Identification of radiation treatment of wheat （Triticum aestivum. L）and rice （Oryza sativa. L） samples using thermoluminescence of contaminating minerals

Food irradiation is gaining popularity worldwide and this technology is important to improve quality and reduce the post harvest losses of food. Because of the rapid commercialization of irradiated foods throughout the world, compliance of different regulations relating to use of technology in different countries and demand of consumers for clear labelling of irradiated foods, there is need for the development of analytical methods to detect radiation treatment of food. Among several methods studied so far, thermoluminescence （TL） is an important method that can be used to find out the irradiation history of food that contain even a very minute amount of dust particles. In this study, the irradiated and unirradiated wheat and rice samples were analyzed using the TL method. The samples were purchased from the local market of Peshawar and irradiated to radiation doses of 0.5 and 1.0 kGy using Co-60 gamma irradiator at the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture （NIFA）, Peshawar. The mineral contaminants were isolated by jet water, ultrasonic treatment, and density gradient. TL glow curves of the isolated minerals from irradiated and unirradiated samples were recorded between the temperature ranges of 50-500℃ using a TL reader. Generally, the glow curves for irradiated samples showed much higher TL intensities （TL1） than the unirradiated samples. The results were normalized by rerradiation of mineral samples to gamma-ray dose of 1.0 kGy followed by determination of the second glow curves （TL2）. The ratio of the area of first glow curve to that of second glow curve （TL1/TL2） was calculated for selected temperature intervals and compared with the recommended values for unirradiated and irradiated samples. Finally, the shapes of the glow curves for irradiated and unirradiated samples were also analyzed. On the basis of these results （comparison of TL-intensities, TL1/TL2 ratios and shapes of the glow curves）, all the irradiated and unirradiated samples of wheat and rice were unequivocally identified.     

有效探测面积大于1000 cm2的正比计数器测量系统性能测试

为对自制的活性面积高达1 000 cm²的大面积源进行表面发射率定值,同时作为现有2πα、2πβ表面发射率标准装置能力的扩充,研制了一套内置式大面积2π多丝正比计数器测量系统,并利用活性区直径为8 mm的²⁴¹Am点源及活性区面积为10 cm×15 cm的大面积²⁴¹Am和⁹⁰Sr-⁹⁰Y源对其进行计量学性能测试。结果表明：计数器内计数响应均匀性优于±0.4%,有效探测面积达1 400 cm²;所得²⁴¹Am源高压坪曲线的坪长为1 400 V,坪斜为0.27%/100 V,坪区内计数变化为0.87%;⁹⁰Sr-⁹⁰Y源高压坪曲线的坪长为300 V,坪斜为0.75%/100 V,坪区内计数变化为0.80%;10次测量重复性好于0.4%,8 h内短期稳定性好于0.3%,1 a内长期稳定性好于0.8%。     

Preparation of Zn/TiO2 powder and its photocatalytic performance for oxidation of P-nitrophenol

Zn-doped TiO2 catalysts were prepared using a sol-gel method and characterized by XPS,UV-Vis, BET, XRD in this study. Under the irradiation of simulant sunlight, the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of p-nitrophenol was studied too. After irradiation for 2.5 h, the degradation percentage of p-nitrophenol could rise to more than 80 %. The results showed that the spectrum absorption band edge of Zn/TiO2 powder does not broaden obviously comparing with pure TiO2 powder. Zinc exists as Zn （11）. When calcined at 973 K, there is a new phase as ZnTiO3 in Zn/TiO2 catalyst. The order of photocatalytic activity of Zn/TiO2 catalysts calcined at different temperatures for p-nitrophenol is 773 K 〉 673 K 〉 873 K 〉 573 K 〉 973 K and the photocatalytic activity of Zn/TiO2 catalyst calcined at 773 K is better than TiO2 catalysts heated at the same temperature, and outclasses that of commercial TiO2 catalyst. It also showed that the photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol follows first-order kinetics under the irradiation of simulant sunlight.     

