Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA). A total of 79 recipes were collected for 16 commonly consumed dishes (seven meat-based, five starch-based and four legume/vegetable-based). 'Fried chicken' contained the most energy [1469 kJ (351 kcal)], protein (29.7 g), fat (23.7 g), cholesterol (123 mg) and niacin (8.4 mg). 'Fried beef' contained the most potassium (495 mg) and zinc (6.4 mg), whereas 'fish stew' had the most vitamin D (4.2 μg) and calcium (215 mg). 'Fried cabbage' and 'fried spinach' contained the largest percent energies from fat, at 79% and 76%, respectively. A traditional sweet bread, 'jeqe', made with fortified flour contributed significantly to iron (4.6 mg), niacin (4.5 μg) and folate (129 μg). The sodium content of dishes ranged from 88 to 679 mg per 100 g. The nutritional composition data for commonly consumed dishes in rural KwaZulu-Natal is presented. Although the dishes are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals, they also contain substantial amounts of fat. This culturally appropriate information will enable the calculation of dietary intake and can be used to encourage the consumption of recipes rich in key nutrients. © 2012 The Authors Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics © 2012 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Experimental and Monte Carlo simulation studies of open cylindrical radon monitoring device using CR-39 detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rehman, Fazal-ur- E-mail: fazalr@kfupm.edu.sa; Jamil, K.; Zakaullah, M.; Abu-Jarad, F.; Mujahid, S.A

2003-07-01

There are several methods of measuring radon concentrations but nuclear track detector cylindrical dosimeters are widely employed. In this investigation, the consequence of effective volumes of the dosimeters on the registration of alpha tracks in a CR-39 detector was studied. In a series of experiments an optimum radius for a CR-39-based open cylindrical radon dosimeter was found to be about 3 cm. Monte Carlo simulation techniques hav been employed to verify the experimental results. In this context, a computer code Monte Carlo simulation dosimetry (MOCSID) was developed. Monte Carlo simulation experiments gave the optimum radius of the dosimeters as 3.0 cm. The experimental results are in good agreement with those obtained by Monte Carlo design calculations. In addition to this, plate-out effects of radon progeny were also studied. It was observed that the contribution of radon progeny ({sup 218}Po and {sup 214}Po) plated-out on the wall of the dosimeters increases with an increase of dosimeter radii and then decrease to 0 at a radius of about 3 cm if a point detector has been installed at the center of the dosimeter base. In the code MOCSID different types of random number generators were employed. The results of this research are very useful for designing an optimum size of radon dosimeters.

Experimental and Monte Carlo simulation studies of open cylindrical radon monitoring device using CR-39 detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rehman, Fazal-ur-; Jamil, K.; Zakaullah, M.; Abu-Jarad, F.; Mujahid, S.A.

2003-01-01

There are several methods of measuring radon concentrations but nuclear track detector cylindrical dosimeters are widely employed. In this investigation, the consequence of effective volumes of the dosimeters on the registration of alpha tracks in a CR-39 detector was studied. In a series of experiments an optimum radius for a CR-39-based open cylindrical radon dosimeter was found to be about 3 cm. Monte Carlo simulation techniques hav been employed to verify the experimental results. In this context, a computer code Monte Carlo simulation dosimetry (MOCSID) was developed. Monte Carlo simulation experiments gave the optimum radius of the dosimeters as 3.0 cm. The experimental results are in good agreement with those obtained by Monte Carlo design calculations. In addition to this, plate-out effects of radon progeny were also studied. It was observed that the contribution of radon progeny ( 218 Po and 214 Po) plated-out on the wall of the dosimeters increases with an increase of dosimeter radii and then decrease to 0 at a radius of about 3 cm if a point detector has been installed at the center of the dosimeter base. In the code MOCSID different types of random number generators were employed. The results of this research are very useful for designing an optimum size of radon dosimeters

Effect of oxygen pressure on sensitivity of CR-39 used for astronauts radiation dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murai, T.; Yabe, S.; Nagamatsu, A.; Tawara, H.; Kumagai, H.; Miyazawa, Y.; Kitajo, K.; Kodaira, S.; Yasuda, N.

2006-01-01

The personal radiation dosimeters for astronauts are exposed to low-pressure oxygen gas (0.29 atmospheres) during extra-vehicle activities. CR-39 plastic track detectors are one of the typical passive dosimeters for space radiation monitoring. We investigated change in track formation sensitivity of the antioxidant-doped CR-39 plastic with which oxygen gas comes in contact at different pressures up to 2 atmospheres for 1h to 10 days. The oxygen effect on sensitivity was measured for the C, Si and Fe ions (10-200 keV/μm) from the HIMAC heavy ion accelerator. The sensitivity is obviously sensitive to oxygen pressure at heavy-ion exposures, but not sensitive to the experience of oxygen atmosphere before and after the ion exposures. The maximum sensitivity is obtained at 0.29 atmospheres. The present experimental data suggested that the effect depends on LET of incident particles. (author)

Vacuum treatment of CR-39 for the reduction of background in neutron induced autoradiography of boron

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Freyer, K.; Treutler, H.C.; Dietze, K.; Hunyadi, I.; Csige, I.; Somogyi, G.

1991-01-01

The influence of etching time and vacuum processing before, during, and after neutron irradiation on the ''signal/noise'' ratio of the neutron induced autoradiography of boron using CR-39 track detectors has been investigated. The neutron irradiation was carried out in a vacuum chamber using the Cf-252 neutron source of the Central Institute of Isotope and Radiation Research at Leipzig. Hungarian-made CR-39 type track detectors, MA-ND/p and MA-ND/α, produced in different years, are compared. After a few hours of 2 kPa (about 10 -2 Torr) vacuum treatment, the ''signal/noise'' ratio for boron determination is improved remarkably in most cases of the detector and etching-time combinations used. (author)

Some characteristics of the CR-39 solid state nuclear-track detector for protons and low energy alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fonseca, E.S. da.

1983-01-01

Experimental results related to certain registration properties of the CR-39 solid state nuclear-track detector for charged particles are presented and discussed. The determination of the CR-39 chemical etching in NaOH and KOH solutions, comprising concentration (2-10N) and temperature effects (50-90 0 C), showed the existence of an inverse proportion between the induction time and the temperature as well as the normal concentration of the solutions. The critical energy and the critical energy-loss rate of CR-39 track detectors for registration of protons were experimentally determined. A number of samples was exposed to 24MeV proton beams in the IEN-CNEN Cyclotron (CV-28), using a scattering chamber with a tantalum thin target and aluminium absorbers in contact with the samples in order to provide the required fluctuation in the scattered beam energy. From the mean track-diameter plotted against incident proton energy for 16h and 24h chemical etching (6.25 NaOH, 70 0 C), and considering 1.5 μm as the minimum observable track-diameter, the values (21.0 + - 1.5) MeV and (22.5 + - 1.5) MeV were deduced, respectively, for the critical energy. From the calculated energy-loss rate versus energy curve, the critical energy-loss rate was evaluated as 24 + - 2 MeV.cm 2 /g. Finally, the CR-39 response for low energy alpha particles (E [pt

Development of neutron personnel monitoring system based on CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Massand, O.P.; Kundu, H.K.; Marathe, P.K.; Supe, S.J.

1990-01-01

Personnel neutron monitoring aims at providing a method to evaluate the magnitude of the detrimental effects on the personnel exposed to neutrons. Neutron monitoring is done for a small though growing number of personnel working with neutrons in a wide range of situations. Over the years, many solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) have been tried for neutron personnel monitoring. CR-39 SSNTD is a proton sensitive polymer and offers a lot of promise for neutron personnel monitoring due to its high sensitivity and lower energy threshold for neutron detection. This report presents the mechanism of track formation in this polymer, the development of this neutron personnel monitoring system in our laboratory, its various characteristics and its promise as a routine personnel neutron monitor. (author). 1 tab., 7 figs

Application of combined TLD and CR-39 PNTD method for measurement of total dose and dose equivalent on ISS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benton, E.R.; Deme, S.; Apathy, I.

2006-01-01

To date, no single passive detector has been found that measures dose equivalent from ionizing radiation exposure in low-Earth orbit. We have developed the I.S.S. Passive Dosimetry System (P.D.S.), utilizing a combination of TLD in the form of the self-contained Pille TLD system and stacks of CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (P.N.T.D.) oriented in three mutually orthogonal directions, to measure total dose and dose equivalent aboard the International Space Station (I.S.S.). The Pille TLD system, consisting on an on board reader and a large number of Ca 2 SO 4 :Dy TLD cells, is used to measure absorbed dose. The Pille TLD cells are read out and annealed by the I.S.S. crew on orbit, such that dose information for any time period or condition, e.g. for E.V.A. or following a solar particle event, is immediately available. Near-tissue equivalent CR-39 P.N.T.D. provides Let spectrum, dose, and dose equivalent from charged particles of LET ∞ H 2 O ≥ 10 keV/μm, including the secondaries produced in interactions with high-energy neutrons. Dose information from CR-39 P.N.T.D. is used to correct the absorbed dose component ≥ 10 keV/μm measured in TLD to obtain total dose. Dose equivalent from CR-39 P.N.T.D. is combined with the dose component <10 keV/μm measured in TLD to obtain total dose equivalent. Dose rates ranging from 165 to 250 μGy/day and dose equivalent rates ranging from 340 to 450 μSv/day were measured aboard I.S.S. during the Expedition 2 mission in 2001. Results from the P.D.S. are consistent with those from other passive detectors tested as part of the ground-based I.C.C.H.I.B.A.N. intercomparison of space radiation dosimeters. (authors)

Environmental dosimetry of radon-222 and daughters: measurement of absolute calibration factors of CR-39 considering the plate-out effects and environmental factors; Dosimetria ambiental de Rn-222 e filhos: medida da eficiencia absoluta do CR-39 levando-se em conta os efeitos do plate-out e fatores ambientais

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Paulo, S.R. de

1991-08-01

The subject of this work concerns with the measurement of absolute calibration factors for the use of CR-39 as an absolute detector in indoor and daughters monitoring. Up to now the usefulness of calibration factors was restricted to environmental conditions equal (or very close) to those worthing during their determinations. This fact is consequence of the difficulties related to the understanding of the plate-out properties of radon daughters activity in the air. The plate-out effects on radon daughters monitoring performed by SSNTDs are studied. Our experimental results are in agreement with those of other authors about the great sensitivity of CR-39 to the plate-out effects, fact that recommended its use in this work. Being succeeded in the employment of CR-39 as an alpha-spectrometer we concluded that some important information (like the radon daughters deposition rates on the walls of an environment) can be achieved. The knowledge about the behavior of plate-out made possible the determination of the ranges in zenithal angle and energy where CR-39 can detect alpha-particles with efficiency of 100%, at our conditions of track observation. In this way, we obtained calibration factors for CR-39 that are weakly dependent on environmental conditions. We think that these results can contribute to the improvement of RD (Radiation Detector) detection techniques. (author). 159 refs, 106 figs, 05 tabs.

Vacuum treatment of CR-39 for the reduction of background in neutron induced autoradiography of boron

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Freyer, K.; Treutler, H.C.; Dietze, K. (Central Inst. of Isotope and Radiation Research, Leipzig (Germany, F.R.)); Hunyadi, I.; Csige, I.; Somogyi, G. (Magyar Tudomanyos Akademia, Debrecen (Hungary). Atommag Kutato Intezete)

1991-01-01

The influence of etching time and vacuum processing before, during, and after neutron irradiation on the ''signal/noise'' ratio of the neutron induced autoradiography of boron using CR-39 track detectors has been investigated. The neutron irradiation was carried out in a vacuum chamber using the Cf-252 neutron source of the Central Institute of Isotope and Radiation Research at Leipzig. Hungarian-made CR-39 type track detectors, MA-ND/p and MA-ND/{alpha}, produced in different years, are compared. After a few hours of 2 kPa (about 10{sup -2} Torr) vacuum treatment, the ''signal/noise'' ratio for boron determination is improved remarkably in most cases of the detector and etching-time combinations used. (author).

Effect of various etching conditions on the response of Cr-39 plastic track detector applied for radon dosimetry in environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maged, A.F.; Ashraf, F.A.

1997-01-01

A solid state nuclear track detector Cr-39 has been used for measuring the radon concentration in the soil air and indoor concentration. The bulk etch rate, C B of Cr-39 has been measured in various concentrations of NaOH in the range (6-8 mole) at temperature 70 degree C. In addition, the track etch rate, V T , and the ratio V = V T /V B , of alpha particles emitted from radon gas exists in nature have been measured in a similar range of etching conditions. This study shows that 8 M NaOH at 70 degree C represent the optimum etching conditions for Cr-39, with the range of the present study. The equilibrium factor and gamma-dose equivalent were calculated by using the track densities of open and filtered solid state nuclear track detectors

Annealing effects on the charged particles registration characteristic of the CR-39 traces solid detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Correa, M.M.

1989-10-01

CR-39 trace solid detectors samples, previously exposed to alpha particles and fission fragments from a Cf-252 source, were submitted to a annealing treatment to study his effects on the characteristics of charged particle traces registration. (L.C.J.A.)

Status of development in the field of Cr-39 track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Somogyi, G.

1982-01-01

The present situation concerning the manufacture and etching characteristics of the CR-39 nuclear track detector is surveyed. Especial attention is paid to the trends in research and to the outstanding questions related to the subject. The requirements and procedures in connection with the manufacture of high-quality, thick and thin detector foils are discussed. The main bulk and track etching characteristics are presented, involving the effects of various environmental parameters as well. A statistical account of the typical directions in application is given. (author)

The effect of ArF laser irradiation (193 nm) on the photodegradation and etching properties of alpha-irradiated CR-39 detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shakeri Jooybari, B. [Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSRT), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ghergherehchi, M. [College of Information and Technology/ school of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon (Korea, Republic of); Afarideh, H., E-mail: hafarideh@aut.ac.ir [Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Lamehi-Rachti, M. [Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSRT), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2015-01-01

The effects of ArF laser irradiation (λ=193nm) at various fluences (energy dose or energy density) on the etching properties of pre-exposed (laser + alpha) CR-39 detectors were studied. First, UV–Vis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were acquired for non-laser-irradiated and laser-irradiated samples to detect the influence of the ArF laser on the chemical modification of the CR-39. Changes observed in the spectra indicated that the predominant process that occurred upon ArF laser irradiation was a bond-scission process. Thereafter, the mean track and bulk etching parameters were experimentally measured in ArF-laser-irradiated CR-39 detectors exposed to an alpha source ({sup 241}Am, E = 5.49 MeV). Inhomogeneous regions in the laser-irradiated side of the CR-39 demonstrated a variable etching rate on only the front side of the CR-39 detector. New equations are also presented for the average bulk etching rate for these inhomogeneous regions (front side). The mean bulk and track etching rates and the mean track dimensions increased in a fluence range of 0–37.03 mJ/cm{sup 2} because of photodegradation and the scission of chemical bonds, which are the predominant processes in this range. When the fluence was increased from 37.03 to 123.45 mJ/cm{sup 2}, the bulk and track etching rates and the track dimensions slowly decreased because of the formation of cross-linked structures on the CR-39 surface. The behavior of the bulk and track etching rates and the track dimensions appears to be proportional to the dose absorbed on the detector surface. It was observed that as the etching time was increased, the bulk and track etching rates and the track dimensions of the laser-irradiated samples decreased because of the shallow penetration depth of the 193 nm laser and the reduction in the oxygen penetration depth.

Calibration of detectors type CR-39 for methodology implementation for Radon-222 determination in CRCN-NE, Brazil; Calibração de detectores do tipo CR-39 para implementação da metodologia de determinação de radônio-222 no CRCN-NE

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Karolayne E.M. da; Santos, Mariana L. de O.; Amaral, Déric S. do; Vilela, Eldice C.; França, Elvis J. de; Hazin, Clovis A.; Farias, Emerson E.G. de, E-mail: keesthefany@gmail.com, E-mail: marianasantos_ufpe@hotmail.com, E-mail: dericsoares@gmail.com, E-mail: ecvilela@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: ejfrana@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: chazin@cnen.gov.br, E-mail: emersonemiliamo@yahoo.com.br [Centro Regional de Ciências Nucleares do Nordeste (CRCN-NE/CNEN-PE), Recife, PE (Brazil)

2017-07-01

Radon-222 is a radioactive gas, a product of the decay of uranium-238, which emits alpha particles and represents more than 50% of the dose of natural radiation received by the population. Therefore, monitoring of this gas is essential. For indoor measurement, solid state detectors can be used, the most common of which is CR-39. For monitoring using CR-39, alpha particles, generated by radon-222 and the daughter radionuclides, strike the surface of the detector and generate traces. To relate the trace density per exposure area in environments with unknown activity concentration, it is necessary to determine the calibration factor. The objective of this study was to calibrate CR-39 type detectors for the implementation of the radon determination methodology in Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares do Nordeste - CRCN-NE of Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission - CNEN. In order to determine the CR-39 calibration factor, 19 exposures of the detectors were performed in the CRCN-NE calibration chamber (RN1-CRCN) at an activity of 5.00 kBq m{sup -3}, with the exposure time varying from 24 to 850 hours. For the detection of the detectors, sodium hydroxide was used in a thermostat bath at 90 ° C for 5 hours. The count of number of traits per unit of field was performed with the aid of optical microscopy with an increase of 100 times, being read 30 fields per dosimeters. As a result, the calibration factor was obtained, and the linear response of the trace density as a function of exposure was observed. The results allow the use of CR-39 in the determination of radon-222 by CRCN-NE.

Determination of exhalation rate of radon from walls and indoor radon by CR-39 detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasidov, A.; Tillaev, T.S.

2007-01-01

Full text: The knowledge of true value exhalation rate of radon gas from building materials represents scientific and practical interest in environmental radiation protection. This point of view in the paper exhalation rate of radon gas from building materials and a surface of walls with different constructions were determined by detectors CR-39. The values of the exhalation rate of radon per unit area of the granite, concrete, fired and unfired bricks, sand, cement, alabaster varied 0.091 - 0.1 Bq·m -2 ·h -1 . The surface of walls of dwellings constructed from different building materials the exhalation rate of radon are within in limits of 0.083-1.12 Bq·m -2 ·h -1 . Were measurements with CR-39 detectors a level of radon within 50-520 Bq/m 3 in air of rooms constructed of the different building materials

Pershore made CR-39(DOP) as a 1.015 GeV/n 197Au-ion detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bhattacharyya, D.P.; Chakrabarty, S.; Rakshit, R.; Basu, B.; Pal, P.; Biswas, S.

1993-01-01

Pershore made CR-39(DOP) stack was exposed at a zenith angle of 30deg by 197 Au-ions of energy 1.015 GeV/n using LBL BEVALAC beam. The top of the irradiated plate of the stack has been etched in 6.25N NaOH solution at 70degC for one hour. About 1202 cone lengths were optically measured. The estimated etch rate ratio of the incident 197 Au projectile beam in CR-39 has been found to be 27±2. The result has been compared with earlier observation. The charge resolution of the detector has been estimated from the average of double cone lengths and has been found to have a value of (0.58±0.03)e for 197 Au-ions. (orig.)

Feasibility study of extremity dosemeter based on polyallyl-diglycol-carbonate (CR-39) for neutron exposure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chau, Q.; Bruguier, P.

2007-01-01

In nuclear facilities, some activities such as reprocessing, recycling and production of bare fuel rods expose the workers to mixed neutron-photon fields. For several workplaces, particularly in glove boxes, some workers expose their hands to mixed fields. The mastery of the photon extremity dosimetry is relatively good, whereas the neutron dosimetry still raises difficulties. In this context, the Inst. for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) has proposed a study on a passive neutron extremity dosemeter based on chemically etched CR-39 (PADC: polyallyl-diglycol-carbonate), named PN-3, already used in routine practice for whole body dosimetry. This dosemeter is a chip of plastic sensitive to recoil protons. The chemical etching process amplifies the size of the impact. The reading system for tracks counting is composed of a microscope, a video camera and an image analyser. This system is combined with the dose evaluation algorithm. The performance of the dosemeter PN-3 has been largely studied and proved by several laboratories in terms of passive individual neutron dosemeter which is used in routine production by different companies. This study focuses on the sensitivity of the extremity dosemeter, as well as its performance in the function of the level of the neutron energy. The dosemeter was exposed to monoenergetic neutron fields in laboratory conditions and to mixed fields in glove boxes at workplaces. (authors)

Some characteristics of the CR-39 solid state nuclear - Track Detector for register of protons and low energy alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fonseca, E.S. da.

1983-01-01

Experimental results related to registration properties of the CR-39 Solid State Nuclear Track Detector for charged particles are presented and discussed. The existence of an inverse proportion between the induction time and the temperature as well as normal concentration of solutions, is showed by the study of CR-39 chemical etching characteristics in NaOH and KOH solutions, comprising varied concentration and temperature. The bulk-etch rate and activation energy of the process were obtained. The critical energy and critical energy-loss rate of CR-39 track-detectors for registration of protons were experimentally determined. Samples were exposed to 24 Mev proton beams in the IEN/CNEN Cyclotron (CV-28), using scattering chamber with a tantalum thin target and aluminium absorbers in contact with the samples, in order to provide the required fluctuation in the scattered beam energy. From the mean track-diameter plotted against incident proton energy the critical energy was obtained. From the calculated energy-loss rate vs. energy curve, the critical energy loss rate were evaluated. The CR-39 response for low energy alpha particles (E = 7h) under the conditions of 6.25 N NaOH at 70 0 C. It is shown that successive chemical etchings do not produce the same track geometry as obtained by means of a continous revelation with the same total etching time. (Author) [pt

Environmental dosimetry of radon-222 and daughters: measurement of absolute calibration factors of CR-39 considering the plate-out effects and environmental factors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paulo, S.R. de.

1991-08-01

The subject of this work concerns with the measurement of absolute calibration factors for the use of CR-39 as an absolute detector in indoor and daughters monitoring. Up to now the usefulness of calibration factors was restricted to environmental conditions equal (or very close) to those worthing during their determinations. This fact is consequence of the difficulties related to the understanding of the plate-out properties of radon daughters activity in the air. The plate-out effects on radon daughters monitoring performed by SSNTDs are studied. Our experimental results are in agreement with those of other authors about the great sensitivity of CR-39 to the plate-out effects, fact that recommended its use in this work. Being succeeded in the employment of CR-39 as an alpha-spectrometer we concluded that some important information (like the radon daughters deposition rates on the walls of an environment) can be achieved. The knowledge about the behavior of plate-out made possible the determination of the ranges in zenithal angle and energy where CR-39 can detect alpha-particles with efficiency of 100%, at our conditions of track observation. In this way, we obtained calibration factors for CR-39 that are weakly dependent on environmental conditions. We think that these results can contribute to the improvement of RD (Radiation Detector) detection techniques. (author). 159 refs, 106 figs, 05 tabs

Theoretical calculation on CR-39 response for radon measurements and optimum diffusion chambers dimensions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Askari, H.R.; Ghandi, Kh. [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Vali-e-Asr University, Rafsanjan 7713936417 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Rahimi, M. [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Vali-e-Asr University, Rafsanjan 7713936417 (Iran, Islamic Republic of)], E-mail: rahimi_bam@yahoo.com; Negarestani, A. [International Center for Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Kerman (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2008-11-11

One method to measure radon gas concentration in the air with a long time of radiation is trace chemical etching technique. There is a direct proportion between the number of traces on solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) and activity concentration of radon. In this paper, calibration constant for a cylindrical chamber with CR-39 detector has been measured analytically. Using this measurement, trace curves on the base of concentration for chambers with different heights and radii have been drawn. The results show that to measure radon gas concentration, the optimum chamber should have a height between 3.5 and 4 cm and a radius between 2.5 and 3.2 cm.

Theoretical calculation on CR-39 response for radon measurements and optimum diffusion chambers dimensions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Askari, H.R.; Ghandi, Kh.; Rahimi, M.; Negarestani, A.

2008-01-01

One method to measure radon gas concentration in the air with a long time of radiation is trace chemical etching technique. There is a direct proportion between the number of traces on solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) and activity concentration of radon. In this paper, calibration constant for a cylindrical chamber with CR-39 detector has been measured analytically. Using this measurement, trace curves on the base of concentration for chambers with different heights and radii have been drawn. The results show that to measure radon gas concentration, the optimum chamber should have a height between 3.5 and 4 cm and a radius between 2.5 and 3.2 cm.

Effect of argon ion implantation on the electrical and dielectric properties of CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chawla, Mahak; Shekhawat, Nidhi; Goyal, Meetika; Gupta, Divya; Sharma, Annu; Aggarwal, Sanjeev

2016-01-01

The objective of the present work is to study the effect of 130 keV Ar"+ ions on the electrical and dielectric properties of CR-39 samples at various doses 5×10"1"4, 1×10"1"5 and 1×10"1"6 Ar"+ cm"−"2. Current-Voltage (I-V characteristics) measurements have been used to study the electrical properties of virgin and Ar"+ implanted CR-39 specimens. The current has been found to be increased with increasing voltage as well as with increasing ion dose. The dielectric spectroscopy of these specimens has been done in the frequency range of 100 kHz-100 MHz. The dielectric constant has been found to be decreasing whereas dielectric loss factor increases with increasing ion fluence. These kind of behavior observed in the implanted specimens indicate towards the formation of carbonaceous clusters due to the cross linking, chemical bond cleavage, formation of free radicals. The changes observed in the dielectric behavior have been further correlated with the structural changes observed through I-V characteristics.

Long-term measurements of equilibrium factor with electrochemically etched CR-39 SSNTD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ng, F.M.F.; Nikezic, D.; Yu, K.N.

2007-01-01

Recently, our group proposed a method (proxy equilibrium factor method) using a bare LR 115 detector for long-term monitoring of the equilibrium factor. Due to the presence of an upper alpha-particle energy threshold for track formation in the LR 115 detector, the partial sensitivities to 222 Rn, 218 Po and 214 Po were the same, which made possible measurements of a proxy equilibrium factor F p that was well correlated with the equilibrium factor. In the present work, the method is extended to CR-39 detectors which have better-controlled etching properties but do not have an upper energy threshold. An exposed bare CR-39 detector is first pre-etched in 6.25 N NaOH solution at 70 o C for 6 h, and then etched electrochemically in a 6.25 N NaOH solution with ac voltage of 400 V (peak to peak) and 5 kHz applied across the detectors for 1 h at room temperature. Under these conditions, for tracks corresponding to incident angles larger than or equal to 50 deg., the treeing efficiency is 0% and 100% for incident energies smaller than and larger than 4 MeV, respectively. A simple method is then proposed to obtain the total number of tracks formed below the upper energy threshold of 4 MeV, from which the proxy equilibrium factor method can apply

Calibrations of CR39 and Makrofol nuclear track detectors and search for exotic particles

CERN Document Server

Ambrosio, M; Auriemma, G; Bakari, D; Baldini, A; Barbarino, G C; Barish, B C; Battistoni, G; Becherini, Y; Bellotti, R; Bemporad, C; Bernardini, P; Bilokon, H; Bloise, C; Bower, C; Brigida, M; Bussino, S; Cafagna, F; Calicchio, M; Campana, D; Carboni, M; Caruso, R; Cecchini, S; Cei, F; Chiarella, V; Chiarusi, T; Choudhary, B C; Coutu, S; Cozzi, M; De Cataldo, G; De Marzo, C; De Mitri, I; De Vincenzi, M; Dekhissi, H; Derkaoui, J; Di Credico, A; Erriquez, O; Favuzzi, C; Forti, C; Fusco, P; Giacomelli, G; Giannini, G; Giglietto, N; Giorgini, M; Grassi, M; Grillo, A; Guarino, F; Gustavino, C; Habig, A; Hanson, K; Heinz, R; Iarocci, E; Katsavounidis, E; Katsavounidis, I; Kearns, E; Kim, H; Kumar, A; Kyriazopoulou, S; Lamanna, E; Lane, C; Levin, D S; Lipari, P; Longley, N P; Longo, M J; Loparco, F; Maaroufi, F; Mancarella, G; Mandrioli, G; Manzoor, S; Margiotta, A; Marini, A; Martello, D; Marzari-Chiesa, A; Matteuzzi, D; Mazziotta, M N; Michael, D G; Monacelli, P; Montaruli, T; Monteno, M; Mufson, S; Musser, J; Nicolò, D; Nolty, R; Orth, C; Osteria, G; Palamara, O; Patera, V; Patrizii, L; Pazzi, R; Peck, C W; Perrone, L; Petrera, S; Pistilli, P; Popa, V; Rainó, A; Reynoldson, J; Ronga, F; Rrhioua, A; Satriano, C; Scapparone, E; Scholberg, K; Sciubba, A; Serra, P; Sioli, M; Sirri, G; Sitta, M; Spinelli, P; Spinetti, M; Spurio, M; Steinberg, R; Stone, J L; Sulak, L R; Surdo, A; Tarle, G; Togo, V; Vakili, M; Walter, C W; Webb, R; 10.1016/S0920-5632(03)02249-7

2003-01-01

We present the final results of the search for exotic massive particles in the cosmic radiation performed with the MACRO underground experiment. Magnetic monopoles and nuclearites flux upper limits obtained with the CR39 nuclear track subdetector, the scintillation and streamer tube subdetectors are given. Searches at high altitude with the SLIM experiment are in progress.

Correlation of crAssphage-based qPCR markers with culturable and molecular indicators of human fecal pollution in an impacted urban watershed.

Science.gov (United States)

Stachler, Elyse; Akyon, Benay; Aquino de Carvalho, Nathalia; Ference, Christian; Bibby, Kyle

2018-06-06

Environmental waters are monitored for fecal pollution to protect public health. Many previously developed human-specific fecal pollution indicators lack adequate sensitivity to be reliably detected in environmental waters or do not correlate well with viral pathogens. Recently, two novel human sewage-associated source tracking qPCR markers were developed based on the bacteriophage crAssphage, CPQ_056 and CPQ_064. These assays are highly human specific, abundant in sewage, and are viral-based, suggesting great promise for environmental application as human fecal pollution indicators. A 30-day sampling study was conducted in an urban stream impacted by combined sewer overflows to evaluate the crAssphage markers' performance in an environmental system. The crAssphage markers were present at concentrations of 4.02-6.04 log10 copies/100 mL throughout the study period, indicating their high abundance and ease of detection in polluted environmental waters. In addition, the crAssphage assays were correlated with rain events, molecular markers for human polyomavirus and HF183, as well as culturable E. coli, enterococci, and somatic coliphage. The CPQ_064 assay correlated strongly to a greater number of biological indicators than the CPQ_056 assay. This study is the first to evaluate both crAssphage qPCR assays in an extended environmental application of crAssphage markers for monitoring of environmental waters. It is also the first study to compare crAssphage marker concentration with other viral-based indicators.

The use of CH3OH additive to NaOH for etching alpha particle tracks in a CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ashry, A.H.; Abdalla, A.M.; Rammah, Y.S.; Eisa, M.; Ashraf, O.

2014-01-01

Fast detection of alpha particles in CR-39 detectors was investigated using a new chemical etchant. 252 Cf and 241 Am sources were used for irradiating samples of CR-39 SSNTDs with fission fragments and alpha particles in air at normal temperature and pressure. A series of experimental chemical etching are carried out using new etching solution (8 ml of 10N NaOH+1 ml CH 3 OH) at 60 °C to detect alpha particle in short time in CR-39 detectors. Suitable analyzing software has been used to analyze experimental data. From fission and alpha track diameters, the value of bulk etching rate is equal to 2.73 μm/h. Both the sensitivity and etching efficiency were found to vary with the amount of methanol in the etching solution. Pure NaOH was used as a control to compare with the result from etching in NaOH with different concentrations of CH 3 OH. The etching efficiency is determined and compared with conventional aqueous solution of 6.25N NaOH at 70 °C for etching time equals 5 h. In this study, the obtained etching efficiency shows a considerable agreement with the previous work. - Highlights: • The value of bulk etching rate is equal to 2.73 μm/h. • Fast detection of alpha particles in CR-39 detectors. • Samples of CR-39 have been irradiated with fission fragments. • Etching efficiency was determined

Effects of high neutron doses and duration of the chemical etching on the optical properties of CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahoo, G.S.; Tripathy, S.P.; Paul, S.; Sharma, S.C.; Joshi, D.S.; Gupta, A.K.; Bandyopadhyay, T.

2015-01-01

Effects of the duration of chemical etching on the transmittance, absorbance and optical band gap width of the CR-39 (Polyallyl diglycol carbonate) detectors irradiated to high neutron doses (12.7, 22.1, 36.0 and 43.5 Sv) were studied. The neutrons were produced by bombardment of a thick Be target with 12 MeV protons of different fluences. The unirradiated and neutron-irradiated CR-39 detectors were subjected to a stepwise chemical etching at 1 h intervals. After each step, the transmission spectra of the detectors were recorded in the range from 200 to 900 nm, and the absorbances and optical band gap widths were determined. The effect of the etching on the light transmittance of unirradiated detectors was insignificant, whereas it was very significant in the case of the irradiated detectors. The dependence of the optical absorbance on the neutron dose is linear at short etching periods, but exponential at longer ones. The optical band gap narrows with increasing etching time. It is more significant for the irradiated dosimeters than for the unirradiated ones. The rate of the narrowing of the optical band gap with increasing neutron dose increases with increasing duration of the etching. - Highlights: • The variation of optical properties of CR-39 at very high neutron dose is analyzed. Etching process is found to play a crucial role for change in optical properties of neutron-irradiated CR-39. • The optical absorbance varies linearly at lower dose, at very high dose absorbance saturation occurs. The dose at which saturation absorbance is observed shifts towards lower neutron dose with increase in etching time. • The rate of decrease in optical band gap with respect to neutron dose is found to be more at higher etching durations

Thermal degradation of CR-39 polymer in an inert atmosphere

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kalsi, P.C.; Pandey, A.K.; Iyer, R.H.; Singh Mudher, K.D.

1995-01-01

The thermal degradation of CR-39 (allyl diglycol carbonate), a polymer widely used in nuclear science and technology, in an inert atmosphere has been studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. The results are compared with the thermal degradation data of the polymer in an air atmosphere. The present studies showed that the thermal degradation of the polymer proceeds in two steps in an argon atmosphere as compared to three steps in air atmosphere. The mass losses in air are higher than that in argon due to the oxidative decomposition of the residue. The kinetics of the different stages of degradation were also evaluated from the TG curves. (author). 7 refs., 1 tab

Wind load design methods for ground-based heliostats and parabolic dish collectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Peterka, J A; Derickson, R G [Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO (United States). Fluid Dynamics and Diffusion Lab.

1992-09-01

The purpose of this design method is to define wind loads on flat heliostat and parabolic dish collectors in a simplified form. Wind loads are defined for both mean and peak loads accounting for the protective influence of upwind collectors, wind protective fences, or other wind-blockage elements. The method used to define wind loads was to generalize wind load data obtained during tests on model collectors, heliostats or parabolic dishes, placed in a modeled atmospheric wind in a boundary-layer wind-tunnel at Colorado State University. For both heliostats and parabolic dishes, loads are reported for solitary collectors and for collectors as elements of a field. All collectors were solid with negligible porosity; thus the effects of porosity in the collectors is not addressed.

Nutritional value of traditional Italian meat-based dishes: influence of cooking methods and recipe formulation.

Science.gov (United States)

D'Evoli, L; Salvatore, P; Lucarini, M; Nicoli, S; Aguzzi, A; Gabrielli, P; Lombardi-Boccia, G

2009-01-01

The present study provides a picture of the compositional figure and nutritive value of meat-based dishes typical of Italian culinary tradition. Recipes specific for a bovine meat cut (top-side) were selected among the most widespread ones in Italy: in pan, pizzaiola, cutlet, meat ball, and escalope. The total fat and cholesterol content varied depending on the ingredients utilized (extra-virgin olive oil, parmesan, egg). Meat-based dishes that utilized extra-virgin olive oil showed a significant reduction in palmitic and stearic acids and a parallel increase in oleic acid compared with raw meat; furthermore, the ratio among saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids shifted in favour of monounsaturated fatty acids. B vitamins were affected at different extent by heating; by contrast, vitamin E content increased because of the new sources of this vitamin, which masked losses due to heating. Ingredients (parmesan, discretionary salt) induced significant increases in the calcium and sodium concentrations compared with raw meat. The total iron content did not show marked differences in most of the meat-based dishes compared with raw meat; by contrast, losses in the heme-iron concentration were detected depending on the severity of heating treatments. Our findings suggest that heme iron, because of its important health aspects, might be a useful index of the nutritional quality of cooked meats.

