This document gives an overview of the proposed MSc study. The main goal of the study is to model the cases listed in the code benchmark study of the International Atomic Energy Agency CRP–6 fuel performance study (Verfondern & Lee, 2005). The platform that will be employed is the GETTER code (Keshaw & van der Merwe, 2006). GETTER was used at PBMR for the release calculations of metallic and some non–metallic long–lived fission products. GETTER calculates the transport of fission products from their point of fission to release from the fuel surface taking into account gas precursors and activation products. Results show that for certain experiments the codes correspond very well with the experimental data whilst in others there are orders of magnitude differences. It can be seen that very similar behaviour is observed in all codes. Improvements are needed in updating the strontium diffusion coefficient and in understanding, on a deeper level, the transport of silver in TRISO particles and how it deviates from simple diffusion models. / Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Ce document présente la mesure de rendements isotopiques issus de la fission de l'U238 obtenus suite à l'expérience SOFIA réalisée au GSI à Darmstadt (août 2012). Cette expérience novatrice utilise la technique de la cinématique inverse relativiste, qui présente plusieurs avantages : les fragments de fissions sont focalisés vers l'avant dans un cône de faible ouverture angulaire (grande efficacité géométrique), et possèdent un état de charge nul ce qui facilite considérablement la mesure des rendements élémentaires. Le dispositif SOFIA se compose tout d'abord d'une cible active, dans laquelle a lieu la fission par excitation coulombienne et d'une chambre d'ionisation qui permet à la fois la mesure de la charge nucléaire et de l'angle horizontal des deux fragments en coïncidence. La mesure des masses est faite en déterminant le rayon de courbure des fragments, déviés par un puissant aimant (ALADIN), grâce à deux détecteurs de positions (MWPC), et par une mesure de temps de vol, qui nécessite une résolution extrême d'environ 40 ps FWHM pour que la séparation des isotopes lourds voisins soit acceptable. L'analyse des données montre que les objectifs initiaux ont étés remplis, puisque la séparation isotopique est atteinte sur toute la gamme des fragments de fission. Un effet pair-impair significatif est observé dans les rendements en charge, dont le spectre présente, comme attendu, une valeur moyenne pour la charge lourde très proche de Z = 54. L'effet pair-impair neutron présente, étonnamment, une amplitude et une forme très similaire à celle mesurée sur des fissions en neutrons thermiques. Le rapport pic/vallée des distributions en masses indiquent que l'énergie d'excitation est proche des 14 MeV attendus. Enfin, nos mesures sont très souvent comparées au code GEF qui donne des résultats toujours très proches des nôtres.

This document gives an overview of the proposed MSc study. The main goal of the study is to model the cases listed in the code benchmark study of the International Atomic Energy Agency CRP–6 fuel performance study (Verfondern & Lee, 2005). The platform that will be employed is the GETTER code (Keshaw & van der Merwe, 2006). GETTER was used at PBMR for the release calculations of metallic and some non–metallic long–lived fission products. GETTER calculates the transport of fission products from their point of fission to release from the fuel surface taking into account gas precursors and activation products. Results show that for certain experiments the codes correspond very well with the experimental data whilst in others there are orders of magnitude differences. It can be seen that very similar behaviour is observed in all codes. Improvements are needed in updating the strontium diffusion coefficient and in understanding, on a deeper level, the transport of silver in TRISO particles and how it deviates from simple diffusion models. / Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Cytoplasmic dynein is a ubiquitous minus-end directed motor protein that is essential for a variety of cellular processes ranging from cargo transport to spindle and chromosome positioning. Specifically, in fission yeast during meiotic prophase, the fused nucleus follows the spindle pole body in oscillatory movements from one cell pole to the other. The three molecular players that are essential to this process are: (i) the motor protein dynein, which powers the movement of the nucleus, (ii) microtubules, which provide the tracts for the movement and (iii) Num1, the anchor protein of dynein at the cortex. Dyneins that are localized to the anchor protein at the cortex and simultaneously bound to the microtubule emanating from the spindle pole body, pull on that microtubule leading to the movement of the nucleus. The spindle pole body, by virtue of its movement establishes a leading and a trailing side. Previous work by Vogel et al. has elucidated the mechanism of these oscillations as that of asymmetric distribution of dynein between the leading and trailing sides. This differential distribution is a result of the load-dependent detachment of dynein preferentially from the trailing microtubules. This self-organization model for dynein, however, requires a continuous redistribution of dynein from the trailing to the leading side. In addition, dyneins need to be bound to the anchor protein to be able to produce force on the microtubules. Anchored dyneins are responsible for many other important processes in the cell such as spindle alignment and orientation, spindle separation and rotation. So we set out to elucidate the mechanism of redistribution of dynein as well as the targeting mechanism of dynein from the cytoplasm to cortical anchoring sites where they can produce pulling force on microtubules. By employing single-molecule observation using highly inclined laminated optical sheet (HILO) microscopy and tracking of fluorescently-tagged dyneins using a custom software, we were able to show that dyneins redistributed in the cytoplasm of fission yeast by simple diffusion. We also observed that dynein bound first to the microtubule and not directly to the anchor protein Num1. In addition, we were able to capture unbinding events of single dyneins from the microtubule to the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, dynein bound to the microtubule exhibited diffusive behaviour. The switch from diffusive to directed movement required to power nuclear oscillations occurred when dynein bound to its cortical anchor Num1. In summary, dynein employs a two-step targeting mechanism from the cytoplasm to the cortical anchoring sites, with the attachment to the microtubule acting as the intermediate step.

