Implementation of radionuclide measurements for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and associated on-site inspections

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) plans the installation of an International Monitoring System (IMS) based upon four global networks. Seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound waves will help detect underground, underwater and atmospheric nuclear tests and will permit their discrimination from natural events. 80 particulate stations will detect radioactive aerosols, this network being completed with a sub-set of 40 stations which will measure rare gases, typically xenon isotopes. 16 IMS laboratories will perform additional analysis mainly by gamma-spectrometry, using the most sensitive methods such as particulate analysis. In order to have the most effective network, modeling was performed by using an inverse method in which the radioactive tracer is transported back from detectors. Examples will be given, regarding the maps of detection probability, background effects of existing xenon or radon, or the decoupling effects. All these tools and means are anticipated to have a complete process of certification, authentication of the data and discrimination capabilities between nuclear test and releases from civilian nuclear industry (reactors, reprocessing plants,). If a State Party identifies events that it feels could be a nuclear explosion, it can ask for clarification and finally it may send a request for an On-Site Inspection. The rights of the State Party and the constraints for the Inspection Team are defined in the Treaty. That leads to limited time, to limited number of inspectors on the site and to precise methods to be authorized. The means and resulting data have to be blinded in order to make sure the confidentiality is observed. Examples of restricting measurements will be given regarding airborne or vehicle mounted spectrometry as well as laboratory analysis. Cooperation with international organizations (WMO, WHO) will be discussed, depending on confidentiality issues.     

Measurements of natural radioactivity in infant formula and radiological risk assessment

A set of measurements have been conducted to determine the levels activity of gamma-emitters present in infant formula. The study of different samples shows the presence of the following radionuclides: ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K with respectively average activity of 0.52 ± ?0.087, 0.51 ± 0.062, 371.98? ± 3.68 Bq/kg. The mean annual doses lead to 0.62 and 0.24 mSv/year whereas the total risk is about 7.91 × 10^?6 and 5.32 × 10^?6 respectively ≤ 1 year and 1–2 years old infants. The obtained results show that no significant radiation dose and no risk to the infants due to consumption of these milks.     

Applications of Raman-based techniques to on-site and in-vivo analysis

Raman-based technologies have proved to be excellent tools for on-site and in-vivo analysis, due to the non-invasive nature of their detection, their capability of providing structure information, their high tolerance to aqueous samples, the ultra-sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and resonance Raman scattering (RRS), the high spatial resolution of tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS), and the ultrashort spectra-acquisition time for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS).In this review, we highlight the recent success of Raman-based technologies in various applications, including:

• (1) 

  on-site surface analysis and chemical-reaction monitoring;

• (2) 

  on-site identification of cultural objects, archeological studies and planetary science;

• (3) 

  in-vivo analysis of cells and microorganisms;

• (4) 

  in-vivo diagnosis inside human and animal bodies;

• (5) 

  in-vivo fast Raman imaging and mapping;

• (6) 

  the study of SERS processes; and,

• (7) 

  assessment of nanomaterial safety.

     

The radiological services laboratory: Designed for the future

A new state of the art radiochemistry laboratory incorporating advanced design and environmental control elements has been constructed in Atlanta, Georgia. The design of the facility is oriented to the efficient production of analytical sample results which meet regulatory requirements while at the same time provides an atmosphere that is pleasurable for analysts and visitors alike. The laboratory building contains two separate and distinct laboratories under one roof. This allows the facility to handle samples with low levels of radioactivity on one side of the lab without fear of contamination of environmental work on the other side. Unlike most laboratories, this facility utilizes a scrubber system and liquid waste holdup system to prevent accidental releases to the environment. The potential spread of radioactive contamination is controlled through the use of negative pressure ventillation zones. Construction techniques, laboratory systems, instrumentation and ergonomic considerations will also be discussed.     

Vertical distribution and radiological risk assessment of natural radionuclides in the alluvial soil profile of south-west Punjab,India

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Natural radionuclide levels are studied in alluvial sediments upto the depth of 900 cm. Eighteen profiles are selected from agricultural...     