The development of an automatic scanning method for CR-39 neutron dosimeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tawara, Hiroko; Miyajima, Mitsuhiro; Sasaki, Shin-ichi; Hozumi, Ken-ichi

1989-01-01

A method of measuring low level neutron dose has been developed with CR-39 track detectors using an automatic scanning system. It is composed of the optical microscope with a video camera, an image processor and a personal computer. The focus point of the microscope and the X-Y stage are controlled from the computer. The minimum detectable neutron dose is estimated at 4.6 mrem in the uniform field of neutron with equivalent energy spectrum to Am-Be source from the results of automatic measurements. (author)

Alpha activity of 190 Pt isotope measured with CR-39 track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tavares, O.A.P.; Terranova, M.L.

1996-11-01

A new method to measure alpha activity of long-lived radioisotopes is reported. The method consists basically in using CR-39 track detectors in close contact with thick samples of the radioelement to be investigated. Accordingly, a long-term exposure experiment has been performed using metallic sheets of natural platinum to measure alpha activity of platinum 190 isotope. The half-life of platinum 190 has been obtained in good agreement with two recent theoretical half-life predictions. (author). 21 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs

Near-IR laser-triggered target cell collection using a carbon nanotube-based cell-cultured substrate.

Science.gov (United States)

Sada, Takao; Fujigaya, Tsuyohiko; Niidome, Yasuro; Nakazawa, Kohji; Nakashima, Naotoshi

2011-06-28

Unique near-IR optical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs) are of interest in many biological applications. Here we describe the selective cell detachment and collection from an SWNT-coated cell-culture dish triggered by near-IR pulse laser irradiation. First, HeLa cells were cultured on an SWNT-coated dish prepared by a spraying of an aqueous SWNT dispersion on a glass dish. The SWNT-coated dish was found to show a good cell adhesion behavior as well as a cellular proliferation rate similar to a conventional glass dish. We discovered, by near-IR pulse laser irradiation (at the laser power over 25 mW) to the cell under optical microscopic observation, a quick single-cell detachment from the SWNT-coated surface. Shockwave generation from the irradiated SWNTs is expected to play an important role for the cell detachment. Moreover, we have succeeded in catapulting the target single cell from the cultured medium when the depth of the medium was below 150 μm and the laser power was stronger than 40 mW. The captured cell maintained its original shape. The retention of the genetic information of the cell was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A target single-cell collection from a culture medium under optical microscopic observation is significant in wide fields of single-cell studies in biological areas.

Nutritional composition of the commonly consumed composite dishes for the Barbados National Cancer Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Sharma, Sangita; Harris, Rachel; Cao, Xia; Hennis, Anselm J M; Leske, M Cristina; Wu, Suh-Yuh

2007-09-01

To provide, for the first time, the calculated nutritional composition of 32 composite dishes commonly consumed in Barbados to enable dietary intake to be calculated from a Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire developed specifically for this population to determine associations between diet and risk of prostate and breast cancer. Weighed recipes were collected in up to six different households for each of the 32 composite dishes. The average nutritional composition for these composite dishes was calculated using the US Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database. One hundred and fifty-two weighed recipes were collected for 32 composite dishes: five were fish based, two were ground beef dishes, two were chicken based, two were offal based, two were lamb dishes, one was pork based, three were rice based, three were commonly consumed home-made drinks, and the remaining were miscellaneous items. A total of 152 weighed recipes were collected and we provide, for the first time, nutritional composition data for 32 commonly consumed food and drink items in Barbados. Such data are essential for assessing nutrient intake and determining associations between diet and prostate and breast cancer in the Barbados National Cancer Study.

Regular self-microstructuring on CR39 using high UV laser dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Parvin, P.; Refahizadeh, M.; Mortazavi, S.Z.; Silakhori, K.; Mahdiloo, A.; Aghaii, P.

2014-01-01

The UV laser induced replicas in the form of self-lining microstructures are created by high dose (with high fluence) ArF laser irradiation on CR39. Microstructures as the self-induced contours, in the form of concentric circles, appear when the laser fluence is well above the ablation threshold. It leads to the regular periodic parallel lines, i.e. circles with large radii having spatial separation 100–200 nm and line width 300–600 nm, where the number of shots increases to achieve higher UV doses. The surface wettability is also investigated after laser texturing to exhibit that a notable hydrophilicity takes place at high doses.

Sensitivity of chemically and electrochemically etched CR 39 polymers to the neutrons of AmBe source

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turek, K.; Spurny, F.; Dajko, G.; Somogyi, G.

1981-01-01

Seven samples of polymers by different manufacturers were used in a study of the sensitivity of CR 39 polymers to Am-Be neutrons. In the polymer, proton tracks for a relatively broad energy range can also be recorded. The following characteristics were studied: the sample background for different etching methods, the dependence of sensitivity on the etched thickness and on neutron fluence, the effect of type and thickness of external proton emitters, and the effect of the choice of electric parameters on the resulting sensitivity in electrochemical etching. Good results were obtained when chemical and electrochemical etching was used in combination. It was found that with electrochemical etching, sensitivity decreases for neutron fluence exceeding 10 8 cm -2 . The sensitivity of the studied CR 39 polymer samples only little differed. When the most sensitive polymer was used, the minimum dose equivalent in the human body for Am-Be neutrons which could be determined using combination etching was 0.4 mSv (ie., 40 mrems). (B.S.)

Validation of a Dish-Based Semiquantitative Food Questionnaire in Rural Bangladesh

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pi-I. D. Lin

2017-01-01

Full Text Available A locally validated tool was needed to evaluate long-term dietary intake in rural Bangladesh. We assessed the validity of a 42-item dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ using two 3-day food diaries (FDs. We selected a random subset of 47 families (190 participants from a longitudinal arsenic biomonitoring study in Bangladesh to administer the FFQ. Two 3-day FDs were completed by the female head of the households and we used an adult male equivalent method to estimate the FD for the other participants. Food and nutrient intakes measured by FFQ and FD were compared using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation, paired t-test, percent difference, cross-classification, weighted Kappa, and Bland–Altman analysis. Results showed good validity for total energy intake (paired t-test, p < 0.05; percent difference <10%, with no presence of proportional bias (Bland–Altman correlation, p > 0.05. After energy-adjustment and de-attenuation for within-person variation, macronutrient intakes had excellent correlations ranging from 0.55 to 0.70. Validity for micronutrients was mixed. High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs were found for most nutrients between the two seasons, except vitamin A. This dish-based FFQ provided adequate validity to assess and rank long-term dietary intake in rural Bangladesh for most food groups and nutrients, and should be useful for studying dietary-disease relationships.

Development of bovine embryos cultured in CR1aa and IVD101 media using different oxygen tensions and culture systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Somfai, Tamás; Inaba, Yasushi; Aikawa, Yoshio; Ohtake, Masaki; Kobayashi, Shuji; Konishi, Kazuyuki; Nagai, Takashi; Imai, Kei

2010-12-01

The aim of the present study was to optimise the culture conditions for the in vitro production of bovine embryos. The development of in vitro fertilised bovine oocytes in CR1aa supplemented with 5% calf serum and IVD101 culture media were compared using traditional microdrops and Well of the Well (WOW) culture systems either under 5% or 20% oxygen tension. After 7 days of culture, a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate was obtained for embryos cultured in CR1aa medium compared to those cultured in IVD101, irrespective of O2 tensions and culture systems. The blastocyst formation in IVD101 was suppressed under 20% O2 compared to 5% O2 . Despite their similar total cell numbers, higher rates of inner cell mass (ICM) cells were observed in blastocysts developed in IVD101 medium than in those developed in CR1aa, irrespective of O2 tensions. There was no significant difference in blastocyst formation, total, ICM and trophectoderm (TE) cell numbers between embryos obtained by microdrop and WOW culture systems irrespective of the culture media and O2 tensions used. In conclusion, CR1aa resulted in higher blastocyst formation rates irrespective of O2 tension, whereas IVD101 supported blastocyst formation only under low O2 levels but enhanced the proliferation of ICM cells.

Particularisation of Alpha Contamination using CR-39 Track Detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zakia, M.F.; El-Shaer, Y.H.

2008-01-01

Solid-state nuclear track detectors have found wide use in various domains of science and technology, e.g. in environmental experiments. The measurement of alpha activity on sources in an environment, such as air is not easy because of short penetration range of the alpha particles. Furthermore, the measurement of alpha activity by most gas ionization detectors suffers from the high background induced by the accompanying gamma radiation. Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs) have been used successfully as detecting devices as passive system to detect the alpha contamination different surfaces. This work presents the response of CR-39 (for two types) to alpha particles from two sources, 238 Pu with energy 5 MeV and 241 Am with energy 5.4 MeV. The methods of etching and counting are investigated, along with the achievable linearity, efficiency and reproducibility. The sensitivity to low activity and energy resolution are studied

Flexible Sheet-Type Sensor for Noninvasive Measurement of Cellular Oxygen Metabolism on a Culture Dish.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mari Kojima

Full Text Available A novel flexible sensor was developed for the noninvasive oxygen metabolism measurement of cultivated cells and tissues. This device is composed of a transparent double-layered polymer sheet of ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH and poly(dimethylsiloxane (PDMS having an array of microhole structures of 90 μm diameter and 50 μm depth on its surface. All the microhole structures were equipped with a 1-μm-thick optical chemical sensing layer of platinum porphyrin-fluoropolymer on their bottom. The three-dimensional microstructures of the sensor were fabricated by a newly developed simple and low-cost production method named self-aligned hot embossing. The device was designed to be attached slightly above the cells cultivated on a dish to form a temporarily closed microspace over the target cells during measurement. Since the change in oxygen concentration is relatively fast in the microcompartmentalized culture medium, a rapid evaluation of the oxygen consumption rate is possible by measuring the phosphorescence lifetime of the platinum porphyrin-fluoropolymer. The combined use of the device and an automated optical measurement system enabled the high-throughput sensing of cellular oxygen consumption (100 points/min. We monitored the oxygen metabolism of the human breast cancer cell line MCF7 on a Petri dish and evaluated the oxygen consumption rate to be 0.72 ± 0.12 fmol/min/cell. Furthermore, to demonstrate the utility of the developed sensing system, we demonstrated the mapping of the oxygen consumption rate of rat brain slices and succeeded in visualizing a clear difference among the layer structures of the hippocampus, i.e., the cornu ammonis (CA1 and CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG.

Testing Novel CR-39 Detector Deployment System For Identification of Subsurface Fractures, Soda Springs, ID

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

McLing, Travis [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Carpenter, Michael [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Brandon, William [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States); Zavala, Bernie [Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

2015-06-01

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has teamed with Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to facilitate further testing of geologic-fracture-identification methodology at a field site near the Monsanto Superfund Site located in Soda Springs, Idaho. INL has the necessary testing and technological expertise to perform this work. Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI) has engaged INL to perform this work through a Work for Others (WFO) Agreement. This study continues a multi-year collaborative effort between INL and EPA to test the efficacy of using field deployed Cr-39 radon in soil portals. This research enables identification of active fractures capable of transporting contaminants at sites where fractures are suspected pathways into the subsurface. Current state of the art methods for mapping fracture networks are exceedingly expensive and notoriously inaccurate. The proposed WFO will evaluate the applicability of using cheap, readily available, passive radon detectors to identify conductive geologic structures (i.e. fractures, and fracture networks) in the subsurface that control the transport of contaminants at fracture-dominated sites. The proposed WFO utilizes proven off-the-shelf technology in the form of CR-39 radon detectors, which have been widely deployed to detect radon levels in homes and businesses. In an existing collaborative EPA/INL study outside of this workscope,. CR-39 detectors are being utilized to determine the location of active transport fractures in a fractured granitic upland adjacent to a landfill site at the Fort Devens, MA that EPA-designated as National Priorities List (NPL) site. The innovative concept of using an easily deployed port that allows the CR-39 to measure the Rn-222 in the soil or alluvium above the fractured rock, while restricting atmospheric Rn-222 and soil sourced Ra from contaminating the detector is unique to INL and EPA approach previously developed. By deploying a series of these

A novel method to recover DD fusion proton CR-39 data corrupted by fast ablator ions at OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sutcliffe, G. D., E-mail: gdsut@mit.edu; Milanese, L. M.; Orozco, D.; Lahmann, B.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Séguin, F. H.; Sio, H.; Frenje, J. A.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States); Park, H.-S.; Rygg, J. R.; Casey, D. T.; Bionta, R.; Turnbull, D. P.; Huntington, C. M.; Ross, J. S. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550 (United States); Zylstra, A. B. [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States); Rosenberg, M. J.; Glebov, V. Yu. [Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York 14623 (United States)

2016-11-15

CR-39 detectors are used routinely in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments as a part of nuclear diagnostics. CR-39 is filtered to stop fast ablator ions which have been accelerated from an ICF implosion due to electric fields caused by laser-plasma interactions. In some experiments, the filtering is insufficient to block these ions and the fusion-product signal tracks are lost in the large background of accelerated ion tracks. A technique for recovering signal in these scenarios has been developed, tested, and implemented successfully. The technique involves removing material from the surface of the CR-39 to a depth beyond the endpoint of the ablator ion tracks. The technique preserves signal magnitude (yield) as well as structure in radiograph images. The technique is effective when signal particle range is at least 10 μm deeper than the necessary bulk material removal.

A novel method to recover DD fusion proton CR-39 data corrupted by fast ablator ions at OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sutcliffe, G. D.; Milanese, L. M.; Orozco, D.; Lahmann, B.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Séguin, F. H.; Sio, H.; Frenje, J. A.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D.; Park, H.-S.; Rygg, J. R.; Casey, D. T.; Bionta, R.; Turnbull, D. P.; Huntington, C. M.; Ross, J. S.; Zylstra, A. B.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Glebov, V. Yu.

2016-01-01

CR-39 detectors are used routinely in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments as a part of nuclear diagnostics. CR-39 is filtered to stop fast ablator ions which have been accelerated from an ICF implosion due to electric fields caused by laser-plasma interactions. In some experiments, the filtering is insufficient to block these ions and the fusion-product signal tracks are lost in the large background of accelerated ion tracks. A technique for recovering signal in these scenarios has been developed, tested, and implemented successfully. The technique involves removing material from the surface of the CR-39 to a depth beyond the endpoint of the ablator ion tracks. The technique preserves signal magnitude (yield) as well as structure in radiograph images. The technique is effective when signal particle range is at least 10 μm deeper than the necessary bulk material removal.

A novel method to recover DD fusion proton CR-39 data corrupted by fast ablator ions at OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sutcliffe, G. D. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Milanese, L. M. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Orozco, D. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Lahmann, B. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Gatu Johnson, M. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Séguin, F. H. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Sio, H. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Frenje, J. A. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Li, C. K. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Petrasso, R. D. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; Park, H. -S. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA; Rygg, J. R. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA; Casey, D. T. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA; Bionta, R. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA; Turnbull, D. P. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA; Huntington, C. M. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA; Ross, J. S. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA; Zylstra, A. B. [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA; Rosenberg, M. J. [Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York 14623, USA; Glebov, V. Yu. [Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York 14623, USA

2016-08-05

CR-39 detectors are used routinely in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments as a part of nuclear diagnostics. CR-39 is filtered to stop fast ablator ions which have been accelerated from an ICF implosion due to electric fields caused by laser-plasma interactions. In some experiments, the filtering is insufficient to block these ions and the fusion-product signal tracks are lost in the large background of accelerated ion tracks. A technique for recovering signal in these scenarios has been developed, tested, and implemented successfully. The technique involves removing material from the surface of the CR-39 to a depth beyond the endpoint of the ablator ion tracks. The technique preserves signal magnitude (yield) as well as structure in radiograph images. The technique is effective when signal particle range is at least 10 μm deeper than the necessary bulk material removal.

Dysphagia due to diffuseidiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or Forestier's disease isa form of degenerative arthritiswith unique spinal and extra spinal manifestations. Dysphagia due to DISH is uncommon but when present DISH should be suspected. Surgical decompression can relieve some of the symptoms. We report a case of a 60 ...

STUDYING THE STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL, CHEMICAL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL ETCHING CHANGES OF CR-39 FOR DOSEMETRIC APPLICATIONS.

Science.gov (United States)

Zaki, M F; Elshaer, Y H; Taha, Doaa H

2017-12-01

The present work shows the induced modification of the structural, optical, chemical etching and electrochemical etching parameters of CR-39 irradiated with alpha-particles. CR-39 polymer track detectors were irradiated with different fluences (1.62 × 106, 2.72 × 106, 3.82 × 106 and 5.21 × 106 particles/cm2) of alpha-particles using 241Am source. The structural and optical properties were measured by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV/Vis spectroscopy, respectively. The FT-IR spectra reveal that no major changes in the typical functional groups of irradiated polymer detectors. The X-ray diffraction patterns show that a broad band in the region of 12° 27°, which refers to the presence of the combination of amorphous and crystalline phases. UV/Vis responses of irradiated polymer track detectors exhibit a single absorption band in the range of 254-352 nm that is correlated to the occurrence of electronic transition. Also, the changes in the chemical and electrochemical parameters due to alpha-irradiation are examined and thoroughly discussed. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Cultivation-independent comprehensive investigations on bacterial communities in serofluid dish, a traditional Chinese fermented food

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peng Chen

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Serofluid dish (or Jiangshui, in Chinese, a traditional food in the Chinese culture, is made from vegetables by fermentation. In this study, bacterial community of the fermented serofluid dish was assessed by Illumina amplicon sequencing. The metagenome comprised of 49,589 average raw reads with an average 11,497,917 bp and G+C content is 52.46%. This is the first report on V4 hyper-variable region of the 16S rRNA metagenome sequence employing Illumina platform to profile the microbial community of this little known fermented food from Gansu Province, China. The metagenome sequence can be accessed at NCBI, SRA database accession no. SRP065370. Keywords: Serofluid dish, Jiangshui, 16S rRNA, Cultivation-independent, Microbial diversity

Study of the pore-opening process of latent tracks of light low-energetic ions in CR-39 by means of electrolytic etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oganesyan, V.R.

2005-01-01

In this thesis the irradiation of 10-μm thick CR-39 foils with 5.5-7 MeV protons and of 22-400 μm thick CR-39 foils with 4.85-28 MeV α-particles with subsequent determination of the etching velocities is described. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the pore shape after irradiation was determined. From the analysis of the track profiles by means of SEM the track-nucleus diameter for 28 MeV α particles was determined to 1.4 nm. (HSI)

Charge resolution of a Hungarian brand CR-39(MA-ND) detector exposed to a 84Kr beam of energy 0.45A GeV

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bhattacharyya, D.P.; Basu, B.; Pal, P.; Mukherjee, S.C.; Ganguly, A.K.; Hunyady, I.

1990-01-01

The Hungarian brand CR-39(MA-ND) plastic has been irradiated with a 84 Kr ion beam of energy 0.45A GeV and etched for four different etching times, viz. 4, 6, 8 and 12 h. The estimated charge resolution of a CR-39(MA-ND) detector for registering the nuclei 32 ≤ Z ≤ 36 was found to be 0.18e which is close to our previous observation of the response with a CR-39(DOP) Pershore made plate exposed to a 1.88A GeV 56 Fe beam at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory's Bevalac. It was found that the estimated etch rate ratio V T /V G is independent of etching time. The cone length and minor axis of the etch pits has been found to increase with etching time. (orig.)

Measuring depths of sub-micron tracks in a CR-39 detector from replicas using Atomic Force Microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu, K.N.; Ng, F.M.F.; Nikezic, D.

2005-01-01

One of the challenging tasks in the application of solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) is the measurement of the depth of the tracks, in particular, the shallow ones resulting from short etching periods. In the present work, a method is proposed to prepare replicas of tracks from α particles in the CR-39 SSNTDs and to measure their heights using atomic force microscopy (AFM). After irradiation, the detectors were etched in a 6.25N aqueous solution of NaOH maintained at 70 deg. C. The etched detectors were immersed into a beaker of the replicating fluid, which was placed in a water bath under ultrasonic vibration and maintained at room temperature to facilitate the filling of the etched tracks with the replicating fluid. As an example of application, these results have been used to derive a V function for the CR-39 detectors used in the present study (for the specified etching conditions)

A method for in situ absolute DD yield calibration of neutron time-of-flight detectors on OMEGA using CR-39-based proton detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Waugh, C. J., E-mail: cjwaugh@mit.edu; Zylstra, A. B.; Frenje, J. A.; Séguin, F. H.; Petrasso, R. D. [Plasma Science and Fusion Center, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States); Rosenberg, M. J.; Glebov, V. Yu.; Sangster, T. C.; Stoeckl, C. [Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, New York 14623 (United States)

2015-05-15

Neutron time of flight (nTOF) detectors are used routinely to measure the absolute DD neutron yield at OMEGA. To check the DD yield calibration of these detectors, originally calibrated using indium activation systems, which in turn were cross-calibrated to NOVA nTOF detectors in the early 1990s, a direct in situ calibration method using CR-39 range filter proton detectors has been successfully developed. By measuring DD neutron and proton yields from a series of exploding pusher implosions at OMEGA, a yield calibration coefficient of 1.09 ± 0.02 (relative to the previous coefficient) was determined for the 3m nTOF detector. In addition, comparison of these and other shots indicates that significant reduction in charged particle flux anisotropies is achieved when bang time occurs significantly (on the order of 500 ps) after the trailing edge of the laser pulse. This is an important observation as the main source of the yield calibration error is due to particle anisotropies caused by field effects. The results indicate that the CR-39-nTOF in situ calibration method can serve as a valuable technique for calibrating and reducing the uncertainty in the DD absolute yield calibration of nTOF detector systems on OMEGA, the National Ignition Facility, and laser megajoule.

A method for in situ absolute DD yield calibration of neutron time-of-flight detectors on OMEGA using CR-39-based proton detectors.

Science.gov (United States)

Waugh, C J; Rosenberg, M J; Zylstra, A B; Frenje, J A; Séguin, F H; Petrasso, R D; Glebov, V Yu; Sangster, T C; Stoeckl, C

2015-05-01

Neutron time of flight (nTOF) detectors are used routinely to measure the absolute DD neutron yield at OMEGA. To check the DD yield calibration of these detectors, originally calibrated using indium activation systems, which in turn were cross-calibrated to NOVA nTOF detectors in the early 1990s, a direct in situ calibration method using CR-39 range filter proton detectors has been successfully developed. By measuring DD neutron and proton yields from a series of exploding pusher implosions at OMEGA, a yield calibration coefficient of 1.09 ± 0.02 (relative to the previous coefficient) was determined for the 3m nTOF detector. In addition, comparison of these and other shots indicates that significant reduction in charged particle flux anisotropies is achieved when bang time occurs significantly (on the order of 500 ps) after the trailing edge of the laser pulse. This is an important observation as the main source of the yield calibration error is due to particle anisotropies caused by field effects. The results indicate that the CR-39-nTOF in situ calibration method can serve as a valuable technique for calibrating and reducing the uncertainty in the DD absolute yield calibration of nTOF detector systems on OMEGA, the National Ignition Facility, and laser megajoule.

A method for in situ absolute DD yield calibration of neutron time-of-flight detectors on OMEGA using CR-39-based proton detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Waugh, C. J.; Zylstra, A. B.; Frenje, J. A.; Séguin, F. H.; Petrasso, R. D.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Glebov, V. Yu.; Sangster, T. C.; Stoeckl, C.

2015-01-01

Neutron time of flight (nTOF) detectors are used routinely to measure the absolute DD neutron yield at OMEGA. To check the DD yield calibration of these detectors, originally calibrated using indium activation systems, which in turn were cross-calibrated to NOVA nTOF detectors in the early 1990s, a direct in situ calibration method using CR-39 range filter proton detectors has been successfully developed. By measuring DD neutron and proton yields from a series of exploding pusher implosions at OMEGA, a yield calibration coefficient of 1.09 ± 0.02 (relative to the previous coefficient) was determined for the 3m nTOF detector. In addition, comparison of these and other shots indicates that significant reduction in charged particle flux anisotropies is achieved when bang time occurs significantly (on the order of 500 ps) after the trailing edge of the laser pulse. This is an important observation as the main source of the yield calibration error is due to particle anisotropies caused by field effects. The results indicate that the CR-39-nTOF in situ calibration method can serve as a valuable technique for calibrating and reducing the uncertainty in the DD absolute yield calibration of nTOF detector systems on OMEGA, the National Ignition Facility, and laser megajoule

Open-dish incubator for live cell imaging with an inverted microscope.

Science.gov (United States)

Heidemann, Steven R; Lamoureux, Phillip; Ngo, Kha; Reynolds, Matthew; Buxbaum, Robert E

2003-10-01

Here we describe the design and fabrication of an inexpensive cell culture incubator for the stage of an inverted light microscope for use in live cell imaging. This device maintains the temperature of the cell culture at 37 degrees C with great stability and, after reaching equilibrium, provides focal stability of an image for 20-25 min with oil-immersion lenses. We describe two versions of the incubator: one for use with standard 60-mm plastic culture dishes, and the other version for imaging of cells on glass coverslips. Either can be made for less than $400. Most components are widely available commercially, and it requires only simple wiring and 3 h to assemble. Although the device is generally useful for live cell imaging on an inverted microscope, it is particularly suitable for work in which instruments are introduced into the culture, such as electrophysiology or micromanipulation. The design is based on the principle that control performance is limited by the lag time between detection and response. The key element of the design is a heated, temperature-controlled aluminum ring serving as a mini-incubator surrounding the culture vessel. For this reason, we call our design a "ringcubator."

Parabolic dish collectors - A solar option

Science.gov (United States)

Truscello, V. C.

1981-05-01

A description is given of several parabolic-dish high temperature solar thermal systems currently undergoing performance trials. A single parabolic dish has the potential for generating 20 to 30 kW of electricity with fluid temperatures from 300 to 1650 C. Each dish is a complete power-producing unit, and may function either independently or as part of a group of linked modules. The two dish designs under consideration are of 11 and 12 meter diameters, yielding receiver operating temperatures of 925 and 815 C, respectively. The receiver designs described include (1) an organic working fluid (toluene) Rankine cycle engine; (2) a Brayton open cycle unit incorporating a hybrid combustion chamber and nozzle and a shaft-coupled permanent magnet alternator; and (3) a modified Stirling cycle device originally designed for automotive use. Also considered are thermal buffer energy storage and thermochemical transport and storage.

Numerical and experimental dosimetry of petri dish exposure setups

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Burkhardt, M.; Pokovic, K.; Gnos, M.; Schmid, T.; Kuster, N. [Swiss Federal Inst. of Tech., Zurich (Switzerland)

1996-12-31

Crawford TEM cells are often used to exposure cell cultures or small animals in order to study the effects caused by high-frequency fields. They are self-contained, easy-to-use setups that provide a rather homogeneous field distribution in a large area around its center, corresponding approximately to far-field conditions. However, a number of conditions must be met if such TEM cells are intended to be used for in vitro experiments. For instance, poor interaction with the incident field must be maintained to avoid significant field disturbances in the TEM cell. This is best achieved with E-polarization, i.e., when the E-field vector is normal to the investigated cell layer lining the bottom of a synthetic Petri dish. In addition, E-polarization provides the most homogeneous field distribution of all polarizations within the entire layer of cells. In this paper, the authors present a detailed dosimetric assessment for 60 and 100 mm Petri dishes as well as for a 48-well titer plate at 835 MHz. The dosimetry was performed by using numerical computations. The modeling and the simplifications are validated by a second numerical technique and by experimental measurements. For thin liquid layers, an approximation formula is provided with which the induced field strength for many other experiments conducted in Petri dishes can be assessed reliably.

Use of Image Pro Plus for counting of {alpha} particles tracks in CR-39; Uso do Image Pro Plus para contagem de tracos de particulas {alpha} em CR-39

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miranda, Marcia Valeria F.E. Sa [Coordenacao dos Programas de Pos-Graduacao de Engenharia (COPPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Programa de Engenharia Nuclear; Centro Regional de Ciencias Nucleares (CRCN-NE/CNEN-PE), Recife, PE (Brazil); Crispim, Verginia Reis [Coordenacao dos Programas de Pos-Graduacao de Engenharia (COPPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Programa de Engenharia Nuclear; Gomes, Rogerio dos S.; Gomes, Joana D' Arc R. Lopes, E-mail: mvaleria@cnen.gov.b, E-mail: verginia@con.ufrj.b, E-mail: rogeriog@cnen.gov.b, E-mail: jlopes@cnen.gov.b [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2011-10-26

This paper measured the radon radiations present in NORM samples, through the diffusion chambers which contained a nuclear track detector (CR-39). For automatic counting of those tracks the computer program Image Pro plus was used. This paper reports the application of Image Pro plus for counting the nuclear tracks, coming from the radon radiation present in NORM samples. As the radiation rate of {sup 222}Rn if proportional to the number of these tracks, the methodology allowed to compare the levels of contamination of the analysed samples. Also, tables and graphics are presented with counting results referring to the stage of validation of Image Pro plus

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Dish/Engine Projects | Concentrating

Science.gov (United States)

Solar Power | NREL Dish/Engine Projects Photo of several flat, octagonal panels arranged together to form a dish-shaped structure. The receiver is supported above the panels by an arm-like of the panels. These dish/Stirling units are being tested at Sandia National Laboratories in

Optical, structural, and chemical properties of CR-39 implanted with 5.2 MeV doubly charged carbon ions

Science.gov (United States)

Ali, Dilawar; Butt, M. Z.; Ishtiaq, Mohsin; Waqas Khaliq, M.; Bashir, Farooq

2016-11-01

Poly-allyl-diglycol-carbonate (CR-39) specimens were irradiated with 5.2 MeV doubly charged carbon ions using Pelletron accelerator. Ion dose was varied from 5 × 1013 to 5 × 1015 ions cm-2. Optical, structural, and chemical properties were investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy, x-ray diffractometer, and FTIR/Raman spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that optical absorption increases with increasing ion dose. Absorption edge shifts from UV region to visible region. The measured opacity values of pristine and ion implanted CR-39 range from 0.0519 to 4.7959 mm-1 following an exponential growth (9141%) with the increase in ion dose. The values of direct and indirect band gap energy decrease exponentially with an increase in ion dose by 59% and 71%, respectively. However, average refractive index in the visible region increases from 1.443 to 2.864 with an increase in ion dose, by 98%. A linear relation between band gap energy and crystallite size was observed. Both the number of carbon atoms in conjugation length and the number of carbon atoms per cluster increase linearly with the increase in ion dose. FTIR spectra showed that on C+2 ions irradiation, the intensity of all bands decreases gradually without appearance of any new band, indicating degradation of polymer after irradiation. Raman spectra revealed that the density of -CH2- group decreases on C+2 ions irradiation. However, the structure of CR-39 is completely destroyed on irradiation with ion dose 1 × 1015 and 5 × 1015 ions cm-2.

Measurement of track opening contours of oblique incident 4He and 7Li-ions in CR-39: Relevance for calculation of track formation parameters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hermsdorf, D.; Reichelt, U.

2010-01-01

Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD) irradiated in realistic radiation fields exhibits after chemical etching very complex track images resulting from different species of particles and their energy spectra and randomly distributed angles of incidence or emission. Reading out such an etched detector surface with a light microscope, quite different track opening contours are observed. Beside the number of tracks, typically their major and minor axes are measured. In this work following problems arising from such experimental situations will be investigated: ·the measurement of track contour parameters for oblique incident 4 He and 7 Li-ions of different energies and angles in CR-39 detectors ·the theoretical description of the angular variation of both axes. ·the possibility to extract physical and spectroscopic information from major and minor track axes. This analysis is based on an intensive experimental program and the comprehensive study of theoretical models available for description of track revealing processes in CR-39.

Energy spectrum of iron nuclei measured inside the MIR space craft using CR-39 track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guenther, W.; Leugner, D.; Becker, E.; Flesch, F.; Heinrich, W.; Huentrup, G.; Reitz, G.; Roecher, H.; Streibel, T.

1999-01-01

We have exposed stacks of CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors inside the MIR space craft during the EUROMIR95 space mission for almost 6 months. Over this long period a large number of tracks of high LET events was accumulated in the detector foils. The etching and measuring conditions for this experiment were optimized to detect tracks of stopping iron nuclei. We found 185 stopping iron nuclei inside the stack and identified their trajectories through the material of the experiment. Based on the energy-range relation the energy at the surface of the stack was determined. These particles allow the determination of the low energy part of the spectrum of iron nuclei behind shielding material inside the MIR station

A study of CR-39 track response to charged particles from NOVA implosions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phillips, T.W.; Cable, M.D.; Hicks, D.G.; Li, C.K.; Petrasso, R.D.; Seguin, F.H.

1996-01-01

We have exposed CR-39 track recording material to a number of NOVA implosions. Radiation from the implosion passed through an array of ranging filters, which aided identification of the incident particles and their energies. The etching procedure was calibrated by including a piece of track exposed to DD protons from a small accelerator. For the same shots, we quantitatively compare the DD neutron yield with the DD proton yield determined from the track. In DT implosions, tracks produced by neutron interactions prevent observation of charged-particle tracks that are produced by the processes of knock-on, secondary or tertiary fusion

Radon diffusion in polymer vessels using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carneiro, Andre Cavalcanti; Menezes, Maria Angela de B.C.; Rocha, Zildete; Pereira, Marcio Tadeu, E-mail: andreccarneiro@gmail.com, E-mail: menezes@cdtn.br, E-mail: zildete@cdtn.br [Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN/CNEN-MG), Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil); Santos, Talita de Oliveira; Lara, Evelise Gomes; Braga, Mario Roberto Martins S.S., E-mail: mariomartins@gmail.com, E-mail: evelise.lara@gmail.com, E-mail: talitaolsantos@yahoo.com.br [Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil)

2015-07-01

At CDTN/CNEN, the method to determine {sup 226}Ra in several matrices by gamma spectrometry is already established; however, the method should be improved. This paper is about the first step of this improvement. Several polymer vessels were studied verifying the effect of radiolysis on the walls of the vessel. A test about the diffusion of {sup 222}Rn through the walls was carried out using the CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector. The results pointed out that the vessel made up by acrylic material is the best candidate to replace the vessel actually used. (author)

Solar parabolic dish Stirling engine system design, simulation, and thermal analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hafez, A.Z.; Soliman, Ahmed; El-Metwally, K.A.; Ismail, I.M.

2016-01-01

into account many factors in the design of the solar dish system. One of these factors is the reflector material of the concentrator and using the results from the Matlab simulation program; where the Polymeric Film, Non Metal reflectors, with a net conversion power of more than 97.07%, still holds the conversion record than the Anod Aluminum reflectors, which has a net conversion power 85.97% with respect to the polished stainless reflectors with a net conversion power 49.52% from the 10 kW Stirling engine. Where the power output differ as 9707, 4952, 8597 W, respectively from the 10 kW Stirling engine. It is shown that there are changes in Stirling power output for different materials, which guide us to select the optimum material, based on the targeted power output and cost. Our target to reach the optimum power that we need it in the design 10 kW power output design as an example from the solar dish Stirling engine.

Sizing a solar dish Stirling micro-CHP system for residential application in diverse climatic conditions based on 3E analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moghadam, Ramin Shabanpour; Sayyaadi, Hoseyn; Hosseinzade, Hadi

2013-01-01

Highlights: • 3E analysis was performed on solar CHP systems. • Significant primary energy saving and greenhouse gas reduction were obtained. • The engine was sized so that it had the best economic sound. • Various criteria at different weathers were used for sizing the engine. - Abstract: A solar dish Stirling cogeneration system is considered to provide energy demands of a residential building. As energy demands of the building and output power of the engine are functions of weather condition and solar irradiation flux, the benchmark building was considered to be located in five different cities in Iran with diverse climatic and solar irradiation conditions. The proposed solar dish Stirling micro-CHP system was analyzed based on 3E analysis. The 3E analysis evaluated primary energy saving analysis (energy analysis), carbon dioxide emission reduction (environmental analysis) and payback period for return of investment (economic analysis) and was compared to a reference building that utilized primary energy carriers for its demands. Three scenarios were considered for assessment and sizing the solar dish Stirling engine. In the first scenario, size of the solar dish Stirling engine was selected based on the lowest annual electric power demand while, in second, the highest annual electric power consumption was considered to specify size of the engine. In the third scenario, a solar dish Stirling engine with constant output capacity was considered for the five locations. It was shown that implementing the solar dish Stirling micro-CHP system had good potential in primary energy saving and carbon dioxide emission reduction in all scenarios and acceptable payback period for return of the investment in some scenarios. Finally, the best scenario for selecting size of the engine in each city was introduced using the TOPSIS decision making method. It was demonstrated that, for dry weather, the first scenario was the best while, for hot and humid cities and

Solar parabolic dish technology evaluation report

Science.gov (United States)

Lucas, J. W.

1984-01-01

The activities of the JPL Solar Thermal Power Systems Parabolic Dish Project for FY 1983 are summarized. Included are discussions on designs of module development including concentrator, receiver, and power conversion subsystems together with a separate discussion of field tests, Small Community Experiment system development, and tests at the Parabolic Dish Test Site.

