A new gamma-ray spectrum catalog and library for PGAA

New measurements have been performed at the PGAA facility at the Budapest Research Reactor (BRR) in order to create a prompt -ray catalog for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The measured spectra were accurately analyzed by HYPERMET-PC. Prompt -ray energies and associated -ray production cross-sections have been determined by internal standardization. The resulting catalog contains prompt -ray data from neutron capture and other reactions such as (n,), and decay -ray data from short-lived reaction products. Data have been measured for nearly all stable elements, from hydrogen to uranium. Generally, data for several isotopes are given, to enable isotopic analysis as well. The whole library, including elemental spectra, will be available as a book.     

A new improved expression for gamma-ray detection efficiency of Ge(Li) detectors

In the present paper, a new improved expression for -ray detection efficiency of Ge(Li) detectors, ⁰ , is given. It is represented as a continuous function of x (viz. E ^–1) with a maximum and decreases very rapidly to a small positive value as -ray energy, E, drops to 40 keV or lower, but slowly as E rises to 1.7 MeV or higher. Since it can well represent the whole physical process of the -ray detection, this expression may be one of the simplest and most precise representations, for ⁰ at the present time.     

Analysis of gamma-ray continuum spectra to determine the chemical composition

Neutron induced -ray spectra from various geological samples were analyzed to evaluate the usefulness of continuum spectra in deriving the chemical composition information. A fast Fourier transform technique has been used to estimate the signal content of selected energy bands of the continuum spectra. Monte Carlo calculations have been performed using the major -ray energy sources (due to Fe, Ca, Si and Al) to generate the corresponding detected -ray spectra. The experimental spectra are compared to the simulated spectra to check the consistency of the signal distribution between the peak and the continuum. The continuum above and below a chosen -ray line is calculated to find what fraction of the lower energy continuum is due to that line. The accuracy of the relative elemental concentrations determined by this method is confirmed through comparison with laboratory elemental analysis of the samples. It is found that using the continuum could greatly increase the sensitivity and precision of the measurement of elemental concentrations determined from -ray spectra of thick target sources, for spectra having peaks of poor statistical significance. However, for thin target sources or spectra with very good statistics in their peaks, this method may not be very advantageous.     

Methane Adsorption and Plasma-Assisted Catalytic Conversion on the Surface of γ-Alumina

Diffuse scattering IR spectroscopy was applied to study the adsorption and plasma-assisted catalytic conversion of methane (deuteromethane) on the surface of -alumina. It was found that CH₄ adsorption sites on the -Al₂O₃ surface were formed by molecular and dissociative mechanisms under the action of an electric-discharge plasma at room temperature. As distinct from -radiolysis, plasma treatment leads to the formation of acetylene in addition to other hydrocarbon products, aluminum hydrides, and surface hydroxyl groups. Plausible mechanisms were proposed for plasma-assisted catalytic reactions in the -Al₂O₃–adsorbed CH₄(CD₄) system.     

Uranium and thorium determination in Brazilian coals by epithermal neutron activation analysis

An experimental technique has been developed to determine impurities in coal. Uranium was determined by counting the²³⁹Np 106.1 keV -ray with a LEPS detector and thorium by counting the²³³Pa 311.8 keV -ray with a Ge(Li) detector. Seventeen coal samples were analyzed with an average precision of 3% and a quantitative determination limit of 0.153 g/g for uranium and 0.078 g/g for thorium. The technique allows determinations of up to twenty elements besides U and Th and can be applied in routine analysis.     

Interactions of Nabumetone with Cyclodextrins in Solution and in the Solid State

The interactions of nabumetone (NAB) with -cyclodextrin (-CD) and-cyclodextrin (-CD) were studied in aqueous solution by meansof phase-solubility analysis. Solid dispersions of NAB with -cyclodextrin(-CD), -cyclodextrin (-CD), methyl- (M-CD),hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin (HP-CD) were prepared by coevaporationand kneading and also by coprecipitation in the case of -CD. X-ray diffractometry, thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the possibility of complexation of the drug with the different cyclodextrins. Solid dispersions of nabumetone with -CD showed a remarkable improvement in the dissolution rate of nabumetone.     

The predictive accuracy for estimating infinite dilution activity coefficients by γ∞-based UNIFAC

The predictive accuracy for estimating infinite dilution activity coefficients by a modification of the UNIFAC method wherein the group interaction parameters were based on only data (referred to as -based UNIFAC) has been studied. Estimates and measured values were compared for six prototypical solutes in a series of homologous n-alkanes, l-alcohols and alkanenitrile solvents. Despite the fact that the interaction parameters were derived using only data, this approach still gave serious errors due to several inherent problems in the original UNIFAC model. Its performance is sometimes even poorer than that of the original UNIFAC method. For example for nitromethane in alcohols and p-dioxane in nitriles values predicted by the -based UNIFAC are essentially zero. The large errors for these systems are most likely due to inaccurate interaction parameters in the -based UNIFAC method.     

