Developing an integrated genomic selection approach beyond biomass for varietal protection and nutritive traits in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Breeding target traits can be broadened to include nutritive value and plant breeder's rights traits in perennial ryegrass by using in-field regression-based spectroscopy phenotyping and genomic selection. Perennial ryegrass breeding has focused on biomass yield, but expansion into a broader set of traits is needed to benefit livestock industries whilst also providing support for intellectual property protection of cultivars. Numerous breeding objectives can be targeted simultaneously with the development of sensor-based phenomics and genomic selection (GS). Of particular interest are nutritive value (NV), which has been difficult and expensive to measure using traditional phenotyping methods, resulting in limited genetic improvement to date, and traits required to obtain varietal protection, known as plant breeder's rights (PBR) traits. In order to assess phenotyping requirements for NV improvement and potential for genetic improvement, in-field reflectance-based spectroscopy was assessed and GS evaluated in a single population for three key NV traits, captured across four timepoints. Using three prediction approaches, the possibility of targeting PBR traits using GS was evaluated for five traits recorded across three years of a breeding program. Prediction accuracy was generally low to moderate for NV traits and moderate to high for PBR traits, with heritability highly correlated with GS accuracy. NV did not show significant or consistent correlation between timepoints highlighting the need to incorporate seasonal NV into selection indexes and the value of being able to regularly monitor NV across seasons. This study has demonstrated the ability to implement GS for both NV and PBR traits in perennial ryegrass, facilitating the expansion of ryegrass breeding targets to agronomically relevant traits while ensuring necessary varietal protection is achieved.

The epidemiology and disease pattern of pediatric ocular morbidities in Western India: The National Institute of OphthalMology AmBlyopia StUdy in Indian Paediatric EyeS (NIMBUS) study report 1

Purpose

To determine the pattern of pediatric ocular morbidities in western India.

Methods

This was a retrospective longitudinal study that included all consecutive children aged ≤15 years who presented to the outpatient department of a tertiary eye center for the first time. Patient demographics, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and ocular examination data were compiled. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on age group (years): ≤5, 5-10, and >10-15.

Results

A total of 11,126 eyes of 5563 children were included in the study. The mean age of the study population was 5.15 (±3.32) years with males (57.07%) being predominant. Approximately half of the patients (50.19%) were under the age of 5 years, followed by those aged 5-10 years (45.1%) and >10-15 years (4.71%). Among the study eyes, the BCVA was ≥20/60 in 58.57%, indeterminable in 35.16%, and <20/60 in 6.71%. The commonest ocular morbidity noted was refractive error (28.97%) followed by allergic conjunctivitis (7.64%) and strabismus (4.95%) in the total study cohort and also after age stratification.

Conclusion

Refractive error, allergic conjunctivitis, and strabismus are the major causes of ocular morbidity in pediatric eyes at a tertiary care center. Planning screening programs at the regional and national levels is crucial to decreasing the burden of eye disorders. These programs also need to have a suitable referral mechanism established and be smoothly connected to primary and secondary health-care centers. This will help to assure quality eye care delivery, while also reducing the strain of overworked tertiary centers.

Changing Trends In Electrical Burns From A Tertiary Care Centre - Epidemiology And Outcome Analysis

Electrical burn injuries result in significant mortality and morbidity. Most of these injuries are preventable. We conducted a retrospective analysis of various aspects of electrical injuries presenting to our center over a period of 1 year from September 2018 to August 2019. Demographic characteristics of patients along with burn characteristics and associated injuries were analysed. Outcomes including length of hospital stay, need for fasciotomy, amputation, renal failure and mortality were also analysed. A total of 6380 patients presented to our center during the study period, of which 471 (7.38%) had electrical burns. Total burn admissions were 1530, of which 283 (18.49%) patients were admitted with electrical burns. The mean age in our cohort was 25.31±12.76 years and mean TBSA was 29.22±23.81%. The most common cause of electrical burns was occupational (33.3%), followed by those that occurred on the rooftop of houses (31%). A historical comparison with data published from our center in 2011 showed a significant increase in occupational burns (18.72% vs. 33.3%) and rooftop electrical burns (8.21% vs. 31%), and a decrease in agriculture-related (42.46% vs. 9.1%) and domestic electrical burns (26.02% vs. 6.7%). There was also a significant rise in proportion of high voltage injuries (71.23% vs. 86.90%). Logistic regression analysis showed electric contact burn to be a risk factor for fasciotomy and limb gangrene. Risk factors for renal failure were age, percentage burn, electric contact burn and rural residence, and those for mortality were percentage burn and renal failure. Emphasis on preventive strategies, especially against occupational injuries and injuries occurring on rooftops, is necessary to prevent such devastating injuries.