Dish-based CPV-T for rooftop generation

Science.gov (United States)

Davila-Peralta, Christian; Hyatt, Justin; Alfred, Dan; Struble, Morgan; Sodari, Frank; Angel, Roger

2017-09-01

Hybrid CPV-T with combined electrical and thermal output is well suited to solar generation from fixed limited areas, such as on the roof of an industrial or commercial facility with need for heat. This application will become especially attractive once overall electrical conversion efficiency of 40% is reached, as is projected for REhnu CPV systems using multijunction cells of 50% efficiency, anticipated in a few years. We outline here a configuration of dish- based CPV trackers optimized for close packing on a flat roof in a triangular grid, with a mirror area-to-ground area ratio of 50%. When the geometry of shadowing averaged over a year is taken into account, 80% of all the sunlight that would strike the rooftop is directed into the receivers. Such an array on a given area of flat roof will generate more electrical energy than would be possible with conventional PV panels, even if covering the entire rooftop, because of silicon's relative inefficiency. For example, in Tucson, the annual average global flux of 5.7 kWh/m2/day on a horizontal surface covered with 22% silicon modules will yield 1.25 kWh/m2/day. We show that a CPV system collecting 80% of all the direct sunlight of 7.0 kWh/m2 and converting it with 40% efficiency will yield 2.24 kWh/m2/day of rooftop area, nearly twice as much4. Thermal power will double again the total energy yield. A dual axis CPV-T tracker designed specifically very close spacing has been built to carry a single dish mirror of the standard type used in REhnu's M-8 generator, described by Stalcup et al in these proceedings1,2. Sunlight is collected and focused by a single square paraboloidal mirror, 1.65 × 1.65 m with focal length of 1.5 m. For closest possible packing without mechanical interference, and for broad distribution of load on a rooftop, the mirror and receiver are mounted to a C-ring structure, configured such that the elevation and azimuth axes intersect at a virtual pivot, at the center of the sphere that just

Detection of fission fragments and alpha particles using the solid trace detector CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Santos, R.C.

1988-01-01

The technique of detecting charged particles using the solid track detector CR-39 is employed to establish some characteristics of fission fragments and alpha particles emitted from a Cf-252 source. Results are presented and discussed on the following aspects i) distribution of the track diameters; ii) variations on the track diameters to the chemical attack; iii) variations of the chemical attack velocity with respect to concentration and temperature. iv) activation energy of the developping process; v) induction time; vi) critical angle and efficiency on track developping. (A.C.A.S.) [pt

Preparation of contemporary dishes and a functional drink using Japan's heirloom vegetable, Katsura-uri

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Azusa Sasaki

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Background: The fruit of Katsura-uri, traditionally used in the preparation of pickles in Japan, is facing an extinction crisis. In addition to the traditional dishes prepared from Katsura-uri, alternative dishes using the fruit should be devised to increase consumer demands for the protection of the heirloom vegetable. We attempted designing new Katsura-uri contemporary dishes and assessed the application of Katsura-uri juice as a functional drink without raising blood glucose levels. Methods: Cooking experiments were conducted with Katsura-uri in its ripening stages, based on the advice from a licensed chef and a registered dietitian in Japan. In the questionnaire-based sensory evaluation, consumer acceptability of Katsura-uri juice was assessed. The blood glucose levels were measured after healthy volunteers consumed the juice. Results: We demonstrated six new Katsura-uri dishes. In the questionnaire-based sensory evaluation of Katsura-uri juice, the assessment values for taste and fragrance were high. In human trials, the levels of incremental area under the curve and glucose spike were significantly lower after consumption of Katsura-uri juice, as compared to those after consumption of muskmelon juice. Conclusion: Katsura-uri-containing contemporary dishes and juice would help continue the consumption of the vegetable. Based on the results of the questionnaire, we also concluded that the use of Katsura-uri as a functional drink without raising blood glucose levels is superior to its use as contemporary dishes. These findings provide useful strategies to protect Katsura-uri from extinction. Keywords: Blood glucose, Diabetes, Functional food, Heirloom vegetable, Traditional customs

Response of LR-115 type II and CR-39 plastic track detectors to Am-Be and 14.1-MeV neutrons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bradley, D.A.; Chong, C.S.; Saat, Ahmat; Sidik, A.G.; Ghose, A.M.

1987-01-01

The fast-neutron response of the plastic LR-115 type II and CR-39 track detectors have been compared, using a 14.1-MeV neutron generator and a radionuclide Am-Be neutron source (effective primary neutron energy 4.5-MeV). The distribution of track diameters for a range of etching times has been evaluated, taking into account track registration efficiency and the relevant fast neutron scattering cross-sections. The efficiency of etched-track formation in LR-115 type II due to neutron irradiation is approximately double that in CR-39. The 14.1-MeV neutrons also tend to produce tracks in both materials with somewhat greater efficiency than do the lower energy neutrons from the radionuclide source, for a given etching time. (author)

Dish/Stirling for Department of Defense applications final report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Diver, R.B.; Menicucci, D.F. [Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States). Energy and Environment Div.

1997-03-01

This report describes a Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) project to field a dish/Stirling system at a southwestern US military facility. This project entitled ``Dish/Stirling for DoD Applications`` was started in August 1993 and was completed in September 1996. The project`s objective was to assist military facilities to field and evaluate emerging environmentally sound and potentially economical dish/Stirling technology. Dish/Stirling technology has the potential to produce electricity at competitive costs while at the same time providing a secure and environmentally benign source of power. In accordance with the SERDP charter, this project leveraged a US Department of Energy (DOE) cost-shared project between Sandia National Laboratories and Cummins Power Generation, Inc. (CPG). CPG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cummins Engine Company, a leading manufacturer of diesel engines. To accomplish this objective, the project called for the installation of a dish/Stirling system at a military facility to establish first-hand experience in the operation of a dish/Stirling system. To scope the potential DoD market for dish/Stirling technology and to identify the site for the demonstration, a survey of southwestern US military facilities was also conducted. This report describes the project history, the Cummins dish/Stirling system, results from the military market survey, and the field test results.

A Dish-based Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for Assessment of Dietary Intakes in Epidemiologic Studies in Iran: Design and Development.

Science.gov (United States)

Keshteli, Ah; Esmaillzadeh, Ahmad; Rajaie, Somayeh; Askari, Gholamreza; Feinle-Bisset, Christine; Adibi, Peyman

2014-01-01

Earlier forms of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) used in Iran have extensive lists of foods, traditional categories and food-based design, mostly with the interviewer-administered approach. The aim of the current paper is to describe the development of a dish-based, machine-readable, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (DFQ). Within the framework of the Study on the Epidemiology of Psychological, Alimentary Health and Nutrition project, we created a novel FFQ using Harvard FFQ as a model. THE FOLLOWING STEPS WERE TAKEN TO DEVELOP THE QUESTIONNAIRE: Construction of a list of commonly consumed Iranian foods, definition of portion sizes, design of response options for consumption frequency of each food item and finally a pilot test of the preliminary DFQ. From a comprehensive list of foods and mixed dishes, we included those that were nutrient-rich, consumed reasonably often or contributed to between-person variations. We focused on mixed dishes, rather than their ingredients, along with foods. To shorten the list, the related food items or mixed dishes were categorized together in one food group. These exclusions resulted in a list of 106 foods or dishes in the questionnaire. The portion sizes used in the FFQ were obtained from our earlier studies that used dietary recalls and food records. The frequency response options for the food list varied from 6-9 choices from "never or less than once a month" to "12 or more times per day". The DFQ could be a reasonable dietary assessment tool for future epidemiological studies in the country. Validation studies are required to assess the validity and reliability of this newly developed questionnaire.

A Dish-based Semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for assessment of dietary intakes in epidemiologic studies in Iran: Design and development

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ammar Hassanzadeh Keshteli

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Background: Earlier forms of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ used in Iran have extensive lists of foods, traditional categories and food-based design, mostly with the interviewer-administered approach. The aim of the current paper is to describe the development of a dish-based, machine-readable, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (DFQ. Methods: Within the framework of the Study on the Epidemiology of Psychological, Alimentary Health and Nutrition project, we created a novel FFQ using Harvard FFQ as a model. Results: The following steps were taken to develop the questionnaire: Construction of a list of commonly consumed Iranian foods, definition of portion sizes, design of response options for consumption frequency of each food item and finally a pilot test of the preliminary DFQ. From a comprehensive list of foods and mixed dishes, we included those that were nutrient-rich, consumed reasonably often or contributed to between-person variations. We focused on mixed dishes, rather than their ingredients, along with foods. To shorten the list, the related food items or mixed dishes were categorized together in one food group. These exclusions resulted in a list of 106 foods or dishes in the questionnaire. The portion sizes used in the FFQ were obtained from our earlier studies that used dietary recalls and food records. The frequency response options for the food list varied from 6-9 choices from "never or less than once a month" to "12 or more times per day". Conclusions: The DFQ could be a reasonable dietary assessment tool for future epidemiological studies in the country. Validation studies are required to assess the validity and reliability of this newly developed questionnaire.

Optical analysis and performance evaluation of a solar parabolic dish concentrator

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pavlović Saša R.

2016-01-01

Full Text Available In this study, the optical design of a solar parabolic dish concentrator is presented. The parabolic dish concentrator consists from 11 curvilinear trapezoidal reflective petals made of polymethyl methacrylate with special reflective coating. The dish diameter is equal to 3.8 m and the theoretical focal point distance is 2.26 m. Numerical simulations are made with the commercial software TracePro from Lambda Research, USA, and the final optimum position between absorber and reflector was calculated to 2.075 m; lower than focus distance. This paper presents results for the optimum position and the optimum diameter of the receiver. The decision for selecting these parameters is based on the calculation of the total flux over the flat and corrugated pipe receiver surface; in its central region and in the peripheral region. The simulation results could be useful reference for designing and optimizing of solar parabolic dish concentrators as for as for CFD analysis, heat transfer and fluid flow analysis in corrugated spiral heat absorbers. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III42006: Research and development of energy and environmentally highly effective polygeneration systems based on renewable energy resources i br. III45016: Fabrication and characterization of nanophotonic functional structures in biomedicine and informatics

Determination of detection efficiency for radon and radon daughters with CR 39 track detector - a Monte Carlo study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikezic, D.

1994-01-01

The detection effciency, ρ, (or a calibration coefficient k) for radon measurements with a solid state nuclear track detector CR 39 was determined by many authors. There is a considerable discrepancy among reported values for ρ. This situation was a challenge to develop a software program to calculation ρ. This software is based on Bethe-Bloch's expression for the stopping power for heavy charged particles in a medium, as wll as on the Monte Carlo Method. Track parameters were calculated by using an iterative procedure as given in G. Somogyi et al., Nucl. Instr. and Meth. 109 (1973) 211. Results for an open detector and for the detector in a diffusion chamber were presented in this article. (orig.)

Skin or nail culture

Science.gov (United States)

Mucosal culture; Culture - skin; Culture - mucosal; Nail culture; Culture - fingernail; Fingernail culture ... There, it is placed in a special dish (culture). It is then watched to see if bacteria, ...

The influence of chemical etching time on efficiency of radon detection using CR-39

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reway, Adriana P.; Kappke, Jaqueline; Narloch, Danielle C., E-mail: adrireway@hotmail.com, E-mail: jaquelinekappke@gmail.com, E-mail: daninarloch@hotmail.com [Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana (UTFPR), Curitiba, PR (Brazil). Departamento Academico de Fisica; Del Claro, Flavia; Paschuk, Sergei A., E-mail: flaviadelclaro@gmail.com, E-mail: spaschuk@gmail.com [Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana (UTFPR), Curitiba, PR (Brazil). Programa de Pos-Graduaca em Engenharia Eletrica e Informatica Industrial; Correa, Janine N., E-mail: janine_nicolosi@hotmail.com [Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana (UTFPR), Curitiba, PR (Brazil). Departamento Academico de Construcao Civil

2015-07-01

Natural radiation is the principal source of human exposure to ionizing radiation. Radon is noble radioactive gas that emanates from the soil and rocks entering the atmosphere of dwellings where it could be accumulated. The inhalation of {sup 222}Rn represents a significant health risk. Solid-State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD) represents an efficient method for alpha particle detection and measurements of the activity concentration of {sup 222}Rn. The aim of present work was to study the etching time impact on CR-39 efficiency in radon activity measurements. The investigation was performed using 80 CR-39 detectors, which were exposed to a source of radon. After the exposition, alpha particle tracks development was achieved by chemical etching using 6.25M NaOH solution and ethanol (2%) at 70°C. Etching alpha particle tracks were identified and counted manually using the optical microscope with magnification of 100x and glass overlay mask. The etching time ranged from 7 to 14 hours. The results show that there is an increase in the number of visible tracks with increased etching time. The number of traces obtained for 7 hours and 8 hours of revelation was 1430 +/- 90 and 2090 +/- 160, respectively. However, for etching time of 13 and 14 hours was not observed statistical increase in the number of visible tracks. The number of tracks in this situation was 3630 +/- 180 and 3870 +/- 160 to 13 and 14 hours etching. Thus, for assumed etching parameters, the etching optimal time was observed 14 hours. (author)

The influence of chemical etching time on efficiency of radon detection using CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reway, Adriana P.; Kappke, Jaqueline; Narloch, Danielle C.; Del Claro, Flavia; Paschuk, Sergei A.; Correa, Janine N.

2015-01-01

Natural radiation is the principal source of human exposure to ionizing radiation. Radon is noble radioactive gas that emanates from the soil and rocks entering the atmosphere of dwellings where it could be accumulated. The inhalation of 222 Rn represents a significant health risk. Solid-State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD) represents an efficient method for alpha particle detection and measurements of the activity concentration of 222 Rn. The aim of present work was to study the etching time impact on CR-39 efficiency in radon activity measurements. The investigation was performed using 80 CR-39 detectors, which were exposed to a source of radon. After the exposition, alpha particle tracks development was achieved by chemical etching using 6.25M NaOH solution and ethanol (2%) at 70°C. Etching alpha particle tracks were identified and counted manually using the optical microscope with magnification of 100x and glass overlay mask. The etching time ranged from 7 to 14 hours. The results show that there is an increase in the number of visible tracks with increased etching time. The number of traces obtained for 7 hours and 8 hours of revelation was 1430 +/- 90 and 2090 +/- 160, respectively. However, for etching time of 13 and 14 hours was not observed statistical increase in the number of visible tracks. The number of tracks in this situation was 3630 +/- 180 and 3870 +/- 160 to 13 and 14 hours etching. Thus, for assumed etching parameters, the etching optimal time was observed 14 hours. (author)

A study of CR-39 plastic charged-particle detector replacement by consumer imaging sensors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Plaud-Ramos, K. O.; Freeman, M. S.; Wei, W.; Guardincerri, E.; Bacon, J. D.; Cowan, J.; Durham, J. M.; Huang, D.; Gao, J.; Hoffbauer, M. A.; Morley, D. J.; Morris, C. L.; Poulson, D. C.; Wang, Zhehui, E-mail: zwang@lanl.gov [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)

2016-11-15

Consumer imaging sensors (CIS) are examined for real-time charged-particle detection and CR-39 plastic detector replacement. Removing cover glass from CIS is hard if not impossible, in particular for the latest inexpensive webcam models. We show that $10-class CIS are sensitive to MeV and higher energy protons and α-particles by using a {sup 90}Sr β-source with its cover glass in place. Indirect, real-time, high-resolution detection is also feasible when combining CIS with a ZnS:Ag phosphor screen and optics. Noise reduction in CIS is nevertheless important for the indirect approach.

Measurement of fast neutron spectrum using CR-39 detectors and a new image analysis program (autoTRAKn)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paul, Sabyasachi; Tripathy, S.P.; Sahoo, G.S.; Bandyopadhyay, T.; Sarkar, P.K.

2013-01-01

An attempt is made to estimate the neutron spectrum using the CR-39 (Solid state nuclear track) detector and a new image analyzing program. For this purpose the earlier developed program (autoTRAK) is modified by introducing the required features such as angular correction for the recoil particles, fluence-to-dose conversion coefficient, detection sensitivity of CR-39 detectors, etc. to make it applicable for neutron spectrometry and dosimetry. This upgraded program (autoTRAK n ) is tested with a mono-energetic source (D–T) and two other standard neutron sources, viz. 241 Am–Be and 252 Cf. The program is validated by reproducing these standard spectra, and comparing with the spectra reported by other investigators using different measuring techniques. The ratios of dose equivalent (H ⁎ (10)) to fluence (Φ) are also estimated from the spectra and are compared with the reference values for these neutron sources. An additional feature of this program is explored for counting high density overlapping tracks more precisely and effectively compared to other commonly used image analyzing softwares. This method is found to be simple and promising, which can always be used as a supplementary measuring technique. The details of the modified program, reproduction and comparison of the neutron spectra, reproducibility of the methodology and example of overlapping track counting are presented and discussed. -- Highlights: •A novel image analysis technique (autoTRAK n ) is developed to evaluate CR-39 detectors used for neutron spectrometry and dosimetry. •The methodology is tested to reproduce three standard neutron spectra, (a) D–T, (b) 241 Am–Be, and (c) 252 Cf. •A good matching is observed between dosimetric values obtained by the program and the available reference values. •The program autoTRAK n is also observed to be efficient to distinguish high density overlapping tracks without any segregation procedure. •The methodology seems to be simple, which

Registration properties of different types of CR-39 in vacuum conditions of irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Golovchenko, A.N.; Tret'yakova, S.P.

1991-01-01

Sensitivity change has been studied of different types of CR-39 detectors (Pershore, Tastrak, Intercast, Ma-ND/α) in dependence on holding time of detector in vacuum chamber at the residual pressure P ≅ 2x10 -2 and ≅ 5x10 -3 Pa before their irradiation with alpha particles from thin 238 Pu source and accelerated charged ions with atomic number Z=2-10 and energy of 9.1 MeV/nucleon. Polymer of Intercast Company turned out to be the most stable one to vacuum effect, and detector does not change the sensitivity up to response function REL 200 ≅ 1 MeVxcm 2 xmg -1 in the mentioned experiment conditions. 7 refs.; 3 figs

Measurement of the variable track-etch rate of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen Ions in CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lengar, I.; Skvarc, J.; Ilic, R.

2003-01-01

The ratio of the track-etch rate to the bulk-etch rate for hydrogen, carbon and oxygen ions was studied for the CR-39 detector with addition of dioctylphthalate. The response was reconstructed from etch-pit growth curves obtained by the multi-step etching technique. A theoretical analysis of the correctness of the method due to the 'missing track segment' is assessed and utilisation of the results obtained for the calibration of fast neutron dosimetry is discussed. (author)

A parametric investigation on a solar dish-Stirling system

Science.gov (United States)

Gholamalizadeh, Ehsan; Chung, Jae Dong

2018-06-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the performance of a solar dish-Stirling system. A mathematical model for the overall thermal efficiency of the solar-powered high-temperature-differential dish-Stirling engine is described. This model takes into account pressure losses due to fluid friction which is internal to the engine, mechanical friction between the moving parts, actual heat transfer includes the effects of both internal and external irreversibilities of the cycle and finite regeneration processes time. Validation was done through comparison with the actual power output of the "EuroDish" system. Moreover, the effects of dish diameter and working fluid on the performance of the system were studied. An increase of about 7.2% was observed for the power output using hydrogen as the working fluid rather than helium. Also, the focal distance for any diameter of dish was calculated.

On-sun performance of an improved dish-based HCPV system

Science.gov (United States)

Stalcup, Thomas; Angel, Roger P.; Coughenour, Blake; Wheelwright, Brian; Connors, Tom; Davison, Warren; Lesser, David; Elliott, Justin; Schaefer, John

2012-10-01

The University of Arizona has developed a new dish-based High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) system which is in the process of being commercialized by REhnu, Inc. The basic unit uses a paraboloidal glass reflector 3.1 m x 3.1 m square to bring sunlight to a high power point focus at a concentration of ~20,000x. A unique optical system at the focus reformats the concentrated sunlight so as to uniformly illuminate 36 triple junction cells at 1200x geometric concentration1. The relay optics and cells are integrated with an active cooling system in a self-contained Power Conversion Unit (PCU) suspended above the dish reflector. Only electrical connections are made to the PCU as the active cooling system within is completely sealed. Eight of these reflector/PCU units can be mounted on a single two axis tracking structure2. Our 1st generation prototype reflector/PCU unit consistently generated 2.2 kW of power normalized to 1kW/m2 DNI in over 200 hours of on-sun testing in 20113. Here, we present on-sun performance results for our 2nd generation prototype reflector/PCU unit, which has been in operation since June 2012. This improved system consistently generates 2.7 kW of power normalized to 1kW/m2 DNI and has logged over 100 hours of on-sun testing. This system is currently operating at28% DC net system efficiency with an operating cell temperature of only 20°C above ambient. Having proven this system concept, work on our 3rd generation prototype is underway with a focus on manufacturability, lower cost, and DC efficiency target of 32% or better.

A performance test of a new high-surface-quality and high-sensitivity CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector – TechnoTrak

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kodaira, S., E-mail: kodaira.satoshi@qst.go.jp [Radiation Measurement Research Team, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba (Japan); Morishige, K. [Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo (Japan); Kawashima, H.; Kitamura, H.; Kurano, M. [Radiation Measurement Research Team, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba (Japan); Hasebe, N. [Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo (Japan); Koguchi, Y.; Shinozaki, W. [Oarai Research Center, Chiyoda Technol Corporation, Ibaraki (Japan); Ogura, K. [College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University, Chiba (Japan)

2016-09-15

We have studied the performance of a newly-commercialized CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD), “TechnoTrak”, in energetic heavy ion measurements. The advantages of TechnoTrak are derived from its use of a purified CR-39 monomer to improve surface quality combined with an antioxidant to improve sensitivity to low-linear-energy-transfer (LET) particles. We irradiated these detectors with various heavy ions (from protons to krypton) with various energies (30–500 MeV/u) at the heavy ion accelerator facilities in the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS). The surface roughness after chemical etching was improved to be 59% of that of the conventional high-sensitivity CR-39 detector (HARZLAS/TD-1). The detectable dynamic range of LET was found to be 3.5–600 keV/μm. The LET and charge resolutions for three ions tested ranged from 5.1% to 1.5% and 0.14 to 0.22 c.u. (charge unit), respectively, in the LET range of 17–230 keV/μm, which represents an improvement over conventional products (HARZLAS/TD-1 and BARYOTRAK). A correction factor for the angular dependence was determined for correcting the LET spectrum in an isotropic radiation field. We have demonstrated the potential of TechnoTrak, with its two key features of high surface quality and high sensitivity to low-LET particles, to improve automatic analysis protocols in radiation dosimetry and various other radiological applications.

Etching characteristics of a CR-39 track detector at room temperature in different etching solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dajko, G.

1991-01-01

Investigations were carried out to discover how the etching characteristics of CR-39 detectors change with varying conditions of the etching process. Measurements were made at room temperature in pure NaOH and KOH solutions; in different alcoholic KOH solutions (PEW solution, i.e. potassium hydroxide, ethyl alcohol, water); and in NaOH and KOH solutions containing different additives. The bulk etching rate of the detector (V B ) and the V (= V T /V B ) function, i.e. track to bulk etch rates ratio, for 6.1 MeV α-particles, were measured systematically. (author)

Assessment of radiation shielding materials for protection of space crews using CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

DeWitt, J.M.; Benton, E.R.; Uchihori, Y.; Yasuda, N.; Benton, E.V.; Frank, A.L.

2009-01-01

A significant obstacle to long duration human space exploration such as the establishment of a permanent base on the surface of the Moon or a human mission to Mars is the risk posed by prolonged exposure to space radiation. In order to keep mission costs at acceptable levels while simultaneously minimizing the risk from radiation to space crew health and safety, a judicious use of optimized shielding materials will be required. We have undertaken a comprehensive study using CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) to characterize the radiation shielding properties of a range of materials-both common baseline materials such as Al and polyethylene, and novel multifunctional materials such as carbon composites-at heavy ion accelerators. The study consists of analyzing CR-39 PNTD exposed in front of and behind shielding targets of varying composition and at a number of depths (target thicknesses) relevant to the development and testing of materials for space radiation shielding. Most targets consist of 10 cm x 10 cm slabs of solid materials ranging in thickness from 1 to >30 g/cm 2 . Exposures have been made to beams of C, O, Ne, Si, Ar, and Fe at energies ranging from 290 MeV/amu to 1 GeV/amu at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences HIMAC and the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Analysis of the exposed detectors yields LET spectrum, dose, and dose equivalent as functions of target depth and composition, and incident heavy ion charge, energy, and fluence. Efforts are currently underway to properly weigh and combine these results into a single quantitative estimate of a material's ability to shield space crews from the interplanetary galactic cosmic ray flux.

Tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide (TEAH) as etchant of CR-39 for the determination of fluence of alpha particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Joshirao, Pranav M.; Vyas, Chirag K.; Eappen, K.P. [Department of Energy Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440746 (Korea, Republic of); Shin, Jae Won [Department of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440746 (Korea, Republic of); Hong, Seung-Woo [Department of Energy Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440746 (Korea, Republic of); Department of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440746 (Korea, Republic of); Manchanda, Vijay K., E-mail: vkm49@skku.edu [Department of Energy Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440746 (Korea, Republic of); School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440746 (Korea, Republic of)

2014-04-01

Highlights: • Etching time of CR-39 with TEAH–NaOH mixture (at 80 °C) is less than 20 min. • Etched products enhance etching rate. • V{sub B} and V{sub T} values increase exponentially with temperature. • Activation energy of bulk etching and track etching were determined as 0.87 ± 0.02 eV. - Abstract: Choice of chemical etchant and temperature are pivotal to the successful employment of organic/polymeric solid state nuclear track detectors for determining the fluence of charged particles like protons, alpha and other heavy ions. Poly(diethyleneglycol-bis-(allylcarbonate)) (CR-39) is one of the most sensitive detectors for monitoring the alpha particles but suffers from the drawback of long etching period. An attempt has been made in the present work to investigate a mixture, 20% (v/v) tetraethylammonium hydroxide (40%) – 80% NaOH (6 M) (TEAH–NaOH) at varying temperature as an alternate etchant. It was found that bulk/track etch rate increased and as a consequence etching time decreased significantly (about 10 times) when the mixture was used at 80 °C. Mechanistically, improved efficiency of TEAH–NaOH was attributed to its larger organophilicity and lower etching activation energy as compared to NaOH.

Use of Image Pro Plus for counting of α particles tracks in CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miranda, Marcia Valeria F.E. Sa; Crispim, Verginia Reis

2011-01-01

This paper measured the radon radiations present in NORM samples, through the diffusion chambers which contained a nuclear track detector (CR-39). For automatic counting of those tracks the computer program Image Pro plus was used. This paper reports the application of Image Pro plus for counting the nuclear tracks, coming from the radon radiation present in NORM samples. As the radiation rate of 222 Rn if proportional to the number of these tracks, the methodology allowed to compare the levels of contamination of the analysed samples. Also, tables and graphics are presented with counting results referring to the stage of validation of Image Pro plus

New possibility for high-resolution spectroscopy of nuclear particles entering CR-39 at selected dip angles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Somogyi, G.; Hunyadi, I.; Hafez, A.F. (Magyar Tudomanyos Akademia, Debrecen. Atommag Kutato Intezete); Espinosa, G. (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City. Inst. de Fisica)

1984-01-01

In nuclear reaction studies a differentiation of the reaction products according to their type and energy is generally required. At right angle of incidence a particle identification method based on the relation between the track diameter and particle energy can be well applied to plastic track detectors of low registration sensitivity. We have tried to extend this 'track-diameter method' to the high-sensitivity CR-39 sheets by selecting special incident angles for particle detection. The utility of such a measuring procedure, called 'track-size method', is presented for alpha and proton spectroscopy. A theory is developed to calculate at arbitrary angles the main parameters affecting the energy resolving power of the 'track-size method', namely the critical layer thickness (which has to be removed from the detector surface for track-induction) and the depth and minor axis of etch-pits.

Bile culture

Science.gov (United States)

Culture - bile ... is placed in a special dish called a culture medium to see if bacteria, viruses, or fungi ... Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Body fluid - anaerobic culture. In: ... . 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:225-226. Kim AY, ...

Change in the sensitivity of CR-39 for alpha-tracks after the storage at different temperatures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Enomoto, Hiroko; Ishigure, Nobuhito

2000-01-01

The effect of storage on track registration property of CR-39 has been investigated. Pieces of CR-39 plate were irradiated with normally incident α-particles and fission fragments using a 252 Cf source prior and posterior to the storage of them in air for one year at different temperatures of -80degC, -23degC, 4degC, 23degC and 35degC. Periodical etching was performed for the pieces stored at different temperatures using the solution of NaOH with 7 mol+l -1 at 70degC for 4 hours. Bulk etch rate (V b ) was obtained from the etch pit diameter (D f ) of fission tracks using the equation: V b =D f /(2t), where t is etching time (h). The sensitivity for α-tracks (S) was obtained from the ratio of the etch pit diameters between α-tracks (D a ) and fission-tracks using the equation: S={1+(D a /D f ) 2 }/{1-(D a /D f ) 2 }-1. The present results show that both the bulk etch rate and α-track sensitivity are not constant, which tend to decrease with storage times and storage temperatures. At -80degC, -23degC and 4degC the change in the sensitivity was negligible. On the other hand, the storage at 23degC for 1 year decreased the sensitivity down to 74%. The most significant effect was observed on the α-track sensitivity at 35degC, which was reduced to 80% for one month, 61% for three months, 42% for six months and 32% for one year. By the comparison of experiments between fading and ageing it is shown that such storage effect is attributed not to fading of latent tracks but mainly to some changes in the detector itself. When CR-39 is used of radon monitoring or neutron monitoring, the following points should be paid attention to: (1) the detector should be stored in a refrigerator before exposure and until etching after the exposure, (2) the change in the sensitivity between the time of calibration and the time of use should be evaluated and the counting efficiency at the measurement should be corrected and (3) for comparison or for interpretation of experimental results

Studying effects of Magnolol on alpha-particle induced bystander effects using PADC-film based dishes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wong, T.P.W. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Tse, A.K.W.; Fong, W.F. [Research and Development Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Yu, K.N., E-mail: peter.yu@cityu.edu.h [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong)

2009-10-15

Radiation-induced bystander effect refers to the biological response found in cells (called bystander cells) which are not irradiated directly by ionizing radiation but are next to cells irradiated directly by ionizing radiation. In the present paper, the effects of Magnolol, an extract from the bark of Magnolia officinalis which is used as a traditional Chinese medicine, were studied on alpha-particle induced bystander effects. In our experiments, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were cultured in PADC-film based dishes and were irradiated with low fluences of alpha particles passing through the PADC films. The precise number of cells traversed or missed by alpha particles could be determined by studying the alpha-particle tracks developed on the PADC films upon subsequent chemical etching. TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay was employed to analyze the biological response of bystander cells in terms of DNA strand breaks. With the pretreatment of Magnolol, the DNA strand breaks in bystander cells were reduced, which showed that the alpha-particle induced bystander effects were suppressed with the presence of Magnolol. Since Magnolol is an antioxidant which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), our results give support to that ROS play a role in the bystander signal transmission in our experiments.

Studying effects of Magnolol on alpha-particle induced bystander effects using PADC-film based dishes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wong, T.P.W.; Tse, A.K.W.; Fong, W.F.; Yu, K.N.

2009-01-01

Radiation-induced bystander effect refers to the biological response found in cells (called bystander cells) which are not irradiated directly by ionizing radiation but are next to cells irradiated directly by ionizing radiation. In the present paper, the effects of Magnolol, an extract from the bark of Magnolia officinalis which is used as a traditional Chinese medicine, were studied on alpha-particle induced bystander effects. In our experiments, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were cultured in PADC-film based dishes and were irradiated with low fluences of alpha particles passing through the PADC films. The precise number of cells traversed or missed by alpha particles could be determined by studying the alpha-particle tracks developed on the PADC films upon subsequent chemical etching. TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay was employed to analyze the biological response of bystander cells in terms of DNA strand breaks. With the pretreatment of Magnolol, the DNA strand breaks in bystander cells were reduced, which showed that the alpha-particle induced bystander effects were suppressed with the presence of Magnolol. Since Magnolol is an antioxidant which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), our results give support to that ROS play a role in the bystander signal transmission in our experiments.

Routine sputum culture

Science.gov (United States)

Sputum culture ... There, it is placed in a special dish (culture). It is then watched to see if bacteria ... Elsevier; 2018:chap 36. Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Culture, routine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory ...

Evidence of formation of trans-Fe nuclei in Fe+Al interactions at 1.88 GeV using Cr-39 (DOP) detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganguly, A.K.; Chaudhuri, Biva

1991-01-01

A wedge-shaped aluminium target was irradiated with 1.88 A GeV Fe beam to study various features of Fe+Al nucleus-nucleus interaction and their dependence on target thickness. The detector employed was a stack of CR-39 (DOP) and Lexan plastic nuclear track detectors which have a characteristically high charge resolution property. To distinguish the actual events from background and buildup a selection criteria for easy and unambiguous rejection of unwanted interfering events the stack of detectors was placed at an angle of 60deg with respect to the beam. After irradiation the CR-39 (DOP) detectors were etched and the elliptic etch-pit diameters were scanned. The diameter distribution of the elliptic etch-pits exhibits the existence of trans Fe nuclei. The production of trans Fe fraction is seen to increase with the thickness of the aluminium target. The possible causes of this increase are being investigated. (author). 12 refs., 4 figs

Preliminary results of fission induced by (1068 MeV) pi in Cu, Sn, Au and Bi using CR-39 detectors

CERN Document Server

Khan, H A; Shahzad, M I; Manzoor, S; Farooq, M A; Sher, G; Khan, E U; Peterson, R J

1999-01-01

Fission probabilities in pion induced reactions exhibit characteristic variations with respect to pion energies and target fissility values. At incident energies well above the pion-nucleon resonances, the statistical model seems to give good description of the observed data. We have used negative pions of energy 1068 MeV, in order to study fission induced in four target materials with fissility values [(Z-1)2/A] ranging from 12 to 32. All targets were arranged in a single stack in such a way that each target coated on a CR-39 detector was sandwiched by another uncoated CR-39 detector plate. The stack was irradiated at the AGS of Brookhaven National Laboratory (USA). This set-up ensures solid angle coverage of almost 4 pi degrees, so that for each fission event one of the fission fragments is expected to be trapped by the forward detector and one by the detector covering backward hemisphere. The effect of pion momentum transfer to the struck nucleus was observed in the form of asymmetry between events counted...

Characterization of plastic nuclear track detectors on solid state, CR-39 and LR-115 and its possibilities application on thermal and fast neutron dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vallejo Delgado, L.R.

1989-01-01

This work is an study about the use feasibility of plastic nuclear track detectors, LR 115, II-B (of Eastmann Kodak Co) and CR-39 (of American Acrylics and Plastics), for thermal and fast neutron dosimetry, respectively. The LR-115 with converter (n, alpha) was exposed to thermal neutrons with energy of 0,046 e V, proceeding from nuclear reactor RECH-1 of Nuclear Energy Chilean Commission. The irradiated films were submited to a chemical etching with NaOH, plus a washing and brushing. The CR-39 with polyethylene irradiator, was exposed to fast neutrons proceeding of calibrated sources of Am-Se. The irradiated plates were submited to a chemical pre-etching with KOH and a electrochemical post-etching. (author)

Performance comparisons of dish type solar concentrator with mirror arrangements and receiver shapes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seo, Joo Hyun; Kim, Yong; Ma, Dae Sung; Seo, Tae Beom [Graduate School, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Inha Univ., Inchon (Korea, Republic of); Kang, Yong Heack [Korea Inst. of Energy Research, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2008-07-01

The performance comparisons of dish type solar concentrators are numerically investigated. The dish type solar concentrator considered in this paper consists of a receiver and multi-faceted mirrors. In order to investigate the performance comparisons of dish type solar concentrators, six different mirror arrangements and four different receivers are considered. A parabolic-shaped perfect mirror of which diameter is 1.40 m is considered as the reference for the mirror arrangements. The other mirror arrangements consist of twelve identical parabolic-shaped mirror facets of which diameter are 0.405 m. Their total collecting areas, which are 1.545 m{sup 2}, are the same. Four different solar receiver shapes are a conical, a dome, a cylindrical, and a unicorn type. In order to investigate the thermal performance of the dish type solar concentrator, the radiative heat loss in the receiver should be calculated. For calculation, the net radiation method and the Monte-Carlo method are used. Also, because the thermal performance of the dish type solar concentrator can vary as the receiver surface temperature, the various surface temperatures are considered. Based on the calculation, the unicorn type has the best performance in receiver shapes and the STAR has the best performance in mirror arrangements except the perfect mirror. (orig.)