Gamma-ray pulse height spectrum of241Am-Be source by ‘Li-BC501 (n-γ) spectrometer system

Neutrons from a source are moderated by means of hydrogenous materials such as polyethylene (PE) or water to reduce the energy of fast neutrons and to increase the fluence rate of moderated neutrons. The rise-time and -ray pulse height spectrum from a PE moderated²⁴¹Am-Be neutron-gamma (n-) mixed source were measured by using⁶Li-BC501 scintillation detector and pulse shape discriminator (PSD) system. The difference in rise-time between and neutron signals tumed out to be 18.5 ns for the⁶Li-BC501 (n-) spectrometer system. The figure of merit (FOM) for this separation was estimated to be 1.52, and this was compared with the published results. From this comparison, the⁶Li-BC501 system has much superior characteristics in (n-) separation to other detector systems. Two Compton edges at around 1.87 and 3.99 MeV which are produced by H(n,)D reaction and by the first excited state of¹²C^* from Be(, n)¹²C^* reaction were also investigated.     

Condensation of 2-(1-ethoxyvinyl)oxiranes with sodiomalonic ester and decarboxylation of the reaction products obtained

-(1-Ethoxyvinyl)- and -(1-ethoxyvinyl)--ethoxycarbonyl--butyrolactones were obtained by the reaction of 2-(1-ethoxyvinyl)oxiranes with sodiomalonic ester. Decarboxylation of the -(1-ethoxyvinyl)--ethoxycarbonyl-butyrolactones in DMSO leads to -(1-ethoxyvinyl)--butyrolactones, the hydrolysis of which gives -acetyl-butyrolactones. Ethyl trans-3-acetyl-3-pentenoate was obtained by decarboxylation of -methyl--(1-ethoxyvinyl)--ethoxycarbonyl--butyrolactone in DMSO.Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 1, pp. 22–25, January, 1992.     

Distribution of137Cs,40K,238U and232Th in soils from Northern Venezuela

More than one hundred undisturbed soil samples from Northern Venezuela and the islands of Margarita and Los Roques have been analyzed for¹³⁷Cs,⁴⁰K,²³⁸U and²³²Th by -ray spectroscopy. The specimens were taken from between 5–10 cm below the earth's surface. Thus, they are valid not only for the¹³⁷Cs deposition studies but also for the estimation of the natural -ray dose from primordial radionuclides that form the terrestrial component. The concentration of⁴⁰K was directly determined from its 1461 keV -ray, while those of¹³⁷Cs,²³⁸U and²³²Th were performed using a -ray from one of their daughter radionuclides: the 661 keV -ray of^137mBa for¹³⁷Cs, the 1760 keV -ray of²¹⁴Bi for²³⁸U and the 2620 keV -ray of²⁰⁸Tl for²³²Th. Finally, the concentration values were compared with those of global estimates.     

A New Gamma-Ray Spectrum Catalog for PGAA

A major obstacle to the use of the prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) method has so far been the lack of a suitable library. Therefore, new measurements have been performed at the PGAA facility at Budapest Research Reactor (BRR) in order to create a prompt -ray catalog for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Prompt -ray energies and associated k ₀-factors have been determined by internal standardization. The resulting catalog contains prompt -ray data from neutron capture and other reactions such as (n,), and decay -ray data from short-lived reaction products. Data have been measured for nearly all stable elements, from hydrogen to uranium. Generally, data for several isotopes are given, to enable isotopic analysis as well.     

A digital photopeak integration in activation analysis

A study of the precision attainable by two methods of -ray photopeak computation has been carried out. The total peak area method (TPA) and the proposed new method have been compared. The method offered is digital and simulates repeatedly accumulations of -ray spectra. The method described here computes the apparent net peak area without a clear distinction between peak and non-peak related channels. The proposed method is considered to be the most advantageous because of its relatively high precision.     