Current status of radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Radiotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer has been extensively explored in the past. Along with the comprehensive understanding of the biology of prostate cancer and rapid advances in terms of technology, the out- come of treatment for the patients with prostate cancer has improved. The authors review radiotherapy as the primary treatment for the disease, with particular emphasis on the technological advances from both the radiobiological and radiophysics aspects. Nonconventional fractionated irradiation like hyper- or hypo-fractionation has been imple- mented in the clinic, the final results still need to be confirmed in the future. Technological advances like IMRT, IGRT, in the last two decades have significantly improved the delivery of external radiotherapy to the prostate. This has re- sulted in an overall increase in the total dose that can be safely delivered to the prostate, which has led to modest im- provements in the biochemical outcome. However, establishing the standard therapy for prostate cancer remains con- troversial. It is hoped that the next decades will bring continued advances in the development of biologicals that will further improve current clinical outcomes.     

Interaction between uranium and humic acid (Ⅰ): Adsorption behaviors of U(Ⅵ) in soil humic acids

The adsorption behaviors of uranium on three soil humic acids (HAs), which were extracted from soils of different depths at the same site, were investigated under various experimental conditions. The adsorption results showed that U(Ⅵ) in solutions can be adsorbed by the three soil HAs, with the order of FHA (HA from 5 m depth of soil) ＞SHA (HA from the surface) ＞THA (HA from 10 m depth of soil) for adsorption efficiency in each desirable condition, and the adsorption reached equilibrium in about 240 min. Although the maximum adsorption efficiency was adsorption could be described with Langmiur isotherm or Freundlich isotherm equation. The L/S (liquid/solid, mL/g)ratio and pH were important factors influencing the adsorption in our adsorption system besides uranium concentration. The adsorption efficiency decreased with the increase of the L/S ratio and pH at the pH range of 2.0-3.0 for SHA and THA or 2.5 - 6.0 for FHA. However, no significant difference in adsorption of U(Ⅵ) was observed at the experimental temperature. All the results implied that humic substances have different characteristics in samples even collected at the same site.     

水平管内含空气蒸汽强制对流冷凝换热模型研究

为研究含空气蒸汽在水平管内强制对流冷凝换热特性,基于对传热传质过程的分析,建立了管内为环状流与波状流条件下的流动冷凝换热模型。从潜热、显热和液膜3个环节对整个换热过程进行建模,最终得到计算局部冷凝换热系数的理论关系式。模型预测结果与实验数据的对比表明,二者相对偏差在±20%以内,验证了该换热模型的准确性与适用性。通过进一步的研究发现：从换热管入口至出口,随着冷凝的进行,管内换热主要热阻由液膜热阻向气液界面的凝结热阻转变;主流气体对流换热过程基本可忽略。     

Information for authors

<正>1.NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES(NST),a bimonthly journal,is devoted to all aspects of nuclear science and technology,theoretical or experimental.Its special interest lies in the subjects of synchrotron radiation science and technology;low energy accelerators,radiation technology and applications;radiochemistry,radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine;nuclear electronics and instrumen-     

PLASMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUTHOR INDEX TO VOLUME 16(2014)

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Web Services interface of SSRF archive data analysis system

Accelerator database stores various static parameters and real-time data of accelerator. SSRF (Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility) adopts relational database to save the data. We developed a data retrieval system based on XML Web Services for accessing the archive data. It includes a bottom layer interface and an interface applicable for accelerator physics. Client samples exemplifying how to consume the interface are given. The users can browse, retrieve and plot data by the client samples. Also, we give a method to test its stability. The test result and performance are described.     

Investigations on landmine detection by BF3 detector

Experiments were carried out to investigate the possible use of neutron backscattering for the detection of polyethylene (PE) sample buried in the soil. In detection of landmine by neutrons, the neutron detector and its shield play an important role. In this paper, the effects of graphite, heavy water, polyethylene and boric acid moderators on the flux of back scattered neutrons were investigated. We have also experimentally verified the effect of BF3 detector shield and obtained good agreement with theory.     

Preparation and properties of 117m Sn(IV)-TTHMP in in-vitro and in small animals

In this work,TTHMP was synthesized and labelled with 117m Sn.The preparation conditions,stability and lipophilicity of 117m Sn(IV)-TTHMP were investigated.Biodistribution of the complex in rabbits and mice was studied.It was found that the quantity of TTHMP and pH value of the prepararion solution had vital effects on the labeling yield of 117m Sn(IV)-TTHMP.It was also found that 117m Sn(IV)-TTHMP was hydrophilic and stable at room temperature and 37℃ in open air 117m Sn(IV)-TTHMP showed unexpectedly high bone uptake and bone-to-blood ratio in the animals.This made it potentially useful as an reagent for skeletal scintigraphy and radiotherapy of bone tumors.     