An Overview of Analytical Methods for in Vitro Bioassay of Actinides

The bioassay of urine and fecal samples has been used since the 1940s to determine an individual's uptake of uranium and actinide elements such as americium and plutonium. Over the years, several analytical separation methods and techniques have been employed for these types of analyses. Analytical separations, ranging from solvent extraction and anion exchange to chromatography, and analytical techniques, ranging from autoradiography to kinetic phosphorescence to fission-track analysis and high-resolution solid-state alpha spectroscopy, have been used at one time or another. Over the last few decades, there have been significant advances in radiochemical separations, as well as an increased use of mass spectroscopy, to determine trace and ultratrace levels of actinides in urine and fecal samples. This review summarizes and discusses developments in radiochemical separation methods and advancements in analytical techniques for actinide bioassay since the early 1940s to the present, followed by a recent development and trend in the bioassay of actinides-particularly in urine and fecal samples.

A rapid method for the sequential separation of polonium, plutonium, americium and uranium in drinking water

A new sequential separation method for the determination of polonium and actinides (Pu, Am and U) in drinking water samples has been developed that can be used for emergency response or routine water analyses. For the first time, the application of TEVA chromatography column in the sequential separation of polonium and plutonium has been studied. This method utilizes a rapid Fe⁺³ co-precipitation step to remove matrix interferences, followed by plutonium oxidation state adjustment to Pu⁴⁺ and an incubation period of ~ 1 h at 50-60 °C to allow Po²⁺ to oxidize to Po⁴⁺. The polonium and plutonium were then separated on a TEVA column, while separation of americium from uranium was performed on a TRU column. After separation, polonium was micro-precipitated with copper sulfide (CuS), while actinides were micro co-precipitated using neodymium fluoride (NdF₃) for counting by the alpha spectrometry. The method is simple, robust and can be performed quickly with excellent removal of interferences, high chemical recovery and very good alpha peak resolution. The efficiency and reliability of the procedures were tested by using spiked samples. The effect of several transition metals (Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, and Ni²⁺) on the performance of this method were also assessed to evaluate the potential matrix effects. Studies indicate that presence of up to 25 mg of these cations in the samples had no adverse effect on the recovery or the resolution of polonium alpha peaks.

Plutonium in the atmosphere: A global perspective

A number of potential source terms have contributed plutonium isotopes to the atmosphere. The atmospheric nuclear weapon tests conducted between 1945 and 1980 and the re-entry of the burned SNAP-9A satellite in 1964, respectively. It is generally believed that current levels of plutonium in the stratosphere are negligible and compared with the levels generally found at surface-level air. In this study, the time trend analysis and long-term behavior of plutonium isotopes (^239+240Pu and ²³⁸Pu) in the atmosphere were assessed using historical data collected by various national and international monitoring networks since 1960s. An analysis of historical data indicates that ^239+240Pu concentration post-1984 is still frequently detectable, whereas ²³⁸Pu is detected infrequently. Furthermore, the seasonal and time-trend variation of plutonium concentration in surface air followed the stratospheric trends until the early 1980s. After the last Chinese test of 1980, the plutonium concentrations in surface air dropped to the current levels, suggesting that the observed concentrations post-1984 have not been under stratospheric control, but rather reflect the environmental processes such as resuspension. Recent plutonium atmospheric air concentrations data show that besides resuspension, other environmental processes such as global dust storms and biomass burning/wildfire also play an important role in redistributing plutonium in the atmosphere.