Mechanical design of a low cost parabolic solar dish concentrator

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hamza Hijazi

2016-03-01

Full Text Available The objective of this research was to design a low cost parabolic solar dish concentrator with small-to moderate size for direct electricity generation. Such model can be installed in rural areas which are not connected to governmental grid. Three diameters of the dish; 5, 10 and 20 m are investigated and the focal point to dish diameter ratio is set to be 0.3 in all studied cases. Special attention is given to the selection of the appropriate dimensions of the reflecting surfaces to be cut from the available sheets in the market aiming to reduce both cutting cost and sheets cost. The dimensions of the ribs and rings which support the reflecting surface are optimized in order to minimize the entire weight of the dish while providing the minimum possible total deflection and stresses in the beams. The study applies full stress analysis of the frame of the dish using Autodesk Inventor. The study recommends to use landscape orientation for the reflective facets and increase the ribs angle and the distance between the connecting rings. The methodology presented is robust and can be extended to larger dish diameters.

Activation energy of etching for CR-39 as a function of linear energy transfer of the incident particles

CERN Document Server

Awad, E M

1999-01-01

In this work, we have studied the effect of the radiation damage caused by the incident particles on the activation energy of etching for CR-39 samples. The damage produced by the incident particle is expressed in terms of the linear energy transfer (LET). CR-39 samples from American Acrylic were irradiated to three different LET particles. These are N (LET sub 2 sub 0 sub 0 = 20 KeV/mu m) as a light particle, Fe (LET sub 2 sub 0 sub 0 = 110 KeV/mu m) as a medium particle and fission fragments (ff) from a sup 2 sup 5 sup 2 Cf source as heavy particles. In general the bulk etch rate was calculated using the weight difference method and the track etch rate was determined using the track geometry at various temperatures (50-90 deg. C) and concentrations (4-9 N) of the NaOH etchant. The average activation energy E sub b related to the bulk etch rate v sub b was calculated from 1n v sub b vs. 1/T. The average activation energy E sub t related to the track etch rate v sub t was estimated from 1n v sub t vs. 1/T. It...

A small scale cell culture system to analyze mechanobiology using reporter gene constructs and polyurethane dishes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Seefried, Lothar; Mueller-Deubert, Sigrid; Wentzer, Thomas Schwarz

2010-01-01

of mechanotransduction and its crosstalk with biochemically induced signal transduction, AP1 and SP1 luciferase reporter gene constructs were cloned and transfected into various cell lines and primary cells. A newly developed bioreactor and small-scale 24-well polyurethane dishes were used to apply cyclic stretching...

The use of CR1aa for ovine in vitro embryo production

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yulnawati

2006-06-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of CR1aa as a simple medium for maturation, fertilization and culture of ovine embryo in vitro. Oocytes were collected by slicing method in Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS supplemented with 5% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS and 100 IU/ml penicillin streptomycin. Oocytes were matured in Tissue Culture Medium (TCM-199 as control or CR1aa as treatment medium. Both maturation medium were supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS, 10 IU/ml Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH, 10 IU/ml Luteinizing Hormone (LH, 1 μg/ml Estradiol and 100 IU/ml penicillin-streptomycin. Oocytes were incubated in 5% CO2 incubator, 38˚C for 24 h. Matured oocytes were fertilized in BO or CR1aa medium, supplemented with 2.5 mM caffeine benzoate and 20 mg /ml heparin. After 18 h in vitro fertilization, oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 or CR1aa medium, both supplemented with 5% FBS, 5 mg/ml insulin and 100 IU/ml penicillin streptomycin. Results showed that the highest maturation rate was found in TCM-199 medium (73.27% and significantly different (P0.05 between cleavage rate of ovine embryos in TCM-199 and CR1aa medium (39.45% vs 50.94%. In conclusion, optimum result on ovine in vitro embryo production can be achieved from a combination of TCM-199 as maturation medium and CR1aa as fertilization and culture medium.

Triton, deuteron and proton responses of the CR-39 track detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yamauchi, Tomoya; Matsumoto, Hiroyoshi; Oda, Keiji [Kobe Univ. of Mercantile Marine (Japan)

1996-07-01

In the present study, we assessed the response of the CR-39 detector to proton, deuteron and triton from their etch-pit growth curves obtained by multi-step etching technique and the difference among their track registration properties was discussed. In order to avoid incorrect evaluation due to the missing track effect, particle irradiation was performed at various incident energies. The response function, S(R), etch rate ratio, S, as a function of the residual range, R, was experimentally evaluated for all hydrogen isotopes by this method. In the next, we obtained another form of response functions of S(E), S({beta}) and S(LET{sub 200}), which were presented as functions of the particle energy, E, the particle velocity, {beta}(=v/c), and the linear energy transfer in the case where the cut-off energy is 200 eV, LET{sub 200}, respectively. These information will be useful also in understanding the fundamentals of the latent track formation mechanism in the plastic track detectors. (J.P.N.)

Interaction of 84 MeV/u 12C with 208Pb target investigated with CR-39 plastic track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grabez, B.

1984-01-01

The interaction of the 84 MeV/u 12 C ions with 208 Pb target was investigated using CR-39 plastic track detector. The first part of the work was dedicated to the examination of the methodology of the recently presented CR-39 detector and its calibration. Measurements have been done on tracks of various ions in the broad atomic number region from Z = 2 to Z = 92. The possibility of the identification of low energy fragments produced in nuclear interactions by measurements on the finished tracks was studied. Our results show that very good charge resolution can be achieved through determination of the mean etch rate ratio and the range of low energy ions. In the second part of the work it was shown that the main reaction channels in the interaction of 84 MeV/u C with Pb target are spallation, fission and fragmentation. The contribution of the multifragmentation is less than 1% of the total reaction cross section. From our results follows that the most probable reaction channels after collision with small impact parameter are fragmentation and deep spallation. The spallation and fission come after more peripheral collisions. (orig./HSI)

Measurement of concentrations of radon and its daughters in indoor atmosphere using CR-39 nuclear track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khan, A.J.; Sharma, K.C.; Varshney, A.K.; Prasad, Rajendra; Tyagi, R.K.

1988-01-01

The concentrations of radon and its daughters in rooms having different environmental conditions are measured using CR-39 nuclear track detector. It has been found that the radon concentration inside the rooms depends on ventilation, sub-soil emanation and the housed materials. The use of internal wall coverings such as plaster, distemper and white washing may reduce the radon emanation inside the rooms. The use of paints on walls is the best for reducing the radon concentration inside the rooms. (author). 11 refs

El giro neoconservador en la crítica literaria y cultural latinoamericana

OpenAIRE

John Beverley

2007-01-01

El artículo señala un posible “giro” neoconservador en la crítica cultural y literaria latinoamericana actual, proveniente, de manera paradójica, de la “izquierda”. Se argumenta que el “giro” es un efecto superestructural de la globalización y los nuevos movimientos sociales sobre sectores de la intelectualidad literaria-cultural latinoamericana, en procura de reterritorializar una forma de autoridad cultural “criolla”, que piensan, ha sido erosionada, a expensas de hacer causa común con los ...

A filter paper-based liquid culture system for citrus shoot organogenesis - a mixture-amount experiment

Science.gov (United States)

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a static liquid culture system on shoot regeneration from citrus epicotyl explants. Two citrus types were used, Carrizo citrange and Ridge Pineapple sweet orange. A liquid culture system comprised of a Petri dish, cellulose filter paper dis...

Culture Optimization and Amino Acid Composition of Cr-Enriched Mycelia of Pleurotus cornucopiae SD-01

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fan-Yun Meng

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Chromium(III is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Pleutorus cornucopiae SD-01 is a nutritional and functional mushroom containing many kinds of bioactive ingredients. The aims of this work are to optimize the conditions of P. cornucopiae SD-01 cultivation with Cr enrichment in submerged culture by determining the dry cell mass, Cr content in mycelia and the rate of Cr enrichment, and to analyze the amino acid composition of Cr-enriched mycelia. The optimal medium contained (in g/L: potato 200, sucrose 25, yeast extract 4, KH2PO4 1 and MgSO4·7H2O 1. The optimum parameters of liquid culture were temperature 25 °C, cultivation time 6 days, the volume of the medium 100 mL, rotation speed 160 rpm and initial pH=6.5. Under the optimized conditions, the values of the dry cell mass, Cr content in mycelia and the rate of Cr enrichment were (6.63±0.35 g/L, (3670±211 μg/g and (12.15±1.01 % respectively, which were by (23.23±1.22, (18.19±1.06 and (45.68±2.67 % respectively, higher than those in the control. Chromium(III in Cr-enriched mycelia was mainly combined with protein and polysaccharide. The contents of total amino acids and essential amino acids in Cr-enriched mycelia were increased by (31.25±0.58 and (44.26±0.76 %, respectively.

Nuclear tracks in CR-39 produced by carbon, oxygen, aluminium and titanium ions.

Science.gov (United States)

Rickards, J; Romo, V; Golzarri, J I; Espinosa, G

2002-01-01

This work describes the response of CR-39 (allyl diglycol polycarbonate) to different ions (C, O, Al and Ti) produced by the Instituto de Fisica 3 MV 9SDH-2 Pelletron accelerator and backscattered from a thin Au film on a C support. The ion energies were chosen in series such that the ranges of the different ions in the detector were 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 microm respectively for each series. Once exposed, the detectors were etched with a solution of 6.25 M KOH at 60 degrees C, and the reading was carried out using a digital image analysis system. An analysis of the measured track diameters of all the types of ions indicates that, for a given range, track kinetics are independent of type of ion, energy and stopping power.

Capturing Cultural Glossaries: Case-study I * | Madib | Lexikos

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This article is a presentation of a brief cultural glossary of Northern Sotho cooking terms. The glossary is mainly composed of names for utensils and ingredients, and action words for the processes involved in the preparation of cultural dishes. It also contains names of dishes tied to some idiomatic expressions in a way ...

Elaboration, characterization of CrN- based coatings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tlili, B.; Nouveau, C.; Guillemot, G.

2011-01-01

Cr, CrN and CrAlN monolayers were synthesized by RF dual magnetron sputtering on AISI4140 steel and silicon substrates at 200 deg. C. Multilayers coatings based on the three mono-layers such as CrN/CrAlN and Cr/CrN/CrAlN were also synthesized only on Si. The physico-chemical and mechanical properties of the layers were determined by AFM, SEM+WDS, stress, roughness and nanoindentation measurements. The influence of the thickness on the mechanical properties of the monolayers stresses has been studied and as a consequence we compared the mono and multilayers stress state.

Study of α-energy discrimination in CR-39 track etch detectors for use as a radon/thoron dosemeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kandaiya, S.; Al-Najjar, S.A.R.; Piesch, E.

1988-01-01

The properties of CR 39 nuclear track detectors were evaluated for their α-energy discrimination up to 8.77 MeV using a combination of chemical-electrochemical track revealing techniques. Using three field strengths, α-energy discrimination by ECE track diameter and track density as a function of chemical pre-etching time were studied. α-energy spectra using different irradiation geometries were then evaluated using the optimum conditions and then compared with those obtained form other techniques. (author)

Radiotreatment of dishes cooked : Royal cutlets of chickens

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bousselmi, Mehrez

2006-01-01

The cooked dishes often present themselves as the complex products of microbiological, biochemival view point and organoleptic.However, the demand of the local and international market stops showing a tendency toward use increased of these cooked dishes of which problems to get round are very delicate. The ionization can be an alternative of conservation since it is characterized bye one fashion of action fundamentally different of the classic techniques: it is about exposing during a determined length, of the wrapped food commodities or in a jumble to doses of ionising radiance carefully controlled in order to get the sought-after effect. The irradiation showed a big efficiency therefore on the plan microbiology.Indeed the dose 1 KGy destroyed all present microorganisms in dishes cooked pasteurized. whereas, for dishes cooked non pasteurized, a dose of 2 KGy destroyed completely the flora of contamination. Besides, the irradiation entails a light reduction of the biochemical composition, while keeping qualities intact organoleptic for all analyzed samples. As a conclusion, the irradiation increases the length of conservation, what confirms the reliability of such a process, in addition of his/her/its weak energizing cost. (author)

The etching property of the surface of CR-39 and the track core radius of fission fragment

CERN Document Server

Mineyama, D; Yamauchi, T; Oda, K; El-Rahman, A

2002-01-01

The etch pits of fission fragments in CR-39 detector have been observed carefully using an atomic force microscope (AFM) after extremely short chemical etching in stirred 6N KOH solution kept at 70degC. It was found that there existed a thin layer where the bulk etch rate is relativity from large the etch-pit growth curve for the etching duration between 10 and 1800 seconds. The track core radius of fission fragment was evaluated to be about 6 nm from the extrapolation of the growth curve in a thinner region. (author)

Advancing food, nutrition, and health research in Europe by connecting and building research infrastructures in a DISH-RI: Results of the EuroDISH project

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Snoek, Harriëtte M.; Eijssen, Lars M.T.; Geurts, Marjolein

2018-01-01

more effectively. Approach In the EuroDISH project we mapped existing RIs in the food and health area in Europe, identified outstanding needs, and synthesised this into a conceptual design of a pan-European DISH-RI. The DISH model was used to describe and structure the research area: Determinants...... of food choice, Intake of foods and nutrients, Status and functional markers of nutritional health, and Health and disease risk. Key findings The need to develop RIs in the food and health domain clearly emerged from the EuroDISH project. It showed the necessity for a unique interdisciplinary and multi......Background Research infrastructures (RIs) are essential to advance research on the relationship between food, nutrition, and health. RIs will facilitate innovation and allow insights at the systems level which are required to design (public health) strategies that will address societal challenges...

Study on the influence of CR-39 detector size on radon progeny detection in indoor environments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pereira, L. A.; Hadler, J. C.; Lixandrão F, A. L.; Guedes, S.; Takizawa, R. H. [Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, 13083-970 Campinas, SP (Brazil)

2014-11-11

It is well known that radon daughters up to {sup 214}Po are the real contaminants to be considered in case of indoor radon contamination. Assemblies consisting of 6 circular bare sheets of CR-39, a nuclear track detector, with radius varying from 0.15 to 1.2 cm were exposed far from any material surface for periods of approximately 6 months in 13 different indoor rooms (7 workplaces and 6 dwellings), where ventilation was moderate or poor. It was observed that track density was as greater as smaller was the detector radius. Track density data were fitted using an equation deduced based on the assumption that the behavior of radon and its progeny in the air was described by Fick's Law, i.e., when the main mechanism of transport of radon progeny in the air is diffusion. As many people spend great part of their time in closed or poorly ventilated environments, the confirmation they present equilibrium between radon and its progeny is an interesting start for dosimetric calculations concerning this contamination.

Transmission ethnic-cultural senses throught national cuisine

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

T. I. Burdeyna

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Global society requires acceleration and diversification of ways data’s transmission, erasing the boundaries between people and nations. However, there always will be a certain sign that distinguishes one ethnic group among others. Ethno­cultural specificity is kept and transmitted by various means. Cuisine as one of the most important everyday realities is also transmitting ethnic and cultural meanings. Moreover, each dish is a kind of special semiotic text content. Are there reasons that motivate each of us to choose the dishes? Do our choices genetically depend on our ancestors? Or just have a set of personal culinary preferences? The national dish is one of the cultural and historical features. Every national cuisine established concepts that have appeared in the process of communication. Borsch is such a concept and the ethnic mark for Ukrainians at the same time. Cooking and eating is a synthetic type of communication that produces transmission and perception of information kinesthetic, auditory and visual methods. Except the usual everyday dishes there are festive that are becoming solemn, not average.

Isotopic examination of links between diet, social differentiation, and DISH at the post-medieval Carmelite Friary of Aalst, Belgium.

Science.gov (United States)

Quintelier, Kim; Ervynck, Anton; Müldner, Gundula; Van Neer, Wim; Richards, Michael P; Fuller, Benjamin T

2014-02-01

Stable isotope ratios (δ(13) C and δ(15) N) were measured in human burials from the post-medieval (16th-18th c. AD) Carmelite friary burial grounds at Aalst, a town in Flanders, Belgium. Dietary patterns of 39 adult individuals were analyzed, from a mixed monastic and lay population buried in three different locations, reflecting groups with differing social status. The data show significant variation in the consumption of perhaps meat, but certainly also marine protein between females and males. This result represents a remarkable continuity with medieval dietary patterns, suggesting that the social and economic changes of the early modern period had a limited effect on everyday life. When both sexes were examined together, individuals buried in the cloister garth consumed significantly less marine protein compared to people buried in the church, likely reflecting social stratification. No statistical differences were observed between isotopic values from the church and the cloister alley, suggesting a similarly diverse diet of the monastic part of the buried population and that of the richer lay population. Finally, the hypothesis that diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is linked to a diet rich in animal protein was tested. No systematic or statistically significant differences between pathological and non-pathological bones from the same individuals affected with DISH were observed, and no statistical differences were found between individuals with DISH and individuals without DISH. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Interaction mean free path measurements for relativistic heavy ion fragments using CR39 plastic track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Drechsel, H.; Brechtmann, C.; Dreute, J.; Sonntag, S.; Trakowski, W.; Beer, J.; Heinrich, W.

1984-01-01

This paper describes an experiment measuring the interaction mean free paths for charge changing nuclear collisions of relativistic heavy ion fragments. We use a stack of CR39 plastic nuclear track detectors that was irradiated with 1.8 GeV/nucleon 40 Ar ions at the Berkeley Bevalac. About 1.5 x 10 7 etch cones were measured in this experiment using an automatic measuring system. By tracing the etch cones over successive plastic foils the particle trajectories in the stack were reconstructed. For 14185 trajectories with 6444 nuclear collisions of fragments with charge 9-15 the interaction mean free path in the plastic was determined. (orig.)

A fetal whole ovarian culture model for the evaluation of CrVI-induced developmental toxicity during germ cell nest breakdown

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stanley, Jone A.; Arosh, Joe A.; Burghardt, Robert C.; Banu, Sakhila K., E-mail: skbanu@cvm.tamu.edu

2015-11-15

Prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A, dioxin, pesticides, and cigarette smoke, has been linked to several ovarian diseases such as premature ovarian failure (POF) and early menopause in women. Hexavalent chromium (CrVI), one of the more toxic heavy metals, is widely used in more than 50 industries. As one of the world's leading producers of Cr compounds, the U.S. is facing growing challenges in protecting human health against adverse effects of CrVI. Our recent findings demonstrated that in vivo CrVI exposure during gestational period caused POF in F1 offspring. Our current research focus is three-fold: (i) to identify the effect of CrVI on critical windows of great vulnerability of fetal ovarian development; (ii) to understand the molecular mechanism of CrVI-induced POF; (iii) to identify potential intervention strategies to mitigate or inhibit CrVI effects. In order to accomplish these goals we used a fetal whole ovarian culture system. Fetuses were removed from the normal pregnant rats on gestational day 13.5. Fetal ovaries were cultured in vitro for 12 days, and treated with or without 0.1 ppm potassium dichromate (CrVI) from culture day 2–8, which recapitulated embryonic day 14.5–20.5, in vivo. Results showed that CrVI increased germ cell/oocyte apoptosis by increasing caspase 3, BAX, p53 and PUMA; decreasing BCL2, BMP15, GDF9 and cKIT; and altering cell cycle regulatory genes and proteins. This model system may serve as a potential tool for high throughput testing of various drugs and/or EDCs in particular to assess developmental toxicity of the ovary. - Highlights: • CrVI (0.1 ppm, a regulatory dose) increased germ cell apoptosis of fetal ovaries. • CrVI (0.1 ppm) increased pro-apoptotic proteins. • CrVI (0.1 ppm) decreased cyclins and CDK1 and cell survival proteins. • CrVI (0.1 ppm) increased oxidative stress during fetal ovarian development. • We propose fetal ovarian culture model for high

A fetal whole ovarian culture model for the evaluation of CrVI-induced developmental toxicity during germ cell nest breakdown

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stanley, Jone A.; Arosh, Joe A.; Burghardt, Robert C.; Banu, Sakhila K.

2015-01-01

Prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A, dioxin, pesticides, and cigarette smoke, has been linked to several ovarian diseases such as premature ovarian failure (POF) and early menopause in women. Hexavalent chromium (CrVI), one of the more toxic heavy metals, is widely used in more than 50 industries. As one of the world's leading producers of Cr compounds, the U.S. is facing growing challenges in protecting human health against adverse effects of CrVI. Our recent findings demonstrated that in vivo CrVI exposure during gestational period caused POF in F1 offspring. Our current research focus is three-fold: (i) to identify the effect of CrVI on critical windows of great vulnerability of fetal ovarian development; (ii) to understand the molecular mechanism of CrVI-induced POF; (iii) to identify potential intervention strategies to mitigate or inhibit CrVI effects. In order to accomplish these goals we used a fetal whole ovarian culture system. Fetuses were removed from the normal pregnant rats on gestational day 13.5. Fetal ovaries were cultured in vitro for 12 days, and treated with or without 0.1 ppm potassium dichromate (CrVI) from culture day 2–8, which recapitulated embryonic day 14.5–20.5, in vivo. Results showed that CrVI increased germ cell/oocyte apoptosis by increasing caspase 3, BAX, p53 and PUMA; decreasing BCL2, BMP15, GDF9 and cKIT; and altering cell cycle regulatory genes and proteins. This model system may serve as a potential tool for high throughput testing of various drugs and/or EDCs in particular to assess developmental toxicity of the ovary. - Highlights: • CrVI (0.1 ppm, a regulatory dose) increased germ cell apoptosis of fetal ovaries. • CrVI (0.1 ppm) increased pro-apoptotic proteins. • CrVI (0.1 ppm) decreased cyclins and CDK1 and cell survival proteins. • CrVI (0.1 ppm) increased oxidative stress during fetal ovarian development. • We propose fetal ovarian culture model for high

New approach of modeling charged particles track development in CR-39 detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Azooz, A.A.; Hermsdorf, D.; Al-Jubbori, M.A.

2013-01-01

In this work, previous modeling of protons and alpha particles track length development in CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors SSNTD is modified and further extended. The extension involved the accommodation of heavier ions into the model. These ions include deuteron, lithium, boron, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen ions. The new modeling does not contain any case sensitive free fitting parameters. Model calculation results are found to be in good agreement with both experimental data and SRIM software range energy dependence predictions. The access to a single unified and differentiable track length development equation results in the ability to obtain direct results for track etching rates. - Highlights: • New modeling of ions track length evolution measured by different authors. • Ions considered are p, d, α, Li, B, C, N, O. • Equations obtained to describe L(t) and etch rate for all ions at wide energy range. • Equations obtained do not involve any free fitting parameters. • Ions range values obtained compare well with results of SRIM software

On the evolution, over four generations of paraboloidal dish solar thermal electric power systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaneff, S.

1993-01-01

After a decade of supplying useful power, the White Cliffs Paraboloidal Dish Solar Thermal Power Station (1100 km west of Sydney) is still operational and has provided major lessons and experience for subsequent developments; particularly for the Molokai/Alburquerque unit built jointly with Power Kinetics Inc (of Troy, USA) for the US Department of Energy. This has, in turn, given valuable guidance for the third generation system now nearing completion in Canberra and employing new collector concepts refined for commercial production and viability. Unlike much dish-oriented R and D, we consider systems of dish arrays supplying central plant as a more attractive proposition than assemblies of dish/engine units, for all but very small systems (<2 MWe). Development has recently commerce on the fourth generation technology which result in a 2 MWe dish system within 2 years, expected to be followed closely by a system of 10 to 20 MWe, preparatory to still larger systems, as the technology evolves and experience is gained. The rationale in this progression in based on the achievement of commercial cost-effectiveness in competition with other energy sources. The direction of evolution is becoming clear and application of the technology to broader spheres than electricity generation is likely. Because of the nature of production methods employed and the ease of installation, system implementation can be rapid. (Author) 29 refs

An Automatic High Efficient Method for Dish Concentrator Alignment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yong Wang

2014-01-01

for the alignment of faceted solar dish concentrator. The isosceles triangle configuration of facet’s footholds determines a fixed relation between light spot displacements and foothold movements, which allows an automatic determination of the amount of adjustments. Tests on a 25 kW Stirling Energy System dish concentrator verify the feasibility, accuracy, and efficiency of our method.

Calibration of thermal neutron detection compound BN-1 and CR-39 in the exposure room of Triga Reactor in Ljubljana

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kristof, E.; Ilic, R.; Skvarc, J.; Dijanosic, R.

1994-01-01

Description of determination of thermal neutron fluences in the range from 1.E+02 to 1.E+12 cm -2 for calibration of the neutron sensitive compound consisting of the neutron converter BN-1 and charged particle detector CR-39 is given. The method employs two proportional BF3 detectors supplemented by a Ge(Li) gamma spectometer utilizing gold foils. The results of the measurements are also presented. (author)

Modeling the small-scale dish-mounted solar thermal Brayton cycle

Science.gov (United States)

Le Roux, Willem G.; Meyer, Josua P.

2016-05-01

The small-scale dish-mounted solar thermal Brayton cycle (STBC) makes use of a sun-tracking dish reflector, solar receiver, recuperator and micro-turbine to generate power in the range of 1-20 kW. The modeling of such a system, using a turbocharger as micro-turbine, is required so that optimisation and further development of an experimental setup can be done. As a validation, an analytical model of the small-scale STBC in Matlab, where the net power output is determined from an exergy analysis, is compared with Flownex, an integrated systems CFD code. A 4.8 m diameter parabolic dish with open-cavity tubular receiver and plate-type counterflow recuperator is considered, based on previous work. A dish optical error of 10 mrad, a tracking error of 1° and a receiver aperture area of 0.25 m × 0.25 m are considered. Since the recuperator operates at a very high average temperature, the recuperator is modeled using an updated ɛ-NTU method which takes heat loss to the environment into consideration. Compressor and turbine maps from standard off-the-shelf Garrett turbochargers are used. The results show that for the calculation of the steady-state temperatures and pressures, there is good comparison between the Matlab and Flownex results (within 8%) except for the recuperator outlet temperature, which is due to the use of different ɛ-NTU methods. With the use of Matlab and Flownex, it is shown that the small-scale open STBC with an existing off-the-shelf turbocharger could generate a positive net power output with solar-to-mechanical efficiency of up to 12%, with much room for improvement.

High Efficiency, Low Cost Parabolic Dish System for Cogeneration of Electricity and Heat

Science.gov (United States)

Chayet, Haim; Lozovsky, Ilan; Kost, Ori; Loeckenhoff, Ruediger; Rasch, Klaus-Dieter

2010-10-01

Highly efficient combined heat and power generating system based on CPV technology using unique dish design consisting of multiple simple flat mirrors mounted on a plastic parabolic surface. The dish of total aperture area of 11 m2 focuses 10.3 kWp onto a heat and electricity generating receiver. The receiver comprises a water cooled, dense triple junction cell array of 176 cm2 aperture area. A unique arrangement of the cells compensates for the non-uniformity of the reflected flux. Depending on the flow rate, the temperature of the hot water can be adjusted to suit from temperatures for domestic use, to temperatures suited for process heat. The output of 2.3 kWp electrical and 5.5 kWp thermal power from one dish system represent 20 to 21% electrical and 50% thermal conversion efficiency adding to 70% overall system efficiency.

A review of test results on parabolic dish solar thermal power modules with dish-mounted Rankine engines and for production of process steam

Science.gov (United States)

Jaffe, Leonard D.

1988-11-01

This paper presents results of development testing of various solar thermal parabolic dish modules and assemblies. Most of the tests were at modules and assemblies that used a dish-mounted, organic Rankine cycle turbine for production of electric power. Some tests were also run on equipment for production of process steam or for production of electricity using dish-mounted reciprocating steam engines. These tests indicate that early modules achieve efficiencies of about 18 percent in converting sunlight to electricity (excluding the inverter but including parasitics). A number of malfunctions occurred. The performance measurements, as well as the malfunctions and other operating experience, provided information that should be of value in developing systems with improved performance and reduced maintenance.

Background tracks in CR-39 SSNTD sheets: their control and prediction through an interplay of etching parameters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bhagwat, A.M.; Naik, G.R.; Thampan, S.; Rudran, K.; Joshi, V.B.; Iyer, M.R.

1992-01-01

High sensitivity of CR-39 film in turn leads to higher and variable background track-densities. A two-step etching process, each consisting of CE and ECE, is therefore suggested which permits not only partial freezing of the background but also allows to know its level. The procedure identifies bad pieces with scratches and determines the minimum detection limit (MDL) of each film individually. Activities as low as 0.2 mBq (∼ 5 x 10 -15 curies) can thus be measured with low background films for exposure periods of 7-10 days (exposure is carried out after first processing). (author)

Interaction of low-intensity nuclear radiation dose with the human blood: Using the new technique of CR-39NTDs for an in vitro study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ismail, Asaad H.; Jaafar, Mohamad S.

2011-01-01

Complete blood counts were analyzed for 30 samples of human blood with radiation dose rate ranging between 10 and 41 μSv/h using a Radium-226 source with different time of exposure. A new technique involving a nuclear track detector type CR-39(CR-39 NTDs) was used to estimate the alpha particle density incident on the blood samples. The results show that the ranges of alpha particle in blood samples and on the surface of CR-39NTDs vary exponentially with energy of alpha particles. This depends on the restricted energy loss and target density. Changes in the blood components due to irradiation occurred for different durations of irradiation, and the duration of irradiation that influenced the blood samples in this study was 6 min. The change in red blood cell (RBC) was negligible, so it is less affected than other blood components. In addition, most changes in the blood contents began at a low radiation dose (10.38-13.41 μSv/h). For the doses 13.41-21.77 μSv/h, platelet (PLT) counts increased rapidly and adversely with the RBC and white blood cell (WBC) due to chromosomal aberration. Besides, rapid PLT count reduction rapidly at high dose (42.1 μSv h) causes thrombocytopenia; in contrast, WBC increased, which is an indication of cancer caused due to increase in alpha particle dose. Generally, our results are in agreement with the essentials of blood content and the principles of biological radiation interaction.

Calibration of CR-39 plastic detectors in various modes and radon measurement in the north-western region of Bangladesh

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Islam, G.S.; Islam, M.A.; Haque, A.K.F.

1998-04-01

Solid State track detectors have been extensively used for the measurement of time integrated radon levels in dwellings under different conditions. The CR-39 plastic detectors were calibrated for bare as well as cup with membrane mode, along with a mono dispersal aerosol 0.2μm in size in an exposure chamber, to find the relationship between track densities and the radon concentration as well as potential alpha energy concentration (WL) of radon. Measurement of the indoor radon and radon daughter concentrations were performed in houses in the north-western region of Bangladesh. In total 163 detectors were placed for measurement of indoor radon activities and 230 detectors for measurement of radon daughter concentrations. To study the underground radon activity, 114 CR-39 detectors in cylinders were used. The indoor radon activity in Naogaon was, in general, found to be higher than that in Rajshahi. The working levels in the mud-built houses were greater than that in brick-built houses. The underground radon activity of Naogaon was found to be 6 times higher than that of Rajshahi. No direct correlation was observed between the underground and indoor radon activity. The average values of radon activity and the working level for the north-western zone of Bangladesh are found to be 91 Bq. m -3 and 16 mWL respectively. (author)

Usage of an interactive image analysis system for studying various parameters of etched tracks in CR-39 and Makrofol E

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abu-Jarad, F.; Islam, M.A.; Que, A.

1991-01-01

An Automated Interactive Built Analysis System (IBAS) is being used to analyze the alpha and fission fragment tracks in CR-39 and Makrofol E detectors. It primarily consists of a control computer (IBAS1) and an image processor (IBAS2). The system is used for counting the nuclear tracks, measuring their areas, diameters, statistics and displaying the frequency distribution of their sizes. All information can be printed out or stored on floppy disks. (author)

CR-39 nuclear track detector application for the diagnostics of low energy high power ion beams

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Opekounov, M S; Pechenkin, S A; Remnev, G E [Nuclear Physics Institute, Tomsk (Russian Federation); Ivonin, I V [Siberian Physical-Technical Institute, Tomsk (Russian Federation)

1997-12-31

The results of investigation of the spectral composition of ion beams generated by the magneto-insulated ion diode of the MUK-M and TEMP accelerators. The energy and mass characteristics of the accelerated ion beam were determined by a Thomson spectrometer with a CR-39 plate detector (MOM - Atomki Nuclear Track Detector, Type MA-ND/p). The accelerated ion energy was from 40 to 240 keV. The ion current density range was from 1 to 10 A/cm{sup 2}. The mass composition contained hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon and aluminum ions. The individual track analysis showed the track form, depth and diameter in dependence on the ion mass and energy. (author). 2 figs., 5 refs.

Ideas for future large single dish radio telescopes

Science.gov (United States)

Kärcher, Hans J.; Baars, Jacob W. M.

2014-07-01

The existing large single dish radio telescopes of the 100m class (Effelsberg, Green Bank) were built in the 1970s and 1990s. With some active optics they work now down to 3 millimeter wavelength where the atmospheric quality of the site is also a limiting factor. Other smaller single dish telescopes (50m LMT Mexico, 30m IRAM Spain) are located higher and reach sub-millimeter quality, and the much smaller 12m antennas of the ALMA array reach at a very high site the Terahertz region. They use advanced technologies as carbon fiber structures and flexible body control. We review natural limits to telescope design and use the examples of a number of telescopes for an overview of the available state-of-the-art in design, engineering and technologies. Without considering the scientific justification we then offer suggestions to realize ultimate performance of huge single dish telescopes (up to 160m). We provide an outlook on design options, technological frontiers and cost estimates.

Design, Analysis and Optimization of a Solar Dish/Stirling System

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Seyyed Danial Nazemi

2016-02-01

Full Text Available In this paper, a mathematical model by which the thermal and physical behavior of a solar dish/Stirling system was investigated, then the system was designed, analysed and optimized. In this regard, all of heat losses in a dish/Stirling system were calculated, then, the output net-work of the Stirling engine was computed, and accordingly, the system efficiency was worked out. These heat losses include convection and conduction heat losses, radiation heat losses by emission in the cavity receiver, reflection heat losses of solar energy in the parabolic dish, internal and external conduction heat losses, energy dissipation by pressure drops, and energy losses by shuttle effect in displacer piston in the Stirling engine. All of these heat losses in the parabolic dish, cavity receiver and Stirling engine were calculated using mathematical modeling in MatlabTM software. For validation of the proposed model, a 10 kW solar dish/Stirling system was designed and the simulation results were compared with the Eurodish system data with a reasonable degree of agreement. This model is used to investigate the effect of geometric and thermodynamic parameters including the aperture diameter of the parabolic dish and the cavity receiver, and the pressure of the compression space of the Stirling engine, on the system performance. By using the PSO method, which is an intelligent optimization technique, the total design was optimized and the optimal values of decision-making parameters were determined. The optimization has been done in two scenarios. In the first scenario, the optimal value of each designed parameter has been changed when the other parameters are equal to the designed case study parameters. In the second scenario, all of parameters were assumed in their optimal values. By optimization of the modeled dish/Stirling system, the total efficiency of the system improved to 0.60% in the first scenario and it increased from 21.69% to 22.62% in the second

Fragmentation cross section measurements of iron projectiles using CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors

CERN Document Server

Flesch, F; Huentrup, G; Roecher, H; Streibel, T; Winkel, E; Heinrich, W

1999-01-01

For long term space missions in which larger radiation doses are accumulated it is necessary to improve the precision of models predicting the space radiation environment. Different models are available to determine the flux of cosmic ray heavy ions behind shielding material. The accuracy of these predictions depends on the knowledge of the fragmentation cross sections, especially at energies of several hundred MeV/nucleon, where the particle flux is at a maximum and especially for those particles with high LET, i.e. iron nuclei. We have measured fragmentation cross sections of sup 5 sup 6 Fe projectiles at beam energies of 700 and 1700 A MeV using experimental set-ups with plastic nuclear track detectors. In this paper we describe the experimental technique to study the fragmentation reactions of sup 5 sup 6 Fe projectiles using CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors. Results for different targets are presented.

Change of Cr-39(DOP) track detector response as a result of space exposure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yadav, J.S.; Singh, R.K.

1990-01-01

The response functions for CR-39(DOP) plastic track detectors are calculated, using the simplex method for nonlinear least squares fit, from experimental data obtained from accelerator beams as well as space exposure. The average detector sensitivity is reduced by over 30% in the case of space exposure. The average charge shift for the oxygen group is one charge unit, and it increases with particle charge. The effect decreases with restricted energy loss, which is contrary to that observed in the registration temperature effect. We have discussed various environmental parameters which may produce the observed effect. The registration temperature effect may account for the observed effect (within the errors) for the worst case (temperature) analysis. However, a more reasonable estimate suggests that both the registration temperature as well as pressure during exposure contribute to the observed effect. To discriminate between the separate contributions, further experimental data is needed. (author)

Sparking interest in restaurant dishes? Cognitive and affective processes underlying dish design and ecological origin. An fMRI study.