Uranium-zirconium alloy nuclear fuels have many advantages as compared with ceramic fuels, especially for fast reactor systems. However, metallic fuels aren’t currently used in commercial power production due in part to issues with fuel swelling during irradiation. A major contributor to this expansion issue, the formation of fission gasses into bubbles, is examined here. Methods to evaluate evolution of fission gas bubbles within a U-Zr alloy are discussed and refined. Specifically, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for viewing bubbles within the interior of the alloy is investigated. One constraint on the use of the TEM is the lack of literature pertaining to what thinning techniques are successful for U-10Zr alloy. Both initial and final thinning techniques were investigated. After thinning was complete, the specimens were viewed via TEM to determine their suitability. In addition, samples of U-Zr alloy were irradiated with gas atoms in an accelerator to simulate bubble initiation and formation and viewed via TEM. Only preliminary investigations were completed. Evaluated electrolyte solutions included one part phosphoric acid to two parts sulfuric acid and two parts water (A), one part phosphoric acid to one part ethanol and one part glycerol (B), one part hydrochloric acid to one part water (C), two parts methanol to 13 parts phosphoric acid (D), and one part perchloric acid to nine parts acetic acid (G). Positive responses were received from the solutions A, C, and G which generated electron transparent areas with few to no process induced artifacts. TEM trials with each electrolyte were performed on un-irradiated U-10Zr alloy. These trials indicated that the polishing methods would work but are not yet optimal. In addition, U-10Zr alloy was irradiated and viewed in the TEM where those polished with electrolyte A consistently included the presence of large circular features that could indicate bubbles or voids. The foundation was laid for further study to be done on this topic through the use of electropolishing solutions as final thinning techniques. Additional work that is recommended includes: electropolishing parameter refinement; implantation of heavier gas atoms or at elevated temperatures; annealing of the implanted alloy; and computer modeling of resulting first principles phenomena.

A hybrid Quasi-diffusion/Monte Carlo Method for solving multigroup criticality problems in slab geometry was investigated. Analog Monte Carlo was used to calculate functionals (Eddington Factors) that were then used in solution of the quasi-diffusion equations. The hybrid method was shown to accurately and precisely predict the k-eigenvalue and fission source distribution for loosely coupled problems with high dominance ratios and significant spatial gradients. The hybrid method was also shown to be computationally more efficient than analog Monte Carlo. / Graduation date: 2012

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1998. / Vita. Abstract. Author's abstract: Adapting Thomas P. Hughes's "large technological systems" thesis, I focus on the technical, social, political, and human problems that nuclear weapons scientists faced while pursuing the thermonuclear project, demonstrating why the early American thermonuclear bomb project was an immensely complicated scientific and technological undertaking. I concentrate mainly on Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory's Theoretical, or T, Division, and its members' attempts to complete an accurate mathematical treatment of the "Super"--The most difficult problem in physics in the postwar period -- and other fusion weapon theories. Although tackling a theoretical problem, theoreticians had to address technical and engineering issues as well. I demonstrate the relative value and importance of H-bomb research over time in the postwar era to scientific, politician, and military participants in this project. I analyze how and when participants in the H-bomb project recognized both blatant and subtle problems facing the project, how scientists solved them, and the relationship this process had to official nuclear weapons policies. Consequently, I show how the practice of nuclear weapons science in the postwar period became an extremely complex, technologically-based endeavor. "LA-13577-T thesis, issued July 1999." Includes bibliographical references. Also available online via Internet.