Kimura's Disease without Peripheral Eosinophilia: An Unusual and Challenging Case Simulating Venous Malformation on Imaging Studies-Case Report and Review of literature

Kimura's Disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder presenting as multiple painless solitary subcutaneous nodules, predominantly in the head and neck region and frequently associated with regional lymphadenopathy and/or salivary gland involvement. Because of painless nature and indolent course, there is usually a delay in the patient's presentation. KD may radiologically mimic other chronic inflammatory conditions like tuberculosis, vascular malformations and neoplasms. Clinical correlation and histological evaluation along with elevated peripheral eosinophil and serum IgE level are considered important for confirmatory diagnosis. We report a case of painless swelling over right submandibular region extending to the right superficial parotid. The haematological reports were within normal limits. Ultrasound (USG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) favoured a diagnosis of venous malformation. However, histopathological examination of excised lesion confirmed a diagnosis of KD. This case proves the possibility of the KD even in the absence of peripheral eosinophilia and/ or elevated serum IgE level, and may mimic venous malformation on imaging studies. Therefore, KD must find a place in the differentials of solitary painless neck swelling even in the absence of peripheral eosinophilia and/or elevated IgE level.

Sudden Onset, Rapidly Expansile, Cervical Cystic Hygroma in an Adult: A Rare Case with Unusual Presentation and Extensive Review of the Literature

Cystic hygroma (CH) is a benign infiltrative malformation of the lymphatic channels. We report a case of a 28-year-old Indian female who presented with rapidly enlarging right sided neck swelling over the posterior triangle since 5 days. Complete resection of CH is sometimes not amenable because of its infiltrative nature and involvement of surrounding vital structures. However, in our patient successful complete surgical resection was undertaken. The MRI findings of our patient were consistent with brachial cleft cyst; this posed a challenge in the diagnosis of CH. The histopathological analysis of the resected mass confirmed CH. CH is rare in adults and such an acute presentation is exceptionally atypical. History of prior trauma and infection are known etiological factors for adult CH; these were conspicuously absent in our patient. CH should be considered in the differentials of rapidly enlarging cystic swelling of posterior region of neck in adults. Optimal and timely management is necessary to achieve a favorable prognosis. Therefore, we report a case of rapidly enlarging cervical CH in an adult along with extensive literature review to have a better understanding regarding epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, optimal management, and prognosis of such a rare entity in adults.

A study on gender-related differences in laboratory characteristics of dengue fever

Studies have reported significant gender-related differences in serological tests for detection of NS1 antigen and IgM antibody used for diagnosing dengue fever. However, no such study has been undertaken in India though dengue fever is endemic in this country. Therefore, this study was planned to study the association of serological findings with gender in 700 patients suspected to be suffering from dengue fever in the Indian setting. Haematological parameters of seropositive patients were also studied. Seropositivity and haemorrhagic findings were significantly associated with the female gender. Positive NS1 antigen and IgM antibody results were significantly associated with females and males, respectively.

Source and long-term behavior of transuranic aerosols in the WIPP environment

Source and long-term behavior transuranic aerosols ((239+240)Pu, (238)Pu, and (241)Am) in the ambient air samples collected at and near the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) deep geologic repository site were investigated using historical data from an independent monitoring program conducted by the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center and an oversight monitoring program conducted by the management and operating contractor for WIPP at and near the facility. An analysis of historical data indicates frequent detections of (239+240)Pu and (241)Am, whereas (238)Pu is detected infrequently. Peaks in (239+240)Pu and (241)Am concentrations in ambient air generally occur from March to June timeframe, which is when strong and gusty winds in the area frequently give rise to blowing dust. Long-term measurements of plutonium isotopes (1985-2015) in the WIPP environment suggest that the resuspension of previously contaminated soils is likely the primary source of plutonium in the ambient air samples from WIPP and its vicinity. There is no evidence that WIPP is a source of environmental contamination that can be considered significant by any health-based standard.

The magnitude and relevance of the February 2014 radiation release from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant repository in New Mexico, USA