Science.gov (United States)

Muñoz-Leiva, Francisco; Gómez-Carmona, Diego

2018-06-14

The objective of the current paper is to verify to what extent the presentation of a restaurant dish and the origin of its food provoke reactions in the consumer's brain during the visualization and the decision-making process, from an exploratory approach. The two independent variables singled out for study were whether the presentation was well or poorly presented and if the ingredients were ecological or non-ecological. The results applying the functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI) methodology reveal that well-presented dishes activate areas in the brain linked to the network of emotions indicating that the visualization in restaurant menus is not a purely cognitive and self-reflexive process but retains a strong affective component. Furthermore, the presence of this component is kept at the moment of choosing a dish, as observed by the activation of the gyrus cingulate, region linked to the regulatory processes of emotions. Hence, research ratifies the existence of an emotional factor during the entire process of decision-making carried out in a restaurant. Yet it is true that exposure to an ecological menu provokes activation of the medial frontal cortex, a region connected to higher reasoning and attention, suggesting that stimuli from well-presented dishes of ecological origin trigger neuronal responses related to high-level cognitive processes. The practical implications derived, along with its limitations and the future research opportunities, are interesting for both developing theory and also practice. Therefore, scholars are encouraged to further test some research proposals (e.g. moderating role of salubrity or simultaneously eye tracking method). Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Differences in nutrient and energy contents of commonly consumed dishes prepared in restaurants v. at home in Hunan Province, China.

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Xiaofang; Liu, Jiawu; Chen, Bo; Jin, Donghui; Fu, Zhongxi; Liu, Huilin; Du, Shufa; Popkin, Barry M; Mendez, Michelle A

2018-05-01

Eating away from home is associated with poor diet quality, in part due to less healthy food choices and larger portions. However, few studies account for the potential additional contribution of differences in food composition between restaurant- and home-prepared dishes. The present study aimed to investigate differences in nutrients of dishes prepared in restaurants v. at home. Eight commonly consumed dishes were collected in twenty of each of the following types of locations: small and large restaurants, and urban and rural households. In addition, two fast-food items were collected from ten KFC, McDonald's and food stalls. Five samples per dish were randomly pooled from every location. Nutrients were analysed and energy was calculated in composite samples. Differences in nutrients of dishes by preparation location were determined. Hunan Province, China. Na, K, protein, total fat, fatty acids, carbohydrate and energy in dishes. On average, both the absolute and relative fat contents, SFA and Na:K ratio were higher in dishes prepared in restaurants than households (P < 0·05). Protein was 15 % higher in animal food-based dishes prepared in households than restaurants (P<0·05). Quantile regression models found that, at the 90th quantile, restaurant preparation was consistently negatively associated with protein and positively associated with the percentage of energy from fat in all dishes. Moreover, restaurant preparation also positively influenced the SFA content in dishes, except at the highest quantiles. These findings suggest that compared with home preparation, dishes prepared in restaurants in China may differ in concentrations of total fat, SFA, protein and Na:K ratio, which may further contribute, beyond food choices, to less healthy nutrient intakes linked to eating away from home.

Auto-counting of high density overlapping tracks and neutron spectrum measurement using CR-39 detectors and in-house image analysis program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paul, Sabyasachi; Tripathy, S.P.; Sahoo, G.S.; Joshi, D.S.; Bandyopadhyay, T.

2014-01-01

An effort is made in this work to overcome the difficulty of counting highly dense and overlapping tracks in solid polymeric track detectors (SPTD) such as CR-39. A program is developed to automatically count the track density which is found to be faster and more precise compared to other commonly used image analysing software. The results obtained by the present methodology are compared with those obtained using other software. (author)

Alpha particle spectroscopy for CR-39 detector utilizing matrix of energy equations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Awad, E.M. [Department of General Sciences, Yanbu Industrial College, PO Box 30436, Madinat Yanbu Al-Sinaiya (Saudi Arabia); Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Menofia University, Shebin El-Koom (Egypt)], E-mail: ayawad@yahoo.com; Soliman, A.A. [Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Education (AL-Arish), Suez Canal University, AL-Arish 45111 (Egypt); Department of Mathematics, Teacher' s College (Bisha), King Khalid University, Bisha, PO Box 551 (Saudi Arabia)], E-mail: asoliman_99@yahoo.com; Rammah, Y.S. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Menofia University, Shebin El-Koom (Egypt)

2007-10-01

A method for determining alpha-particle energy using CR-39 detector by utilizing matrix of energy equation was described. The matrix was composed from two axes; the track minor axis (m) and diameter of etched out track end (d) axis of some selected elliptical tracks. The energy E in (m,d) coordinate was approximated by matrix of energy equations given by: E{sub k}={sigma}{sub i,j=0}{sup 2}a{sub ij}d{sub k}{sup i}m{sub k}{sup j}, which was identified using two different approaches. First, i and j were treated as power exponents for d and m. The adjusting parameters values a{sub ij} were obtained and the energy of a given track was deduced directly from it. Second, i and j were treated as indices of some chosen tracks that were fitted to obtain iso-energy curves that were superimposed on m-d scatter plot as calibration curves. The energy between any two successive iso-energy curves in this case was assumed varied linearly with d for a given m. The energy matrix in both cases was solved numerically. Results of the two approaches were compared.

Application of CR-39 microfilm for rapid discrimination between alpha-particle sources

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dwaikat, Nidal; Al-karmi, Anan M. [Dept. of Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran (Saudi Arabia)

2017-06-15

This work presents a new technique for discriminating between alpha particles of different energy levels. In a first study, two groups of alpha particles emitted from radium-226 and americium-241 sources were successfully separated using a CR-39 microfilm of appropriate thickness. This thickness was adjusted by chemical etching before and after irradiation so that lower-energy particles were stopped within the detector, while higher-energy particles were revealed on the back side of the detector. The number of tracks on the front side of the microfilm represented all alpha particles incident on that side from the two sources. However, the number of tracks on the back side of the microfilm represented only the long-range alpha particles of higher energy that arrived at that side. Therefore, by subtracting the number of tracks on the back side from the number of tracks on the front side, one could easily determine the number of tracks for the short-range alpha particles of lower energy that remained embedded in the microfilm. Discrimination of the two energy levels is thus achieved in a simple, fast, and reliable process.

Nutritional Quality of School Meals in France: Impact of Guidelines and the Role of Protein Dishes.

Science.gov (United States)

Vieux, Florent; Dubois, Christophe; Duchêne, Christelle; Darmon, Nicole

2018-02-13

In France, school meals must comply with 15 frequency criteria (FC) expressed as nutritional requirements (e.g., "starters containing more than 15% fat served no more than four times out of 20") in a series of 20 consecutive meals. The objective was to assess, for the first time, the nutritional impact of complying with French school food FC. Based on 40 series of meals actually served in primary schools ("observed series"), several scenarios (1600 series per scenario) of compliance or non-compliance with FC were simulated, and nutritional quality was assessed via the mean adequacy ratio (MAR/2000 kcal). In the observed series, only 9.7 FC on average (range 4-14) were fulfilled. In the simulated series: (i) MAR was positively associated with FC compliance level, with the highest MAR obtained with complete compliance; (ii) MAR decreased when meat or fish-based dishes were replaced by dishes without meat or fish; and (iii) removing the protein dish without replacement led to the lowest MAR. This study demonstrates that French school food guidelines ensure good nutritional quality of food services. It also shows that generalizing the service of meals without meat or fish would deteriorate overall nutritional quality, highlighting the need to define the composition of vegetarian dishes and their frequency of service to children.

Healthier side dishes at restaurants: an analysis of children's perspectives, menu content, and energy impacts.

Science.gov (United States)

Anzman-Frasca, Stephanie; Dawes, Franciel; Sliwa, Sarah; Dolan, Peter R; Nelson, Miriam E; Washburn, Kyle; Economos, Christina D

2014-07-04

Children consume restaurant-prepared foods at high rates, suggesting that interventions and policies targeting consumption of these foods have the potential to improve diet quality and attenuate excess energy intake. One approach to encouraging healthier dietary intake in restaurants is to offer fruits and vegetables (FV) as side dishes, as opposed to traditional, energy-dense accompaniments like French fries. The aims of the current study were to examine: children's views about healthier side dishes at restaurants; current side dish offerings on children's menus at leading restaurants; and potential energy reductions when substituting FV side dishes in place of French fries. To investigate children's attitudes, a survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of U.S. 8- to 18-year-olds (n = 1178). To examine current side dish offerings, children's menus from leading quick service (QSR; n = 10) and full service restaurant chains (FSR; n = 10) were analyzed. Energy reductions that could result from substituting commonly-offered FV side dishes for French fries were estimated using nutrition information corresponding to the children's menu items. Two-thirds of children reported that they would not feel negatively about receiving FV sides instead of French fries with kids' meals. Liking/taste was the most common reason that children gave to explain their attitudes about FV side dishes. Nearly all restaurants offered at least 1 FV side dish option, but at most restaurants (60% of QSR; 70% of FSR), FV sides were never served by default. Substituting FV side dishes for French fries yielded an average estimated energy reduction of at least 170 calories. Results highlight some healthy trends in the restaurant context, including the majority of children reporting non-negative attitudes about FV side dishes and the consistent availability of FV side dish options at leading QSR and FSR. Yet the minority of restaurants offer these FV sides by default

Dose-rate effects on the bulk etch-rate of CR-39 track detector exposed to low-LET radiations

CERN Document Server

Yamauchi, T; Oda, K; Ikeda, T; Honda, Y; Tagawa, S

1999-01-01

The effect of gamma-rays and pulsed electrons has been investigated on the bulk etch rate of CR-39 detector at doses up to 100 kGy under various dose-rate between 0.0044 and 35.0 Gy/s. The bulk etch rate increased exponentially with the dose at every examined dose-rates. It was reveled to be strongly depend on the dose-rate: the bulk etch rate was decreased with increasing dose-rate at the same total dose. A primitive model was proposed to explain the dose-rate effect in which oxygen dissolved was assumed to dominate the damage formation process.

Using CR1aa versus KSOM as the culture medium for in vitro embryo production of cattle

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Endang Triwulaninngsih

2002-03-01

Full Text Available This research has been conducted at the laboratory of in vitro fertilization in the Department of Animal Science University of Wisconsin, USA. These embryos can be used for improving genetic value of Indonesian cattle. Oocytes were matured in TCM- 199 medium (in 5% CO2 incubator and at 390C enriched with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH 10 μl/ml, oestradiol 17 β 1μl/ml and 10% Fetal Calf Serum (FCS. The oocytes were fertilized in vitro with motile sperm and incubation between sperm and oocytes in fertilization medium Tyroide Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP for 20 hours. All zygotes were cultured in CR1aa (n=1549 medium versus modification of protein-free pottasium simplex optimized medium (KSOM (n=675 up to blastocyst stage and were fed FCS 5 μl/50 μl medium on day 6, as treatment A and B respectively. Data were analyzed by completely randomized design with SAS program. Percentages of cleavage, morula, blastocyst, expanded blastocyst, unfertilized and degenerated ova in this study were 91.4% vs 75.6 %; 75.6% vs 58.9%; 61.5% vs 38.5%; 31.2% vs 5.1%, 8.6% vs 24.4%, 15.7% vs 8% which were significantly different (P<0.01 for treatment CR1aa and KSOM respectively. Based on this study, CR1aa medium is better culture medium than KSOM for efficient in vitro production (IVP of bovine embryos.

Track Detection Technique Using CR-39 for Determining Depleted Uranium in Biological Specimens

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murbat, S.M.

2013-01-01

Track detecting technique using CR-39 track detector has been implemented for determining depleted uranium concentration in biological specimens (tissues, bones, and blood) of patients infected with cancer diseases. Results were compared with specimens of patients infected with conventional diseases (noncancerous). Specimens were collected from middle and south of Iraq have been contaminated with depleted uranium in the Gulf war in 1991. Results show that this technique is efficient for determining depleted uranium concentration in biological specimens. It was found that all studies samples determine for patients infected with cancer diseases contain a high concentration of depleted uranium (more than the international standard) comparing with noncancerous diseases. Moreover, it was found that persons infected with Leukemia show more sensitive to uranium concentrations to induce the diseases (66-202 ppb), while (116- 1910 ppb) concentrations were needed for inducing cancer diseases in organs and tissues. Result confirmed the correlation between cancerous diseases and the munitions made of depleted uranium used in the Gulf war in 1991 leads to contaminate the Iraqi environment and causes a high risk against people in Iraq.

Measurement of target fragments produced by 160 MeV proton beam in aluminum and polyethylene with CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Ambrožová, Iva; Yasuda, N.; Kodaira, S.; Sihver, L.

2014-01-01

Roč. 64, MAY (2014), s. 29-34 ISSN 1350-4487 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR KJB100480901; GA AV ČR IAA100480902; GA MŠk LG14004 Institutional support: RVO:61389005 Keywords : target fragments * high-energy protons * Aluminium * Polyethylene * plastic nuclear track detectors * CR-39 Subject RIV: BG - Nuclear, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Colliders Impact factor: 1.213, year: 2014

25 CFR 39.102 - What is academic base funding?

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false What is academic base funding? 39.102 Section 39.102... PROGRAM Indian School Equalization Formula Base and Supplemental Funding § 39.102 What is academic base funding? Academic base funding is the ADM times the weighted student unit. ...

Mobile Satellite Reception with a Virtual Satellite Dish based on a Reconfigurable Multi-Processor Architecture

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van de Burgwal, M.D.; Rovers, K.C.; Blom, K.C.H.; Kokkeler, Andre B.J.; Smit, Gerardus Johannes Maria

2011-01-01

Traditionally, mechanically steered dishes or analog phased array beamforming systems have been used for radio frequency receivers, where strong directivity and high performance were much more important than low-cost requirements. Real-time controlled digital phased array beamforming could not be

Test results on parabolic dish concentrators for solar thermal power systems

Science.gov (United States)

Jaffe, Leonard D.

1989-01-01

This paper presents results of development testing of various solar thermal parabolic dish concentrators. The concentrators were mostly designed for the production of electric power using dish-mounted Rankine, Brayton or Stirling cycle engines, intended to be produced at low cost. Measured performance for various dishes included optical efficiencies ranging from 0.32 to 0.86 at a geometric concentration ratio of 500, and from about 0.09 to 0.85 at a geometric concentration ratio of 3000. Some malfunctions were observed. The tests should provide operating information of value in developing concentrators with improved performance and reduced maintenance.

Column study of enhanced Cr(VI) removal and longevity by coupled abiotic and biotic processes using Fe0 and mixed anaerobic culture.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhong, Jiawei; Yin, Weizhao; Li, Yongtao; Li, Ping; Wu, Jinhua; Jiang, Gangbiao; Gu, Jingjing; Liang, Hao

2017-10-01

In this study, Fe 0 and mixed anaerobic culture were integrated in one column to investigate the coupled abiotic and biotic effects on hexa-valent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal and column longevity with an abiotic Fe 0 column in the control experiments. According to the breakthrough study, a slower Cr(VI) breakthrough rate of 0.19 cm/PV was observed in the biotic Fe 0 column whereas the value in the abiotic Fe 0 column was 0.30 cm/PV, resulting in 64% longer life-span and 62% higher Cr(VI) removal capacity in the biotic Fe 0 column than the abiotic one. The solid phase characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that this enhancement was attributed to the higher consumption of iron and greater production of diverse reactive minerals (e.g., green rust, magnetite and lepidocrocite) induced by the synergistic interaction of Fe 0 and anaerobic culture, providing more reactive sites for Cr(VI) adsorption, reduction and co-precipitation. Furthermore, the decreasing breakthrough rates and growing iron corrosion along the biotic Fe 0 column demonstrated an inhomogeneous distribution of reactive zones in the column and its latter 3/5 section was considered to be the most reactive area for Cr(VI) removal. These results indicate that the inoculation of microorganisms in Fe 0 -based permeable reactive barriers will enable this technology a higher removal capacity and longer life-span for the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fifth parabolic dish solar thermal power program annual review: proceedings

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

None

1984-03-01

The primary objective of the Review was to present the results of activities within the Parabolic Dish Technology and Module/Systems Development element of the Department of Energy's Solar Thermal Energy Systems Program. The Review consisted of nine technical sessions covering overall Project and Program aspects, Stirling and Brayton module development, concentrator and engine/receiver development, and associated hardware and test results to date; distributed systems operating experience; international dish development activities; and non-DOE-sponsored domestic dish activities. A panel discussion concerning business views of solar electric generation was held. These Proceedings contain the texts of presentations made at the Review, as submitted by their authors at the beginning of the Review; therefore, they may vary slightly from the actual presentations in the technical sessions.

International off-grid market assessment for dish/Stirling systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lilienthal, P.; Campbell, K.

1998-01-01

Several features of dish/Stirling technology offer potential advantages for off-grid power generation. Dish/Stirling technology's size, modularity, the ease with which it might be hybridized with a storable fuel, the elimination of batteries and inverters, and the production of pure sine-wave AC power without a diesel all indicate that a reliable dish/Stirling module could fit well into an off-grid electrification scheme. At the same time, a combination of factors makes success in off-grid applications difficult, regardless of the technology under consideration. Obstacles include consumer expectations (formed by a long history of subsidies) that electricity should be cheap, existing support infrastructure, and the economic resources of rural communities. Cost is always a factor, but reliability and access to parts and service have been more significant barriers so far in the establishment of renewables. This paper summarizes a much more extensive market assessment. Initial research indicates that a reliable 25 kW dish/Stirling system with reasonable servicing requirements could compete well with other off-grid power systems at a cost considered achievable at early production levels ($3,500 per kW). However, by itself the off-grid power market in regions with adequate solar insolation and inviting political regimes does not justify an adequate scale of production. It is estimated that the aggregate market in five of the largest and most promising countries for which adequate information was available could be 23,000 to 38,000 units of 25 kW dish/Stirling systems. Including the rest of the developing world could more than double this number. However, at a reasonable initial market penetration rate of 1% per year this market is not sufficient, by itself, for the mass production rates required to achieve the necessary economies of scale

Alpha particle induced reactions on {sup nat}Cr up to 39 MeV: Experimental cross-sections, comparison with theoretical calculations and thick target yields for medically relevant {sup 52g}Fe production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hermanne, A.; Adam Rebeles, R. [Cyclotron Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel 1090 (Belgium); Tárkányi, F.; Takács, S. [Institute of Nuclear Research, Hungarian Academy of Science, 4026 Debrecen (Hungary)

2015-08-01

Thin {sup nat}Cr targets were obtained by electroplating, using 23.75 μm Cu foils as backings. In five stacked foil irradiations, followed by high resolution gamma spectroscopy, the cross sections for production of {sup 52g}Fe, {sup 49,51cum}Cr, {sup 52cum,54,56cum}Mn and {sup 48cum}V in Cr and {sup 61}Cu,{sup 68}Ga in Cu were measured up to 39 MeV incident α-particle energy. Reduced uncertainty is obtained by simultaneous remeasurement of the {sup nat}Cu(α,x){sup 67,66}Ga monitor reactions over the whole energy range. Comparisons with the scarce literature values and results from the TENDL-2013 on-line library, based on the theoretical code family TALYS-1.6, were made. A discussion of the production routes for {sup 52g}Fe with achievable yields and contamination rates was made.

Determination Of Uranium Concentration In Teeth Female Samples Using Fission Tracks In CR-39 From Different Countries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hummadi, S.S

2010-01-01

The present study was under taken to measure the uranium concentration in female teeth samples collected from different nationalities.The determination of uranium concentration in these samples has been done by using CR-39 track detector.The nuclear reaction is used as a source of nuclear fission fragments is (n, f) obtained by the bombardment of U-235 with thermal neutrons with flux (5*10 3 n/cm 2 .s) was used from (Am-Be) neutron source.The obtained results show the concentration is ranging from (0.58±0.7ppm) in Oman and Uae to (0.35±0.03ppm)in Iraqi for male, the uranium concentration was the highest in Oman and Uae for female

Computer program for the sensitivity calculation of a CR-39 detector in a diffusion chamber for radon measurements

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nikezic, D., E-mail: nikezic@kg.ac.rs; Stajic, J. M. [Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovica 12, Kragujevac 34000 (Serbia); Yu, K. N. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue (Hong Kong)

2014-02-15

Computer software for calculation of the sensitivity of a CR-39 detector closed in a diffusion chamber to radon is described in this work. The software consists of two programs, both written in the standard Fortran 90 programming language. The physical background and a numerical example are given. Presented software is intended for numerous researches in radon measurement community. Previously published computer programs TRACK-TEST.F90 and TRACK-VISION.F90 [D. Nikezic and K. N. Yu, Comput. Phys. Commun. 174, 160 (2006); D. Nikezic and K. N. Yu, Comput. Phys. Commun. 178, 591 (2008)] are used here as subroutines to calculate the track parameters and to determine whether the track is visible or not, based on the incident angle, impact energy, etching conditions, gray level, and visibility criterion. The results obtained by the software, using five different V functions, were compared with the experimental data found in the literature. Application of two functions in this software reproduced experimental data very well, while other three gave lower sensitivity than experiment.

A Dish-based Semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for assessment of dietary intakes in epidemiologic studies in Iran: Design and development

OpenAIRE

Ammar Hassanzadeh Keshteli; Ahmad Esmaillzadeh; Somayeh Rajaie; Gholamreza Askari; Christine Feinle-Bisset; Peyman Adibi

2014-01-01

Background: Earlier forms of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) used in Iran have extensive lists of foods, traditional categories and food-based design, mostly with the interviewer-administered approach. The aim of the current paper is to describe the development of a dish-based, machine-readable, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (DFQ). Methods: Within the framework of the Study on the Epidemiology of Psychological, Alimentary Health and Nutrition project, we created a nove...

Nutritional Quality of School Meals in France: Impact of Guidelines and the Role of Protein Dishes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Florent Vieux

2018-02-01

Full Text Available In France, school meals must comply with 15 frequency criteria (FC expressed as nutritional requirements (e.g., “starters containing more than 15% fat served no more than four times out of 20” in a series of 20 consecutive meals. The objective was to assess, for the first time, the nutritional impact of complying with French school food FC. Based on 40 series of meals actually served in primary schools (“observed series”, several scenarios (1600 series per scenario of compliance or non-compliance with FC were simulated, and nutritional quality was assessed via the mean adequacy ratio (MAR/2000 kcal. In the observed series, only 9.7 FC on average (range 4–14 were fulfilled. In the simulated series: (i MAR was positively associated with FC compliance level, with the highest MAR obtained with complete compliance; (ii MAR decreased when meat or fish-based dishes were replaced by dishes without meat or fish; and (iii removing the protein dish without replacement led to the lowest MAR. This study demonstrates that French school food guidelines ensure good nutritional quality of food services. It also shows that generalizing the service of meals without meat or fish would deteriorate overall nutritional quality, highlighting the need to define the composition of vegetarian dishes and their frequency of service to children.

Capturing Cultural Glossaries: Case-study I *

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Matete Madiba

2011-10-01

Full Text Available

Abstract: This article is a presentation of a brief cultural glossary of Northern Sotho cooking terms. The glossary is mainly composed of names for utensils and ingredients, and action words for the processes involved in the preparation of cultural dishes. It also contains names of dishes tied to some idiomatic expressions in a way eliciting cultural experiences that can lead to an under-standing of indigenous knowledge systems. The article seeks to explore ways of capturing cultural glossaries to feed into the national dictionary corpora by using a case-study approach to investigate the processes that led to the generation of this specific school-based project. A number of issues that surfaced in this project, can possibly serve as models for the collection of authentic glossaries that can support dictionary making in African languages.

Keywords: CULTURAL GLOSSARY, INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS, CULTURAL TERMINOLOGY, CORPUS, AUTHENTIC GLOSSARY, CONTEXTUALISATION, MARGIN-ALIZED LANGUAGES, OUTCOMES-BASED EDUCATION, PERFORMANCE INDICATOR, ASSESSMENT CRITERIA, RANGE STATEMENT, TRADITIONAL DISHES, LANGUAGE VAL-ORISATION, SIMULTANEOUS FEEDBACK, COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH, STRUCTURAL APPROACH, METONYMY

Opsomming: Die totstandbrenging van kulturele woordversamelings: Ge-vallestudie I. Hierdie artikel is 'n aanbieding van 'n kort kulturele woordversameling van Noord-Sothokookterme. Die woordversameling bestaan hoofsaaklik uit die name van gereedskap en bestanddele, en handelingswoorde vir die prosesse betrokke by die voorbereiding van kulturele geregte. Dit bevat ook name van geregte wat verbind is met sekere idiomatiese uitdrukkings wat op 'n manier kulturele ervarings oproep wat kan lei tot die verstaan van inheemse kennisstelsels. Die artikel probeer om maniere te ondersoek waarop kulturele woordversamelings in die nasionale woordeboekkorpusse ingevoer kan word deur 'n gevallestudiebenadering te volg om die prosesse te ondersoek wat tot die

Artificial neural networks approach on solar parabolic dish cooker

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lokeswaran, S.; Eswaramoorthy, M.

2011-01-01

This paper presents heat transfer analysis of solar parabolic dish cooker using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The objective of this study to envisage thermal performance parameters such as receiver plate and pot water temperatures of the solar parabolic dish cooker by using the ANN for experimental data. An experiment is conducted under two cases (1) cooker with plain receiver and (2) cooker with porous receiver. The Back Propagation (BP) algorithm is used to train and test networks and ANN predictions are compared with experimental results. Different network configurations are studied by the aid of searching a relatively better network for prediction. The results showed a good regression analysis with the correlation coefficients in the range of 0.9968-0.9992 and mean relative errors (MREs) in the range of 1.2586-4.0346% for the test data set. Thus ANN model can successfully be used for the prediction of the thermal performance parameters of parabolic dish cooker with reasonable degree of accuracy. (authors)

Evolution of etched nuclear track profiles of alpha particles in CR-39 by atomic force microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Félix-Bautista, R.; Hernández-Hernández, C.; Zendejas-Leal, B.E.; Fragoso, R.; Golzarri, J.I.; Vázquez-López, C.; Espinosa, G.

2013-01-01

A series of atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of etched nuclear tracks has been obtained and used to calculate the nuclear track registration sensitivity parameter V(x) = Vt(x)/Vb. Due to the AFM limitations the samples were irradiated normally to the surface, and with energies attenuated in order to include the Bragg peak region in the AFM piezo-scanner z movement range. The simulation of the track profile evolution was then obtained. The different stages of etched nuclear track profiles were rendered. - Highlights: ► Using AFM we reach that Bragg peak region of etched tracks in CR-39. ► The etched track sensitivity V was calculated by data obtained by AFM. ► The evolucion of etched nuclear tracks was simulated by data achieved by AFM

Healthier side dishes at restaurants: an analysis of children’s perspectives, menu content, and energy impacts

Science.gov (United States)

2014-01-01

Background Children consume restaurant-prepared foods at high rates, suggesting that interventions and policies targeting consumption of these foods have the potential to improve diet quality and attenuate excess energy intake. One approach to encouraging healthier dietary intake in restaurants is to offer fruits and vegetables (FV) as side dishes, as opposed to traditional, energy-dense accompaniments like French fries. The aims of the current study were to examine: children's views about healthier side dishes at restaurants; current side dish offerings on children's menus at leading restaurants; and potential energy reductions when substituting FV side dishes in place of French fries. Methods To investigate children’s attitudes, a survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of U.S. 8- to 18-year-olds (n = 1178). To examine current side dish offerings, children's menus from leading quick service (QSR; n = 10) and full service restaurant chains (FSR; n = 10) were analyzed. Energy reductions that could result from substituting commonly-offered FV side dishes for French fries were estimated using nutrition information corresponding to the children's menu items. Results Two-thirds of children reported that they would not feel negatively about receiving FV sides instead of French fries with kids' meals. Liking/taste was the most common reason that children gave to explain their attitudes about FV side dishes. Nearly all restaurants offered at least 1 FV side dish option, but at most restaurants (60% of QSR; 70% of FSR), FV sides were never served by default. Substituting FV side dishes for French fries yielded an average estimated energy reduction of at least 170 calories. Conclusions Results highlight some healthy trends in the restaurant context, including the majority of children reporting non-negative attitudes about FV side dishes and the consistent availability of FV side dish options at leading QSR and FSR. Yet the minority of

Summary assessment of solar thermal parabolic dish technology for electrical power generation

Science.gov (United States)

Penda, P. L.; Fujita, T.; Lucas, J. W.

1985-01-01

An assessment is provided of solar thermal parabolic dish technology for electrical power generation. The assessment is based on the development program undertaken by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy and covers the period from the initiation of the program in 1976 through mid-1984. The program was founded on developing components and subsystems that are integrated into parabolic dish power modules for test and evaluation. The status of the project is summarized in terms of results obtained through testing of modules, and the implications of these findings are assessed in terms of techno-economic projections and market potential. The techno-economic projections are based on continuation of an evolutionary technological development program and are related to the accomplishments of the program as of mid-1984. The accomplishments of the development effort are summarized for each major subsystem including concentrators, receivers, and engines. The ramifications of these accomplishments are assessed in the context of developmental objectives and strategies.

A comparison of the neutron response of CR-39 made by different manufacturers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ipe, N.E.; Liu, J.C.; Buddemeier, B.R.; Miles, C.J.; Yoder, R.C.

1991-09-01

CR-39 was obtained from American Acrylics and Plastics, Inc. (A.A), N. E. Technology, Ltd. (N.E), and Tech/Ops Landauer, Inc. (LT). The dosemeters were exposed to radioisotopic neutron sources at SLAC, and moderated 252 Cf at ORNL. The A.A. and N.E. dosemeters were electrochemically etched (pre-etch in 6.5 N KOH at 60 degrees C for 1 hour and 45 minutes, a 5 hour etch at 3000 V and 60 Hz, a 23 minute blow-up step at 2 kHz and a post-etch for 15 minutes). Track densities were determined with the Homann Track Size Image Analyzer. The LT dosemeters were chemically etched in 5.5 N NaOH at 70 degrees C for 15.5 hours. Some A.A., N.E., and LT dosemeters were etched in 6.25 N NaOH at 70 degrees C for 6 hours. A pre-etch step in 60% methanol and 40% NaOH at 70 degrees C for 1 hour was added for some N.E. dosemeters. The results of these studies are reported in this paper. 3 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs

Effect of Tracking Error of Double-Axis Tracking Device on the Optical Performance of Solar Dish Concentrator

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jian Yan

2018-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper, a flux distribution model of the focal plane in dish concentrator system has been established based on ray tracking method. This model was adopted for researching the influence of the mirror slope error, solar direct normal irradiance, and tracking error of elevation-azimuth tracking device (EATD on the focal spot characteristics (i.e., flux distribution, geometrical shape, centroid position, and intercept factor. The tracking error transmission law of the EATD transferred to dish concentrator was also studied. The results show that the azimuth tracking error of the concentrator decreases with the increase of the concentrator elevation angle and it decreases to 0 mrad when the elevation angle is 90°. The centroid position of focal spot along x-axis and y-axis has linear relationship with azimuth and elevation tracking error of EATD, respectively, which could be used to evaluate and calibrate the tracking error of the dish concentrator. Finally, the transmission law of the EATD azimuth tracking error in solar heliostats is analyzed, and a dish concentrator using a spin-elevation tracking device is proposed, which can reduce the effect of spin tracking error on the dish concentrator. This work could provide fundamental for manufacturing precision allocation of tracking devices and developing a new type of tracking device.

A Method to Preclude Moisture Condensation in Plated Tissue Cultures

Science.gov (United States)

Alex M. Diner

1992-01-01

Excessive condensate normally accumulates in in vitro-illuminated petri dishes containing plant tissue cultures, causing avariety of problems. A dark-colored rubber net-mesh placed over the petri dishes prevented such condensation, even when charcoal-supplemented media are used under high light intensity in a growth chamber.

Optimization of microwave-induced chemical etching for rapid development of neutron-induced recoil tracks in CR-39 detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahoo, G.S.; Tripathy, S.P.; Bandyopadhyay, T.

2014-01-01

A systematic investigation is carried out to optimize the recently established microwave-induced chemical etching (MICE) parameters for rapid development of neutron-induced recoil tracks in CR-39 detectors. Several combinations of all available microwave powers with different etching durations were analysed to determine the most suitable etching condition. The etching duration was found to reduce with increasing microwave power and the tracks were observed at about 18, 15, 12, and 6 min for 300, 450, 600 and 900 W of microwave powers respectively compared to a few hours in chemical etching (CE) method. However, for complete development of tracks the etching duration of 30, 40, 50 and 60 min were found to be suitable for the microwave powers of 900, 600, 450 and 300 W, respectively. Temperature profiles of the etchant for all the available microwave powers at different etching durations were generated to regulate the etching process in a controlled manner. The bulk etch rates at different microwave powers were determined by 2 methods, viz., gravimetric and removed thickness methods. A logarithmic expression was used to fit the variation of bulk etch rate with microwave power. Neutron detection efficiencies were obtained for all the cases and the results on track parameters obtained with MICE technique were compared with those obtained from another detector processed with chemical etching. - Highlights: • Microwave-induced chemical etching method is optimized for rapid development of recoil tracks due to neutrons in CR-39 detector. • Several combinations of microwave powers and etching durations are investigated to standardize the suitable etching condition. • Bulk-etch rates are determined for all microwave powers by two different methods, viz. gravimetric and removed thickness method. • The method is found to be simple, effective and much faster compared to conventional chemical etching

Studies of isothermal annealing of fission fragment and alpha particle tracks in Cr-39 polymer detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zaky, M.F.; Youssef, A.A.

2002-01-01

Two groups of CR-39 detectors samples are exposed to two types of charged particle radiation. The first group are severe damaged with fission fragment tracks from 2 52C f source. The second accepted alpha particles resulting from the interaction of highly energetic 1 9F -ions and a copper disk with thickness 1 cm, which are of less damage tracks than fission fragments. , The isothermal annealing of tracks in the temperature range from 175 to 300 degree C in step 25 degree C for annealing time of 10,15,20,25 and 30 minutes has been investigated. The changes introduced in the track density and track diameter for two types of irradiation in the detector have been observed and compared between them. The results indicate that the track density and the size of the tracks are considerably changed due to annealing

[Sodium, potassium and calcium content in regional dishes consumed in Sonora, Mexico].

Science.gov (United States)

Grijalva Haro, M I; Valencia, M E; Wyatt, J

1990-06-01

The content of sodium, potassium and calcium was determined in 15 regional dishes, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Na:K ratio was high in most of the dishes due to the high sodium content and low content of potassium found. The higher sources of the studied minerals were "tortilla de harina" with 1,372.8 mg/100 g of sodium; "chorizo con papas" with 466 mg/100 g of potassium, and "calabacitas con queso" with 244.1 mg/100 g of calcium. Two of the dishes considered as desserts, "capirotada" and "arroz con leche" showed the lowest Na:K ratio (0.66 and 0.81, respectively).

Track detection on the cells exposed to high Linear Energy Transfer heavy-ions by Cr-39 plastic and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mehnati, P.; Keshtkar, A.; Mesbahi, A.; Sasaki, H.

2006-01-01

The fatal effect of ionizing radiation on cells depends on Linear Energy Transfer level. The distribution of ionizing radiation is sparse and homogeneous for low Linear Energy Transfer radiations such as X or y, but it is dense and concentrated for high Linear Energy Transfer radiation such as heavy-ions radiation. Materials and Methods: Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) were exposed to 4 Gy Fe-ion 2000 keV/μm. The Cr-39 is a special and sensitive plastic used to verify exact position of heavy-ions traversal. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase is an enzyme labeled with [3 H ] d ATP for detection of cellular DNA damage by autoradiography assay. Results: The track of heavy ions traversals presented by pit size was almost similar for all different doses of radiation. No pits to show the track of traversal were found in 20% of the cell nuclei of the irradiation. Apparently these fractions of cells wave not hit by heavy ions. Conclusion: This study indicated the possible usefulness of both the Cr-39 plastics and DNA labeling with Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase method for evaluating the biological effect of heavy-ions in comparison with low Linear Energy Transfer ionizing radiation

Temperature Performance Evaluation of Parabolic Dishes Covered ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Aweda

The parabolic dish with glass material gave the highest temperature of .... 3: Second day variation temperature and time using different materials. 8. 10 .... the sun rays at that particular time. ... especially between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm when.

Preliminary study on 2-dimensional distributions of 10B reaction rate in a water phantom with boron-doped CR-39 for 7Li(p, n)7Be neutrons by 1.95 MeV protons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hasegawa, Y.; Tanaka, K.; Tsuruta, T.

