From abstract: "Several different techniques were used to introduce tracer quantities of plutonium into the lungs of rats. When aerosols were produced by atomizing aqueous solutions of the nitrates it was found that approximately 20 per cent of the dose was absorbed and deposited in the skelton [sic] with tetra-, hexa-, and trivalent plutonium. Thus with these compounds, the lungs represent a more dangerous portal of entry than either oral (0.05 per cent) or intramuscular (13 per cent) administration. Tetravalent Pu was eliminated most slowly from the lung, the average half-time during the first month being 15 days. But when citrate was added to complex the Pu, over 70 per cent was eliminated within 1 day. This was accompanied by a deposition of over 30 per cent in the skelton [sic] and over 20 per cent in the liver. Presumably citrate breaks up the insoluble colloid in which Pu exists in the lungs. Complexing with cupferron which, unlike citrate, produces a "fat soluble" compound, greatly diminished the extent of absorption from the lungs. Plutonium oxide smokes which were produced at high temperatures were eliminated more slowly from the lungs (average half time of 30 days during the first month) and …

Large amounts of Xe133 were needed to study the biological effects resulting from inhalation of radioactive gases. This paper deals with the problems of collecting and concentrating Xe133 and with the problems of separating it from the uranium matrix after fission

The toxic effects and metabolism of radiostrontium (Sr89-Sr90) were studied

Mice, rats and rabbits excreted Sr89-Sr90 very rapidly following intraperitoneal or intravenous administration. The greatest part of the excretion took place during the first three days, and by 10-15 days virtually no more of the retained strontium was excreted.

The LD 50 in 30 days was found to be between 7 and 8 uc/g of Sr89-Sr90 when administered intraperitoneally to mice; for rats it was slightly less than 5 uc/g; for rabbits it was also slighly less tha 5 uc/g

Report describing results of experiments that involved injecting radioactive yttrium into animals: "The excretion, retention, and distribution of the yttrium was measured, and its effect on survival and growth was observed. The average total excretion of Y91 to the time of death (from 76 hours to 24 days) was a little less than 30 per cent of the injected dose" (p. 2).

From introduction: "Discussion of alternate processes for manufacture of perfluoroxylene as insurance against any eventuality, e.g. disaster, poor quality, required amount of elemental fluorine not obtainable, necessity for further expansion at some future date, or decreasing cost."

When plutonium is introduced into the body either by injection or by intratracheal instillation, there are, in addition to the usual signs of damage to the lymphoid tissues, definite alterations in the metabolism of tissues.

From introduction: "The concluding remarks of the report on the electron diffraction study of UF6 suggest two alternate explanations for the apparent discrepancy between the structure proposed for this compound as deduced from X-ray diffraction work on single crystals and from the electron diffraction investigation of the vapor. The second explanation is based on the premise that the difference may be due to essentially unlike methods of treating the diffraction data. In this report we shall analyze X-ray powder photographs following a scheme parallel to that used in the analysis of the electron diffraction data, to check whether this particular explanation is tenable."

Abstract: The output signal of a linear accelerator may have a rise time of 1-2 x 10[minus]7 seconds. Therefore, the output of a pulse height selector operating on this signal has a variation of delay from the original signal of about this amount. In the instrument to be described in this technical report this difficulty is largely resolved.

Technical report describing a procedure for the determination of lead in pitchblende. The procedure was determined as needed in the course of an investigation of the processing of pitchblende for the production of uranium. Summary: The volumetric dichromate method for the determination of lead was selected from among several methods investigated as being best suited for a rapid determination of lead in pitchblende. The method as described is accurate to within 1% and it does not require the application of an empirical factor as suggested by Willard and Diehl for this determination.

Abstract: This is basically a counting rate meter, with an alarm circuit, operating from four GM tubes as the detecting elements. The Hand Counter comprises four logarithmic counting rate meters working from four GM tubes mounted individually, with associated electronic circuits, in suitable shields with a metal mesh type of window. Both sides of both hands are sampled simultaneously. In the Foot Counter, two GM tubes are separately and mounted in a suitable mesh window shielded with the electronic circuit; the foot counter uses only two counting rate meters, and both feet are sampled simultaneously. Each circuit is built in two parts; two tubes are in the shield and the balance of the circuit is in the electronic unit which is a standard 17" x 13" chassis. Circuit diagrams are included.