After almost fifteen years of successful waste disposal operations, the first unambiguous airborne radiation release from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) was detected beyond the site boundary on February 14, 2014. It was the first accident of its kind in the 15-year operating history of the WIPP. The accident released moderate levels of radioactivity into the underground air. A small but measurable amount of radioactivity also escaped to the surface through the ventilation system and was detected above ground. The dominant radionuclides released were americium and plutonium, in a ratio consistent with the known content of a breached drum. The radiation release was caused by a runaway chemical reaction inside a transuranic (TRU) waste drum which experienced a seal and lid failure, spewing radioactive materials into the repository. According to source-term estimation, approximately 2 to 10Ci of radioactivity was released from the breached drum into the underground, and an undetermined fraction of that source term became airborne, setting off an alarm and triggering the closure of seals designed to force exhausting air through a system of filters including high-efficiency-particulate-air (HEPA) filters. Air monitoring across the WIPP site intensified following the first reports of radiation detection underground to determine the extent of impact to WIPP personnel, the public, and the environment, if any. This article attempts to compile and interpret analytical data collected by an independent monitoring program conducted by the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center (CEMRC) and by a compliance-monitoring program conducted by the WIPP's management and operating contractor, the Nuclear Waste Partnership (NWP), LLC., in response to the accident. Both the independent and the WIPP monitoring efforts concluded that the levels detected were very low and localized, and no radiation-related health effects among local workers or the public would be expected.

Source term estimation and the isotopic ratio of radioactive material released from the WIPP repository in New Mexico, USA

After almost 15 years of operations, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) had one of its waste drums breach underground as a result of a runaway chemical reaction in the waste it contained. This incident occurred on February 14, 2014. Moderate levels of radioactivity were released into the underground air. A small portion of the contaminated underground air also escaped to the surface through the ventilation system and was detected approximately 1 km away from the facility. According to the source term estimation, the actual amount of radioactivity released from the WIPP site was less than 1.5 mCi. The highest activity detected on the surface was 115.2 μBq/m(3) for (241)Am and 10.2 μBq/m(3) for (239+240)Pu at a sampling station located 91 m away from the underground air exhaust point and 81.4 μBq/m(3) of (241)Am and 5.8 μBq/m(3) of (239+240)Pu at a monitoring station located approximately 1 km northwest of the WIPP facility. The dominant radionuclides released were americium and plutonium, in a ratio that matches the content of the breached drum. Air monitoring across the WIPP site intensified following the first reports of radiation detection underground to determine the extent of impact to WIPP personnel, the public, and the environment. In this paper, the early stage monitoring data collected by an independent monitoring program conducted by the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center (CEMRC) and an oversight monitoring program conducted by the WIPP's management and operating contractor, the Nuclear Waste Partnership (NWP) LLC were utilized to estimate the actual amount of radioactivity released from the WIPP underground. The Am and Pu isotope ratios were measured and used to support the hypothesis that the release came from one drum identified as having breached that represents a specific waste stream with this radionuclide ratio in its inventory. This failed drum underwent a heat and gas producing reaction that overpowered its vent and lifted its lid to allow release of waste into the underground air.

Environmental and health impacts of February 14, 2014 radiation release from the nation's only deep geologic nuclear waste repository

The environmental impact of the February 14, 2014 radiation release from the nation's only deep geologic nuclear waste repository, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) was assessed using monitoring data from an independent monitoring program conducted by the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center (CEMRC). After almost 15 years of safe and efficient operations, the WIPP had one of its waste drums rupture underground resulting in the release of moderate levels of radioactivity into the underground air. A small amount of radioactivity also escaped to the surface through the ventilation system and was detected above ground. It was the first unambiguous release from the WIPP repository. The dominant radionuclides released were americium and plutonium, in a ratio that matches the content of the breached drum. The accelerated air monitoring campaign, which began following the accident, indicates that releases were low and localized, and no radiation-related health effects among local workers or the public would be expected. The highest activity detected was 115.2 μBq/m(3) for (241)Am and 10.2 μBq/m(3) for (239+240)Pu at a sampling station located 91 m away from the underground air exhaust point and 81.4 μBq/m(3) of (241)Am and 5.8 μBq/m(3) of (239+240)Pu at a monitoring station located approximately one kilometer northwest of the WIPP facility. CEMRC's recent monitoring data show that the concentration levels of these radionuclides have returned to normal background levels and in many instances, are not even detectable, demonstrating no long-term environmental impacts of the recent radiation release event at the WIPP. This article presents an evaluation of almost one year of environmental monitoring data that informed the public that the levels of radiation that got out to the environment were very low and did not, and will not harm anyone or have any long-term environmental consequence. In terms of radiological risk at or in the vicinity of the WIPP site, the increased risk from the WIPP releases is exceedingly small, approaching zero.