Natural radioactivity in surface marine sediments near the shore of Vizag, South East India and associated radiological risk

Naturally occurring radioactive materials were determined in surface sediments from the marine environment near the shore of Vizag in the South eastern part of India using gamma spectrometry technique. The mean activity concentration was found to be 36 ± 11, 34 ± 15, 75 ± 38 and 782 ± 223 Bq/kg and ranged from 19 to 48 Bq/kg, 11 to 57 Bq/kg, 31 to 145 Bq/kg and 363 to 1,024 Bq/kg for ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K, respectively. The mean radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, air absorbed gamma dose rate and annual effective dose equivalent are 203 ± 62 Bq/kg, 0.6 ± 0.2, 94 ± 27 nGy/h and 0.12 ± 0.03 mSv/year respectively. This data will serve as the baseline level for naturally occurring radionuclides in the study area and will be useful for tracking and assessing any pollution inventory in the environment of this region.     

Quantum mechanical inspection of the Diels-Alder approach to biaryls mechanism

The Diels-Alder reaction of substituted cyclohexadienes with substituted phenylacetylenes offers an attractive alternative for the synthesis of biaryl compounds via a two-step cycloaddition/cycloelimination pathway. Quantum mechanical calculations using B3LYP and M06-2X density functional methods for the reaction of 2-chloro-6-nitrophenylacetylene with 1-carbomethoxy-cyclohexadiene show the reaction proceeds by a stepwise diradical [4+2] cycloaddition followed by concerted [2+4] cycloelimination of ethylene. [2+2] cycloadducts are also the result of stepwise addition. [2+2] cycloadducts isomerize to [4+2] cycloadducts via diradical pathways, which involve the same diradical intermediate in cycloaddition. There is also a competitive conrotatory ring opening followed by trans-cis double bond isomerization pathway of the [4.2.0] bicycle (the [2+2] cycloadduct) to give the cis,cis,cis-1,3,5-cyclooctatriene.     

Prospects for the commercialization of chemiluminescence-based point-of-care and on-site testing devices

Chemiluminescent reactions have found application in a number of commercial point-of-care and on-site testing devices. Notable examples include allergy tests (e.g., MASTpette, OPTIGEN® systems), flu tests (e.g., ZstatFlu®-II), cartridge-based immunoassay systems (FastPack® IP System, PATHFAST®), forensic tests for bloodstains, portable analyzers for biochip array assays (Evidence MultiStat), water quality tests (Eclox), air pollutants (e.g., oxides of nitrogen), and handheld devices for detecting explosives (e.g., E3500 Chemilux®). Many other point-of-care or on-site testing devices with a chemiluminescent end point have been devised on the basis of a variety of formats (e.g., cuvette, cassette, dipstick, test strip, microchip), but most have not progressed beyond a proof-of-principle or prototype stage.     

The micro-cell irradiator: a small volume gamma irradiator for on-site and special processing

Gamma processing of relatively small volumes of materials has historically been handled by either small self-contained irradiators known as gamma-cells for research or by sending this product to a contractor site to be scheduled into the larger processing cycle. This methodology has been accepted over the years due to the lack of a system designed to process this volume level economically at the site of production. A system, which is complete with shield, source, and product handling, has been designed and produced for handling sterilization volumes at 25 kGy in the range of 70,000 cubic feet (2000 cubic meter) annually. This system can be installed in an existing building with a footprint of approximately 170 square feet (15.8 square meter). Larger annual volumes can be handled if the dosage is reduced. Additional to its standard processing capabilities, this system can handle a variety of special process requirements. The mechanism can handle unit loads up to 12 cubic feet (0.34 cubic meter) with a high loading capacity. Specially designed fixtures will allow processing of products with tight maximum to minimum dosing requirements. The system is well suited for small production facilities as well as research and development for production size volumes.     