2000-01-01

In an Accelerator-based neutron irradiation field using 7 Li(p, n) 7 Be neutrons by 1.95 MeV protons, the distributions of 10 B reaction rates and thermal neutron fluence in a water phantom were measured using Boron-doped CR-39 and Au activation analysis, respectively. Comparing the results of the measurements, we discussed the validity of the evaluation method of 10 B reaction rate using thermal neutron fluence. (author)

Bystander effect studies using heavy-ion microbeam

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kobayashi, Yasuhiko; Funayama, Tomoo; Sakashita, Tetsuya; Wada, Seiichi; Yokota, Yuichiro; Kakizaki, Takehiko; Hamada, Nobuyuki; Hara, Takamitsu; Fukamoto, Kana; Suzuki, Michiyo; Ni, M.; Furusawa, Yoshiya

2007-01-01

We have established a single cell irradiation system, which allows selected cells to be individually hit with defined number of heavy charged particles, using a collimated heavy-ion microbeam apparatus at JAEA-Takasaki. This system has been developed to study radiobiological processes in hit cells and bystander cells exposed to low dose and low dose-rate high-LET radiations, in ways that cannot be achieved using conventional broad-field exposures. Individual cultured cells grown in special dishes were irradiated in the atmosphere with a single or defined numbers of 18.3 MeV/amu 12 C, 13.0 or 17.5 MeV/amu 20 Ne, and 11.5 MeV/amu 40 Ar ions. Targeting and irradiation of the cells were performed automatically according to the positional data of the target cells microscopically obtained before irradiation. The actual number of particle tracks that pass through target cells was detected with prompt etching of the bottom of the cell dish made of ion track detector TNF-1 (modified CR-39). (author)

Electron transport in all-Heusler Co2CrSi/Cu2CrAl/Co2CrSi device, based on ab-initio NEGF calculations

Science.gov (United States)

Mikaeilzadeh, L.; Pirgholi, M.; Tavana, A.

2018-05-01

Based on the ab-initio non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism based on the density functional theory (DFT), we have studied the electron transport in the all-Heusler device Co2CrSi/Cu2CrAl/Co2CrSi. Results show that the calculated transmission spectra is very sensitive to the structural parameters and the interface. Also, we obtain a range for the thickness of the spacer layer for which the MR effect is optimum. Calculations also show a perfect GMR effect in this device.

Enhanced chondrocyte culture and growth on biologically inspired nanofibrous cell culture dishes.

Science.gov (United States)

Bhardwaj, Garima; Webster, Thomas J

2016-01-01

Chondral and osteochondral defects affect a large number of people in which treatment options are currently limited. Due to its ability to mimic the natural nanofibrous structure of cartilage, this current in vitro study aimed at introducing a new scaffold, called XanoMatrix™, for cartilage regeneration. In addition, this same scaffold is introduced here as a new substrate onto which to study chondrocyte functions. Current studies on chondrocyte functions are limited due to nonbiologically inspired cell culture substrates. With its polyethylene terephthalate and cellulose acetate composition, good mechanical properties and nanofibrous structure resembling an extracellular matrix, XanoMatrix offers an ideal surface for chondrocyte growth and proliferation. This current study demonstrated that the XanoMatrix scaffolds promote chondrocyte growth and proliferation as compared with the Corning and Falcon surfaces normally used for chondrocyte cell culture. The XanoMatrix scaffolds also have greater hydrophobicity, three-dimensional surface area, and greater tensile strength, making them ideal candidates for alternative treatment options for chondral and osteochondral defects as well as cell culture substrates to study chondrocyte functions.

Effects of V and Cr on Laser Cladded Fe-Based Coatings

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Haiyang Wang

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Fe-based coatings with high V and Cr content were obtained by laser cladding using Fe-based powder with different Cr3C2 and FeV50 content. The results showed that Fe-based coatings were uniform and dense. The constituent phases were mainly composed of α-Fe solid solution with the increase of Cr3C2 and FeV50, γ-Fe and V8C7 phases were achieved. The microstructure of the coatings exhibited a typical dendrite structure. The concentration of C, V and Cr were saturated in dendritic areas, and the other alloying elements were mainly dissolved in the interdendritic areas. The hardness and wear resistance of Fe-based coatings were enhanced with the Cr3C2 and FeV50 addition. The specimen with 15% Cr3C2 and 16% FeV50 had the highest hardness of 66.1 ± 0.6 HRC, which was 1.05 times higher than the sample with 4.5% Cr3C2 and 5% FeV50, and the wear resistance of the former was three times greater than the latter.

La crítica cultural periodística y literatura infantil y juvenil

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mgt. Ana Beatriz Ammann

2000-01-01

Full Text Available El trabajo considera la crítica cultural periodística como parte de un conocimiento "especializado" que inviste de sentido las prácticas sociales. Se pregunta cuál es el espacio de la literatura infantil en los suplementos culturales en relación con un campo de producción que restringe "lo literario" según normas y categorías propias de las políticas institucionales y mediáticas. Por último, se detiene en algunos aspectos respecto del objeto literario para niños, el rol de los mediadores y la imagen de los destinatarios en el contexto histórico y cultural contemporáneo

Entrapment of cultured pancreas islets in three-dimensional collagen matrices.

Science.gov (United States)

Chao, S H; Peshwa, M V; Sutherland, D E; Hu, W S

1992-01-01

In vitro culture of islets of Langerhans decreases their immunogenicity, presumably by eliminating passenger leukocytes and other Ia+ presenting cells within the islets. Islets cultivated in petri dishes either at 37 degrees C or at 25 degrees C gradually disintegrate during culture in a time-dependent manner which is related to the free-floating condition of the islets. Also, a fraction of the islets disperse as single cells and beta-cell aggregates or adhere to the bottom of the culture dishes. Thus, the retrieval rate of transplantable islets is dampened due to their disintegration and spontaneous dispersion in conventional petri dish cultures. Entrapment of freshly harvested islets of Langerhans in a three-dimensional collagen matrix was studied as an alternative method for islet cultivation. The contraction of collagen fibrils during in vitro culture counteracts the dispersion of islets and helps in maintaining their integrity while in culture. It was observed that the entrapped islets maintain satisfactory morphology, viability, and capability of glucose-dependent insulin secretion for over 2 wk. The oxygen consumption rate and glucose metabolism of these islets was not deranged when entrapped in collagen. Also, the retrieval of islets is easier and more efficient than that observed in conventional culture systems. Our results indicate that culture of islets in three-dimensional collagen gels can potentially develop into an ideal system applicable to clinical transplantation of cultured islets or beta-cell aggregates.

Combined Heat & Power Using the Infinia Concentrated Solar CHP PowerDish System

Science.gov (United States)

2013-08-01

Executive Orders FOB - Forward Operating Base FPSE - Free Piston Stirling Engine GHG - Greenhouse Gas ICC - International Code Council IMA... Stirling Engine (FPSE) for military, commercial, and space applications for almost 30 years. These developments have included multiple fuel types...product for its Free Piston Stirling Engine operating on solar energy for electricity production, called the PowerDishTM, a reasonable extension for

Fission studies of gold induced by (1665 MeV) π- using a CR-39 detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muhammad Ikram Shahzad; Yasin, Zafar; Sher, Gul

2012-01-01

The fission cross section and fission probability of 197 Au, induced by (1665 MeV) π'-, have been studied using CR-39 track detectors. A 4π-geometry was used to count track statistics. A beam of negative pions of 1665 MeV was produced at AGS of Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA, and allowed to fall normally on the stack. Two detectors from the stack were scanned for fission fragment tracks after etching in 6N NaOH at 70 ℃. The statistics of fission fragment tracks in both detectors were obtained. It was found that there was a marked asymmetry of registered tracks with respect to the forward and backward hemispheres. This asymmetry could be partly accounted for on the basis of momentum transfer to the struck nucleus. On the basis of counting statistics fission cross section was measured, and fission probability was determined by dividing the fission cross section with the reaction cross section. The fission cross-section and fission probability were compared with the computed values using the cascade-exciton model code CEM95. (authors)

Determination of the exhalation rate of radon and thoron from building materials by detectors Cr-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasidov, A.

2005-01-01

Full text: The building materials (BM) such as granite, bricks, sand, cement etc., contain uranium and thorium in various amounts. Therefore the knowledge of true value exhalation rate of Rn and Tn from BM represents scientific and practical interest in environmental radiation protection. In present work, we have used calibrated plastic cups with two detectors Cr-39. The detected surface of the cup is situated in perpendicular position surface BM and were exposed for 20-30 days. The first detector fixed the bottom on distance from surface of BM and records alpha particles from Rn-222 only. The second detector records alpha particles of the thoron and radon. After exposition, the detectors chemically etched and analyzed. The values of the exhalation rate per unit area of the granite, concrete, fired and unfired bricks, sand, cement, alabaster varied 0.091 - 0.1 Bq m -2 h -1 for the radon, 200 - 5800 Bq m -2 h - 1 for the thoron, accordingly

Interrelated temperature dependence of bulk etch rate and track length saturation time in CR-39 detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Azooz, A.A.; Al-Jubbori, M.A.

2013-01-01

Highlights: • New empirical parameterization of CR-39 bulk etch rate. • Bulk etch rates measurements using two different methods give consistent results. • Temperature independence of track saturation length. • Two empirical relation between bulk etch rate and temperature are suggested. • Simple inverse relation between bulk etch rate and track saturation time. -- Abstract: Experimental measurements of the etching solution temperature dependence of bulk etch rate using two independent methods revealed a few interesting properties. It is found that while the track saturation length is independent of etching temperature, the etching time needed to reach saturation is strongly temperature-dependent. It is demonstrated that there is systematic simple inverse relation between track saturation time, and etching solution temperature. In addition, and although, the relation between the bulk etch rate and etching solution temperature can be reasonably described by a modified form of the Arrhenius equation, better fits can be obtained by another equation suggested in this work

Validation of the CrIS fast physical NH3 retrieval with ground-based FTIR

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E. Dammers

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Presented here is the validation of the CrIS (Cross-track Infrared Sounder fast physical NH3 retrieval (CFPR column and profile measurements using ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR observations. We use the total columns and profiles from seven FTIR sites in the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC to validate the satellite data products. The overall FTIR and CrIS total columns have a positive correlation of r  =  0.77 (N  =  218 with very little bias (a slope of 1.02. Binning the comparisons by total column amounts, for concentrations larger than 1.0  ×  1016 molecules cm−2, i.e. ranging from moderate to polluted conditions, the relative difference is on average ∼ 0–5 % with a standard deviation of 25–50 %, which is comparable to the estimated retrieval uncertainties in both CrIS and the FTIR. For the smallest total column range (< 1.0  × 1016 molecules cm−2 where there are a large number of observations at or near the CrIS noise level (detection limit the absolute differences between CrIS and the FTIR total columns show a slight positive column bias. The CrIS and FTIR profile comparison differences are mostly within the range of the single-level retrieved profile values from estimated retrieval uncertainties, showing average differences in the range of  ∼ 20 to 40 %. The CrIS retrievals typically show good vertical sensitivity down into the boundary layer which typically peaks at  ∼ 850 hPa (∼ 1.5 km. At this level the median absolute difference is 0.87 (std  =  ±0.08 ppb, corresponding to a median relative difference of 39 % (std  =  ±2 %. Most of the absolute and relative profile comparison differences are in the range of the estimated retrieval uncertainties. At the surface, where CrIS typically has lower sensitivity, it tends to overestimate in low-concentration conditions and underestimate

In-situ irradiation studies on the effects of helium on the microstructural evolution of V-3.8Cr-3.9Ti

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doraiswamy, N.; Kestel, B.; Alexander, D.E.

1996-11-01

Role of He in microstructural evolution of V-3.8Cr-3.9Ti was investigated by in-situ TEM of as-prepared and He implanted (<10 appM) samples subjected to 200 keV He irradiation at RT. Quantitative analysis showed an increase in defect density and size with irradiation in both. The unimplanted sample showed a defect density consistent with electron irradiation experiments. The He preimplanted sample had slightly larger defects and a substantially greater increase in number density of defects. This is consistent with a mechanism of He trapping by formation of He-vacancy-X (X=C,N,O) complexes

A new method for studying the transport of radon and thoron in various building materials using CR-39 and LR-115 solid state nuclear track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Misdaq, M.A.; Ktata, A.; Bakhchi, A.

2000-01-01

Radon ( 222 Rn) and thoron ( 220 Rn) α-activities per unit volume were measured inside and outside different building materials by using two types of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) (CR-39 and LR-115 type II). In addition, the radon and thoron emanation coefficients of the studied materials were evaluated. Based on these data, the transport of radon and thoron across parallelepipedic blocks of the building materials could be investigated and radon and thoron global α-activities per unit volume outside different building material blocks were determined. Moreover, the diffusion length and the effective diffusion coefficient of radon in the building materials were evaluated and the total alpha activity due to radon in the atmospheres of different rooms consisting of different building materials was studied

Temperature Performance Evaluation of Parabolic Dishes Covered ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Solar radiation reaching the earth is considered to be affected by some parameters like diffusion. This radiation is reflected or scattered by air molecules, cloud and aerosols (dust). Parabolic dishes made of different materials (glass, foil and painted surface) were used to concentrate energy on a copper calorimeter filled with ...

Feasibility study of dish/stirling power systems in Turkey

Science.gov (United States)

Zilanlı, Gülin Acarol; Eray, Aynur

2017-06-01

In this study, two different commercial dish/stirling systems, SES (Stirling Energy Systems) and WGA-ADDS (WGAssociates - Advanced Dish Development System), are modeled using the "System Advisor Model" (SAM) modeling software in designated settlement areas. Both systems are modeled for the US state of Albuquerque, where they were designed, and Turkish provinces of Ankara, Van, Muğla, Mersin, Urfa and Konya. At first, the dish/stirling system is optimized according to the power output values and the system loss parameters. Then, the layout of the solar field is designed with an installed capacity of 600kW both of SES and WGA-ADDS systems, Upon securing the most suitable layout, the system is modeled for the aforementioned settlements using the optimum output values gathered from the parametric analysis. As a result of the simulation studies, the applicability of this model is discussed according to the power output and the efficiency. Although Turkey is located in an area called "the sun belt" where solar energy technologies can be used, there is no advanced application of these systems. This study aims to discuss the application of these systems in detail and to pave the way for future studies in this field.

Occurrence of heterocyclic amines in several home-cooked meat dishes of the Spanish diet.

Science.gov (United States)

Busquets, R; Bordas, M; Toribio, F; Puignou, L; Galceran, M T

2004-03-25

Heterocyclic amines (HAs) were determined in several of the most frequently eaten meat dishes in Spain such as fried beef hamburger, fried pork loin, fried chicken breast, fried pork sausages, griddled chicken breast, griddled lamb steak and griddled beef steak. All of the products tested were household cooked. The HAs were analysed in the selected meat dishes using an analytical method based on solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. DMIP, MeIQx, 4,8-DiMeIQx, Norharman, Harman, PhIP, Trp-P-1, AalphaC and MeAalphaC were the amines most frequently found at concentrations of up to 47 ng g(-1) of cooked meat. Glu-P-2, IQ, MeIQ, Glu-P-1, 7,8-DiMeIQx and Trp-P-2 were only found in a few of the meat dishes and their concentrations were lower than 1 ng g(-1) of cooked meat. The highest amounts of HAs, especially PhIP and DMIP, were formed in fried chicken breast and the lowest were formed in fried beef hamburger and in fried pork sausages. Daily intake of HAs in Spain was estimated at 606 ng of mutagenic HAs per capita and day, DMIP and PhIP being the main contributors.

Supercritical water corrosion of high Cr steels and Ni-base alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jang, Jin Sung; Han, Chang Hee; Hwang, Seong Sik

2004-01-01

High Cr steels (9 to 12% Cr) have been widely used for high temperature high pressure components in fossil power plants. Recently the concept of SCWR (supercritical water-cooled reactor) has aroused a keen interest as one of the next generation (Generation IV) reactors. Consequently Ni-base (or high Ni) alloys as well as high Cr steels that have already many experiences in the field are among the potential candidate alloys for the cladding or reactor internals. Tentative inlet and outlet temperatures of the anticipated SCWR are 280 and 510 .deg. C respectively. Among many candidate alloys there are austenitic stainless steels, Ni base alloys, ODS alloys as well as high Cr steels. In this study the corrosion behavior of the high Cr steels and Ni base (or high Ni) alloys in the supercritical water were investigated. The corrosion behavior of the unirradiated base metals could be used in the near future as a guideline for the out-of-pile or in-pile corrosion evaluation tests

Associations between motives for dish choice during home-meal preparation and diet quality in French adults: findings from the NutriNet-Santé study.

Science.gov (United States)

Ducrot, Pauline; Méjean, Caroline; Fassier, Philippine; Allès, Benjamin; Hercberg, Serge; Péneau, Sandrine

2017-03-01

A number of motives such as constraints or pleasure have been suggested to influence dish choices during home-meal preparation. However, no study has evaluated how the importance conferred to these motives potentially influence diet quality. The present study aims at investigating the difference in diet quality according to the importance attached by individuals to various dish choice motives. The importance of twenty-seven criteria related to dish choices on weekdays was evaluated among 48 010 French adults from the NutriNet-Santé study. ANCOVA and logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, were used to evaluate the association between the importance attached to dish choice motives (yes v. no) and energy and food group intakes, as well as adherence to French nutritional guidelines (modified Programme National Nutrition Santé-Guideline Score (mPNNS-GS)). A higher adherence to nutritional guidelines was observed in individuals attaching importance to a healthy diet (mPNNS-GS score 7·87 (sd 0·09) v. 7·39 (sd 0·09)) and specific diets (mPNNS-GS score 7·73 (sd 0·09) v. 7·53 (sd 0·09)), compared with those who attached little/no importance (all Pfoods compared with their respective counterparts (all Pmotives, that is, constraints, pleasure and organisation, only small differences were observed. The main difference in diet quality was related to the importance placed on a healthy diet. Although a causal link should be demonstrated, our findings suggested that strategies aiming at enabling people to take into account diet quality during home-meal preparation might be effective levers to promote healthy eating.

In vitro culture method of powdery mildew (Oidium heveae ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

ELOHO

2012-08-23

Aug 23, 2012 ... A method for culturing powdery mildew (Oidium heveae) from isolated leaves of ... solution; d, Colour phase leaves with nutrient solution in culture dish; e, in vitro ... Plant and fungus materials .... same change trend during whole culture period. ... consistent with the field resistance identification results of.

A further study of the (CR-LR) difference technique for retrospective radon exposure assessment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikezic, D.; Yip, C.W.Y.; Leung, S.Y.Y.; Leung, J.K.C.; Yu, K.N.

2006-01-01

The (CR-LR) difference technique, based on the CR-39 and LR 115 detectors, for the determination of implanted 210 Po in glass after deposition of short-lived radon progeny, was analyzed in details in this paper. The sensitivities of both detectors were calculated using the Monte Carlo method with V functions particularly derived in our previous works for the detectors used in the present experiments. The dependency of the sensitivity ratio on the removed layer of both detectors was determined and verified experimentally. The simulated sensitivity ratios correlate well with the experimental ones. A major finding of the present work is that the sensitivity ratio between the CR-39 and LR 115 detectors depends only weakly on the ratio between the 238 U and 232 Th concentrations in the glass samples. This is crucial for the application of the (CR-LR) difference technique for retrospective radon exposure assessments, since measurements of the 238 U and 232 Th concentrations in the relatively small real-life glass samples will make the retrospective radon exposure assessments impractical

Differentiation of cartilaginous anlagen in entire embryonic mouse limbs cultured in a rotating bioreactor

Science.gov (United States)

Montufar-Solis, D.; Oakley, C. R.; Jefferson, Y.; Duke, P. J.

2003-10-01

Mechanisms involved in development of the embryonic limb have remained the same throughout eons of genetic and environmental evolution under Earth gravity (lg). During the spaceflight era it has been of interest to explore the ancient theory that form of the skeleton develops in response to gravity, and that changes in gravitational forces can change the developmental pattern of the limb. This has been shown in vivo and in vitro, allowing the hypergravity of centrifugation and microgravity of space to be used as tools to increase our knowledge of limb development. In recapitulations of spaceflight experiments, premetatarsals were cultured in suspension in a bioreactor, and found to be shorter and less differentiated than those cultured in standard culture dishes. This study only measured length of the metatarsals, and did not account for possible changes due to the skeletal elements having a more in vivo 3D shape while in suspension vs. flattened tissues compressed by their own weight. A culture system with an outcome closer to in vivo and that supports growth of younger limb buds than traditional systems will allow studies of early Hox gene expression, and contribute to the understanding of very early stages of development. The purpose of the current experiment was to determine if entire limb buds could be cultured in the bioreactor, and to compare the growth and differentiation with that of culturing in a culture dish system. Fore and hind limbs from E11-E13 ICR mouse embryos were cultured for six days, either in the bioreactor or in center-well organ culture dishes, fixed, and embedded for histology. E13 specimens grown in culture dishes were flat, while bioreactor culture specimens had a more in vivo-like 3D limb shape. Sections showed excellent cartilage differentiation in both culture systems, with more cell maturation, and hypertrophy in the specimens cultured in the bioreactor. Younger limb buds fused together during culture, so an additional set of El 1

The Flexitarian Flip™ : Testing the Modalities of Flavor as Sensory Strategies to Accomplish the Shift from Meat-Centered to Vegetable-Forward Mixed Dishes.

Science.gov (United States)

Spencer, Molly; Guinard, Jean-Xavier

2018-01-01

The American diet is lacking in plant-based foods and vegetables, higher in protein than necessary, and too centered on meat and poultry. Two major dietary shifts recommended by the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines are to increase vegetable intake and to increase the variety of protein food sources. One suggested strategy for doing this is to partially replace meat and poultry with vegetables and plant-based ingredients in mixed dishes. This research tested the potential of flavor modalities (taste, aroma, trigeminal, and their combination) as strategies to increase the sensory appeal of plant-forward dishes. Consumer testing (n = 141) was conducted in a cross-sectional design in a laboratory setting on 24 recipe variations. Three factors were tested: cuisine (Latin American, Mediterranean, and Asian), meat proportion (high-meat/low-vegetable versus low-meat/high-vegetable), and flavor strategy (taste, aroma, trigeminal, and a reduced-intensity trimodal combination). Statistical analysis was performed in R and XLSTAT-Sensory ® 2017. Four consumer preference segments were uncovered. The low-meat dishes achieved parity or higher in consumer acceptance across all recipes and flavor strategies. The taste and trigeminal strategies both had higher overall acceptability scores than the aroma strategy, and the differences were significant (P meat with vegetables in mixed dishes. The trigeminal and trimodal combination strategies were found to be the most promising flavor modalities to use to implement this shift. There is little knowledge of American consumer preferences regarding vegetables in mixed dishes. Mixed dishes are a strategy recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines to increase vegetable consumption and variety of protein sources. This research explores various flavor and culinary strategies with which to carry out the mixed dish meat-vegetable swap and to test the potential of the Flexitarian Flip ™ (the shift from meat-centric to plant-centric diets

The comparison of two different embryo culture methods in the course of in vitro fertilization program.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Barbara Grzechocinska

2008-04-01

Full Text Available The objective of the study was to compare two different embryo culture methods in the course of in vitro fertilization program by means of fertilization rate, embryo development, total time and cost. 98 patients undergoing assisted reproduction procedures due to infertility were analyzed. The inclusion criteria for the study: first IVF-ET program, at least 10 MII oocytes, no indications for ICSI. Oocytes were divided into two study groups: group A- open culture (oocytes placed in four-well dishes together, then inseminated and cultured in successive wells and group B - a closed culture (oocytes placed in microdroplets, each embryo cultured separately. The fertilization rate was assessed around 18 hours from insemination. The embryos were classified into four classes. The best embryos were chosen for transfer. In the group A the fertilization rate obtained was lower than in group B (68% vs. 78%, respectively. The microdroplet culture required more time on the insemination day and on the second day of culture, while the four-well dish method required more time on the first day of culture and on the day of transfer. On analyzing the total cost of the above procedures (MI medium and oil costs it occurred that the microdroplet culture was more expensive than the four-well dish method (due to the intake of paraffin oil. However, the difference was of no practical importance. In the conclusion, microdroplet culture gives a higher fertilization rate than four-well dish culture, probably due to a homogenous sperm distribution. Despite the differences in time outside the incubator and laboratory expenses (which are after all insignificant microdroplet culture allows a better control over the embryo development. The embryos of best developmental potential can therefore be chosen for ET.

Blood culture

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... There, it is placed in a special dish (culture). It is then watched to see if bacteria or other disease-causing germs grow. A gram stain may also ... any time the skin is broken) Alternative Names ... Charnot-Katsikas A. Specimen collection and handling for diagnosis of infectious diseases. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical ...

Prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) of the whole spine and its association with lumbar spondylosis and knee osteoarthritis: the ROAD study.

Science.gov (United States)

Kagotani, Ryohei; Yoshida, Munehito; Muraki, Shigeyuki; Oka, Hiroyuki; Hashizume, Hiroshi; Yamada, Hiroshi; Enyo, Yoshio; Nagata, Keiji; Ishimoto, Yuyu; Teraguchi, Masatoshi; Tanaka, Sakae; Nakamura, Kozo; Kawaguchi, Hiroshi; Akune, Toru; Yoshimura, Noriko

2015-03-01

We aimed to assess the prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and its association with lumbar spondylosis (LS) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) using a population-based cohort study entitled Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD). In the baseline ROAD study, which was performed between 2005 and 2007, 1,690 participants in mountainous and coastal areas underwent anthropometric measurements and radiographic examinations of the whole spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) and both knees. They also completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Presence of DISH was diagnosed according to Resnick criteria, and LS and KOA were defined as Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade ≥3. Among the 1,690 participants, whole-spine radiographs of 1,647 individuals (97.5%; 573 men, 1,074 women; mean age, 65.3 years) were evaluated. Prevalence of DISH was 10.8% (men 22.0%, women 4.8%), and was significantly higher in older participants (presence of DISH 72.3 years, absence of DISH 64.4 years) and mainly distributed at the thoracic spine (88.7%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of DISH was significantly associated with older age [+1 year, odds ratio (OR): 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.14], male sex (OR: 5.55, 95% CI: 3.57-8.63), higher body mass index (+1 kg/m(2), OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.14), presence of LS (KL2 vs KL0: 1, OR: 5.50, 95% CI: 2.81-10.8) (KL ≥3 vs KL0: 1, OR: 4.09, 95% CI: 2.08-8.03), and presence of KOA (KL ≥3 vs KL0: 1, OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.14-3.10) after adjusting for smoking, alcohol consumption, and residential area (mountainous vs coastal). This cross-sectional population-based study clarified the prevalence of DISH in general inhabitants and its significant association with LS and severe KOA.

Overview of ESO Large Single Dish Study

Science.gov (United States)

Testi, Leonardo

2018-01-01

In this talk I will briefly summarize the motivation, methodology and outcome of the ESO Submm Single Dish Strategy WG. The WG was established by the ESO Director for Science and completed its work at the end of 2015. I will summarize the status of the report recommendations, which, among other things, led to the organization of the AtLAST workshop.

Development of expression vectors for Escherichia coli based on the pCR2 replicon

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Deb J K

2007-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Recent developments in metabolic engineering and the need for expanded compatibility required for co-expression studies, underscore the importance of developing new plasmid vectors with properties such as stability and compatibility. Results We utilized the pCR2 replicon of Corynebacterium renale, which harbours multiple plasmids, for constructing a range of expression vectors. Different antibiotic-resistance markers were introduced and the vectors were found to be 100% stable over a large number of generations in the absence of selection pressure. Compatibility of this plasmid was studied with different Escherichia coli plasmid replicons viz. pMB1 and p15A. It was observed that pCR2 was able to coexist with these E.coli plasmids for 60 generations in the absence of selection pressure. Soluble intracellular production was checked by expressing GFP under the lac promoter in an expression plasmid pCR2GFP. Also high level production of human IFNγ was obtained by cloning the h-IFNγ under a T7 promoter in the expression plasmid pCR2-IFNγ and using a dual plasmid heat shock system for expression. Repeated sub-culturing in the absence of selection pressure for six days did not lead to any fall in the production levels post induction, for both GFP and h-IFNγ, demonstrating that pCR2 is a useful plasmid in terms of stability and compatibility. Conclusion We have constructed a series of expression vectors based on the pCR2 replicon and demonstrated its high stability and sustained expression capacity, in the absence of selection pressure which will make it an efficient tool for metabolic engineering and co-expression studies, as well as for scale up of expression.

Hygienic status assessment of dish washing waters, utensils, hands ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Hygienic status assessment of dish washing waters, utensils, hands and pieces of money from street food processing sites in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). N Barro, AR Bello, A Savadogo, CAT Ouattara, AJ Iiboudo, AS Traoré ...

MODELLING OF AN INEXPENSIVE 9M SATELLITE DISH FROM 3D POINT CLOUDS CAPTURED BY TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNERS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D. Belton

2012-09-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the use of Terrestrial laser scanners (TLS to model the surface of satellite dish. In this case, the dish was an inexpensive 9m parabolic satellite dish with a mesh surface, and was to be utilised in radio astronomy. The aim of the modelling process was to determine the deviation of the surface away from its true parabolic shape, in order to estimate the surface efficiency with respect to its principal receiving frequency. The main mathematical problems were the optimal and unbiased estimation the orientation of the dish and the fitting of a parabola to the local orientation or coordinate system, which were done by both orthogonal and algebraic minimization using the least-squares method. Due to the mesh structure of the dish, a classification method was also applied to filter out erroneous points being influenced by the supporting structure behind the dish. Finally, a comparison is performed between the ideal parabolic shape, and the data collected from three different temporal intervals.

Differences in nutrient and energy content of commonly-consumed dishes prepared in restaurants vs. at home in Hunan province, China

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Xiaofang; Liu, Jiawu; Chen, Bo; Jin, Donghui; Fu, Zhongxi; Liu, Huilin; Du, Shufa; Popkin, Barry M.; Mendez, Michelle A.

2017-01-01

Objective Eating away from home is associated with poor diet quality, in part due to less healthy food choices and larger portions. However, few studies take into account the potential additional contribution of differences in food composition between restaurant- and home-prepared dishes. This study aimed to investigate differences in nutrients of dishes prepared in restaurants vs. at home. Design Eight commonly consumed dishes were collected in 20 of each of the following types of locations: small and large restaurants, and urban and rural households. In addition, two fast-food items were collected from 10 KFC’s, McDonald’s, and food stalls. Five samples per dish were randomly pooled from every location. Nutrients were analyzed and energy was calculated in composite samples. Differences in nutrients of dishes by preparation location were determined. Setting Urban and rural. Subjects Sodium, potassium, protein, total fat, fatty acids, carbohydrate, and energy in dishes. Results On average, both the absolute and relative fat content, saturated fatty acid (SFA) and sodium/potassium ratio were higher in dishes prepared in restaurants than households (Prestaurants (P restaurant preparation was consistently negatively associated with protein and positively associated with the percentage energy from fat in all dishes. Moreover, restaurant preparation also positively influenced the SFA content in dishes, except at the highest quantiles. Conclusions These findings suggest that compared to home preparation, dishes prepared in restaurants in China may differ in concentrations of total fat, SFA, protein, and sodium/potassium ratio, which may further contribute, beyond food choices, to less healthy nutrient intake linked to eating away from home. PMID:29306339

Isolation of parafluorophenylalanine-resistant mutants from HeLa cell cultures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yim, L.K.; Stuart, W.D.

1983-01-01

This report describes a method to isolate temperature-conditional phenylalanine transport mutants from the transformed human cell line HeLa. Using ultraviolet light as a mutagenic agent and DL-parafluorophenylalanine (PFPA), a poisonous analogue of L-phenylalanine, as a selective agent, mutagenized cells were selected for survival in the presence of PFPA at a temperature of 39 degrees C. Survivors of the mutagenesis and selection procedures were removed from the culture dishes by trypsin and cloned at a temperature of 35 degrees C. Seven of these lines isolated demonstrated continued resistance to PFPA at 39 degrees C. These lines were tested for uptake of L-phenylalanine at an external concentration of 100 microM and for continued resistance to PFPA at two concentrations. Cells were tested at 35 and at 39 degrees C. The data were compared to those obtained for the parental HeLa cell line under identical conditions. The seven mutant cell lines demonstrated varying resistances to PFPA and varying levels of accumulation of L-phenylalanine when tested at 35 and 39 degrees C. Three mutant lines were additionally tested for L-phenylalanine tRNA charging levels and for transport of L-arginine. The lines had parental cell levels of tRNA charging and L-arginine transport which suggest that the induced genetic defect affects a specific L-phenylalanine transport system

Observing the Sun with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA): Fast-Scan Single-Dish Mapping

Science.gov (United States)

White, S. M.; Iwai, K.; Phillips, N. M.; Hills, R. E.; Hirota, A.; Yagoubov, P.; Siringo, G.; Shimojo, M.; Bastian, T. S.; Hales, A. S.; Sawada, T.; Asayama, S.; Sugimoto, M.; Marson, R. G.; Kawasaki, W.; Muller, E.; Nakazato, T.; Sugimoto, K.; Brajša, R.; Skokić, I.; Bárta, M.; Kim, S.; Remijan, A. J.; de Gregorio, I.; Corder, S. A.; Hudson, H. S.; Loukitcheva, M.; Chen, B.; De Pontieu, B.; Fleishmann, G. D.; Gary, D. E.; Kobelski, A.; Wedemeyer, S.; Yan, Y.

2017-07-01

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope has commenced science observations of the Sun starting in late 2016. Since the Sun is much larger than the field of view of individual ALMA dishes, the ALMA interferometer is unable to measure the background level of solar emission when observing the solar disk. The absolute temperature scale is a critical measurement for much of ALMA solar science, including the understanding of energy transfer through the solar atmosphere, the properties of prominences, and the study of shock heating in the chromosphere. In order to provide an absolute temperature scale, ALMA solar observing will take advantage of the remarkable fast-scanning capabilities of the ALMA 12 m dishes to make single-dish maps of the full Sun. This article reports on the results of an extensive commissioning effort to optimize the mapping procedure, and it describes the nature of the resulting data. Amplitude calibration is discussed in detail: a path that uses the two loads in the ALMA calibration system as well as sky measurements is described and applied to commissioning data. Inspection of a large number of single-dish datasets shows significant variation in the resulting temperatures, and based on the temperature distributions, we derive quiet-Sun values at disk center of 7300 K at λ = 3 mm and 5900 K at λ = 1.3 mm. These values have statistical uncertainties of about 100 K, but systematic uncertainties in the temperature scale that may be significantly larger. Example images are presented from two periods with very different levels of solar activity. At a resolution of about 25'', the 1.3 mm wavelength images show temperatures on the disk that vary over about a 2000 K range. Active regions and plages are among the hotter features, while a large sunspot umbra shows up as a depression, and filament channels are relatively cool. Prominences above the solar limb are a common feature of the single-dish images.

Thermal Model of a Dish Stirling Cavity-Receiver

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rubén Gil

2015-01-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a thermal model for a dish Stirling cavity based on the finite differences method. This model is a theoretical tool to optimize the cavity in terms of thermal efficiency. One of the main outcomes of this work is the evaluation of radiative exchange using the radiosity method; for that purpose, the view factors of all surfaces involved have been accurately calculated. Moreover, this model enables the variation of the cavity and receiver dimensions and the materials to determine the optimal cavity design. The tool has been used to study the cavity optimization regarding geometry parameters and material properties. Receiver absorptivity has been identified as the most influential property of the materials. The optimal aperture height depends on the minimum focal space.

Development status of the PDC-1 Parabolic Dish Concentrator

Science.gov (United States)

Thostesen, T.; Soczak, I. F.; Pons, R. L.

1982-01-01

The status of development of the 12 m diameter parabolic dish concentrator which is planned for use with the Small Community Solar Thermal Power System. The PDC-1 unit features the use of plastic reflector film bonded to structural plastic gores supported by front-bracing steel ribs. An elevation-over-azimuth mount arrangement is employed, with a conventional wheel-and-track arrangement; outboard trunnions permit the dish to be stored in the face down position, with the added advantage of easy access to the power conversion assembly. The control system is comprised of a central computer (LSI 1123), a manual control panel, a concentrator control unit, two motor controllers, a Sun sensor, and two angular position resolvers. The system is designed for the simultaneous control of several concentrators. The optical testing of reflective panels is described.

A Comparative Physics Study of Commercial PWR Cores using Metallic Micro-cell UO{sub 2}-Cr (or Mo) Pellets with Cr-based Cladding Coating

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hwang, Dae Hee; Hong, Ser Gi [Kyung Hee University, Yongin (Korea, Republic of); In, Wang Kee [KAERI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-05-15

In this work, a comparative neutronic analysis of the cores using ATFs which include metallic micro-cell UO{sub 2}-Cr, UO{sub 2}-Mo pellets and Cr-based alloy coating on cladding was performed to show the effects of the ATF fuels on the core performance. In this study, the cores having different ATFs use the same initial uranium enrichments. The ATF concepts studied in this work are the metallic microcell UO{sub 2} pellets containing Cr or Mo with cladding outer coating composed of Cr-based alloy which have been suggested as the ATF concepts in KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute). The metallic micro-cell pellets and Cr-based alloy coating can enhance thermal conductivity of fuel and reduce the production of hydrogen from the reaction of cladding with coolant, respectively. The objective of this work is to compare neutronic characteristics of commercial PWR equilibrium cores utilizing the different variations of metallic micro-cell UO{sub 2} pellets with cladding coating composed of Cr-based alloy. The results showed that the cores using UO{sub 2}-Cr and UO{sub 2}-Mo pellets with Cr-based alloy coating on cladding have reduced cycle lengths by 60 and 106 EFPDs, respectively, in comparison with the reference UO{sub 2} fueled core due to the reduced heavy metal inventories and large thermal absorption cross section but they do not have any significant differences in the core performances parameters. However, it is notable that the core fueled the micro-cell UO{sub 2}-Mo pellet and Cr-based alloy coating has considerably more negative MTC and slightly more negative FTC than the other cases. These characteristics of the core using micro-cell UO{sub 2}-Mo pellet and Cr-based alloy coating is due to the hard neutron spectrum and large capture resonance cross section of Mo isotopes.