Demonstration of CW mode locked Cr:forsterite laser using self-shortening and transverse mode degeneracy driven mode locking

This paper reports a nearly Fourier transform limited CW mode locked Cr:forsterite laser at 1282 nm, with 131 fs pulse duration, based on self-shortening and transverse mode degeneracy (TMD) driven mode locking, operating near the point of fourth-order TMD. The cavity employs a combination of instantaneous intensity driven self-shortening, and operation on the right side of the fourth-order TMD, to generate the self-amplitude modulation necessary for self-mode locking.

Radiation release at the nation's only operating deep geological repository--an independent monitoring perspective

Recent incidents at the nation's only operating deep geologic nuclear waste repository, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), resulted in the release of americium and plutonium from one or more defense-related transuranic (TRU) waste containers into the environment. WIPP is a U.S. Department of Energy mined geologic repository that has been in operation since March, 1999. Over 85,000 m3 of waste in various vented payload containers have been emplaced in the repository. The primary radionuclides within the disposed waste are 239+240Pu and 241Am, which account for more than 99% of the total TRU radioactivity disposed and scheduled for disposal in the repository. For the first time in its 15 years of operation, there was an airborne radiation release from the WIPP at approximately 11:30 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST) on Friday, February 14, 2014. The radiation release was likely caused by a chemical reaction inside a TRU waste drum that contained nitrate salts and organic sorbent materials. In a recent news release, DOE announced that photos taken of the waste underground showed evidence of heat and gas pressure resulting in a deformed lid, in material expelled through that deformation, and in melted plastic and rubber and polyethylene in the vicinity of that drum. Recent entries into underground Panel 7 have confirmed that at least one waste drum containing a nitrate salt bearing waste stream from Los Alamos National Laboratory was breached underground and was the most likely source of the release. Further investigation is underway to determine if other containers contributed to the release. Air monitoring across the WIPP site intensified following the first reports of radiation detection underground to ascertain whether or not there were releases to the ground surface. Independent analytical results of air filters from sampling stations on and near the WIPP facility have been released by us at the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center and confirmed trace amounts of 241Am and 239+240Pu, at ratios reflecting the suspect waste stream. The highest activity detected offsite was 115.2 μBq/m3 for 241Am and 10.2 μBq/m3 for 239+240 Pu. These concentrations in air were very small, localized, and below any level of public health or environmental concern.

An overview of Fukushima radionuclides measured in the northern hemisphere

The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011 resulted in the tragic accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and subsequently uncontrolled release of radioactive contaminants into the atmosphere. This review article attempts to compile and interpret data collected by various national and international monitoring networks in response to the Fukushima releases across the northern hemisphere. The majority of the releases occurred during the period March 12-22 with a maximum release phase from March 14-17, 2011. The radioactivity released was dominated by volatile fission products including isotopes of the noble gases (xenon and krypton), iodine, cesium, and tellurium. The radioactive gases and particles released in the accident were dispersed over the middle latitudes of the entire northern hemisphere and for the first time also measured in the southern Hemisphere. Isotopes of iodine and cesium were detected in air, water, milk and food samples collected across the entire northern hemisphere. Elevated levels of fission products were detected from March to May 2011 at many locations over the northern hemisphere. This article focuses on the most prevalent cesium and iodine isotopes, but other secondary isotopes are also discussed. Spatial and temporal patterns and differences are contrasted. The activity ratios of (131)I/(137)Cs and (134)Cs/(137)Cs measured at several locations are evaluated to gain an insight into the fuel burn-up, the inventory of radionuclides in the reactor and the isotopic signature of the accident. It is important to note that all of the radiation levels detected outside of Japan have been very low and are well below any level of public and environmental hazard.

Adatoms and clusters of 3d transition metals on graphene: electronic and magnetic configurations

We investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of single Fe, Co, and Ni atoms and clusters on monolayer graphene (MLG) on SiC(0001) by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), and ab initio calculations. STM reveals different adsorption sites for Ni and Co adatoms. XMCD proves Fe and Co adatoms to be paramagnetic and to exhibit an out-of-plane easy axis in agreement with theory. In contrast, we experimentally find a nonmagnetic ground state for Ni monomers while an increasing cluster size leads to sizeable magnetic moments. These observations are well reproduced by our calculations and reveal the importance of hybridization effects and intra-atomic charge transfer for the properties of adatoms and clusters on MLG.