Η χρήση της βιοπληροφορικής σε βιολογικά δεδομένα υψηλής απόδοσης είναι μια πολλά υποσχόμενη προσέγγιση για τη δημιουργία νέα γνώσης. Στην παρούσα εργασία αναλύεται ένα σύνολο δεδομένων που αφορά στα σημεία έναρξης της αντιγραφής (αφετηρίες) στο ζυμομύκητα Schizosaccharomyces pombe, όπως αναγνωρίστηκαν από πειράματα μικροσυστοιχιών που κάλυπταν όλο το μήκος του γονιδιώματος του οργανισμού (full genome). Οι αντιγραφή ξεκινάει από μεγάλο αριθμό αφετηριών οι οποίες βρίσκονται διάσπαρτες σε όλο το γονιδίωμα και μέχρι τώρα οι περισσότερες μελέτες των χαρακτηριστικών των αφετηρίων είχαν πραγματοποιηθεί για περιορισμένο αριθμό αυτών. Στην εργασία αυτή αναλύονται για πρώτη φορά τα χαρακτηριστικά του συνόλου των αφετηριών του S. pombe με σκοπό να διαπιστωθεί ποια χαρακτηριστικά καθορίζουν πότε μια περιοχή του γονιδιώματος μπορεί να δράσει ως αφετηρία αντιγραφής. Από την ανάλυση αυτή προκύπτει ότι: 1. Οι αφετηρίες έχουν υψηλότερο μέγιστο περιεχόμενο ΑΤ από άλλες γονιδιωματικές περιοχές. 2. Οι αφετηρίες εντοπίζονται κατά προτίμηση σε μεγάλες διαγονιδιακές περιοχές ανάμεσα σε αποκλίνουσες μεταγραφικές μονάδες. 3. Η ασυμμετρία κατανομής Α και Τ ενδέχεται να αποτελεί δείκτη των αφετηριών. 4. Η απόδοση έχει συσχέτιση με το περιεχόμενο ΑΤ. / Use of Bioinformatics in high-throughput biological data is a promising approach for creation of new knowledge. In this work we analyze a dataset that concerns origins of DNA replication initiation in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, that were identified through full genome microarray experiments. DNA replication starts from a large number of origins that span the entire genome and until recently most studies of origins of replication have been carried out only for a limited number of them. Here we analyze for the first time the properties of the entire dataset of origins of replication in S. pombe in order to find out which specific properties define which genomic location can function as an origin of replication. From this analysis we found that: 1. Origins of replication have higher maximum AT (adenine-thymine) content than other genomic locations. 2. Origins of replication are found preferentially in large genomic locations between divergent transcriptional units. 3. AT asymmetry might be a marker of origins of replication. 4. The origin of replication firing efficiency is correlated with AT content.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-03-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:09:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 dias_anc_me_bauru.pdf: 2102099 bytes, checksum: c87f30b921deee7455e35f863d670a62 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Neste trabalho são apresentadas as idades obtidas em 32 amostras de zircão e 4 de apatita coletadas em cinco formações geológicas pertencentes ao Grupo Bauru, localizado ao norte da Bacia do Paraná através do Método de Traços de Fissão (MTF). As médias das idades encontradas nas formações de Presidente Prudente, Santo Anastácio, Caiuá, Vale do Rio do Peixe e Rio Paraná são: (703 ± 70) Ma, (509 ± 58) Ma, (854 ± 58) Ma, (493 ± 28) Ma e (448 ± 16) Ma, respectivamente. A análise destas idades indica que apesar das amostras terem recebido detritos com grãos de zircão com idades no intervalo de 70 milhões de anos até 1,8 bilhões de anos, estas formações são independentes. As medidas da redução relativa (L/L0) dos comprimentos de traços confinados, denominado na literatura como annealing, nas amostras mais profundas nas formações de Presidente Prudente e Santo Anastácio podem estar indicando hidrotermalismo nestas áreas. Cabe destacar que as amostras de zircão ZMAC27, ZUB29 e ZCOB31 da Formação Presidente Prudente apresentam um annealing de até 15%, o que pode estar indicando um hidrotermalismo acentuado, ou seja, esta amostra teria registrado temperaturas da ordem de 220 oC durante alguns milhões de anos. Segundo a literatura, os resultados e as interpretações feitas são geologicamente compatíveis com a região estudada. Para obter os resultados mencionados o Método de Traços de Fissão, MTF, em zircão foi implementado no Laboratório de Microscopia Óptica do DFQB, FCT/UNESP, Presidente Prudente. Também foram realizados alguns estudos teóricos e experimentais usando espalhamento micro-Raman e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, MEV, com a finalidade de aprimorar o MTF em zircão. Estes estudos experimentais se referem a: i) anisotropia do ataque químico no zircão... / Fission tracks ages obtained in 32 zircon and 4 apatite samples collected in five geological formations belonging to the Grupo Bauru, located at north of Paraná Basin, Brazil, are presented. These formations are Presidente Prudente, Santo Anastácio, Caiuá, Vale do Rio do Peixe and Rio Paraná where the ages averages are: (703 ± 70) Ma, (509 ± 58) Ma, (854 ± 58) Ma, (493 ± 28) Ma and (448 ± 16) Ma, respectively. The analysis of these ages indicates that in spite of the samples they have received detritus with zircon grains with ages in the interval of 70 million years up to 1,8 billion years, these formations are independent. The relative reduction (L/L0) of confined tracks, denominated in the literature as annealing, in the deepest samples in Presidente Prudente and Santo Anastácio formations can be indicating hydrothermalism in these areas. The zircon samples ZMAC27, ZUB29 and ZCOB31 of the Presidente Prudente formation presents an average annealing of ~15%. That is, these samples could have registered temperatures around 220 oC during some millions years. According to the literature, the results and the interpretations are geologicaly compatible with the studied area. To obtain these results the Fission Track Method, MTF, in zircon was implemented in the Laboratory of Optical Microscopy of DFQB, FCT/UNESP, P Prudente. Some experimental and theoretical studies also were accomplished using micro-Raman and SEM techniques. These experimental studies are: i) etch anisotropy in zircon grains and a natural monocrystal, ii) the damage of crystalline structure in the C-axis of the zircon in function of etch time and iii) an alternative methodology to avoid the use of the nuclear reactor in zircon FTM. These studies did with that the fission tracks ages results acquire larger accuracy doing with that geological interpretations becomes including of the scientific point of view.

O objetivo dessa dissertação foi analisar a influência de possíveis reações de fusão nuclear quando elementos leves, definidos como alvos são adicionados ao combustível nuclear. A energia cinética dos produtos de fissão, na concepção desse estudo, é utilizada para vencer a repulsão elétrica entre os núcleos. Para esse trabalho foram considerados a adição de hidrogênio, deutério, lítio e berílio em fração mássica de 0,30. A escolha desses elementos foi realizada através da análise da energia de ligação, do número atômico e das seções de choque experimentais de fusão. A avaliação da fusão nuclear foi realizada via principio da incerteza, pois não há um modelo que pudesse cobrir um grande número de reações possíveis. A probabilidade de reação foi aproximada como uma função da probabilidade de um produto de fissão encontrar determinado elemento leve. Adicionalmente foram calculados os tempos de freamento eletrônico para os produtos de fissão com isso verificou-se que a escala de freamento não representa limitação para a fusão. A principal alteração, devido à adição dos alvos, foi na distribuição dos tempos de meia vida dos produtos de fissão, na direção de maiores tempos. A alteração nessa grandeza indica que é possível reduzir a atividade média do rejeito nuclear, em especial o de alto nível de radioatividade, tornando sua manipulação mais segura. Os alvos de hidrogênio e lítio apresentaram os melhores resultados para o aumento do tempo de meia vida médio dos produtos de fissão, conseguindo altera-la em média duas ordens de grandeza. Outras alterações, que não foram alvo desse estudo, são esperadas devido à inserção desses alvos, como por exemplo, na cinética. / The objective of this dissertation was to analyze the influence of possible nuclear fusion reactions when light elements, defined as targets are added to the nuclear fuel. The kinetic energy of the fission products, in the conception of this study, is used to overcome the electrical repulsion between the nuclei. For this work were considered the addition of hydrogen, deuterium, lithium and beryllium in mass fraction of 0.30. The choice of these elements was performed by analyzing the binding energy, the atomic number and experimental fusion cross sections. The assessment of fusion was performed via the uncertainty principle, since there is no model that could cover a large number of possible reactions. The probability of reaction was approximated as a function of the probability of fission product find a particular light element. Additionally times were calculated for the electronic stopping fission products where was found that scale of stopping does not impose limits on fusion. The main change due to the addition of the targets was the distribution of halflives of the fission products, towards longer times. The change in this magnitude indicates that it is possible to reduce the average activity of the nuclear waste, in particular the high level of radioactivity, making handling safer. The targets of hydrogen and lithium showed the best results for increasing the half-life of the average fission products, managing change a on the average of two orders of magnitude. Other modifications, which were not discussed in this study, are expected due to the insertion of these targets, e.g. kinetics.