Corned Beef: an Enigmatic Irish Dish

OpenAIRE

Mac Con Iomaire, Máirtín; Gallagher, Pádraic Óg

2011-01-01

Corned beef and cabbage, which is consumed in America in large quantities each Saint Patrick’s Day (17th March), is considered by most Americans to be the ultimate Irish dish. However, corned beef and cabbage is seldom eaten in modern day Ireland. It is widely reported that Irish immigrants replaced their beloved bacon and cabbage with corned beef and cabbage when they arrived in America, drawing on the corned beef supplied by their neighbouring Jewish butchers, but not all commentators beli...

Variations in Nutrients Composition of Most Commonly Consumed Cassava (Manihot esculenta Mixed Dishes in South-Eastern Nigeria

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

G. I. Davidson

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Variations in nutrient composition of most commonly consumed cassava (Manihot esculenta mixed dishes in South-eastern Nigeria were determined. Four communities were randomly selected from each of the five states in the South-east. Focus group discussions (FGD were conducted in each of the communities to determine commonly consumed foods and variations in recipes. 24-Hour dietary recall was conducted using 50 randomly selected households in those communities. Recipes collected during the FGD were standardized, prepared, and chemically analysed using standard methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Cassava-based dishes were the most commonly consumed in South-eastern Nigeria. Ninety-two percent of the study population ate cassava either in form of “fufu” (fermented cassava meal/garri (fermented and roasted cassava meal with soup or as “abacha” (tapioca salad. Commonly consumed soups were melon (Citrullus vulgaris seeds, “ora” (Pterocarpus soyauxii, and vegetable soups. Seven melon seed, six “ora,” and four vegetable soups and five “abacha” variations were identified. Except for vegetable soup, coefficient of variation for moisture was <10%, while large variations (19–71% were observed for energy and nutrients. These variations in cassava-based dishes need to be reflected in the country-specific food composition database to enable nutrient intake assessment or provision of dietary guidance using such food composition database as a reference material to be more effective.

Electron concentration and phase stability in NbCr2-based Laves phase alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, J.H.; Liaw, P.K. [Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering; Liu, C.T. [Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States). Metals and Ceramics Div.

1997-05-12

Phase stability in NbCr{sub 2}-based transition-metal Laves phases was studied, based on the data reported for binary X-Cr, Nb-X, and ternary Nb-Cr-X phase diagrams. It was shown that when the atomic size ratios are kept identical, the average electron concentration factor, e/a, is the dominating factor in controlling the phase stability of NbCr{sub 2}-based transition-metal Laves phases. The e/a ratios for different Laves polytypes were determined as followed: with e/a < 5.76, the C15 structure is stabilized; at an e/a range of 5.88--7.53, the C14 structure is stabilized; with e/a > 7.65, the C15 structure is stabilized again. A further increase in the electron concentration factor (e/a > 8) leads to the disordering of the alloy. The electron concentration effect on the phase stability of Mg-based Laves phases and transition-metal A{sub 3}B intermetallic compounds is also reviewed and compared with the present observations in transition-metal Laves phases. In order to verify the e/a/phase stability relationship experimentally, additions of Cu (with e/a = 11) were selected to replace Cr in the NbCr{sub 2} Laves phase. Experimental results for the ternary Nb-Cr-Cu system are reported and discussed in terms of the correlation between the e/a ratio and phase stability in NbCr{sub 2}-based Laves phases. A new phase was found, which has an average composition of Nb-47Cr-3Cu. Within the solubility limit, the electron concentration and phase stability relationship is obeyed in the Nb-Cr-Cu system.

Study of gamma irradiation effects on the etching and optical properties of CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector and its application to uranium assay in soil samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amol Mhatre; Kalsi, P.C.

2011-01-01

The gamma irradiation effects in the dose range of 2.5-43.0 Mrad on the etching and optical characteristics of CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) have been studied by using etching and UV-Visible spectroscopic techniques. From the measured bulk etch rates at different temperatures, the activation energies for bulk etching at different doses have also been determined. It is seen that the bulk etch rates increase and the activation energies for bulk etching decrease with the increase in gamma dose. The optical band gaps of the unirradiated and the gamma -irradiated detectors determined from the UV-Visible spectra were found to decrease with the increase in gamma dose. These results have been explained on the basis of scission of the detector due to gamma irradiation. The present studies can be used for the estimation of gamma dose in the range of 2.5-43.0 Mrad and can also be used for estimating track registration efficiency in the presence of gamma dose. The CR-39 detector has also been applied for the assay of uranium in some soil samples of Jammu city. (author)

Dish concentrators for solar thermal energy - Status and technology development

Science.gov (United States)

Jaffe, L. D.

1981-01-01

Comparisons are presented of point-focusing, or 'dish' solar concentrator system features, development status, and performance levels demonstrated to date. In addition to the requirements of good optical efficiency and high geometric concentration ratios, the most important future consideration in solar thermal energy dish concentrator design will be the reduction of installed and lifetime costs, as well as the materials and labor costs of production. It is determined that technology development initiatives are needed in such areas as optical materials, design wind speeds and wind loads, structural configuration and materials resistance to prolonged exposure, and the maintenance of optical surfaces. The testing of complete concentrator systems, with energy-converting receivers and controls, is also necessary. Both reflector and Fresnel lens concentrator systems are considered.

Prediction of half-metallic properties in TlCrS{sub 2} and TlCrSe{sub 2} based on density functional theory

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hashimzade, F.M.; Huseinova, D.A. [Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, AZ 1143 Baku (Azerbaijan); Jahangirli, Z.A. [Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, AZ 1143 Baku (Azerbaijan); Institute of Radiation Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, AZ 1143 Baku (Azerbaijan); Mehdiyev, B.H., E-mail: bachschi@yahoo.de [Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, AZ 1143 Baku (Azerbaijan)

2017-08-01

Highlights: • Half-metallic properties of TlCrS2, TlCrSe2 and hypothetical TlCrSSe have been investigated by first-principles all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbital (FP-LAPW+lo) method based on density functional theory (DFT). • Total magnetic moment keeps its integer value on a relatively wide range of changes in volume (−10% ÷ 10%) for TlCrS2 and TlCrSSe, while total magnetic moment TlCrSe2 decreases with increasing volume, approaching to integer value 3 μB. • The states at the Fermi level in the case of spin-up channel consist of a hybridization of p-states of the atom S(Se) with d-states of Cr. - Abstract: Half-metallic properties of TlCrS{sub 2}, TlCrSe{sub 2} and hypothetical TlCrSSe have been investigated by first-principles all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbital (FP-LAPW+lo) method based on density functional theory (DFT). The results of calculations show that TlCrS{sub 2} and TlCrSSe are half-metals with energy gap (E{sub g}) ∼0.12 eV for spin-down channel. Strong hybridization of p-state of chalchogen and d-state of Cr leads to bonding and antibonding states and subsequently to the appearance of a gap in spin-down channel of TlCrS{sub 2} and TlCrSSe. In the case of TlCrSe{sub 2}, there is a partial hybridization and p-state is partially present in the DOS at Fermi level making this compound nearly half-metallic. The present calculations revealed that total magnetic moment keeps its integer value on a relatively wide range of changes in volume (−10% ÷ 10%) for TlCrS{sub 2} and TlCrSSe, while total magnetic moment of TlCrSe{sub 2} decreases with increasing volume approaching to integer value 3 μB.

A simple procedure to analyze positions of interest in infectious cell cultures by correlative light and electron microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Madela, Kazimierz; Banhart, Sebastian; Zimmermann, Anja; Piesker, Janett; Bannert, Norbert; Laue, Michael

2014-01-01

Plastic cell culture dishes that contain a thin bottom of highest optical quality including an imprinted finder grid (μ-Dish Grid-500) are optimally suited for routine correlative light and electron microscopy using chemical fixation. Such dishes allow high-resolution fluorescence and bright-field imaging using fixed and living cells and are compatible with standard protocols for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Ease of use during cell culture and imaging, as well as a tight cover render the dishes particularly suitable for working with infectious organisms up to the highest biosafety level. Detailed protocols are provided and demonstrated by showing two examples: monitoring the production of virus-like particles of the Human Endogenous Retrovirus HERV-K(HML-2) by HeLa cells and investigation of Rab11-positive membrane-compartments of HeLa cells after infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CR-39 track detector calibration for H, He, and C ions from 0.1-0.5 MeV up to 5 MeV for laser-induced nuclear fusion product identification.

Science.gov (United States)

Baccou, C; Yahia, V; Depierreux, S; Neuville, C; Goyon, C; Consoli, F; De Angelis, R; Ducret, J E; Boutoux, G; Rafelski, J; Labaune, C

2015-08-01

Laser-accelerated ion beams can be used in many applications and, especially, to initiate nuclear reactions out of thermal equilibrium. We have experimentally studied aneutronic fusion reactions induced by protons accelerated by the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration mechanism, colliding with a boron target. Such experiments require a rigorous method to identify the reaction products (alpha particles) collected in detectors among a few other ion species such as protons or carbon ions, for example. CR-39 track detectors are widely used because they are mostly sensitive to ions and their efficiency is near 100%. We present a complete calibration of CR-39 track detector for protons, alpha particles, and carbon ions. We give measurements of their track diameters for energy ranging from hundreds of keV to a few MeV and for etching times between 1 and 8 h. We used these results to identify alpha particles in our experiments on proton-boron fusion reactions initiated by laser-accelerated protons. We show that their number clearly increases when the boron fuel is preformed in a plasma state.

Open-Ended Waveguide Measurement and Numerical Simulation of the Reflectivity of Petri Dish Supported Skin Cell Monolayers in the mm-wave Range

Science.gov (United States)

Beneduci, Amerigo; Chidichimo, Giuseppe

2012-05-01

Open-ended waveguide reflectometry is a promising tool for permittivity and other material properties calculation at mm-waves (30-300 GHz). Measurement of the reflection coefficient does not require sample manipulation, allowing in vivo and in vitro non destructive studies on cells. Here we used this technique for measuring the power reflection coefficient (reflectivity) of water and Petri dish supported human skin melanoma and keratinocyte cell cultures, in the 53-72 GHz frequency range. The dependence of the reflectivity on polystyrene or glass thickness of the Petri base plate and on the cell layer thickness was analyzed. Permittivity data were then easily retrieved by using a plane wave-dominant mode approach for formulating the reflectivity at the aperture of the flange-mounted open-ended rectangular waveguide probe. Limits and validity of such an approximate approach were analyzed and compared with full-wave near field formulations for which magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient must be measured and solved using complicated systems of integral equations and extensive numerical calculation. Finally, Petri dish reflectivity measured by the open-ended waveguide method was compared with that numerically simulated under far-field exposure conditions used in a large number of in vitro studies. Such an analysis showed that, under certain conditions, open-ended reflectivity values approach the far field ones.

Motives for dish choices during home meal preparation: results from a large sample of the NutriNet-Santé study.

Science.gov (United States)

Ducrot, Pauline; Méjean, Caroline; Allès, Benjamin; Fassier, Philippine; Hercberg, Serge; Péneau, Sandrine

2015-09-30

Although culinary practices have strongly evolved over time, few data are available on contemporary dish choices during meal preparation. We therefore sought to determine individual motives when choosing dishes to be prepared during weekdays and on weekends. The importance of 27 criteria related to dish choices was assessed in 53,025 participants in the NutriNet-Santé study. Dimensions of dish choice motives were investigated using exploratory factor analysis. Mean ratings of motives during weekdays and on weekends were compared using Student's t-test. Association between socio-demographic and cooking practice characteristics, and dish choice motives were evaluated using logistic regression models. Five dimensions of dish choice motives emerged: healthy diet (explained variance: 48.3%), constraints (19.0%), pleasure (12.1%), specific diets (11.0%) and organization (9.6%). The healthy diet factor was the most important on weekdays (mean rating 3.93) and weekends (3.90). Pleasure (3.61) had a higher score than constraints (3.54) on weekends (p < 0.0001) while the opposite was observed on weekdays (3.42 vs 3.77, respectively) (p < 0.0001). Organization was more important on weekdays (2.89) than on weekends (2.75) (p < 0.0001). Dish choice motives appeared to be significantly associated with socio-demographic and cooking practice characteristics. This study highlighted factors involved in dish choices in meal preparation on weekdays and weekends, as well as individual characteristics which determine motives for dish choices. From a public health perspective, these findings might help to develop appropriate strategies for promoting home meal preparation.

Uranium concentration in blood samples of Southern Iraqi leukemia patients using CR-39 track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Hamzawi, A.A.; Al-Qadisiyah University, Qadisiyah; Jaafar, M.S.; Tawfiq, N.F.

2014-01-01

The simple and effective technique of fission track etch has been applied to determine trace concentration of uranium in human blood samples taken from two groups of male and female participants: leukemia patients and healthy subjects group. The blood samples of leukemia patients and healthy subjects were collected from three key southern governorates namely, Basrah, Muthanna and Dhi-Qar. These governorates were the centers of intensive military activities during the 1991 and 2003 Gulf wars, and the discarded weapons are still lying around in these regions. CR-39 track detector was used for registration of induced fission tracks. The results show that the highest recorded uranium concentration in the blood samples of leukemia patients was 4.71 ppb (female, 45 years old, from Basrah) and the minimum concentration was 1.91 ppb (male, 3 years old, from Muthanna). For healthy group, the maximum uranium concentration was 2.15 ppb (female, 55 years old, from Basrah) and the minimum concentration was 0.86 ppb (male, 5 years old, from Dhi-Qar). It has been found that the uranium concentrations in human blood samples of leukemia patients are higher than those of the healthy group. These uranium concentrations in the leukemia patients group were significantly different (P < 0.001) from those in the healthy group. (author)

The efficacy of the well of the well (WOW) culture system on development of bovine embryos in a small group and the effect of number of adjacent embryos on their development.

Science.gov (United States)

Kang, Sung-Sik; Ofuji, Sosuke; Imai, Kei; Huang, Weiping; Koyama, Keisuke; Yanagawa, Yojiro; Takahashi, Yoshiyuki; Nagano, Masashi

2015-06-01

The aim of the present study was to clarify the efficacy of the well of the well (WOW) culture system for a small number of embryos and the effect of number of adjacent embryos in a WOW dish on blastocyst development. In conventional droplet culture, embryos in the small-number group (5-6 embryos/droplet) showed low blastocyst development compared with a control group (25-26 embryos/droplet). However, small and large numbers of embryos (5-6 and 25 embryos, respectively) in a WOW dish showed no significant differences in cleavage, blastocyst rates, and mean cell number in blastocysts compared with the control group (25-30 embryos/droplet). In addition, the number of adjacent embryos in a WOW dish did not affect the development to blastocysts and cell number in blastocysts. In conclusion, a WOW dish can provide high and stable blastocyst development in small group culture wherever embryos are placed in microwells of the WOW dish.

Study of /sup 210/Pb and /sup 210/Po distributions in environmental samples by CR-39 track detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hunyadi, I.; Somogyi, G.; Szilagyi, S. (Magyar Tudomanyos Akademia, Debrecen. Atommag Kutato Intezete)

1984-01-01

Activity concentration distributions of long-lived alpha-emitters in aerosol samples are analysed by high-resolution autoradiography in CR-39. A study of the alpha-activity attached to aerosols of different particulate sizes separated by a cascade impactor is also performed. It is found that, in the majority of samples, the alpha-activity can be dominantly related to the presence of /sup 210/Po produced by its beta-active precursor /sup 210/Pb. In our studies we have applied the following methods: 1) analysis of alpha-decay properties by means of autoradiographs taken at different post-sampling times, 2) spectroscopical study of individual alpha-tracks and track clusters by a method developed by us for high-resolution alpha-energy determination. In the second method the parameters to be measured are the major axis of surface track opening, the diameter of etched out track end, the total length measurable on the surface along the projected track, and the thickness of layer etched away from the detector surface.

Herpes viral culture of lesion

Science.gov (United States)

... grow in the laboratory dish and the skin sample used in the test did not contain any herpes virus. Be aware that a normal (negative) culture does not always mean that you do not have a herpes infection or have not had one in the past.

Risk factors for contamination of ready-to-eat street-vended poultry dishes in Dakar, Senegal.

Science.gov (United States)

Cardinale, E; Perrier Gros-Claude, J D; Tall, F; Guèye, E F; Salvat, G

2005-08-25

Our objective was to investigate the Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination of traditional ready-to-eat street-vended poultry dishes and to assess the association of some restaurant characteristics and cooking practices with the contamination of these meals. One hundred and forty-eight street-restaurants were studied from January 2003 to April 2004 in Dakar. A questionnaire was submitted to the managers, and samples of ready-to-eat poultry dishes were taken. Salmonella spp. was isolated in 20.1% of the 148 street-restaurants studied and in 10.1% samples of poultry dishes. The most prevalent serovars isolated were Salmonella hadar, Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella brancaster. Campylobacter jejuni was detected in only 3 restaurants and 3 poultry dishes. Not peeling and not cleaning vegetables and other ingredients during meal preparation (OR=3.58), dirty clothing for restaurant employees (OR=4.65), reheating previously cooked foods (OR=5.2), and no kitchen and utensils disinfection (OR=3.47) were associated with an increasing risk of Salmonella contamination. Adequate cooking procedures decreased the risk of Salmonella contamination (OR=0.15).

Uranium concentration measurements in human blood for some governorates in Iraq using CR-39 track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tawfiq, N.F.; Ali, L.T.; Al-Jobouri, H.A.

2013-01-01

The sensitive and simple technique of fission track etch has been applied to determine trace concentration of uranium in blood samples for occupational and non-occupational workers, male and female, using CR-39 track detector that is employed for registration of induced fission tracks. The results show that the highest recorded uranium concentration in human blood of workers in the ministry of Science and Technology were 1.90 ppb (male, 36 years old, 12 years' work experience, and living in Basrah governorate) and minimum concentration 0.26 ppb (female, 40 years old, 10 years' work experience, and living in Baghdad), while for non-occupational worker, the maximum uranium concentration was 1.76 ppb (female, 63 years old, and living in Al-Muthana) and minimum concentration was 0.28 ppb (female, 20 years old, and living in Baghdad). It has also been found that the uranium concentration in human blood samples of workers in the ministry of Science and Technology are higher than those of non-occupational workers, and the uranium concentrations for female workers and for non-occupational workers were higher than those for male workers and non-occupational workers. (author)

Cardiac Cells Beating in Culture: A Laboratory Exercise

Science.gov (United States)

Weaver, Debora

2007-01-01

This article describes how to establish a primary tissue culture, where cells are taken directly from an organ of a living animal. Cardiac cells are taken from chick embryos and transferred to culture dishes. These cells are not transformed and therefore have a limited life span. However, the unique characteristics of cardiac cells are maintained…

Structure and wear behavior of AlCrSiN-based coatings

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Yun [School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Chengdu Tool Research Institute Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610500 (China); Du, Hao [School of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065 (China); Chen, Ming, E-mail: mchen@sjtu.edu.cn [School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Yang, Jun [Chengdu Tool Research Institute Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610500 (China); Xiong, Ji [School of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065 (China); Zhao, Haibo [The Analysis and Testing Centre, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065 (China)

2016-05-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • AlCrSiN based coating showed amorphous structure. • AlCrSiN/Me{sub x}N coatings obtained better wear resistance. • Molybdenum and niobium increased the coating hardness and wear resistance. - Abstract: AlCrN, AlCrSiCN, AlCrSiN/MoN, and AlCrSiN/NbN coatings have been deposited on high-polished WC–Co cemented carbide substrate and tools by mid-frequency magnetron sputtering in Ar/N{sub 2} mixtures. Al{sub 0.6}Cr{sub 0.4}, Al{sub 0.6}Cr{sub 0.3}Si{sub 0.1}, and C/Mo/Nb targets were used during the deposition. The microstructure and mechanical properties of as-deposited coatings were investigated. Investigations of the wear behaviors of coated tools were also performed. The results showed that cubic structure was formed in the coatings. Broader CrAlN (1 1 1) and (2 0 0) peaks without SiN{sub x} peak were formed in the AlCrSiN/Me{sub x}N coatings, which showed a nanocomposited structure. Meanwhile, according to SEM micrographs, AlCrN exhibited a columnar structure, while, AlCrSiCN, AlCrSiN/MoN, and AlCrSiN/NbN coatings showed nanocrystalline morphology. The nano-multilayered coatings performed higher hardness, H/E, and H{sup 3}/E{sup 2} ratios compared with AlCrN coating. Through the Rockwell adhesion test, all the coatings exhibited adhesion strength quality HF1. After turning Inconel 718 under dry condition, the nano-multilyered coatings showed better wear resistance than AlCrN coating. Due to the molybdenum and niobium in the coating, AlCrSiN/MoN and AlCrSiN/NbN coatings showed the best wear resistance.

Black Cr/α-Cr2O3 nanoparticles based solar absorbers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khamlich, S.; Nemraoui, O.; Mongwaketsi, N.; McCrindle, R.; Cingo, N.; Maaza, M.

2012-01-01

Monodisperse spherical core–shell particles of Cr/α-Cr 2 O 3 with high adhesion were successfully coated on rough copper substrates by a simple self-assembly-like method for the use in solar thermal absorbers. The structure and morphology of the core-shell particles of Cr/α-Cr 2 O 3 were effectively controlled by deposition temperature and the pH of the initial precursor solution. Their characterizations were carried out with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and attenuated total reflection, as well as UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The samples aged for more than 40 h at 75 °C exhibit the targeted high absorbing optical characteristic “Black chrome” while those aged for ≤40 h show a significant high UV–vis diffuse reflectance “green color”.

A Cultural Approach to English Translating Strategies of Chinese Cuisine names

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

张昆鹏; 魏天婵

2011-01-01

Chinese food is not only characterized with its special cooking methods but its cultural implications.However,the status quo of English translation of Chinese dish names is not satisfying.For the purpose of spreading Chinese cuisine culture,4 translating principles and several translating methods are put forward in order to promote the exchanging between cultures.

Effect of Excess Gravitational Force on Cultured Myotubes in Vitro

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shigehiro Hashimoto

2013-06-01

Full Text Available An effect of an excess gravitational force on cultured myoblasts has been studied in an experimental system with centrifugal force in vitro. Mouse myoblasts (C2C12 were seeded on a culture dish of 35 mm diameter, and cultured in the Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium until the sub-confluent condition. To apply the excess gravitational force on the cultured cells, the dish was set in a conventional centrifugal machine. Constant gravitational force was applied to the cultured cells for three hours. Variations were made on the gravitational force (6 G, 10 G, 100 G, 500 G, and 800 G with control of the rotational speed of the rotator in the centrifugal machine. Morphology of the cells was observed with a phasecontrast microscope for eight days. The experimental results show that the myotube thickens day by day after the exposure to the excess gravitational force field. The results also show that the higher excess gravitational force thickens myotubes. The microscopic study shows that myotubes thicken with fusion each other.

Cultural Resource Predictive Modeling

Science.gov (United States)

2017-10-01

CR cultural resource CRM cultural resource management CRPM Cultural Resource Predictive Modeling DoD Department of Defense ESTCP Environmental...resource management ( CRM ) legal obligations under NEPA and the NHPA, military installations need to demonstrate that CRM decisions are based on objective...maxim “one size does not fit all,” and demonstrate that DoD installations have many different CRM needs that can and should be met through a variety

Calibration factor determination for solid nuclear track detectors CR-39 type exposed to Rn-222

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cazula, Camila Dias; Campos, Marcia Pires de; Mazzilli, Barbara Paci

2014-01-01

In the detection method with solid nuclear track detector, when a heavy particle rests on the detector surface, causes a breakdown in their molecular structure forming a trace. One of the typical applications of these detectors is the measurement of the concentration of Rn -222 in air, a noble radioactive gas, part of the U-238 series, emitting alpha particles and important in epidemiological studies to protect individuals from natural radiation. To determine the concentration of Rn -222 in the air in a room is necessary to know the density of lines (traces / cm 2 ) on the detector surface, the exposure time and the calibration factor. The determination of the calibration factor for CR-39 detectors was taken from the exposure of these to a known concentration of Rn-222. Therefore, the detectors were placed inside a cell of Lucas adapted and subsequently exposed to a concentration of Rn-222 15 kBq / m 3 , by means of the apparatus RN-150 Pylon Electronics Incorporation, which has a source of Ra-226 and releases known concentrations of Rn-222. Six calibration factor determinations were performed, the average value obtained was 0.0534 ±0.0021 (traces / cm 2 per Bq / m 3 day). The results are consistent with literature values for the same type of detector and showed good reproducibility

Association between Motives for Dish Choices during Home Meal Preparation and Weight Status in the NutriNet-Santé Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Ducrot, Pauline; Fassier, Philippine; Méjean, Caroline; Allès, Benjamin; Hercberg, Serge; Péneau, Sandrine

2016-07-05

Although home cooking has been associated with a lower body mass index in a few studies, no data exists on the motives behind food dish choices during home meal preparation and on their association with overweight. This study aimed to evaluate this association in 50,003 participants from the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Dimensions underlying the importance of 27 criteria possibly influencing dish choices were determined using an exploratory factor analysis. The association between dish choice motives and overweight (including obesity) was estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Five dimensions of dishes choice motives emerged: healthy diet (e.g., "nutritional balance of the dish"), constraints (e.g., "my cooking skills"), pleasure (e.g., "originality of the dish"), specific diets (e.g., "my health status"), and organization (e.g., "what I planned to eat"). A negative association was observed between the healthy diet factor and being overweight (OR = 0.65 (95% CI (confidence interval): 0.62-0.67)), whereas a positive association appeared for factors regarding pleasure (OR = 1.14 (95% CI: 1.10-1.19)) and specific diets (OR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.17-1.22)). No significant associations were observed for constraints and organization. The significant associations between dish choice motives and overweight suggested the interest of focusing on these motives in order to promote healthier food choices during home cooking.

Theoretical modelling of solar dish concentrator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yaaseen Rafeeu; Mohd Zainal Abidin Abdul Kadir; Senan Mohamed Abdulla; Nor Mariah Adam

2009-01-01

Full text: Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies could be one of the major contributor to worlds future energy needs and which would be cheap and clean sources of energy. This would improve energy utilization, higher conversion efficiency with reliable and affordable supply of electricity to the public. The proposed approach is using different size and depth of solar dish concentrators to improve solar fraction using the aluminium foil as reflector. In this paper, different measurement of solar concentrators is investigated and aims to aims to introducing an improved methodology for solar fraction on incoming solar energy in wet climate. (author)

Fingerprints of surface magnetism in Cr2O3 based exchange bias heterostructures

Science.gov (United States)

He, Xi; Wang, Yi; Binek, Ch.

2009-03-01

Magnetoelectric materials experienced a recent revival as promising components of novel spintronic devices [1, 2, 3]. Since the magnetoelectric (ME) effect is relativistically small in traditional antiferromagnetic (AF) compounds like Cr2O3 (max. αzz 4ps/m) and also cross-coupling between ferroic order parameters is typically small in the modern multiferroics, it is a challenge to electrically induce sufficient magnetization required for the envisioned device applications. In exchange bias systems the bias field depends critically on the AF interface magnetization. Hence, a strong relation between the latter and the surface magnetization of the free Cr2O3 pinning layer can be expected. Our recent research indicates that there are surface magnetic phase transitions in free Cr2O3 (111) films accompanying surface structural phase transitions. Well defined AF interface magnetization is initialized through ME annealing to T=20K. Subsequently, the interface magnetization is thermally driven through phase transitions at T=120 and 210K. Their effects on the exchange bias are studied in Cr2O3 (111)/CoPt films with the help of polar Kerr and SQUID magnetometry. [1] P. Borisov et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 117203 (2005). [2] Ch. Binek, B.Doudin, J. Phys. Condens. Matter 17, L39 (2005). [3] R. Ramesh et al. 2007 Nature Materials 6 21. Financial support by NSF through Career DMR-0547887, MRSEC DMR-0820521 and the NRI.

Quantifying Cr(VI) Production and Export from Serpentine Soil of the California Coast Range.

Science.gov (United States)

McClain, Cynthia N; Fendorf, Scott; Webb, Samuel M; Maher, Kate

2017-01-03

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is generated in serpentine soils and exported to surface and groundwaters at levels above health-based drinking water standards. Although Cr(VI) concentrations are elevated in serpentine soil pore water, few studies have reported field evidence documenting Cr(VI) production rates and fluxes that govern Cr(VI) transport from soil to water sources. We report Cr speciation (i) in four serpentine soil depth profiles derived from the California Coast Range serpentinite belt and (ii) in local surface waters. Within soils, we detected Cr(VI) in the same horizons where Cr(III)-minerals are colocated with biogenic Mn(III/IV)-oxides, suggesting Cr(VI) generation through oxidation by Mn-oxides. Water-extractable Cr(VI) concentrations increase with depth constituting a 7.8 to 12 kg/km 2 reservoir of Cr(VI) in soil. Here, Cr(VI) is produced at a rate of 0.3 to 4.8 kg Cr(VI)/km 2 /yr and subsequently flushed from soil during water infiltration, exporting 0.01 to 3.9 kg Cr(VI)/km 2 /yr at concentrations ranging from 25 to 172 μg/L. Although soil-derived Cr(VI) is leached from soil at concentrations exceeding 10 μg/L, due to reduction and dilution during transport to streams, Cr(VI) levels measured in local surface waters largely remain below California's drinking water limit.

Formation of ω-phase in Zr-4 at.% Cr alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dobromyslov, A.V.; Kazantseva, N.V.

1996-01-01

The ω-phase has been discovered in zirconium-base alloys with the transition metals of Period 4 of the Periodic Table only in Zr-V, Zr-Cr, and Zr-Cu alloys. The first mention about the ω-phase formation in Zr-Cr alloys was given for Zr-4.5 at.%. However, there were no experimental data that confirmed this fact. W.M. Rumball and F.G. Elder presented the X-ray results on the ω-phase formation in Zr-3.9 at.%Cr, but at the present time there are no electron microscope studies of the structure of the ω-phase in this system. Investigations of the features of the ω-phase formation, morphology of the ω-phase and the mechanism of its formation in the different zirconium-base alloys are necessary to establish the common features of the formation of structures with the metastable phases. The task of the present work is to study the conditions and features of the ω-phase formation in the Zr-Cr alloys and the effect of the eutectoid decomposition on the formation of ω-phase. This article is part of the detailed investigations of the feature and condition of the ω-phase formation in zirconium-base alloys with the transition metals of the groups I and V to VIII of the Periodic Table

THE HYDROGEN EPOCH OF REIONIZATION ARRAY DISH. I. BEAM PATTERN MEASUREMENTS AND SCIENCE IMPLICATIONS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neben, Abraham R.; Hewitt, Jacqueline N.; Ewall-Wice, Aaron; Bradley, Richard F.; DeBoer, David R.; Parsons, Aaron R.; Ali, Zaki S.; Cheng, Carina; Patra, Nipanjana; Dillon, Joshua S.; Aguirre, James E.; Kohn, Saul A.; Thyagarajan, Nithyanandan; Bowman, Judd; Jacobs, Daniel C.; Dickenson, Roger; Doolittle, Phillip; Egan, Dennis; Hedrick, Mike; Klima, Patricia J.

2016-01-01

The Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA) is a radio interferometer aiming to detect the power spectrum of 21 cm fluctuations from neutral hydrogen from the epoch of reionization (EOR). Drawing on lessons from the Murchison Widefield Array and the Precision Array for Probing the EOR, HERA is a hexagonal array of large (14 m diameter) dishes with suspended dipole feeds. The dish not only determines overall sensitivity, but also affects the observed frequency structure of foregrounds in the interferometer. This is the first of a series of four papers characterizing the frequency and angular response of the dish with simulations and measurements. In this paper, we focus on the angular response (i.e., power pattern), which sets the relative weighting between sky regions of high and low delay and thus apparent source frequency structure. We measure the angular response at 137 MHz using the ORBCOMM beam mapping system of Neben et al. We measure a collecting area of 93 m 2 in the optimal dish/feed configuration, implying that HERA-320 should detect the EOR power spectrum at z ∼ 9 with a signal-to-noise ratio of 12.7 using a foreground avoidance approach with a single season of observations and 74.3 using a foreground subtraction approach. Finally, we study the impact of these beam measurements on the distribution of foregrounds in Fourier space.

THE HYDROGEN EPOCH OF REIONIZATION ARRAY DISH. I. BEAM PATTERN MEASUREMENTS AND SCIENCE IMPLICATIONS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neben, Abraham R.; Hewitt, Jacqueline N.; Ewall-Wice, Aaron [MIT Kavli Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 (United States); Bradley, Richard F. [Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904 (United States); DeBoer, David R.; Parsons, Aaron R.; Ali, Zaki S.; Cheng, Carina; Patra, Nipanjana; Dillon, Joshua S. [Department of Astronomy, University of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Aguirre, James E.; Kohn, Saul A. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (United States); Thyagarajan, Nithyanandan; Bowman, Judd; Jacobs, Daniel C. [Arizona State University, School of Earth and Space Exploration, Tempe, AZ 85287 (United States); Dickenson, Roger; Doolittle, Phillip; Egan, Dennis; Hedrick, Mike; Klima, Patricia J. [National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville, VA (United States); and others

2016-08-01

The Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA) is a radio interferometer aiming to detect the power spectrum of 21 cm fluctuations from neutral hydrogen from the epoch of reionization (EOR). Drawing on lessons from the Murchison Widefield Array and the Precision Array for Probing the EOR, HERA is a hexagonal array of large (14 m diameter) dishes with suspended dipole feeds. The dish not only determines overall sensitivity, but also affects the observed frequency structure of foregrounds in the interferometer. This is the first of a series of four papers characterizing the frequency and angular response of the dish with simulations and measurements. In this paper, we focus on the angular response (i.e., power pattern), which sets the relative weighting between sky regions of high and low delay and thus apparent source frequency structure. We measure the angular response at 137 MHz using the ORBCOMM beam mapping system of Neben et al. We measure a collecting area of 93 m{sup 2} in the optimal dish/feed configuration, implying that HERA-320 should detect the EOR power spectrum at z ∼ 9 with a signal-to-noise ratio of 12.7 using a foreground avoidance approach with a single season of observations and 74.3 using a foreground subtraction approach. Finally, we study the impact of these beam measurements on the distribution of foregrounds in Fourier space.

Factors affecting the response of the bubble detector BD-100 and a comparison of its response to CR-39

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ipe, N.E.; Busick, D.D.; Pollock, R.W.

1987-08-01

The BD-100 is a bubble detector available commercially from Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories, Canada for neutron dosimetry. According to the manufacturer, the BD-100 detects neutrons over an energy range of 100 keV to 14 MeV and the dose equivalent response is independent of energy. The sensitivity of the detector is dependent upon its temperature at the time of irradiation. The sensitized detector self-nucleates upon sharp impact and when heated to temperatures of 48 0 C or greater. The BD-100 is insensitive to low energy gamma rays but responds to 6 MeV photons. The sensitivity (bubbles/μSv) of the BD-100 was found to be energy dependent when exposed to standard neutron sources with average energies ranging from 0.5 to 4.5 MeV. The bubbles formed upon irradiation continued to grow in size with time. The response of electrochemically etched CR-39 to the same neutron sources is also reported for comparison

Diverse anaerobic Cr(VI) tolerant bacteria from Cr(VI)-contaminated 100H site at Hanford

Science.gov (United States)

Chakraborty, R.; Phan, R.; Lam, S.; Leung, C.; Brodie, E. L.; Hazen, T. C.