Anti-inflammatory properties rather than anti-oxidant capability is the major mechanism of neuroprotection by sodium salicylate in a chronic rotenone model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder manifesting in motor, cognitive and behavioral anomalies. Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain is the hallmark feature of PD, which is attributed to oxidative and inflammatory stress besides other diverse factors and hence drugs targeting these pathways hold promise as neuro-therapeutics. The anti-oxidative as well as anti-inflammatory properties of sodium salicylate (SS), suggest its neuroprotective potentials in PD. Since PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, the mechanistic basis for utilizing SS as a neuroprotectant in PD could be better understood in the chronic models. The present study utilizes a rotenone-based model of PD to evaluate the neuro-modulatory efficacy of SS. Subcutaneous injection of rotenone (2mg/kg body weight) was given to male SD rats every day, for a period of 5 weeks, which developed all the essential features of PD in these animals. Simultaneously, another group was injected SS intraperitoneally at the dose of 100mg/kg body weight, in addition to the rotenone. In the animals receiving rotenone+SS, significant improvement was observed in the various characteristic hallmarks of PD such as dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase levels as well as the motor dysfunction symptoms. It attenuated the reactive oxygen species levels significantly but failed to reduce the levels of protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation. However, SS effectively abridged the levels of inflammatory mediators like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Correspondingly, a significant decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α was also observed following SS co-treatment. Thus, neuroprotective efficacy of SS in this chronic model of PD can be largely attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects rather than its free radical-scavenging properties.

Plutonium in the WIPP environment: its detection, distribution and behavior

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is the only operating deep underground geologic nuclear repository in the United States. It is located in southeastern New Mexico, approximately 655 m (2150 ft) below the surface of the Earth in a bedded Permian evaporite salt formation. This mined geologic repository is designed for the safe disposal of transuranic (TRU) wastes generated from the US defense program. Aerosol and soil samples have been collected near the WIPP site to investigate the sources of plutonium in the WIPP environment since the late 1990s, well before WIPP received its first shipment. Activities of (238)Pu, (239+240)Pu and (241)Am were determined by alpha spectrometry following a series of chemical separations. The concentrations of Al and U were determined in a separate set of samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The annual airborne concentrations of (239+240)Pu during the period from 1998 to 2010 show no systematic interannual variations. However, monthly (239+240)Pu particulate concentrations show a typical seasonal variation with a maximum in spring, the time when strong and gusty winds frequently give rise to blowing dust. Resuspension of soil particles containing weapons fallout is considered to be the predominant source of plutonium in the WIPP area. Further, this work characterizes the source, temporal variation and its distribution with depth in a soil profile to evaluate the importance of transport mechanisms affecting the fate of these radionuclides in the WIPP environment. The mean (137)Cs/(239+240)Pu, (241)Am/(239+240)Pu activity ratio and (240)Pu/(239)Pu atom ratio observed in the WIPP samples are consistent with the source being largely global fallout. There is no evidence of any release from the WIPP contributing to radionuclide concentrations in the environment.

BaVS3 probed by V L edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Polarization dependent vanadium L edge x-ray absorption spectra of BaVS(3) single crystals are measured in the four phases of the compound. The difference between signals with the polarizations E perpendicular to c and E is parallel to c (linear dichroism) changes with temperature. Besides increasing the intensity of one of the maxima, a new structure appears in the pre-edge region below the metal-insulator transition. More careful examination brings to light that the changes start already with pretransitional charge density wave fluctuations. Simple symmetry analysis suggests that the effect is related to rearrangements in the E(g) and A(1g) states, and is compatible with the formation of four inequivalent V-sites along the V-S chain.

