Detection of autocatalytic decomposition behavior of energetic materials using APTAC

Characterization of autocatalytic decomposition reactions is important for the safe handling and storage of energetic materials. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been widely used to detect autocatalytic decomposition of energetic materials. However, isothermal DSC tests are time consuming and the choice of experimental temperature is crucial. This paper shows that an automatic pressure tracking calorimeter (APTAC) can be a reliable and efficient screening tool for the identification of autocatalytic decomposition behavior of energetic materials. Hydroxylamine nitrate (HAN) is an important member of the hydroxylamine family. High concentrations of HAN are used as liquid propellants, and low concentrations of HAN are used primarily in the nuclear industry for decontamination of equipment. Because of its instability and autocatalytic decomposition behavior, HAN has been involved in several incidents.     

Random orderings of the integers and card shuffling

In this paper we study random orderings of the integers with a certain invariance property. We describe all such orders in a simple way. We define and represent random shuffles of a countable set of labels and then give an interpretation of these orders in terms of a class of generalized riffle shuffles.     

Alloy model for high-temperature superconductors

An alloy model is proposed for the electronic structure of high-temperature superconductors. It is based on the assumption that holes and extra electrons are localized in small copper-oxygen clusters, that would be the components of such an alloy. This model, when used together with quantum chemical calculations on small clusters, can explain the structure observed in the experimental densities of states of both hole and electron superconductors close to the Fermi energy. The main point is the strong dependence of the energy level distribution and composition on the number of electrons in a cluster. The alloy model also suggests a way to correlate T_c with the number of holes, or extra electrons, and the number of adequate clusters to locate them.     

CP noninvariance and the possibility of a sizable neutron electric dipole moment

The electric dipole moment of the neutron will be measured to a precision of 10^?25 e-cm in the near future. We explore a new theoretical possibility that P and CP noninvariance leads to a sizable electric dipole moment. We calculate an electric dipole moment of about 10^?25 e-cm. In this phenomenological theory, we calculate CP-violating observables in non-leptonic decays from theK ⁰ ? \(\bar K^0 \) ,Λ ⁰ ?Λ ⁰ andK ⁺?K ^? systems. In connection with CP noninvariance, the possible observable occurrence of ΔS=2 decays is discussed. We calculate possible branching ratios; in particular that forΞ ⁰ → π^? p can be as high as about 10^?6. The possible existence of a weakly interacting, neutral scalar boson, which violates P and CP in the course of its propagation as a virtual particle, is considered.     

INAA of toxic elements in coal and their transfer into environments

An instrumental neutron activation analytical (INAA) technique is described for the determination of 26 toxic and other trace elements in Eastern Coal (NBS SRM-1632a), local coal and its ash. The coal ash was produced by heating coal at 750°C in a muffled furnace. The transfer of these elements to the environment on the complete compustion of coal is estimated from the difference between the elemental concentration of coal and its ash.     

Radiochemical analysis of toxic elements in biological materials

A radiochemical method for simultaneous determination of toxic elements (Hg, Cd and Sb) in biological materials has been developed. The procedure involves the irradiation of samples with thermal neutrons and quantitative one-step separation in 0.1M 4-(5-nonyl)pyridine/benzene from 2.0M hydrochloric acid followed by gamma-ray spectrometry. The procedure is applied for the analysis and to the studies of distribution of these elements in IAEA-RMs, human serum and hair samples. Results obtained are found to be in good agreement with those reported in the literature.     

Macroscopic mass and energy balance of a pilot plant anaerobic bioreactor operated under thermophilic conditions

Intensive poultry production generates over 100,000 t of litter annually in West Virginia and 9×10⁶ t nationwide. Current available technological alternatives based on thermophilic anaerobic digestion for residuals treatment are diverse. A modification of the typical continuous stirred tank reactor is a promising process being relatively stable and owing to its capability to manage considerable amounts of residuals at low operational cost. A 40-m³ pilot plant digester was used for performance evaluation considering energy input and methane production. Results suggest some changes to the pilot plant configuration are necessary to reduce power consumption although maximizing biodigester performance.     

ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF MEROCYANINE 540

Abstract Simultaneous exposure to the lipophilic dye merocyanine 540 (MC 540) and white light inactivates several enveloped viruses. The same treatment appears to have little or no effect on pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells, mature red cells, and mature leukocytes. At least some components of the clotting system are spared, too. The molecular basis of the virucidal effect of MC 540 and light is not yet completely understood. Based on what is known about the interactions of MC 540 with cells and artificial membranes, it seems likely that MC 540 binds to and damages the viral envelope. MC 540-mediated photosensitization may have implications for the sterilization of bone marrow and blood products, the preparation of vaccines, and selected areas of antiviral therapy.     

Determination of toxic elements in tea,leaves by instrumental neutron activation analysis

The concentration of certain toxic and essential elements in various brands of tea consumed locally were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Transference of these elements into the drinkable portion was studied by brewing and boiling tea leaves for two minutes and the approximate intake was calculated from this data. The toxic effects of Hg, Se, As, Br and Sb are briefly discussed.     

Production of hybrid 16-membered macrolides by expressing combinations of polyketide synthase genes in engineered Streptomyces fradiae hosts

Combinations of the five polyketide synthase (PKS) genes for biosynthesis of tylosin in Streptomyces fradiae (tylG), spiramycin in Streptomyces ambofaciens (srmG), or chalcomycin in Streptomyces bikiniensis (chmG) were expressed in engineered hosts derived from a tylosin-producing strain of S. fradiae. Surprisingly efficient synthesis of compounds predicted from the expressed hybrid PKS was obtained. The post-PKS tailoring enzymes of tylosin biosynthesis acted efficiently on the hybrid intermediates with the exception of TylH-catalyzed hydroxylation of the methyl group at C14, which was efficient if C4 bore a methyl group, but inefficient if a methoxyl was present. Moreover, for some compounds, oxidation of the C6 ethyl side chain to an unprecedented carboxylic acid was observed. By also expressing chmH, a homolog of tylH from the chalcomycin gene cluster, efficient hydroxylation of the 14-methyl group was restored.