Assessment of radioactivity levels in some oil samples from the western desert, Egypt

Distributions of natural gamma-emitting radionuclides were determined in 93 oil samples collected from some petroleum fields in the western desert of Egypt. The radioisotope activities in the area under investigation lay in the range of (21 ± 4) to (38 ± 13) Bq?L-1 for 226Ra, (9 ± 2) to (15 ± 5) Bq?L-1 for 232Th, and (154 ± 28) to (303 ± 54) Bq?L-1 for 40K. The mean values were 27, 12, and 201 Bq?L-1, respectively. Among oils, variations in radionuclide ac- tivities could be on account of differences in TDS, HCO3, and Ba, with high or low pH. In this environment, oil prop- erties differently affected the mobilization of natural radionuclides. The range of 226Ra variation had been compared with available data from other countries. The calculated absorbed dose rate ranged from 22.33 to 32.66 nGy?h-1 in lo- cation (B) and (E) respectively, which was less than the accepted value.     

The preclinical pharmacological study of dopamine transporter imaging agent 18F-FP-β-CIT

The paper is to study pharmacologic characteristics of 18F-FP-β-CIT (18F-N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2β- carbomethoxy-3β- (4-iodophenyl)nortropane) as an imaging agent for dopamine transporter. The radiochemical purity of 18F-FP-β-CIT in aqueous solution was over 95% after standing at room temperature for 4h. Biodistribution displayed rapid uptake in rat brain (1.375 %ID/organ at 5min and 0.100 %ID/organ at 180 min) and the striatal uptake was 1.444,0.731, 0.397, 0.230 and 0.146 %ID/g at 5, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min, respectively. The values of striatum/cerebellum,striatum/frontal cortex and striatum / hippocampus in rat's brain at 30 min were 3.38, 2.17 and 2.40 respectively. The uptake in striatum can be blocked by β-CFT, suggesting that 18F-FP-β-CIT binds to DAT peculiarly. The compound was rapidly cleared from monkey's blood. The striatal uptake was bilaterally decreased in the left-sided lesioned PD rats, compared with normal control. Brain PET imaging studies in normal monkey showed that 18F-FP-β-CIT was concentrated in striatum. The test of undue toxicity showed that the dose received by mice was 1250 times as by human, which indicates that 18F-FP-β-CIT is very safe. So 18F-FP-β-CIT is a promising PET imaging agent for DAT with safety and validity.     

The role of AGFA high-energy CR in the calibration and quality control of multileaf collimators （MLC）

Linear accelerators equipped with multileaf collimators （MLC） are becoming more common and are widely used in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy （IMRT）. There is an imperative need to ensure the commissioning specification of the linear accelerators for the sake of quality assurance （QA） and quality control （QC）. This paper is aimed to investigate the role of AGFA high-energy CR （Computed Radiography） in calibrating dynamic multileaf collimators and evaluating the accuracy of the leaf position. The result shows that AGFA high-energy CR can easily and conveniently be used to calibrate MLC and verify its position. Hence, the application of AGFA high-energy CR is proved to be an accurate and time-saving method for routine MLC QC, especially when MLC calibration adjustments are required.     

Recommendations on legislative and regulatory framework and regulatory body of nuclear security in China

This paper describes the definition of nuclear security that has been changing from the cold war age to the post-911 period, and clarifies the close relationship and yet a clear distinction between nuclear security, nuclear safety and nuclear safeguard. Based on analyses of the current state of nuclear security activities in China as well as the requirements and the law infrastructure, a legislative and regulatory framework of nuclear security and the mandate of a regulatory body in China are recommended.     

PLASMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUTHOR INDEX TO VOLUME 16(2014)

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Characteristics of pulsed photo-stimulated luminescence and thermoluminescence for the identification of gamma irradiated poultry eggs

Pulsed photo-stimulated luminescence (PPSL) is a simple screening method that can be employed qualitatively at the spot for the detection of eggs treated with ionizing radiation.Due to the variations in the results during storage,the eggs of ostrich,duck,hen,and quail were irradiated to doses of 0,1,2,and 3 kGy.Most of the samples were incorrectly identified during storage after four months of irradiation.Thermoluminescence (TL) technique was also tried by using egg shells in order to confirm the irradiation treatment in eggs.TL glow curves were recorded between the temperatures 50℃to 400℃at the rate of 5°/s for all the control and irradiated samples.On the basis of integrated areas of first glow curves (TL1),the glow curve ratios (TL1/TL2) and the shapes of maxima of TL1, the irradiation treatment of all the eggs was confirmed.Furthermore,the presence of calcite and aragonite minerals that cause the TL signal in the egg shells were studied using X-ray diffraction spectrometry.     

Radioactivity levels in soil of salt field area,Kelambakkam,Tamilnadu,India

Soil samples in and around salt field area have been analyzed for natural radioactivity concentration using gamma ray spectrometer.The activity concentration for ~(232)Th,~(238)U and ~(40)K are ranged from 27.88 to 45.27 Bq/kg, from BDL to 13.30 Bq/kg,and from 135.54 to 381.28 Bq/kg,respectively.The measured activity concentrations for these radionuclides were compared with world average activity of soil.The average activity concentration of ~(232)Th in the present study is 1.19 times higher than world median value while the activity of ~(238)U and ~(40)K is found to be lower. The absorbed dose rates due to these radionuclides were calculated.The average absorbed gamma dose rate due to the presence of ~(232)Th,~(238)U and ~(40)K in soil samples is 36.99 nGy·h~(-1).These results indicate no radiological anomaly. The data presented in this study will serve as a base line survey for primordial radionuclides concentration in the study area.     

微型X射线管空气比释动能和能谱的测量

为研究微型X射线管的特性,通过电离室测量光管出射口30 cm远处的空气比释动能,使用高纯锗探测器分别测量了Ag过滤和Cu过滤下的X射线能谱。结果表明,空气比释动能随电流的增加有线性增加的趋势,能谱图明显的观察到银的两个特征X射线。完成了微型X射线管空气比释动能和能谱的测量方法以及实验测量的工作,为微型x射线管下辐射质的建立提够了条件基础。     

Comparison of Investment and Related Requirements for Selected Hydrogen Vehicle System Pathways

A model was developed for production, transmission, delivery, and consumption of hydrogen for large-scale systems ultimately providing shaft-work for hydrogen-based vehicles. (See Glossary, after References). Presently, the supply technologies are limited to solar photovoltaic, wind, nuclear, and nuclear thermochemical sources. Transmission technologies include electric power, hydrogen pipeline, and liquid hydrocarbon pipeline. Delivery technologies include both liquid and gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrocarbon. Storage modes were selected as appropriate for the pathway transmission and delivery modes. Finally, consumption technologies are fuel-cell based, with and without a fuel processor (reformer). Overall, there were 39 separate pathways in this initial analysis. Subsystem efficiencies, capital costs, and capacity factors were derived from a literature search and supported by calculations where necessary. Overall systems efficiency, system peak power capital costs, and systems average power capital costs were calculated to indicate the potential capital investment requirements. The model was exercised to assess the capital cost (and related aspects) requirements to provide the equivalent automobile shaftwork of eleven million barrels of oil per day by the year 2040 (the Administration's objective). These costs range from $650 billion to $11.7 trillion and primarily depend on the selected energy source. The results reveal that nuclear thermochemical systems based on liquid hydrocarbon transmission and delivery lie at the low-cost end of the range, followed by nuclear or wind electric, then nuclear or wind hydrogen pipeline, and finally by solar electric and solar hydrogen pipeline. It is noted that thermochemical systems based on liquid hydrocarbons was the least-cost option for all of the energy sources. One vehicle storage technology, chemical hydride, was determined to be too costly to be included for later analysis. The results were compared against what might be expected of fusion energy. It was found that fusion hydrogen plant capital costs did not compete with Nuclear or Wind (but did with current Solar Photovoltaics) unless fusion plants were very large. The model is planned to be expanded to include coal-based hydrogen production (with CO₂ sequestration) and extended to calculate the total cost of energy delivered to the wheels.