Search

Leaders during a deep and prolonged downturn should introduce organizational practices that build capability in the organization, not only to withstand the uncertainties of rough times better, but also to emerge stronger for the future. We present a set of organization design changes that can create closer connections to the marketplace and better use knowledge in the organization to introduce new ways to deliver value while consuming fewer resources. During rapid change and extreme threats, steering the ship is not suffi cient. Leaders must introduce approaches that tap employees' energies throughout the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear forensics techniques, including micro-XRF, gamma spectrometry, trace elemental analysis and isotopic/chronometric characterization were used to interrogate two, potentially related plutonium metal foils. These samples were submitted for analysis with only limited production information, and a comprehensive suite of forensic analyses were performed. Resulting analytical data was paired with available reactor model and historical information to provide insight into the materials' properties, origins, and likely intended uses. Both were super-grade plutonium, containing less than 3% 240 Pu, and age-dating suggested that most recent chemical purification occurred in 1948 and 1955 for the respective metals. Additional consideration of reactor modeling feedback and trace elemental observables indicate plausible U.S. reactor origin associated with the Hanford site production efforts. Based on this investigation, the most likely intended use for these plutonium foils was 239 Pu fission foil targets for physics experiments, such as cross-section measurements, etc., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Using micro-X-ray fluorescence (MXRF), a novel means of detecting fingerprints was examined in which the prints were imaged based on their elemental composition. MXRF is a nondestructive technique. Although this method requires a priori knowledge about the approximate location of a print, it offers a new and complementary means for detecting fingerprints that are also left pristine for further analysis (including potential DNA extraction) or archiving purposes. Sebaceous fingerprints and those made after perspiring were detected based on elements such as potassium and chlorine present in the print residue. Unique prints were also detected including those containing lotion, saliva, banana, or sunscreen. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential for visualizing fingerprints by MXRF on surfaces that can be problematic using current methods.

The present study addressed the effects of Mn on oxidative stress in a catecholaminergic CATH.a cell line. Oxidative stress was measured with the fluorescent dye, 2',7'-dichlorofluoroscein (DCFH). In the diacetate form, the dye is taken up by the cells and cleaved by esterases, effectively trapping it within the intracellular space. DCFH is subsequently oxidized treatment in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to the fluorescent DCFH. The fluorescence was analyzed on an ACAS 470 Interactive Laser Cytometer. Treatment of CATH.a cells with MnCl2 (up to 10 mM) from 10 min up to 48 h was not associated with increased intracellular ROS formation. While manganese (Mn) treatment alone did not increase the rate of ROS formation, when short-term (10 min), Mn treatment was followed for the last 5 min with treatment with H2O2, Mn (at concentrations >5 mM) significantly increased (P < 0.05) H2O2-induced ROS generation. Prolonged (24 h) Mn treatment prior to exposure to H2O2 was associated with a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in ROS generation compared with cells treated with H2O2 alone. This statistically significant decrease (P < 0.05) in ROS generation was preserved in CATH.a cells that were treated for 48 h with 10 and 100 microM Mn followed by H2O2 exposure. Although the trend for diminished ROS generation was also apparent with 500 and 750 microM Mn (48 h), the decrease did not attain statistical significance. Combined these results suggest that Mn can act as both pro- and antioxidant, and that oxidative stress-related effects of Mn are dependent not only on the intracellular concentrations of the metal, but also the exposure duration, secondary oxidative challenges, and the overall oxidant "buffering" capacity of the cells.