Nuclear quadrupole contribution to the equilibrium isotope effect

It has been shown that besides the overall assessment of the new isotope effect of “size and shape” of nuclei, discovered by Prof. J. Bigeleisen, a specific effect of the nuclear quadrupole can be distinguished from the effect of “size” and analyzed separately. This effect is significant only for those nuclei that have a non-zero quadrupole effect. It has been shown by means of analysis of the experimental data on separation of uranium isotopes in industrial processes ASAHI and CHEMEX that the relative value of the contribution of the quadrupole effect to ln(s/s′) can be as large as 20% of the overall (“size”+“shape”) effect.     

Novel approach to the microscopic inspection during laser cleaning treatments of artworks

The present work focuses on the potential of 3D digital microscopy for assessing micro-morphological features during laser cleaning treatments of artworks. This application requires preliminary optimization studies aimed at defining operative irradiation parameters and practicable degree of cleaning, as well as in situ diagnostic assessments during the restoration work. To this goal, we developed and tested a dedicated 3D digital microscope by implementing the “shape-from-focus” technique. The significant potential of this instrument, which provides textural and chromatic information, was proven for the phenomenological characterization of black crust removal from stones, earthy concretion from bronzes and dark varnish from easel paintings. Comparative measurements using 3D digital microscopy and contact microprofilometry were performed after laser cleaning tests of prepared samples, genuine archaeological bronze artefacts and a stone sculptural element from Florence’s Dome. The results achieved demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the novel approach and the advantages it provides with respect to alternative techniques, which will allow the methods to be used in the wider restoration community.     

生物质的洁净转化和综合利用

生物质的洁净转化和综合利用是人类可持续发展的重要保证,是绿色化学研究领域的一项基础性、前瞻性课题。本文对酶生物催化技术做了简单介绍,阐述了酶是生物质转化的促进剂这一基本观点。并从4个方面说明了生物质的综合利用的成果和进展,指出具有光辉前景的生物质时代必将使自然界焕然一新！     

Nuclear magnetic shielding and chirality IV. The odd and even character of the shielding response to a chiral potential

We investigate the odd and even character of the shielding response in a chiral molecule (modeled by a Ne8 helix) when subjected to a chiral potential. We establish that the diastereomeric splittings are a measure of odd powers of Vodd. Implications for diastereomeric, splittings of Xe in handed cages with handed tethers are discussed.     

多媒体教学课件《原子核与原子核反应》的研制

本文简要介绍了多媒体教学课件《原子核与原子核反应》的内容 ,开发环境和影像数字化技术及其在多媒体课件中的应用等     

The Nuclear and Radiochemistry in Chemistry Education Curriculum Project

Summary We present the outline of a comprehensive website based offering of a basic graduate level or senior undergraduate level course in nuclear and radiochemistry. This password protected course follows classical pedagogical treatment of the subject. However, it has been augmented by the implementation of Flash animations to better teach basic nuclear and radiochemistry concepts. As well, the website is linked to many Internet related resources. All lectures and problems are presented in Microsoft Power Point format with Flash animations incorporated. A series of six experiments in radiochemistry, also offered in the course is available in a downloadable Microsoft Word format.     

Nuclear systematics: II. The cradle of the nuclides

The nuclear energy surface is presented as three-dimensional (3-D) plots of mass or atomic number versus charge density versus average energy per nucleon. These plots reveal a trough or cradle of the nuclides. Stable and long-lived nuclides are located in the valley. Those that are radioactive or are easily destroyed by fusion or fission occupy higher positions. Separate modes of nucleosynthesis fill the cradle from different directions and produce distinct occupancy levels, i.e., different abundance patterns. The cradle can be used to estimate the properties of nuclear matter that cannot be studied in the laboratory.     

A simple and portable colorimeter using a red-green-blue light-emitting diode and its application to the on-site determination of nitrite and iron in river-water.

A portable colorimeter using a red-green-blue light-emitting diode as a light source has been developed. An embedded controller sequentially turns emitters on and off, and acquires the signals detected by two photo diodes synchronized with their blinking. The controller calculates the absorbance and displays it on a liquid-crystal display. The whole system, including a 006P dry cell, is contained in a 100 x 70 x 50 mm aluminum case and its mass is 280 g. This colorimeter was successfully applied to the on-site determination of nitrite and iron in river-water.