A new detection method of99Tc by nuclear excitation

A new nuclear excitation process,⁹⁹Tc (, )^99mTc reaction, was applied for the first time to radioactivation analysis of technetium. Bremsstrahlung irradiation of⁹⁹Tc samples gave the reaction product^99mTc which emits -ray measurable with ease by a semiconductor detector. The production rate of^99mTc per g⁹⁹Tc was linearly correlated with the flux of bremsstrahlung. The detection limit of⁹⁹Tc was estimated to be nanogram order (0.63 Bq⁹⁹Tc) under the optimum irradiation condition. Possible interference by¹⁰⁰Ru(, p)^99mTc reaction was also studied, which could be discriminated from the (, ) reaction by simultaneously occurring⁹⁸Ru (, p)⁹⁷Ru reaction.     

Synthesen von kernsubstituierten N,N-Diphenyl-β-alaninen

Zusammenfassung N,N-Diphenyl--alanine mit Substituenten in einem oder in beiden Phenylresten wurden durch Umsetzung von entsprechenden Diphenylaminderivaten mit -Propiolacton erhalten. In ähnlicher Weise reagierte Diphenylamin mit -Butyrolacton zu -(N,N-Diphenylamino)-buttersäure. 4,4-Diäthyldiphenylamin und 2-Chlor-6-methyl-diphenylamin wurden als Ausgangsmaterialien für die entsprechenden -Alanine hergestellt.

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N.N-Diphenyl--alanines with substituents in one or in both of the phenyl groups were synthesized by reactions of the corresponding diphenylamine derivatives with -propiolactone. Similarly diphenylamine reacted with -butyrolactone to give -(N.N-diphenylamino)-butyric acid. 4.4-Diethyldiphenylamine and 2-chloro-6-methyldiphenylamine were prepared as starting materials for the corresponding -alanines.

     

An alternative convention describing the (n, γ)-reaction rate suited for use in the k0-method of NAA

An alternative convention for use in the k₀-method describing the (n, )-reaction rate upon reactor neutron irradiation has been derived by dividing the cross-section in a (v)=₀v₀/v part and a pure resonance integral, instead of splitting up the neutron spectrum. It describes the (n, )-reactions with the Westcott factor g(T)1 but without resonances below 0.35 eV, and should yield better results for those with resonances below this limit. The resulting formulas are simpler than the ones currently used. An important practical aspect of this new convention is that no irradiations under Cd-cover are needed to determine the parameters to be used in the k₀-method. The parameters determined previously for (n, )-reactions with g(T)=1 can still be used.     

Spin probe studies on high temperature (T >T g) microdynamics of polyamide 66 fibers

Summary Short-range segmental motions of the amorphous phase of polyamide 66 were studied by means of spin probe radicals. In a dry sample the relaxation in the temperature range 366–426 with an activation energy 27.6 kJ/mol was found. In a sample containing traces of water two processes, and relaxations, with activation energies 47.0 kJ/mol and 22.0 kJ/mol, respectively, were found. relaxation was dominant in the higher temperature range (410–460 K) while relaxation was active at lower temperatures (365–410 K).

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Zusammenfassung Die inneren, lokalen Drehbewegungen in den amorphen Bereichen des Polyamid 66 wurden mit Hilfe der Paramagnersondenmethode untersucht. Wasserfreies Polyamid 66 zeigt den-Relaxations-prozeß (die Aktivierungsenergie 27.6 kJ/Mol) im Temperaturbereich von 366 K bis 426 K, wasserhaltiges Polyamid 66 zeigt zwei Prozesse,- und-Relaxationen, deren Aktivierungsenergien 47.0 kJ/Mol und 22.0 kJ/Mol sind. Die-Relaxation dominiert in dem höheren Temperaturbereich (von 410 K bis 460 K) und die-Relaxation in dem niederen Temperaturbereich (von 365 K bis 410 K).

     

Microcalorimetric Evaluation of Precipitation in Cu–2Be–0.2Mg

Beryllium precipitation from the Cu-rich matrix in a Cu–2 mass% Be–0.2 mass% Mg alloy homogenized and quenched from 1073 K was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC traces showed two main exothermic effects, A and B, each comprising two subeffects: A₁ and A₂ , and B₁ and B₂ respectively. Effects A₁ and A₂ correspond to the precipitation of GP zones and subsequent overlapping and independent precipitation of the phase. Only at very low heating rates can be inherited from GP zones. Effects B₁ and B₂ correspond to heat evolved during transitions to the states with and phases, respectively. Heat effect A can be quantitatively described in terms of solid solubilities before and after precipitation, and of the precipitation heats of the phases involved. The heat content of the combined GP zone/ phase precipitation effect was proportional to the number of beryllium atoms precipitated, yielding an average value of 21 kJ mol^–1 beryllium for beryllium precipitation. It was shown that the phase arises from the combined transition from states with GP zones and phases, whereas arises from the transition of states with and phases. The apparent activation energies associated with GP zones and , and phases are 1.16±0.08, 1.18±0.07, 1.37±0.08 and 1.74±0.09 eV, respectively. These values are discussed in terms of the mobility of dissolved atoms related to the concentrations of excess vacancies and solute-vacancy complexes, and the direction of plate-like precipitate growth (either normal or perpendicular to the plate). It is inferred that the main roles of magnesium are to decrease the amount and rate of GP formation, to enhance the volume fraction of and to suppress the discontinuous precipitation of .This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Determination of nitrogen and fluorine in air-dust samples by photon activation