Monitoring of gross alpha, gross beta and actinides activities in exhaust air released from the waste isolation pilot plant

The simultaneous measurements of gross alpha and beta activities is one of the simplest radioanalytical technique used as a method for screening samples of both high and low activities of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in environmental and bioassay samples. Such measurements are of great interest from both a radiological, waste disposal viewpoint, and to establish a trend of radioactivity based on long term monitoring. At the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) site, unfiltered exhaust air from the underground repository is the most important effluent. As part of its monitoring program, the particulates from WIPP exhaust air are collected everyday at a location typically called the Fixed Air Sampler (FAS) site or Station A, this site is located at the release point for aerosol effluents from the underground to the environment. The measurements of gross alpha and beta activity on air filter samples were performed using an ultra low level counter, PIC-MPC 9604-α/β, from Protean Instrument Corporation. The high sensitivity of the gross alpha and beta instrument enables detection of low value activity from the air filters. In 2009, the values of gross alpha and beta activity concentrations ranged from <MDC (≈0.1 mBq/m(3)) to 1.03 mBq/m(3) and <MDC (≈0.2 mBq/m(3)) to 15.8 mBq/m(3); the density varied from <MDC (≈0.9 Bq/g) to 63.5 Bq/g and <MDC (≈1.7 Bq/g) to 114 Bq/g.

Electronic and magnetic reconstructions in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures: a case of enhanced interlayer coupling controlled by the interface

We report on the magnetic coupling of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 layers through SrTiO3 spacers in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 epitaxial heterostructures. Combined aberration-corrected microscopy and electron-energy-loss spectroscopy evidence charge transfer to the empty conduction band of the titanate. Ti d electrons interact via superexchange with Mn, giving rise to a Ti magnetic moment as demonstrated by x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. This induced magnetic moment in the SrTiO3 controls the bulk magnetic and transport properties of the superlattices when the titanate layer thickness is below 1 nm.

Electronic structure studies of nanoferrite Cu(x)Co(1-x)Fe2O4 by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Pure and mixed cobalt copper ferrites are of great interest due to their widespread application in electronics and medicine. We report on the electronic structure of a nanoferrite Cu(x)Co(1-x)Fe2O4 (0.0 < or = x < or = 1.0) system studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These magnetic nanoferrites (average crystallite size approximately 31-43 nm) were synthesized by an auto combustion method and are characterized by high resolution X-ray diffraction and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements at the O K and Co, Cu, and Fe L-edges. The O K-edge spectra suggest that there is a strong hybridization between O 2p and 3d electrons of Co, Cu and Fe cations and Fe L3,2-edge spectra indicate that Fe ions coexist in mixed valence states (Fe3+ and Fe2+) at tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the spinel structure. Copper and cobalt ions are distributed in the divalent state in octahedral sites of the spinel structure. The origin of high saturation magnetization and coercivity in cobalt-copper ferrites are explained in light of these results.

Bi-substitution-induced magnetic moment distribution in spinel Bi(x)Co(2-x)MnO(4) multiferroic

We report the near-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS) at the Co/Mn L(3,2) edge and oxygen K edge of the well-characterized Bi-substituted Co(2)MnO(4) multiferroic samples. The evolution of peak features in NEXAFS spectra of the Co/Mn L(3,2) edge and O K edge show the Bi-induced redistribution of magnetic cations (Co/Mn). The variation in valence states of Co and Mn in all the substituted compositions is consistent with the observed ferrimagnetic behaviour of the samples. Magnetization data show the decrease in molecular field complementing the ferrimagnetism. The role of Bi in the enhancement of magnetic interactions as well as the appearance of ferroelectricity in Bi(x)Co(2-x)MnO(4) (0≤x≤0.3) is discussed.

Mixed-ligand chelate extraction of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) with thenoyltrifluroacetone and various imidazoles

The synergistic extraction of thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) has been studied using mixtures of thenoyltrifluoroacetone (Htta) and various imidazoles such as imidazole (Imz), 2-methylimidazole (2-Meimz), benzimidazole (Bimz) or 2-pyridylbenzimidazole (2-Pybimz). The extraction data have been analysed by both graphical and theoretical methods by taking into account chemical mass action principles. The results demonstrate that these metal ions are extracted into chloroform as Th(tta)4 and UO2(tta)2 with Htta alone and as Th(tta)4 · nS and UO2(tta)2 · nS in the presence of imidazoles (where n = 1 and 2 for thorium(IV) and n = 1 for uranium(VI); S represents imidazole). The equilibrium constants of the above extracted complexes have been deduced by non-linear regression analysis. The addition of an imidazole to the metal chelate system enhances the extraction efficiency of these metal ions. The complexation strength of these metal ions with various imidazoles follows the order: Imz > 2-Meimz > Bimz > 2-Pybimz.