Abstract: The counting accuracy of the Chicago Scalers, Models 961A and 961B, is a function of the bias setting of the limiter (V2). this report gives quantitative data supporting this thesis. A method of making bias settings is suggested. These tests were run at the suggestion of Mr. V. C. Hanson.

From introduction: "The Boltzmann equation expressing conversation of particles in phase space is set up."

From abstract: "An apparatus for analysis of metal samples for oxygen content is described. Vasuum [sic] fusion in a graphite crucible which is insulated by porous carbon in an all pyrex glass apparatus is used to remove the oxygen as carbon monoxide. Temperatures over 2000°C. are attainable with a 6 K.V.A. Ajax converter for induction heating. Successful operation depended upon a preliminary vacuum heating of the carbon parts at 2100°C. to remove hydrocarbon tars so that cracking of the pyrex glass will not occur due to deposit of tar. An operating temperature of 1750°C. - 1800°C. has been found satisfactory for uranium when using a platinum bath. The platinum bath is the most suitable bath because of its low volatility, its satisfactory carbon solubility, and because of the decrease of 'getting errors' due to volatility of reactive metals. Most metals form stable compounds with platinum and are therefore strongly held by the platinum bath and can not vaporize and thus react with the excaping [sic] CO gas..."

Abstract: In the Biology Division, the maintenance of animals containing radioactive materials posed many problems. In addition to routine care of the animals, protection had to be provided for the personnel who worked with the contaminated animals. Frequent air changed in the room in which the animals were caged were necessary: farm workers were required to wear masks; animal cages were checked regularly for radiation; acid was used on the sawdust in the excrete pens; and a new, more efficient type of cage was designed. The most import feature of the new cage was that the support for the screen floor was outside the confines of the cage. Stainless steel was the preferred metal for case construction. Photographs and working drawings of cages for mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and goats, and several types of metabolism cases are included in this paper. Cage decontamination was accomplished with the aid of complexing agents such as citric acid or sodium tartrate. Under certain conditions, nitric acid was used.

Abstract: Equations are given to calculate at least approximately the heating in solid and hollow cylinders, slabs and spheres. Short and long cylinders are treated as well as short and long solenoids. The complicated mathematics used to derive the equations given will be omitted as they may be found in the original references. Heating with a spark gap converter is covered. Equations are given which together with some experimental data should enable the reader to predict the efficiency, heating, or temperature to be expected as the charge or coil is changed. Units and conversion factors are mentioned briefly.

From introductory paragraph: "This is the first quarterly report of the Biology Division of the Argonne National Laboratory. During the three-month period covered by this report, a large share of the time of many investigators has been spent in collating work done under the Biology Section of the Metallurgical laboratory for publication in the Plutonium Project Record. The large amount of work done under wartime pressure has made this, as in other divisions and projects, an important part of the transition to the post-war period."

The study was conducted to ascertain the maximum amount of uranyl carbonate that could be held in solution at equilibrium in either water or various salt solutions

Development of certain liquid and solid fluorocarbon compounds with special properties.

Attempts have been made to reduce both UBr4 and UBr3 from ethyl bromide-benzene solutions, ethyl bromide-hexamethyl benzene solutions, ethyl bromide solutions and n-propyl bromide solutions.

Working with an acid solutions of uranyl nitrate it is desirable to be able to determine the acid concentration of the solution. While a tedious method is available a more rapid method has been tried and is described in this article.

This technical report is divided into two sections addressing two different chemical effects of nuclear transformations. The first section discusses the beta decay of lanthanum to cerium. The second section discusses the beta decay of selenium to bromine.

Abstract: Mice of different ages ranging from 1.5 to 12 months have been exposed to gamma rays in an effort to determine the change in radiosensitivity with age. The dose necessary to cause 50% killing was determined for each age group and sex. No change in sensitivity with age was observed with either sex, although the experimental error in the case of the males was quite large. The females were found to be more resistant than the males.