Summary Air-dust samples with masses of 12 mg each were analysed instrumentally for their nitrogen and fluorine content by photon activation. The samples were irradiated with photons of maximum energy,E _max=15MeV. The nuclear reactions¹⁴N(, n)¹³N and¹⁹F(, n)¹⁸F give two positron emitters. The positrons react with electrons, emitting annihilation radiation. The 511-keV peak of the annihilation radiation of¹³N and¹⁸F is measured simultaneously and the decay curve is taken. The half-lives of 9.96 and 109.7 min allow a quantitative separation. By choosingE _max=15 MeV for the activation we eliminate interference from carbon and oxygen. The activation threshold for the n,-reaction of carbon is 18.72 MeV and for oxygen 15.67 MeV, while the activation threshold for N is 10.55 MeV and for F 10.44 MeV. The detection limit for the instrumental method is 4g for both nitrogen and fluorine.

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Die Analyse von Stickstoff und fluor in Luftstaubproben durch Photonenaktivierung

Zusammenfassung An Luftstaubproben von 12 mg Masse konnte der Gehalt an Stickstoff und Fluor durch Photonenaktivierung zerstörungsfrei bestimmt werden. Die Proben wurden mit Photonen einer Energie von E_max=15 MeV bestrahlt. Die 511-keV-Linie der nach¹⁴N (, n)¹³N und¹⁹F (, n)¹⁸F entstandenen Nuklide wurde simultan gemessen und die Zerfallskurve aufgenommen. Die Halbwertszeiten 9,96 und 109,7 min liegen so weit auseinander, daß eine quantitative Trennung möglich ist. Durch Wahl der Aktivierungsenergie treten keine Störungen durch Sauerstoff und Kohlenstoff auf, da die Aktivierungsschwellen für die, n-Reaktionen von C bei 18,72 MeV und von O bei 15,67 liegen, während sie für N bei 10,55 MeV und für F bei 10,44 MeV liegen. Die Nachweisgrenzen liegen beim zerstörungsfreien Verfahren bei 4g für N und für F.

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Presented at the 8th International Microchemical Symposium, Graz, August 25–30, 1980.     

Low-temperature ortho-para conversion of hydrogen on films of rare-earth metals and their copper alloys

Kinetic data for the ortho-para conversion of H₂ at 77 k rear earth metals (REM) and their Cu alloy films are given. Conversion on the surface of Sc, Y, La, Yb and Lu has been shown previously to follow a chemical mechanism, for the others it is magnetic. When alloyed with Cu, the specific catalytic activity (K_sp) of Sc, Y, La, Yb and Lu sharply increases. A sharp increase of K_sp is also observed on Cu alloys of Ce, Sm, Nd, Pr, Eu and Gd and the chemical conversion mechanism becomes predominant. On Tb, Dy, Er, Ho and Tm, K_sp rises only slightly and the magnetic mechanism preserves.

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- H₂ 77 P3M . , Sc, Y, La, Yb Lu , . Cu () Sc, Y, La, Yb, Lu, Ce, Sm, Nd, Pr, Eu Gd, . Ha Tb, Dy, Er, Ho Tm .

     

First experiments on transmutation studies of129I and237Np using relativistic protons of 3.7 GeV

First experiments on the transmutation of long-lived¹²⁹I and²³⁷Np using relativistic protons of 3.7 GeV are described. Relativistic protons generate in extended Pb-targets substancial neutron fluences. These neutrons get moderated in paraffin and are used for transmutation as follows:¹²⁹I(n,)¹³⁰I and²³⁷Np(n,)²³⁸Np. The isotopes¹³⁰I (T _1/2-12.36 h) and²³⁸Np (T _1/2=2.117 d) were identified radiochemically. One can estimate the transmutation cross-section (n,) in the given neutron field as (¹²⁹I(n,))=(10±2)b and (²³⁷Np(n,))=(140±30)b The experiments were carried out in November 1996 at the Synchrophasotron, LHE, Dubna, Russia. The investigation has been performed at the Laboratory of High Energies, JINR, Dubna.