Abstract:
A solution which increases the efficiency of radon extraction from either dry or moist charcoal samples is disclosed. The addition of low molecular weight organic solvents such as methanol or ethanol to liquid scintillation counting solution increases radon extraction from 20-500% over known counting solutions. The increased efficiency appears to occur from increased penetration of the charcoal by the low molecular weight solvent which dissolves the radon gas and the subsequent diffusion of the low molecular weight solvent out of the charcoal and into the liquid scintillation counting solution.
Abstract:
A radiation shield suitable for preventing radiation and radioisotopes from reaching or contacting a person using a vessel containing a radioactive solution. The shield includes a radiopaque container having a top and a bottom opening, and a means for supporting the vessel within the container. The container reduces emission of radiation through the sides of the vessel.
Abstract:
A method of and apparatus for measuring radon concentration in air involving the provision of a detector containing a passive adsorbent of radon and a desiccant. The desiccant can selectively retain an amount of water weighing from about 25% to about 50% of the weight of the adsorbent. The detector is exposed to a finite air space to be measured for a predetermined time period. The radon is liberated from the passive adsorbent so that the alpha particles and beta particles, which are the signature of radon radioactivity, are counted by liquid scintillation technique.
Abstract:
A method for isolating a mutant microorganism is described. The method comprises the steps of: (a) separately microencapsulating in a semi-permeable membrane each or a small number of microorganisms from a microorganism population containing said mutant; (b) growing said microencapsulated microorganisms including treating to induce a detectable difference between microcapsules containing mutant microorganisms and those containing non-mutant microorganisms; and (c) separating said microcapsules containing mutant microorganisms from those containing non-mutant microorganisms based on said difference.
Abstract:
Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to the field of rheologically modified fuels, including hydrocarbon, hydrophobic, and/or liquid fuels such as alkane-based odorless mineral spirits, paraffin oil and biofuels such as mono-alkyl esters of medium to long chain (C8-C18) fatty acids, that have been thickened or gelled, e.g., by precipitation of fatty acid monoglycerides such as glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl monopalmitate. A thickened fire lighting fuel composition is described in some embodiments which includes a hydrocarbon- or alkyl ester-based hydrophobic liquid fuel, and an effective amount of at least one saturated fatty acid monoglyceride. The monoglyceride may be thermo-precipitated in certain instances in the fuel composition causing a substantial increase in the viscosity of the fuel composition.
Abstract:
An omega-3 fatty acid supplementation fat blend includes one part by weight of an omega-3 enriching oil containing EPA and/or DHA fatty acids that has been combined and diluted with at least one-half part by weight of a low linoleic acid content oxidatively stabilizing saturated fat. The omega-3 supplementation fat blend is incorporated into stabilized aqueous suspensions including beverages and foods.
Abstract:
Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to the field of rheologically modified fuels, including hydrocarbon, hydrophobic, and/or liquid fuels such as alkane-based odorless mineral spirits, paraffin oil and biofuels such as mono-alkyl esters of medium to long chain (C8-C18) fatty acids, that have been thickened or gelled, e.g., by precipitation of fatty acid monoglycerides such as glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl monopalmitate. A thickened fire lighting fuel composition is described in some embodiments which includes a hydrocarbon- or alkyl ester-based hydrophobic liquid fuel, and an effective amount of at least one saturated fatty acid monoglyceride. The monoglyceride may be thermo-precipitated in certain instances in the fuel composition causing a substantial increase in the viscosity of the fuel composition.
Abstract:
A thermoplastic laboratory beaker that holds liquid in a reservoir portion of the beaker, in which the beaker includes a first upright, generally circular, outer sidewall and a second inner sidewall which are united at their upper limit height to form a lip edge or lip surface. The two sidewalls typically diverge from each other below the lip surface to create an air space between them. The outer sidewall extends downward a first distance D1 below the lip surface, and then usually bends outward to form a substantially planar supporting flange that at least partially supports the weight of said beaker on a laboratory surface. The inner sidewall extends downward a second distance D2 from the lip surface, and then bends inward to form a bottom wall for the reservoir portion that intersects the central vertical axis of said beaker, in which the inner sidewall and the bottom wall form the reservoir portion for holding a liquid.
Abstract:
A method for disposing of liquid aqueous laboratory waste is described, which involves solidifying the liquid waste with a suitable isovolumic, space-filling superabsorbent polymer within a disposable impermeable film-type container held in an open top, reusable rigid outer container such as a laboratory beaker, and closing and removing the disposable container containing the solidified waste from the rigid outer container. The waste held in the film-type container can be finally disposed of through incineration or deposit in a suitable landfill.
Abstract:
A fat-containing processed food composition is described that is suitable for human consumption, and that contains exogenously added microparticles of phenolic antioxidants dispersed but not dissolved in an antioxidant-protective edible oil/fat portion of the food composition. The oxidative stability of the phenolic antioxidants in the fat or oil portion of the food composition is substantially greater than when dissolved in an equal portion of water at pH 7.