Sorption of U(VI) species on hydroxyapatite

The sorption of uranyl (UO22+) cations to hydroxyapatite was studied as a function of the amount of sorbent, ionic strength, U(VI) concentration, pH and temperature. The rate of uranyl sorption on hydroxyapatite decreased with increased uranyl concentrations. The amount sorbed decreased with increased ionic strength and increased with pH to a maximum at 7–8. The sorption data for UO22+were fitted well by the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherms. The anions Cl−, NO3−, SO42-and CH3COO−decreased the sorption of uranium on hydroxyapatite while S2O32-slightly increased it. The sorbed uranium was desorbed by 0.10 M and 1.00 M solutions of HCl and HNO3.

The thermodynamic parameters for the sorption of UO22+were measured at temperatures of 298, 313, 323 and 333 K. The temperature dependence confirmed an endothermic heat of sorption. The activation energy for the sorption process was calculated to be +2.75±0.02 kJ/mol.

Np(V)O2 + sorption on hydroxyapatite-effect of calcium and phosphate anions

The sorption of NpO2 + from aqueous solution on hydroxyapatite was studied as a function of the amount of sorbent, initial NpO2 + concentration, ionic strength and pcH. The hydroxyapatite was characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, FT-IR and ICP-MS measurements. At ionic strengths of 0.10 to 5.00 M NaClO4, the sorption increased with increased pcH to a maximum between pcH 8−8.5, then decreased as the pcH increased.

The kinetics of NpO2 + sorption on hydroxyapatite followed Lagergren first order kinetics. The temperature dependence of sorption was small in the range of 273−283 K, but increased more sharply at higher temperatures of 298−333 K. The heat of sorption of NpO2 + was endothermic and the free energy values were exothermic indicating large, positive entropy. The activation energy for the sorption process was calculated to be 29.52±1.2 kJ/mole. The effect of calcium and phosphate on NpO2 + sorption was studied as a function of concentration and pcH.

Structural, magnetic and electronic structure studies of NdFe(1-x)Ni(x)O(3) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3)

We present here the structural, electronic structure, magnetic and Mössbauer studies of NdFe(1-x)Ni(x)O(3) (0≤x≤0.3) samples. All the samples exhibit a single-phase orthorhombic structure with space group Pbnm. The near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) studies reveal that, with the Ni substitution at Fe sites, a new spectral feature about 1.5 eV lower than the pre-edge structure of NdFeO(3) in the O K edge is observed due to the 3d contraction effect and is growing monotonically with the increase of Ni concentration. The Fe L(3,2), Ni L(3,2) and Nd M(5,4) edges confirm the trivalent state of Fe, Ni and Nd ions. The Mössbauer spectra fitted with two Zeeman sextets confirm the different surroundings of Ni around Fe ions. With the increase in Ni concentration, the sextets are broadened. The increase of quadrupole splitting and the decrease of the hyperfine field suggest the change in the ordered regime of the system. The magnetic behaviour at low temperatures is explained in the context of competition among moments of rare earth (Nd) and transition metal ions (Fe/Ni). The strong paramagnetic contribution of the Nd magnetic sublattice and spin flip phenomenon is observed from the temperature dependence of zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization where spin crossover is observed. The isothermal hysteresis loops show a decrease of magnetization and increase of coercivity with the increase in temperature and complements magnetization versus temperature. The results are explained on the basis of the spin reorientation phenomenon.

NEXAFS and XMCD studies of single-phase Co doped ZnO thin films

A study of the electronic structure and magnetic properties of Co doped ZnO thin films synthesized by ion implantation followed by swift heavy ion irradiation is presented using near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements. The spectral features of NEXAFS at the Co L(3,2)-edge show entirely different features than that of metallic Co clusters and other Co oxide phases. The atomic multiplet calculations are performed to determine the valence state, symmetry and the crystal field splitting, which show that in the present system Co is in the 2+ state and substituted at the Zn site in tetrahedral symmetry with 10Dq = -0.6 eV. The ferromagnetic character of these materials is confirmed through XMCD spectra. To rule out the possibilities of defect induced magnetism, the results are compared with Ar annealed and Ar-ion implanted pure ZnO thin films. The presented results confirm the substitution of Co at the Zn site in the ZnO matrix, which is responsible for room temperature ferromagnetism.