2007-12-01

Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] is a widespread contaminant found in soil, sediment, and ground water. Cr(VI) is more soluble, toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic compared to its reduced form Cr(III). In order to stimulate microbially mediated reduction of Cr(VI), a poly-lactate compound HRC was injected into the chromium contaminated aquifers at site 100H at Hanford. Based on the results of the bacterial community composition using high-density DNA microarray analysis of 16S rRNA gene products, we recently investigated the diversity of the dominant anaerobic culturable microbial population present at this site and their role in Cr(VI) reduction. Positive enrichments set up at 30°C using specific defined anaerobic media resulted in the isolation of an iron reducing isolate strain HAF, a sulfate reducing isolate strain HBLS and a nitrate reducing isolate, strain HLN among several others. Preliminary 16S rDNA sequence analysis identifies strain HAF as Geobacter metallireducens, strain HLN as Pseudomonas stutzeri and strain HBLS as a member of Desulfovibrio species. Strain HAF isolated with acetate as the electron donor utilized propionate, glycerol and pyruvate as alternative carbon sources, and reduced metals like Mn(IV) and Cr(VI). Growth was optimal at 37°C, pH of 6.5 and 0% salinity. Strain HLN isolated with lactate as electron donor utilized acetate, glycerol and pyruvate as alternative carbon sources, and reduced metals like Mn(IV) and Cr(VI). Optimal growth was observed at 37°C, at a pH of 7.5 and 0.3% salinity. Anaerobic active washed cell suspension of strain HLN reduced almost 95 micromolar Cr(VI) within 4 hours relative to controls. Further, with 100 micromolar Cr(VI) as the sole electron acceptor, cells of strain HLN grew to cell numbers of 4.05X 107/ml over a period of 24hrs after an initial lag, demonstrating direct enzymatic Cr(VI) reduction by this species. 10mM lactate served as the sole electron donor. These results demonstrate that Cr

Reduction of /sup 51/Cr-permeability of tissue culture cells by infection with herpes simplex virus type 1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schlehofer, J.R.; Habermehl, K.O.; Diefenthal, W.; Hampl, H.

1979-01-01

Infection of different strains of tissue culture cells with herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1) resulted in a reduced /sup 51/Cr-permeability. A stability of the cellular membrane to Triton X-100, toxic sera and HSV-specific complement-mediated immune-cytolysis could be observed simultaneously. The results differed with respect to the cell strain used in the experiments.

Hydrogen absorption/desorption properties in the TiCrV based alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Martínez

2012-10-01

Full Text Available Three different Ti-based alloys with bcc structure and Laves phase were studied. The TiCr1.1V0.9, TiCr1.1V0.45Nb0.45 and TiCr1.1V0.9 + 4%Zr7Ni10 alloys were melted in arc furnace under argon atmosphere. The hydrogen absorption capacity was measured by using aparatus type Sievert's. Crystal structures, and the lattice parameters were determined by using X-ray diffraction, XRD. Microestructural analysis was performed by scanning electron microscope, SEM and electron dispersive X-ray, EDS. The hydrogen storage capacity attained a value of 3.6 wt. (% for TiCr1.1V0.9 alloy in a time of 9 minutes, 3.3 wt. (% for TiCr1.1V0.45Nb0.45 alloy in a time of 7 minutes and 3.6 wt. (% TiCr1.1V0.9 + 4%Zr7Ni10 with an increase of the hydrogen absorption kinetics attained in 2 minutes. This indicates that the addition of Nb and 4%Zr7Ni10 to the TiCrV alloy acts as catalysts to accelerate the hydrogen absorption kinetics.

Study etching characteristics of a track detector CR-39 with ultraviolet laser irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dwaikat, Nidal; Iida, Toshiyuki; Sato, Fuminobu; Kato, Yushi; Ishikawa, Ippei; Kada, Wataru; Kishi, Atsuya; Sakai, Makoto; Ihara, Yohei

2007-01-01

The effect of pulsed ultraviolet Indium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (UV-In:YAG) laser of λ=266 nm, pulse energy 42 mJ/pulse at repetition rate10 Hz on the etching characteristics of Japanese CR-39 was studied at various energy intensities. Fifteen detectors were divided into two sets, each of seven samples and one sample was kept as a reference.The first set (post-exposed) was first exposed to alpha radiation with close contact to 241 Am and then treated in air with laser in the energy intensity range from 40 to160 J/cm 2 , 20 J/cm 2 in step. The second set (pre-exposed) was irradiated in reverse process (laser+alpha) with the same sources as the first set and under the same condition. The laser energy intensities ranged between 20 and 140 J/cm 2 , 20 J/cm 2 in step. For post-exposed samples (alpha+laser) bulk etch rate decreases up to 60 J/cm 2 and increases thereafter, while for pre-exposed samples (laser+alpha) the bulk etch rate oscillates without showing any precise periodicity. The bulk etch rate for both sets was found to be the same at 60≤energy intensity≤80 J/cm 2 and this may indicate that the same structural changes have happened. The track etch rate was found to be equal to the bulk etch rate for both sets, so the sensitivity is constant. In both sets several changes on the detector surfaces: tracks of different sizes and shapes and high density within the laser spot were observed. Out of the laser spot, the tracks become larger and lower density, indicating cross-linking and scission have happened, simultaneously, on the same surface as a result of UV-laser irradiation

Activity of Aniline Methylation over Fe-Cu-Cr Ternary Spinel Systems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Reni George

2014-03-01

Full Text Available A series of spinels having thegeneral formula CuCr2-xFexO4 with x=0.25,0.75, 1.25, 1.75 were prepared by co-precipitation method. The catalysts werecharacterized by various physico-chemical methods like XRD, BET, UV-DRS, SEM,EDX, TPD etc. The reaction of aniline with methanol was studied in a fixed-bedreactor system as a potential source for the production of various methylanilines. It was observed that systems possessing low ‘x’ values are highlyselective and active for N-monoalkylation of aniline leading toN-methylaniline. Reaction parameters were properly varied to optimize thereaction conditions for obtaining N-methylaniline selectively and in betteryield. Among the systems CuCr1.75Fe0.25O4 isremarkable due to its very high activity and excellent stability. Under theoptimized conditions N-methylaniline selectivity exceeded 91%. CuCr1.25Fe0.75O4gives better conversion than CuCr1.75Fe0.25O4in CuCr2-xFexO4 series. The Lewis acid sitesof the catalysts are mainly responsible for the good catalytic performance. © 2014 BCREC UNDIP. All rights reservedSubmitted: 18th July 2013; Revised: 5th November 2013; Accepted: 1st December 2013[How to Cite: George, R., George, K., Sugunan, S. (2014. Activity of Aniline Methylation over Fe-Cu-Cr Ternary Spinel Systems. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 9 (1: 39-44. (doi:10.9767/bcrec.9.1.5169.39-44][Permalink/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.9.1.5169.39-44] 

The Effect of Culture Methods and Serum Supplementation on Developmental Competence of Bovine Embryos Cultured In Vitro

Science.gov (United States)

The objective of this study was to compare the developmental competence of bovine in vitro fertilized embryos in three different culture methods; microdrop method (50 µl of medium under mineral oil in petri dishes) compared to tube methods (1 ml of medium in tubes) with or without oil overlay, and t...

Track profile and range studies of heavy and light ions in CR-39: effect of thermal pre-treatment on etching characteristics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Najjar, S.A.R.; Bull, R.K.; Durrani, S.A.

1982-01-01

Sheets of CR 39 have been irradiated with 20 Ne, 32 S, 40 Ar, 56 Fe and 63 Cu ions at normal incidence to the surface of the sheets and at normal incidence to the edges. The profiles of the etched tracks have been observed side-on and measurements made of the variation of V (the ratio of track to bulk etching velocities) along the tracks and of the fully etched range of the tracks. Heating the plastic at 100 0 C prior to etching produces zones within the plastic having different bulk etching rates Vsub(B). An outer zone of low Vsub(B) is followed by a zone of much higher Vsub(B). This allows tracks to be readily etched to very large diameters, comparable in size to the breakdown spots produced by electrochemical etching. (author)

Study of fatigue and fracture behavior of NbCr{sub 2}-based alloys: Phase stability in Nb-Cr-Ni ternary system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, J.H.; Liaw, P.K. [Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering; Liu, C.T. [Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States). Metals and Ceramics Div.

1997-12-01

Phase stability in a ternary Nb-Cr-Ni Laves phase system was studied in this paper. Their previous study in NbCr{sub 2}-based transition-metal Laves phases has shown that the average electron concentration factor, e/a, is the dominating factor in controlling the phase stability of NbCr{sub 2}-based Laves phases when the atomic size ratios are kept identical. Since Ni has ten out-shell electrons, the substitution of Ni for Cr in NbCr{sub 2} will increase the average electron concentration of the alloy, thus leading to the change of the crystal structures from C15 to C14. In this paper, a number of pseudo-binary Nb(Cr,Ni){sub 2} alloys were prepared, and the crystal structures of the alloys after a long heat-treatment at 1000 C as a function of the Ni content were determined by the X-ray diffraction technique. The boundaries of the C15/C14 transition were determined and compared to their previous predictions. It was found that the electron concentration and phase stability correlation is obeyed in the Nb-Cr-Ni system. However, the e/a ratio corresponding to the C15/C14 phase transition was found to move to a higher value than the predicted one. The changes in the lattice constant, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness were also determined as a function of the Ni content, which were discussed in light of the phase stability difference of the alloys.

Laboratory experiment to record rate of movement of cultured benthic foraminifera

Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

Khare, N.; Nigam, R.

the Inverted Microscope. In this way, the foraminiferal specimen do not have to be disturbed. While viewing these culture dish under the microscope, one must be careful that the microscope light does not overheat the water and the cover should be removed from... time to time to allow aeration. The sea water of the dishes was changed daily. While changing the medium (sea water), care was taken to maintain the salinity by adjusting the loss due to evaporation through addition of distilled water. In addition...

YSZ-based sensor using Cr-Fe-based spinel-oxide electrodes for selective detection of CO.

Science.gov (United States)

Anggraini, Sri Ayu; Fujio, Yuki; Ikeda, Hiroshi; Miura, Norio

2017-08-22

A selective carbon monoxide (CO) sensor was developed by the use of both of CuCrFeO 4 and CoCrFeO 4 as the sensing electrode (SE) for yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based potentiometric sensor. The sensing-characteristic examinations of the YSZ-based sensors using each of spinel oxides as the single-SE sensor showed that CuCrFeO 4 -SE had the ability to detect CO, hydrocarbons and NO x gases, while CoCrFeO 4 -SE was sensitive to hydrocarbons and NO x gases. Thus, when both SEs were paired as a combined-SEs sensor, the resulting sensor could generate a selective response to CO at 450 °C under humid conditions. The sensor was also capable of detecting CO in the concentration range of 20-700 ppm. Its sensing mechanism that was examined via polarization-curve measurements was confirmed to be based on mixed-potential model. The CO response generated by the combined-SEs sensor was unaffected by the change of water vapor concentration in the range of 1.3-11.5 vol% H 2 O. Additionally, the sensing performance was stable during 13 days tested. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioaccumulation and subcellular partitioning of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the freshwater green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aharchaou, Imad [Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux, UMR 7360, Université de Lorraine and CNRS, 8 rue du Général Delestraint, 57070 Metz (France); Rosabal, Maikel; Liu, Fengjie [Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Eau Terre Environnement (INRS-ETE), 490 rue de la Couronne, Québec (Québec) G1K 9A9 (Canada); Battaglia, Eric; Vignati, Davide A.L. [Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux, UMR 7360, Université de Lorraine and CNRS, 8 rue du Général Delestraint, 57070 Metz (France); Fortin, Claude, E-mail: claude.fortin@ete.inrs.ca [Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Eau Terre Environnement (INRS-ETE), 490 rue de la Couronne, Québec (Québec) G1K 9A9 (Canada)

2017-01-15

Highlights: • C. reinhardtii accumulated similar levels of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). • The subcellular partitioning of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) was similar. • Cr(III) and Cr(VI) associated mainly with organelles and heat-stable proteins. • Metallomic analysis showed two main Cr-binding biomolecules after 72 h of exposure. - Abstract: Chromium occurs in aquatic environments under two main redox forms, namely Cr(III) and Cr(VI), with different geochemical and biochemical properties. Cr(VI) readily crosses biological membranes of living organisms and once inside the cells it undergoes a rapid reduction to Cr(III). The route of entry for the latter form is, however, poorly known. Using the radioactive tracer {sup 51}Cr we compared the accumulation (absorption and adsorption) of the two Cr forms by the green unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardii after 1 h and 72 h of exposure to 100 nM of either Cr(III) or Cr(VI) at pH 7. Both Cr forms had similar accumulation, with a major part in the extracellular (adsorbed) fraction after 1 h and a major part of total accumulated Cr in the intracellular (absorbed) fraction after 72 h. We also investigated the intracellular partitioning of Cr using an operational fractionation scheme and found that both Cr forms had similar distributions among fractions: Cr was mostly associated with organelles (23 ± 12% after 1 h and 37 ± 7% after 72 h) and cytosolic heat-stable proteins and peptides (39 ± 18% after 1 h and 35 ± 3% after 72 h) fractions. Further investigations using a metallomic approach (SEC-ICP-MS) were performed with the heat-stable proteins and peptides fraction to compare the distribution of the two Cr forms among various biomolecules of this fraction. One Cr-binding biomolecule (∼28 kDa) appeared after 1 h of exposure for both Cr species. After 72 h another biomolecule of lower molecular weight (∼0.7 kDa) was involved in binding Cr and higher signal intensities were observed for Cr(VI) than for Cr(III). We show, for the

Bioaccumulation and subcellular partitioning of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the freshwater green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aharchaou, Imad; Rosabal, Maikel; Liu, Fengjie; Battaglia, Eric; Vignati, Davide A.L.; Fortin, Claude

2017-01-01

Highlights: • C. reinhardtii accumulated similar levels of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). • The subcellular partitioning of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) was similar. • Cr(III) and Cr(VI) associated mainly with organelles and heat-stable proteins. • Metallomic analysis showed two main Cr-binding biomolecules after 72 h of exposure. - Abstract: Chromium occurs in aquatic environments under two main redox forms, namely Cr(III) and Cr(VI), with different geochemical and biochemical properties. Cr(VI) readily crosses biological membranes of living organisms and once inside the cells it undergoes a rapid reduction to Cr(III). The route of entry for the latter form is, however, poorly known. Using the radioactive tracer "5"1Cr we compared the accumulation (absorption and adsorption) of the two Cr forms by the green unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardii after 1 h and 72 h of exposure to 100 nM of either Cr(III) or Cr(VI) at pH 7. Both Cr forms had similar accumulation, with a major part in the extracellular (adsorbed) fraction after 1 h and a major part of total accumulated Cr in the intracellular (absorbed) fraction after 72 h. We also investigated the intracellular partitioning of Cr using an operational fractionation scheme and found that both Cr forms had similar distributions among fractions: Cr was mostly associated with organelles (23 ± 12% after 1 h and 37 ± 7% after 72 h) and cytosolic heat-stable proteins and peptides (39 ± 18% after 1 h and 35 ± 3% after 72 h) fractions. Further investigations using a metallomic approach (SEC-ICP-MS) were performed with the heat-stable proteins and peptides fraction to compare the distribution of the two Cr forms among various biomolecules of this fraction. One Cr-binding biomolecule (∼28 kDa) appeared after 1 h of exposure for both Cr species. After 72 h another biomolecule of lower molecular weight (∼0.7 kDa) was involved in binding Cr and higher signal intensities were observed for Cr(VI) than for Cr(III). We show, for the

Ankylosant spondylitis association and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Medina, Yimi; Restrepo Suarez, Jose Felix; Calvo Paramo, Enrique

2000-01-01

We are presenting a 66 year-old patient complaining of low back pain for the last 3 months and cervical pain for the last 45 days, Review of systems showed long standing lumbar and cervical stiffness, Radiological studies were compatible with ankylosing spondylitis and DISH (Diffuse idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis). Associations of those diseases are uncommon and reported only few times in the literature

Flavor Enhancer From Catfish (Clarias batrachus) Bekasam Powder and Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Activity in Various Dishes

Science.gov (United States)

Lestari, Yanesti N.; Murwani, Retno; Agustini, Tri W.

2018-02-01

Flavor enhancer is characterized by high glutamic acid content and it can be obtained from fermented food such as Bekasam. Fermented food had inhibitory effect on Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) activity which is advantageous for hypertension. However, such activity was not known to sustain in food system. The aim of this research was to study addition of flavour enhancer from Catfish Bekasam Powder (CBP) in various food systems and to determine the ACE inhibitory (ACEI) activity in the food system. Four food system consisted of carrot, champignon, and chicken meat dishes were boiled in water and added with CBP or MSG. Each food system was added with graded level of CBP (0%; 0.5%; 0.8%; 1.1%; and 1,4%) and for control monosodium glutamate (MSG) was used. ACEI activity in each food system and organoleptic test using multiple comparison differentiation on 15 semi-trained panellists were determined. The results showed that there were fluctuation of ACEI activity in the carrot, champignon, and chicken meat dishes (p=0.017; 0.043; and 0.032). The MSG containing dishes showed the lowest ACEI activity. Addition of graded level of CBP on carrot, champignon, and chicken meat dishes were directly proportional to glutamic acid content but inversely proportional to ACEI activity (pacid content but reduced ACE-inhibitory activity significantly (p<0.05). Comparing CBP to MSG addition in champignon dish revealed that increasing level of CBP increased the flavour preference of the panellists. On the contrary the higher the addition CBP in noodle and chicken meat dishes the worse were the flavour score (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the addition of CBP as flavour enhancer on various dishes can deliver better flavour and ACE-inhibitory activity than the addition of commercial MSG.

Recipes and nutritional value of dishes prepared from green-leafy vegetables in an urban district of Antananarivo (Madagascar).

Science.gov (United States)

Randrianatoandro, Verohanitra Annie; Avallone, Sylvie; Picq, Christian; Ralison, Charlotte; Trèche, Serge

2010-06-01

The recipes of 50 multi-ingredient dishes consumed by the population in an urban district were noted down. The nutritional value was determined as well as the cook value of the dishes in order to evaluate the severity of the thermal treatment. The recipes were simple and involved steps such as boiling, mixing, and cutting. Fibre contents were rather low except when the leaf stems were included. All the dishes had very high beta-carotene content (15.8-25.0 mg/100 g dry matter) and retinol activity equivalent (RAE) (1.3-2.3 mg RAE/100 g dry matter) because of the high proportion of fresh leafy vegetables (from 41.2% to 58.8% of the total dry matter of the ingredients). When meat was added to the preparation, the micronutrient content (iron, zinc, and retinol) was not increased significantly. In three dishes, a positive correlation was found between the thermal treatment severity and the 13-cis-beta-carotene amount.

Microstructure, state of internal stress and corrosion resistance of the short-time laser heat-treated nitrogen high-alloyed tool steel X30CrMoN151; Mikrostruktur, Eigenspannungszustand und Korrosionsbestaendigkeit des kurzzeitlaserwaermebehandelten hochstickstofflegierten Werkzeugstahls X30CrMoN151

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bohne, C. (ed.)

2000-07-01

This study compares the crystalline structure, state of internal stress and chemical properties of the high-alloyed nitrogen tool steel X30CrMoN15 1 and conventional cold work steel X39CrMo17 1. Transformation points A{sub c}1b and A{sub c}1e were calculated from residual austenite analysis and the c{sub m}/a{sub m} martensite ratios for various heating rates. This was used to generate a TTA (time-temperature-austenitisation) graph for X30CrMoN15 1 for the first time. Transmission electron microscopy and small-angle neutron scattering show that precipitates in nitrogen high-alloyed steel X30CrMoN15 1 can be eliminated completely by short-time laser heat treatment. The corrosion tests show that in contrast to X39CrMo17 1 X30CrMoN15 1 reacts more sensitively to parameter changes during short-time heat treatment in oxidising acid at pH 5-6. [German] Im Rahmen der Arbeit werden die Gefuegeausbildung, Eigenspannungen und chemische Eigenschaften des hochstickstofflegierten Werkzeugstahls X30CrMoN15 1 und des konventionellen Kaltarbeitsstahls X39CrMo17 1 verglichen. Aus den Restaustenitanalysen und den c{sub m}/a{sub m}-Verhaeltnissen des Martensits konnten die Umwandlungspunkte A{sub c1b} und A{sub c1e} fuer verschiedene Aufheizraten bestimmt und daraus ein bisher nicht bekanntes ZTA-Schaubild fuer den X30CrMoN15 1 erstellt werden. Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie und Neutronenkleinwinkelstreuung zeigen, dass sich die Ausscheidungen im hochstickstofflegierten Stahl X30CrMoN14 1 durch die Kurzzeitlaserwaermebehandlung vollstaendig aufloesen koennen. Die Korrosionsversuche zeigen, dass im Gegensatz zum X39CrMo17 1 der X30CrMoN15 1 in oxidierender Saeure bei pH 5-6 empfindlicher auf Parameteraenderungen bei der Kurzzeitwaermebehandlung reagiert. (orig.)

Assessing intake of spices by pattern of spice use, frequency of consumption and portion size of spices consumed from routinely prepared dishes in southern India.

Science.gov (United States)

Siruguri, Vasanthi; Bhat, Ramesh V

2015-01-11

Measurement of dietary intake of spices is gaining significance because of recognition of their health promoting benefits as well as its use for risk assessment of contaminant exposures. Estimating intake of spices at the individual level, presents several challenges since various spices are used as an integrated part of a prepared food and consumed in amounts much smaller than other dietary components. The objective of the present study is to assess intake of spices at the household and individual level on the basis of pattern of spice use and portion size of spice consumed from routinely prepared dishes in Hyderabad city in Southern India. The study was conducted in 100 households in urban areas of Hyderabad city in India with the help of a spice intake questionnaire that was prepared to collect information on the pattern of spice use, frequency, and quantity of spice consumption of 17 spices routinely used in Indian cuisine. The quantity of spice intake was assessed by measuring portion size of spice consumed from the quantity of i) spices added in routinely prepared dishes and ii) the prepared dish consumed by an individual. Based on the type of dish prepared and frequency of preparing the dishes, 11 out of 17 spices were found to be consumed by more than 50% of the households. Maximum number of spices was consumed at weekly frequencies. Red chillies and turmeric were the most frequently consumed spices by 100% of the households. The mean total intake of spices was observed to be higher through dishes consumed daily (10.4 g/portion) than from those consumed at weekly or monthly frequencies. Highest portion size intake was observed for chillies (mean 3.0 g; range 0.05-20.2 g) and lowest for nutmeg (mean 0.14 g; range 0.02-0.64 g) and mace (mean 0.21 g; range: 0.02-0.6 g). The study suggested that assessment of intake of spices varies with frequency of use of spices and type of dish consumed. Portion size estimations of spices consumed and the frequency of

Phytate/calcium molar ratio does not predict accessibility of calcium in ready-to-eat dishes.

Science.gov (United States)

Erba, Daniela; Manini, Federica; Meroni, Erika; Casiraghi, Maria C

2017-08-01

Phytic acid (PA), a naturally occurring compound of plant food, is generally considered to affect mineral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of the PA/calcium molar ratio as a predictive factor of calcium accessibility in composed dishes and their ingredients. Dishes were chosen whose ingredients were rich in Ca (milk or cheese) or in PA (whole-wheat cereals) in order to consider a range of PA/Ca ratios (from 0 to 2.4) and measure Ca solubility using an in vitro approach. The amounts of soluble Ca in composed dishes were consistent with the sum of soluble Ca from ingredients (three out of five meals) or higher. Among whole-wheat products, bread showed higher Ca accessibility (71%, PA/Ca = 1.1) than biscuits (23%, PA/Ca = 0.9) and pasta (15%, PA/Ca = 1.5), and among Ca-rich ingredients, semi-skimmed milk displayed higher Ca accessibility (64%) than sliced cheese (50%) and Parmesan (38%). No significant correlation between the PA/Ca ratio and Ca accessibility was found (P = 0.077). The reliability of the PA/Ca ratio for predicting the availability of calcium in composed dishes is unsatisfactory; data emphasized the importance of the overall food matrix influence on mineral accessibility. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fort Huachuca to Benefit from New Solar Technology: Dish-Stirling System Couples Solar Power with Engine to Generate Electricity

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

1995-01-01

... in partnership with industry. A prototype dish-Stirling solar system, which consists of a large dish of solar concentrators and a Stirling heat engine, will be installed at Fort Huachuca in July and should be in operation about two weeks later...

Cascade system using both trough system and dish system for power generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Cheng; Zhang, Yanping; Arauzo, Inmaculada; Gao, Wei; Zou, Chongzhe

2017-01-01

Highlights: • A novel solar cascade system using both trough and dish collectors is proposed. • Heat rejected by the Stirling engines is collected by the condensed water. • The directions to increase the efficiency improvement has been pointed out • Influence of flow type of heating/cooling fluids of Stirling engines is considered. - Abstract: This paper represents a novel solar thermal cascade system using both trough and dish systems for power generation. An effective structure using the condensed fluid of Rankine cycle to cool the Stirling engines to use the heat released by Stirling engines was proposed. The cascade system model with different fluid circuits was developed. The models of some important components of the system, such as dish collector, trough collector and Stirling engine array, are presented with detail explanation in this paper. Corresponding stand-alone systems were also developed for comparison. Simulations were conducted with the models to find out efficiency difference between cascade system and corresponding stand-alone systems. The directions to increase the efficiency difference were also considered. Results show that the cascade system can achieve a higher efficiency with a high solar irradiance (>550 W/m"2). The flow type of fluids between heating and cooling Stirling engine array is also required to concern on designing a cascade system with Stirling engine array.

Finite time thermodynamic analysis and optimization of solar-dish Stirling heat engine with regenerative losses

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sharma Arjun

2011-01-01

Full Text Available The present study investigates the performance of the solar-driven Stirling engine system to maximize the power output and thermal efficiency using the non-linearized heat loss model of the solar dish collector and the irreversible cycle model of the Stirling engine. Finite time thermodynamic analysis has been done for combined system to calculate the finite-rate heat transfer, internal heat losses in the regenerator, conductive thermal bridging losses and finite regeneration process time. The results indicate that exergy efficiency of dish system increases as the effectiveness of regenerator increases but decreases with increase in regenerative time coefficient. It is also found that optimal range of collector temperature and corresponding concentrating ratio are 1000 K~1400 K and 1100~1400, respectively in order to get maximum value of exergy efficiency. It is reported that the exergy efficiency of this dish system can reach the maximum value when operating temperature and concentrating ratio are 1150 K and 1300, respectively.

Effects of composition on the order-disorder transformation in Ni-Cr based alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marucco, A.

1991-01-01

The Ni-Cr based alloys undergo an ordering transformation, due to the formation of an ordered Ni 2 Cr phase, which causes a lattice contraction and it is responsisble for ''negative creep'' or excessive stresses in constrained components. A short-range ordered (SRO) structure develops in the matrix phase after solution treatment and at early stages of ageing, which can transform to a long-range ordered (LRO) structure, depending on the alloy composition and on time and temperature of ageing, upon prolonged annealing below the critical temperature. In stoichiometric Ni 2 Cr alloy LRO forms in a few hours, but in off-stoichiometric alloys the transformation kinetics are very sluggish and LRO takes several tens of thousands of hours to form, when it forms. The ordering behaviours of stoichiometric Ni 2 Cr and Ni 3 Cr were studied by means of isothermal treatments in the temperature range 450-600degC for different ageing times up to 30 000 h, followed by lattice parameter measurements by X-ray diffraction and electrical resistivity measurements. Similar studies performed on a series of ternary Ni-Cr-Fe alloys revealed the dependence of the degree of order on Cr concentration and a markedly delaying influence of Fe on the ordering kinetics. Finally, long-term microstructural stability of some commercial Ni-Cr based alloys, widely used for high temperature applications, have been studied: the ordering behaviour and associated microstructural changes are discussed in this paper

Análise de 39 casos de pneumonia intersticial crônica idiopática Analysis of 39 cases of idiopathic chronic interstitial pneumonia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rogério Rufino

2006-12-01

Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Analisar de forma retrospectiva fragmentos de biópsias pulmonares que receberam o diagnóstico de pneumonia intersticial crônica idiopática, à luz da classificação da American Thoracic Society e European Respiratory Society, de 2000. MÉTODOS: A partir da revisão de 252 fragmentos de biópsias pulmonares a céu aberto de pacientes com doença intersticial pulmonar, no período de 1977 a 1999, 39 casos de doença pulmonar intersticial idiopática foram selecionados e reavaliados por dois patologistas, segundo a classificação da American Thoracic Society e European Respiratory Society, de 2000. RESULTADOS: Vinte e oito dos 39 diagnósticos foram mantidos (71,8%. Uma nova entidade patológica, a pneumonia intersticial não específica, foi incluída na reclassificação e houve superposição de padrões em seis casos. Mantiveram o mesmo diagnóstico 28 casos, 4 casos apresentaram associação entre fibrose pulmonar idiopática e organização pneumônica criptogênica, 1 entre organização pneumônica criptogênica e pneumonia intersticial não específica, e 1 entre pneumonia intersticial descamativa e pneumonia intersticial não específica. Todos os casos de fibrose pulmonar idiopática foram confirmados, embora 3 deles estivessem associados a organização pneumônica criptogênica. Os diagnósticos anteriores foram quase todos mantidos na revisão dos espécimes (p > 0,05. CONCLUSÃO: A classificação das doenças pulmonares intersticiais da American Thoracic Society e European Respiratory Society é uma ferramenta útil aos patologistas que lidam com biópsias pulmonares.OBJECTIVE: To make a retrospective analysis of lung biopsy samples obtained from patients diagnosed with chronic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, as defined in the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification system made public in 2000. METHODS: Samples from 252 open-lung biopsies of patients with interstitial lung disease, all

The NOD3 software package: A graphical user interface-supported reduction package for single-dish radio continuum and polarisation observations

Science.gov (United States)

Müller, Peter; Krause, Marita; Beck, Rainer; Schmidt, Philip

2017-10-01

Context. The venerable NOD2 data reduction software package for single-dish radio continuum observations, which was developed for use at the 100-m Effelsberg radio telescope, has been successfully applied over many decades. Modern computing facilities, however, call for a new design. Aims: We aim to develop an interactive software tool with a graphical user interface for the reduction of single-dish radio continuum maps. We make a special effort to reduce the distortions along the scanning direction (scanning effects) by combining maps scanned in orthogonal directions or dual- or multiple-horn observations that need to be processed in a restoration procedure. The package should also process polarisation data and offer the possibility to include special tasks written by the individual user. Methods: Based on the ideas of the NOD2 package we developed NOD3, which includes all necessary tasks from the raw maps to the final maps in total intensity and linear polarisation. Furthermore, plot routines and several methods for map analysis are available. The NOD3 package is written in Python, which allows the extension of the package via additional tasks. The required data format for the input maps is FITS. Results: The NOD3 package is a sophisticated tool to process and analyse maps from single-dish observations that are affected by scanning effects from clouds, receiver instabilities, or radio-frequency interference. The "basket-weaving" tool combines orthogonally scanned maps into a final map that is almost free of scanning effects. The new restoration tool for dual-beam observations reduces the noise by a factor of about two compared to the NOD2 version. Combining single-dish with interferometer data in the map plane ensures the full recovery of the total flux density. Conclusions: This software package is available under the open source license GPL for free use at other single-dish radio telescopes of the astronomical community. The NOD3 package is designed to be

Liquidus projection of the Nb-Cr-Al system near the Al3(Nb,Cr) + Cr(Al,Nb) eutectic region

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, S.A.; Ferrandini, P.L.; Nunes, C.A.; Coelho, A.A.; Caram, R.

2006-01-01

The system Nb-Cr-Al was investigated in the region near the Al 3 (Nb,Cr) + Cr(Al,Nb) eutectic and the liquidus projection of that region was determined based on the microstructural characterization of arc melted alloys. The characterization utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results allowed one to determine three primary solidification liquidus surfaces ((Cr,Al) 2 Nb, Cr(Al,Nb) and Al 3 (Nb,Cr)), that are originated from the binary systems Cr-Nb, Cr-Al and Al-Nb. It is proposed the occurrence of the invariant reaction L + (Cr,Al) 2 Nb ↔ Al 3 (Nb,Cr) + Cr(Al,Nb) and of a point of minimum, which involves a three phase reaction, L ↔ Al 3 (Nb,Cr) + Cr(Al,Nb). All alloys studied showed formation of the Al 3 (Nb,Cr) + Cr(Al,Nb) eutectic as the last solidification step with Al(Nb)Cr 2 precipitating from Cr(Al,Nb)

Cultural Differences on Food between China and America

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

罗仕容

2017-01-01

"You are what you eat." Nutrition experts often use this saying to promote better eating habits. What we put in our mouths does become a part of us. But we can look at this statement another way. What we eat reflects who we are——as people and as a culture. Thus food culture has become a special cultural phenomenon. Under this phenomenon, people in different countries have different concepts of food, share different food structures and enjoy different flavors and styles of dishes.

Fabrication of thermo-responsive PNIPAAm-g-ETFE for cell culture dishes by pre-irradiation grafting

Science.gov (United States)

Yamahara, Yumi; Nagasawa, Naotsugu; Taguchi, Mitsumasa; Oshima, Akihiro; Washio, Masakazu

2018-01-01

Thermo-responsive templates for the cell cultivation based on Poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-ethylene) (ETFE) were fabricated by pre-irradiation grafting of N-isoproplyacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer by electron beam (EB) irradiation under nitrogen gas atmosphere at room temperature, and their characteristic properties were studied. The detachment of cultured HeLa cells from fabricated thermo-responsive templates were attempted. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism is proposed using ESR spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy. It is confirmed that the cultured HeLa cells were detached from fabricated thermo-responsive templates at 20 °C. Water contact angle analysis indicated that obtained templates had thermo-response around 30 °C. It is suggested that the grafted polymer chains would mainly react with peroxy radicals (-CF2-CF(OO･)-) on tetrafluoroethylene unit in ETFE.

Mount for continuously orienting a collector dish in a system adapted to perform both diurnal and seasonal solar tracking

Science.gov (United States)

Brantley, L. W., Jr.; Lawson, B. D. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

A collector dish is continuously oriented toward the sun in a system adapted to perform both diurnal and seasonal solar tracking. The mount is characterized by a rigid, angulated axle having a linear midportion supporting a collector dish, and oppositely extended end portions normally related to the midportion of the axle and received in spaced journals. The longitudinal axis of symmetry for the midportion of the axle is coincident with a seasonal axis while the axes of the journals are coincident with a diurnal axis paralleling the earth's polar axis. Drive means are provided for periodically displacing the axle about the diurnal axis at a substantially constant rate, while other drive means are provided for periodically indexing the dish through 1 deg about the seasonal axis whereby the position of the dish relative to the axle is varied for accommodating seasonal tracking as changes in the angle of inclination of the polar axis occurs.

Oil-free culture system for in vitro bovine embryo production

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paulo B.D. Gonçalves

2010-04-01

Full Text Available The use of oil to avoid water evaporation from cell culture has several disadvantages, amongst which there is the migration of compounds from media to oil and from oil to media. The aim of this study was to evaluate the osmolality of a culture system using four-well plates with water in the central hole as an alternative to in vitro bovine embryo production (IVP. In addition, the osmolality changes of the oocyte washing medium were assessed in 35mm dishes with or without 2 mL of silicon oil overlay. Osmolality of oocyte washing medium changed a great deal over time after 60 minutes on a 39°C heated plate (291 mOsm kg-1, which was not detected when the medium was overlaid with silicon oil (280 mOsm kg-1; P0.05. Blastocyst rates were higher when embryos were cultured in presence of water or oil (29.7 and 29.9% for water and 33% in oil conventional microdrop system, except in the group that oocytes were washed in hyperosmotic washing medium (15.1%; P<0.05. Groups cultured in absence of water in the central hole had lower blastocyst rates (P<0.05 independently of exposure (15.5% or not (16.2 and 16.8% to hyperosmotic washing medium. In conclusion, four-well plates with water in the central hole can be an alternative to replace oil overlay for bovine IVP, maintaining stable osmolality and embryo development rates.

51Cr diffusion in Zr-Sn alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nicolai, L.I.; Migoni, R.L.; Hojvat de Tendler, Ruth

1982-01-01

The 51 Cr volume diffusion in Zr-Sn alloys is measured in polycrystals with big grains by the thin-film method. The Sn content in the alloys ranges from 0.39% at to 6.66 % at. In the beta-phase the analysed temperature range is 982 deg C-1240 deg C. The Sn dehances the 51 Cr diffusion in beta-Zr, the effect being small but well defined. Assuming the formation of Sn-Cr dimers, the linear dehancement coefficient b and the parameters for the variation of b with temperature were calculated. The parameters Q and D o were calculated for the more diluted alloys and, upon application of the Zener theory for D o , a negative contribution to the activation entropy is found. Three experiments at different temperatures were performed in the alpha-phase. 51 Cr diffuses very fast in alpha-Zr-Sn. No definite correlation is found between the 51 Cr diffusivity and the increasing Sn concentration, probably due to the anisotropy of the alfa-phase. (M.E.L.) [es

Performance tests and efficiency analysis of Solar Invictus 53S - A parabolic dish solar collector for direct steam generation

Science.gov (United States)

Jamil, Umer; Ali, Wajahat

2016-05-01